ramblings...

I've moved!

2009-09-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Come visit me at my new blog home!

Fiberworks Ramblings

Hope to see you there!

Moving the blog

2009-09-12T20:14:00.001-07:00

I am moving my blog over to wordpress, I'm not to happy with the formatting blogger is letting me do. so you can find me at

www.fiberworks.wordpress.com

-peace

finally I have something to show you!

2009-09-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

I am finally posting you some craft pictures! Really I have been crafting I swear!!

First up the Daisy baby sweater by Yarn Harlot
Yarn: Little Leigh in spring green
Buttons: Lavender daisys
Made for: Eleana Christine Lawton my new baby cousin. I knew they were having a girl, but I have issues with pink and blue and color gender identity so I went for green with flower buttons.

Size 3-6 months.

I have also finished some spinning!

4oz alpaca roving in chocolate brown from Esthers Place in Big Rock, IL.
Navajo plyed for 55 yds of yarn. I finished this for the Triwizard Tournament on ravelry.

It hasn't been soaked to set the twist yet, but I think it will be super yummy for winter!

Pictures or our house are up on facebook!

the forecast is...

2009-09-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today's forecast is settling in a house with no moving for several years.

We have gotten most everything unpacked, we have more room then furniture right now(a nice change!) We love it and the cats are loving the bay window and living room to run through.

The shawl is back on track and I am finally on chart 3. woo hoo!

my wheel is fixed and I navajo plyed the alpaca for a total of 55 yards. yay!!

work is cutting back hours and I am trying to find a new job(again!)

applying for grad school to start in Jan.

yup life is pretty good!

M

HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE!!

2009-08-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Okay so now that I have your attention, we're moving to a house, assuming our credit application gets approved.

Granted this is a house we are renting not buying, but still HOUSE!

It's a great 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, living, dinning, huge kitchen, family room w/ wood burning fireplace, washer/dryer, finished basement and yard that I can garden in next summer!! Yay so excited! No more screaming kids running down the hall. No more people walking in to deliver packages, no more fighting to get to my pots and pans!

YAY!!!!

the lies we tell ourselves

2009-08-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

I find it amazing the lies us knitters tell ourselves. My big one "blocking will fix it" . I'm still working on the Beltane shawl from Goddess knits, and somewhere I dropped a yarn over. I conviced my self I could fix it with blocking. Finally 15 rows later I realized I had a yarny mess that looked nothing like the diamond pattern I wanted. So I had to rip it all back!! Sadness especially since I am really slow at lace to begin with.

I am about to jump on the bandwagon and make the noro scarf.

back from the technology void

2009-08-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the last post, I was playing with my new iPhone 3GS and trying to see if I could blog from it. Turns out all I can post is titles, but no body text. Silly! Must say it is the most user friendly phone and it organizes my life for me. *sigh*

In other new toy news we bought Scott a new toy last week as well, though his is slightly bigger. We traded in the old 2000 Dodge Dakota truck for a brand spankin new 2008 Jetta S 5 speed. Had 40 miles when he drove it off the lot. He's quite happy with it and I am quite terrified at the thought of having to learn how to drive stick!! If our realtionship survies THAT I think we will be good.

I will not be posting pictures of the apartment anytime soon, as we will hopefully not be staying that long. The comples here is awful, the staff overworked, the firealarms get pulled at 4am and their always children screaming up and down the halls. We found a nice duplex for the same price and serisoly considering moving.

What I will post picutres of is our trip to St. Louis this Saturday, we had a ton of fun playing tourist. It was 100 degrees that day and I didn't wear quite enough sunscreen and am now bright red!

At the base of the arch looking up, the sky was so clear that day!
I use point and shoot camera's, Scott is true photagrapher and has one of the Cannon Rebel camera's. Later in the day we went up the top of the arch. Yes she who is afraid of heights went all they way up the talles monument in the US!! This is the arch's shadow in the Mississippi river. And here we are at the top of the arch together, see I'm not even freaking out a little!

So that was our fun weekend and tomorrow it's back to work at the pet hospital. I must say I like working with animals better then people, they fogive you alot faster when you poke them!!

Also need to take apart the spinning wheel this week. The wheel is craking at the seam and not holding the drive band anymore. The ladies at my spinning group told me how to fix it, but it requires taking the wheel apart! sadness.

Lost in new technology

2009-08-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

i need help

2009-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in my craft room surrounded by 14 batts of fiber(and that isn't all of it) trying to decide what to spin and instead decided I was running low on fiber and need to go buy more. I need help.

Finally Settled

2009-07-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

I thought everyone would like to know that yes Scott and I survived the move, and no we didn't kill each other. Truth be told we're doing better then ever, yay!!

We are safely settled in our little 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment and the plants have adapted well to growing on a balcony. Okay so it's not THAT little. :) It's a good size, he has an office, I have a craft room that doubles as the guest room, then there is a bed room, we each have a bathroom and the balcony is nice when in the evening. The kitchen, well it's teeny tiny with an electric stove, and I hate it more everyday. oh well.

Sadly the staff here leaves lots to be desired, we waited a week for them to come fix the cabinet door that was falling off when we moved in. There were holes in the ceilings that needed fixing, doors to be re-hung. ugh it's been a mess. Scott could fix most of this himself accept for the lease says they can fine us if he does. So stupid and frustrating and property here is so dirt cheap anyway...once the lease is up we will probably by a house. (Seriously cute starter homes in the $40,000)

Scott is loving his new job and is actually happy, which is so good to see! I am not so happily unemployed at the moment. My transfer didn't come through (boo). A lot of people go laid off the week after I left and I have a feeling my position may have been one of them. So I am waiting on unemployment to kick in and working the party business until I find another job. There are lots of MA type jobs open up down here so keep your fingers crossed. Plus I'll be doing grad school come Jan. hopefully anyway.

I have found the farmers market here and it is wonderful! all our produce has been fresh and it just tastes divine! I made blueberry muffins this weekend (half minus the blueberry's) and they have been the best breakfast! Also met the local knitters, and they aren't as cool as my old group (mainly no beer) but they are all really nice so I am looking forward to that. Plus there is a group of spinners that meet once a month, so that will be fun!

