knittinsilly

past weeks

2007-02-05T20:10:00.000-05:00

So in the past week I have turned another year older. I had fun with my sister and mom. I was hoping to do something with my mom, dad and sister, but it was a blustery day we were going to do something. We decided to stay in most of the day. We did go out to eat. I chose a bad place. Service was not good. The waitress was just awful, and the food was not good. We have been there before, but we will never go again. The waitress came by once and slammed the bread plates on the table. There were other things that happened but it is making me mad so I will just go on.

I was also on vacation this past week. I had to roll over a weeks worth of time from last year because I couldn't take it in December like I had planned. Since we were moving to the new branch I thought that it would not be fair to leave the branch. So I took it the week of my birthday.

It was super nice to not have to get up in the morning....although I was up around 8 or so...got to sleep in a bit. I also did not have to go to bed "early" (early for me is 11:30). It was also nice sleeping thru most nights. I did have to go in on Wed...for the grand opening of the "new" branch that had been open for more than a month. Once again, I thought that it would not be fair to have the day off, so I worked it. What a "Team Player" I am...I should get a good review!

I watched movies and TV while I was off. I was happy to sit on the couch and just veg out.

As I was doing the payroll today, I noticed that I have a total of 160 hours of vacation this year!!! COOL!! another three weeks. I also think that there might be another 6 days added into it because of "personal" time that we are allotted this year instead of "sick" time.

Today I thought that I would be overwhelmed. I was not. I was searching for things to do. I started the monthly branch audit that I dread to do, but most of it is completed now. I have just bits and pieces of it left to do. I think that I have most of the "hard" part done :)

While I was off I took my sister and mom to the LYS. I told them to pick out yarn for socks. I think that I was smokin crack when I told them that I would knit them socks. I have the yarn, and now I have to get the ambition to start them. I am going to do it a different way this time. I have two sets of DPN's to knit two socks at the same time to avoid "second sock syndrome".

That is about all that is going on in my life.

My SP is the BEST!!!!

2007-01-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

So you think that you have the best Secret Pal? Well you do not! I DO!!!!!

I had a blast this round. Thanks Lynn!

I received my last package today. I really enjoyed getting to know her. Her blog is: mutantpenguin.blogspot.com

Here are the pictures:

There was so much in the package that I had to break it up into two pictures! WOW!

Ok, so in the picture on the left: There is a set of bags with Mickey Mouse! a picture frame with purple flowers and jewels, a box of Moose Munch Crunch in caramel by Harry and David (love their stuff!) a magnet that says "so much yarn so little time" and a set of point protectors in the shape of socks!

The picture on the right: A very nice reveal letter from Lynn, note cards with my name on them (Michelle) a book "Knitting Without Tears" (glancing thru it, there looks like some cool patterns...even a pattern for mittens that I think I would like to try), there was 4 skeins of yarn! One on the left is from a spinning mill called Harrisville Designs in New Hampshire where they card and spin their own yarns (how cool), the blue and pink yarns are from Knit Picks (love them!!!) the yarn is called Palette in the colors blush and pool.

Thank you Secret Pal Lynn!

Now I have another picture:

When I was moving things off the top of my yarn bureau, I saw this teddy that my aunt gave me. She has a set of needles, a ball of yarn, and a knitting bag that says "Knitting Is My Bag". How cute is she? I also put my two bears that are sisters....I bought one in Ohio here and one when I was in Canada.

Recently my aunt gave me another bear. I have not put her out yet because I need a stand. I have been too lazy to look for one. Until then she will stay protected in the box. I might want to keep her in the box anyway, she has a pretty white cloak that I think might get a little dirty...but then again, I would like to enjoy seeing her out with the other bears.

The same aunt had gall bladder surgery last week. What was to be a 45 min surgery turned out to be a 6 1/2 hour ordeal. She had some pretty big stones that had to be chipped away. She was supposed to be sent home later that night. Because of the longer surgery, she will have a 7-8 day stay. I was hoping to see her this weekend, but she is not up to having visitors. I hope she recovers quickly. Please send a prayer for quick healing!

More Pics

2007-01-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures I promised last week.

Blogger finally uploaded the pictures. It took a long time, but did not kick me out.

Yesterday I finished the handles for the bag and sewed up the bottom. I have to sew on the handles, felt, and line with plastic canvas.

I also noticed last night that the plant has yet another flower growing. There are three on the plant. I am so shocked! There has only been two flowers at a time.

On another note, I am off today! I am not sure what to do. I have LOTS to do, but don't want to do the things that I should. I did vacuum the carpet. I have clothes to go through (do they fit or not) and put away (even from the last disaster in the apartment a month or so ago) and the bathroom to clean. I have to re-arrange my yarn stash. I have to work out and I also wanted to see a movie in a theater. I think that I can do it, but I have to get my butt off of the couch and do it. Oh and I just forgot that I need to pay the bills....NOT FUN! OH shoot, I need to get groceries also. I think that I need to make a list of what I need to accomplish today! :)

update

2007-01-04T22:36:00.000-05:00

So I am trying to upload some pictures of what I have been working on, but blogger is not letting me. I will try again Friday night.

Anyway, the secret pal I had for secret pal 8 sent me a pattern and yarn for a felted purse. I have been working on this since the end of September.....I have not worked on it for a long time because I wanted to focus on the shawl. I finished the body of the purse the other night. I am now working on the i-cord handles. I should be felting the purse this weekend. I can't wait. I just love to see the felting process. I have enough yarn left that I might make a change purse. I have done this in the past with another purse. It turned out really cute. This pattern takes pony beads. I think that I will include the rest of the pony beads in the change purse. I can just see it now...how cute!!!

