Look Who I Got To Meet!!

Amy Singer, author of "No Sheep for You"!! Look at all that YUMMY yarn in front of Amy!! She gave a FABULOUS lesson on the other types of yarns that exist out there besides wool. We got to touch and feel all the luscious yarns in the book and even knit with some hemp and bamboo - heaven!! We also got to see and touch some of the geeky things from the book :-)

Here is Amy signing my "Knit Wit" book (she also signed my "No Sheep For You" Book). She was so amazing to speak with as well and gave us a tour through the yarn shop too, Loop Yarn in Philadelphia, explaining all the benefits of each yarn there and how to substitute it for other yarns.

Of course being at Loop, you guys know I had to buy somethings, LOL. Here is what I bought.

First up is Red and Lavender Bee Sweet Bamboo Cass is not the only one in love with this. So is Amy Singer and so am I! It is sooo soft. I bought two of each of these colors to try it but Loop carries a variety of colors so I am going to go back if I really love it

This is Lavender AllHemp3. We got to knit a swatch with this and got shown a finished item with this yarn, a skirt. It isn't the easiest yarn to knit with, I will give you that but the skirt was very pretty so I bought two to try at home to see how I like it. It is the first Hemp anything I have bought (never bought Hemp oil either)

Best for last, of course! Guess what this is.... come on! You know what this is.... It's BLUE SKY COTTON!! You knew that, right? The color is called Pickle but for Miss Sunshine we will call it green.

What a fabulous morning!!

Friday Musings

Just about one week left here till school starts. Yes, we live in the Mid-Atlantic states and our schools tend to start after labor day. The Princess is very excited. She got her teacher assignment yesterday and it is the teacher she wanted (or the only teacher she knows who it is). We already went school supply shopping since at the same time they gave us her report card, they gave us her school supply list. Talk about organized!

Miss Sunshine could care less. We've know who her teacher is going to be for a while now, She is in a Pr-K class at her school. She tells me everyday, "No School!" Boy is September 4Th going to be fun.

This Sunday, Amy Singer of Knitty and "No Sheep For You" fame is going to be at a LYS. I completely forgot to call to see if I could get in on her class so when they open today I am going to call there and see if there are still spaces open. If not I am still going to go down there because after her class, she has a book signing and I just want to meet her.

I have a few to dos. I need to finish the Princesses other slipper, I need to finish the other baby bootie, I need to start and finish a baby hat.

I am going to Atlantic City with my Mom for our annual end of summer overnight trip (that we don't get to take every year). Casinos here we come. Play nice while I am gone :-)

Circle of Life

I had a conversation with my Mom this morning and in that conversation she mentioned to me that my Great Aunt Esther and my Great Aunt Regina were both on their 90s. Oh my goodness! They are both my Father's Aunts, related to my paternal grandfather. My Great Aunt Regina is one, along with my Grandmother, who taught me how to knit. I will hopefully have the opportunity to see her in September at a family event.

On the flip side, someone I have known all of her life had a baby girl on Wednesday!! Her parents were taken in by my Mom's family like family in Colombia when he was transferred there for work. It is difficult to be in a foreign country where you not only don't know anyone but, you don't speak the language that well either. At one of the business meetings my Uncle took a liking to this gentleman and in turn, our family "adopted" this couple in a strange country. As far as my Mom's family is concerned, this little family IS family to this day over 30 years later.

They looked after my sister when she went to college in their home state, they went to my brother's, sister's and my weddings and my parents went to their daughter's wedding and now their daughter has had her first child. Of course she is getting a some knitted goodies!!

The circle continues.

Time for Tea!

Got my pal for the Knit One Tea Too Swap and I am very excited!! I know of my pal but, I have never actually chatted with my pal so this will be my opportunity to get to know them better. I hope. Good matching Chan!

Chan already knows this but, I found this fabulous local woman who has a booth at a farmer's market near where my Mom lives who sells all kinds of far east spices and teas. She also sells all kinds of European teas especially English. It was an AMAZING find for me. I told her all about this swap and she is as excited as I am to make the appropriate selection for my pal. I can't wait to find the time to go back over there with my pal's questionnaire in hand. It is going to be so much fun!!

This go around the yarn will be the difficult part, LOL

Vegan Pal Contest - My Vote for Favorite Yarn

Vegan Pal 2 Swap is having a contest to post your favorite yarn so here is my nomination (also posted over at their blog but, I did some minor edits here)

If perchance you actually read my blog or ever read the darn questionnaires we are forced to fill out for these swaps you already know what I am going to say. My work is done. There you go Cass , enter my name in the bowl. Oh wait, I am sure there are people who have no idea who I am so I guess I have better go through with my long drawn out love for my favorite yarn, the love of my life.

My irony, Blue Sky Alpaca Organic or Dyed Cotton. Do any other fine knitters and crocheters find this hysterically funny besides me? It is my all time favorite yarn and it comes from a company with the word ALPACA in it. Something I am HIGHLY allergic too would also never touch. It knits such beauty and is definitely not itchy at all like the name of the company would have you think.


Each lovely hank contains 150 luscious yards and it's gauge is 16 stitches per 4". You can use a US7 - US9 needle and it is highly suggested that you hand wash it. Each hank usually runs approx. $9.95. It is extremely soft to the hands as you knit with it and if for some reason you would have to frog a stitch or two or even a row or three (you'd never have to do that, right?) this is the easiest yarn by far that I have ever had the pleasure (yes I said pleasure) of frogging. The end products turn out just wonderful as well as you can see:

This is a baby sweater for a friend's baby due in October. Pattern is partially the 5-hour baby sweater as a leaping off point, partially my own re-write all soft and cuddly.

Try some Blue Sky Alpaca Organic or Dyed Cotton, you won't be disappointed.

Finally, Finished the Soy Drawstring Bag

This Soy yarn is so soft and very easy to knit with. This is Kollage Delicious in the colorway Magic (don't you just LOVE that color name?) The pattern is sort of a combination of the knitted gift bag from "Last Minute Knitter Gifts" and what ever I could throw in there. I used circular needles size US 8s and then switched to DPNs when the decrease got too tight. Plus I didn't feel like knitting miles of i-cord this time so I found some very nice elastic in hot pink that matches almost perfectly to the yarn to make the cord/handles. Works perfectly!!

I have been on Vacation!!!

Thank you Rachel for taking me to the Pacific Northwest! I have never physically been there so I was very happy to be there virtually!!

When I first opened the box, I saw this. Lots of bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue paper.

Then I took it all out and swap all these wrapped goodies. All in my favorite color, purple!! I was so excited!!


