I Received my Fall into Autumn Swap Package!!

Okay so I did receive it a few days ago, my Fall into Autumn Swap package by the ever so kind and patient Katie. So now I am going to do my package and the WONDERFUL Katie some Justice and show lots and lots of pictures of my box because she had to wait soooooo long for me to talk about it.


Here is the box when I first opened it. Everything is wrapped in lovely lavender tissue paper and beautiful purple ribbons. The green tags mark things specific for Miss Sunshine and The Princess. Wasn't that nice of Katie to send things for the little ones too?

Here is everything laid out on my foyer floor. Now that is A LOT of goodies!!! I had to sneak off there to ensure I would be able to open everything without any prying or grabbing hands.

Everything unwrapped!! Exactly (I think) in the same space as above. Look at all that wonderful goodness!! That is a sheep tape measure to add to my collection of tape measures of course.

The GORGEOUS washcloth deserves a photo all on its own, of course. In a luscious shade of purple. Is there any other color?


Last, but of course no least, Manos Cotton Stria is an absolutely awesome shade of kettle dyed lavender. These are my first hanks of Manos Cotton Stria believe it or not. I love, love, love it!!!

Katie, you done good and were patient for the posting to boot so I thank you for that too!!

Bit off More than I can Chew

I am usually not one to complain often or vent but, I really did it to myself this time.

Around this time every year, Miss Sunshine's pre-school puts on a wonderful shopper's event that is a terrific fundraiser for her school. She goes to a terrific little school just outside of Philadelphia that does wonders for her, doesn't cost over the top and is non-denominational. Perfect for us.

Last year, the organizer, a Friend of mine, asked since her son was "graduating" if I would take over. I said sure since I was a craft show do-er and nothing was going on in my life really and truly. Why not?

Then the you know what hit the fan with Miss Sunshine this past summer and we have been bounce little a rubber ball from doctor to doctor from appointment to appointment here there and every where but, I made a commitment and I keep those. Plus all my other commitments like my part-time job, my soaps, my knitting, swaps, etc.

Well, folks, this month, I need to apologize to all of you because I finally realized what I did. I finally realized that I have over extended myself this passed October. I have not been ignoring you. I have not been forgetting you. I think of all of you quite often and how you are doing. Unfortunately, I don't own an i-Phone or Blackberry to blog and email in the waiting room or in traffic (I didn't say that) So I just have to think it and hope you can forgive me.

My Shopper's Event is tonight and tomorrow and then I drop my wares at yet another show so I hope things will settle again on Monday. Please wish me lots of sales

Oh and to my Fall into Autumn Pal: I did get my box!!! I haven't even had a moment to open it yet but, I wanted you to know I got it!!! So thank you!!!! It will be modeling on Monday

Vegan Pal Swap Box Arrived!!

I am SO SORRY to my Vegan Pal 2 Swap pal, Michelle. My box arrived this passed weekend and I am JUST getting to post today. I am SO VERY SORRY about that. I am usually oh so much better than this

She sent to me such amazing goodies!! The Princess who cannot have milk LOVED the cookies. Please note that one is missing ;-) AND she is eying up the chocolate bar since we have them when we can find them around here. I will give it to her of course since I am that kind of Mom, LOL. The yarn is wonderful cotton and one of my favorites is a deep purple!

Thank you so much!! I just LOVED this swap!

Sign Ups and Buttons

Don't forget to sign up for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. Sign ups began already this week! Don't miss out on the fun.


I keep forgetting to add my SNOL button to my side bar but, I will add here in the mean time, LOL

Oh and if anyone is in the market for some lower end yarn or some notions, go check out your local JoAnn's. They are having a sale right now and I think it ends tomorrow. You can sometimes get some bargain basement treasures.

The Only Place I Knit... Lately

Ah the waiting room. Nothing better to do then to wait, read a magazine or to knit. It seems to be the only place I get to knit lately. I haven't been to my knitting group in a while because it is extremely difficult to go with Miss Sunshine. She tends to be very disruptive to the other patrons of the restaurant where the meeting is held and also apparently to the other members of the knitting group. So I can't go unless I can get a babysitter for the kids, which I have not been able to do lately.

Therefore, I knit when and where I can which is in a waiting room which I tend to be in one on average three times a week. It can be some quality knitting time. I go to different appointments for different things for both of my daughters and so I take my knitting every where with me.

I am still knitting the same top for my sister that I am still hoping to get done by the time she comes to visit for Thanksgiving. It could happen. I do have a lot of waiting room visits from now until then. There is also this hat I started with a different type of organic cotton. I try to knit a bit of each project every time. Maybe that will help get them done quicker.

I do have a few work meetings coming up. Hmm, I wonder if my boss would mind if I took my knitting with me? They are night meetings ;-)

Smack My Forehead, I Can't Believe I Forgot to tell You

Smack the forehead hard!! With all the running around we do, Miss Sunshine, the Princess and I, I can't believe I forgot to tell you we got a new pet this past Saturday. Yes, Miss Tina Turner Tortoise has a companion. No, not another Tortoise nor a cat nor a dog (my allergies could not take it). Not even a gerbil or a mouse although both Miss Sunshine and the Princess begged and pleaded.

The Princess picked out a very lovely blue Japanese Fighter Fish AKA a Betta fish that she let Miss Sunshine name. She aptly named the fish Miss Sparkles. We have already tried to feed the fish all the fish food at once, poor fish. We now know you cannot do that. The fish resides in a very lovely new tank and if it lasts as long as our old Betta, 3 years, it will be so lucky. Perhaps we will pick up some faux plants this weekend for it.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

As many of you know, my birthday was a few weeks back. From my family, I have asked for gift certificates to the lovely yarn shops in the past or knitting books or yarn and they look at me like I am strange but this year, this year was different.

My brother and SIL live about 45 minutes from me and I decided to look and see if there was a yarn shop in their neck of the woods. To me they live in the boonies, btw, having grown up in or very close to a major city. Lo and behold there is!! A Garden of Yarn is practically in their back yard and they carry a variety of yarns that I really like so I thought I'd half heartedly ask them to get me a gift from there. I didn't think they actually would. My SIL went there one morning after dropping her kids off at school. She told me that if she actually knitted, she would shop there she liked it so much. AMAZING!! They got me a very nice gift certificate from there so I guess I will be making the drive out there one weekend.

How much fun will that be?

Busy, Busy....Again

Fall, a time for hay rides, apple picking, pumpkin carving and the oh so wonderful craft show. My busy season has begun! This year I am trying different things in my product line, doing some of my same shows and one or two new ones.

Getting everything thing made and ready is both fun and a ton of work. Deciding scent color shape, packaging... all the things I love. Now that everyting is in my "warehouse" I have space to really spreadout and have energy to work.

