Happy Holidays

Well... that C word has caught up with me. I tried. I really did. But half the stuff I wanted to get done I didn't. Oh well.

I'm long over due posting pictures from the Autumn Coffee swap, but I don't have my memory card from my camera near by and I have to get to bed soon. After Christmas I will post a bunch of pictures.

But right now I have to post the questionnaire for another swap!! I love swapping because I love trying to come up with fun stuff for my pals. So without further ado:

The Warm Ewe Up Winter Yarn Swap Questionnaire:

Do you knit or crochet, or both? How long have you been at the craft?

I knit. I've been knitting regularly since about 2005, but learned when I was 10. The very first post on this blog has a little background for you. I would like to learn to crochet, the Babette blanket is calling to me, but haven't been able to get the hang of it so far.

Do you spin?

"Yes"... I have a wheel and have spun a couple skeins (and has some still on the bobbin!), but knitting has taken back over for the past several months. I'd love to get back into it though.

What yarns/fibers are your favorites?

Alpaca! I love alpaca... it's so soft! I also like sock yarn, but I have a lot of it.

What yarns/fibers do you not like?

I have become somewhat of a yarn snob in that I don't care for a lot of the man-made yarns (that's part of the reason I haven't finished an afghan I started a while ago--it's made out of Red Heart). I also am not a fan of yarns with a lot of halo (ie most mohair)... it's just not my style.

What yarns/fibers would you like to try but haven’t?

I have to admit I've tried a lot of what I would like to. I'm always open to new indie dyers though, I haven't tried many of those.

What are your favorite colors? Colors that you don’t like?

I love love love deep red. I am also really into blues and greens lately. As far as what I don't like... I would prefer to stay away from pinks and purples. They can be OK in combination with other colors, or in muted tones, but I'm really not a fan.

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?

I've been knitting a lot of shawls and socks lately. I like socks because they're easy to take around, and I like shawls because I like the complexity and following the charts. I really like to knit just about anything though!

What are you currently working on?

Christmas projects! Haha... umm... a couple shawls, a couple scarves, hats, a cardigan, etc etc.

What is your favorite FO? (Please post a picture if you have one.)

My favorite FO so far is the Icarus Shawl I knit for my Grandma last Christmas (look in my Ravelry projects for pictures!)

Are there any techniques that you want to learn?

I want to knit mittens! I bought myself a kit and a few patterns.... it's what is next on the docket for 2009. I also would love to learn how to knit continental.. I just can't get the hang of it.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift?

I am lucky enough to have both!

How do you store your needles/hooks?

I have KnitPicks Options that came in their own binder. My DPNs are in a little case that I sewed myself, as are the few straights that I have.

Do you collect anything?

When I lived in Germany I picked up the cardboard coasters that each bar/brewery had... I have quite a large collection of them. I also like butterflies a lot.

Do you like sweets?

Hahahah........ YES. Milk chocolate is a weakness of mine-- especially with hazelnuts.

What are your favorite scents?

I like the spicy scents (cinnamon, etc) and clean scents (cucumber melon, "rain", etc)

Are you having a birthday during this swap?

I am! February 24. I'll be having a quarter-life crisis.

Do you have any online wish lists? (Amazon, Loopy Ewe, etc.) Please include a link for your pal.

Not that I've updated recently.

What is your living situation (Are you married? Do you have kids, pets, or both?)

I live with my boyfriend and 2 cats.

Are you allergic to anything?

No, but I'm not a fan of cigarette smoke.

Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know?

Just that I'm looking forward to the swap and am excited to chat with you! Also I am trying to get my stash under control, so no need to send excessive amount of yarn (but some is still fine :o))

Hope you all have very happy holidays and good times with friends and family!

Mobile blogging!

>

> I got a new toy this past weekend. And then I got sick for a couple
> days. But I've been having fun playing with it. I got my Amazing
> Autumn Coffee Swap package on Monday. It was a nice suprise because
> that was a day I stayed home sick. I'll blog about it more later
> when I can include photos. Have a great day!
>

ETA: hahaha..... I sent it to the wrong email address at first, and then had to forward it to avoid retyping and it got all screwed up! Ahh.. the wonders of technology.

The C Word

Chr... Chris...........Ch... Christmas.

The word that every knitter/crafter loves and loathes at the same time.

You get excited because of all the fabulous things that you plan on making for people, and then you realize that you only have 45 days left to complete this giant list you've made. Ah!

I have quite an extensive list this year, with no real likelihood of completion unless I spend hours a day working on projects and knit through Thanksgiving (despite having relatives coming here this year). I always see something that is "perfect" for someone though... and this year I want to knit a sweater for MYSELF too. Now is not the time to be "selfish" I suppose, but I would love to be able to wear a handknit sweater for Christmas.

From my list, I have only promised a few of the gifts, and those are the ones I would like to make sure I get done. I am going to post my list here, and before any comments are made: yes, I know this is incredibly ambitious of me, and yes, I know there is no chance I will get it all done. But I like to think I can make gifts for all the people I love (and am acquaintances with apparently).

To "for sure" complete:
-Alpaca Neckwarmer for my Mom (just need to sew in ends and add buttons!)
-Simple Silk Scarf for my Mom
-Hat/Scarf for my Dad (half way through the hat)
-Slippers for Caleb
-Pajama Pants (sewn) for Caleb
-Shawl for my Great Aunt (I promised her this last year and haven't done it yet!)
-I Spy Pillows (sewn) for my cousin's son and daughter
-Baby Blanket for another cousin's baby who is due Christmas day
-My February Lady Sweater

There is also a list of things I would love to complete:
-Shawls for Jennie and Kelly (I started them for their weddings and neither is complete yet)
-Mancala board for Caleb's Niece and Nephew
-Business Card holders (sewn) for my boss and another coworker
-Pig Stuffed animal for my sister
-Socks for Caleb's Mom (I'm almost done with the first one)
-Socks for Caleb

Hmmm.. it seems my list of stuff I "have to" complete is longer than I thought. Sigh. I'll try to surface once a weekand post updates. I hope to sew the buttons on my mom's neckwarmer this week and get an FO picture. The weather's just been so crappy that there hasn't been any good light for pictures.

Oh, just an FYI for those of you in the US. Michael's has Paton's SWS on sale 2/$3. It's normally $6/ball... that means it's 75% off right now!! Go! Go get some!!

Coffee Topic #3

I have a post about the knitter's "C word" in the works, but I'll get this post up first to keep you entertained!


This morning I sit here sipping a fresh cup with a bit of cream and some sweetener.. and the first sip makes the morning seem just a bit better than it was before. I love the smell, the warm feel of the cup in my hand, the taste - just everything! What is it that you love about your first cup of the day? Are you a daily drinker? How do you take yours? Tell us how you love to enjoy your first cup!

I'm an almost daily drinker... depends on if I get up in time to get the pot going. The smell of coffee is really what does it for me though. Just smelling the pot brewing can get me going in the morning. I love the warm feeling of the cup in my hand -- but I usually have to wait for it to cool down a bit. I have a sensitive mouth I guess :o). I take my coffee with a good amount of sugar and flavored cream. I have a pretty big sweet tooth, haha.

November!

Well, first here's my answer to the topic of the week for the Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap:

With Halloween coming up this Friday, tell us what you think of when you think Halloween! Do you love it? Hate it? See it as a sign of Fall? Are you a total sucker for candy and little kids in cute costumes?