I got to go to both the west and east side of the Pacific Northwest and received some FABULOUS treats to boot. Besides the Syrah wine which I am saving for a special occasion because Syrah is my absolute favorite, I also received some yummy chocolate covered hazelnuts which didn't even make it to my hiding place because I am just able finished with them because those are also a favorite, some yummy local jam, cocoa that changes to purple (I have to try that) and some lovely cornucopia and cotton twist in purple!!! Oh and a pad of paper that says:

Gosh I love that!!!

Thank you so much Rachel!! I loved my vacation!!!!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

I received not one but TWO little giftees in the mail today. One from a secret pal and one from Tina as a thank you for hosting the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap. She really did not have to do that but thank you oh so much!!!

From my Secret Pal I received a very cute card, one of those sweater knitted key chains in yellow and green which of course Miss Sunshine is planning on stealing. She thinks it is for her Barbie dolls. I so don't think so. Last but of course not by any means least, not one, not two but three of the most yummy looking bars of milk chocolate. Of course all three bars are in hiding with the chocolate monsters around here.

From Tina, I received a very lovely journal which the Princess is eyeing up so I think it is going to end up in the chocolate hiding space. Although you really shouldn't deny a budding young writer journals so I might change my mind. I hope you don't mind, Tina. A very lovely card reminiscent of Monet and last but not least, a DPN holder which I do not have so I will definitely be treasuring this and taking it with me lots of places.

Thank you both Tina and my secret Pal!! Just perfect items to start my weekend!!

Baby-licious Baby Bootie

Being that I have numerous baby gifts let alone baby girl gifts to give very soon, and being that I saw how cute the Strawberries and Lime Bamboozle knits up over on Jessi's blog, I started a pair of baby booties and have enough for a baby hat to match for one of the yet to be born baby girls which there are three to be born in October/November alone. Then two more in February (gender unknown).

Now I just found out last night that someone in our knitting group is expecting!!! Could there be anything better for a group of knitters and crocheters than one of our own expecting?! That kid will be outfitted with enough sweaters, hats, booties, slippers, blankets, bibs, you name it!

Oh, if you are counting that is about 9 babies for me friend and family wise since this past June. Keep away from our water ;-)

Secret Pal 11 Contest!!

What is wrong with me? I am getting very lax in my blog posting. Okay, for most this is not lax but skipping a day is lax for me. My Hostess for Secret Pal 11, Shelby, emailed us a few questions for a contest and since I can't think of anything right now to post this was perfect. (yea, me with nothing to say, Jessi don't laugh)

Anyway, here are my answers....

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
My tape measure. I have a dozen of them actually. I have one in every knitting bag I have and with every project. I am always measuring and checking and re-checking to make sure I knitted the right length. I have no depth perception so I need to make sure by measuring often.

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?
I take my knitting EVERY WHERE I go. No matter where it is or for how long. I have at least a washcloth, a drawstring bag or now a candy bag with me. I took my first "vacation" in 7 years this past summer and took small projects with me. Several knit in the round hats, knit in the round bags and a few extra skeins that could be knit using the same size needles just in case.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
My favorite all time place in the world is Disney World!! On a more serious side, my Mom is from Colombia and although I haven't been there in a while, I spend a good portion of my childhood there and have a lot of memories there.

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it? This is a tough one. I like the No Sheep For You book My Amy Singer for the explanation sections. I also like Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman for similar reasons.

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)? Not really because I don't really have the time plus I JUST got speakers for my computer and I don't have an I-Pod. I think I would like Lime and Violet for nothing but the fact that I love both those colors LOL

First of 2 Slippers Complete

Of course the Princess wants BOTH slippers to be done RIGHT NOW. How fast does she think I knit?!

It is the Vanna's Choice Yarn. Knits up very quick on some nice #9US needles (boy do I miss using larger needles, LOL)

The Princess does love her slipper and she says it is keeping her right toes warm but her left toes want to be warm too ;-)

On the Hunt for a Nice Tank

I am always on the lookout for a good pattern. I do spend a good amount of time doing research for what I am going to knit whether next or some where down the road. When I don't do my homework, so to speak, I end up in trouble and I end up frogging the project and never picking up the yarn or pattern again. What a waste of good yarn, right?

This time I am on the hunt for a great tank pattern for my the Green Pakucho. I thought I had the ideal pattern bu as I read it again last night, I decided I really don't like it. This isn't the first time I do this to myself.

So, I like the front of Asana but not the back so much. I like the Ballet Camisole but not the "pinch" thingy in the front so much. Okay, this one because it is named after me, LOL. However, The Sigma Tank might be my best bet at being able to play and get creative.

Yes, I have to do some math but the important thing here for me was A) the pattern is gratis and B) it is knit in the round so minimal sewing of seams and C) it is rather simple in design and look because the intended wearer does not like complex.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I am open to ideas.

Exciting News.....Swap Related....

I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to swaps. I get the same reaction when I get a box in the mail as when I get an email from the swap hostess as to who I will be spoiling.

I got my email message from my hostess from the Secret Pal 11 this afternoon. I am so excited that of course I went and contacted my pal right away!! I even think I know what I want to send for the first package in September. Crazy or what? (Jessi don't answer that)

Yarn Love!!

My Organic Cotton arrived today!!! I am SO EXCITED!!! It is Pakucho 100% Organic Cotton from Peru and it is simply gorgeous and Oh SO SOFT!! I wish I could have afforded more but the organizers of the buy promise they will do another in the near future so I will be saving my pennies and nickels and dimes and quarters....

This is Cafe and probably will be some lovely baby items for my cousins baby since she isn't finding out if she is having a boy or a girl.

This is Dark green and bought with a very specific project in mind, a tank for my sister.

This is Dark Chocolate and the Princess really like this shade. I think because she can only eat dark chocolate she was drawn to it. Not quite sure what it will turn out to be but it is even prettier IRL.

Last but not least, this is Chocolate. Kind of looks like a rich creamy milk chocolate IRL to me. Also not sure what it is meant to be IRL.

Perhaps both dark and regular chocolate will grow up together into something. Perhaps I might even make something for myself (yeah right, like that would happen). I am just enjoying the cotton at the moment.

Another Candy Bag Complete

The Princess made a request and I just had to comply. Didn't I?

Now she wants a new pair of slippers. We recently saw the new Vanna White yarns at both Michael's and JoAnne's and they come in some very lovely shades of pink. Of course we picked some up to try and make some sort of slippers for the Princess.

Vegan Pal 2 Swap Questionnaire

I am so excited for the Vegan Pal 2 Swap. I have no trepidation at all about this swap and since it is how I knit vegan and soap vegetarian so this swap is right up my ally!!