I was watering my one plant early this week. I noticed that it is starting to flower again! I think that this will be the third time this year! WOW! I went a year without a flower and now three in a year! I have a picture of this too....but......

Pics....finally

2006-12-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

Blogger finally allowed me to upload pics....

Here are pictures of the adamas shawl I knit for my sister's Christmas present:

This is the adamas shawl as I was blocking it. I had pictures of it before I blocked it, but I accidentally erased it from my new digital camera. OOPS

My sister opened the cute little package that I put it in and just saw part of the main pattern. I told her to open it fully and she was shocked! She asked if I knitted it for her. She was very impressed. I am glad that she likes it. She told me that she was thinking of what outfit to wear it with!

I am now working on the purse I started back in September. I am getting close to the end. I will post pictures of it when I am finished knitting, but before I felt it.

Finally

2006-12-21T23:29:00.000-05:00

OK, so the shawl is FINALLY finished. I finished knitting the shawl last night around midnight. Binding off took longer than I expected. I started the blocking process tonight. I have never blocked anything before, so I am excited to see what happens. I did get pictures, but I accidentally erased the pictures.

A cool thing happened this week. My boss received a gift card for exceeding last month's investment goal. Well, it was my referral, and he gave me the gift card! So, I asked for it to be from Target! I bought a digital camera yesterday. So that is what I used to take pictures of the finished shawl that I accidentally erased tonight. It was cool to see the before and after. I hope to figure out how to upload the data to the computer. I plan on figuring this out Saturday or Sunday. I am so angry that I lost the pictures. I even tried to take a picture from my camera-phone, but the battery died last night....I tried the phone first, but lost juice, then remembered the camera I had.

Well I should be off to bed. I hope to sleep through tonight.....

Thanks....and OH NO!

2006-12-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

Update on the past week:

In the past week I gave a presentation, moved into a new branch, got a cold, and received the best package from my Secret Pal.

I am now feeling much better. The past couple of days I felt like a wash rag. Today I finally feel almost normal. I am not blowing my nose or coughing much.

So here are the neat things my Secret Pal sent last week:

The package contained purple slipper-socks, a bar of jasmine soap, and a purple washcloth. The photo doesn't really show the bar of soap really well, but it is purple too.

How cool is that! I love the color purple!

The penguin card is too cute too!

Thanks SP!

Here is my modeling debut....I promise never to model again :)

Thanks again SP.

OK, so now for the "OH NO" part of the title. I have, say, about a week to finish the Adamas shawl for my sister. I am close to finishing it. I think that I will do only 13 of the 14 repeats, just to finish it on time. I will then have to do the edging, which I hope will not take too long. I will then have to block it. I figure if I can knit the rest of it by next week, I will have enough time to block it. I want this to look pretty when she opens up the present. Oh I just can't wait. I plan on posting pics soon of it off the needle....

With that, I think that I will get going to knit the rest of the repeat that I am in.

Hell week you ask???

2006-12-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

OH YEA this is hell week.

So, I had my presentation on Tuesday. I think I bombed on it, but I had a couple compliments :)

As I was getting ready for moving to the new branch, I got a cold!!!! OH NO! I have not been sick in a couple of years! This sucks.

Well, I have to go. I am writting this at work and I have a customer.

Hell Week....?

2006-12-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

I think that I am going to call this week hell week. This is my 8th day straight at work. It will not end until Friday evening. This week is the final week at the bank inside the grocery store. We have a "real" bank built for us. The grocery store that the branch is in currently, is closing on Friday at 3. We need to be out at that time. We expected to be open until 5:30 on Friday. Rumor has it that we might close on Thursday. I would like that even better. I guess we are still waiting on another permit. The permit is for Radon....OH GEEE is what I am thinking. The new branch is built on a trash heap. It is supposed to be safe, but I am not sure how safe it will be if the Radon detectors go off often.

Well that is the end of the week, the begining of the week I have a presentation of a project that I am supposed to put into action at the branch. I am SO not ready for it. Oh yeah, the presentation is Tuesday. I still have to get together the "visual aide". I think that I have everything here, but I am just not motivated to get it together. I am a slacker.

I am sitting on the couch eatting a snack and watching TV. The only thing on is Brokeback Mountain. I have never seen this movie. I am kinda confused. I guess that is what happens when you start watching a movie half way through.

I am still working on the shawl. As I stated before, I am a slacker. I have been too lazy to do anything. I did get a chance to knit a few rows of it yesterday and today. I might knit a bit more tonight. I will knit some on Tuesday. I hope to finish it soon. Each row takes longer and longer to knit.

Well I think that I will buckle down and get my binder together for the presentation Tuesday.

Thanks

2006-11-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

I went to Michigan for Thanksgiving. It was fun times with family. I actually had a bit of a conversation with one of my cousins. We have not talked too much in the past 10 years or so. It was nice to see that she was actually willing to talk. I had fun at my Aunt's house. She is the coolest aunt's that I have. I was looking forward to getting up at 5 am on Friday to go shopping. Well, that did not happen. My mom and sister did not want to get up that early.

When I got home Sunday, I checked my mail and found a package from my Secret Pal!

Here are the goodies that I received:
There are a couple of snowmen ornaments, an angel ornament, a pail with children making a snowman, a votive crock with a votive candle in the most yummy scent (Christmas cookie), sock yarn in a pretty colorway, and a note.