Well, I don't get all gung ho about it... I typically don't dress up or do much decorating... but I am a total sucker for the candy and little kids in cute costumes. We carved a pumpkin and turned on the light and waited and waited for trick or treaters to come by. Alas no one did. Oh well, more candy for me I suppose. Here's our pumpkin:


Otherwise this weekend has been one for casting on. Before I show you what I've started this weekend though, I'll give you a poorly lit FO shot of the socks I finished a couple weeks ago. I started these sometime around when I moved back from Germany and the first sock sat in my knitting pile all alone. About a year later I decided I should really knit the second sock so that I didn't have to worry about my gauge changing. Luckily it hadn't and I know have a wonderful pair of socks.


Ooh... it's really blurry too when the picture is bigger. I need to take another one when I have natural light. You can't tell how pretty the Wollmeise color is!

Anyways, on to what I've cast on. Reading some knitting blogs lately I came across one discussing NaKniSweMo -- National Knit a Sweater Month. I read on and decided to join in. So at midnight on November 1st I cast on for the February Lady Sweater and hope to finish it by the end of November (or at least in time for Christmas).


I've gotten reasonably far -- I'm just about to separate out the sleeve stitches-- and am excited about how it's going. I'm a little nervous that it may be too small, but I won't be able to tell until I separate offthe sleeves.

I also cast on a cute little neckwarmer for my mom out of Misti Alpaca chunky.


It's turning out so dense and soft and I absolutely love the pattern. I make have to make one for myself too!

So that's all I've been up to for now. Hopefully there will be a lot more FOs in the coming weeks. After all, Christmas is less than 2 months away and as always I have big plans as far as knitting and crafting goes.

Summer to Fall

Well, I'll begin with the Fall because I have a weekly question for the Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap.

The topic is:


I took the above photo in Colorado on my recent mini-vacation. It was about 45 outside, the leaves were crunching, and I was so in love with being there. So this week's topic - what makes a "Fall day" for you? How do you know it's here, and what do you love about the weather, the scenery, or something else that makes Autumn lovely?

The "I" above refers to the host of the swap. I have my own fall pictures :o)


These are from a recent trip to the UP of Michigan. I love the beautiful colors and the crisp air -- being able to wear sweaters and scarves without the heavy withercoat and boots. I love the excitement of the upcoming holidays and... sigh. I love everything about fall. It's my absolute favorite season.

And now onto some of the fiber festivals I went to this past summer (well, August and September).

First, was Stitches. It was a fantastic time as the Knitter's Guild here in town had a bus go down so I was with my knitting friends the whole time. Unfortunately they don't allow cameras inside, so I only have pictures of my extensive purchases. Ha.

I got a lot of sock yarn...

Some yarn to make some fingerless gloves


Some 100% Alpaca yarn for a sweater


And a great deal on a bag of yarn


I also got a pattern for a great cabled sweater, but I don't have an individual picture of that.

I also went to Wisconsin Sheep and Wool and unfortunately forgot my camera. I went with a couple members of my knitting group and we had a fantastic time wandering amongst the booths, looking at sheep, and watching the herding dog demonstrations. We even got to see (and pet!) a day old lamb. I think I want sheep now. I have pictures of teh things I brought home though, so wihtout further ado:

Some more sock yarn purchases. (OK, I admit it, I'm a sucker for red, orange or yellow sock yarn. Now I just have to use some of it, hahah!)


I also bought a few types of roving... some suri alpaca in fawn, some white rambouillet, some black and white Finnsheep, and some dyed merino that reminds me of the northern lights in that it's really dark with splashes of magenta and green. I haven't taken any pictures of that because I haven't put any of my fiber stash on Ravelry, haha.

The prize of the day though was some yarn to knit the February Lady Sweater (ravelry link).



I'm so excited!

The final exciting yarn related thing from the past few months was that I got a spot in the Wollmeise Sock Club! I found out about her when I was living in Germany -- when she was still taking custom orders via email and was barely known here in the US. I love her colorways and so when I heard about the Club, I decided to throw my name into the lottery, not expecting to get a spot. But I did! Since everyone has received their packages (we got them in the middle of September), I won't put up the "spoiler" warning.

The contents:




The knitting needles are size 2.5mm dpns (what I use!) made from the wood leftover after manufacturing cellos! The pattern has twisted stitches and cables to make a beautiful bavarian design. The yarn colorways are of course amaazing... and even better in person. The package was well worth the cost of the club. Now I can't wait for December though!

Well, after that onslaught of pictures I think this posting is done. I'll post again soon though with pictures of the pair of socks I finally finished last weekend!

Back to Blogging

Hey there folks! Long time no see! I've kind of fallen off the face of the planet, haven't I? Well, as the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to turn colors, my little fingers begin itching to be knitting again. Caleb is also changing shifts this week, so we will finally be back on the same -- and now new and improved day -- shift! Hopefully all this means that I can get back into normal routines that have been disrupted for the past several months, and will actually have something to write about in the coming weeks.

As far as what has happened in the last month and a half craft-wise... not too much other that stockpiling, haha. A lot of things have progressed some, albeit slowly, but nothing has really been completed (other than a chemo cap for a member of my knitting group which I didn't get a photo of). I've also been organizing and redoing my craft/guest room (making it more crafty, haha), but it isn't in a state to be photographed yet. So all in all, some progress, but no real pictures. I have a few pictures of the stuff I bought at Stitches and WI Sheep & Wool, but none from the actual events. I'll post them in another post later so that I can actually get this one posted :o)...

And now to leave you with a questionnaire for a new swap. I participated in the Spring Coffee Swap earlier this year, and am super excited about the Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap that is beginning now. Sign Ups are open until tomorrow, October 15, so go sign up now!

Questionnaire

About Your Yarn Passion

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? When did you first learn?

So far I only knit, but I would love to learn how to crochet. I learned when I was about 10, but then didn't really get into it until I went off to college... and even more so when I was studying abroad in Germany. See my first post on this blog for a more detailed account :o).

2. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you've been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?

I use dpns for socks and circs for most everything else. I usually use metal because I'm a rather tight knitter and am always afraid I'll break wooden ones. I did recently get a gorgeous pair of wood dpns in a sock club package though... I may have to try them.

3. What kind of projects do you enjoy making? Any types you just haven't ever gotten into as much as others?

I've done a lot of socks, but am really on a mittens and sweater kick right now (well, I haven't actually knit any, but I got yarn for a few patterns I really like - ha!). As far as types of projects I don't do.... I don't think there are any really. I love any challenge!

4. What's on your needles\hook right now? What's your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?

I have a lot of WIPs/UFOs. A lot. Like about 15 -- as you can see from my Ravelry list on the sidebar. I get distracted very easily. I have a few pairs of socks, a couple shawls, a stuffed pig, an afghan, a couple more pairs of socks, etc. etc. Haha. My oldest UFO would be an afghan. Since we can use the part that is done, I don't really have any motivation to work on it. I should get back to it though.

5. If you were going on vacation tomorrow, what project(s) would travel with you?

The socks that I'm almost done with and the shawls for my friends that recently got married. They're all almost done.... and I really could use some free time to work on them!

6. What are your favorite types of yarns? Any you're allergic too, or just hate working with? Anything in particular you've been dying to try?

