Special Deliveries!

I've received two very special deliveries this last week! Last Saturday I hung out with my friends Kozykitty and Sheila all morning long. We actually met for breakfast and knitting, but suprisingly none of us knit a single stitch that morning! Sheila was mailing out her latest sock club shippment, but since we were meeting, I got mine hand delivered! Sheila asked me to be the test knitter for all the patterns in her club, so I already knew what the pattern and new colorways looked liked. Here are the socks I knit up and were used in the photo shoot for the pattern. *Girl, you better work!*

Obviously the pictures that Sheila took were a lot better than mine :) I love the colorway and how well the pattern went with it. The funniest part - I had no idea what Sheila had or was going to name this colorway, but when I saw it I had to send a little teaser out to the rest of the club members telling them to think:

"Aruba,Jjamaica ooo I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego baby why dont we go”

Little did I know she called the colorway - Kokomo!! You just can't match it better than that!


Pattern: Ocean Waves Socks
Yarn: Wullenstudio Sock Club yarn
Needles: size 1.5 on 32" circulars knit 2-@-A-time
Modifications: Cast on an extra 8 stitches so they would fit me

In this seasons sock club shipment was this awesome project bag that my friend Kozykitty made! She matched the colors so perfectly!! KK also has her own Etsy shop and you can check out her bags there. I love 'em!!



Next up in special deliveries is my swap package from the Eclips Swap. Check out this loot!! My partner, GirlyWithATwist, sure does know how to spoil me! I was delighted with everything in my Rosalie & Emmitt themed package.


Here's what was in the box: a book (Dark Side of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon), a cool bookmark, 6 different pins with Rosalie and Emmitt, a needles and hook gauge, KnitPicks circular needles 40" size 1 (2.25,,), Rosalie glove pattern, 2 bars of Endangered Species chocolates (yummy), a set of 5 great Twilighty stitch markers and the awesome items pictures below.

Check it out, another great project bag!! Two awesome project bags in one week! SCORE!! And this one so delights my hidden macabre side!



Here is a skein of Perfect Peds 100% Merino Superwash in the colorway "Emmitt & Rosalie." Suprisingly, even though I took the picture outside the colors in this yarn didn't come through so well, but trust me it a gorgeous skein of jewel tones!!



She also sent me a skein of StitchyJones Glam socks in Garnet! So my color!! You can see the gret stitch markers she made me attached to this yarn.


And lastly, is this gorgeous knit Rosalie scarf!! She must have had ESP when she was picked this pattern to knit for me because about two weeks ago I bought enough yarn to make this scarf for myself!! I love it!! Too bad it's like 85 degrees here right now. A tad to warm to wear it.



I didn't take a pictures of all the goodies I sent to her, but I did manage to remember to take a picture of the cowl that I made for her, so she could cover those bite marks! ;>=

Swamped in Swaps!!

And lovin it!! I know folks outside the swap world just have no clue as to why people would be in swaps.

"What? You buy stuff for someone you don't know??" Is the usual response I get when explaining a swap, but I've gotten some pretty neat things from a swap.

I will admit the very first swap I joined was a Secret Pal swap (a while back) and my partner completely flaked out on me! It was very disappointing. I had a lot of fun putting together a package for her and couldn't wait to see what she was putting together for me. Plus it's always fun to shop for yarn and goodies!! When I realized my partner had flaked out, I contacted the coordinator and she found an "angel" for me. An angel is a generous someone who is willing to put together another package for a swappee who hasn't received anything.

I did not let this one person taint my hopes for swapping. I was reading all the other swap posts and how other people were getting all these great package and though everyone must get a "dud" everyone once in a while. So I've tried a few other swaps and lucky have not been disappointed again.

I also think that Ravelry has helped to really cut down on the swap flakers because there is "Naughty Swappers" list that people can check.

Anyhoo, I was in 3 swaps this past month. I don't know what I was thinking in joining three of them, but I did and it was a lot of fun. One of the three I was even a co-hostess of.

First up in the Valentine Vampire Swap. *yes, I'm a vampire lover and have read and seen many vampire novels and movies*


Here’s everything that was in my package from LadyMay (Ravelry profile):

• 4 patterns: Thermis, Boo the Bat, Sweetheart Glovettes, Loves Bites fingerless gloves
• 4 skeins of yarns: Wool-Ease, Wiggles, Cascade 220, Classic Elite Alaska
• Loves Bites music CD she made for me
• A TY beanie Spider
• Pretty stitch markers
• Hand lotion
• The Cursed by L. A. Banks
• The Love Voodoo kit Vampire in a Box
• Tootsie Roll lip balm
• Choclate covered nuts and a few Hershey Kisses

And as if that wasn't enough - she knitted two items for me!! The first is a pair of fingerless gloves with Classic Elite Yarns Lush (50% Angora/50% wool) YUMMY!! I think I have worn these almost everyday since I received my package!