Thanks Secret Pal!

So the other week I bought a hand held game. Well not really a game, but a virtual pet. I created a dog named Maggie. She barks, sniffs, and does tricks. I have to make her eat, drink, sleep, go to the bathroom, and groom her. There are a couple more things she does, but I can't remember what it is. So far I have gone through three sets of batteries. Right now I am taking her on a "walk". It is kinda fun, but it starting to lose the excitement.

The next week I will be very busy at work. One of my tellers came to me and put in a one week notice. He has been gone for a week now. I was also told that another one of my tellers would be transferred to another branch. With being down two people I am getting ready to move to a new branch. I was lucky today. I had help from someone that has done this before. She boxed up and cleaned out drawers all day. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I know we are on the right track. What she did today really helped me out. Since I am now running a teller drawer and still doing my job. I can't get away long enough to box up stuff. Well, only one more week of this and I will be able to relax a bit.

What to do....

2006-11-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

So I am off the next three days!!!!! I have my days planned so far. Wednesday morning I am going to work out, pay a couple of bills, and clean my apartment. In the afternoon I am going to pick up my Dad and we are going to go get a bra for my car. Since I drive so much on the highway, I decided that I should get a bra for the front of the car. On the last car I had, there were many paint chips on the hood. Then, he and I are going to set up for a craft fair at my Mom's work. I also plan on getting some knitting done in the afternoon.

Thursday I have a meeting that I might just skip. I also have to meet my Dad at the craft fair to sell my sister's and my stuff. She makes soap and other bath type products, while I make candles and smelly jellies. I hope we do well. This year it is only one day. The past years it was two days.

Friday I plan on knitting (I have to finish the Christmas present before Christmas), going to a movie, working out and just relaxing.

Saturday I have to work, but will be checking on the Michigan/Ohio game. GO BLUE!!!!! Yep that is correct. I live in Ohio, but root for Michigan.

So, blogger has a new template/site. I think that I was stupid and switched over. I am not sure if it will allow comments or not. We will see.....

I've Got Mail

2006-11-09T23:10:00.000-05:00

I received mail from my Secret Pal today!!!!

This is what I got:

Check out the cute lambs!

Here are pictures of Scarlet Spitfire...Thank you for the suggestions! A redhead for a redhead :)

On the knitting front....Well there isn't much different. I am very busy at work and I seem to fall asleep on the couch when I get home. I do not trust myself with knitting lace. I have to count and concentrate. I did knit some tonight, but not much. I guess every little bit helps. I need to buckle down and work on it. I will have time next week to work on it. I am off Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sun. Wed and Thurs I am getting ready for and working a craft fair. I have to make some candles and smelly jellies on Wed for the show on Thurs. Friday will be all mine, so I plan on putting more of a dent in the shawl.

Goodbye......

2006-11-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

So, my week stated off pretty bad, but is ending GREAT!

I took the "Green Lightning" (my 2000 green Sunfire) to the dealership for an oil change, they quoted $1200.00 in repairs. Well, this has been going on for the past year. $300-900 in repairs. I decided to not do the repairs and to trade her in. She was a decent car... She will be missed.... So, tonight I picked up the new car. It is a red Chevy Cobalt. Not a bright red, but a dark red that is more of a wine color. Nice smooth ride too. I can't believe the difference of the two cars. Duhh....I should know the difference 7 year old car to a new....yep there should be a bit of difference.

I will post pictures at a later date. It was dark outside when I picked her up.

I also need to come up with a name for her. I had a "Blue Bullet" and "Green Lightning". Now I have to come up with the Red....???? Any ideas?

Crazy stuff....

2006-10-29T22:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, so a few months ago I found a cool blog. I have visited it often, but the hostess decided to stop blogging. I recently found its replacement!

Check out the original at http://youknitwhat.blogspot.com
The replacement is http://youknitwhattwo.blogspot.com
There is also: http://whatnottoknit.wordpress.com/

Enjoy these sites. I always get in my daily chuckle.

The shawl

2006-10-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

Here are pics of the Adamas shawl (from KnitPicks). It is easy going at the moment, nothing but repeats. Soon I will work on the points on the edge of the shawl. I will be pulling my hair out trying to figure it out, but I cross that bridge when I come to it. I am pretty sure that I am at 10 of the 14 repeats! Will this be finished for Christmas? I think so!!! I just hope that my sister likes it. If she doesn't....well I will bop her on the head :)

I am so tired of Political TV spots. They are nothing but bashing the other opponent's character....Oh I can't wait for it to be over.

So, I decided to start the diet again. Of course I will start Monday. I am planning on the food plan for the next week. I think that I need to go to the grocery Sunday. Let's see how long this lasts.

Beads in the mail

2006-10-19T14:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I did get the beads in the mail on Monday....I decided that I like them. I think that they will look nice in the purse! Now ask me the question...have I done anything with the beads? NO. I have been working strange hours and I have been too lazy. I also want to focus on the shawl since it is a Christmas present.

Talking about work. That is where I am at today. I am working another all day shift. It is only 11 hours or so. But it is a long day when you don't get to leave. Know I know, if anyone has looked at my profile, you noticed that it says "banking" as my career. And how can someone with "bankers hours" work an 11 hour shift? Well, when you have people on vacation and requesting days off, that will happen. I can't wait until our new branch opens. We are building a new branch down the street...with real hours. I am currently in a grocery store bank. This means 7 days a week and being open longer hours. When we move we will be open until 5:30 and close at early on Saturday. We will also have Sunday's off.

