Question of the Week #1:
In keeping with the awesomeness that was SP12, I thought I'd take a minute to throw out a question for everyone to answer in a blog post...
Since we've just had Thanksgiving here in the US, I'm wondering what everyone is most thankful for this year. You don't have to be in the US or even celebrate Thanksgiving to answer. Just share with us! :-)
This year - I am thankful for my wonderful, awesome, splendorous, super cool husband. I've had some rough times where I didn't believe that I could be as happy as I am now and I am thankful for him every day. I am also thankful for wonderful friends who support me, trust me, value my opinion and who feel the same way about me. :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Turkey Day(s)
This Turkey Day weekend didn't seem as crazy as they usually do. We are glad to be home though, in our own big soft cushy bed with big soft cushy pillows! :)
Thursday morning we (I) got up early and loaded the car and we headed to Centerville for lunch with my mother-in-law's family. We got to see most of the little ones playing and find out there's another on the way! They had a little wedding shower for Justin & I (although I think everyone there had come to the wedding except one of Justin's cousins and his wife) and a baby shower for Jeremy & Mandy (the ones who didn't get to come). We got more great presents from everyone and it was really fun to see all the baby presents - I am not used to all of the homemade quilts and they are so beautiful!! Everyone seemed to like the baby blanket that I gave them and were impressed that it was knitted, so now I have to make some harder ones!! We left there around 5, the last group to go, and headed to pick up Justin's step-mom and brother and take them back up to my father-in-law's house. We got in pretty late and just went to bed!
Friday most of us got up early and Hollie & I went to JoAnns (crazy packed full of old ladies!) and Michaels. Hollie found a bunch of stuff for the kids she watches and some decorations, and I got 3 big collage frames for pictures! One that holds 9 5x7s for our wedding pictures (when we get them back), and 2 16x20 collage frames - one that holds a bunch and one that has spots for 3x5s. I can't wait to start digging through my pictures and filling them up!! I've been wanting them for so long!! We decided not to go to any of the other crazy sales, so we mostly worked on fixing the parent's computer (like most trips there) and watched TV.
After showers and rest, my father-in-law offered to take me to the yarn shop I had found that is in downtown St Louis. Justin came with, probably just for something to do. It took us about 30 minutes to get there - and it was huge!! I spent about a half an hour walking around & making sure I saw everything, they had a whole ROOM for sale yarn!! I got 15% off my regular priced yarns and 10% off the sale yarn so I was excited. :) I picked out a gorgeous, soft blue lace yarn which is my favorite color, a handpainted sock yarn and more of the cotton twist yarn that I had bought at my own LYS in pink. I also picked up an Addi Turbo Lace to use with the lace yarn I got to do my first lace project. I can't wait to start!! I spend most of the rest of that day ogling my new yarn, petting it, and looking for projects to use it on. :D
Saturday morning Hollie & I went to Hobby Lobby to check out their 2-day sale and I got a whole bunch of beads at 50% off! They are so pretty - I can't wait to make stitch markers and maybe some earrings out of them!! We headed back here to the rain and cold and get to have a lazy day today and maybe go see 'Twilight'.
I hope to get some projects done really quick, although I am so far behind on my Xmas knitting that I don't know if I can possibly catch up! I do know that I want one of the awesome swifts they had at the St Louis yarn shop though!! :D
Happy Holidays, everyone!!
Thursday morning we (I) got up early and loaded the car and we headed to Centerville for lunch with my mother-in-law's family. We got to see most of the little ones playing and find out there's another on the way! They had a little wedding shower for Justin & I (although I think everyone there had come to the wedding except one of Justin's cousins and his wife) and a baby shower for Jeremy & Mandy (the ones who didn't get to come). We got more great presents from everyone and it was really fun to see all the baby presents - I am not used to all of the homemade quilts and they are so beautiful!! Everyone seemed to like the baby blanket that I gave them and were impressed that it was knitted, so now I have to make some harder ones!! We left there around 5, the last group to go, and headed to pick up Justin's step-mom and brother and take them back up to my father-in-law's house. We got in pretty late and just went to bed!