The princess has really taken an interest in the family business this year and has come up with two products of her own this season that will also go on display. I am so excited!!! One is named for our new fish, Sparkles, and is a heart shaped glycerin soap with fish embeds. The other, which she did a lot more "research" into is named for my nephews' dog and is an all natural dog Shampoo with tea tree, peppermint and lavender essential oils called Daisy's Doggie Shampoo (all of our products are named for females). Her grandmother's dog tried it and is already a fan!!

The Princess also helped me with several new soaps like Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Spearmint Eucalyptus, and Oatmeal Milk and Honey (I think half of this batch is spoken for, right Anne?). Also made some Shea butter lotion and tried my new fragrance Blue Musk that is little and fresh and I just LOVE it!!.

I have a few more weeks till my first show and a bit more work to do but, I think it is going to be an exciting fall season.

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

I can't believe I didn't answer my own topic of the week. Sheesh, what kind of hostess doesn't that make me. No one answer that :-P

Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah?

I can't exactly do the hay ride thing unless I take some allergy meds before I go therefore I tend to avoid them but, I do love going to the Orchards and going apple picking. We have a few really good ones near us too. Nothing beats a homemade apple pie or crisp made with apples you picked yourself, YUM! I actually just made one and ate it with some yummy tea from Mary. I also love pumpkin pie, which I make as well just not with fresh pumpkin. I keep telling myself one of these days but haven't yet.

Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are two of my favorite holidays but the "before we get there" part are pretty stressful. So, I don't exactly count the days. Yes, we are already in the who brings what and were is it going to be "discussion". Oh what fun.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

The questionnaire is up for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap being hosted by Anne and Holly. I am very much looking forward to this swap. Okay, when am I not looking forward to a swap? (shut up Jessi)

It is a nice long questionnaire and I am going to answers as best I can in hopes that my pal really pays attention because besides my allergies, I celebrate a different holiday during the season.

Coffee

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) I am half Colombian so I really prefer Colombian coffee

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? I did have a grind and brew coffee maker but, I gave it to my Mom so I no longer have a grinder :-(

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? I am not into mint coffee but I do like a pumpkin latte every so often. I like Mocha, hazelnut and vanilla on occasion as well.

Do you enjoy special blends? As long as it is Colombian ;-)

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? My Colombia relatives call me a traitor but, I like splenda and milk in my coffee

Decaf? NEVER

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? Unless I am drinking real espresso from an espresso cup, then a coffee mug

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!

What is your favorite part of Winter? That it is only three months long ;-) Winter break? I can go visit my sister in Florida? Hot chocolate

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? I celebrate Hanukkah, Wahoo it is 8 days long!!

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? No Christmas, no tree, no Hanukkah bush, no lights, no decorating, no angels, no Santas, no Reindeer, no snowmen (I am hoping you get the idea)

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? If you can manage Hanukkah themed items that would be wonderful but, I know how difficult that is so winter or even a hot chocolate themed package works

Do you collect anything? Besides yarn? Disney type items like Goofy and Tinkerbell

Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snowflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? Dreidels (Hanukkah related spinning tops) and Hanukkiahs (menorahs specifically for Hanukkah)

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? I do wear scarves and hats

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? holiday - gelt (chocolate coins) winter - hot chocolate

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. Although I have many holiday memories and I am sure some that stick out more in my memory nothing is more meaningful than the first time the Princess could recite the blessings over the candles all by herself. I was in awe. Miss Sunshine chimes in as well now and they sing songs. It just makes my little family complete that can say the blessings themselves and enjoy it so much. They can't wait each night of the holiday when I pull out the menorah, fill in with each candle and we say the blessings together.

Yarn and Crafting

Do you Knit or Crochet? Knit

For how long? 29 years

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? I prefer wooden needles

Circular or straight? I use both depending on the project

What sort of projects do you enjoy making? Prefer ones where i have no delay of gratification meaning I can knit them up quickly

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? Cottons and soy

Do you spin or dye? No

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I make handmade all natural bath and body products

General

When is your birthday? October 3

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) I have two daughters 7 and 4.5 and a Tortoise (okay she isn't furry)

What are your favorite colors? Purple, lime for one daughter and pink for the other daughter

Do you have any allergies? Are you sure you want to ask that? ;-) 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.

8 Random Things

Ah yes, I just love to be tagged for these meme thinger ma bob do hickies. Thanks Jessi :-P so, here goes.....

1. Sometimes when the kids aren't home and I am procrastinating, I watch Little House on the Prairie

2. I love it that my little Princess is as an avid reader as I was at her age (and I still am)

3. I love to go to the Casinos in Atlantic City with my Mom. I just wish i had more money to blow there

4. As soon as I walk in the door at home, the girls and I kick off our shoes. All three of us prefer to go shoe-less.

5. I have no delay of gratification with new clothes, new items I've bought or even something I am knitting. This is probably why I prefer to knit something that doesn't take too long to finish.

6. I have been wearing glasses since I was the same age as the Princess is now but, she has much better eye sight then I ever did

7. It is getting to be too cold for me but, I can't see myself moving from this area any time soon

8. I have lost 50 pounds in the last 6 months

Hmm, now whom to tag....Mary, Holly, Melissa, Amanda, and Sally

Weekend Recap

Such a whirl wind weekend!! It was busy, busy to say the very least.

Let's start with Friday late afternoon, Friday night and getting ready for the Princess' birthday party. The party was at my parents' house so after school we went over there to make sure the house was spotless, toys picked up, furniture moved, chairs and tables arranged, all the paper goods set out and some decorations were hung. Pink and purple of course. My Mom and I, when all was done, sat down to a nice relaxing cup of Colada Roobios tea compliments of Mary in some fine china cups and relaxed a few moments together.

Saturday was the birthday party. We had 16 kids ages 3 - 10 playing games, having story time, had some Tina the Tortoise time, lunch and cake, backyard time and then home. Whew! Two and half hours later I was tired. Clean up took longer than the party. Doesn't it always? Princess had a BLAST with her friends and cousins. So did Miss Sunshine, of course. So much so, Miss Sunshine fell asleep in the car home which she rarely ever does. The Princess received a TON of craft projects including several bracelet makers, a perfume maker (so she can be like Mom), some paint kits and a ceramics paint set. She was allowed to open one and she opened one she could do without much assistance one of the bracelet set.