Otherwise nothing new to report. If anyone wants to come visit just give a call, we've got the room (and a pool!)

The Great move of 2009

2009-06-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog World

I would love to post about projects but my life has been taken over by boxes and house hunting. Scott got a job downstate and he start 2 weeks from today. Yup, stressful to say the least. Currently we don't have an apartment yet, but we do have a couple leads and lots of boxes to pack in!! We are both stealing from work, which the movers should find interesting.

No news from the Dr. yet which is frustrating because they have had my lab results for almost 2 weeks now. If they don't call tomorrow I am going there Thursday and demanding copies of them.

Off to sleep for a few hours now. If anyone would like to help pack or bring beer over please feel free!

On the Death of Dr. Tiller

2009-06-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am going to deviate from my typical knitting theme on this blog and talk about the assassination of Dr. Tiller on Sunday. If you do not wish to read a political entry, do not agree with abortion, or are do not want to hear about what happened consider this your warning to stop reading.

On Sunday morning Dr. Tiller was shot down while ushering at his church. This is a man who dedicated his career to providing safe, medically accurate and legal health care to women around the country. One of three providers in the country to provide abortions past the 21st week of pregnancy he helped countless women through some very tough times in their life. Just a few months ago he was acquitted on charges of illegally performing late term abortions which angered the religious right anti-choice movement. This is a man who has been shot in both arms, has had his clinic bombed, his life threatened, his health center vandalized. He was forced to hire a personal security team and wear a bullet proof vest into work every day. No individual should have to go through that just to get to work! In fact the only time his security team wasn't with him was when he was at church, which means his actions were closely observed by another group. The murder of another human being is not pro-life or Christian, and doing it in a church is a further blaspheme.

Dr. Tillers assassination was pre-meditated and organized by an extreme ant-choice group. If this isn't the definition of domestic-terrorism what is?

Everyday abortion clinic workers walk past protesters, prayer groups, and graphic signs. These people endure death threats, violence, being screamed at and condemned to hell everyday. As many of you know I am among these people, working at a Planned Parenthood. It is mentally taxing and yes it is terrorism. It is terrorism that that people follow employees home, it is terrorism that I can not walk to the neighboring restaurant alone for lunch. It is terrorism that our cars get stopped as we enter the driveway, that we are told we are "bad people" and "hurt women" and are threatened with law suits (or worse). These groups, Operation Rescue and the Pro-Life Action League to name a few, aim to terrify us out of going to work. These people play on workers and patients mental health and wish to install a deep unseeded fear of the entering a clinic. For workers it is that we will be killed, for patients it is the threat of hell.

The time to stop this is now. It is time for women to stop being afraid and hiding in the shadows as if we have done something wrong. The time of the silent majority is over, it is time to stand tall and say yes I work in this field or yes I have had an abortion and I am not ashamed! If we hope to stop this violence and keep our freedom of choice we need to go on the offensive and take to the streets. We need to work in the courts but we also need rally in our cities and states and the time has come for another march on Washington. It is not just for women's lives anymore, it is for all health care providers lives.

I challenge you to organize in your community. Write a letter to the editor, your senator, congressman, and even the President. Get involved with your local clinics and organizations (I can help in the Chicago area).

I challenge the President to take a strong stance against this violence. If a racist preacher deserved it a murdered doctor certainly does!

I challenge the health care providers to continue going to work and doing their job!

I challenge all people who truly value life to denounce these extremists, contact them and tell them that they are hurting their cause. Let them know the only way to decrease abortion is to increase education and access to birth control.

What happened Sunday was a tragedy, but sadly it is not uncommon. We would all like to decrease the number of abortions and increase access to birth control and education. It makes me sad that it takes violence to wake America up the terrorism in their own backyard.

Please share your thoughts and stories on this blog if you would like.

pics

2009-05-16T03:48:00.001-07:00

Project Pictures are up on ravelry, yay!

I would like to show....

2009-05-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

I would like to show you all my new projects. I have had project ADD and I would love to show you them, but the pictures on our new Camera and I can't figure out how to get them off onto my computer yet. Soo you will have to imagine:

My Beltane Shawl in malabrigo color Tuareg (a pretty peacock blue). It's very complicated pattern requiring a lot of concentration, great for Dr's offices and my paranoid brain

My basic toe-up socks in self striping Universal yarn, done in 1x1 rib.

My Teachers Pet Cardigan in brown recycled yarn.

My Daisy baby cardigan for my cousin's new baby in green Little Lehigh bright green yarn. They are having a girl, but as they will have more then on child I want it to be versible. That and I am anti-pink for babies.

You will also have to envision the 60 yards of beautful yellow top wool I just pulled off the spinning wheel. I think I will replay it though, I don't like it to much the way it is, to tight.

And most importantly you need to envsion the picture of my boyfriend outside the convocation center Friday night in his masters robes and hood and diploma holder. He was actually beaming (as much as he does anyway) and I actually cried a bit (I blame the hormones).

On the health front I have an appt. with the Endochronlgist on May 28. I have been told to ask for a more in depth thyroid test as well as a vitamin D test, any other ideas?

the one where I return to the void

2009-04-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

So I have been in a void and that void's name is theater. I've been knitting and spinning but I have no pictures to show for it. To busy again. In some ways I enjoy being busy it keeps me sane instead of focusing on the job I hate. It also keeps me in the city, which i love. yay!

However it is starting to take a run on my health. I think part if it is working with 25 neuritic women all day 5 days a week, in an environment where the rules change everyday. One day I can be employee of the month and the next day I can be the worst and have done nothing differently. That and most of our patients have waked hormones which hasn't helped. Whatever it is has landed me at a specialist for hormones.

See my body seems to think I should go through menopause now and is treating me to night sweats, hot flashes, migraines, the works! AND I am still getting my period, how is that fair??? My PCP did a ton of blood work and it all came back normal, so off to the specialist I go.

I think this is going to be a long process, I feel the need to cast on a shawl.

Yes I am crazy

2009-04-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

My friends and I are crazy, we know this. What makes this craziness blog-worthy? We have decided to start a theater company, in Chicago, in a recession. Yeah...

Anyway we will be blogging about the process so check it out at Mind the Gap Productions

It's gonna be fun!