The second was Boo the Bat! Isn't he just too cute!!



The next swap I was in was from the Caffine Addicts Ravelry group. Pinky23 (Ravelry Profile)put togheter this great package for me.

• a pound of Irving Farms "Gotham" coffee - I just love that name!
• a bag of dark chocolate heart candies - yeah that package didn't last too long ;)
• a cute Valentine mug from Starbucks (a coffee lover can never have too many mugs, can she??)
• hand lotion (don't all yarnie people love their hand lotions!)
• a small package of SOAK
• two candles
• and of course yarn!! Malabrigo Sock yarn!! I have been dying to get my hands on some of this yarn! Look at that rich purple colorway!! *No Lavlaurie you can't have my purple!*
• and the card she semd me was so cute!! The cover reads "And now for the final word on knitting socks" and you open the card up and it reads “Whaddya MEAN, you’d kinda like one for the other foot?!” *laugh*

Luckily, I make my socks 2-@-a-time so I never worry about the dreaded 2nd sock syndrom.

My final package for this month came from the Knitter's Coffee Swap 4, which I was one of the hostess for. This terrific package came from Pennala (Ravelry profile) in Canada.

Here's what was in my goodie package:

• Knitscene Winter 08/Spring 09 (I almost bought this magazine on Monday!)
• The Sculptress (she apparently found my weakness for mystery novels)
• A French Press travel mug (now I can make GOOD coffee at work!)
• two different coffees that just smelled heavenly when I open the box - I tried the Cuzco this morning - YUM!
• a pouch of kitty treats for Frisco (which he absolutely loves!
• Avon goodies (hand lotion, hand sanitizer - perfect purse size, bubble bath, nail files)
• a keychain flashlight
• a little coffie cup candle holer (so cute)
• And of course and beautiful skein of Araucania Rance in a gorgeous Victorian pink and green colorway *no Tulabug, you can't have it, it's all mine!!*

I couldn't resist, here are a few pictures of Frisco eating the treats Pennala sent him! As you can see he was impatient for his treats. As I was trying to take pictures that he was trying to pull my hand holding the treat down to this mouth!

Now I am all caught up on my sharing :) .... At least I think I am for now!

Christmas in July

That's how it feels to me right now. Last week I got all those beautiful flowers to decorate my living room and dining room table *and Frisco got some treats to eat - hee-hee* I helped a woman in my knitting group destash some Manos del Uruguay yarn *I know, like I need more yarn, but the skeins she was looking to destash were all in the winter colors that I love*. Then yesterday I get two packages in the mail and another hand delivered by KnitRedSox (Ravelry link) when she came over to knit with me and keep me company!

Sorry, I did not take pictures of the Manos yet. I'm waiting to take that picture outside to get the true colors of those yarns. I'm thinking of turning those skeins either into this, this or this. When I get a picture of all the gorgeous colors, I'll ask you all again for your opinion :)

I also did not take pictures of the first package that was delivered. I had ordered some 16" circulars from KnitPicks to make some hats this winter.

Now for the goodies!! First up is the package that I received from my Secret Pal 12 pal!! How perfect is this in light of the fact that I was just in the hospital *laugh* An Emergency Knitting Bag!! Isn't that just a hoot!!

Check it out, there a zipper pouch right there in the front and in the back there's an open pouch. Sorry, didn't think to take a picture of the back.



There is a lot of room on the inside! There's a zipper pouch on one side and three mesh pouches on the other! Perfecting for holding this little notions!



Look what she packed inside!! Two 40" Harmony needles from KnitPicks *I have got to start knitting more socks!* Look at that mini-crochet hook. Isn't it cute!! And just what one needs when a stitch accidentally slips off the needle and starts traveling downward! *yikers*



Aren't these stitch markers kool? All different colors and all sizes!!



Of course, no Emergency Knitting kis would be complete without some yarn!! Isn't that color great!!



Even with everything inside there is still plenty of room for more!!



As if that wasn't enough, there's a great handle on the end to carry it around!! Thank you Secret Pal!!