What is/are your craft(s), & how long have you been doing it/them? Knitting, of course, soap making as well as other toiletries (lotion, balms, bath salts, etc.)

Are you a vegan, vegetarian, veg-curious, veg-friendly or other? Definitely veg-friendly. We actually happen to keep kosher at home so when the girls and I eat out of the home we eat vegetarian. Makes life a little easier for us.

Is this your first swap, or have you done previous swaps before? What makes a swap enjoyable for you? I am swap addicted. Before knitting swaps, there were soap swaps for me. I LOVE receiving packages in the mail (although I think my mail carrier is beginning to hate me, LOL) Meeting new people, share ideas and trading with someone makes it all worthwhile

What is/are your favorite color(s)? Do you particularly dislike any color(s)? I love any shade of purple. My oldest daughter loves deep, rich pinks so I am developing a taste for it and my youngest daughter loves lime green which I really like too

Do you have any allergies (such as pets, foods, fibers or cigarette smoke)? I am HIGHLY allergic to animal fibers. Usually I go into how I am allergic to wool, mohair etc. but in this case it would mean your cats' and dogs' hair (make my eyes itch) and cigarette smoke, fresh cut grass, hay, AND I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone well any of those ingredients that end in *cone including dimethicone (you’d find them in body products), .. well, you asked!

Do you have any companion animals? If so, name(s) and type(s)?* We have a Tortoise named Tina

Do you collect anything? Anything and everything Goofy, as in Disney (you should see our family room), as just added Tinkerbell to that because Miss Sunshine likes the little pixie. I also collect Peter Max stuff. Yarn, of course!!

Do you have a favorite vegan food, snack or dish? If no fav that's vegan (for those who aren't vegan), what's your favorite food? (Hopefully your pal can find a vegan version!) I am half Colombian and my Mom makes this great Frijoles Negros (Black Beans) that is delicious without any meat at all - YUM!! I also make this scrumptious Guacamole. I love avocados!!

What are some of your favorite/least favorite tastes/flavors? (e.g. sweet, salty, chocolate, crunchy, smooth, tart, sour, spicy, thai, whatever - Help your pal get a feel for what kind of recipes you might like and/or never ever make.) From the previous question, you can't tell? I LOVE Latin American flavors but not too spicy and I definitely do not like tart or sour. I definitely have a sweet tooth though ;-)

What tools/supplies/accessories for your craft(s) are you wishing you had but don't? Also, what do you have TOO many of? (basically a wish and anti-wish list) I definitely wish I had something better than a box, although a nice box, to put my circulars and dpns into. I definitely could use more small project bags too. You mean you can have too much of something?

Are you on Ravelry? What's your handle? Yup, on Ravelry. My handle is Sharon (I know so creative)

Is there anything else you would like your pal to know about you? I am swap addicted so I have a bunch of these questionnaires filled out so look at some of the other questionnaires too but if you don't see the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to ask me

What scents do you like/dislike? I LOVE citrus scents but since I have so many allergies I prefer to go with lighter/softer scents

Do you prefer fall or Halloween or some other Autumn theme? The kids do go Trick-or treating but we don't really celebrate Halloween but I do love Autumn. The change of the leaves, the colors, Apple and pumpkin pie

Just for fun - tell your favorite Halloween or Autumn related memory. I was born in the Autumn, October 3rd. So was my oldest daughter October 11Th. Would there be any better memories?

Another Baby On the Way but this time, It's Family!!!

I am so excited!!!! I have one female cousin on my dad's side and she is pregnant with her first baby!!! She is the daughter of one of my dad's sisters (dad has 2 sisters). Just like with my girls, all the rest of my cousins are males so this is so exciting. She also looks A LOT like my younger sister so her children really could have the family resemblance.

I have one picture of my dad's other sister (not my cousin's Mom) my cousin and my sister and they all look like sisters. It is rather cool actually and The princess looks a lot like both my sister and my cousin (you can see the family resemblance to my cousin). When the Princess was a baby she was very shy of strangers but when she met my cousin she warmed to her right away and once even thought she was her aunt. That is how much of a family resemblance they have.

Anyway, my cousin and I spoke at length and she isn't planning on finding out the sex of the baby. This is the only time I truly love surprises but then it makes it a tad more complex in making a layette for her ;-) However, I just knew there was a reason I had bought 4 hanks of Sage Blue Sky Organic Cotton and JUST received yesterday some white and baby green Peaches & Creme.

I can't wait to get started!!!

Yay for the Dog Days of Summer!!!

Today I received an AMAZING package from my swap pal, Melissa!



The dishcloth is GORGEOUS in a beautiful deep shade of purple. Not one but two skeins of Peaches & Creme, one white and one baby green. A lovely bar of chocolate from her home state of Vermont and is currently in hiding since I have chocolate thieves in my home, a copy of Knit simple with some very nice patterns and the piece de resistance, IMO, a wonderful hank of Patagonia in a fabulous shade of pink that the Princess has demanded I knit her something right away!

Thank you so much Melissa!!

Got a Better Photo of Miss Tina

She got kind of hungry and ate, thankfully, this morning. A healthy dose of dandelion (we found two in our backyard), dried plantain and some spring mix. Our neighbors have some dandelion too but we aren't sure if they spray so we aren't going to pick any from them.

To answer some of your questions. We got her from a local shop that deals in reptiles and had her checked by a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles too. Not quite sure how old she is but, she is about 5 inches big now and might get up to 10 inches big by the time she is full grown. Pennsylvania doesn't allow you to sell them when they are smaller than 4 inches big, good rule.

She can live any where from 50 to 100 years so my grand kids will be taking care of her!!

Meet Our New Addition, Tina!!

Tina is a Russian Tortoise who's a little shy and likes to hide in her hay but the girls just love her!! The princess and I have been running around getting everything Tina would need for the past few weeks and putting everything together for her arrival date. We thought it was going to be today but found out it could be last night so we ran right over there and picked her up!!

She is a herbivore, which I am excited about, meaning no crickets or feeder fish or meat to feed her. She will eat spring mix salad, hay, turnips, plantain (not the banana kind) dandelion, stuff like that.