I just can't wait!

Blah Blah Blah

2006-10-16T18:01:00.000-05:00

So this is how I feel....blah. I am still depressed about the dog. When I walked into my parents house yesterday, I expected the dog to visit me with a toy. No dog, no nothing. Mom and I cleaned all of her toys and got them ready to pack them away. Mom told me that I will have a nice stash of toys for my puppy. I hope that is sooner than later.

On the knitting front....
I am still working on the shawl. I have a couple more repeats finished. They go fast, but my hand goes numb.
The purse has come to a halt. I am waiting for beads to come in the mail. I am not sure if I will like the beads or not. I will see.... Hopefully the beads will be in the mail box today!

2006-10-07T04:19:00.000-05:00

Get-to-know-you SP9 questions

Oh I like these questions...

******UPDATE******** I FOUND THESE QUESTIONS ON YARNYENTA.BLOGSPOT.COM

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?I like knitting in front of the TV. I have knit in public before, but only for a bit. I have even knit a sock while at work.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead? How dare you mention something so bad.... If I was unable to knit, I would read more.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why? Do we have to pick just one place? If I could travel...I would travel the world. I would visit many places. I like to experience different ways of life. But, if I had to choose only one place in the world to visit, I would have to say that I would go back to London. I had a ball there. It is so rich in history (which is funny for me to say because I don't really like history), I liked the shopping, and I liked the lifestyle there.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it? I wanted to be a pediatrician. I am no where near the medical field. I started to go that route in college, but I dropped out for a "semester"....bad idea because I never went back. I am currently looking into going back to finish my business degree.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Is this sad to say that I am not too much of a fan of ice cream? Oh I feel so bad for saying that. I buy it once in a blue moon...you girls would understand this.....:) When I do buy ice cream, it is Ben and Jerry's. I usually change it up....depends on what I am craving at that time. I usually go with something with caramel. OH I LOVE the one with the Karmel in the center of the pint. I also liked the Marsha Marsha Marshmallow. Thinking of food is getting me HUNGRY.

2006-10-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

SP9 Questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like working with wool. I have used novelty yarns in the past. I don't have a dis-like to yarn...I guess that is a good thing huh?

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a box that some of my needles are in. I have a portfolio for some needles, but I have too many to fit in it.

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 been knitting for 3 or so years. I would consider myself intermediate. I learned a LONG time ago from a childhood friend. All I could knit then was a very bad looking scarf. I revisited knitting about 20 years later and have been hooked ever since.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No list.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like any citrus type fragrances.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Oh boy, do I ever! I LOVE chocolate. I would say that my favorite would be TWIX candy bars...or just plain ol' chocolate is good too :) YUMMY...this is making me hungry....

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I have tried to bead things. They just don't come out like I would like them to. I have to practice I guess. I have two bracelets that need to be fixed, and I am just not getting it. I also make candles and smelly jelly air fragrances.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like just about every kind of music. I don't really like country, but I can tolerate it.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like purples, blues, pinks, greens. I don't really like orange or browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Single. No pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves and mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like to knit purses...I like to felt purses/bags. I like to knit socks. I am getting the hang of knitting lace.

13. What are you knitting right now? B-4 Bag and Adamas Shawl.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? YES!!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer circular. I have all types of needles. It depends on the project I am working on.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I own both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 3 years. I have the items to finish, but have to get off my butt to complete it.

18. What is your favorite holiday? I would say Christmas. I like to give gifts...I also like shopping for the gifts.

19. Is there anything that you collect? I collect bears.

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 have no magazine subscriptions. I can't really say that I am dying to get my hands on books, yarns, needles, or patterns...I try anything once.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would to know more about cables.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I knit socks. I am not sure of my foot size. I would say HUGE.

23. When is your birthday? 01/27

2006-10-06T17:38:00.000-05:00

Huge Post

Ok, here is what I have been working on:

I am currently working on an Adamas Shawl for my sister for Christmas....shhhh don't tell her, she does not know that I am doing this for her :)

Here are pics of the shawl:

Last week I got home from a little vacation to Disney World. I was GREAT fun. My sister and I went for 4 days. I bought two Mickey Mouses. The big one is for me and the little one is for my dog Samantha. Now there is a bit of heart ache for Samantha. She had to be put to sleep Saturday the 30th of September. She was FINE when I left my parents house on Friday night. My parents got back home about two hours after I left, only to discover Sammy in the bathroom with blood and foam all over her. Come to find out she had a grand mal seizure. She was rushed to the vet. She had 5 or 6 more seizures by 2 pm on Saturday. We decided that since she was not getting any better to put her out of her misery. We got to see her and say goodbye. When she was wheeled in the room, she recognized us. She tried to get up and greet us, but she was too weak. She knew her people were there. I now have the Mickey back and the Mickey charm that I got for her collar is now on my key chain.

This is my Sammy:

She was only 9.5 years old. Spoiled rotten, but she deserved it. She was the princess that captured the family's heart. She is missed and will be missed for a long time.

I started the B-4 Bag from my SP8 while in Florida also. I am to the point where I am to add beads. I can't find glass pony beads. I have looked in the local craft stores, but can only find the plastic ones. I need to look on line harder for what I want. I have a couple more places that I can visit in the area. There is even a bead shop not too far from me.

