Chicago and all that Jazz

Home sweet home.

After a lovely and long vacation to Chicago to visit my friend, Gretchen, I'm officially back to work.

This vacation was very different from my past two trips to visit my friend. Gretchen and I have been friends since third grade. We grew up together, went on school field trips together, had classes together, were on competing swim teams, went to each other's birthday parties, passed notes in classes, were Chemistry partners, and even cheated on a Latin test together...don't tell Magistra Jackson! So, I've been out there to see her twice already. So, I've done all the touristy things like seeing Wrigley Field, shopping on Michigan Ave, visiting the Hancock and getting a martini at the Sky Lounge Bar, toured the Chicago Institute of Art (twice), went to fancy dinners and kareoke clubs. As a result, this trip was much more laidback. I basically lived the life of a Chicagoen for a week.

I went to her volleyball games, she's awesome by-the-by, we saw a movie, went shopping for halloween costumes, bonded with her cat, Maybe, went to a halloween party, watched a lot of Entourage ( I heart that show now!), and hung out at her local bar Goldies (good times, nice people, usual shady characters), and my friend even created maps for me so that I could do my very own and very first yarn store crawl while she was at work one day. I'll provide more details about my adventures there in a later post!

I must admit that for Halloween we did sport some pretty clever costumes. She being the little literary queen sported a t-shirt with a picture of an iron on it, the iron had the letter "E" written on it so she went as....wait for it...Irony!!!!! Oh, that kills me! I wore a yellow shirt and had some notes written all over me and a Sharpie maker attached to the shirt. I was a Post-it Note! Oh, we are soooo funny. We got many an eye roll at the Heaven and Hell duel apartment party we attended. Here's a picture of us all decked out! (Note David Bowie's very large poster head behind us, I think he is contemplating either the meaning of Irony or what note he would like to leave on my shirt).

Here I am attempting to bond with Maybe. It's like children to candy, the minute she saw that I was knitting something she had to immediately jump in my lap and be a part of the knitting fun!

Working on my second sock for Socktoberfest was not the only knitting that I worked on whilst traveling, I got some progress on the ol' Red Scarf Project done!

I must throw a shout out to my dear friend. For not only has she kept every gift I have ever made for her but she even volunteered to pose with them all in a photo. I personally think she looks fabulous!In case you are wondering what is on her head, it is a bag I made for her using BySarah's pattern.



Did I mention a fair amount of drinking occured? Gretchen with her PBR's and I with my fancy drinks.


It was a lovely trip, fun times, laughter, and always friendship.

Thanks for having me Gretch!

Chicago here I come

Well I'm off to Chicago today so you won't see any posts from me for about a week. I will say though that I have completed one project I have been working on. And since I don't think my sister reads my blog, I'll show you what I've been working on!

For lack of updated knitting reports I offer you this!

1. FIRST NAME? Sara, but I go by Kirby (middle name) to some of my friends.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My parents were originally going to name me Luke if I were a boy or Laura if I was a girl, can you say General Hospital in the early eighties (my mother denies this coincidence). However, under the influence of drugs and after 36 hours of labor my mother, without consulting my father, chose the name Sara.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I think it was in the car listening to a song that reminded me of my brother. I'm such a sap!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Depends on the day.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Turkey

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Definitely!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? From about 1990 (gulf war) to about 2003 I kept several journals, never finishing one. I have a huge portion of my life and inner thoughts documented in them but I have since slacked. They are a great source of entertainment for myself...what was I thinking when I wrote that?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, aand appendix!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, I would rather sky dive. I don't trust rubber bands.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms and Honey Bunches of Oats with strawberries.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Depends on the qualifications. Stronger than a five year old, yes. Stronger than my dad, prolly not.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Cookie Dough, I'm a cherry-picker. And I also love coffee flavored.

14. SHOE SIZE? 7.5 - 8

15. RED OR PINK? Red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I wish I was more athletic. Wait, I wish I was athletic at all.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My friend Beth. I only knew her till she was 15 but I think she would have been an amazing friend for life.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? New Gap jeans, a striped button down shirt, and brown knee-high boots.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Cheerios without milk.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sarah McLachlan, Angel.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Not sure, but I would definitely not be pistachio!