I love (and have a lot of) alpaca. It's the softness that does me in. I've also recently purchased a merino-tencel blend.... sooo pretty! It looks like silk! As far as what I dislike working with -- acrylic. I'm somewhat of a yarn snob, though can see where it has its place. When it feels like plastic though, that's where I draw the line.

7. What sort of colors do you love in yarns? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there any you can't stand?

I love saturated fall colors! Reds and yellows and oranges. I'm not a big fan of pastels, and try to avoid pink at all costs (unless it's in some cool variegated yarn, and then I at least look at it, haha).

Your Coffee Passion

1. Do you prefer caffeinated or not?

Caffeinated. I don't think I've been in a situation where the caffeine was not OK, haha.

2. Whole bean or ground? For what type of pot or press?

I got a grinder just before the last coffee swap, and have used whole beans ever since... yum! We have an autodrip coffee maker, and also one of the little stove top "Italian coffee" makers.

3. What types of roasts do you enjoy? Are you more the light and lively or dark and robust type?

I am a light roast gal... the dark ones can get a little too bitter for me. I also like flavored coffee -- caramels and nutty flavors.

4. How do you 'take' your coffee? Creamers? Sweetener? Other add ins?

I like my coffee like I like my chocolate -- with milk and sugar! I usually have a hazelnut creamer, but have also added just milk or half-and-half. I 've also been known to add a shot of flavored syrup if I'm at a coffee shop.

5. That first morning cup - is it about the taste, or the caffeine?

Can I say both? In the past it was all about the flavor, but since transitioning back to day shift from nights, it's been a little about the caffeine too. If it tastes bad though I won't drink it just for the caffeine -- hence me bringing my own coffee to work everyday instead of drinking the crap they have there.

6. Do you enjoy going out to coffee shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?

I do like coffee shops, though I usually get the espresso drinks there and not just straight coffee. I like Caribou Coffee and a couple other local shops that are in my hometown.

7. You've just made the perfect cup of coffee - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?

Thick mug!! I'm all about the coziness of the experience, I'm not into fancy designs or thin porcelain cups. I like something I can wrap my hands around. Typical I curl up on the sofa and wrap myself in an afghan.

8. You're enjoying that perfect cup, and have a magic cabinet in your kitchen - when you open it, magically, your favorite treats will appear to enjoy alongside the coffee - what are they? Are they sweet? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?

Since I'm all about the sweet, flavored coffee, they would of course have to be sweet too! Like I said before, I like my coffee the same way I like my chocolate.

All about YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?

I "spin" (I have a wheel), "scrapbook," "embroider," and "sew" -- but don't have time to do it as often as I like. I just have time to shop for it, haha. If only I could retire at age 25 and just craft the rest of my life.

2. Do you collect anything?

Unless you count crafting supplies, not really. I do have a "bierdeckel" (sort of like paper coasters from bars) collection that I have from when I lived in Germany.

3. What is your favorite part of Autumn?

I love everything about Autumn! The colors, the weather, the air, the holidays -- it all makes me happy!

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?

I like spicy scents -- vanilla, cinnamon, etc. -- and fresh scents -- cucumber melon, green tea, etc. I don't like flowery scents! (except maybe lavendar)

5. Are you allergic to anything?

Nothing other than a couple medicines -- but I really don't like coconut!!

6. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?

I am :o). My nickname is KnitEurope -- even though I'm not in Europe anymore, haha.

7. How would you spend an ideal fall afternoon/day?

Hmm... it would probably start by drinking a mug of coffee sitting in a chair outside wearing a big, cozy sweater, then a walk through the park with my boyfriend, and finished by curling up on the couch knitting while watching a movie.

I suppose that's "everything" about me. I probably go into a little more detail than required, but I always want to know more information about my pal than a simple "yes/no" answer, so I try to provide it too. I can't wait to get paired up and start working on getting together fabulous stuff for my pal!

Large Post Coming Soon!

Hi Everyone!

A large post full of pictures and a swap questionnaire is coming soon, I just haven't had a chance to add the pictures in! I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the onset of the fall weather!

Megan

News!

I have a new job!!!

Sorry to have left you all in the lurch at the end of the last post, but I hadn't heard officially yet, and I hadn't told my current job, so I didn't want to talk too publicly about it. I'm really excited about it though. I will be doing training and method development for a chemical instrumentation company. I get to go to the Netherlands once a year (to work, but still :o))!

Tomorrow I am off to Stitches Midwest (!!!!), so I have to go finish planning and getting ready for that. I'll post more tomorrow about knitting topics!!

Apologies

Life has been a whirlwind the past few months to say the least. We've been back in Michigan almost every other weekend and working pretty much the rest of the time.

It has not left me much time to do anything, let alone knitting or blogging. I have been in general crafty (gotten into some cross-stitching and embroidery), but that still hasn't progressed much. I have been stocking up for when I will eventually have time though, ha.

Anyways, not too much news wise that I can tell you right now. May have a big announcement in the next week though (cross your fingers!).

And now I will leave you with a photo from my friend Kelly's wedding:


Yes, that's right folks! I caught the bouquet and Caleb caught the garter!

Oh, and P.S., no, I did not finish the shawl I was knitting for Kelly in time, nor have I finished the shawl for Jennie yet. I am no longer allowed to promise knitted presents ahead of time. I can knit things for people, but without their knowledge so I don't have deadlines. Ha.

Disorganized, Disheartened, and Discontent

(Sorry guys, this one is going to be a downer. Jump to the end of the entry for a nice picture of C and I at my friend's wedding if you want something happy.)

Life sucks right now. I feel like my job is screwing me over and I really just want to quit. This job has almost made me hate chemistry (which is pretty impressive since I've loved chemistry and known I've wanted to do it FOREVER... and even biochem (which I hated with the passion of a thousand suns) didn't make me want to choose a different profession). C keeps telling me to just quit, but I feel like I need to have something else lined up first, because I really don't want to go without health insurance or an income for too long. I really don't want to look for a new job though. I have seriously considered just becoming a bank teller. At least it still involves math.

The working long shifts and at night has taken a toll on both of us. We've become very irritable and even little things can set us off. We haven't gotten into any huge fights (mostly because I think we each know where the irritability of the other is coming from), but it has put a damper on some of the little time we get to spend with eachother. C may have an opportunity to move to day shift (though still the 12 hour shift and odd schedule) in a couple months, but I don't see one opening up for me where I'm working. At least that would be an excuse to look for a new job other than "I hate my current employer." It will be odd looking for a job while being currently employed though... I've never had to do it.

All of this stress at work has led to me being somewhat lazy at home. I just don't want to do anything (even knit really... it's been more than a week!). I feel like I have stuff all over the house (which I do, really) and even though I have all these big plans for organization, I never feel like implementing them. I'm too tired, or just don't want to do anything that feels like work.

I also have been really lazy about my 101 in 1001. I realize I still have a ton of time (969 days according to my countdown), but Ihttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=967788185531302294#
101in1001 haven't been doing a lot of the stuff I said I would do once a week. Like go to the gym. It opened 2 weeks ago and I haven't been there yet (though of course, there have only been 2 nights in the past 2 weeks that I've been not working and in town and one of them was C's birthday). I may have to re-examine my list and eliminate some of those goals.

I have so much half finished stuff lying around the house too. Lots of craft projects. I feel like I can't accomplish anything right now (whether at home or work). Sigh, well I'm going to end my complaining rant now. I'll leave you with some fun pictures!