Sunday, Ah Sunday, I had been looking forward to Sunday for a very long time. It was a local soapmakers conference one state over. I was going to get to see several friends I had not seen in, well, a year or two. A few demos given on things I don't make so they were interesting to hear about. Not sure I am going to have use for the information but, it is always good to have the knowledge base. Some of my favorite vendors were there so I picked up some ingredients I needed or wanted to try. I also picked up some of my favorite Vanilla, some Tangerine Essential Oil, a new Lime fragrance that is very sweet and crisp smelling, a scent called Blue Musk that smells fantastic. The Princess wanted me to get some Blueberry and my favorite vendor told be he was getting an amazing one so I am very excited about that.

I won a ton of door prizes including a HUGE bag of goodies, some Black Raspberry Vanilla fragrance, some soy melts (hmm, I wonder where those could end up? Jessi, any ideas?) and a few other choice tidbits that you never know where they might show up).

Of course my knitting went with me. A few of the soapers knit but, they didn't bring it or consider themselves not good enough to knit in public. I told them next year I will give a demo. One of my closest buddies told me that she has a room for me in her home if I would come and teach her how to knit. BTW, she lives in Puerto Rico.

Here is what I finished at the event:

Guess what it is ;-)

Renoir Landscapes Exhibit

Both my parents had gone to Temple University at some point. For Temple Alumni, they offer some wonderful programs and they are allowed to invite guests. This time around they offered a lecture from one of their Art professors and a private tour of The Renoir Landscapes exhibit that is currently at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Springtime (in Chatou), about 1875 © Private collection one of the pictures on display

It was a great experience! The lecture was terrific and the Docents gave such great and personal information about each time period and several of the painting. I truly wished they had these events more often.

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCESS

Where did the time go and when did she get to be a young lady? My Princess turns 7 today!! She is getting to have cupcakes brought into school by me and having a family birthday dinner tonight at my Parents' house of her choosing. Her party is this Saturday with her cousins and some of her closest friends. The main attraction for the party? Tina the Tortoise of course!! She can't wait!!

Happy Birthday to my big girl!!

Waiting Room Dishcloth

I haven't posted an FO in a while. I think it is about time. I pretty much knit the entire thing in waiting rooms for appointments for both my daughters



It is the dishcloth for my swap pal in the Fall into Autumn Swap. I wanted to try something a bit different. Get back to my roots so to speak. Throw in a bit of a lacey feel and no pink or purple since it is for the Autumn. Now to remember what I did, write it down and repeat it some where else, LOL.

Tea Swap Goodies - The Photos

A moment of peace and quiet. Just a moment, to take some pictures of my goodies. You get a groups shot, a picture of my favorite item and, of course, a separate picture of the yarn.

Mary definitely spoiled me and the girls, don't you think? Both girls had decided to walk off with different items but, I told them they weren't allowed till AFTER the photo session. Thankfully, it is one rule they follow. Not even the yummy chocolates sprouted legs, yet.

Isn't he adorable? I collect ALL things Goofy (you should see our family room) Miss Sunshine loves him too and wanted to play tea party with him. Um, NO! He went straight into the China cabinet and back again after this photo. He is a PERFECT addition to our collection!!

Last, but not least, Panda cotton in Seascape. The picture does not do the color justice. Another one Miss Sunshine attempted to runaway with since this is her colorway. It is gorgeous!! Definitely a step in a different direction for me but a good one. One I really need I think.

Mary, thank you SO much for everything!!!

Intercambio Del Café con Algodón Durante Invierno

Coffee and Cotton (or Yarn) Swap During Winter or better know as Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. Yup, that is correct, another swap!!

Sign ups do not start till October 24Th. So almost all of my other swaps with be complete except for Secret Pal 11.

The lovely Miss Anne and equally lovely Holly are hosting the swap.

Oh and how exciting! They added a link for Hanukkah patterns (Hmm wonder were they got those?)

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

I post the topic of the week and then don't answer my own question. Just goes to show you how much time I don't have.

Mary, don't think I forgot to take a picture of my goodies. I will, don't worry. I took these pictures last week ;-)

The top picture is a box where I keep my dpns, stitch markers, circulars, hooks, anything I can throw in there.

The bottom picture is my straight needles. The two pair of medal ones sort of in the middle are my original ones from my grandmother.

Knitting in the Waiting Room

It seems like I have been spending a ton of time in the waiting room of a doctor, a test or a therapist of some kind a lot lately. There is still a lot more to come too. When you have one daughter going through one kind of testing for her lactose intolerance and one going through testing for ADHD and getting OT you tend to get to see the inside of a lot of waiting rooms.

I think my entire dishcloth for my fall dishcloth pal was knit entirely inside a waiting room. I think the entire bottom half of my sister's top was knit inside a waiting room. I knit an entire preemie hat inside a waiting room. Now I have cast on one of my favorites, yes Anne, a Candy bag designed by Amanda.

Yup, going to sit in a waiting room Wednesday afternoon for a test for the Princess and yes going to be sitting in a waiting room for therapy for Miss Sunshine very early in the morning on Saturday. Good more knit time. Seems lately it is the only knit time I get.

I Received My Tea Package!!

I don't really have much time to give my pal, Mary the thanks she so justly deserves BUT, I wanted to write a very quick and gracious THANK YOU to her to let her know I received my Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap package today!! IT IS AWESOME!!!

My goodies need to have a photos session, especially since Mary asks for it so nicely and so you all can be extremely jealous ;-)

Mary, you are the best!!!

SP 11 Pal Strikes Again!!

She tried so hard to get my package to arrive on my birthday and it was sooo close that I will give her the credit. Thank you so very much for being such an amazing SP Pal!!!

She sent a card game for The Princess and Miss Sunshine to share and a very pretty card. She also sent "Knitting for Peace" a book I have stared at in the Barnes and Noble but had yet to buy so even though I had not told anyone it was a book I had wanted to buy so thank you very much for it!!! I also received to hanks of Araucania Cotton, one in a dusty pink and one in a light purple. They feel extremely soft on the skin I cannot wait to knit them up.

Again, another wonderful, wonderful package that I love! Thank you!!!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Thank you everyone for all your birthday wishes and e-cards yesterday! It all really did help make my day, it truly did!!

I did get that Starbucks, amazingly, did some knitting and had a great dinner of Colombian food at my parents' house with my daughters. I ignored all the hectic stuff going on around me, LOL

I also heard some wonderful news for my birthday. One of my close friends who is also my soap making mentor had her baby on Monday!! She had a beautiful baby girl. I am so happy for her and her husband! Thankfully her knitting is complete. I had made for her a throw blanket for the floor, a lilac Cardigan and a Heartbreakingly Cute Kimono. They live about 2 hours from me and I am supposed to go to the baby's Christening in December so I might just hand deliver her gifts then.

Now onto the next birthday. Today is my youngest nephew's birthday, he turns 3 today. Happy Birthday Little Man!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Yup, it is that time of year again, my birthday. Although, Miss Sunshine and the Princess always end up thinking it is a birthday for them since they get to have a special meal, birthday cake and my Mom seems to always come up with party favors for the girls.