Next up was a "Get Well" gift from KnitRedSox! Check out these goodies! In the back is a Reed Diffuser. There's a really neat ceramic container that you fill with the essential oil. The scent she bought me is "Calm" *lavender & Mint mmmmmmmmm* You fill the ceramic container with the essential oil and then you put in the reeds. The reeds slowly absorb the oil and scent the air.

There was also a box of Organic Chai tea, a book of crossword puzzles and a knitting book!! How kool is that!! Thanks KnitRedSox!!



I should get sick more often - JUST KIDDING!! I just hope the next time I have to endure this pain there will be a small bundle of joy in my arms that will make it all worthwhile!!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Questions!

Coffee

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!)
Smooth, and rich. Jamacian Blue Mountain or LavAzza Qualita Rossa (espresso)

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? Whole bean prefferably since I have a grinder.

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Do you enjoy special blends? I do not drink flavored coffee, but I do like Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf? usually with soy milk and splenda

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? I prefer nice thick mugs

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? snuggling on the couch with a loved one, under a blanket.

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? I celebrate Christmas

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? Yes, I put up a tree

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? either is good

Do you collect anything? Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? I tend to decorate with Nutcrackers, angels, and fairies,

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? Yes, yes, and yes :)

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? my all time favorites are these awesome cookies my aunt makes. And although she has shared her recipe, NO ONE makes them quite like her!

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory.

Yarn and Crafting

Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I've been crocheting for about 20 years and knitting for about 1 year.

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Circular or straight? I love my KnitPicks Options set! I have been debating on the KnitPicks Harmony set, but I think I will put that on my Christmas list *heehee* I would love to try those "Sox sticks" just can't afford them right now :)

What sort of projects do you enjoy making? I'll try almost anything once :) I have made afghans, baby booties, baby blankets, tanks, scarves, hats, dishcloths, ice cream cosies.

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? I like soft, natural fibers. Bamboos, silks, alpaca. No fun furs or such yarns. I haven't tried yak, corn or banana yarn yet.

Do you spin or dye? no to spinning, but I would like to try my hand at dying sometime.

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I enjoy painting ceramics

General

When is your birthday? June

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) my kitty, Frisco

What are your favorite colors? autumn colors and royal colors. No orange or yellow though.

Do you have any allergies? only to my boss :)

I Am Alive, Just Busy as all Hell

I think my Internet is finally holding a real connection at home!! *does the Happy Dance* It only took Comcast a MONTH to get it fixed! *growls at the Comcast advertisements on the tv*
I know I haven't spent much time in blogland lately. My life has just gotten a little crazy these last few weeks and I have been spending a lot of time in contemplation land.

As you can see, I have quit smoking, again. It really amazes me how smoking is one of those things that I can just pick right back up no matter how long it's been since my last cigarette. I quit back in November of '95. Just threw the pack away one day and didn't buy another. That lasted till February '05 - the month that I realize it was time to end my marriage. Then I quit again in April '06. Just stopped buying them - till March of this year. It seems to be my vice when I feel like my world is crashing down around me. Anyhoo, it's over. This is the last time.

Since the whole ordeal started with Mr. X, my weight has fluctuated greatly. I have been on the losing end of the weight titter-totter when I made the decion to stay on that end as long as I could. I've started walked around the lake behind my house. I do two laps daily, which is about 4 miles. And I've really started to be more aware of what I'm shoveling into my mouth. So far, so good. I'm contemplating joining Curves, since the winter months are just around the corner, but weight training should be done on an every-other-day basis. I still need to find some sort of cardio to do on non-Curve days. I'll continue to walk through the winter, but I need to figure something out for those days when it snows and/or ices as the mini mountain I need to climb down to get to the lake trail is steep and with snow and ice and my luck, I'll wind up slipping and sliding down the hill on my ass and right into the lake! *not my idea of fun when it's colder than a witch's tit outside* In the meantime, I'll walk and contemplate my life and try to find out what God's has in her mind for my life. *God, a hint would be really nice right about now!*

School (work) started back up for me three weeks ago. Last week the rest of the teachers in my building started and it's just been crazy. I am so NOT looking forward to this school year already, and I really HATE *HATE* feeling this way already. I had toyed with the idea of switching to middle or high school toward the end of the last school year. The dilemma for me is that I really like my 25 minute commute to work, I like the kids at my school, I like working with the little rugrats and I have the best assistant in the world. I was really hoping all that was going to out weight the damage that my principal was going to inflict on my program, but I should have known better.