C and I at my friend Jennie's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and I'm so glad I was able to share the day with her.


The shawl I'm knitting for my friend Jennie. It was supposed to be done for her wedding, but obviously it's not. It's turning out really pretty though and I am quite happy with it.

OK, that's it. Hope you guys are having a better time of it than I am. I'll try to keep this updated, but I've been gone every other weekend and working almost the rest of the time. Time for bed for me though.

Still Around

Hi, I'm still around, just not having a lot of spare time. I went back to Michigan this past weekend for a friend's bachelorette party (and was soaked in the rain!) and now I have a new schedule at work...grrrrrrr... and so don't have time off until the weekend. I'll give you guys a bigger post then. With pictures of the lace wrap I'm knitting and a hat and other various knitting related things.

Enjoy the last few days of the week!

Megan

Coffee Swap Package!

My Coffee Swap package arrived on Monday! Angie was an amazing pal. I hope we keep in touch!! Anyways, on to the goodies!


The package arrived covered in a very prettily packaged box!


There were lots of things wrapped in pretty spring wrapping paper as well, but I was too excited to open it to remember to take pictures. You're lucky you got a "before" picture, haha.

Here's all my goodies:


And now some close ups. Here are some pins, stitch markers, earrings, and a bracelet. Angie did the beading herself! Isn't it pretty?!


My butterfly coffee mug (I love butterflies!), a cute little hen, ice cream cone magnets and candy!


Of course there was coffee...


And there was some gorgeous sock yarn (each with their own customized patterns and sock blockers!! The purple one also came with beads to do a beaded sock with!)!





The whole package was also "padded" with various vintage yarns she had received.



An amazing package all in all. Thanks again Angie!

Distract with Cuteness?

Work right now sucks BIG TIME. I just found out through other people on my shift (READ: haven't heard it from my boss, who never talks to me!) that we are completely changing our schedules as of June 9 (READ: only a little more than a week away). Instead of working 7 12 hour shifts in 2 weeks (with a 2 on 2 off-esque schedule), we are switching to 4 10 hour shifts Monday-Thursday. And my shift is going to be later (10pm-8:30am instead of 6pm-6:30am). Now work-wise this is not wholey and entirely bad. I will finally have someone in my department on my shift. And not working 12 hours days is a definite plus. I also will be getting 4 vacation days back that I was using in July for weekend weddings and family functions. Life-wise though this is terrible. It means that C and I who were on essentially the exact same schedule are now on only slightly overlapping schedules. Our non-sleeping face time will be cut practically in half. The only time we see each other when neither of us work will be 3 day weekends ever other week (which this summer will be filled with travelling to above mentioned weddings and family events). I cannot do this for 7 months. I don't know what we're going to do. (Also means a rather hefty pay cut... which isn't horrible... but definitely sucks. Especially with the rise of gas prices and all the travelling we're going to be doing.)

Now for the distraction. A coworker is having a baby boy the end of June! So I knit a cute little blueberry hat for him (note: I don't really know the coworker, but how often do I get to knit cute baby things!):



I (and apparently everyone else.. I couldn't make the shower) thought it turned out rather cute! (Oh, this also counts towards one of my 101 in 1001 items. Horray!)

I also have decided on a pattern for my friend's wedding shawl and am about 25% done with it. Didn't get a picture of it yet though. Maybe next time, if I need to be distracted more.

101 in 1001

Hi All,

So sorry it's been such a long time! I've been somewhat busy with doing life things and not having a lot to blog about really. Also, I have been drawn in by a project that has been circulating around the web lately. Well, I'm kind of hitting the end of its popularity, but it sounded so cool that I couldn't help but do it! What am I referring to? 101 in 1001 of course! It's a project in which you write down a list of 101 things you want to do in 1001 days (that's about 2.75 years) and keep track of their completion, etc. Some of the things are "Do x once a week" things, while other are "Do this really exciting thing!" or "Do this thing that REALLY needs to get done even though you don't want to do it." Anyways, without further ado, my list:

Knitting and Spinning
1. Knit 5 things for myself to wear (0/5)
2. Spin enough yarn for a sweater
3. Knit myself a sweater out of my handspun
4. Knit an item from every book and magazine I own (0/20)
5. Blog once a week (0/143)
6. Write 101 comments on other blogs (0/101)
7. Don't knit or go on Ravelry one (non-work) day/month (0/33)
8. Design a sock pattern and post it for free on Ravelry
9. Dye self-striping sock yarn
10. Organize my knitting patterns
11. Knit everything required to decorate a small Christmas tree
12. Update the sidebar on my knitting blog
13. Be an Angel in a swap
14. Knit 5 things in the recommended yarn (0/5)
15. Learn to knit continental
16. Finish my current WIPs (as of 5/29/08) (0/13 )
17. Make 20 items as gifts (ones currently started count) (0/20)
18. Finish the Rambling Rows afghan ( /30 squares)

Creativity
19. Do something creative (not knit or spin) 1 hour/month (0/33)
20. Learn to crochet
21. Cook something from every cookbook I own (0/ )
22. Make a fun scrapbook for me
23. Finish the scrapbooks from Europe
24. Make a t-shirt quilt
25. Bake a cheesecake
26. Buy a coloring book and finish every page
27. Buy something on Etsy
28. Take photos of 3 recipes for Family Cookbook
29. Complete a 1000+ piece puzzle
30. Buy the Green Grocer (or one of the other 2) Lego/complete it
31. Use the 2 canvases I bought

Health
32. Lose 35 pounds (0/35)
33. Go to gym once a week (0/143)
34. Don't eat out for 2 weeks (0/14)
35. Use stairs at work (if I don't, I get a strike)
36. Drink a glass of water a day (0/1001)
37. Whiten my teeth
38. Go to dentist
39. Run a mile in less than 10 minutes without stopping
40. Shave every 3 days for 3 months (0/30)
41. Eat breakfast at least once a week (0/143)

Travel
42. Go to Wisconsin Dells (not for Noah's Ark)
43. Visit the Grand Canyon
44. Visit England
45. Revisit 5 places I've been but C hasn't (with him) (0/5)
46. Ride on Amtrack
47. Go to 3 states I've never been (0/3)
48. Visit my grandparents (not for a holiday) 5 times (0/5)
49. Visit Canada
50. Go on a cruise
51. See a Frank Lloyd Wright house

For Others
52. Earn 1,000,001 grains of rice on freerice.org (0/1000001)
53. Send 20 unprovoked letters to family/friends (0/20)
54. Do something nice for C once a month (0/33)
55. Donate clothes I don't wear
56. Send Christmas cards (on time!) each year (0/3)
57. Put flowers on a grave that doesn't have any
58. Host a dinner party

Learning
59. Learn to identify 10 birds/trees/plants around my house (0/30)
60. Learn basic French
61. Read 10 books I own and haven't read (0/10)
62. Read 10 "Must Read" books (0/10)
63. Get good at HTML
64. Try a new drink/month (must drink entire thing!) (0/33)
65. Subscribe to the newspaper/read front section once/week (0/143)

Financial
66. Save $100/paycheck (0/71) and $5/task completed (0/101)
67. Pay off car