I grew up with a tortoise so I am very happy to have one in the family again

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

Well, since I signed up for a gazillion swaps, you are going to see a bunch of these questionnaires. These are really going to help my swap pals, LOL. Here is the one for Secret Pal 11

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Believe it or not, my favorite yarn to knit with is STILL Blue Sky Cotton dyed or organic. I just LOVE it. I have yet to receive my Pakucho so I could fall in love with that one too. On the top of my do not like list is any animal fiber like wool, mohair, cashmere including silk since I am HIGHLY allergic. Next in line is the fun furs since I think I have overkilled on those

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My straights are in a nice rolled hand-sewn case. My dpns and circulars are in a box, a nice box with a clasp mind you but a box nonetheless

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have technically been knitting since I am nine and was taught by my grandmother, Great Aunt and Grandfather's first cousin. Not exactly sure what I consider myself in terms of skill level. There are some things I have tried a long tine ago but just don't like to do so I don't.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope

5. What's your favorite scent? I like citrus scents but since I am allergic to most perfumes I am pretty picky

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I have a terrible sweet tooth and LOVE chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make handmade soap and other toiletries. I also do a ton of crafts with my children. You'd never get me on a bicycle in a class. Oh you meant yarn!! No, I don't spin yarn. Tall tales maybe... ;-)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have a very eclectic taste in music from classical Vivaldi to Billy Joel/Elton John type to Alternative. My car stereo doesn't play MP3s but my computer does.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite color is purple, my oldest daughter loves pink (prefers hot pink to baby pink) and my youngest daughter loves lime green. Colors i can't stand? hmmm puce

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married, two daughters (the Princess is 6, will be 7 in October and Miss Sunshine is 4) and one Russian Tortoise named Tina

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I do wear hats in the winter and in the sun. I am not a huge scarf wearer but it could be because I have never made myself one for myself. Not a mitten or a poncho wearer.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now, projects that I can get no delay of gratification, i.e. quick and easy and done in a day or two.

13. What are you knitting right now? I am about to begin a dress for the Princess' Knitted Babe, another candy bag, a baby hat, and probably another pair of baby booties

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I LOVE handmade gifts!! Rarely get them except from my daughters

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Depends on the project but being that Miss Sunshine has the tendency to pull out my work, circulars work a bit better at guarding against that. I so much prefer bamboo. Rosewood actually if you have it ;-)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Technically yes but, they were confiscated by a knitting friend and now she winds all my yarn for me. (I had one too many "accidents")

17. How old is your oldest UFO? A year and a 1/2. It is a baby boy sweater vest that all I really need to do is add the buttons but all my friends keep having girls.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. There is no religious aspect to it, our family gets together and is thankful for everything we have, my oldest and I collect cans and donated then to a local food bank, we also donate to a local organization that prepares meals to people living with AIDS, and some of my best holidays memories happened at Thanksgiving

19. Is there anything that you collect? Anything and everything Goofy, as in Disney (you should see our family room), as just added Tinkerbell to that because Miss Sunshine likes the little pixie. Yarn, of course!!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I am always on the lookout for an all-in-one sweater pattern or dress pattern for my daughters. Even though I can sew seams and dare I say good at it, I don't like to do it

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Someone, not mentioning any names (Jessi and Chan) think I need to learn how to knit socks

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? No, see question #21 but, I wear a size 8 US woman's shoe

23. When is your birthday? October 3rd

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes, just Sharon ;-)

Se acaba mi sombrero del bebé!!!

My baby hat is finished!! I really liked working in both Shine Worsted and, of course, Sugar N Cream. I have enough of both to make another so I think I might make another.

In the meantime, The Princess picked out this at the store today and wants me to make her a candy bag with it

She is back to her old habits. Just like her Mom. Can you blame her?

Sweetie Has Her Mate

The booties are finished!! I did run into one snafu yesterday when Miss Sunshine decided to play hide-n-seek with bootie #2. It all turned out well in the end.

On to the hat. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do so, I am making it up as a go along with some bits of cotton I have that will sort of match the booties.

Yes, you see correctly, I decided to try making the hat using dpns. I did originally cast on with 4 but, I quickly got confused so switched to 3 which is what I was using for the bags. It is working very well so far. I still like the circulars but for this small a circumference, dpns work a little smoother. That is some Shine Worsted left over from a different hat and some Sugar N Cream.

I liked the booties. Might have to make another pair of those for one of the other babies that are due.

Oh So Sweet

I put the candy bag making aside for the moment to go back to my other passion, baby knitting. I should have a passion for it, 4 of my friends are pregnant and 3 of them are having girls. Good thing too since I love the pinks and the purples, LOL. While I was waiting my turn for my haircut, very cute and sassy btw, I finished up my first of these.

No, not a sock, but a 2-needle baby bootie knit on Sugar N Cream Cotton, no less, using my lucky trusty numero 7s. A really sweetie, isn't she? Now to cast on her mate.

Swaps - I think I Over Did It

Jessi has this rule and I should have followed it but, of course with my swap addiction, I didn't. She says, no more than 3 new swaps at a time. If a swap is winding down you can add a new swap.

The Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap will be finished at the beginning of September and the Dog Days of Summer will Be finished in a few weeks so, it is time for some new swaps, right?

However, I signed up for WAY too many swaps.

Secret Pal 11 - I have never done a SP swap so I wanted to give it a try

Vegan Pal Swap - My friend Cass is hosting it plus there is no way I will get yarn I can't use in this one so a definite must for me

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap - Chan and Devon are hosting this one plus the concept is vastly different from any other tea swap I have seen and way cooler. I am very excited about this swap

Okay, this should have been it, right? Nope

Chocolate + Yarn - It is a swap on Ravelry. Sorry to those not on Ravelry yet I couldn't help myself and those of you who are addicted to chocolate and yarn can't be angry at me for joining. come on Chocolate and yarn... together?

This Month's color is Pink the princess' favorite color... how could I not sign up?

Okay, so I pushed the limit. Nobody start anymore cool swaps. Not sure my budget could take it. Somebody buy some soap so I can pay for all this, LOL

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

I signed up for a great swap Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap and here are the answers to my questionnaire:

Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try? I do prefer loose but both will work

What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)? I really don't have a preferred brand I mix it up a lot and mix loose leaves a lot. There is a Teavana in the mall that I have bought a lot from lately though. I like a lot of fruity flavors blended in with hibiscus, rosehip or chamomile. However, I do not like lemon balm or lemon leaves in the mix.

Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up). I have tasted straight Rooibos tea but not flavored Rooibos so, I think I'd like to try red.

Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind? I would love to say teapot but it is usually just me so I usually just steep one cup

What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself? An easy tea steeper or perfect tea maker with loose tea leaves

How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).
I would LOVE a mani/pedi but where do you find the time?

If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why? Why cotton of course!! It is so soft and gentle ;-)

If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why? Baby Booties... BTDT on the fun fur and a true fair isle is wool and i couldn't do a true fair isle because I am allergic to wool

What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?) Skip a tea party? Not sure I could ;-) It would have to be something having to do with my girlies

What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?) I LOVE all the tradition that goes with tea parties so tea sandwiches, scones, pastries, all essential!! I have taken my eldest to a little tea shop near my home with my Mom for a traditional annual outing. it is so much fun!!