I am hoping for traditional birthday drawings from the girls and then there is the traditional birthday money from everyone else :-) I do ask for gift certificates from the local yarn shops but, I get looked at like I have three heads so it became birthday money a few years back.

I am hoping to splurge on a Starbucks, get in some knit time and relax a bit if Miss Sunshine lets me till The Princess gets home. We will see if that plan works.

My "New" Full Time Job

Many of you have read about the marathons that little Miss Sunshine "runs" when I'd like her to do certain things or when I am trying to get her to go to sleep or settle in for the night. I joke about it and tease. However, if you can read between the lines you can read that she is hyperactive. Well, she actually has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Impulsive variety. So they think. All of her diagnosing is not complete entirely. This is one heck of a long draw out process. Well, as my Mom told me today, Miss Sunshine just because my full time job.

In just under a year from now, Miss Sunshine will enter kindergarten in public school. I want to make sure all our ducks are in a row and we know exactly what is going on with her and I can fight for her rights as best I can. I already know of one road block. Get this, Pennsylvania is one these states in which schooling is only required from age 7 till age 16 which they consider to be 1st grade. What does that mean? If the district decide to do nothing till she is 7, they can do nothing till she is 7. I know my school district is much better than that but, hence the reason Miss Sunshine JUST became my full time job.

She was funny in one of the waiting rooms today though. She asked, "Momma, You bring your knitting? Come sit here with me and knit. (she patted the chair next to her) I'll watch Dora so you can knit next to me." Isn't she the cutest? She knows when we go to an appointment out comes the knitting.

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

The first day of October! Gosh I just LOVE October! So many wonderful things happen in October and me getting one year older is NOT one of them ;-)

So the question this week is: Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy? (and this one I did not write, go figure, LOL)

I am enamoured with the flavors of Autumn. I enjoy a good Apple pie, a yummy pumpkin pie a delicious pecan. I love that Tastykake, a local cake company, comes out with a variety of apple and pumpkin pies this time of year that are so sinfully good. I try to limit myself to just a couple a season.

I do have to admit though, that since my sister and the Princess cannot have any dairy I have developed a non-dairy pumpkin pie for them but, I can't share the recipe because it has become sort of famous around these parts and therefore turned into a family secret ;-)

Sunday Reflections

I am still working on the top for my sister. It will obviously not be complete for when my Mom leaves for Florida October 14Th but, I am hoping that it is finished when my sister comes home for Thanksgiving. Crossing my fingers and praying is more like it. I really need to find more sit down, quiet time to knit. I just can't seem to find the knitting time. Perhaps when all these holidays are over and I get my head wrapped around this other stuff going on I can find some knit time.

I did actually cast on for my dishcloth for my swap partner as well. I casted on and frogged like three times but, I think I am FINALLY happy with the pattern I am working on now. Actually, the Princess helped me settle on something I could like. She is really good at that kind of thing. She is really good at selecting scents for soaps and balms too. She helped blend one of each that smell so good, Pumpkin Creme Brulee Soap and Bergamot Blended Balm (it isn't named yet because I told her she could name it). Now she wants to make a Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Doggie Shampoo so that is on our to do list.

I finally had a bright spot in my baby knitting, I get to make something not girlie!!! One of my closest friends is having a BOY!! After 7 baby girls to knit for, I FINALLY get to knit for a baby boy! I am so excited! I ran out and bought a green and blue variegated yarn. I actually thanked her for having a boy even though I realistically know she didn't have anything to do with it.

So much to do, so little time

Smile, While I Take Your Picture

My Hostess for Secret Pal 11, Shelby, emailed us yet another contest. Yes, you probably guessed it is a flash your stash type contest. Well, I store my stash in plastic bags and in containers like this:

I decided to lay out most of my stash on my bed. I didn't include the partial and half used stuff.

As you can tell, purple and pink are very prominent. Oh and none of that is wool or other animal fibers. It is all lovely cotton, bamboo, soy, corn and lots of Blue Sky Cotton, of course. Some might end up in the hands of my swap pals because I included that in the photo as well. If you look closely, my Interlacements is in there and so is my Blue Heron.

Last picture, obviously not stash but an update of Tina the Tortoise. A few have emailed me for an update of our little babe

William Tell Overture for Moms

My Mom sent this video to me. I usually am not one of these forwarding type people unless I think it is hysterical or really needed. I have felt this woman a lot lately and I guess my Mom really thought I needed a pick-me-up so i am going to share it with you. I figure every Mom out there probably sounds like this in a condensed way one way or another ;-)

Enjoy.

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

Funny you should ask (I did didn't I, LOL)

There are a few things I love about Autumn. I love taking long drives and watching the leaves on the trees take on new colors and change. The deep magentas and reds, rich yellows and oranges, the deep browns and coffee colors, even the various greens you see. Then I like to watch my children make huge piles and jump in them over and over again. Their laughs and giggles are contagious.

Autumn is also a HUGE birthday season for my family starting with....... me!!! My birthday is October 3rd (eek next Wednesday) and we usually have a family dinner of my choosing which my Mom makes because I tend to chose a Colombian dish. My youngest nephew is the day after mine and he is turning the big 3. Roughly a week after that The Princess is celebrating the big 7. Then towards the end of Autumn my brother and his lovely bride are each celebrating truly big birthdays this year. They are each turning 40 this year and they are going to spend a few days in Las Vegas to celebrate.

One of my favorite non-religious holidays is during Autumn as well, Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving for many reasons but this year will be extra special. My sister and her husband, who live in Florida, will be coming u North to celebrate with us. It will be nice to have them home for the holiday. Holidays to me mean family and it wouldn't be the same if they weren't here.

I Love a Few Of My Neighbors

Probably not for the reasons you think. If you read my blog, then you know we have a lovely tortoise named Tina since August 6Th. She eats most green leafy plants and you can buy her romaine (not iceberg), kale, Endive, Radicchio, turnip leaves, and spring mix from the local super market. However, if you don't spray your lawn, which we don't, you can collect what most consider weeds right off your lawn. We pick thistle, plantain or plantago major, clover, Hosta, mulberry and her all time favorite dandelion flower and leaves.

Three of my neighbors don't spray their lawns either and told us to go ahead and collect "food" for Tina off their lawns as well. In fact, they let us know before they are going to mow their lawn so we can collect stuff and put it in baggies for her. Since we have had Tina, we haven't really had to buy her too much food because between our lawn and the few neighbors she is eating very well. I also have one friend nearby who has a prickly pear plant, no fruit just the pads. Its a cactus and Tina LOVES it. I guess it reminds her of the desert.

