SP10

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

I prefer natural fibers, but I do use a lot of acrylic baby yarn for my Preemie Project knitting. I'm not too big on novelty yarns, especially anything "furry".

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a wonderful tube needle case for my DPNs, and a binder/organizer for my circs. I usually store my straights in a large snowman mug on my dresser.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for about 2 years. A co-worker made an amazing Fair Isle sweater, and she taught me. I also learn a lot of things by just trying them on my own. I would consider myself an adventurous intermediate knitter.

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

No.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I like vanilla and cinnamon scents, florals are nice but a lot of them make me sneeze.

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

Hand over the chocolate and no one will get hurt .... ;) The darker, the better :)

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

I do lots of different needlecrafts - counted cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, crochet. I don't spin.

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

I like lots of different music, but especially like blues and jazz. I listen to just about everything except heavy metal and rap/hip hop. Yes, I can play MP3s.


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

My favorite colors are watery colors - blues greens and greys in all shades from pastels to bright vibrant colors. There really aren't any colors that I dislike.

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

My kids are grown, and I live with my boyfriend. We don't have any pets, and are allergic to cats.

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

It it is really really cold, I will wear a winter scarf, as long as it is not furry. I like wraps, but haven't worn a poncho since I was a kid in the late 60's.

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

Socks, socks, socks!! I always have a couple of pair OTN, and belong to a British sock club from Natural Dye Studios. I also like to knit baby items for charity.

13. What are you knitting right now?

3 pair of socks (for me)
Nantucket Jacket (for me)
baby sweater (for The Preemie Project)
burial wrap (for The Preemie Project)
hats (for a homeless shelter for teens)
a tote bag (for the International Tote Exchange 3)
a purse (for the Knitted Purse Swap 2)
Central Park Hoodie (for someone else - late Christmas present)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

They are the best!

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

It depends on the project. I like DPNs for socks, straights for baby items, and circs for larger items. Definately bamboo for the DPNs, metal for the circs. My straights are a combination.

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

Nope, I have TRHM to hold yarn for me and help me wind it into balls. He loves to do that, and felt a little put out when he was busy one night and I used the back of a chair. So much so that he stopped what he was doing and sat on the couch to hold the yarn for me.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

4 months - an overdue Christmas present

18. What is your favorite holiday?

That is a tough question - I would say it is a tie between Halloween and 4th of July. I love Halloween because it is the start of the holiday party season for me. Since I grew up on an Army base, I love 4th of July because we are all very patriotic in our family.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Ladybugs, and frogs, but only if they are NOT eating ladybugs ...

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

I subscribe to Interweave Knits. I would love to have Early Arrivals 2 from Sirdar. I am always on the lookout for cool sock patterns (I have Sensational Knitted Socks, but would really love the second book), and sweet baby patterns. I wear a large size, so most patterns have to be altered.

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

I would like to learn Fair Isle knitting. I knit Continental, so I need to get better at English knitting so I can go on to Fair Isle.

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

I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

July 6th. Same day as my sister, but she is not my twin :)

Lint for Lent

I joined another KAL - Lint for Lent. The idea is that you commit to 30 minutes of charity knitting every day during the Lenten season. I normally do some charity knitting every week, and I made the commitment to knit a little more for others. I have three projects I am currently working on. These projects are also Stash-Along projects, so I am getting double the knitty goodness from them :)

The first project is a mint green baby sweater. I got the back finished, and one side of the front. But I don't like how the pattern is working out at the shoulders, so I am going to frog a couple of inches and try again.


The second project is a blue burial wrap for The Preemie Project. I haven't tried this pattern before, but it is really easy. I think they also call this Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth. You start at the corner, and increase one stitch on each side every other row with a YO, creating an eyelet edge. With this pattern, the square is worked, then a triangle is joined to the square by running ribbon through the eyelet edge. This forms a pouch for the baby and the sides are wrapped around. This one is almost finished. I just have a couple of inches to go on the triangle, then I need to put it all together.

The third project is hats for homeless teenagers in a group home in Atlantic City called Covenant House. I have several balls of miscellaneous yarn that I have accummulated - you know, that yarn you see in the yarn shop and just have to have a couple of balls of it ... The green hat is made from Cascade 220 in lime green (remember when this color was called "acid" green??), navy blue, and a lime/navy/teal varigated. The light blue-teal varigated hat is made with 50:50 wool and soy silk. It feels very soft, and I think it would make a great hat for a girl.

A whole boxful of Ladybug Goodness!!!