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Fresh lilacs, I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. The smell is so fleeting when you walk by them during the spring but it's so clean and fresh.


24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mamasita


25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Lips, shoulders, teeth, facial hair. Hmmm, I suppose it would be better if I said personality, how they laugh, but really this question is all circumstantial.


26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? I don't actually know her but I really enjoy reading her blog. Carrieoke!


27. FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee

28. FAVORITE SPORT? I love watching baseball and soccer.


29. EYE COLOR? Blue


30. HAT SIZE? I'm gonna guess and say medium. I mean I have a big head but it's probably not bigger than Donald Trumps...When he's wearing his tupee.


31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but I could. I wear glasses.


32. FAVORITE FOOD? Bagels with lots of cream cheese.


33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings, the news is scary enough.


35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Fall and Spring.


36. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on the person ;)


37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Lemon Meringe Pie or Baltimore Berger cookies.


38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Emily


39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Well, it's not really an email so I don't think anyone will really "respond".


40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Tom Wolf's I am Charlotte Simmons.


41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? Don't have one.


42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Gilmore Girls.


43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Bubble wrap popping!


44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.


45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Aberdeen, Scotland.


46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I'm an amazing shower singer!


47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Baltimore, Maryland

Well, that's all I got, sorry there's not pics. I've been working on knitting I just can't show any of it cause it's gifts and I figure no one wants to see similar sock pictures for my second sock.

I'm not ready, I'm in repair.Maybe when things turn green again. I'll be ready. I'm not together but I'm gettin' there.

Here is what my brown sweater tank has taught me:

1. Always test your gauge and figure out yardage required to make the entire garment.

2. Always buy at least one more skein of the same dye lot then you estimated necessary.

3. It's good to practice unknown stitches on a swatch.

4. Always pin your garment together and try it on before you seam everything to ensure proper length.

6. Don't get discouraged if your garment doesn't come out as you had hoped, instead look at it as a sample, mock-up, rough draft.

7. Know that your next attempt will be close to flawless based on lessons 1-4. ;)

All that said, here is how the famous brown sweater tank looks so far!














Note the color difference above my chest? The second photo shows how much yarn I've got left to create the roll over turtleneck collar, we shall see, we shall see. Now, for me this garment is a rough draft. I may someday rip it out and make a different garment or a beautiful brown scarf. I really love the Cascade Siera yarn, it very soft and drapes nicely. My next plan is to buy more of this yarn in a different color (I'm bored with brown) and get at least four skeins of the same dyelot.

In some non-knitting news, I had quite the beautiful day at work yesterday. It started with my weekly office supply run. I was driving down the windy back roads near my office and took a driveby moment to snap a picture of these glorious trees. I am not quite sure what breed of tree these are but I'm captivated everytime I drive by. I love this about autumn, even in the wake of death these leaves release the most beautiful colors found on earth. I think it's inspirational.

Then I came back to the office and a coworker informed me that the entire back of the building was covered in ladybugs. I ran outside and sure enough over 1,000 ladybugs were swarming all around the back of the building! It was crazy. Inside another coworker called down to my desk and informed me that she had at least a couple hundred insider her office! I ran up stairs with my camera. I didn't get the best photo but you get the idea. They're supposed to be a sign of good luck.

"Ladybugs...lots and lots of Ladybugs" Under the Tuscan Sun

Mawidge (Princess Bride)

So, remember all those posts about Bacheloretting? No? You mean you don't read my blog religously and take notes so you can cross reference things later? Well, fine! If you would like you click on the above bacheloretting link and see the post I'm referring to.

The girl/monkey finally got hitched. Actually she got hitched and has just returned from her honeymoon. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! (said in a 2nd grade childish way).

