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.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, October 10, 2008
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
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
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