In knitting news I have started hey teach and a basic pair of toe-up socks. One for home and for the train commute to rehearsals. I love socks for that!!

PURPLE SOCK HELL

2009-03-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

For the last little while I have been in purple lace hell! Purple shawl, purple scarf, and purple socks! The socks took me FOR-EVE-R!! Bu I am happy to report they are done! They are comfy, and pretty, and being corn fiber will prevent my feet from getting stinky whilst running my butt of at work. YAY!!

the light is coming..

2009-02-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

My show opens tonight! Yay! So excited! It's been a long few weeks but it is all going to be worth it! It's a good show and I good check, which is paying for a new tattoo (among other things).

I also got time to knit 4 rows on a sock this week! YAY!

Other job still sucks, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad!

i need my stress relief!

2009-02-15T22:29:00.001-08:00

It's not fair that when I am the most stressed out I have no time to indulge in my stress buster knitting! Life has been crazy, and work has been, if possible, worse then usual.

-my boss has known for six weeks that I will not be able to stay past four. since most days close at 3 this shouldn't be an issue.
-Friday she schedules me to train in AB checkout, this is of course the one day I CAN NOT be late to opera rehearsal. At 4:30 I tell her I have to leave, she says I can't blah blah blah. Suffice to say I get mad, go the locker room and punch my locker a few times, go back to work and don't leave until 5:30.
-did I mention I worked 9.5 hours that day and didn't get a lunch break, wasn't even offered one?
-Did not lose opera position thankfully, am calling my RD tomorrow, see what she says. will probably get fired Tuesday.
-long day of rehearsal today, very tired do to lots of 3 hour nights of sleep. At the end of rehearsal the truck delivering prop furniture hits an overpass. peels it open like a tin can. We now have unload it ourselves instead of the paid crew tomorrow morning. I'm supposed to be meeting a friend for dinner.
-I haven't been to knit night in 2 weeks, next week doesn't look good either.
-I have knit maybe 6 rows on a sock and nothing else. I need socks badly, I don't have time to wash any.

Thankfully I was able to meet my friend just a bit late for dinner tonight, so yay! I also have a great boyfriend who lets me sleep for 3 hours afterwork on valentine's day (and gets me roses!). I also have two cats who love mebut want more lap time (they have trained my boy to sit on the couch with a blanket on his lap for them, though I think they still miss the yarn)

And truthfully I would be greatful if my job fired me, then I can collect unemployment.

Okay I am off to sent a report and then probably either bed or t.v. knit time. it's 12:37

okay okay I'm sorry!

2009-02-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

So it's been pointed out to me that I haven't blogged in a long time. In truth I haven't blogged since 2008! Now then I had holiday knitting to blame it on, but since then, well I've been busy working AND crafting!

I finished mom's shawl, Allia's market bag and Ryan's hat in time for Christmas. Also they all loved them! Mom is planning to wear her shawl to a wedding this spring, Ryan wouldn't take his hat off even inside and worke it sking in Colorado, and Allia has promised me I will find her carrying the bag in England 10 years from now when come visit! So all well gifted.

Over the holiday's I agreed to do another Opera, and then they changed our hours at work. So now I am working later and am using all my PTO to do the opera, grr. I was happy to take the time unpaid, since Scott and I are planning a cruise in Aug. and I was hoping to go on a fiber retreat in June. *sigh* I've also been doing Party's like crazy and made bonus for the first time this month. Money equals good but lack of time equals bad.

Crafting I've been busy making things for me! After spending months knitting for others it was time for me. Plus we had a deep freeze so I made myself the Bella Mitt ens. I like them because they are long so no wind up the coat sleeves. Plus the are wool Patons SWS and supper warm!

I've also been spining! I finished 2 more hanks of the Navajo Churo, which is good because I was getting bored with it. I also spun a bunch of yarn purched from the HistoricStichers shop, including the Halloween Batt, a sample of the Llama/silk blend (yummy!!!) and tonight I started the Yellow Falkland hank in honnor of the super bowl. Okay so really it was because I was have a super knitting/spinning bowl during the game at my place and we decided the yellow was fitting. I have say the Llama/silk blend is where the drafting/feet combo really clicked!
I only have a picture of the Blended Halloween bat. I must say the color blend on this was beautiful, I can't wait to knit it up!

Lastly I leave you with pictures of my idea of a super bowl party! Knitters, food, and funny comercials! Jess and Heather witht their socks. Heather and I both had our wheels out, but after some beer switched to knitting!
Caroline and her almost done baby blanket! Cassie Marie, Carolyn(trying on her sock) and Beth! My hunny is in the background refilling triskits!

I must say it's a rare man who would let his girlfriend take over the widescreen and invite her knitting friends over for the super bowl! I think I'll keep him.

And that as they say is that, I can't promise another post before the opera ends though.

time to get down to buisness

2008-12-17T03:37:00.000-08:00

Okay solstice is saturday, Christmas is a week from tomorrow. I think I will try market bags again for Allia in lou of socks, they stand a better chance of being for solstice. Lace edging has be done by Monday so I can block the shawl on the bed before Scott get's home.

Everyone else I probably won't see untilt he New Year however Scott comes home on Thrusday, my birth day is Friday, and mom get's into town the following Sunday so I will lose all knitting time after the 25 anyway.

hmmmm

9 days and a wall

2008-12-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is 9 days away, you would think I would be franticaly knitting, but I seem to have hit a wall tonight. I finished a lace shawl (kinda) and hat this weekend! I cast on and ripped out a bag several times, the yarn isn't going to work for the pattern I don't think. So what did I accomplish today?

About 6 rows on a sock. Didn't cast on the felted bag and didn't finish the sock.

I did spend about an hour on the phone with my cousin whom I haven't talked into in ages!

Poked around on etsy and bought a bat of fiber from the HistoricStitcher (above mentioned cousin) Her little boy is selling some batts he's made for some extra pocket cash and he has quite the eye for color I must say! I was on the phone when he saw the sale (his first) and hearing how excited he was made it worth every penny!

I did get a bunch of party work done today though, which is good. Starting to book up January yay!

10 days to go..

2008-12-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

Okay so the last time I posted I had strep and this time it's Christmas Crafting mayham! Sometime I should post on a normal day huh?