The wedding was 2 weeks ago and it was lovely. She chose very classic colors, red, black, and white. Some don't like the idea of red at a wedding. Saying it's too harsh and pastel is the way to go but I think she (the bride/monkey) did a divine job picking out not only flattering dresses but a beautiful shade of mactintosh apple red. Plus, color blind people are able to see red, black, and white so see how thoughtful she was in picking those colors?!

Here are a few photos to show the wonderful, loving, and crazy time we all had.

Lacing her up!

Put your shoes on, you're going down the isle!

Trolly so trumps limo!

The Bride and her Girls

Rushing to the alter

I do, you do. They did!


We all did!

Call me crazy, but I think he actually likes her!

Ceremony over, time to bust a move!

Yes, I am wearing a wig, and no it's not mine (how much did I drink?)

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Goldsborough!!!

all images were provided by CreativeImagery

A Case of the Grumps

Ever have one of those days where you're just grumpy? You wake up grumpy, you remain grumpy, you know you're going to be grumpy and there is very little anyone can do about it. It's a case of the grumps. Perhaps it's because it's a Monday. Perhaps the emotional part of your brain just decided that you are incapable of being happy...today.

And despite this Grump virus that will just have to work it's way out of your system at it's own speed, you must go to work.

Oh your poor coworkers.

They will have to endure this attitude. You, unfortunately will not be able to offer much to them but a weak smile. And although your face shows a half-ass smile in your head you're screaming (most likely about some sort of frustion pertaining to the person receiving your half-ass smile). You may even have an emotional outburst or be undeservingly mean to a coworker. This will ultimately result in guilt, which feeds the grumps.

For days like this it would be best to carry a warning sign on a popcicle stick that you could just hold up when people start talking to you. It could say:" I would like to sincerely apologize for my attitude today. I am suffering from a case of the Grumps. I will most likely get upset... a lot today, treat you harshly, offer little patience, and most defintely find you frustrating. This does not portray my real feelings about you, but today I will be annoyed with everything. Please leave me alone. Thank you."

Today I am grumpy, I just am. I am hoping for better tomorrow. But it is what it is, a grumpy Monday. So I offer you this, progress I made over the weekend when I was not feeling so grumpy but productive.


Knitting Done! On!

one more to go!

Listomania

I have projects, lots and lots and lots of projects. Project dejour, mucho projects, otsla rojectspa! (pig latin ;)

So, I've decided the best way to organize all my projects is to make a list. I used to be quite the list maker back in my middle school note writing days. Not notes for class but notes written to girlfriends that would later be folded down into paper footballs and then slyly passed to one another while talking in the hall. I used to write anything to my girlfriends in order to pass class time. I'd write lists about the contents of my lunch bag, lists about what each person in the classroom was doing, lists about what I was going to do when I got home. Sometimes, right before a vacation one of my girlfriends would receive a list for my packing, lucky girls!

So now in order to organize my thoughts and provide myself with some sort of timeline I'm going to make a two lists. One of projects I have started complete with due dates, and the second list will be for projects I have already bought yarn for but have yet to start.

Projects Started:

1. Blue socks for Soctoberfest, due date: 10/31/06.
2. Brown sweatervest, due date: 11/15/06. Not much time here but I want to be able to wear it in season appropriate weather.
3. Sister's scarf, due date: 10/28/06. Her birthday.
4. Red Scarf Project, due date: 12/31/06. I think it's due before the new year.
5. Granny Square Crochet Blanket, due date: 4/11/06. I'm giving myself 6 months to complete this.

Projects not started but purchased supplies for:
1. Odessa Hat, was going to be for my cousin but now I might just make it for me. Using Rowan Wool/Cotton Blend.
2. Irish Hiking Scarf, I'm thinkin about making this for my friend, who reads this blog so now her Xmas gift surprise is ruined (Hope you like it!). Using Carsons Soft Acrylic.
3. Central Park Hoodie from KnitScene, Denim Blue Virgin Wool. First cable clothing project!
4. Yoga Mat Bag from Knitty. Using Wool in the Woods Rayon/Cotton Blend.