Sports/Entertainment
68. Catch up on 10 podcasts (0/10)
69. Go on a picnic
70. Go camping with C
71. Go skiing with C
72. Go golfing with C
73. Score 150+ on a round of bowling
74. Watch 1 movie/month from IMDB's top 250 (0/33)

Work
75. Get back on day shift
76. Find a project to do without being asked
77. Get out on time everyday for 2 weeks, 3 times (0/7; 0/3)
78. Use a vacation day as a "mental health" day

Organization
79. Have a garage sale
80. Get all of my stuff from my parents' house
81. Purge/organize my old papers
82. Purge/organize all emails
83. Sort the boxes in the basement

Me
84. Get Married
85. Get a massage
87. Spend one entire day/night in house naked
88. Run around the outside of house naked
89. Get 10 pieces of clothing tailored to fit ME (0/10)

Miscellaneous To Do's
90. Get a Wisconsin driver's license
91. Make bed (without telling C what's going on) for 2 weeks (0/14)
92. Call home once a week (0/143)
93. Go to the Farmer's market once a month while it's outside (0/16)
94. Go a day without yelling at people in the car
95. Go a week without speeding (0/7)
96. Replace the couch cushions and/or couch
97. Renew Norton Anti-Virus
98. Get up when alarm goes off everyday for 2 weeks (0/14)

The List
99. Update progress website once a week (0/143)
100. Don't get more than 3 strikes/month (0/33)
101. When complete, start a new list!

Alternates
A1. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast with C
A2. Get a new mattress
A3. Knit one pair of socks from each "sockitecture" in Cat Bohrdi's book
A4. Edit mom's photos from Europe
A5. Go to 5 concerts
A6. Knit 5 items for charity
A7. Vacuum car every other month
A8. Organize photos and music on hard drive
A9. Do Project 365
A10. Try 10 new restaurants
A11. Get a library card
A12. Go to 5 new museums
A13. Take one day to get to know downtown Madison
A14. Go to a wine tasting
A15. Keep track of daily spending for 2 months
A16. Limit soda to 1/day for a month
A17. Get off my parent's cell phone plan
A18. Don't buy anything from the vending machine for a month
A19. Get eyebrows done
A20. Get a new coffee table
A21. If I don't like my job -- get a new one!
A22. Try Letterboxing and find 3 boxes
A23. Complete 101 (*** or harder) sudoku puzzles
A24. Have all groceries be on sale and/or have a coupon 5 times
A25. Set up Digital Frame
A26. Test drive a SMART car
A27. Get a professional bra fitting done and buy one (not at V.S.)
A28. Eat all the chocolate I'm hoarding from Germany
A29. Get up to date on all shots
A30. Help someone complete one of their 101 in 1001

Now don't worry, I won't be posting about the progress of all of these on here (unless I get truly desperate for blog content!). I have a website for that! I will probably add the knitting and maybe creativity sections to my sidebar here and update you all on them, since that falls within the blog theme :o). My 1001 days will begin today (May 29, 2008) and end on February 24, 2011... my 27th birthday. Feel free to make a list of your own if this is your type of thing and comment to tell me you started it. I would love to set up a little group of knitters to support each other in the completion of our goals!

Now if you don't mind, I've got some stuff to do... :o)

So much to do....

... so much time spent on Ravelry. Agh.

I have so much knitting that I need/want to do.. and I always seem to be on Ravelry instead of doing it. Sigh. Here are a few FO pictures though:


Started: October 2007
Finished: May 11, 2008
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino
Needles: HiyaHiya 2.5mm circs (2)
Notes: They were a 2 at a time toe-ups class that I took at a LYS. They were my first toe-ups, and first socks not on dpns (I think I'll stick to the dpns). I was supposed to finish them for my mom for Christmas, but other projects got in the way. She loves them though and wore them all day Mother's Day! I wanted them a bit taller, but time ran out on me. My mom said that was OK though because she likes shorter socks.

My second FO is something that was finished a while ago, but I finally was able to get a picture of it!


Started: December 2007
Finished: December 2007 (the night before I gave it to her..seems to be a pattern here)
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in varying colors
Needle: US 10.5
Notes: I modified another scarf pattern because she said she wanted vertical stripes. It turned out super long (it's wrapped around her neck twice in the photo). She appreciates my handknits, so I keep making them for her!

Hopefully I'll have some lace WIP pictures soon... I need to have a shawl done for my friend's wedding by June 7 (and I haven't started)!

Coffee Swap Topic #6

We'll go free form this week - Post about your WIPs, post about your package, post about the weather where you are - just be sure to include that the post is for the Spring Fling Weekly Topic somewhere inside it when you tell us it's there! I'd love to hear how folks are enjoying the goodies they received, if they have, or how much fun you had shopping for your pal!

Well, I think I might just be squeaking in on the deadline for this one. It's been a pretty crazy week. My parents are visiting right now, so there was lots of cleaning and such to do before they arrived. It just barely got done :o).

My package has already been sent (and my pal should get it in the next day or so!! I can't wait to see her reaction!). I can post a couple pictures here about what was in it. I made some felted Gerber Daisies:


As you can see in the second picture though, the wire I chose wasn't heavy duty enough and the flowers just "wilt". I also made a coffee cozy (that ended up too big for the mug I got her) and baked some almond biscotti (which turned out really tiny). Ha. Nothing turned out quite as I imagined. But the biscotti still tasted good, and hopefully she has a mug that the cozy will fit!

I have to go quick bind off the socks I'm giving to my mom tomorrow, so I have to cut this post short. I hope to find more blogging time soon! I never did tell you guys about my adventures in dyeing...

And the Winner is....

Yay! Congratulations! I received the email with your address and will be mailing the yarn to you on Monday!

(And in case you all were wondering, your names were all written on a piece of paper and put in my Lebkuchen tin and C drew the name for me! See...)


I promise a big post about knitting and my adventures in Koolaid dyeing is in the works (maybe even another post tonight!). Thanks again to all of you who entered the contest. Stick around because I think there will be another contest in the next month or so!

Can I have some Cheese?

... with my w(h)ine?

Ugh. So sorry about that last post. I had seen a bunch of contests lately where (not famous/extremely popular) people were getting more than 100 entries (not that I was expecting that many) and I only had 7 entries with less than 24 hours to go in a 2 week contest. Not that that's an excuse for me to be bitchy. And sorry to those of you (Omly and Fairytale Frogs) that felt you didn't qualify. It really wasn't meant to be that specific (and thus exclude people). Sigh. It all came off kind of wrong, huh. Well maybe I'll have to have another contest soon and plan it better :o). The winner has been picked, and contacted, and I'll write another post to announce that so it doesn't have to be mixed in this negativity.

Seriously?!

I probably should have posted more in the past couple weeks, but seriously guys? Only 7 people have entered my contest?! Was it too hidden... being at the end of the post and all? or maybe too much thought to put into a response? Well you have until midnight tonight (22 hours from when I am am writing this) to enter the contest. I am also going to simplify the entry (thanks to all the cool comments that were already posted!) to make things a little easier. Just leave a comment on some cool cultural thing you've noticed in your hometown or a place you've travelled.

Or really, just leave a comment at all. I was trying to gauge how many people actively read my blog, and, honestly, this has disheartened me a little. I know blogging isn't just about how many comments you get, but if no one reads this, what's the point of me putting it out there (other than being able to participate in swaps and the like). I'm sure my hiatus while I was moving back to the States and then moving again and starting a new job made me lose readers, but, sigh, anyways. Hi to all you new readers out there. Hopefully I can post frequently enough to keep you coming back!