So Christmas Crafting is going okay this year, better then last year at any rate:

The list goes as such:

mom-lace shawl-done accept for the rows of lace edging
ryan-knitted hat-done
jenni-thrummed mittens-done
allia-vegan friendly socks- almost done with sock 1
casie-felted letter bag from stich n'bitch nation-not started
sarah va.-hat and scarf set-not started

So all in all not going to bad!

Plus I have got the house all decorated! I had $50 in gift cards to Pier 1 so I went and bought decorations and jingle bell placemats. I also got my hunny a ship to hang on the tree this year! He's not much into the season but that little suprise brought one of those truly heart felt smiles on. I even go the lights in the window this year!!

Work is work and I have decided that I need to go back to grad school. I'm going to hunt for a really good poltical science or public policy program. Heck law school may even be in the cards if that's what it is going to take to get to D.C. and make a damn difference! Working as a grunt at place the supports a cause I belive in is just not for me I am finding, I am to much of a leader type!

I want to be done with Christmas knitting so I can spin my heart out! I wheel is just sitting in the corner looking neglected because I have been so focused on gifts for ppl!

Tomorrow's plan is to finish sock 1 and start the felted bag, plus do a party in the city plus deliver products from last week's party to the hostess. hmmmm

I feel like a kid

2008-09-28T17:03:00.001-07:00

there is something about eating firecracker Popsicle that makes me feel like I am 5 again. Still with the way my throat has been feeling I think I deserve it. I've been so sick this week, first the flu and now what I suspect is strep, I just can't win.

Since I switched to eating all organic, I hadn't gotten a single bug, until now. Now I am getting them all at once (first time in 1.5 years!) I think part of it is the fact that I work in a health center where they just recirculate the same air over and over and over. ugh!

So tomorrow I am off to the doctor, and the home with my knitting and daytime t.v. (it's my day off!). I'm going to try and rescue the shawl the cats have been eating, they seem to like cotton fine. In the meantime I have been working on a pair of purple socks. I am in a purple phase.

she's here!!

2008-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Blog meet Elizabeth
My new to me spinning wheel. That's Rupert in the back checking it out. Both the cats are very amused by it so far. I've gotten cleaned up a bit and am now just trying to figure where to put the fiber in! (Heather, Cassie, Beth, I may be calling you!)

In other news I lost a lot of my garden to the flooding a week ago. The green peppers and zucchini are all that survived. And of course the zucchini is what I have so much I am giving away (my freezer already has several loves of bread!)

I finished the thrummed mittens for Jenni's x-mas present, and started mom's x-mas present.

Okay I'm off to play with my toy. :)

where does the time go?

2008-09-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Okay would someone please tell me how it is Sept 1? Really it was just Aug 4 and I was starting a new job, I swear!!

I guess that is what happens when I let myself get wrapped up knitting and watching the DNC. I am such a political junkie! Thinking of going back to grad school for it actually. Don't worry, I don't plan on running for office or anything!!! You can all breathe!

Anyway on to some projects!

I finished my rainbow brite socks, and Scott's white socks. I haven't gotten pictures of Scott's yet, but here's what mine look like!!

They are a little to big because the yarn is so slippery with no structure to it. I think I will sew some elastic in and see if the helps. For now they are just slouchy!

I am getting there with my sweater. It has reached the point where I am bored with it and want to start a new project. *sigh* new patterns just keep calling to me, as does the yarn I bought for them.

And as if I don't have enough distractions!! Next week an Ashford traditional wheel will be making it's way into my home. It's my friends mother-in-laws wheel, but since she has passed on I am getting it for a good price. Plus they don't have to try and get int a garage sale!

My garden is also going well, and I am doing a lot of cooking out of it. Lots of zuccini and tomatoes, and peppers, mmmm.

I'm Back!!!

2008-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back, after a rather eventful flight and several broken planes (none of which was my fault). Suffice to say I was supposed to be home at 4:30, and at 3:30 was boarding a plane in Maine. :)

Anyway the trip was wonderful, Scott and I had a great time together and I got to see All Shook Up, and go to the opening night party. I got a lot of "hey your a red head, you must be Mary (hmm, what gave it away??)" I also got sets of instructions to do what I could to make him smile. Also apparently everyone thought I was pretty, so okay I guess. I also found out that I am down to a size 4 when I had to by new capris after ripping the one pair I brought with me (insert joke here). When the 6's were to big my response was "I've become one of those girls I hate, somebody feed me a cookie" We made do with ice cream. :)

I also god some knitting done, though not as much as I hopped, and most of it was done in the airport today. Why did none of you say I was taking on way to much?!?!? Also I found 2 of 3 yarn stores, the other was closed when I got there. And yes my visa took a slight hit.

So here we go!!

The Maine Statsh-
In the back 5.3oz of local top-wool roving, mmmm. Purples and greens all local sheep, combed, carded, and dyed. The green in front of that is tofutsies sock yarn, part soy-silk part super wash wool,supper yummy!! The purple next to that is Maizy sock yarn, by crystal palace, is %82 corn fiber how cool is that!! Next that, in case you haven't guessed, is NORO SOCK YARN (sense a theme). I couldn't resisit it, the colors were gorgeous, and the price cheaper then anywhere in Chicago I have found! Finally down in front is 2 skeins of Mirasol %100 baby llama in turquise. I have no idea what it will become, but it so soft and so gorgeous, and %50 goes to building schools in the Peru village the yarn comes from!

Lady Moss Mittens!! I started this right before I left. I bought the MC last summer for 3bucks a skein, and wasn't terribly fond of it. But with the roving in it I think it looks really pretty, and they are going to be so warm!! Kristen's pattern is super easy to follow, even on a turbulent plane!

And what I am calling my rainbow brite socks, first one done. My foot is resting on my suitcase in the airport, and you can see my big bag containing yarn, ipod, magazine, and purse on top of it. I think these are gonna be comfy socks once they are done

Vacation!!

2008-07-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

So I leave tomorrow for Maine for a week, which
means I should be doing things other than blogging, like cleaning the litter boxes and packing. :) Instead I am uploading pictures and though I would share with you some things I am working on and taking with me.