Ok, I thought of one more list!

Non-yarn related Crafty Projects:
1. Finish making 12-Month Quilt, due date: 4/2007. I want it ready for the spring.
2. Make a cute yarn toting bag, due date: 12/2006.
3. Make a needle case, due date: 12/2006
4. Finish collage on sewing machine case lid, then decoupage: due date 11/2006. Want to finish that before I start using the machine.
5. Finish lining kitchen cabinets, due date 10/26/2006. That's like a 10 minute project I've been avoiding since I moved in!
6. Make Roman Shade out of left over fabric from other curtains, due date 12/2006.

Ok, I think that's everything. Not too bad. Now, that I have the list I just have to remember to cross things off it when I am done!

Good luck to me!

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?

I probably have not discovered it yet, but my current knitting spot is the right side of my couch in front of the tv, with all my stuff spread all over the couch and my feet propped up on the coffee table and a cup of coffee next to me on the side table, (picture to come).

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?

Sadly, I have thought about this b/c I sometimes have wrist issues. I think I would learn to knit with my toes, I have finger like toes and think with a lot of concentration and practice I could make it work. Then I'd become the monkey knitter!

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?

I would want to travel to Ireland and am hoping to get there this summer (gotta save, gotta save). My family, the Kirby's, are from there and I would like to discover more of my heritage from there. Plus how could would it be to knit in Ireland? Well, for me, pretty cool.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?

I had several dream occupations when I was little and now it's funny to think how none of them have happened so far and that prehaps the younger version of myself knew me better than I know me now. I can't even remember what I wanted to be when I was little, I think a teacher and a mom. You know, the ol' idolize the ones you're with. Now, I think I would eventually like to have my own business or finish getting my degree in Art and perhaps teach someday...way, way, way in the future after my corporate career.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

it's between straight coffee flavor and Ben and Jerry's Dublin Mudslide

Thanks JavaJem for posting these fun Secret Pal questions!

Elastic Wasteband Pants Day!

The best thing about being sick is getting a vacation day where you don't actually have to go anywhere. I called out sick yesterday and while I was not feeling the best physically I got to do something that probably happens only a handful of times a year, if I'm lucky. I spent all day sitting in my lovely house, knitting, and watching the second season of Grey's Anatomy on DVD. But better than that, I didn't change out of my pajamas all day!

All day Elastic Wasteband Pants Day!!!!

I love elastic wasteband pants, not for galavanting around the town in but for general lazying-around-the-house-seeing-no-one-of-any-interest days.

Yup, I was a mess, hair on top of my head, two different colored socks, big baggy shirt, leaving crap everywhere and I didn't care! I think that is true vacation. One, a vacation from work, but also two, a vacation from some of my neuroses. Let the dishes sit in the sink, leave the glasses/cups around the house, eat whatever you want, don't answer the phone when it rings, take a nap at 4pm even though you've already slept enough. Ah bliss!

Now, as a result of my lovely Elastic Pants Day I got a lot of knitting done.

Check out my almost completed first sock!
I figure that if I can finish this one by the 15th (Sunday), then I should be able to complete a pair by the end of Socktoberfest!

I don't like to brag, especially because what I'm about to tell you is really not so special or even rare, but I'm a mostly self-taught knitter. Except for the garter stitch, I've taught myself everything I know! So, when I got to the heel flap, heel turn, and gusset, well, I was a bit nervouse. But I did it! I got confused but thanks to the trusty internet I figured it all out! Genius I tell you, GENIUS!

Then I got a cramp in my hand...so I switched from the DPN's to the standard straight needle and started making my sister's birthday ribbon scarf. I got the pattern from Stitch-N-Bitch Nation. It's turning out pretty well but I didn't realize I was going to go through one ball so quick. Looks like I'll be doing a little yarn shopping this weekend!

I have a heel!

Lookie, lookie!

Ying and Yang

So yesterday I was so sad about the theft and violation and general loss of belongings, but the day was made better when I got home to find my last Secret Pal 8 package! I got this beautiful Opal sock yarn, a beginners socks pattern, and a set of nice bamboo size three needles! Since I am on my way to being a sock knitting genius I was really excited to see the contents of my package! Have a look!