I am glad I have a few neighbors who remind me of the neighbors I grew up with. Who are friendly and are, well, neighborly

Sunday Musings

The fast yesterday went as expected. Around midday it gets rather rough and after feeding the kids you really wanted to just grab their food but, of course, you don't. The princess stayed at my parents house for the afternoon so Miss Sunshine and I took a walk, in the heat, making things not so pleasant. When we went back to the Synagogue for evening prayer and activity for the kids I was actually fine. They did a great program for the kids and gave them all light sticks/necklaces to walk into the main service with when they turned out the lights and all you could see was the kids and the candle light in the front. Then they blew the Shofar, Rams Horn, sounding the end of the holiday and fast. It was an amazing experience and Miss Sunshine was right in front of the gentleman blowing the horn.

The Princess and I did have our discussion. We decided we will still do the can collection for the Food Pantry and give our Tzedakah (charity money) for Thanksgiving Dinner for those living with AIDS. One of our new projects this year will be helping my Mom and Dad out a bit in their home. My parents, although not too old, have had numerous surgeries between the two of them and can't do a lot of bending, going up and down the steps and picking up after their younger grandchildren. So The Princess is going to help out with that as much as she can without being asked or without much prompting. One of her other decisions is that she wants to go to family services at Synagogue more often. We have gone a few times this year already and she has been enjoying it. Makes me very happy that she wants to go with me.

On a different subject, I went to a GREAT little stand today Adriana's Caravan (look Chan, I got you her website and I told her about you and she wants to meet you too!!) which sells fabulous spices, oils, ingredients and the kicker, TEAS. I went specifically for my Knit One Tea Too Swap pal, today, with her questionnaire in hand and Rochelle was a fabulous help with everything. We picked excellent teas and accessories. Then, I thought, let me take my Vegan Pal 2 Swap pal's questionnaire too since she was interested in various spices and Rochelle definitely has those. Boy, did she ever!! She helped me pick a few blends I would have never selected on my own. I could have definitely found things on my own mind you but not this unique.

Look at me, I am getting swap organized!!

Day of Atonement and Reflection

Tonight, for several people, after a small feast, begins a day off fasting. This means no eating or drinking from Sundown tonight to Sundown tomorrow night. It is a day of atonement, reflection, confession and meditation.

Some observe the holiday with just the fast and think that is enough. Most who observe this holiday do it by the numbers. Go to synagogue, say the prayers they are told to say end their fast and then go back to their lives as if nothing ever changed and repeat the same thing the following year.

I try to take the atonement, reflection, confession and meditation, all four pieces seriously and try to include them all in my day. I do go to synagogue and say my prayers but, I also try to reflect on the year and do a lot of meditation. The Princess, Miss Sunshine and I will spend some time together tomorrow outside talking, walking and discussion our Mitzvah (good deed) project for the year. We have done some great ones in the past (Locks of Love, Food Pantry, Dinner for those living with AIDS) so I can't wait too see what we come up with this year.

I wish for everyone peace in their homes, health of their bodies and our troops to come home.

Gmar chatima tova! May you be sealed in the Book of Life.

What is Your Pirate Name?

Something a bit fun this morning, LOL

My pirate name is:

Captain Mary Rackham

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.

part of the fidius.org network

I have the BEST Chocolate Swap Pal

Okay, it does help that my Chocolate swap pal is one of my bestest buddies Jessi, LOL.

Yummy chocolate AND Yummy Yarn. Jessi sent me not one but TWO yarns on my wish list. Isn't she the greatest?

This is a close-up of the gorgeous Panda cotton. Say ooo and ahh over the green and purple.

This is a close up of the wonderful Maizy in shades of green. A terrific corn and elastic nylon yarn.

Oh and some of those truffles have been eaten, Miss Sunshine thought the needle holder was a skirt and the mouse pad had a picture of the girls in it and I am using it right now.

Love you Jessi and thank you for everything!!

Another Swap?

Am I crazy for wanting to sign up for yet ANOTHER swap?

I saw this swap called The Mystery Theme Swap and it sounds very cool and different. It isn't a secret swap but what you will receive is a surprise/mystery. In the question you put in 3 different "themes" of what you might be interested in receiving to give your partner some idea but it is a total mystery to you. So it could be a color theme, a state theme or even a treat theme.

I have too much on my plate right now swap wise.... or do I?

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

Ah.. a new week, a new topic and this week I am going to need it because for me I have been lacking in the posting. Also, I am in a plethora of swaps so it does not only help one swap partner, it helps many ;-)

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

(Who comes up with this stuff? SNOL)

I knit washclothes predominately with wooden size 7US. On a rare occasion, I might be known to use my very old, original pair of metal ones that my grandmother used to teach me on way back when. I think the wooden ones are Clover but, I can't be sure and I don't remember. I definitely have no clue what the metal ones are but they definitely came from Woolworth's because I was there when she bought them for me (and the lovely orange and yellow acrylic yarn to go with it.) I love the wooden ones because they and I have made probably over 100 washclothes together over the years. They are warped, feel right in my hands and they don't get too jealous if I switch to another pair of sevens or even my very first pair of sevens.

I was going to say I am not really dying to try any new needles till I went and visited Jessi's blog this morning and saw the oh so gorgeous Harmony Needles. I wasn't going to go look, I wasn't going to look, I really wasn't going to look, darn it I went and looked. The double pointed Harmony Needles from Knit Picks look amazing. As the Princess says, they are going on my wish list.

As for yarn, I am a stick to the basics type person. Knit with what you like, right Chan? I really like Sugar N Cream and Peaches and Cream for washclothes. I do not see anything wrong with them. You can catch a really good sale for one or the other at Michael's or AC Moore at least once a year and I tend to stock up. Besides, the colors they have go really well with my soaps. If you don't want to make a cloth with them, which are fun to do, you can always make a candy bag, LOL (I know Anne, addicted. I can't help it they are so much fun!)

Philadelphia Area Knit Out

After work yesterday, I headed into town for the Philadelphia area knit out! It was soooo cool! It was in the Pennsylvania Convention center and knitters, crocheters and other fiber fanatics took over one section of the entire Convention center (it is over 2 city blocks HUGE!). Everyone was super friendly helping each other out, giving help, there was a sweater doctor there, demos, raffles going on and door prizes to be won.

Speaking of prizes, a lot of the stuff, of course, was wool and other animal fiber-ish stuff but I had meet up with my good pals from my Wednesday night knit group (Hi Anne Marie, Maria, Robin, Beverly and my new friend MJ). Robin and Beverly made sure I won something Sharon Friendly.

