Knit Along With Me

If you do nothing else today....

2006-04-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

Ok - I don't normally make requests but I'm making an exception. Go to Parkway Rest Stop and read "Hector" (April 2 post). It's a brilliant read. Of course, it will be lost on some... It's got some bad words in it so if you're easily offended don't read it - but you'll miss out on a good "fantasy".

Useless Information

2006-04-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to get this on the blog since it expires in the wee hours of the morning :-)

On Wednesday of this week, at 2 minutes and 3 seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

On the knitting front I've finished two socks on one circular and cast on for the second pair. Oh, yeah - Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport arrived today and it's GORGEOUS!

Knit One Purl Two (or is it Too?)

2006-04-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

After our annual start of the season trip to Mrs. Max's for lunch we headed over to the relatively new shop in Marlboro, Knit One Purl Two. They're on Route 9 directly across from the Marlboro Plaza. It's a white building and they're on the second floor. It's a nice enough shop but it doesn't have anything new and exciting although she does have a selection of different high end yarns. There was a basket by the door with magazines that were 50% off. I went through them and came home with a few. Not only am I a yarnaholic, I'm a book fanatic as well. I didn't come away with a "I've got to go back there" feeling. It might have been because I thought one of them was rather snooty - no matter what she said, even when she was complimenting me on my poncho (so maybe it was me). And, because they were sale items they didn't want to take my debit card - I've become so lazy since I pay all my bills on line and use my debit card for everything else. Can you imagine, I actually had to write a check LOL. It was almost $53.00 so it wasn't like I was asking them to run a charge for a piddly amount ya know! They also aren't set up to use debit cards as such - they have not got the machine that allows you to enter your pin. Oh - I must fess up - there was $24.00 worth of sale yarn in there - 4 skeins of a wool blend that caught my fancy (two different colorways).

On the knitting front - tomorrow I'll have two 1/2 pairs of socks finished. All I have to do is kitchner the toes and I can start on the other half. I don't know where the time goes. One would think I'd have lots of time to knit since I'm not working wouldn't one! It ain't so!

Pictures tomorrow.

Update :-)

2006-03-29T14:40:00.000-05:00

It's Weds. afternoon and hubby is doing very well. He even managed to take the dog out for a walk in the yard. He's getting by on 600 mg. Ibuprofen 4 times a day. He's doing so well in fact, that I expect to make it to the Knit N Stitch meeting on Friday - hooray! After all, I need quality knitting time.

Oh, and just so I can put in the obligatory knitting info - you'll find a picture of the still unfinished Lady Eleanor.

All's well :-)

2006-03-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

Well, we were at the hospital at 7:30 AM for hubby's surgery which was scheduled for 9:30 AM. The hospital didn't have the release from our primary physician! Fortunately they called at 9:00 AM and the doctor faxed it right over (yeah, they did something right for a change). Alas, they wheeled him into the "holding" area around 9:15 AM and the surgeon showed up late so surgery didn't begin until 10:30 AM. To make a long story short, they brought him to recovery, then back to the same day surgery unit where he proceeded to complain that he was in pain, dropped back off to sleep 5 minutes later and they just let him sleep off the anethesia. He woke up around 3:00 PM, they fed him, took his vitals, and sent him on his way.

If you've read this far you're wondering, what does all this mean??? It means I almost finished my socks on one circular needle, that's what it means! What a way to get some quality knitting time in. And, of course, everyone has to stop and ask you what your making - I think only one person guessed they were socks. I had people ask if I was making mittens, hats, just what are you making???? This also means I'm house bound for a few days but I'll be playing maid :-)

OK - I have to admit - I stole the next item from Parkway Rest Stop - the devil made me do it! You really need to go check THIS out! It shows you just what goes on in your computer.

And, since most of you probably don't click on the links in my blog anyway I'll just have to reiterate - go HERE Enlighten NJ and HERE Ken Adams musings and HERE NJ Fiscal Folly and HERE New Jersey for Change. Enter these sites at your own risk. What risk you might ask??? The risk that you'll find out what's really going on in the state you live in! I'm beginning to think the air must be really thin where our elected officials live 'cause most of them seem brain damaged - now the only thing I can think of that would cause that is lack of oxygen 'cause surely everyone who votes researches the issues and then decides who to vote for - voters are smart right? They wouldn't just blindly vote party lines would they? Sorry for the rant folks, just had to get that off my chest! OR, as my bible study teacher was fond of saying "Gee, why don't you tell us how you really feel" LOL.

See that Knit Net button???