See how my positives outway my negatives of the day.

But wait, there's more!

So, I was driving to a friend's house last night and heard about a Gilmore Girls (love that show, just like me and Mamasita) Quiz coming up on Mix 106.5 FM, a local baltimore radio station. So, I immediately picked up the phone and predialed their phone number so that when they asked the question I'd be ready to press the "send" button. Then DJ, Greg Valentine came on and asked "True or False, Luke proposed to Lorelai at Luke's Diner". I knew the answer! FALSE, FALSE, FALSE! I picked up my phone and started dialing before the DJ even finished the question. It rang, and rang, and raaaaaaaaaaang. But I refused to hang-up, cause you can never get through! But then the DJ came on and asked me the same question and I screamed "FALSE!", I may have scared him a little. So, then he announced me as the winner of the 6th season of Gilmore Girls on DVD and took my information. I was also entered in a grand prize drawing for a $500 shopping spree to AERI.

Ying...Yang!

But wait, there's more!

So then I go to the station today to pick up the DVD set and the woman at the reception desk is saying that she can't find it and I begin to worry that my bad luck has come back. Then she says, "Oh wait! Here it is!" and instead of just the DVD set she brings out this HUGE bag with an envelope attached that says "Gilmore Girls gift pack" Inside was the 6th Season on DVD, the soundtrack to the show, 2 Dragon Fly mugs filled with biscotti and such and a French Press! Then i had to sign a waver saying that I had just received a $100 prize package from them!

I'm sooooo happy!!!!

I love the balance of the universe!


Here's some progress shots for ya:
let's hear it for socks! ( I think they look a little tight, but I guess you don't really wear your socks baggy). And I have about 3 feet done on the Red Scarf, sorry it's a side ways shot.

Secret Pal 9 Questionaire!!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Hmmm, I love cotton and wool blends. I am not a fan of itchy wool or acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I currently use a raggy bag that I need to replace. The needles are in complete disorey. I want to make one of those needle holders but haven't gotten a chance yet.

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 a "dedicated" knitter for about a year. I learned when I was about 10 or so from my mom, who was not much of a knitter herself. I would consider myself a intermediate. I'm working on pair of socks right now, intend to start my first cable sweater this fall, and am finishing my first article of clothing as I type!

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

Yes, I have an Amazon List!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I love fall smells, harvest by Yankee is my favorite for this season. I also enjoy pumpkin, apple pie, anything musky, sage and citris by White Barn, and Rose Pedal by Pier 1. For bath products I like natural smells vanilla, musky stuff, I don't support Bath and Body Works cause they test on animals.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Yes, yes, yes! I love candy. Necco Wafers are a favotire, as well as Candy Hearts, Skittles, Now and Laters, Red liccorice shoelace string. Hershey Kisses are my favorite chocolate. Oh and this is weird to some but I also love circus peanuts. Those marshmellow candies. I can only eat like 3 at a time but they are totally worth it!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do cross-stitch, crochet (much more experienced in that area), scrapbooking, decoupage, sewing, I minor in quiliting. I love to do home improvement things like paint, stencil, put furniture together. I really want to learn to reupholster and paint. I have a drop spinner and some unspun wool but have yet to figure it all out. I saw a demo at the Sheep and Wool Festival and figured I could do it easily, didn't work out that way. (grin)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I would love a CD! Just today all my CD's were stolen from my car. (sad)
I like chick rock, Old Madonna, No Doubt, Jewel, Sarah McClaughlin, Fiona Apple, 80's rock like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, U2, Classics like Louie Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Alternative like Coldplay, Popular like Jack Johnson, DMB, John Mayer, KT Tunstall, Joss Stone, and movie Soundtracks. I used to have a ton of movie soundtracks. I guess cause I like a good compilation. I was interested in getting some classical to do some school work to.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love purple and am trying to expand my wardrobe to contain more lately. I am also getting into red. I grew up wearing mostly natural colors, blue, brown, cream, green. I'm trying to spice things up a bit. Although I really need to put more green in there. There aren't too many colors I can't stand. I guess I'm not a big fan of pink, especially hot pink. I do not like neon bright colors. And I'm not a big fan of pastals either. I perfer the 8 original crayola colors ;)

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live on my own in my first single apartment. I do have a cat Bobi and I am considering adopting another in Nov.