Here's what came home with me:

This is 100% cotton yarn from a brand I had not heard of Creme de La creme but it id definitely my colors

Ebony and Rosewood US4 circular needles from Lantern Moon. Okay, I know you are thinking she hates the teeny tiny but they are gorgeous, aren't they? I can always use them for lace

The princess has already said these are either going to be candy bags or more baby hats. What do you think, Amanda?

I also had plenty of time to knit so I finished my Cotton Stretch Baby Hat

I then started working on my Sigma Tank for my sister. She is coming home for Thanksgiving so I would love it if I had most of it done, if not all by then. This is being done in the Pakucho Dark green. So far I am loving it!

Oh and see the cute little stitch marker? The little turtle? I got that from Jessi!

Now I think I am caught up. The holiday season is a bit hectic for me but, I will try to to stick around a bit ;-)

I am Surprised, I am known for my KIP

I had an appointment today at the doctor's office today, the same one I go to about once every month or so, but because I was going to services right afterwards, I didn't bring my knitting with me. Three or 4 people sitting there who I see often waiting at the same time as me asked, "Hey, where is the knitting?" I guess I am getting quite the little reputation, LOL

I did take some time while waiting and help someone with how to find some other patterns, other than scarves, that is, that she can make with two needles that are simple enough for her to do since she is a beginner. She was surprised how much there was out there like mittens and slippers that she could still knit with just straights. I told her I'd print some out for her for my next appointment since we seem to be on the same schedule ;-)

If I couldn't actually have been knitting, at least I was talking about knitting :-) Oh and the migraines are getting a bit better too

I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!

First and foremost, for all those who celebrate, Shanah Tovah V'Metukah, A Very Happy and Sweet New Year!! May you be written in the book of life.

Okay, some of you know I have been on a hunt for Lion Brand Organic cotton locally but, to no avail. Every time I went to Walmart, JoAnn's, AC Moore and Michael's I would look and ask. Not sure why I could not find this stuff any where locally. I had just about given up my local search and was going to taken some of my birthday money next month and order some online. Today The Princess and I went to get some simple things to finish a school project and I wasn't going to look because we were there for one purpose and one purpose only. Lo and Behold out of the corner of my eye I saw it, Organic Cotton!! They JUST got it in!!! I bought 2 skeins of pink (of course), 2 skeins of green (of course) and two skein of an all natural brown.

I am so excited!!!

September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Flag of Honor ™
This flag contains the names of those killed in the terrorist attacks of 9.11.
Now and forever it will represent their immortality.
We shall never forget them.

September 11 Fatalities and Casualties
Not including the 19 hi-jackers.

2,973 deaths.
24 officially listed as missing.
2,337 injured
World Trade Center: 2,602 dead and 24 listed as missing.
343 firefighter deaths.
75 police deaths.
2261 injured.
American Airlines Flight 11: 88 dead.
United Flight 175: 64 dead.
The Pentagon: 125 dead.
76 injured.
American Airlines Flight 77: 59 dead.
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
United Flight 93: 40 dead.

All courtesy of The Ships Project

Topic of the Week for Fall into Autumn Swap

Topic of the week for the the Fall into Autumn Swap: Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?

I don't happen to switch yarns during change of seasons. When it gets colder, warmer, etc. I don't really change what I knit with. I knit with what I like and what I can knit with and just hope to get the opportunity to knit with something unique and different. When I first started on my knitting journey, all there was for someone like me was acrylic. See I am highly allergic to all animal fibers and that includes wool, cashmere, alpaca and, yes, silk. All that was left when I was younger was acrylic from Woolworth's (Anyone remember that place? Gosh I miss it). Now when the manufacturers come out with these wondrous organic cottons, cotton blends, corn, soy, bamboo, yes Jessi, Anne, and Chan, even linen and hemp I have to buy them and try them. So, back to the question, I really only switch yarns when someone comes out with a new yarn or i hear about a new yarn like Rowan Calmer. Now three people have told me about that one so, I need to try it. Or Crystal Palace Panda, a bunch of people have told me about that one and I have fallen in love with the Seascape color but have yet to try it.

Haircut

While the Eagles were busy losing today (I do not want to hear it, I will delete your comments if you make them about the Eagles in a negative fashion), Miss Sunshine got her haircut. She HATES to have her haircut. One of my closest friends comes over with her kiddos and makes no promise that the cut will come out straight. It always comes out adorable, btw. Sorry I don't post public pictures of my kids, long story.

Miss Sunshine is one who doesn't sit too still for anything, imagine trying to cut her hair. I give my friend a ton of credit and she has been cutting her hair since Miss Sunshine is one. The first time we were thrown out of the salon my friend works for, Oh that was a nightmare (Ugh!) Well, technically, asked not to come back with that screaming yelling child. Mind you, I don't go there to get my hair done.

In the meantime, I am having fun putting together my half of the swap pals for the Fall into Autumn Swap. My goal, to get my matches done before Anne (shh don't tell her I am technically done in hard copy and just need to input them in the computer)

I GOT SPOILED SP11 Style!!

Such wonderful goodies!!! Except for the yarn, everything else is handmade by my pal!! How cool is that?!?!?!

Two skeins of Rowan Cotton Jean yarn, 100% cotton, a new one for me and I cannot wait to try it. The yarn is a very cool color called Hemp of all things and is a shade of purple, of course. A little felted sheep ornament which I have been holding from the little green string until Miss Sunshine ran away with it (at least I snapped a photo of it). I now have no idea where the little guy is. A gorgeous handmade purple little project bag which is already host to a baby hat. A hand knit washcloth made with Tahki Stacy Charles Cotton in Miss Sunshine's favorite color and she attempted to run off with it but, I stopped her. Last but not least a bar of handmade soap that smells like lemongrass from a new soapmaker, my SP pal. I love that!!

Thank you SP 11 Pal!! You are amazing!!!

Cool Statistics

By trade, I do market research so when I come across a statistic or am send one I usually find them facinating. My husband actually send me two that I thought my fellow knitters would find interesting especially since I rarely come across one where an expert would actually mention "gasp" knitting.

from Newsweek
"Tattoos and Knitting"
Both are discernible microtrends in America, says pollster Mark Penn. And they contain powerful clues to what’s happening in society.

... Between 2004 and 2005, the purchase of fashion yarn increased 56 percent. The fastest growing group of knitters are teens and twentysomethings. ...

... The microsurge in knitting among teens? It represents a turning away from the prevalent online obsession of most young Americans. “People are looking for new outlets of self-expression,” says Penn. “There is a premium on individuality that is rapidly rising.”...

How about that?!?

Hectic Week, Glad It Is Just About Gone

Well, I am glad this first week is JUST about over. Everyone thought I went AWOL but, this first week back in September is one of my busiest weeks and I don't even get to make soap :-(.