2006-03-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

I've added a Knit Net button to my blog. For those of you who aren't familiar with the site, it's an online knitting magazine. They always allow you to see a sample pattern from their issue but the magazine isn't free (except for me this year - hooray!). They have graciously granted me a full year's access to the magazine for some tips I submitted. The very least I could do was give them a prominent place on my blog eh!

I'm thinking of going to see the Yarn Harlot in person on April 11 in Rutherford, NJ. Why you say - because I can! There's bound to be tons of knitters and it's always fun to get together with knitters isn't it :-)

My Shelridge Farms sock yarn arrived - I'll post a picture later. I call it the poor man's Koigu - not because the yarn is inferior - oh no - it's really very nice! What's even nicer is the price! It's always cheaper than Koigu but when you get it through a coop it's even better pricing!!!!

Think retirement - no money to buy yarn! Solution - buy now LOL.

Still recovering

2006-03-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

Ok folks - just an update - still recovering from my computer problems. I lost the ability to use regedit - said it was locked by my administrator - I AM the administrator. msconfig is also among the missing. Either the Geek Squad missed some things or I was attacked by another virus/trojan/worm that got through my defenses. I've run more online virus scans than you can possibly imagine! On the bright side - check out the photos. Spring has sprung :-) And, the mailman, Fed Ex, and UPS Ground still know where I live :-)

I just had to have some Maple Sugar sock yarn by Cherry Tree Hill came free with some of their OWN Vermont Maple Syrup. Finally, my Socks That Rock and the pattern came from The Fold Not their fault - manufacturer was changing skein size so they were waiting on the manufacturer. Well worth the wait.

Also, check out the two socks on one circular - I'm enjoying this. Decided to do a short row heel so I didn't have to introduce a third needle to work a gusset.

Hubby goes in for surgery on Monday, testing tomorrow (Weds.), doctor's exam on Friday (boy, don't they just love to get your money), and finally the surgery (torn cartilage).

More later!

Enlighten-NewJersey

2006-03-17T12:27:00.000-05:00

Enlighten-NewJersey

Update

2006-03-15T22:24:00.000-05:00

OK - I've got most of the software loaded. Unfortunately, I had to reinstall Win Fax Pro - when I did it deleted all my fax numbers and sent faxes. This is NOT a good thing for unemployment. Do you think if I show them my repair bill they'll believe me? Perhaps I can get a bunch of my friends to attest to the fact that I was among the missing for days and days. BTW - I want to thank those of you who called to be sure I was OK - really, I mean that! It was so thoughtful.

On the knitting front - well, I'm frogging back a few rows on my mystery shawl - I must have been half asleep 'cause it ain't right LOL.

Hubby goes in for surgery on 3/27 so I'll probably be among the missing a few days that week also. He took very good care of me when I had my hip surgery so I'm certainly willing to do the same for him. It's arthroscopic knee surgery (torn cartilage) same day. Gee, wait a minute! I was in the hospital for almost two weeks and by the time I came home I was pretty much able to get around for myself. Oh well - he's worth it :-)

You can amuse yourself with this while you're anxiously awaiting my next post. I'm also adding another of my favorite blogs which I'm sure will not make some folks happy but hey - it's what makes the world go 'round :-)

More tomorrow!

Almost All Better

2006-03-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

OK - it's over a week since my machine was infected! They had to do a reinstall of the operating system and most of my programs DON'T WORK! I've been busy since Sunday afternoon reinstalling everything - good thing they're all licensed :-)

I'm plugging away on Lady E - I'm soooooo ready for her to be finished. I enjoy doing this immensly but after 36 rows and still a few more to go - I just want it to be done.

I'm up to the second clue on the mystery shawl 3 - this will never be finished at the end of the knitalong but that's ok. It's really a nice shawl.

I'm experimenting with the magic loop method - I cast on two socks on one circ and it seems to be going ok. That Frolicking Socks knitalong I have listed will have to be extended to next year for me LOL. Just too many irons in the fire right now.

Poor, poor Eris - no further along than I was before.

As soon as I get the computer fully functional I'll post pictures of everything.

The unthinkable

2006-03-08T23:09:00.000-05:00

The unthinkable happened! My computer managed to get itself infected with a very, very nasty virus/trojan. Even with Norton System Works and Spy Sweeper - it still managed to hijack my desktop, infect hundreds of files and render my machine virutally unuseable. No internet connection and I didn't dare open ANY emails - I hope that it didn't hijack my address book (not likely since I use Incredimail but ya never know!). So - $280 dollars later I have it back but not for long. They didn't reinstall my Spy Sweeper AND when I go to My Display I can't do anything - no wallpaper - no themes. I paid an extra $80.00 for "911" service - otherwise it would have been 4-5 days. For that kind of money this things should be spinning like a top! NOT! I have to take it back tomorrow morning and they're really gonna hear from me.