When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute? Since I have allergies, there is a 99% chance I am going to have to sub.

What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go? I have a variety of canvas bags from various knit shops or an old backpack from when I was in college

Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting? To be honest, I might watch the Disney channel with my girls or Top Chef is a favorite

Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match? Actually a mug person and if I use a cup and saucer, I don't care if they match

Favorite childhood birthday party? My first slumber party when I was 9 years old

Favorite type of scone and jam? Plain scone with strawberry jam and cream

If you use candles, what is your favorite scent? I don't really use candles because my 4 year old always tries to blow them out or play with them. I do make soy wax melts and love vanilla and other fruity scents.

If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead). My Abuelita, Tzeral Starusta and Golda Meir

You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)? I am a very casual person

Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to? I do have a variety of allergies, unfortunately. Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns to be safe including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass.

Anything we missed that you want your pal to know? I love doing these swaps! I also love crafty gifts and exchanges. I am a process crafter not just with knitting but with all my crafts.

Still Procrasto-Knitting

I am still putting off my laundry list of projects I need to make for this fun little project that is so easy to make and done in a matter of hours

This time I decided to go with the Princess and my favorite colors.

I did make some very minor changes when it came to the decreasing this time around.

This bag was 6" before the start of the decrease. I LOVE this decrease, btw.

You probably can tell the bottom and the i-cord are a different yarn. Both yarns were scraps from washclothes :-)

Amanda, NH Knitting Mama, pattern is so fun and easy that I have even picked out my next skein of cotton. However, it will have to wait. i need to get back to my project list and stop this procrasto-knitting. I need to get to those baby booties and baby hat that are next on my list!

Candy Bag Completed and Started Again

I just LOVED the pattern that Amanda, NH Knitting Mama, created. I liked it so much that I knitted it up rather quickly.

It did get me thinking that this would not only be ideal for some of my leftover bits of Sugar N Cream or Peaches N Cream cotton but also make a great gift bag for one of my handmade soap bars. So, I casted on another one.

I definitely think it will make a great alternative to a washcloth and a great gift for soaps.

Prayer and Positive Thoughts Request

Anne and I received an email about Jessi's Mom and I just got off the phone with Jessi. They think her Mom might have had a heart attack but they aren't 100% positive.

Please pray for Jessi’s mom and send warm thoughts to her and her family - her Mom is in the hospital right now and they are running all kinds of tests. Jessi promises she will call me when they find out anything but, I will try to call her later.

Keep them in your thoughts.

Quick Post

The Princess has off from camp this week to we are doing mini-trips if and when we can. Today we met up with my mom at the second largest mall in the United States and did a mini shopping spree. The Princess got a new Webkin, clothes for the fall and got to lunch with the ladies. Then we dashed back to pick up Miss Sunshine from camp.

Still working on the candy bag which, believe it or not, the Princess really likes even though it is shades of blues.

I also got my confirmation that I am in Secret Pal 11! YEAH!!! This will be my very first SP swap... so exciting.....

A New WIP, a Pattern From a Friend

NH Knitting Mama (Amanda) has a terribly cute free pattern that she designed herself, up on her site for a little drawstring bag. I just can't resist!! Okay, I have NEVER done a project with just double pointed needles so, I am a bit, okay a lot, nervous. She does have a contest to go along with it which is a little bit of enticement but more so the fact that she got me to start a project with just DPNs was more than enough enticement for me. Here is my start.

Not too shabby for my first ever DPN project would you say?

The Camera, She is back with Pictures!!!

Took the camera back to Best Buy this afternoon for them to help with the camera they sold my husband. Even though he is the technology person, I am the one who has to deal with the camera. Go figure. They told me my best best was to get a memory card, since we were using internal memory, and a card reader. So, that is exactly what I did! And it works!

Hmm.... what to start with....

This is the Soy drawstring bag before I add the drawstring I-cord which I am still working on.

I won a FANTASTIC prize from Chan, specifically two hanks of Cornucopia in lavender which I have oh so wanted to try!! it arrived today and Chan didn't think it would arrive on Saturday. Silly Chan ;-)

I also received my second and final package from the No Sheep For You Swap. My Pal, Marisol, who is FABULOUS and has a great blog so check it out, has sent me another great yarn that I have never tried. She sent me two skeins of Craft which are Organic Cotton and Milk Fiber. Can't wait to see what they grow up to be.

Also during my "outage", my alternative Plain Strawberry yarn arrived. When I decide to re-cast on, it has now been bumped in the project list unfortunately. I received some CotLin Moroccan Red. I really like the feel of it.

I hear my herd of wild elephants upstairs. I guess I better go tame them

TGIF

What a whirlwind week! Remind me next summer not to schedule the Princess and Miss Sunshine for two separate things at the same time in two different places with two different start times and two different pick up times. What on god's green earth was I thinking!?! I have to do this again another week this summer when the Princess does her sports camp. At least it is a tad closer to the house. OY VEY!

I have realistically not been able to do jack till I get Miss Sunshine and bring her home which is around 1:30 PM. Who the heck can start their day at 1:30 PM?!

At least I got some serious knitting done on my soy drawstring bag and it is almost finished with just the i-cord to do. However without a digital camera, no pictures, bummer. I need to figure out how to fix that or I am getting a disposal one and getting a CD made because I have a tone of pictures I want to take!

At least I am gearing up for some fun on the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap site, LOL

Knitting in the Waiting Room

Went today for my monthly appointment at the neurologist for my migraines. Same ole same ole. He did change one of my medications back to one I took before Miss Sunshine was born so we shall see how that works out.

At any rate, today the waiting room was jam pack full, a first. Doc was running late, as usual, so I of course I had some knitting with me, my soy drawstring bag. No sooner did I pull it out and started a couple of stitches did a few people turn and look and the gentleman across from me asked, "So, what are you making?" Then everyone turned to look to see. I told him a drawstring bag and showed everyone and a few people said it looked great. The man who asked said it could also be a hat, which is true. It sort of looks like one but its a bit long for one. I told him soy isn't that warm for a hat. You should have seen the amazed looks on every ones' faces when I told them it was 100% soy yarn. "You can make yarn from soy?" " Wow! I had never heard of that" "How cool!"

I also got a few "I could never learn to knit" I had half a mind to pull out extra needles and yarn and show them in the waiting room right there, LOL. This is the office where the doctor's assistant knits so we chatted about about knitting too and then it was my turn. Made the time go by so much faster. Well, I will be back in a month.