The girls go back to school - went very well with hardly an tears, any problems, new teachers, new classrooms and new schedules. They both seem to be happy but it is the very first week. I am going to stay optimistic.

I work for a religious after school program and that starts this weekend actually so we had orientation every day this week - I had to get my room organized, new supplies, bulletin boards decorated, materials organized and put in place, etc. I am also getting to teach an art class in conjunction with this program so I am very excited about that too but for now it meant more organization.

Then there were school meetings at Miss Sunshine's school and since I organizing their largest fundraiser in the fall I have to go to ALL OF THEM. What was I thinking when I volunteered? No clue. It will be so worth it because it is a Shopper's Night where some of the money is given back to the school and, of course, I will have a space there but right now it is the little details to finish up.

I did get to catch some of my Wednesday night knitting, thankfully. It was like a mini trip tot he spa for me. I so needed it. Sometimes I am so very thankful for having that knitting group. I little break from reality if i can get to it.

Next week, a little less chaos, I hope.

Thank You to All My Swap Pals!!

Since school started, I am the mad note writer to the girls teachers and I am usually frantically looking for paper. Not any more. Thanks to my wonderful, amazing swap pals, I have these wonderful magnet pads of paper. My fridge is covered in the them. All I have to do is go to the kitchen and there you go, I have PAPER!!! Terrifically, fabulous note writing paper!! Thank you all so much!

One less headache

Now .... to find a pen..... I know I have one around here some where *wink*

First Day of School...

One child extremely excited to be in first grade, got up extra early, got dressed, excited to ride the bus and excited to see her old friends at school. Got there, got nervous, only two old classmates in her class but still extremely happy and excited with her teacher and to be back at school.

One child threw the covers back over her head, did not want to wake up, did not want to get dressed, cried when I forced her to get up, made me walk her into into her classroom. Could have cared less who her teacher was (she is new to the school btw) could have cared less that her classroom was new, wanted to play with all the new toys in her pre-k classroom and did not want to do anything the teacher nor the assistant teacher asked of her except she found her name and actually hung up her school bag. Amazing.

One extremely tired Mama who has to do this all over again tomorrow, sigh! Where is the nearest day spa?

Really Need to Get Organized

Now I have my Vegan Pal 2 Swap pal. I think all that is left is the pal for Fall into Autumn Swap. That will make 5 swaps going at the same time. Oh My! Time to get organized!!

In the meantime, I still need to keep being organized on the baby gift front. I finished another hat, the one in the Fiesta Ombre.

I FINALLY settled on a pattern combination for what I want to make for my sister only to realize I don't have size 8US 24" circular needles. I REALLY want to do the entire thing in the round instead of having to do a front and back, lots of seams etc, etc, Bummer. I am going to have to either call around to see if anyone I know locally has them so i can borrow them or buy them. Grrr

So in the meantime, I cast on yet another baby hat. I got the pattern from Ravelry to try it called Cotton Stretchy Baby Hat because it called for Cascade Fixation and I had a skein of it from Cass . It calls for 60 stitches on circulars but that stretched way too much. I know there is elastic in the yarn but still. I frogged it and went back to just dpns. Much better. I also did a first and put that bit of info in the editors notes on Ravelry. If this is supposed to be a beginner's pattern, just go straight to dpns and don't ask the knitter to stretch so much.

Last day of summer vacation today. Wish us luck for tomorrow.

One of Our Own Hit's the Big Time (sort of)

One of the swappers from the last Dishcloth swap, Kt, has gotten herself published, that is correct here folks. We all dabble in pattern writing but Kt actually got one of her patterns publishes in MagKnits September 2007 Issue.

The pattern, Skirtcicle, is a cute skirt pattern for little girls (Hey! I have two of those!!) Knit in cotton, a yarn I can definitely use. I am so thankful it is designed in something I am not highly allergic to like most patterns that will come out from now until spring time.

So, stop by Kt's blog and tell her congratulations and then go check out the way cool pattern!!

Fall Into Autumn Swap and Questionnaire

I am so excited for the Fall into Autumn Swap because this round, I am co-hosting with Anne. You know I LOVE swaps, hosting is just one of the added benefits

Here are the answers to my questionnaire because even though you host, you still get a secret pal :-)

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it? Knit How long have you been knitting\crocheting? Technically since I am 9.

2. Have you made dishcloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? I have knit them before and i have used them myself, given them as gifts and I even sell them with my soaps (I have a soap business Sharon's Soaps N' Stuff )

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? I LOVE Blue Sky, Tahki, Pakucho and Cherry Tree Hill. I was just told about Rowan Calmer and now I would REALLY like to try it.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I like both straight and circular and prefer wooden, Rosewood and Bamboo

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much? Favorite color is lavender but I have been know, thanks to my daughters to like deep pinks and green (either lime or Kelly)

6. What do you like best about Autumn? My birthday, my oldest daughter's birthday, the color of the leaves changing

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! Pumpkin definitely and apple

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? I didn't oversleep but I wasn't jumping for joy

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the time frame of the swap) The kids do go Trick-or treating but we don't really celebrate Halloween like put up decorations or anything

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Hmm, that is a tough one. Definitely chocolate, Tastykakes, black beans

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;) i have two daughters, a tortoise and a husband who acts like a child ;-)

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Definitely non-animal fiber, colorful, soft, easy to work with

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? facecloths

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) 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

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns 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. You asked.

Happy September!

Oh my, it is September already?!? Where did August go? My kids start school on Tuesday already and I go back to teaching in the after school program. I have orientation Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I have third grade this year. I am looking forward to it since I also get to teach an art class as well.

As promised, here is a picture of BOTH baby booties. Model, one of the Princess's baby dolls. I can never get rid of these dolls because they make excellent baby models ;-)

This is the hat I was working on at the football game. Pattern of my own invention. Same yarn as the baby booties, Bamboozle. Definitely worth a try and a re-buy. Very easy on the hands, soft, pretty and has some elastic to it. Not too shabby.

Next project on the needles, well, it is another baby hat (oh my, shock, surprise!!) Peaches N Cream Fiesta Ombre. Don't worry Amanda I have more of this lovely baby for some candy bags. It is really a very nice colorway and really liking how its "stripes" are coming out.

Not quite sure what is next......

Why oh Why

Why oh why do these yarn companies and yarn shops insistent on sending me these sale notifications? I got this one this week for this one I absolutely LOVE that is selling this yarn that is from this company that is going out of business for this yarn that I love to collect though I don't knit with it, yet. Of course it is at a time in my life when I have ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY because we had to buy a new car since my DIED on Sunday. Didn't have any money to buy that either but what are you going to do?

The yarn, Wool in the Woods (yes the irony doesn't escape me either) comes in these amazing colorways and various cotton blends. Oh, there is a wool sock yarn too that is very inexpensive. I won't say cheap because there is NOTHING cheap about these yarns.