Sat afternoon, TRHM came in with a big box, "Hey, you have a package. It's a pretty big box, must be a LOT of yarn!" I opened it up, and it was my tote from my International Tote Exchange 3 partner!! I was so thrilled! I had seen a photo of the ladybug bag on Cheryl's website, and was coveting it madly! When I saw it, I was so jealous, because I had no clue that Cheryl was my secret swap partner, and someone else was getting a ladybug bag! Cheryl was so sneaky - she sent me e-mails anonymously, AND then she commented on my blog as Cheryl. Competely threw me off.

So - back to the goodies ... I opened the box and clutched the bag to my chest shrieking "It's mine!! It's mine!! The ladybug bag was for ME!!!!" TRHM just laughed. I pet it and hugged it, then dug into all the other goodies in the box. Let me tell you - this was a very full box!

There were lots of ladybug goodies - a package of ladybug buttons, a very cute notepad with a glittery ladybug on the cover and each sheet of paper with a clip to keep it from getting lost, and the cutest ladybug chocolates that came all the way from Ireland! Very very cute!

There were all sorts of awesome sock knitting goodies, too! A big fat cake of red and black yarn, a pattern for Circle of Friendship socks, and this really cool needle case to hold my DPNs. There was a roll of hightlighter tape - I've never seen that before. You can use it to keep track of where you are in the pattern, and it is removable.

There was also a skein of red Cascade 220 (how did you know I needed a skein of red, Cheryl??). I'm going to use it to make a red/yellow/blue beach bag. And a package of my favorite chocolate of all time - Lindt truffles. TRHM was amazed because I like Lindt truffles better than Godiva.

An extra special bookmark was included, too! It is a handcrafted beaded book thong with red raspberry beads and a heart at one end and an Eiffel Tower at the other end. It is absolutely precious, and I really do *heart* Paris and the Eiffel Tower. "Paris is always a good idea" - do you know the reference??

Cheryl, thank you so much for such a lovely box, my beautiful bag, and most of all, your great sense of humor and friendship. As wonderful as all of the goodies are, the best thing is a new friend :)

The Weekend in Atlanta

We had a wonderful trip to Atlanta to start our comic show season. It was our first year attending Furry Weekend Atlanta, and we had a great time!

One of the best fursuits there was The Pink Panther. He was really great! The fursuit fit him perfectly, and he had all the Pink Panther moves down. He posed for a picture with me in the Dealer's Room.

For all of you who know I am stashing-along. I did not buy any yarn :) I am so proud of myself!! I didn't even go look. I spent the weekend hanging out, chatting with the furries, and working on my knitting projects. Progress pics to come ...

This weekend, we are off to Jacksonville for MegaPlex, followed by a week long vacation in Orlando with my Dad, my sister and her family. We are celebrating my nephew's 7th birthday at Disney - what fun!

International Tote Swap

Could this be coming your way? I am working on my tote for my International Tote Swap III pal. She has no idea who I am, and I am enjoying teasing her! Could it be you? Do these colors interest you? I think you will like them. I have the perfect handles for it, and I am on a mission to find the perfect lining. I completely dig this pattern - it is a really cool modular pattern, made of blocks that build on each other. Stay tuned for additional progress pics, and then the final unveiling.

Quilting weekend

On Thursday, instead of going to Knit Chicks, I took a machine quilting class at The Village Quilter. It was a wonderful class! The instructor was very knowledgeable, and I loved her "ignore the rules, do what works for you" attitude. I learned that adjusting the tension on my machine is key to attractive quilting. When she first mentioned adjusting the tension, I thought, "Oh no! I'm not touching that. If I touch the tension, Mom will be cranky and I will lose my sewing machine privileges! Uh-uh. Not me!" but I did it anyway! And guess what? She was right! Adjusting the tension was a snap, and the stitch quality improved quite a bit! So this weekend, I washed and ironed a bunch of fabric and got ready to start my quilts. I have a couple of floral twin-sized quilts planned for The Children's Fresh Air Home. They are local charity that provides 2 week vacations at the Jersey Shore for disadvantaged children. They have 60 beds in their home, and each bed has a handmade quilt on it. Some of the quilts are sorely in need of replacing, so I am going to make a couple of quilts for them.





Are you a pirate? Do you need a new blankie? I'm making this special quilt for a special person ... Aarrrrgggh!

Shhhhh!! It's a SECRET!!