Friday most of us got up early and Hollie & I went to JoAnns (crazy packed full of old ladies!) and Michaels. Hollie found a bunch of stuff for the kids she watches and some decorations, and I got 3 big collage frames for pictures! One that holds 9 5x7s for our wedding pictures (when we get them back), and 2 16x20 collage frames - one that holds a bunch and one that has spots for 3x5s. I can't wait to start digging through my pictures and filling them up!! I've been wanting them for so long!! We decided not to go to any of the other crazy sales, so we mostly worked on fixing the parent's computer (like most trips there) and watched TV.
After showers and rest, my father-in-law offered to take me to the yarn shop I had found that is in downtown St Louis. Justin came with, probably just for something to do. It took us about 30 minutes to get there - and it was huge!! I spent about a half an hour walking around & making sure I saw everything, they had a whole ROOM for sale yarn!! I got 15% off my regular priced yarns and 10% off the sale yarn so I was excited. :) I picked out a gorgeous, soft blue lace yarn which is my favorite color, a handpainted sock yarn and more of the cotton twist yarn that I had bought at my own LYS in pink. I also picked up an Addi Turbo Lace to use with the lace yarn I got to do my first lace project. I can't wait to start!! I spend most of the rest of that day ogling my new yarn, petting it, and looking for projects to use it on. :D
Saturday morning Hollie & I went to Hobby Lobby to check out their 2-day sale and I got a whole bunch of beads at 50% off! They are so pretty - I can't wait to make stitch markers and maybe some earrings out of them!! We headed back here to the rain and cold and get to have a lazy day today and maybe go see 'Twilight'.
I hope to get some projects done really quick, although I am so far behind on my Xmas knitting that I don't know if I can possibly catch up! I do know that I want one of the awesome swifts they had at the St Louis yarn shop though!! :DHappy Holidays, everyone!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My LYS expedition!
I made my first LYS purchase yesterday! (We went shopping there with my mom while she was in town for the wedding and she bought myself & Jenni a few things, but this is the first time I have purchased anything there myself.)
I got my swap presents and myself some presents too, my first laceweight yarn which I am searching for a pattern to use with now, a skein of blue Ty-Dy Socks (it is SO SOFT!!) and a cotton twist yarn, in blues - which is GORGEOUS. And funny, since it is the same colors as about 3 other things in my stash. But it's different!! :D These are up on Ravelry for any friends, family or secret pals that are curious.
Things are changing for me again at work, and I'm not sure if I like it. BUT, I don't know what anyone is planning for me - so I am going to try to stick it out as long as I can, mostly because I am just getting Justin on my insurance and everything and I hate wasting all that time, effort and money just to leave a few weeks later. I guess we'll see!
It must be Tigger's snuggle time - he is pacing between me & my monitor now... so I will write more later! :)
[[11/21 Edited out incriminating secret pal evidence]]
I got my swap presents and myself some presents too, my first laceweight yarn which I am searching for a pattern to use with now, a skein of blue Ty-Dy Socks (it is SO SOFT!!) and a cotton twist yarn, in blues - which is GORGEOUS. And funny, since it is the same colors as about 3 other things in my stash. But it's different!! :D These are up on Ravelry for any friends, family or secret pals that are curious.
Things are changing for me again at work, and I'm not sure if I like it. BUT, I don't know what anyone is planning for me - so I am going to try to stick it out as long as I can, mostly because I am just getting Justin on my insurance and everything and I hate wasting all that time, effort and money just to leave a few weeks later. I guess we'll see!
It must be Tigger's snuggle time - he is pacing between me & my monitor now... so I will write more later! :)
[[11/21 Edited out incriminating secret pal evidence]]
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wedding March
Well, it's over! Family & friends swarmed in from all over for a crazy few days. Things just started to feel 'back to normal' about Thursday. J & I are now married and I have a giant pile of 'Thank You' cards to send out, along with the Secret Pal 13 Swap starting today, a mound of presents to find homes for and... a fat orange cat trying to get a tiny piece of paper out of my trash can. His little paws are making squeaky noises.