First the little leaf lace scarf, made with malabrigo merlot lace weight yarn, yummmmmmmmm. I'm loving this yarn so very much, an doesn't the scarf look pretty? This is going into the random Christmas pile. I didn't have luck doing it on the train, so it will probably stay in the suitcase until I land in Maine.

Second yummy top down bamboo yarn socks. These are for me, and will have one color cuff, heal and toe, and different main body parts, as I don't have enough of either color way to do a complete pair.

Thirdly Lady Moss Mittens, from craft leftovers. I went stash diving for these materials, and they will be Jenni's Christmas present. She takes the CTA all winter long, so these will keep her fingers toasty!

More socks!! These are sadly staying here, as I have run out of yarn and must wait for Yarn Tree house to deliver more. To be truthful I've needed to order yarn for about 3 weeks and kept forgetting, otherwise they would have been done long ago. I don't think Scott will wear wool socks in the summer anyway!!

Finally the slouchy sweater Knit1 magazine. I love this pattern, and I am making it with Prairie Silk Jadded Moss colorway, soo pretty. FYI Lambs Pride is disconcontinuing the line, so get it while you can. I actually got it at the discounted price when I saw the flier come into the store, probably the cheapes silk sweater ever!! This too is staying home, as it is just to big to pack!!

Well off to iron and watch the all star game. I have to pack everything for a week into a carry on, as I REFUSE to pay USAir 15 bucks to check my FIRST bag. I'm stubborn like that.

Exciting news on the job front. After losing all those jobs to men in theater (cuz ya know I'm missing some equipment) I've been offered a full time postion at a womens health clinic in Aurora!! This means full benni's for me and my partner, as they do domestic partner benefits, and a shorter commute, and regular pay. WOO HOO. However I will be floating, so I should still be on some late night trains home Pat. ;)

non-knitting party

2008-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am having a fabulous karaoke party at the Spot in Chicago Weds. July 23!! Doors open at 8:00, mention my name and get discounted drinks all night (yes I am that special!). Also if you bring a canned good there is no cover charge. That's right folks, no cover, discounted drinks, 2 floors of karaoke, and me!! What more do you need for an evenings entertainment???

Feel free to bring friends and partners, the more the merrier. There is no cap on the number of people, though if you could give me a rough head count to pass along that would be great.

If you are talking mass transit the bar is right of the red line wilson stop, if you are driving the adress is 4437 N Broadway and there is lots of metered parking, as well as valet for $10 (validated if you party past 1).

I look forward to seeing all of you then!

frog pond

2008-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

sadly I had to frog the sock. thans for all the advice, and especially Pat who was on the train with me when I finally got the sock on my foot. she convinced the lace looked streched (which it did) so I frogged the sock. now I just need to find the perfect pattern for this yarn that I love!

in happy news scott's socks are almost done, just working my way to the toe decrease! hopefully I don't run out of yarn.

I am also forcing myself to start weaving in ends for the yellow sweater.

non knitting news I had a great second interview with a local theater to be there production manager. it would be great if I got it so keep fingers crossed!

finish it or frog it?

2008-06-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

So the Friday Harbor socks look great and I only have one lace repeat left, so I decided to try them on....

THEY WON'T GO OVER MY FOOT!!
So the question I pose to you is do I finish and hope that blocking will fix it(they are wool) or do I frog and make something else?

You decide do I frog or finish?

mary

my commute just got a whole lot better

2008-06-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I was in trouble today when the train conductor came up to me and told me I need to move to the back of the train. He laughed at my face and made me move..

Turns out there was a group of ladies with pointy sticks back there!! That's right, there is a whole group of us riding the same train, all knitting away our commutes!! We have decided we are the late night knitters club, hehe. The conductor saw me working on my Friday Harbor socks and thought I would enjoy the company, he was right. :) I love this small small world!!

I have been so busy I haven't posted, between 2 jobs and my garden, plus keeping up the house, ahhh!!

still the cabled sweater I was working on is done except for the ends being woven in. I also have one of Scott's 2 socks done, and am turning the heal on my Friday harbor sock, woo hoo! I am not, repeat NOT allowed to start another project until at least one pair of socks is done!! I am trusting you guys to keep me to it!!

More later with pictures

PIctures as Promised

2008-05-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

As promised pictures of the sweater with the new sleeves. Mom still hasn't tried it on yet, but they look a whole bunch better. I took out a good two inches.

And after working so hard to re-do the sweater sleeves, I needed a little instant gratification, sooo.....Kitty Dishcloth!! Knit up in one afternoon, woo hoo.

And from the Sunday DeKalb Stitch and Bitch, what happens when you combine beer with the challenge to make the worlds smallest sombrero???

hmm, hat or pastie?? you decide

FINISHED!!

2008-04-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

I would just like to say that my mom's sweater is finished!! Pictures coming soon!

My Next goal is to get the Dahlia sweater finished by my friend Kristen's finishing/going away party on Friday. hmmm 2 days to finish a cabled skirt and sleeves, can I do it?

Just a quick one to say...

2008-04-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

I only have three inches left to finish the sleeve on my mothers sweater!! It's been very discouraging having to re-do them, but thanks to my new addi-turbos I am almost there!!!

my views on liberal hippies, and myself

2008-04-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

Well, it's official, my collegae hippie wardrobe is gone to the consignment shop. *sigh* It was time, I hadn't worn those shirts in years, and I really don't adheare to the "hippie" lifestyle anymore. Still no more long flowy sleeves (save one black one I kept for haloween). It's signifcant really, a material symbol of the emotial one I have been undergoing. And it got me thinking about hippies today, and how most of them are full of utter crap.

See I stil consdier myself a hippie, at least in my belifs of this country and our current president. However I'm the hippie I was, like I told my mom the other day, my hippie style has evolved, I no longer where loose flowy "earthy" clothes, sit around smoking pot and talk about what is wrong with the world, instead I wear chic stylish clothes, bought at a mall, don't smoke pot, and actually DO something to change the world.

Most hippies today sit around bitching about the economy, and who is in office. The complain about "the man", and "comercialism". They refuse to shopw in a real store, and consider me "cooproate" because I shop at New York and Company and Macy's. They of course only shop at thrift stores, and not upscale one's like mine either. See we carry designer lables, like Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Coach, and Prada!! They take all the money they save by not buying nice clothes and spend it on weed. Then they get to high and sit around talking, but because they are high all the time they never actually do anything!!