Coffe Swap Topic #5

You know with Spring the famous saying goes "April Showers, bring May flowers", please tell us what you like to do when those April Showers are pouring down on you. Do you like to curl up with your knitting, take in a movie or crawl back in bed?

All of the above?

I love to curl up under an afghan (typically the one knit by my grandma, but sometimes the one I am in the process of knitting :o)), put on a movie or the tv, knit, and most likely fall asleep while doing so. I absolutely love when it's raining though because it gives me an excuse to stay inside. Not that I hate outside, but I'm more of a "sit on the porch with a cup of coffee (or cocktail ;o)) and knit and/or read and/or just sit there" than a "go out and frolic in the sunshine and dig up plants" kind of gal. Good thing C is here to do all that, haha! We're talking about getting one of those screened in gazebo things and lawn furniture though so I can do just that! (We live next to a marsh and there are tons of mosquitoes/gnats/etc everywhere... I couldn't stand to be outside unless coated in bug spray (ewww) or in a screened in area.)

Coffee Swap Topic #4

Well, it's that time again. Time for a Coffee Swap topic of the week! This one is a very intriguing one:

Let's pretend for a minute we all live in the home of our dreams, have land, and don't have to work so time is unlimited! It's Spring planting season! What would you grow? A little veggie garden? A bed of bright spring blooms? Or is your thumb so far from green that the only thing you'd be planting is your tushy into a nice chair on the porch to get some knitting or crocheting done in the nice breeze?

Sigh, if only that were true. But on to the question. Honestly, I'm not the green thumb in the house. C is.


These are some of the seedlings he started in our basement so they would be ready for planting when the time comes. There's onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, romanesco, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and I think that's all. The picture is from 2 weeks ago... everything is a lot bigger/greener now. If I were to plant things, it would likely be flowers. It would also be really cool to have a dyer's garden. I would likely just be sitting on a big porch with my knitting and coffee though :o). (I really wanted to do that the other morning... grab a coffee and some knitting and sit outside and watch the sunrise. Except I was just on my way home from work and I needed to get to bed. sigh. Night shift has its downsides.)

Potpourri -- Part 1 and a Contest!

Well folks, I've had a myriad of blog post topics swirling around in my mind, so I decided to talk about them all. This will be a long post, so grab some popcorn (or other snack of choice) and hunker down for a long read (I've decided to split it into a couple posts, but it's still pretty long...).

First, in case you were wondering about the title of the post, I got to go to a taping of Jeopardy last Saturday (Potpourri is the "random" "multi topic" category on the show)! I know, exciting! We were way in the back, but still, how often do you get to see Alex Trebek (even if he does seem half an inch tall)?! Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed inside, but I have a picture of the ticket:


And I know who wins the college championship this year, but I'm not telling (you can watch May 15th and 16th :o)).

Second thing that's been muddling around in my mind is how I miss Germany. I've kind of compiled a list of the things I miss about Germany and the stuff that is good about the US (Madison to be specific). Hopefully this html coding will work... hahah...

Things I miss about Germany	Things I like the US
Paprika Pringles	A full size kitchen!
Haribo Happy Cherries	Driving to the grocery store
Markets	Large washing machines/dryers
The Old World feel	Cream of ____ soups
Being able to go on short trips to really cool places	Bisquick
Sidewalk Cafes	Being closer to family
Döner Kebap	Readily available hand-dyed yarn
Trains	Free refills on drinks!
Cheap (good!!!) beer/chocolate/Nutella	Stuff is open on Sunday! And after 3pm on Saturdays!
Hasselinos/Käse Spätzle/all the other food that would make this list really long	I'm running out of ideas ;o)
Beer Festivals	Really... ummm...
The money (different sizes and colors)	...

This list leads into my Blogoversary Contest (I bolded that so those skimming would notice :o)). A year ago I was living in Germany. It was interesting trying to live and integrate myself into a new culture, especially since I knew in the back of my mind that it was temporary. But I learned to love certain things about life there, and miss certain things about life here. So my question to you is about your travels/moving around. Is there something that you miss about where you lived before? Something you love about where you are now? Leave your response in the comments and you will be entered to win 2 skeins of yarn... one bought here in the States, and one bought in Germany! If you post about this on your blog you will get a second entry in the drawing (leave a comment say you posted about it) and one entry for anyone who comes and says they saw it on your blog! Anyone may enter... I will ship anywhere in the world :o). Here's what you could win:



(Click for larger Picture. It's a skein of Jitterbug in the Blue Parrot colorway, and some ONLine sock yarn. Both have been in a cat friendly home... we can work something out if this is an issue and you win)

I look forward to hearing about your memories! Deadline is midnight CDT Wednesday April 30th!

Coffee Swap Topic #3

So I was so late on getting to the last topic, that it is now time for a new topic of the week in the Coffee and Yarn Swap! I promise, that big post is still in the works, it's just really... big. Maybe I'll split it up more so that it doesn't take so long to read/write. Anyways, this week's topic is:

Tell us how you started drinking coffee. Were you in high school or college and making it through all nighters? Did you get it from a family member? What drives your love of the bean?

I started drinking coffee in high school, though all I really drank were the fancy lattes and mochas and such. My parents don't really drink coffee (my mom hates it and my dad only drinks it with company), so I never really had it around the house. I started drinking more traditional coffees when I went to Europe because they don't really have the Starbuck's style of cappuccino most places... it's a real espresso and foam cappuccino! It kind of threw me at first, but then it began to grow on me (though I still preferred the Jacob's Milka "cappuccino" mixes to straight up coffee over there ;o) ). Believe it or not, it really has been in the last 6 months that I started drinking just plain coffee. I had made espresso for myself and had choked down the swill they call coffee here at work, but never really had had a cup of "plain" coffee that I liked (except for on a mission trip in Costa Rica where we drank black coffee in the 90 degree weather of the afternoon after laboring away building a house because it was THAT good). When my boyfriend's mom came down for Thanksgiving, we warned her to bring her own coffee maker unless she wanted the thicker "Italian coffee" my stove top percolator puts out (it's yummy though!). So she brought hers down along with some of her own coffee. She made some and I decided to try it. Amazingly, it did not taste burnt or super bitter like other plain coffee I had tried! She very kindly said that the coffee maker was her "travel" one and left it here for us. I still prefer the flavored coffee to straight up dark black coffee, but who knows where this coffee maker will take me!

Coffee Swap Topic #2

A quick little post while I am busy compiling a beast of one. Here's my response to Topic #2 from the Coffee and Yarn Swap! This week's topic:

Since some of us is beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you change what projects are working on? Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps? Have you change yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?

Well, we're still kind of getting snow (and rain, and water in the basement... but that's another story that I won't get into on here). But either way, I don't think that weather has too big of an effect on my knitting. Socks are the main thing I knit, and they're good in both hot and cold weather. I may tend to gravitate towards lighter, springier colors, and avoid the big heavy afghan unless the air conditioning is on, but in my mind there isn't a set point where I put away one set of projects and drag out another. I have enough on the needles to keep me occupied no matter the weather :o).