Playground Knitting

Miss Sunshine's playgroup still meets about once a week. I think it is very cool. The kids will all roughly be pre-k this fall and in school everyday. Three of them will be in the same kindergarten the following year, fall 2008, which I think is awesome. Everyone is doing different things this summer but, we all try to get together sporadically when we can. The Moms have become, over the years, some of my closest friends.


We decided to meet at the playground at the community center. I packed some snacks, juice, water and my knitting because it is a great playground for me to be able to watch the girls and knit at the same time. If you remember, there is a camp going on at the community center and ALL OF THE KIDS were outside when we got there. The Princess was excited but the playground was a zoo. No knitting for me because I was busy chasing Miss Sunshine. She was busy relay racing the older kids. Each grouping of kids went around once, she went around at least 10 TIMES. I am thinking distance runner. Once the camp went inside, I did get a few rows of knitting done but by then Miss Sunshine's cheeks were so rosy, I felt is was time to go home.


I also got nominated by Devon for a Rockin' Girl Blogger! I feel so honored!!

I am not quite sure who I am going to nominate to return the favor but when I know, I will definitely post them

Grrrrrr... Camera Troubles

I wanted to show you my progress on my Soy Drawstring bag but, alas, I cannot, because the stupid digital camera, or should I say the cable that connects the camera to the computer is not working properly today. Grrrrr. I am basing the pattern after a few patterns I have seen, specifically one in "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" and One in "Creative Knitting" Magazine but a little bit bigger and a little bit longer. I can show you the pretty yarn.

This is, of course, before it was wound to knit. It was sent to me by Jessi, who was my pal in the KTE, the very first blog related knit swap I was in and how Jessi and I became such great friends. I don't think there is a day that goes by now that we don't email and/or call each other. Even on vacation.

Just proves those swap friendships don't have to end when the swap does.

The Ole Camp Switch-A-Roo

Each girl was given 4 weeks of regular camp. The Princess got 4 weeks at our community center which was 9AM - 4 PM Monday through Friday with a trip every Thursday. The Princess did her 4 weeks already and now we switch to Miss Sunshine's 4 week stint. Miss Sunshine's is at her preschool 9AM - 1PM and they do specials on the camp groups. The school/camp grounds are HUGE, next to a farm with sheep, goats, cows, and horses and they bring in tons of things for the little ones to do. Oh and they are walking distance from an Arboretum which is incredible!

While Miss Sunshine is at her "real" camp, the Princess is getting to do 2 mini camps. One which is in a few weeks she isn't as overjoyed about. Its a mini sports camp which she did last year where she'll get to try out basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and a few other things. She isn't the greatest athlete but at least she's trying. The mini camp she's over the moon about is this week. It's called "Nature Arts and Crafts" and you combine nature and art to make projects to take home. The age range of the kids is 6-12 and of course she is the youngest being 6 but then again she is extremely crafty so we shall see. I think she put some of the other kids to shame today ;-) (a little Mom bragging)

It's a backpack and we do have some fabric markers to finish it at home (of course we do. We have an entire arts and crafts store at home). This was one of the projects they did in the two hour time allotment and it was raining today and this is an outside camp (they have a pavilion they sit under).

Miss Sunshine, from what I could tell, had a great time at camp too.

As for me, I finished HP 7 late last night and still numb. Was that really the last book? I guess I have to wait till the Princess is ready to read them and start all over.

Shhhh it's very Quiet, Everyone must be Reading

Yes, my husband, the crazy nut he is, went out last night before mid-night, got in line with a bunch of other crazy nuts and waited to get his copy of "The Deadly Hallows". No, he refused to pre-order because what was the point. He could just run out and get one.

We bought just one copy so his job today is to finish reading the book so I can read it when he is done. I told him he is only allowed bathroom and food breaks, LOL Well, he is the one that doesn't like spoilers and likes it all the be fresh and likes to be surprised and is a much faster reader. Plus he did start reading the series much earlier than me so it seemed only fair.

It is sort of bittersweet really. Although, my oldest is just about at the point where she will be ready to read the first book so, I will get to do it all over again :-)

All is Well in Sunshine-ville

Thank you all for your well wishes! Miss Sunshine came through her surgery with flying colors. Currently she is 1/2 her usually nutty self, 1/4 cranky and 1/4 keeps falling fast asleep which is par for the course for getting general anesthesia.

Mommy is feeling so much better now and I hope we both get a much better night sleep tonight.

Needed Something to Keep Me Busy Today

Anne and Jessica already know this but, I don't think I posted about it on my blog. Little Miss Sunshine is having oral surgery tomorrow. She has 7 teeth that need some serious work done on them and because she is a tad hyperactive she is going under general anesthesia to have the work done. It will all be done at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the best hospitals in the country, in my opinion if I do say so myself, but, I am still quite nervous about the entire thing.

This morning Miss Sunshine and I posed all my yarn and snapped pictures of it. I didn't think I was going to do it but, she was having fun handing me different yarns so, we snapped pictures and I entered the yarn into Ravelry this morning.

Then they called to tell me what time we have to be there for her surgery tomorrow and I got extra nervous. So now I am clicking on all the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Tourist's blogs and seeing if they are in Ravelry and if they are, I am friending them. At least I am getting to see which of the swap's tourists are in Ravelry and checking out their "About Me" sections which is very cool, btw. It is giving me something to do that I won't have to frog some knitting later because I messed it up and is very mindless and keeps me otherwise occupied.

My Latest WIP

The first of two sides of a baby poncho. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Rainbow Ribbon, Color Fall Foliage. I am using 2 strands together on size 10US needles. The baby is a girl and due in November. Seems like all my friends are having girls lately. Hmmmm.....

Look What I Got!!

I have to start off by saying that I can truly say I have met some true kindred spirits on the knitting circuit. I have found a lot of people I have and can learn from, have things in common with and whom I can go to when I not only have knitting questions but need a should to lean on or a hug.

Okay, enough of the sappy, mushy stuff. My very good buddy Cass sent me a yarn I have really wanted to tryout in my most favorite color

Isn't she pretty? Wick!! It is Oh So Soft!!! And Squishy!! I was feeling it all day yesterday!!

Thank you Cass!

Okay, I Got My Invite To...

Ravelry yesterday and got into the system last night since I was at my parents' yesterday and, well, if I were organizationally obsessed and has this necessity to know all my projects, needles, stash and what I will be making, this would be the tool for me! This thing is a time vacuum and a creativity drain and I see why so many people disappear into the vortex.

My friend Devon must be loving this thing because she LOVES to be organized.

I will slowly put my stash into the system and slowly put all my projects and books, etc. However I rarely knit a pattern straight off the sheet so right there I am off the beaten path. I rarely knit a pattern with the yarn from the pattern so that complicates matters too.