Now I may be "coorprate". I may wear shoes with heels, high one's at that. I may wear dresses, and slacks that cost more then 10 dollars, and actually have a name on them. I may carry a kate spade purse because it looks cute and can carry all I lug with me everywhere. I do weare product in my hair by Fekai, perfumes and make-up, and yes I work for "the man" as opposed to indie theater. However I also fight for the causes I belive in. I get done with a ten hour day, and then I go and canvas my neighborhood and ask people to vote for my canaditie. I get one day off and I spend it at the clinic, helping women who are exercising their right to not have a baby get past the zealots who would stop them. I am able to give funds sometimes to charities and causes I belive in, because I work and don't get high all the time!!

So who is the really hippie here, who is the one who most embodies what the original hippies started? The one who does nothing, or the one who works for change? The one who sits home, or the one who marches on the city concil meeting with 300 other people? The one who says nothing to her congressman ever, or the one who walked door to door to make the difference of 5 points to get her canadite elected? Yes the orginal hippies were about being close to the earth, free love, and yes drugs, but they didn't sacrifce change at the alter of sex and drugs. So to all you modern day hippies who do nothing, drop the name, you are nothing but a bunch of dirty stoners who can't hold a job. When you are ready to play with the big kids and make change come talk to me.

-ciao
Maria

all about the pictures!!

2008-04-02T18:24:00.001-07:00

You know it's been a bad week when these come out of my oven. Sarah and Abbey I have eaten some for you guys too!!

This is the sweater I am working on for the store. It doesn't look like much yet, but I am enjoying making it.

The socks with Kristin's yummy yarn. you can order your own here. I highly recommend it, colors are gorgeous and it knits like a dream. Also she's a friend of mine, and I want her to do well. :)

Ahh spinning!! Here is the churo on my drop spindle, after I have plyed it. I measured it out to be 20.5 yards of double ply, and I haven't finished the first 4 ounces yet. The best part is, it looks like yarn!!
And your middle of the week happy. How to keep your cat fluffy!!

and 1 month later

2008-03-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

I do believe it has been about a month since I blogged. In my defense I do have 3 to keep up with. You my knitting friends, one for my close high school/college friends, and one for professional networking. Add in working 3 jobs, keeping with the house, cats, newspapers, and magazines, well it just doesn't happen. So the highlights of the of last month. (sorry no pictures today)

Let's start with knitting:
Mom's Sweater-she tried it on and the underarms are huge!! So I painfully brought it home where I am now re-doing the first sleeve ( I could only bring myself to rip one out at a time). Because I didn't want to do it right away, I did what any sane person would do:

I cast on a pair of socks! My friend Kristin dyes this really yummy sock yarn, and I am doing it in the Friday Harbor Pattern from Knitting on the Road. It is going quite fast and is keeping me interested.

I also started spinning, well started again really. I had tried to learn this summer and just bombed. So last month some friends and I trecked down to Esther's Place where we all took a drop spindle class. I came home hooked, it having clicked this time. I also came home with 8oz of Churo and 4oz of brown Alpaca to spin. The Alpaca is my goal fiber, mmmmmmmmmm. It's a fun hobby all the family can enjoy, including the cats. Bombuls pulled out the drop spindle from my bag to the middle of the room, plus a next of pre-drafted fiber. I took back the spindle, she got to keep the roving.

Other news:
I started a new day job after it became clear the "hiatus" from my 7over7 was becoming permanent. I needed something flexible enough to allow me to do theater, so while it doesn't pay as much I have joined the team at my LYS and Consignment shop.

I opened Syliva, which is a great comedy about a dog. However there is adult language, so not a family show. The worst two scenes are when she see's a cat, and when she is in heat. I won't go into details, but if you are in the Chicago area let me know!!

My crown seems to have taken well. At least I can eat with out massive amounts of pain.

Easter weekend was fun. My college roommate and her boyfriend Nick were down looking at apartments in Chicago, so the 4 of us got to hang out and catch up. It was nice to catch up with an old friend, I so can't wait till she is closer!!

hmm, I should probably post more often so my posts are shorter! well hope you enjoyed the latest installment!! Pictures to come soon, promise

-peace

finished knitted item week!!

2008-02-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well this has been the week for me to get some things done, that is for sure.

First I finished the Weasly sweater for Mom, very excited. It is made from the Charmed Knits book on size 9 needles with cascade 220.
I think I did good for my first sweater!!

Seondly I finished my socks, and before the 1 year mark!! I wore them today for the first time, woo hoo!! Quite comfortable I might add. Blocking really saved me on these, as the heal on the left one doesn't quite line up. They are a basic stockinette stitch, short row heal, made from the toe up.

I finished up some cat toys for the local shelter. A great way to use up scrap yarn I might add!!

I made my friend Abbey an Entwined scarf like myself, but didn't get a picture. Finished that on the train up to GR. Again Cascade 220.

I also got half way through the cats shelf blanket and cast on a hat for Scott.

I do so love when rehearsal get's canceled due to weather. :D

Whew what a week

2008-02-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Seems like everything that could go wrong this week did. My car had to go to the shop for mis-fire in the engine, my AD's aunt died so she went out of town while the director is in LA, I fell and slammed my skull on the ice, and today I found out I cracked a tooth and need a crown!!

tomorrow retail therapy at the LYS. %20 off sale, once a year!!

I also got lots done this week it seems. I finished some cat toys for my local shelter, and am seaming up my mom's sweater. It looks really good, I will post pictures when it is done. Or go check out my ravelry page.

I also got some really yummy loose leaf tea, which I am drinking now. My friend Kristin makes reuseable tea bags. I bought a couple and picked them up at the LYS. She gave me some yummy tea to drink with it to because they were a little late.

I am considering taking a spinng class with Kristin as well later in the month. I think it can be a lot of fun!!

Oh my friend Allia introduced me to this yummy restraunt called the Chicago Diner. It is yummy diner food that is all vegetarian and vegan! Makes me really happy!!