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

Yes, Yes, Yes, sure. I'm not a huge poncho fan but I find them cute. But living on upper half of the east coast makes scarves, hats, and mittens essentials in the winter.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I don't really have any favorite right now. I just got into clothes so I am trying to expand my experience.

13. What are you knitting right now?

i am knitting several things right now. I just got yarn to start Odessa, I am knitting a red scarf for the Red Scarf Project, I am workign on my first pair of socks, I have a sweater tank I am finishing, and hope to start a cable project this fall/winter.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes, yes, yes!!!! So much more valuable.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

i am trying to become comfortable with circular needles and really need to expand the ol' collection. I like all old plastic needles, they're kind rubbery but not, they dont' make them like that anymore. I also enjoy aluminum and bamboo!

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

I do not own a yarn winder or a swift much to my hands dismay. I am hand winder but am saving for the swift and winder. Maybe Xmas!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

My oldest is actually a crochet project for my Mom. It's a crochet Cloche hat and I just can't figure out how to crochet in the round. I've tried everything and frogged this project several times. I started it last SuperBowl and I intend to pick up again this year at the same time. (Sorry Mama)

18. What is your favorite holiday?

My birthday...and Xmas. But Xmas only lasts one day and my birth"day" lasts about a month!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I used to collect post cards, I had over 500 at one point. Now I collect crafts, memories, and dust.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

All the books I'm dying to get my hands on are on my Amazon list. I would like to do more bead knitting and always love to try new things. I currently have a subscription to Interweave Knits but am considering Vogue Knitting.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Eventually lace, but not yet

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes, but I jsut started and am making a standard sock that didn't request me to measure my foot. I have a very, very narrow heel, wear a 7.5, and tend to have long toes.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) Just missed it ! 9/19

Tough lessons

Yup, my car got broken into...well sort of. More less Jerk (breaker inner's name) just lifted my door handle and realized that I had left it unlocked. Stupid on my behalf, yes.

All they took was my CD binder and a 6pk of paper towels from my trunk. They picked the wrong car to steal from because mine had nothing of value. Most of my CD's are outdated and the binder itself is half empty because I am always taking CD's out and taking them into the house or to work. So they got a half empty binder with some CD lable inserts of CD's I still have and some mix CD's I made. that was probably the worset thing. I can't replace those. They are full of memory and really mean a lot to me but they'll mean nothing to somebody else and will eventually be dumped into a trash bin. One was a CD from an Ex and although we don't talk or anything anymore it was one of those precious gifts that is irreplaceable and you put with all the letters and memories and hope one day to show your children or something. I also had all this burned Celtic music that I got...free.

I know I am lucky because they could have acutally damaged my car or stolen my stereo. But really who wants a '04 Nissan Sentra basic car radio. I'm not that fancy and neither is my car. I keep nothing of value in it. Although I did have some ribbon yarn in the backseat and would you believe..they didn't want that!

I'm trying to find the humor in the situation:

1. I was silly enough to leave the door unlocked (not on purpose)
2. They stole paper towels
3. They did leave either a CD of their own or someone else's they stole.

That's right I saw a CD laying upside down in my car this morning after I got to work. I was standing on the driver's side getting my bag for work out of the backseat when I saw it on the floor of the back passenger side. So I dove, if you can picture this I'm sure it looked funny, across the backseat and grabed the CD thinking it looked like it might be the Fiona Apple CD I got for Xmas. I grabbed it and quickly flipped it over only to discover it was the BIG PUN, Capitol Punishment CD. Now, I do not nor have I ever owned this CD. Can you believe Jerk was that clumsy, IDIOT! He left finger prints!