Don't get me wrong, Ravelry is definitely a unique tool that every knitter should eventually sign up to do. You will definitely get something out of it. What that is will be up to you. It will mean something different to different knitters and crocheters and will be different things to different people.

So, no, Cass, I am not disappearing from blogger

Your Favorite Handmade Item Contest

The Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap is having another contest! Boy do I love me a good contest!

Make a post and hopefully include a photo - of your very favorite handmade item that you actually use or wear. It can be something you made, or it can be something you were given. Or it can be one of each! Let's see some knitterly (and crochetterly!) goodness!(to clarify before the question comes up: if your favorite handmade item isn't knit or crochet, but is instead sewn or otherwise made, that's really fine too :) this is just about showing off how wonderfully crafty we all can be) AND Include a link to something you've seen on another swappers blog that you'd like to make. It can just be a yarn color you liked, or a pattern, or anything you saw and thought "ooh I should make that!"

So first, something I make, of course

A stack of a variety of my soaps! Where you expecting something else? I have been making and using my own soap for over 5 years now and have been loving and enjoying every minute I made that decision. It was the best thing I could have ever done for my skin and it thanks me every day. I have had less eczema break outs since then and I definitely do not look my age :-)

This is a blanket my husband and I received from a family friend for our wedding. It has slowly become the entire family's comfort blanket. The snuggle blanket, the play blanket, the sick blanket, the make a tent in the living room blanket. It has been there for every stage of life so far and we hope it continues to be there.

This is Tuscany from Amy Singer's Book, No Sheep For You. One of these days I am going to knit one of these. First I need to find a good alternative fiber for the silk since I don't knit with silk. Next, i have to wait for Miss Sunshine to no longer jump on me when I knit. It will happen. One day.

Sad, Sad, Realization

There comes a time when a knitter really does not like what she is knitting or making and no matter how much she struggles on or pushes herself, she just doesn't like something about what she is knitting. I have been royally struggling with my Plain Strawberry that I am making for the Plain Vanilla KAL that Cass has set up. I really love the pattern and I really want to make this sweater for my sister but, I just can't get into this yarn. It keeps fuzzing on me, I can't see details, it splits, and is uncomfortable to work with. I have finally found a cotton that I am not liking, not one bit. I am finding this quite sad actually.

I truly need to decide what to do. Do I put it away with the fear I might never pick it up again which I have the tendency to do? Do I try to find an alternative yarn for the project? Do I suck it up and just knit on even though I am hating it more and more with every stitch? I don't want to end up taking a "knit" break because of hating this project.

Right now I am procrastinating it so much and find odd and end small knit projects to put off knitting it that in essence I am doing the first one which really isn't fair to the sweater. Such dilemmas.

Today is National Ice Cream Day!!!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The International Ice Cream Association (Did you know they even existed?) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2007, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 15. That is today!!!

So in celebration, post a comment as to what is your favorite flavor is, if you please then go out and buy some today!! Mine used to be Rocky Road or Mora which is like Raspberry but, you could only get it in Colombia. I love Coffee Mocha or Dulce de Leche now or on rare occasion a good freshly made farm fresh Strawberry.

A Very Bad Idea - Knitting with a Migraine

I have been suffering with migraines since I am 16. It totally SUCKS. They have gone from awful where I take handfuls of medication to manageable with no medications to just needing herbal supplements to back to needing handfuls of medications which is where I am now. I have done all the allergen testing, the CAT scans, the MRIs, the battery of testing. It really sucks.

Last night I had one such horrible, no good, very bad, migraine. I still have some of the remnants this morning. I took some of my medication and thought I would try to knit. Boy was that a bad idea. Ever try to knit when someone was jackhammering your head? Probably not but, it felt like that. I had to put the knitting away :-(

I will try again to knit later today. Migraine, Migraine go away come back NEVER!

Backyard Fun!

Today was a fun day. Each girl had a friend over and we took out the slip and slide, the ride on toys, BBQed lunch, had lemonade, mango punch, veggie sticks, watermelon, blueberries, popsicles and tons and tons of fun. I even found time to get some knitting in and snapped a quick picture with my camera phone (that's why it is so fuzzy) when I finished outside.

You'd think the girls would be mellow but Ms. Sunshine just finished round 5 of her exercise program and the Princess and her father are wrestling over her Nintendo DS and I think I need to go referee that battle. She is actually right.

We do need to do more of the outside meal thing though. The girls really loved it.

KIPediatrician's Office

Miss Sunshine had an appointment last this afternoon so, we picked up the Princess from day camp and off we went to the Pediatrician's office. They are usually running late so I took stuff for the girls to play and something simple for me to knit. We didn't actually wait in the waiting room too long but waiting in the exam room was for almost half an hour!!

Ms. Sunshine played jungle gym in the exam room so it was quite difficult to concentrate on knitting. Thankfully, the project was very simple. I did managed a few rows and I don't think I have to frog any of them! I am definitely liking my new policy of taking knitting every where I go :-)

Do You Have Paraskevidekatriaphobia?

Big long fancy word, isn't it? LOL. Paraskevi means Friday, dekatria means thirteen and phobia means phobia. So, it means a fear of Friday the 13Th. A lot of people have it and a lot of people have a fear of the number 13. When they build a building they will skip the number 13. When numbering houses or streets, they skip the number 13. Airplanes also skip the row 13.

For all the superstitions I have and all the fears I have, amazingly, the number 13 is not one of them. I have the fear I will run out of yarn. I have a fear that I will be close to the end of a project and be running short on yarn and can't find a matching dye lot any where. I have the fear that cotton will become extinct. The fear that Miss Sunshine will pull out my knitting and ruin days worth of knitting, which she has done in the past so it is a good fear to have. I have the fear that I will never get to try corn yarn or those fancy yarns from Japan. I fear I will always be a slow knitter and it always take me forever to finish a project. I am sure there are more knitting fears I have but, I don't want to make the rest of you nervous.

On a lighter note, today is my cousin's birthday so wishing him a very Happy Birthday today!! (poor guy having his birthday occasional falling on Friday the 13Th.)

I'm in Purple Heaven!

Isn't it gorgeous? I found this great company that has a shop both on Etsy and Ebay called Yarntopia Treasures. The above is a skein of mercerized Egyptian Cotton, worsted weight, approx. 315 yards, handpainted in a blend of Iris, Lavender, and Purples. Simply Heaven. I just had to buy it.

You know what else they do? They will custom dye any of the yarns they offer in any of the colors you see on any of the yarns they sell. How awesome is that?! Hmmm... what do i want to custom dye....

What Was I Thinking?