I was tagged by Cheryl for a MEME. I am supposed to tell 5 secrets that I have not revealed on my blog, then tag 5 other people. This is not an easy thing. Why, you ask? Well, because I AM A BLABBER-MOUTH!! Yep, that's right. Secrets are not generally safe with me, and more than one person has held up their hand and said "TMI!!" I've already blabbed most of my secrets all over the internets. So now, I have to think of 5 things that I haven't blabbed. Well, here goes:

Secret #1:
I was almost eaten by a dog when I was 4 years old. It was a dog I knew, and played with. He was eating a piece of meat, and saw me outside and decided I would make a tasty snack. I lowered my head and covered my face with my hands, so he got a good chunk of my hair and scalp. I had over 100 stitches on the top of my head, and wore a lovely white gauze turban for a while. Fortunately, this did not interfere with my hair growth. But every once in a while, a new hairdresser will feel the scar and exclaim "Oh my gosh! You have a huge scar on your head!!" To which, I usually reply "I do???? What are you talking about? I don't have a scar!"

Secret #2:
When I was 16, I wanted to go to seminary. I was very active in my church, and felt strongly about it. Every once in a while, I still feel regret that I did not do that, and contemplate doing it now. I am an Episcopalian, and we ordain women.

Secret #3:
I have a Master of Science in Chemistry (Stereospecific Organic Synthesis), and finished all of my coursework, but did not do my dissertation for my PhD in Environmental Policy Analysis. I am a total Chemistry geek, and have loved Chemistry since I was a little kid.

Secret #4:
When I was in elementary school, I skipped a grade. I finished one marking period of 2nd grade, and they moved me up to 3rd grade. Gifted programs have come a long way since then, haven't they??

Secret #5:
When I was in 6th grade, I designed my own embroidery project. I used a piece of a pillowcase and my grandmother's colored sewing threads to detail, in teeny little stitches, the guts of an earthworm. She thought it was gross, but well executed. Grampa thought it was wonderful. He helped me dissect the earthworm. I think that was because the idea of cutting up earthworms in the garage totally grossed Grandma out.

Okay, so now you know 5 things about me that you didn't know before. So now I have to find 5 people to tag. Don't worry, Jenn. I'm not tagging you - you just started your blog, and so it will be too easy for you to find 5 things that you have not yet blogged about!

EDIT:
I tagged:
Claudia
Betsy
Mel
Terri
and
Libby

SKS* Question of the Week

SKS - Sensational Knitted Socks, a book of sock patterns.

I signed up for the SKS KAL, as this is my favorite source of sock patterns. This week's question is ....

How did you start making socks?

I started making socks because lots of The Knit Chicks make socks, and I didn't want to be one of those knitters who only wears "crappy store-bought socks", in the profound words of Jenn ... I used another sock book, "Knit Socks!" because I liked the can-do-ness of the title. And the book is shaped like a cute little sock. A picture of my first pair can be found here. After my first pair, I was hooked! I love hand-knitted socks, and my goal is to one day have a sock drawer filled with them! So far, I have 3 pair. One of these days, I'll get around to Kitchnering those red-white-blue ones, and I'll have 4 pair ...

Transcribing Patterns

A few days ago, I posted about my progress on my Nantucket Jacket. I mentioned that I transcribed the pattern into a spreadsheet and I am working it all in one piece so that I don't have to seam the sides. I've had a couple of questions about how exactly this works, so I will explain ...

The first thing that I do is read the pattern, and decide if I want to knit the front and back in one piece. For this project, I do. My spreadsheet will have four columns - row number, right, back, and left. The written pattern has the instructions in blocks - one block of text for each front side and the back. I just transcribe that information into the appropriate column in my spreadsheet. First, I did the column for the right front. the first line in the spreadsheet has the number of stitches to cast on for that section. The second line is Row 1 - the directions say to purl the first row, so that block just says "purl". The third line is Row 2. I have a little note in the block where I have the row number that this is a "rs" row. The fourth line is Row 3. I read the directions for Row 2, and write in what I would do if I were actually knitting. Since this pattern says to continue in pattern until you get to a decrease row, I just copy and paste the Row 2 and Row 3 directions until I get to the decrease row, in this case, Row 8. I put a notation in the block where I have the row number that this is a "dec" row, then put the instructions. I continue through the entire pattern in this manner, filling out each column in turn. I also note the number of stitches that should be on the needles for that section when I finish a section of the pattern. When I get to a part of the pattern that says "work in pattern until the piece measures 8 inches", then that row gets copied across all four columns of the spreadsheet, and I highlight it. Then the next row is the 1st row of the next section, and again, I note if it is a rs or ws row.