Truth is, I don't care enough. I wouldn't persue this and take up crime fighting time to report that I was the moron that left her car unlocked over night when she knows that she lives next to drug dealers. I'll never get back the CD's that truly meant something to me anyway.

Tough Lesson to learn.

Bastards of the Crafty Variety and Socks!

Hmmm, what to say about the Crafty Bastard Festival....well, it's not Artscape that's for sure. I guess I wasn't quite prepared to wonder through a small space over crowded with tents full of less-than-original ideas. I'm not saying I didn't see some awesomeness, cause I did. There was one vendor who took old hardback books and made purses out of them. They were really unique and creative but I didn't linger long because it was too crowded and I was all in a funk from the rest of the vendors. It was mostly Indie crafts, buttons that had cartoons inside them, handmade bags made from table clothes with the artists logo. I suppose I'm not so much into the Indie craft world. I did see Woolarina's stand, that was great. I was entranced by her yarns but unfortunately didn't come prepared to purchase. Some of the other knitting tents were just some random scarves that looked like they followed a Lion Brand pattern, nothing original.

I went with Sarah and Jen. Since we didn't find anything to purchase or strike our fancy at the Bastard Craft fest we decided to make our way over to Stitch DC. This was especially thrilling since Sarah really knew her way around DC and did all the driving, she drove us through China Town and past the capitol building. So nice to be a passenger!

We all found a little something we could walk away with. Here's my purchase plus some awesome stitch markers made BySarah! She's awesome and helped me later that evening showing me how to string beads onto my new yarn so that I could make Odessa! I want to make the hat for my 8 year old neice. I got the beautiful wool cotton from Rowan and this new wool wash scent sample. Yummy!

Thanks for the fun day ladies!In other knitting news!

I have officially started my Soctoberfest socks! I attmepted these socks months ago and was a bit discouraged with how I felt, as if I was trying to knit with clown gloves or something. Well, the knitting magic fairly must have hit me with her wand last night because I was a sock knitting machine! Seriously! This is just a sample of what I did last night, I actually finished the cuff and started the leg! If I can finish one pair of socks this month I will feel like a true knitter.

The State of Affairs...Or Lack Thereof

This is my life right now:



So true, so true.

Ohhhh, Ahhhh! Behold, the Red Scarf!

Last night was spent starting this little beauty. I must say that I am really enjoying the way the pattern is coming along. I got it from Crazy Aunt Purl's site! Here's the pattern. I think whoever receives it will be pleased.

I am using Lion Brand Wool Thick-N-Quick in Cranberry



Here's a question for ya: Can you block a FO if it is made of 20% wool and 80% acrylic?


So, other than that life is fairly boring this week. I've got to write a paper tonight and then school tomorrow. So long knitting, see you Friday.

And the Pirates say "ARGH!"

Renaissance Festival Fun!!!!!! Let me just start off by saying that my little brother, and by "little" I mean "younger" because he no longer littler than me, has got more hair folicles on his head than I do on my entire body. The boy has such luxurious hair that I think there are many 40 and 50 year old men who probably look at his full head of hair and remember their youth fondly. And to top it off, he probably will never go bald! Lucky Bastard.
I mean look at it! It's crazy out of control!

Note, that is a hat he really wanted because it is similar if not exact looking to the one that Jimmie Hendrix made notorious.

This weekend was full of fun yet again, excluding a minor trip to the ER where they made us wait for five hours, taking everyone except us in that time frame. We ended up leaving without any description of what may have happened...blah, blah, blah, not really that important, just frustrating.

So, on Saturday I went to the Baltimore Italian Festival. I must say that I was quite disappointed. It was three blocks, 1 game of Boche Ball, two stand of meatballs (yummy), some Italian ice stands, and the Macaroni Grille, along with your local political harassment teams (Erlich, no O'Malley, No ERLICH, NO O'MALLEY!!!). I thought for sure I was going to see gigantic sunflowers, people dancing in noodle costumes, someone tossing dough in the air, or something else really Italian, but there was very little. Baltimore Italians, you can do better!