My phone line.....OK so I have dial-up....I have to admit that it is crappy. I have not been able to get a good connection because the phone line has been static-y (if that is a word). When I got home last night, I tried to humor myself and try to connect...well there was NO DIAL TONE!!!! I sent a little note to ATT for them to correct this little problem. Well when I got home today, not only did I have a dial tone, I had a dial tone with NO STATIC!!! Yes finally! I hope that this lasts more than a couple of months like it did last time. I was dragging my computer to my parents house to connect with their phone line.

Well I will create another post for the SP9 questionnaire. Check the blog soon!

2006-09-13T19:24:00.001-05:00

blogger is too silly for me to figure out.

I tried to post some pics, but they are not showing up. Is it a user malfunction? I don't think so...but probably :)

2006-09-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

Pics:
These are the pics that I promised from the last entry

This is what I got from my Secret Pal Rachel

Along with this pattern:

I bought the noro in Michigan

I also bought this alpaca in Michigan

2006-09-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

My weekend

I got back from Michigan yesterday. I visited my aunt in Marshall and my aunt in Hastings Michigan. The aunt in Hastings fell three weeks ago and broke her hip. My mom, aunt from Marshall and I visited her in tendercare. She is staying there until she is well enough to walk on her own. She is doing much better.

I was in Michigan because Marshall has a historical homes tour. It is a huge open house. Some of the houses are strangely decorated, and some are nice and homey. Most of them look stuffy. Anyway, when we were planning the route we would take from house to house, we made a note to visit the local yarn shop! :) Here is what I bought: well I tried uploading pics to blogger, but there is problems. I will try at a later time. Anyway, I bought some Atacama in a rose/red colorway, Noro Kureyon in a black/grey/red colorway.

When I got back home, I received my last package from my Secret Pal! In the package was two balls of sock yarn that is grey. Very soft and nice. Also two skeins of Andes wool in a red/blue/purple colorway. Very nice. There was a patter for a felted purse...I will use the Andes wool for the purse :) Also in the package was a bar of chocolate YUMMY! I have used restraint and have not tried any yet. There was a key chain from Oklahoma with a bison on it..the cool thing is there is a compass and a thermometer on it :) I like things like this. And there was a collectible thimble also from Oklahoma. A very nice package! Thank you very much Rachel!!!! I am sorry I could not post pics....I will try again later.

2006-08-23T18:06:00.000-05:00

SHHHHH.......Don't tell.....

I am updating the blog while at work....

So I started the lace shawl on Monday. I had to take the pattern to the local yarn store to have them help me decipher the notes. She was just about as confused as I was. I should just trust the pattern and knit.....So, that it what I am doing. I am almost finished with the one section of the pattern (which is not much). I bought a magnetic chart holder from Knit Picks yesterday, I hope that this will help me with keeping track of where I am while knitting. I have faith that this will be finished by Christmas time. I will post a pic in a couple of days.

Oh by the way, I am finally using my Denise needles. I bought them awhile ago, but haven't used them. So far I like them.

Gotta get back to work :)

2006-08-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Second Purple Sock

I finished the second purple sock Saturday night. Here is a pic of it!

Since I am off today, I will be visiting my LYS. Hopefully they can help me figure out the Adamas Shawl. I am still confused on this one. I have googled help on it, but really got no where.

Well, I should post this before I get disconnected again.

2006-08-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

Home alone again

Well, I am home alone again. I am dog sitting for my parents while they are away for a couple of days. I am not used to their computer.....so bare with me....

On the knitting front: I am, I would like to think, more than half way thru my second purple sock. YEAH!!! I am starting to get sock syndrome. I like to see the progress, but I am getting tired of socks. I have a HUGE feat ahead of me....I am going to start a lace shawl for my sister for Christmas. (She does not know what my blog name is, so it is safe to say what I am making her). I have a pattern for the Adamas Shawl from KnitPicks. I am SO confused with the pattern.....I just have to try it I guess. I might take it to the local yarn shop to see if they can advise me on how to work it out.

Other things: I received a Thank You note from one of my customers last week. I saved him a couple of thousand dollars in a fraudulent wire earlier in the year. Well, inside the note was a $100 bill. Now, what do I buy with it? I was thinking of saving it for the Disney trip later in September. Or, do I use it to get gift cards to Best Buy from Giant Eagle (a local grocery store) to earn 40 cents off of gas? (they are giving 20 cents credit for every $50 spent towards gas...it usually is 10 cents, but for the next month it is increased!) OK, back to what I was saying. Taking the gift card(s) to Best Buy to get a digital camera? Hmmm....what to do.... If I get the camera now, I can use it at Disney....

What should I do this weekend? I plan on going to work out in the morning, then going to Verizon to get my new phone! My two year contract is up and I want a new phone. I might get a pink RAZR, or that new phone called the "chocolate". More decisions that I have to make. I hate making decisions. I am leaning towards the RAZR, but I don't have an iPod, so the Chocolate sounds like a good choice, since it is part mP3 player. I will find out in the morning what is good for me. I might also dye some of the yarn from KnitPicks that I got last week. Since my parents are not home, I can cover up their island and go to town on making a mess :)

Off to knit some more on the purple sock! CHAO

2006-08-11T01:23:00.000-05:00

Ahh The Joy's of Apartment Living

So it is almost 2:30 in the morning...Can't sleep? NOPE! I can't fall asleep because of the morons next door to me. There are three of them fighting. It lasts more than two hours. The cops come out TWICE and take the three idiots into the hallway....SMART??? Nope, I say.