Some of you are probably thinking that it is a lot of work and might not be worth it. Well, it is a little bit of work, but it really forces me to read the pattern carefully - like I always tell TRHM - read ALL the words ... lol! I just find this kind of pattern easier to follow, and I have a nifty little row-by-row set of directions that I can check off as I complete the row. As a bonus, since this pattern has cables, I can just circle the row number for the rows where I cable, and now I don't have to count them! I am also not that experienced with knitting sweaters, so this helps me to have confidence that I am following the diretions correctly.

If anyone is interested in learning more about this method, or needs help doing it, just drop me a line at shieldlm AT hotmail DOT com. I'll be happy to help you!

You see funny things when driving in NJ

So I'm on my way to work this morning, and I pass a van for a one-man-does-it-all remodeling business. How do I know that it is one-man-does-it-all?? Well, because the name of his business and the phone number were spray-painted on the side of his van. Yes. I'm serious. If I had figured out how to use the new phone TRHM got me, I might have been able to whip that baby out and snap a photo. But as I was putt-putting along at 80 MPH, that just wasn't happening. I'm sure the bimbo putting on mascara in the BMW behind me wouldn't have appreciated a sudden decrease in my speed. Although it might have cranked up the entertainment value of the commute a bit.

The lettering on the van was classic - you know, that military-esque block lettering that evokes memories of carboard templates? And it was crooked. And there was overspray around the square edges of the template. So I guess the bigger question is, if you had a remodeling project, and needed some help, would you call an idiot who can't even manage a can of spray paint? Possibly not.

Progress!

I've been working on my jacket. Since I was taught to knit by a brilliant woman, I reviewed the pattern and transcribed it into an Excel spreadsheet to easily knit from front edge to front edge - no side seams! :)

The pattern was super easy to learn, and I am really happy with the way it is coming out.

Later today - more fun with Kool-Aid!

A new blog feature

I added a new page to the blog - there is a link on the right for Socks. This link will take you to a page dedicated to the socks I knit. You can find photos of the socks, and information about the pattern. Give it a click, and let me know what you think!

Kool-aid Yarn Dyeing

I tried dyeing yarn with Kool-Aid for the first time this weekend. It was so Kool!! I couldn't believe how easy it was. First, I put chairs as far apart as possible, and wound skeins of white yarn into the longest loops possible. After tying the strands at strategic locations with kitchen string, I mixed up the Kool-aid in large plastic containers while the yarn soaked in warm water. I placed sections of the yarn into each container, and popped the whole thing into the microwave. I zapped for 2 minutes, waited for 5, and repeated until all of the color was absorbed by the yarn, and the water was colorless. I was surprised at how vibrant the colors were! I used 2 or 3 packets of Kool-aid per container, and the skeins of yarn were 3.5 to 4 ozs, so there was about a 3:1 ratio of Kool-aid /oz of yarn.

Once it cooled, I hung the yarn on plastic hangers in the bathroom. TRHM proclaimed "It smells like a box of Fruit Loops in here!"

After they dried, I put the giant hanks back onto the chairs, and wound into small skeins. The colors are a little blotchy, but I think it will be fine once the yarn is knitted up. These skeins are destined to be hats for teenagers in a group home in Atlantic City. I think the teens will like the funky colors.

Santa Came to Town!

This year, just after Christmas, TRHM, my Mom, and I went to Elaine and Carrie's house to see the Johnston Christmas Trees. No, that is not a typo, I did mean plural - it is an amazing display! Those Christmas shops that sell Holiday Cheer all year long don't have as much Christmas yumminess as Elaine and Carrie (and Elaine's husband and Carrie's Dad, Bob)! Well, while we were there, Elaine showed TRHM a singing Santa. She pushed the button and he started swaying his hips, and singing TRHM's favorite Christmas song - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! TRHM jumped off the sofa and started singing and dancing with Santa. In that moment, I knew that he had to have one.

What is in the box?

OH boy! I can't believe it! It is one of those Santas that Elaine has !

It really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Knitted Purse Swap 2!

Becky has started the Knitted Purse Swap 2! I can't wait to start. The last swap was wonderful - I made a messenger bag for Mel, and she loved it. She sent me a beautiful purse lined with ladybugs! It was so much fun, that I immediately signed up for the second swap. This one is a secret swap, so I don't know who my pal is, and my pal doesn't know it is me :)

We were asked to post the answers to some questions to help our pal out with making our purse.

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

I prefer natural fibers for my own knitting, but I do a lot of charity knitting with acrylic. I knit for The Preemie Project, and the skin of the babies is so delecate that even the softest wool can irritate it. I also do some charity knitting that requires that the objects are easy to care for, and are machine washable and dryable. So I use acrylic for that, as well. I am not fond of most novelty yarns, especially anything "furry".