Kay I am done rambling now (hence the name of the blog). I will post pictures when I get around to taking them.

hat to small

2008-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well I thought that since I am now standing outside the clinic for 4 hours week, and winter is full on here in Chicago I needed a hat I liked. So I made what I thought was a slouchy big beret (according to the pattern), and I liked the style of it. It knit up easy in just a few days, the only problem was the pattern got messed up near the end. It was an easy adjustment, mainly in row count. Well it turns out this hat would be a super slouchy hat for a child, and beanie on my adult freakishly large head. Hence it is modeled on the penguin below.

2008

2008-01-01T12:35:00.001-08:00

I just want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Hope 2008 is a s good (or maybe better) then 2007

Christmas and New Years

2007-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Well it's been an interesting past few weeks. My show Eat the Runt got shut down right before Christmas, which royaly stinks. Still it was for the best, and there is a slim chance we may move it to Vegas. (ahhhhh sun!!!). I'm fortunate to be staying on in a part-time capacity, my actors however were all out of work.

My other show closed Christmas Eve, (not much point in doing Christmas Carol after Christmas!) and the down time has been nice. I walked into my LYS firday for Yarn Geeks for the first time in 6 weeks!! I'm aslo finally haveing time to devote to Christmas Knitting (yes things will be late sorry guys)

Mom's sweater is coming along well. Had trouble attaching the sleeve at first. Kept getting loose holes. Thankfuly knittinghelp.com saved me!! My LYS was of course closed the two days I was fighting with it. Anyway it is acutally looking like a sweater, I am happy!!

For Abbey I am going to do the Entwined pattern. I made it for myself and love it!! She's always cold and goes to College in MI, so it will be nice for her. Plus it's a fast project.

I'm already thinking ahead to next year. My friend Kristin has the great idea of makeing something every month and putting it in her Christmas stash. That way she doesn't have to franticly do a bunch of projects in December. I think i'm gonna adopt that idea myself.

Well I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year. I for one will be taking cabs and trains around Chicago tonight.

Peace

Mary

holliday cards

2007-12-06T21:23:00.001-08:00

so it is that time of year, and I am determined to get cards to everyone this year! However I am missing addresses, so if you want one please e-mail your address to stewart.me@gmail.com
best!

Mary

Not dead i swear

2007-12-06T21:06:00.001-08:00

So I haven't died or even disappeared, just been incredibly busy! The holidays have hit which means prime marketing time for theatre in Chicago. Everyone is coming here to shop, so we try to get them to come see our show. I'm also getting ready for next semester at Northwestern with the Opera (yes I said I would quit, but just can't bring myself to, the people are to great). So I've been busy, but there have also been some good fun times.

2 weeks before thanksgiveing our runaway cat was found after 2 months! We are so happy to have her home, and she is healing from her adventure.

Welcome home Bombuls!!

Then I hosted thanksgiving for my family and friends here in Chicago. It was quite fun. I made mom cook the turkey since I don't eat it. Apparently it wasn't a butterball that did everything for her so she did it the "old fashioned" way. Sorry mom, I buy free-range organic!! Yeah we had fun, Jenni and are "soul" sister if not "blood"ones!
Int he midst of all this my cousin got married in Michigan and I have been trying to knit for Christmas and for winter for myself!!

I call these adult mittens on a string, and they are warm and fuzzy, made with malabrigo wool, mmmmmmmm.

and I wonder why I am tired??

Historic Stitcher: Tagged!

2007-11-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Historic Stitcher: Tagged!

Here’s the deal: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you (see above). Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

So: Eight random things about me.

1. I haven't "paid" taxes in 2 years. well at least they haven't come out of my paycheck anyway. I've been freelance and had to settle with the government every April.

2. I used to stay up all night with an insomniac dwarf and giant. Yup, used to work at a group home with on the third shift, it was always amusing. We all liked coffee a little to much!!

3. I am slob with my food. It's awful! I spill everything on myself, and can not be separated from my tide to go pen! My paperwork is always coved with coffee.

4. I started flying by myself at age 6. Thats what happens when you have two parents in two different states. At Christmas and in the summer I would be put on a plane by myself with a stewardess (they were still stewardess then). Not the most fun way to fly, though I did get bumped to first class whenever there was room!

5. I am a pescetraian. though I usually tell people that I am vegetarian because they are less confused that way. However I do make exceptions for the occasional fish, and steamed muscles.mmmmmmmmmm

6. I have a Goddess mic which is the microphone I use so my cast can hear me during the tech rehearsal process. Typically it is called a God mic, however a man hasn't spoken over it in years, and it's a male dominated field anyway, so I renamed it!

7. I travel with my own Telex headset I spend so much time talking on it, calling shows is my life, and i needed something comfortable. Also they swap over so many ears, *shiver*

8. I have a Korean sister who lives in Germany. She was our exchange student in high school, and being an only child it was wonderful! She is german, has grown up there, but her parents moved there from Korea so she is also Korean. She came to the states to escape the culture clash and find herself. She got me with the package, thank goodness we have the same sense of humor!!

Now, to tag! Kristin, Lyndsey, Riss, Brittany, Shreyl, Abbey, Stephanie, and Megan!!. Have fun!!!

ahh KIPing fun

2007-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's always funny the looks I get when I KIP. Last night I had sock in rehearsal while the cast was learning to speak in a British Dialect. My choreographer also happens to be a fiber fiend, and looked over to see what I was working on. The look on her face was quite funny, probably something akin to the look on my face when I first saw Erika's socks. Mind you I knit mine on DPN's, and all Helen could say was "that looks like a mean weapon not something I want to stick my foot in!" yeah...

Finished Scott's scarf!! Apparently short wide scarves are "in" for guys. It turned out looking really good, I'm quite happy. And it's quite soft, yay!! I will post pictures when blogger lets me. :(

Ravelry

2007-10-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

My Ravelry invite came today! Of course, one of my bussiest day when I have NO time to set it up.

Username is highflyinsm - look me up!

lost camera but progress

2007-09-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

I lost my camera last week sometime. I think the faires might have it, playing a little game with me.

I finished Jenni's baby ponco last week. It turned out really cute, rather "disco" as Mary Kay said. Till every baby needs a little bit of disco, and I am happy to provide. So the stats:

Yarn: Stash red heart baby multi colored yarn. Double stranded for thinkness and gauge.
Needles: My Great Grandma's antique needles - size 13
Started: September 15, finished September 23

Finished the first sock a few weeks ago, and actually cast on the second one this week. It's going much faster, though I keep putting it off for other projects!!