Ever buy yarn, take it home, have the perfect project for it, cast on, knit a few rows and then go, "what was I thinking"?!? I had such a moment this morning. I bought two skeins of this yarn that is cotton candy pink and it looks like cotton candy too, very fluffy. I thought it would be perfect for a baby girl item, specifically a baby poncho. I even bought it on sale. Keyword there I guess is S A L E.

I cast on last night with the recommended needles of US 8, knit 5 or 6 rows and it was awful! I hated the feel, I hated the way it looked, I hated the entire project already. I put it down and figured perhaps I'd find the love in the morning. SO, this morning I picked it back up and knit another 10 rows. Guess what?! I still hated it!!! It is AWFUL!! It does look like cotton candy but it is no fun to knit at all. I pulled the entire thing out and switched to larger needles. 10.5 US. Maybe that would make me happier. I do prefer the larger needles after all. Cast on, knit my rows to get me back to where I was and you guessed it. I STILL hate it.

I have two skeins of this cotton candy crap that I hate. Need to frog what is on my needles, select a new yarn for my poncho and hide this yarn deep down in my stash or find a taker for it. Terrific. Oh the yarn is called Sirdar Snowflake Chunky Magic and each skein is 137 yards. Just cause I'm not a fan doesn't mean you won't.

I Want One!!

Let me start off by saying I rarely ask for anything. When it comes time for my birthday, the holidays, Mother's Day, any gift giving occasion I usually say "Be creative, whatever, a gift certificate, some free time to knit and relax, I really don't need anything" So when I find something I really want it is a rare anomaly, few and far between.

I saw a circular needle case by Lexie Barnes called Kitty. It does have a hefty price tag at $50 but it is not only gorgeous but also has something like 20 pockets and looks more slick that it's competitor, The Que by Della Q and much sportier too. Most of the others I have seen have something like 12 pockets for circulars. Plus, The Que is silk and I don't do silk. Knitter's Review did a review of both cases so you can decided for yourself which one you like better.

I am definitely putting this on my birthday wish list. I only have like 3 months to wait. That isn't too long to wait, really it isn't.

I can stand to have my circulars in little baggies for that much longer. Really I can.

If only my left eye would stop twitching ;-)

I Finally Cast On My Vanilla

Okay well, maybe I should call it strawberry since it is Red Crayon from Knit Picks ;-) I was having a bit of trouble with it but, I made a few adjusts with Cass' help.

So, here is my start of the sweater for the Plain Vanilla KAL.

Chunky Hat

Easy distraction knitting.

Yarn: Lion Brand Jiffy Thick & Quick. It is my favorite inexpensive yarn that is 100% acrylic, 84 yards and super bulky. Lives up to its name because it is very thick and knits up very quick. It calls for 17s but I used 15 US circulars for the hat.

Pattern: Made it up as I went along. Cast on 40. Did some purl and knit thing at the bottom and the about 6 or so inches of knit and then some sort of decrease. I don't have 15 dpns so I used the largest ones I have, 10s. Worked just fine.

Since I don't knit wool, this makes for a very nice warm alternative. it's very warm I better take it off my head LOL

Are You Up For a Swap Challenge?

Personally, I think this is the coolest of cool concepts. Of course I would since I knit non-animal fiber. Cass and her friend Ellie are bringing back the Vegan Pal Swap. You don't have to be vegan, you just have to be willing to send and receive vegan goodies and yarn. Yes, of course they will help you along the way if you aren't a vegan.

Both Cass and Ellie have the same little surveys up about the swap so go to either one's blog to fill it out.

If you have ever been interested in alternative fibers like new and exciting cottons, soy, bamboo, corn, banana fiber, linen, nettle even hemp this swap will definitely be right up your ally!

A Contest!

Of course you can't pass up a good contest. My good friend Jessi hit 100 posts on her blog so head on over there and congratulate her and enter her fabulous contest while you are over there. She finally posted her 100 things about herself too. Its a good read ;-)

Semi-Free Weekend

The hubby took the Princess to the cabin in the mountains this weekend because he wants to go white water rafting and she wants to see Grandma (MIL) so it is just Miss Sunshine and me home for the weekend. We watched "Return to Neverland" and I did some knitting on a quick project, a chunky hat. Perhaps I will get a chance to work on Plain Vanilla a little this weekend as well. All depends on Miss Sunshine :-)

Dog Days of Summer Contest #1

Smell the Contest in the Air.....

Someone who crochets: Ingrid

Someone who's never made a dishcloth before: Madonna

Someone who has been knitting\crocheting for less than 2 years: Chan

Someone who has been knitting\crocheting for more than 5 years: Abby

Someone who is from a non-US country: Marianne

(okay so I brown-nosed a little, LOL)

Bamboo Drawstring Bag

Yarn: Royal Bamboo 100% bamboo by Plymouth Yarn Italian collection 93 yards

Pattern: Give it a Whirl Bag from the July 2006 "Creative Knitting" (pattern requires 196 yds worsted weight)

Modifications: Shorter ruffle and quicker decrease

Although this says it is an intermediate skill level, if you know how to knit with circular needles, do YO and K2tog it is pretty simple. It is 5' of i-cord all together so I felt like I was i-cording forever (not really) and you have to be careful not to split the yarn. The Plymouth Bamboo is very silky, has a sheen to it and is very smooth and soft. The Princess wants to steal it so you know its a good one, LOL

Happy 4th of July!

Here is where is all happened Independence Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In this room on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain. The birth of a great nation!

Happy 231st Birthday!!!

Reminder to Self....

Do not cast on a new project when you are entertaining a house guest, Miss Sunshine wakes you three times in the middle of the night and you are being torn in a bazillion directions during the course of just the morning. I have already frogged Plain Vanilla three times and it isn't even noon yet. Maybe I will try later on this afternoon again or perhaps this evening. At least my gauge was correct. Sigh.

So Exciting!

Wow, I can't believe I didn't post yesterday ;-) I took the Princess to see Shrek III while the 'Rents jetted across the country to Hawaii. They made there fine and are enjoying Hawaii just fine. They went to pay their respects to Pearl Harbor Today.

Being the swap addict that I am, Jessi was ever so kind to let me know that Secret Pal 11 Has begun sign ups!! I have yet to catch one of these things at sign ups so I have jumped at the opportunity to try my hand at it once. Deadline to sign up: July 31, 2007, Matches will be distributed: On or before August 15, 2007 and Secret Pal dates are August 15, 2007 though November 30, 2007. All completely manageable for me and best off all no holiday theme!!

I am almost finished a drawstring bag made out of the lovely bamboo I received from Cass and am probably going to cast on my Plain Vanilla very soon. I also promised a friend I'd make him a hat for the winter. He's doing all this work at my parents' house so it is the least I can do ;-)

I really can't believe it is already July