If I can persuade the hubby, I will scrape some pennies together, otherwise, have some fun for me. Think about those swaps, LOL

FOOTBALL!!

Football Season had began!! okay it is preseason and I was told if I get to go back to a game and I take my knitting with me again, it better be Eagles green. I have no problem with that!!

I used to go to games all the time when I was younger at Veterans Stadium with my Grandfather, Great Uncle and Dad. This was my first time to Lincoln Financial Field.

Here is my friend Robin (blogless) knitting some socks. See, there is some green in there! We both knit projects that were easy to put down so that we could pay attention to the game too. It didn't really get too exciting till the 4Th quarter any way and it was a preseason game.


Here I am knitting my hat. Robin made sure to get in some of the big screen and field in the picture so you knew we were at the stadium, LOL

The hubby and I also went and bought Eagles gears for the girlies. Got to get them ready for the season, of course! Miss Sunshine definitely loves it because it is GREEN!! Plus since they could speak they learned how to do a few Eagles cheers.

I think they both learned how to spell E-A-G-L-E-S before D-A-D ROTFL

An FO and a WIP

There are two of them, I promise i just haven't had the time to snap a picture of them both, together. I finished the mate last night at our last Sip-n-knit knitting group, sniff, sniff. Now we are back to our regularly scheduled program of every other Wednesday at the diner. I have to miss next week for Miss Sunshine's school open house. So, it is going to be a while for my next knitting night out, boo hoo.

This baby bootie is knit, of course, with the lovely bamboozle. The same one Jessi made me the socks in, the same one I had picked up many moons ago in Sarasota. I finally got around to it. It is for one of the many babies that are being born over the course of the next few months. These were done, thanks to much shoving and pushing and poking of one Ms. Jessi, on dpns. Didn't like the ribbing part too much. Then again I don't like ribbing on ANY needles so I guess that would not matter any way. The rest wasn't a problem

Now I have cast on, you guessed it, a matching hat. Sorry no picture of that yet either. This is not being done on dpns but on my favorite, thank you Beverly (no blog), 16" circulars. Ah circulars, got to love those and I do.

My circs and I are going to a pre-season Eagles game tonight - HOORAY!!! Yes, I am a FOOTBALL FAN. I have yet to go to our new stadium and when Robin (no blog) and her SO offered to take the hubby and me tonight, we couldn't pass it up. Reminds me, I need to take a picture of the socks Robin made for me too :-) So if I start knitting more in green there is more than the fact that it is Miss Sunshine's favorite color :-)

The 4-Needle Mystery

AH knitting in the waiting room especially one for women "things" so everyone of them looks to see what you are doing when you whip out the knitting and the double pointed needles, thank you Amanda for pushing me in that direction.

One woman looks at me and says, "Are you actually knitting with four needles?"
"Yes"
"Why are you knitting with 4 needles?"
Someone else answered "So she doesn't have any seams, of course!"
"Oh My!" You hear from a few of the women. I had to show an example of something else and show off the socks Jessi made for me too, of course. "Wow, how pretty!"
"I can only crochet"
"I can only use two needles"
"I have only seem those circular thingies"
"I have never seem that many needles used at once"
"Impressive"

Me, smiling on the inside, glad that I take my knitting with me every where I go, answering all of their questions, so glad I was in and out of the waiting room many times and there for an hour and a half. Got me some knitting done though (rolling the eyes)

Did I Say Pink?

Okay so the name of the swap was Pink and Peach but some how Holly and I paid closer attention to the Pink with some peach thrown in but who cares because I think both Holly and I LOVE pink. If you check out Holly's blog you'll see what I sent her BUT don't leave yet or you'll miss all the fabulous goodies she sent to me.

Is that some AMAZINGLY AWESOME swap goodies or what?!?! Let's start with the cutest tape measure I have EVER seen! It is there on the left in a an adorable picture frame. Above that are very cure stitch markers, pink of course. Yes, some very nice Sugar and Cream SCREAMING to be candy bags (Amanda, can you hear them?) Meditation has some sparkle to it, a bamboo from Bernat that id oh so soft, and a sport weight cotton from Mexico that is very cool variegated pink. Last, but not least, Delicious Soy yarn (That's the yarn's name. Look Jessi, more Delicious yarn, Hooray!! ) in a very luscious pink color. In fact, it is the Princess's favorite shade of pink.

Thank you so much Holly for all the wonderful swap goodness!!

Pretty Feet

Don't the Princess and I have cute feet? Can you tell pink is high on our favorite color list? Do you think I need a tan? ;-)

These are the fantastically, fabulously, absolutely GORGEOUS socks that Jessi made for me. Aren't they the most AMAZING socks you have ever seen? Okay I am laying it on a bit thick but, I don't knit these things really and truly with the heel and all so when my bestest bud offered to make me a pair in this YUMMY yarn I was was THRILLED to say the least!! I am wearing them right now and don't think I will take them off except to wash them.

These are the slippers I made for the Princess out of Vanna's Choice. It Pills so not the greatest yarn for slippers I am betting. She does love them as I mentioned earlier she has yet to take them off since I gave them to her on Saturday night. Shows good stitch definition though.

Jessi also sent me the most ADORABLE stitch markers - TURTLES for our Turtle, Tina!! These are gorgeous. Miss Sunshine tried to steal them and hang them in Tina's home but, I stopped her right quick. If you have never checked out Jessi's shop, Alabama Fiber Dreams, you really need to take a look at all the really cute stuff she carries. I suggest sooner than later because I am afraid come holiday season she'll be sold out.

I might be back in a few minutes, I have another package to open.

My Weekend

I gave my day at Loop Yarn and meeting Amy Singer its own post because I think it deserved it, Don't you?

My Mom and I drove down to Atlantic City, which is about an hour and a half from where I live. You can go for the beach but, we go for the casinos. Before my kids we'd stay overnight once or twice a year. Then we'd go just for the day. This was the first time in a long while we were staying over night again.

Let me start by saying we didn't win anything but had a BLAST. We only play the machines not the tables.

I played one game for Jessi that was Star Wars, The Dark Side (my Mom LOVED this one)
One game for Chan's husband that was Fire Rescue
One game for us knitters because one of the symbols was yarn and needles (how cute is that!!)
A princess game for my Princess
Every game with green (Frogs, Irish,etc) for Miss Sunshine
However my favorite was this cute one with these cows called milk money, LOL

I also finished the Princesses slippers but she hasn't taken them off since Saturday night. Eventually I will snap a picture of them.

It was great fun and very relaxing and we probably won't get another chance for another overnight trip for a long time but a day trip maybe at winter break.