Scott's Scarf is about 10 inches from being done. This yarn is driving me nuts however, it's "fluffing" and knotting around it's self.

I cast on my mom's sweater today. I'm useing Cascade 220 and let me tell you it's a dream! I also discoved Swallow needles, so easy on the hands!! If you havne't heard of them I suggest trying them out, they are made of mil weed an entirly renwable resource! Plus they bend and learn your hands over time.

I'll post picutres as soon as I can!

excitement on the personal front

2007-09-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

Non-knitting but exciting news to share!

So this has been one of the most intersting weeks of my life. Mostly it has been postive!
First the good news. I have interviewd, been offered, and accepted the postiong of General Manager for Eat The Runt here in Chicago. All this happened in about 48 hours mind you. But I get to be the big boss, I run all the books, discpline (eww), get butts in the seats, keep the producers in line, and basicaly keep my show open. Plus this if full time, a pretty decent salary and I get to work from my home quite a bit!! WOO HOO!! I also really belive in this show, it has so much potential!! It ran for 150 performances off-broadway before 9/11 shut it down. What's It about you ask? It is the first audience cast show, all 8 actors know all 8 parts, they audtion for the audience, and then the audience votes like in Millionare! It's really fun, and funny!! There are over 40,320 combinations!! So you see the potential here? Very excited!! I am the big boss now!!
The dark part of the week is the passing of a very dear friend of mine. He was insturmental in getting me started here in Chicago, and is a large part of where I am today. Last weekend he suffered a sever stroke and went into a Coma, and on Thursday he passed. It is very sad and a huge loss to the theatrical community here.
So that's the last week in the life of Mary. I'm now trying to pull my life together to start the new job tomorrow. EEEE so excited!!

about the needle bar

2007-09-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who have noticed my "on the needles" section has gotten rather extensive! I'm starting early on Christmas presents and my friend from high school is having a baby. So of to the races we go!!

I bought yarn for my mom's sweater Friday at the knitting store in down town. Beautiful peacock blue by Lamb's Pride, bought the store out! :) Also started knitting my baby poncho for Jenni's baby, got through quite a bit of it over the weekend!! I'm making it from stash, which s good.

I've been spinning to. YAY!! My friend Kristen is also just learning to spin, so we compare notes, books and advice. It's nice actually. She also makes and sells gorgeous hand died yarn, want to get some and make yummy socks out of it!! Thinking the walnut died yarn, mmmmmm.

That's all for now. I'll post pictures soon, promise! I leave you with a question: Why do my cats leave my basket of yarn on the floor alone but fish out my lace weight yarn from the stash and bat it into the bathroom?

and the knit goes on...

2007-09-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would post some progress shots and update everyone. Now that the move is done, and I don't have any shows coming up until Christmas time, I have had lots of time to work on things. I am also looking ahead to what I will do with my Christmas knitting. I have a few things I know some people will get, others not so sure yet.

I have also started going to the Yarn Exchange, which is the shop here in town. I discoved on line that they have a knitting round table on Fridays, so last week I figured what the hell. I met some wonderful people, had a great time, and really great conversation!! I also got to explore the stock they have there, oh the fun! They have the sock yarn I am useing now there as well, so exciting! I also met another spinner there, though she is quite good and I am still breaking my wool on the spindle every few twists. Still she turned me onto so good local fiber shops, so as I improve I will know where to go.

So onto the pictures!!

my first sock is almost done!! Turning the heal took some doing, and several tries, but it actually looks like a sock now!!

A scarf I am working on for my hubby. he picked the yarn, and it is really looking sharp. However it is fuzzing something awful and driving me nuts!!

And finally....

A scarf that took 3 generations to make!! My mom wanted to learn to knit in high school, so my great grandma decided to teach her with this scarf. My mom found it this summer cleaning out my grandma's house, still on the needle 2/3 of the way done. I decided to finish it and mail it to her as a suprise. Quite a fun story!!

it's funny cuz it's ture

2007-08-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

someone on my knitting group posted this. Just had to share. :)

Yarn A recent study indicated, that Yarn and thread gives off certainPheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts.When stored in large quantities, in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones, (in the yarn,) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome, (similar to the one squirrels have, before the onset of winter, i.e. the storing of food,) therefore, perpetuating their species and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others.Sound tests have also revealed, that these yarns, emit a very high- pitched sound, heard only by a select few, a breed of women known as "loomers." When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants, buy me, loom me, and wind me into a ball ".In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect," that these yarns cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs, to avoid being pulled into their grip.(One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a yarn store, with WW2 army gas masks and headphones!). Studies have also indicated, that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects, that these yarns have on the human population. They are called "YARN STORE CLERKS".It's also been experienced, that these same Pheromones, cause apathological need, to hide these yarn purchases, when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash.) When asked by a significant other if the yarn is new, the reply is, "I've had it forawhile."Author Unknown

First Post

2007-08-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Basically this is a place for me to post pictures and progress about my kinitting. My non-crafty friends are growing rather tired of my knitting ramblings on my regular blog. Soooo....with out futher ado..

I've finished two projects this summer. First was a small car-seat sized blanket for baby bella. It turned about pretty well for my first blanket!!

it knitted up pretty well. I did on size 10 needles, with red heart baby yarn. Pastel colors with a silver thread, looks pretty and knits easily as well. It's mostly accrylic, which is not the greatest. Still made it a nice light weight summer blanket.

I also made a pair of fingerless gloves for my friend Jenni for her birthday this summer.

I made then on my size 7 double pointed kneedles. I made them with Lion Brand 100% wool, and they knitted up wonderfully!! It was fast and easy to do, even with all the purling! I'm really happy with how they came out and thinking of makeing myself a pair later.

In the works I still have the pair of socks I started in March. It's my first pair, they are on size 0 and I am attemting to turn the heel right now. I also have a scarf for my hunny in the works. Black and forest green should be very pretty. I've been haveing fun with the new yarns I'm finding on the east coast. I even have some I picked up I have no idea what it will be yet. What fun!!

Allright off to the races!