From what I heard, one of them is from West Virginia. He was taken to jail. He has a $500 bond on him because he is from out of state. The other two got to stay in the apartment. Why??? I don't know.

It was kinda neat to see the cops come with their tazers pulled (gotta love a man in uniform...oh so HOTTTT). Yes, I was looking out the peep hole in the door. What else am I to do? If they want to blare their news in the hallway, it is open game. I think that they were having a "lover's quarrel". Both times the cops left, they were laughing at the guy's. The guy from West Virginia told the cops to eat some more doughnuts, and then started to cry and ask why he was being taken to jail..... boooo hoooo hoooooo....oh yeah the guy did not even know his address, strange I say.

I do feel bad for the guy who's head was smashed in. I heard that he took a chair to the noggin. It did sound kinda bad from my bedroom (which is next to their bedroom....yea me! I am glad that I don't hear gay sex at all times of day/night).

Well on a different note, I heard from an old high school pal tonight! It was great to see an email from her and that she wanted to chat. How cool is that???? When I go to visit my sister in Michigan, I drive past her parents house and think that I need to find where she is and catch up on old times with her! I hope she responds to my email...I am pretty sure that she will.

Oh, I saw the hottie from my building again tonight. We have crossed paths a couple of times in the past week or two. I had just gotten McDonald's (yep, had nothing in the fridge), and he was waiting for the elevator. I waited for a couple of seconds, but was too embarrassed to get on, so I walked down the hall to the stairs and walked up 5 flights...hey I had to work off the junk I was about to consume, so it seemed like a good plan to me. But I probably would have had a better time getting on the elevator. Every time we pass he says hello to me. Is he friendly or interested? Hmmm....darn I really should have gotten on the elevator. Oh well, there will be another time I run into him.

I am watching Moulin Rouge. I have to say Ewan McGregor....ahhh....sigh....lovely....

Well do I go back to bed or drink a beer???? Hmmm the beer seems pretty nice, so I think that I will guzzle one down and then go to bed in awhile.

2006-08-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

New flowers

So the one and only plant that I own has flowers again! I have had this plant for three years. The first year it bloomed only once, that was when I received it. Then finally this year it bloomed TWICE! I really don't know how this happened. I did not water the plant for a couple of weeks, so maybe I am watering too much.

I received a Knit Picks package that was on back order from a couple of months ago. It was two skeins of worsted weight dye-it-yourself. I am planning out what I will color them. I think that I will dye them in a couple of weeks when I am dog sitting at my parents house. There is more room for me to spread out. I can't wait to get this started. Hmmm....what to create :)

2006-07-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

SP8 and Pics!!!

I want to thank my SP8 for the GREAT package I received today. Here is a pic of what was sent

I also received a digital camera, which is kinda hard to take a picture of :) THANKS SP8!!!

I also want to post pics of the finished socks and the sock that I am working on

YEA!!! and here I was going to go out today and buy a digital camera! I don't have to now.

2006-07-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

SP8 Mini questionnaire

1. What is your favorite season?
I would have to say I like spring and fall. I like spring because of the new flowers and the temperature. I like fall because of the smell of burning leafs and the temperature.

2. Where is or would be your favorite place in the world to take a vacation?
I like London, England. I like it because of the history and the contemporary lifestyle.

3. If you could have any job in the world and not worry about finances (everything would be taken care of), which means you'd be doing something you actually like, what would it be?
I think that I would like to try a bunch of things. I would like to try acting, being a professional traveler, working with animals...possibly in a rescue type capacity.

4. What is your favorite project to knit or crochet?
I like to knit things for other people. I like to see their faces as they receive the gift. But for something more specific, I would say purses/bags.

5. What is your favorite food - whether it be a main dish, dessert, snack, whatever?
I like teriaki chicken. YUM! I also like a cookie called scotcheroo's, which is like a rice crispy type treat...only better and with peanut butter. Yummy.

6. What is your favorite way to relax and unwind?
I usually like to watch tv or a movie. I usually am always in front of the tv doing something...on the 'net, reading (yes I read with the tv on), knitting. I seem to need the noise.

2006-07-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

The First Pair of Socks

The first pair of socks are complete! YEAH! I finished the second sock on Monday. The yarn matched up until the toe, where this is a blue stripe instead of a green stripe. How cool is that?

I am now currently working on the sock that I started Memorial Day weekend. I am knitting the gusset decreases. Pretty soon I will be finished with this sock.

I saw a movie on Monday. I saw The Devil Wears Prada. It was kinda cute. I am glad that I did not pay full price for the movie. I decided to get popcorn and a soda, and this was twice a more as the movie. HOLY COW! Well I guess it was my lunch, but still about 20 bucks to see a movie. WOW.

If anyone reads this, have a good day!

2006-07-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

Work Week

Wow the work week has been long! I am glad that it is almost over. I get to leave work at 1 on Thursday. YES!!!!! :) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I worked open to close. It is only 10.5 hours each day, so it was ok. I got through it. It is not as bad as the last job I had, which I worked 16 hours one day.

As for the socks class.....It was really cool. I am almost finished with my first sock. I have to decrease the toe and I will be pretty much finished. I would have finished, but I am really tired this week for some reason.

ANGER!!!!!! I am very angry that Bones is not on AGAIN tonight. I got into this show late in the season, and would have liked to see the re-runs of the first episodes. Well, I guess FOX decided to show So You Think You Can Dance. I would rather have seen Bones, but this is better than America's Got Talent crap.