We've been talking about getting Tigger a friend for the last two days, my friend Tracy (who breeds Scottish Fold cats) is finally giving away or selling all but a few of hers. My personal favorites are Sterling or Bonkers (what a name!), but she has a cute black & white female kitten that J thinks is cute that may be the right choice if someone doesn't buy her. I've only ever had solitary male cats or a brother/sister pair, so I'm not sure how two boys would work out - if they could bond as much. I left the decision up to my new hubby, so we'll see!
Tigger just climbed the mattress in the spare bedroom. Without front claws. I need some caffeine to deal with my little monster! :)
We've been talking about getting Tigger a friend for the last two days, my friend Tracy (who breeds Scottish Fold cats) is finally giving away or selling all but a few of hers. My personal favorites are Sterling or Bonkers (what a name!), but she has a cute black & white female kitten that J thinks is cute that may be the right choice if someone doesn't buy her. I've only ever had solitary male cats or a brother/sister pair, so I'm not sure how two boys would work out - if they could bond as much. I left the decision up to my new hubby, so we'll see!
Tigger just climbed the mattress in the spare bedroom. Without front claws. I need some caffeine to deal with my little monster! :)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Secret Pal 13 Questionairre
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I haven't used many kinds yet, but Caron Simply Soft has been my favorite so far - it has just the right amount of stretch and stays together nicely.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Homespun (Lion Brand)!! Anything with bobbles in it or the dreaded boucle! It is the debil.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My Boye straights are in a vase with glass marbles on our mantle, my Harmony Options & dpns are in the Options case that came with them and everything else is in the drawer in our coffee table.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
About 2 years now, my mother got me a loom and then straights - I've learned from her, my Stitch 'n Bitch book and knittinghelp.com.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Intermediate - there's a lot that I haven't done yet but that I know will come easy for me and I am a fast learner. :)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon one and one at the Loopy Ewe so far.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Truthfully - my cat! But I love grapefruit and peach (not a fan of flowery scents).
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
All of my teeth are sweet. I am trying to stay away from the candy but I'm a sucker for M&Ms (which we used as wedding favors), Whatchamacallits and Nutty Bars.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Scrapbooking and I used to do counted cross stitch. I've made stitch markers and may make a few pieces of jewelry soon. My mom just gave me a drop spindle as a present this last weekend - I don't think I'll be very good at it but I have 2 rovings to try out!!
8. What kind of music do you like?
Top-40 pop I guess, I'm a long time fan of Matchbox 20, Barenaked Ladies (I've been to 4 concerts), Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Joel, and some newer stuff like Kati Perry, Lifehouse, Buckcherry & Simple Plan. I love music from some musicals - like Rent & Moulin Rouge. My iPod is stuffed full!
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes, and so can my car!
9. What's your favorite color(s)?
Blue! Green and Pink are OK too depending on my mood.
Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange. Eew! Unless it's on a pumpkin. Or lime green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I just got married yesterday! No kids, one fat orange tabby cat named Tigger.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above! I L-O-V-E mittens.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Smaller things that I can finish quickly like coffee cozies or dishcloths. - I have a very short attention span and have had very little time lately with all of the wedding planning (hoping that will change soon so I can try some gauntlet/wrist warmers and socks).
13. What are you knitting right now?
Scarves for presents, a Jayne hat for the hubby, baby blankets and an afghan the hubby has claimed as his.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes! I get a few each year from my mom and I love and cherish them, even if I am too worried about their condition to ever wear them!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project - but I love my Harmony Options. I drool over the Harmony straights and would trade all of my Boye's for them in a heartbeat. My Boye aluminum are my second favorite for cheap acrylic yarns that are sticky and I don't like plastic very much but I have bought some just because they have sparkles. :D
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Neither :( I really want a winder - I wish I could find one on sale.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? about 9 months!
18. What is your favorite holiday? CHRISTMAS!!
What winter holiday do you observe? Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Hubby would say YARN! I do have a lot of Bearfoots (Big Sky Carvers) and a good collection of books. I love cute cat things - pictures, household items...