I Give Up...

on SM2. There are already 17/20 people finished in my division, and I'm not even to the heel on sock #1. Plus I have to work 3 12.5 hour shifts this weekend. It just isn't going to happen and I'm not going to kill myself trying to do it. The pattern this round is turning out very nice, I just don't have a desire to knit on socks right now. I'll tag along on the coming patterns though... and maybe do a little more cheering from the sidelines since I won't be competing too!

I have a couple projects OTN for my coffee swap pal, since I'm not in the mood for socks. Can't tell you what they are quite yet, though I'll be sure to take pictures so I can post about it later! (On the otherhand, since there's only one package in the swap I suppose it doesn't really matter if I blog about it. It's not like they'll go searching through blogs later to find the pictures in order to figure out who I am. By the time they see the items they'll already know!) I love swaps though. I haven't participated in many, but I always love trying to find little unique things that my pal will really enjoy. I found something quite unique already... I hope she'll like it!

Work is kind of sucking right now. I switched to a new (to both me and the company) shift a couple months ago. I still haven't quite resolved how to most effectively use my time, nor how best to communicate with coworkers on other shifts so that I can get my work done. These long weekends aren't much help. Here's to the weekend going REALLY fast...

Happy Knitting

Cofee Swap Topic #1 and a little more

I was treating myself to some of the Jacob's Milka Hazelnut Cappuccino mix I brought back from Germany (must savor....) and realized I hadn't posted about the topic of the week for the coffee swap yet!

This Week's Topic:

Browse around some of the other blogs of participants, and find one person who enjoys a similar roast coffee to you - share something interesting about them that you find on THEIR blog, and tell us what you've been working on knitting or crochet-wise this week!

I was suprised how few people actually liked the coffee like I do! But I found someone who matched me almost exactly. Nichole B. is a fan of "light to medium roasts" and loves flavored coffee just like me! She definitely loves her puppies :o). She also just opened an Etsy Shop! Go check out her stitch markers! She's also gotten more snow since "spring" has begun, so I can definitely comiserate.

Knitting-wise I haven't done too much this week. I brought some socks with me when C and I went up north, but didn't get too much done on them. The second round pattern for SM2 also came out Monday. I'm only through the ribbing on Sock #1. The plan tonight though is to knit knit knit!

I'm not usually a meme kind of person, but this one happened to catch my eye. You're supposed to "tag" people, but I always hate doing that, so if you feel like doing it feel free!

Middle Initial Meme

1. What is the first letter of your middle name? E
2. A Famous Artist/Band/Musician the Eagles
3. A Four Letter Word east... haha
4. A US State There isn't one!
5. A Boy's Name Elijah
6. A Girl's Name Emma
7. An Animal Emu
8. Something in the Kitchen Eating Utensils
9. Reason for Being Late Elephants What? See here.
10. A Body Part Eardrum
11. A Drink Erdinger!... oh I miss Germany
12. Something You Shout Egad!
13. Something You Eat Egg Salad.. mmmm..
14. A Movie You've Seen Empire Records

OK, that's all for now! Happy Knitting!

Missed a Milestone

Well folks, I didn't notice that my last post was a milestone... 50 posts! That's not so many, but considering my 1 year blogiversary is at the end of April, I'd say averaging a post a week isn't too darn bad! I'm trying to think up some great contest... so keep your eyes open for it here!

Speaking of contests, someone from the Coffee swap is putting on a Malabrigo Contest! Go post a comment by 5pm EST tomorrow to be entered to win (mention that you saw this on my blog and YOU get entered twice!).

I'll post later with some more stuff, but honestly there hasn't been much knitting-wise since I finished my socks for SM2. The next pattern doesn't come out until April 1st. I'm doing some travelling this weekend though (going to visit C's friends/family) and so may get some in during the car ride or something.

Happy knitting!

On to Round 2! (and a Coffee Swap!)

I did it! I finished my socks and just snuck in to get to the next round (number 34 out of a possible 40)!! Horray! I have to say I was quite excited. I definitely didn't get as much knitting done as I had hoped/wanted last weekend, and with the numbers creeping upwards and not being able to knit Monday or Tuesday because of work, I was getting increasingly nervous that my goal of making it through Round #1 would not come to pass. But I put in a solid 10+ hours of knitting on Wednesday night/Thursday morning and pulled it out around 9am Thursday. I would of course love to make it through Round #2 as well, but I definitely am realistic in my chances. I think it might even be more fun on the sidelines since you actually get a chance to read the forums on Ravelry and Flickr!

And of course because I like to give (and receive) gifts... I joined another swap. I've been reading random people's blogs due to SM2, and came across a great one. The Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap. I have to say... I love coffee (in it's highly cream and sugared form, haha) and who wouldn't love a swap that involved both coffee and yarn? So to my future swap partner, here is my questionnaire!

Coffee

1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground?

Well, I guess I have to say ground since I don't own a grinder. I've heard that it's great from freshly ground beans though. ETA.. hahaha... ironically my boyfriend got me a coffee grinder as an Easter present! Now to find some whole bean coffee...

2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non?

I prefer the milder roasts, with the exception of my love for espresso (I even have one of the stove top "italian coffee" percolators). I've always had "leaded" coffee... can't say I've ever tried decaf.

3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up?

I have to say I'm a flavored coffee nut (probably blasphemy to all you die hard coffee drinkers). We've been drinking the Foldger's Gourmet selections the most, and also buy the "one pot" (though we get 2 :o)) bags from Steep & Brew (a -- I think -- local coffee company).

4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both?

Both. At work it's mostly for the caffeine, but at home mostly for pleasure. Except those odd days where by gosh I need a cup to get functioning at home.

5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers?

LOVE flavored coffees. I just love the added dimension it gives to the flavor. Plus, who am I kidding, I have a LARGE sweet tooth. Anything that tastes like caramel, chocolate and hazelnut can't be bad in my book! I do also use the flavored creamers (yes, even if it's also flavored coffee!).

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup?

Large! I love being able to wrap both hands through the handle and cozy up with it.

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it!

Hmm.. I'd have to say a caramel coffee with hazelnut creamer poured into a large mug that I can warm my hands on while snuggling under an afghan and watching the Food Network. Oh man. Now I really want some coffee!!

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company?

Sweet. Always sweet, lol. But of course not too crumby or sticky if I'm knitting!

Yarn

1. Do you knit or crochet?

I knit. I've been trying to figure out crochet for the longest time. I really want to crochet (heh.. I wrote knit at first) Babette.

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with?

Hmmm. I really tend to like the natural fibers more than acrylic (though I've definitely worked with my fair share of acrylic). I tend to prefer the skinnier half of the yarn spectrum (sock and lace weight). Honestly, as long as it's soft and/or has amazing colors, I like it.

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now?

Ho boy. Do I really want to admit all this, lol. I have 3-4 socks OTN that were put to the side when Christmas knitting started and haven't really been picked up again. I have an afghan that has been an ongoing project since Spring of 2006. I have a few things that were supposed to be Christmas presents but now have moved on to "other holiday" presents. And a cute little pig that I'm knitting for my sister but got hung up on the little bit of crochet for the legs.

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash?

I love most colors! I tend to lean toward the deep reds/burgendies or blue greens. The only color that I would absolutely dislike would be pinks (the only pink I have in my stash is for the pig for my sister!) and some purples. I'm not a very girly-girl in that sense.

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest?

I like metal needles. There, I've said it. I really am not very fond of bamboo, I always feel like they are going to break on me! For socks I usually use dpns and not circs.