2006-07-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

Not AGAIN!!!!???!!!!

I guess this is the year for apartment problems. I just discovered that my AC is leaking water into my apartment. I found this out looking for another movie to watch at 1:15 in the morning. I was tired of watching "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and decided to look at the stash that I have in the holder by the AC unit. Probably a good thing that I found this out at some point. I just hope that this doesn't take as long to fix as the bathroom problems I had in April!!! It was probably a good thing that I had started to clean my apartment earlier in the evening.

So I decided on another movie that I am not sure if I want to watch. I watched "Anchorman" 3 or 4 times since Saturday. Tonight (or should I say, this morning) I decided on "The Prince and Me". I have watched this MANY times a couple of months ago. Before Saturday, I had watched "Underworld: Evolution" about a million times since the beginning of June.

On to knitting news. I finished my homework for the sock class. I think that I knitted some of it incorrectly. Oh well, that is what class is for, gaining new techniques and honing the skills.

Seems like the storms have started again. So far it is not too crazy. Just lightening and a bit of thunder. I don't think that the rain started yet. At least my sinuses are not going wacko like they were Saturday and Sunday.

Well, I should try to get some sleep sometime tonight.

2006-06-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

Class Update

Basic knitting is over (bummer). I had a fun time in the class. We learned how to make cables. It was much easier than I thought.

Saturday starts a new class. I will be starting a sock class!!! I have started a sock, but am not sure how to turn the heel. This will be a challenge to get the socks completed in 2 weeks. I hope it is fun.

I am happy to have a long weekend. I am planning on going to a movie on Monday. I also have to clean my apartment and do laundry. I have more than enough time to complete these tasks, as long as I don't procrastinate! :)

2006-06-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

Update on class

Third week of the knitting class was interesting. We just went over tools and yarns.

I finished the back of the teddybear sweater! The homework for this week is the front of the sweater. YEA! I am glad that I decided to take this class.

I received my first package from my Secret Pal 8!!!! I was sent 2 balls of Regia sock yarn in a cool colorway (can't wait to see what this looks like knitted up), 2 balls of Pebbles in a pinky/purpley (sp?) colorway, and 2 hanks of Gypsy in a pinkish color. All yummy colors. I am planning on what I will make with them. I will post pictures if I am allowed to use my fathers digital camera...then I have to figure out how to post pictures on the blog ;)

I had to drive into Cleveland today. It usually takes 45 mins, but, it took 1.5 hours to get there in the morning. AARRGGGG traffic.....I don't understand how people just can't drive! Then, on the way home....it still took me 1.5 hours to get home. This time it was because of weather. It was pouring buckets of rain today. I guess there were cities where there was flooding! How scary. I can say I am glad to be home.

I can't wait for Friday evening. I am going out with a friend that I haven't seen in a month or so. We try to get together once a month, but the past month has been crazy that we did not get together. Should be a fun night :)

2006-06-16T21:52:00.001-05:00

Knitting Class

The second session of my knitting class was last night. It was interesting. We went over three increases and decreases. It was a fun class. I learned new techniques!! We have homework also. The back of a teddybear sweater is to be made using the stitches and increases/decreases we learned. I am excited to get this started!

I can't wait for the weekend. I am finally OFF. I am even off Monday! YES!

2006-06-11T21:18:00.000-05:00

New needles

So last week I was in a yarn shop and saw a set of Denise needles. Well I had to buy them! I haven't seen any before, but I understand they are pretty good. I have not used them yet, but can't wait!

I had my first knitting class on Thursday. I was a fun class. I don't think I needed to go to the class. We learned things that I already knew. Casting on, knitting, purling, rib stitches, and binding off. Looks like the next class will be about yarns, needles, gauge, and possibly reading patterns. This one sounds a bit more interesting :)

2006-06-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

LYS

I went to the yarn store as I said I would do today. I got there around 4:20...I couldn't believe it, but they were CLOSED!!!!!! I was so bummed because I just had to have that ball winder!!! AARRRGGGGG. I guess I will have to go sometime next week.

I will be there next Thursday for the class anyway, I might just buy it then! :)

2006-06-01T20:30:00.000-05:00

Dyeing yarn

After receiving my package from Knit Picks last week, I decided to have some fun and dye a skein of yarn that I bought. I do not have a swift, so you can imagine how fun it was breaking up the skein in half. I thought that I would have it ready to go in half an hour....well I was WRONG. It took about three to unravel the mess I had created. The dog was not too happy about being neglected while I untangled the yarn.

I had to dye the yarn the next day because it was too late at night to dye the yarn. SO I got up early the next day to start the fun! I decided to paint it on. I used colors of pinks and orange with a bit of green thrown in. It turned out pretty neat. The next day, I did the other half. For the color scheme I used purple, burgundy, and blue. These colors were spread on top of a yarn water mixture, then microwaved. This turned out nicely also. I just can't wait to do the next pile of yarn!

I think I need to buy a digital camera so I can post a picture of the yarn!!!!???!!! :)

So I also decided to start knitting some socks. I just could not wait for the class that I am signed up for. It is pretty easy at the moment since I am just doing the cuff...I am not looking forward to turning the heel. I only had to tear it out once so far. I had created yarn overs with my DPN's. I am sure that I have that fixed now!

I get paid tomorrow and I think that I will go to the LYS and buy a ball winder!!! My Dad and I have a pattern for a yarn swift. I think that we will get the lumber and hardware for it Sunday and build it! :) I am EXCITED!