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Books - the ones on my Amazon list, I try to keep it updated. Yarns - a lot! I just don't know what, but I'm into sock yarn lately although I think the nicer aran yarns would get more use at my house. I have a few examples in my Ravelry favorites (under Stash). Needles - Harmony straights (Knit Picks) and Harmony fixed circulars for doing magic loop. Patterns - just in the books that I want.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I haven't made any socks yet, or done anything cabled or with lace. I'd love to learn to spin on a wheel too, but I want to finish some projects first so I have room for more stash!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not yet, I'm not sure what to measure yet - but I can post them later.
23. When is your birthday? August 18th
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes - aredhelstar
[[11/24/08 Updated Amazon wishlist link]]
I haven't used many kinds yet, but Caron Simply Soft has been my favorite so far - it has just the right amount of stretch and stays together nicely.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Homespun (Lion Brand)!! Anything with bobbles in it or the dreaded boucle! It is the debil.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My Boye straights are in a vase with glass marbles on our mantle, my Harmony Options & dpns are in the Options case that came with them and everything else is in the drawer in our coffee table.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
About 2 years now, my mother got me a loom and then straights - I've learned from her, my Stitch 'n Bitch book and knittinghelp.com.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Intermediate - there's a lot that I haven't done yet but that I know will come easy for me and I am a fast learner. :)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon one and one at the Loopy Ewe so far.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Truthfully - my cat! But I love grapefruit and peach (not a fan of flowery scents).
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
All of my teeth are sweet. I am trying to stay away from the candy but I'm a sucker for M&Ms (which we used as wedding favors), Whatchamacallits and Nutty Bars.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Scrapbooking and I used to do counted cross stitch. I've made stitch markers and may make a few pieces of jewelry soon. My mom just gave me a drop spindle as a present this last weekend - I don't think I'll be very good at it but I have 2 rovings to try out!!
8. What kind of music do you like?
Top-40 pop I guess, I'm a long time fan of Matchbox 20, Barenaked Ladies (I've been to 4 concerts), Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Joel, and some newer stuff like Kati Perry, Lifehouse, Buckcherry & Simple Plan. I love music from some musicals - like Rent & Moulin Rouge. My iPod is stuffed full!
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes, and so can my car!
9. What's your favorite color(s)?
Blue! Green and Pink are OK too depending on my mood.
Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange. Eew! Unless it's on a pumpkin. Or lime green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I just got married yesterday! No kids, one fat orange tabby cat named Tigger.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above! I L-O-V-E mittens.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Smaller things that I can finish quickly like coffee cozies or dishcloths. - I have a very short attention span and have had very little time lately with all of the wedding planning (hoping that will change soon so I can try some gauntlet/wrist warmers and socks).
13. What are you knitting right now?
Scarves for presents, a Jayne hat for the hubby, baby blankets and an afghan the hubby has claimed as his.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes! I get a few each year from my mom and I love and cherish them, even if I am too worried about their condition to ever wear them!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project - but I love my Harmony Options. I drool over the Harmony straights and would trade all of my Boye's for them in a heartbeat. My Boye aluminum are my second favorite for cheap acrylic yarns that are sticky and I don't like plastic very much but I have bought some just because they have sparkles. :D
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Neither :( I really want a winder - I wish I could find one on sale.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? about 9 months!
18. What is your favorite holiday? CHRISTMAS!!
What winter holiday do you observe? Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect?
Hubby would say YARN! I do have a lot of Bearfoots (Big Sky Carvers) and a good collection of books. I love cute cat things - pictures, household items...
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Books - the ones on my Amazon list, I try to keep it updated. Yarns - a lot! I just don't know what, but I'm into sock yarn lately although I think the nicer aran yarns would get more use at my house. I have a few examples in my Ravelry favorites (under Stash). Needles - Harmony straights (Knit Picks) and Harmony fixed circulars for doing magic loop. Patterns - just in the books that I want.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I haven't made any socks yet, or done anything cabled or with lace. I'd love to learn to spin on a wheel too, but I want to finish some projects first so I have room for more stash!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not yet, I'm not sure what to measure yet - but I can post them later.
23. When is your birthday? August 18th
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes - aredhelstar
[[11/24/08 Updated Amazon wishlist link]]
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