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan?

Honestly, can't really think of too much. I do have quite a few stitch markers, but who can't use some more?

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with?

Hmmm... tough choice. Normally I would say the sock yarn. But, given the size of my sock yarn stash, I may have to go for the Malabrigo-esque yarn. I've heard it's lovely:o)

Spring

1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are?

Hahahaha. Well, last week it was in the upper 40's and most of the record setting amount of snow had actually melted. Today however, it snowed another 7 inches!! Argh. I will be so happy when this is over...

2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one?

I love daisies. They're so simple and pretty! I have to say though, that I rather dislike tulips, so please, do not send anything with tulips! I grew up in Holland, MI where we have "Tulip Time" every spring. It rather killed anything that could be beautiful about the flower to me.

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime?

Not having to scrape my car anymore :o). No, I love the smell in the air and the birds chirping and the random spring thunderstorms.

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day?

Walking with my boyfriend in the park, and then maybe knitting with the windows open to let in the breeze.

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up?

I love rain so it wouldn't affect me at all. Maybe make me feel less guilty about sitting inside and knitting!? haha. Knitting always helps me feel better though.. it's a great stress reliever for me.

Odds n Ends

1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles?

I do have a collection of bags (that I use for knitting) that have various city names from around Europe on them. Otherwise I'm fairly collection free.

2. Are you allergic to anything?

Nothing not medically related :o)

3. Do you have pets?

Two gorgeous kittens Buddy and Kati (AKA Girlie)-- See adorable sleeping kitties in photo above.

4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in?

This will be my 3rd swap. I participated in the Secret Pals 11 and also in a knitting swap on Facebook.

5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

Hmmm... only 3 huh. Well, number 1 would have to be BrooklynTweed. I love his photography and his adaptation of patterns is absolutely inspiring!. Number 2 is JanuaryOne. Her photography is also amazing and I find her posts to be interesting and fun. Lastly, hmm, probably Elemmaciltur. Another one with gorgeous photos (guess I'm a sucker for them). I find his content on spinning to be interesting, and plus I've met him and love hearing about his life in Germany.

OK... well I think that's it for now! Have a great Easter weekend.. I'll be working :o(.

Zombie Slime

Hi! Just a quick post since I'm at work (and SM2 has started! should be knitting if I'm not working! haha..). The first pattern is out and it is really cool! It's luckily top down with a heel flap (my forte!) so it's not too challenging construction-wise. It's full of (purposefully) dropped stitches... which gives it an interesting effect. I'll post more when I'm done!

Happy (speed) knitting!

Sock Madness

Well, SM2 starts in a little less than a week. I'm getting excited, but also a little nervous. I have to work the day before and night of the first pattern release (Thursday 3/13). I just hope I can make it up Friday-Sunday when I don't have to work. I guess they've decided to do it a little differently this time around in that the first x number of people to complete in your division move on to the next round instead of pairing knitters up. I have a feeling this is a lot easier for the organizers of the group-- especially with 200+ knitters!

There's been lots of talk about what the patterns may be though. An organizer has already said they will mostly be toe-up (eep!) and there is one with a Japanese Short Row Heel. I have to say at this point my only goal is to make it past Round #1... though that may not even happen! Mostly I'm in it for the camaraderie, new techniques, and new patterns. I've been told it's still fun from the sidelines... which is good because that's where I'm going to be spending a lot of time.

I'm going to have to go through my sock yarn stash Monday and Tuesday and figure out what yarns I'll be using. There's a lot to go through as you can see from the last post (ca. 12 miles of just sock yarn), but I'm looking forward to it. Swatching and winding are in order. These are the requirements-- with yarn used for test knitting as a suggestion:

Yarn
Needles
Gauge

A
About 360 yards of fingering weight yarn - Louet Gems Merino/Claudia’s Handpaint
US Size 1
8.5 st /inch

B
1 Skein fingering weight – Colinette Jitterbug/Opal Handpaint
US Size 1
32 st /4 inches

C
350 yds fingering weight - ? /Socks That Rock Lightweight
US Size 1
8.5 st /inch

D
400 yards of 2 shades of laceweight – Knit Picks Shadow Heathered /Tess Designer Superwash Laceweight
US Size 2
35 st /4 inches and 40 st /4 inches (2 slipped stitch patterns are used)

E
340 yards fingering weight - ? / Socks That Rock
US Size 1.5 (2.5 mm)
8.5 st /in

F
2 skeins fingering weight yarn – Knit Picks Felici/ Dancing Leaf Farm Sock Hop
US Size 1 (2.25 mm)
8 st /inch

G
Odd balls of fingering weight yarn (leftovers) and 225 meters of solid fingering weight
Us Size 1 (2.5 mm)
9 st /inch

* Optional Round
400 yards fingering weight – Cherry Tree Hill Supersock
US size 2
?

There are some exciting teasers on the SM2 website (here, here, here, here, here, and here) so it's getting me pretty excited to try to guess what the socks are going to look like.

OK, that's all for now. I will probably post a picture of the yarns I've chosen for the competition, but may not post much else until the first pair is finished :o).

Happy Knitting Everyone!

P.S. Anyone who reads this in SM2? I'm in the UConn Cast Ons.

Hi my name is KnitEurope and I'm a Yarnoholic

So I joined a new group: Stashalong. This post is also posted on their blog, but I figured it would be good to have multiple people holding me responsible.

This is most of my stash (minus the yarn for 2 afghans and what is with several UFOs):


But this is the main reason I joined the group (sorry the pic's so blurry):


That's all sock yarn. Hi my name is KnitEurope and I am a Sock Yarnaholic.

I am a member of Ravelry and have been busy entering my stash into the database. I looked at it one day (after exporting it to Excel... Ravelry is really an amazing thing, if you're not signed up go jump on the waitlist!) and saw that I had a little over 12 miles of yarn. I was quite astounded and searched around trying to find stashbusting groups. At the same time I realized that I didn't have all of my yarn cataloged yet. Doh. At the present time the total is just under 20 miles. This does not include a BUNCH of yarn earmarked for an afghan I'm about 40% done with. Or the 2 skeins of Malabrigo lace weight that I ordered (hey, I needed to get above the free shipping point, and it was my birthday :o)) last week.

Anyways, on to the goals:

Goals through Mid-Year (end of June)
- Knit a pattern from my knitting books/magazines (1+ pattern per month)
- Knit 2 miles worth of sock yarn

Goals for March
- Knit 3 large squares worth on my Rambling Rows afghan
- Finish the pair of socks for my future MIL
- Finish the pig for my sister
- Complete the first pair of socks for Sock Madness 2 (pattern which comes out 3/13)

Exceptions

- I can buy knitting books/magazines/notions/needles

- I can buy yarn for a specific project (not socks!) IF:

- I still end up with a negative outcome for the month

- It's on sale

- The goals for the month are already met

- I will give an exception to sock yarn IF:

- It is yarn for a pattern in SM2 and nothing from my stash works (ie I know there is a pattern in laceweight which I do not have appropriate yarn for. If I'm still in for that round, I am allowed to buy yarn).

- OR it is on sale and a yarn I have never bought before.

- I still must end up negative for the month

- I knit an extra pair of socks that month.

Totals
grams yarn in stash: 10580.75
yards yarn in stash: 34568.9 (that's 19.6 miles!!)

So yeah. No more yarn buying!