And then Sunday was a fun filled Ren Fest Day! There was the rope ladder climbing! Did you know that you are not allowed to climb the rope ladder upside down? I did not, nor did my brother, he did it anyway, screw the wench and her rules! I got a beautiful flower halo.

Happy Renaissance Family!

Need Help!!??

I'm completely devastated. The brown sweater tank I've been working on this month isn't going to wearable! I ran out of my yarn, which was supplied by my Secret Pal, so I bought more off line.

This is what has happened :(

See the discoloration? I'm sooooo upset. This was to be my first wearable self-knitted garment. Now what do I do?

I could:

A) finish the garment and use it as a sample for future clothing, know that I gauged correctly.

B) I could finish the garment and attempt bleaching it and then redying it.

C) I could frog the who thing. The largest thing I've ever knitted. :(

What do you think I should do fellow knit bloggers? Have you ever done this?

P.S. What a valuable, expensive, and time consuming lesson. Always buy enough of the same dye lot!

If the Moonshine don't kill me then I'll live till I die....

So, the birthday month is slooooowly coming to a close. Just a dinner tonight and Ren Fest and Melting Pot on Sunday and I think I'm all birthday'd out. I suppose it's a good thing too because I'm tired. Too much fun for me.

Today I ordered one last birthday gift for myself, the Fall 2006 Knitscene magazine by Interweave Press. The other day I was blog stalking and I found Yarn-A-Go-Go's site and was completely swept away by the sweater she had just completed! She said it was a fairly simple cable pattern. So, I'm figuring it would be a great first cable sweater and since I already have all that blue virgin wool I can use that and hopefully get started this month! But first I must finish the brown sweater tank, maybe this weekend (keep fingers crossed!).

No updated knitting pictures from this week because, like I said, birthday, birthday, birthday. Pictures to come on Monday.

I leave you with this inspiring shot though, this is a picture of my step-grandparents. They have been married 50 years and last Saturday all their friends and family gathered to celebrate this milestone. Believe it or not some of the folks that attended their wedding were at the party and one of the aunts who is 88 years old ( I think) had brought the party favor from their wedding 50 years ago.

Here's hoping we can all find that kind of love and security.


Happy Weekend!

Birthday Sweet Birthday

Oh what a birthday celebration month! Yes, that's right month. I get the whole month of September and if it spills into October well, I won't complain.

It started on Friday with a lovely birthday dinner with Dad and Barb (D & B). There was cake, ribs, a balloon, and a personal rendition of Happy Birthday, sung to me by this random girl with a beautiful voice at the Greenmount Tavern.

Then imagine my shock and surprise when I arrived home later that evening to find a surprise package from Miss BySarah! Not only had Miss BySarah sent me a pattern that I was dying to get my hands on but she made me my very own Sock knitting bag! I was thrilled and studied it immediately. Hope to make one this weekend! Thank you BySarah!

Saturday I did a little yarn shopping for myself and used some of birthday monies from D & B and got all this lovely virgin wool, 12 skeins of blue, 4 skeins of purple, and 3 sets of needles, 1 stitch maker, 1 cable needles, a set of #5 DPN's, and 1 circular #5 needle all for $20! I love Craigslist!

And then Sunday was all day MD Winefest with 8 lovely friends! Yummmmmmy! No pictures yet because apparently I like to loose the batteries in my camera when I drink wine. And my sweet girlfriend Kristin, gave me the Stitch-N-Bitch Nation book! Yay! Happy Birthday to me!

Yesterday, I went to Mamasita's and she gave me the Color Purple which I have always wanted to read and a new sewing machine!

Then, today I was getting the mail for work and what should arrive but a lovely ball of Cascade Yarns, Sierra, Chocolate #32 that I had ordered online last week so that I could finally finish the sweater tank!

Life is good! Crafty Birthdays are Better!

I think that 26 is going to be a very good year!