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

I store my crochet hooks, straights and most of my DPNs in a tall coffee mug on my dresser. I also have a nifty binder with clear zipper pages that I use for my circs and some of the other DPNs.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I consider myself to be an adventurous intermediate knitter. I had the bestest knitting teacher in the world, and she taught me to knit in 2004. The most important thing that she taught me was that just because the pattern says to do it that way doesn't mean that is the only way. You don't have to follow the pattern! What a concept! Amazing.

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

No.

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

Vanilla (yes, I know, b-o-r-i-n-g!!)

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

Chocolate, dark chocolate. Is there any other kind of candy?

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

I haven't tried spinning. I do lots of other needlecrafts - I quilt, sew, cross-stitch and crochet.

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

My favorite colors are the color of the sea - grey, blue and green, and any combination thereof. There really aren't any colors that I can't stand.

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

My kids are grown up, I live with my boyfriend, and he has 2 teen-aged sons that we spend time with on the weekends. They live in the same town, so sometimes we do things with them during the week, especially in the summer.

I can't even talk TRHM into a ChiaPet...

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

For myself - socks! I love knitting baby items for The Preemie Project.

11. What are you knitting right now?

A Nantucket Jacket from IK Winter 2006 (for me), socks (for me), a baby sweater (for TPP) and finishing a Christmas present

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

Yes. It depends on what I am knitting. I love KP Options, and I have lots of Addi Turbos. I also have aluminum straights in just about every size. I like bamboo, especially for socks, and I have DPNs in bamboo in all sizes for that.

13. Is there anything that you collect?

Ladybugs. Especially glass ladybugs.

Great idea for the Phillies

The Dodgers are trying a new angle - All You Can Eat Seats. That's right, they are converting some of the "cheap seats" into not-so-cheap seats, unless you can eat a lotta hot dogs and peanuts ...

The right field pavillion is being converted into a bleacher section with unlimited hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos and soda for $35 a seat in advance, and $40 on game day. Beer, ice cream and candy are not included in the deal. The left field pavillion is still selling for $10 a seat.

Better than Dollar Dog Night? Maybe not.

Started the Nantucket Jacket

I knit my swatch, but I didn't wash/block it. My guage is a little off - I am getting 4.25 stitches/inch. This will work out fine because the largest size of the pattern is just a teeny bit too small. I frogged my swatch and cast on - then realized I should have taken a pic of the swatch ... oh well. I decided to knit the two front pieces and the back together - this way the only seaming I will have to do is the shoulder and arm. I am planning to knit the arm in the round, so that will elimate that seam, as well. I would take a progress pic, but it isn't so exciting with just 4 rows ... hopefully next week there will be enough to be camera worthy!

Another Sock Knitter!!

This year, for Christmas, I gave my daughter, Cassie, a sock kit. I bought her four balls of superwash merino in a dk weight, Crystal Palace DPN's, Knit Socks! and Sensational Knitted Socks. I went with DPNs because I really don't think socks soar on 2 circulars, and there really isn't anything magical about The Loop. And, I think that knitting with DPNs is a key skill. A week ago, I gave her a sock lesson. This was really new, because Cassie was taught to knit English, and the only cast on she has ever used is knitting on. I taught her to knit Continental, and the long-tail cast on. I also taught her to cast onto four needles, not cast onto 1 needle and shift stitches.

She practiced and practiced, and yesterday, showed me her efforts. I think it is awesome! That is her boyfriend, Joe. He is an art student at Rutger's University.

Notice that the front door is open - and yes, that is a Christmas wreath on the door. The kitchen windows were open, too. This weather is just too weird!!

Nantucket Jacket KAL

My yarn arrived last yesterday! I ordered KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in the Maple Syrup colorway. It is exactly what I wanted - coppery and cinnamony - yum! I can't wait to start my swatches. Jenn started her swatches already, and we will be working on the jacket together.

In addition to the yarn, I ordered some points and cable for the KP Options needles. I *heart* them! I also got color cards for some of the yarn I have considered for other projects.

Just for the record - this yarn was ordered before I even knew about Stash-Along, and before I made my commitment not to buy more yarn.

Stashing right along!

When I joined Stash-along, I started a baby sweater out of some mint green Jaime that I have in my stash. So far, I have the back finished and the left front. I cast on for the right front last night, and should have it finished by the end of this evening. This weekend, I'll do the sleeves, border bands and put it all together. Hopefully, it will be an FO by Sunday night :)

I really like the pattern - it is a Sirdar pattern that I bought on eBay last year. It has pretty lacy panels with seed stitch in between. The ruffled bottom is adorable and so easy to do!