2006-05-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

More Yarn!!!

Oh boy I am so glad to have found Knit Picks! I am excitedly awaiting a package from them! Gonna try my hand at dyeing some yarn with Kool Aid. Bought many colors/flavors of Kool Aid on Saturday in anticipation of receiving the yarn. I have read some blogs from people who have tried this, and I am excited to try this myself. I couldn't believe the prices at Knit Picks!!! They totally beat the local yarn store hands down!

Now needless to say....I really don't need any more yarn. I have a good stash going....but really who can resist buying more yarn?

2006-05-18T22:25:00.000-05:00

Car news
Got my car serviced today. The headlight was ok I guess. There was something else that wasn't working the light. I have to get a harness, which I guess is a bunch of wires that need to go from the headlight to the fuse box. Yet another expensive trip to the service department. Why do these things have to be SO expensive?????

Since I had gotten the bad news, I decided to go to the local yarn shop!!! This will surely make me feel better, I thought! I decided to only get a pattern because I bought some yarn from Knitpicks.com!!!! I am thinking of handpainting some yarn. This should be a fun experiment. I can't wait for my package! Kool-aid here I come! :) It has been YEARS since I have bought kool-aid, I don't even remember the last time I drank it. Must have been when I was a kid.

Since my last blog, I have yet to start my next project. I think that I will make a lacy wash cloth.

2006-05-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

Been awhile since I updated my blog. Wow, time goes fast!

Had a not so interesting day. I got into my car this morning to go to work and noticed that I had a busted head light. Well, have to get it in for servicing anyway, but I don't want to have to pay for a new headlight. I have spent SO much to up-keep the car since I have paid it off 18 months ago. Oh well...

Then on the highway into work, I was almost side-swiped. I just wish people would look before moving into another lane! I should not have swerved out of the lane. Hmmm...wonder what would happen....The SAME thing happened on the way HOME also. It wasn't like I was driving with out lights (well I did have one working) :) Some drivers are just MORONIC. I guess I just need to find a job closer to home.

Well, on knitting news, I had a left over skein of yarn that I knitted up for the dog. She is such a sweetheart. She will take her toys and cuddle them. I had given her an old swatch of yarn that is probably around a year old now. I was practicing my knit and purl, I did not know what to do with it, so I gave it to her. She just loves it. (She is a golden retriever)

Gotta go start knitting something.....

2006-05-03T20:19:00.000-05:00

Questions for SP8!!!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
A. I like to use all types of fiber. I have used ribbon yarn and thought it was difficult to use. The scarf was BEAUTIFUL when I finished, but I had to push myself to finish it.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A. I have a canvas knitting bag that I use for yarn/needles/work in progress. I also have a zippered case that I store some needles in.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
A. I have been knitting for about 2.5-3 years now. I would consider myself an advanced beginner. I have learned many new techniques from reading books, but I still am green.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
A. Nope, no list yet.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
A. I like floral and clean scents, almost anything. I do not like patchouli or musk type fragrances.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
A. I LOVE chocolate!!! My fav would be Cadbury Flake.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
A. Don't DIY....I do crafty sort of things. I make soy candles, smelly jellies, and soy wax dipped bears. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
A. I can tolerate just about any type of music. I don't like country too much though. Yes my computer can play MP3's

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
A. I like purples, blues, and greens. I don't like oranges or browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
A. I am single. No pets. My parents have a golden retriever that I helped raise from puppyhood. Not allowed to have pets in my apartment.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
A. I wear scarves and mittens. I don't understand the poncho fad. I think that they are....Well just not for me! :)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
A. I have been on a felted purse rampage lately. I like knitting with wool and watching the item shrink in the washer. FUN! I have enjoyed everything I have knitted so far.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A. A teddy bear for charity, and dish cloths.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
A. YES!!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
A. I have used all types of needles. I think that I like bamboo and aluminum the best. I didn't think that I would like circular needles when I started knitting, but I LOVE them now!!! :)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
A. Nope don't have either.

17. How did you learn to knit?
A. I learned when I was in the 6th grade from classmates. It was nothing fancy, just a bunch of rows. I stopped knitting for about 12 years. Decided to pick it back up when I saw the cool new fun yarns and a magazine on knitting! I re-learned from books. I have been hooked ever since. I love shopping for yarn!!! :)

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
A. I would say about 2 years old. It is a purse that I have to sew together the sides. I am just too lazy to stitch up the side and figure out how to line the purse.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
A. I would have to say Christmas. Only because I like to shop for and give presents.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
A. I collect teddy bears.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
A. I am taking a class in the future on how to knit socks! I would like to get some sock patterns. I have thought about subscribing to a magazine, but don't know what one I would like to get. I usually get them from the magazine rack.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
A. I try to learn new techniques every time I knit. I have been pushing myself to find challenging patterns.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
A. I will be taking a sock class in July!!!!! I am very excited about this. I picked out my yarn already! Oh that was FUN!!! I can't wait! :) I am not sure what my foot measurements are.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
A. 01/27

2006-04-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

Had a pretty uneventful day. Work was boring. The exciting part of the day I can say was when I signed up for two knitting classes. One class is for beginners and the other class is basic socks. I decided to take the beginners class since I know the basics of knitting. What I know about knitting I have learned from books, and am not sure if I am knitting correctly.

I am excited for both!! I can't wait to start.

2006-04-17T23:01:00.000-05:00

This is my very first blog! How fun. I am very excited to see how this turns out.