I have a very hard time dealing with the fact that my principal (and some of the teachers) just see my program as a babysitting-drop off program, instead of as an educational enhancement to their curriculum. I'm tired of being the only person advocating for my program. I'm tired that the county supervisor for School Library Media Programs does nothing to advocate for us. I'm tired of dealing with selfish teachers. I'm tired with dealing (and paying!) a union that does NOTHING to truly support every one of its members equally.

Well, enough ranting about work, let's get on to more exciting things! I have a lot to catch up on.

I have two swaps that I need to post updates on. The first is the terrific package I received from my upstream pal in the Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap! Look at all this great stuff that was in my package! Thank you Joanne!! There was a bag of jelly beans in the package as well, but I have a real weakness for those and well they didn't quite make it to the photo session. *grin* Yes, those are sheep shaped Post-It notes! Aren't they adorable! I love the nice big washcloth and the soap holder! Loved everything!!


Another swap was the International Tote Exchange Swap. Lulu sent me the most gorgeous bag! Along with the bag were lots of goodies! *as you can see* A few things that didn't make it into the picture were a skein of Rowan Cotton Rope is a very pretty Granny Smith green color, some gum and chocolate candies, and a little box holder. That little red cloth is like a tiny Indian rug that is just gorgeous. The picture really doesn't do it justice. And the stitch markers are just gorgeous!! Thank you so much Lulu for stepping in and being my swap angel!



Onto the Knitting/Crocheting updates!
Since I haven't really been able to surf the net and blog from home due to Internet connection problems, I have lots to update you all on!

First up is the Boteh Scarf that I made for my sister for her birthday. The pattern was so easy to follow! I think I will make one for myself *that is after I have finished make all my holiday gifts - just 4 months left... Iiiieeeeee!* I used Plymouth Royal Bamboo for this scarf. I really like that yarn! The scarf took just a little over 4 balls to make.



Next up....

I finally finished my first sock!! *and I mean one sock*



It's toe-up. The pattern is Crosshatch Lace from the More Sensational Socks book. The yarn is Tofutsies. Yes, I have cast-on the 2nd sock, but with the holidays 4 months away *panic attach* it might be a little slow going on the 2nd one.

I've started a ripple afghan for my sister, for her Christmas gift. I'm using Lion Brand Suede in various complimenting shades. The different colors are Waterlillies (pictured below), Eggplant, Denim, Olive and Fushia. The pattern is Soft Waves from 200 Ripple Stitches.



Lastly, I've cast on for the Lace Christening Blanket from the Vogue Knitting Baby Blankets book. The pattern called for the blanket to be knit in panels and then sewing the panels together. I wasn't having that, so I cast on all the pieces at once and knitting all as one. This is my first attempt at strictly following charts to make the piece, but the 3 different charts are pretty easy to follow, so I'm pleased that I bit the bullet and tried it! *pats herself on the back*

I cast on for this baby blanket Wednesday night when I met with my Stitch 'n Bitch group. And before you ask, yes it is for Mr. X's baby that is due in December. I can't even begin to explain all of that in a post. Two weeks ago, he bought me a ticket to fly up and see him. I went. *I've heard the gammet of responses from friends and family ranging from "are you crazy" to "you gotta follow heart" so trust me, I've already heard it ALL* I really went with hopes that seeing him and hearing about the situation from him would really squealch and squash all these mixed feelings I have about him and everything that happened and I would finally be able to tell him to fuck off and move on. Yeah, it didn't quiet work out that way. Instead, I came to the realization that I was still in love with him. *sigh* No, we are not back together, but my feelings for him are still as strong as ever. He made no promises, and I asked for none. I just need to keep it real. I can't afford the honeymoon period. I can't afford to think about the fantasies. I need to keep it real - and that's what I tell myself every day and every night.

Here's what the blanket looks like so far! You can see that it required 7 different panels - I was not going to do that much sewing! Especially since the edging will also need to be sewn on - unless I look through some of the different edging books and find something else that I like better and can just pick up stitches all the way around the blanket at the end and knit the edging that way! *oooo another idea to start looking into*



You can see in the above picture that there are 4 panels of the cable stitch and below are close ups of the Diamond panel which is smack dab in the middle of the blanket.



And here we have the floral panel that is called for twice in the pattern.



Had I taken a little more time to think about this pattern and creating as a single blanket instead of panels I would have made the minor adjustment to the stitches between the panels. Right now, you can see that the connecting panel stitches are garter stitches. I think I would prefer having the Seed Stitch between panels, but I'm not being that anal about it cause I have no desire to frog it and start over *grin*

I've made a few dishcloths this past month as well, but I don't have pictures of them right now. I will post those at another time.

Well, that is my update for now. It feels good to be back! :)