So - you'll have to wait to hear about my SEX last weekend and other stuff!

Later....

Catch up time

2006-02-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Here's the update for the weekend :-) Went to Staten Island and the Yarn Girl. I can hardly believe this myself but I actually didn't buy yarn. I went to buy circular needles and figured for sure I'd find something I absolutely had to have - NOT. This is a good thing.

Stopped by a friends house in SI to drop off a book and inspect her "yarnatorium" LOL. It's every knitter's dream. Wall-to-wall and ceiling to floor cabinets all filled with yarn and fabrics. A lovely chair by the window with a round table for the phone, and on the opposite wall her sewing machine cabinet and chair. Just made you want to sit down and knit right away! It was organized and welcoming.

Our favorite restaurant, Il Pomadoro, has fallen a notch! Don't know if the owner wasn't there or they changed chef's but it just wasn't up to par. I overheard patrons at the table behind me speaking about another restaurant that would "give Il Pomadoro a run for it's money" but I didn't catch the name! And to think, my children used to say I could hear the grass grow. Guess that's what happens when you get old, oops excuse me, older :-).

Also stopped by another dear friends house, a knitter of course, for a lovely visit on Sunday. We inspected each other's work and discussed future projects over a glass of soda. Hoping to get together this Sunday also.

Monday night knitting was missing a very prominent member - Trek is off enjoying a wedding and searching the local yarn store. She was definitely missed. Gave J over at Knit N Things the beginnings of Mystery Shawl 3 on double pointed needles. I took it home to get it started for her 'cause I couldn't seem to do it on Thursday when we were together :-( It's very, very difficult to get started and since I talked her into doing this with me it was the least I could do. Even though I'm almost done with the second chart I have the sneaking suspicion she'll finish ahead of me LOL.

The yarn store in Englewood is closing - they are moving to Vermont. She will run an internet store and also open another store attached to her house when she gets there. I think I'll pay a visit this Saturday before she's totally sold out of everything LOL. Always up for a road trip to the yarn store, especially one that's having a BIG sale!

Lady Eleanor is moving right along and I'll be very glad when it's done. It's almost finished and although I enjoy working on it - it's time - be done I say, be done! Even when it's done, it's not done until the fringe is on it and I'm not looking forward to that part of it. Pictures soon.

More SEX

2006-02-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

Hurray!!! Pictures are uploaded :-)

I've been busy whilst I was away :-) Let's go through the pictures. The burgandy lace is the beginning of the Mystery Shawl 3. I have to really concentrate on this and can't wait until I can switch to circular needles, I'm almost there.

And look at the lovely mint green on the cone just beckoning to be started! This is from Woolbearers in Mount Holly, as is the beaded sock pattern and the small kit at the front of the picture. The kit makes a lovely infants fair isle hat. The yarn is a product from Anny Blatt and it's as soft as cashmere (also as expensive I might add. That little dinky kit was $15.00 but I just had to have some :-)

How about that sock kit from Earth Faire too. I can start the knit along for them now :-) This really is a priority - wearin' o' the green and all that! Who am I kidding - these will never be done in time LOL.

Later today I'm going to knit on the mountain with friends (literally - on top of a mountain). If I remember, I'll take pictures of the view - it's simply gorgeous. We'll have lunch and sit n b----h awhile - always nice to get together with friends. This evening I'll pop down to Border's to help a friend start the Mystery Shawl 3 before she decides to hurt me for talking her into this! It's very hard to get started but once you've got the first couple of rows it gets easier.

Back from my hiatus :-)

2006-02-17T23:14:00.000-05:00

Haven't updated for a few days because I've been unusually busy. I had lunch with a former boss I haven't seen in 10 years, mystery shopped two stores, stopped by the Friday afternoon knitting group, and knit! I also had an e-mail conversation with someone from my high school days. I was amazed at how well they remembered me. They mentioned some things that had been long buried in the back of my mind, somewhere in the archives under "the good old days". A questionnaire had been sent to me and in turn I asked him what he remembered. Example: "Do you remember one of the first things I said to you?" - answer - the door's still open. OK, OK get your mind out of the gutter - we were kids! We were playing spin the bottle and, of course, privacy was of great concern so where do all kids go to get away from prying eyes - THE CLOSET! Apparently, the door wasn't closed all the way - what a thing to remember - I had forgotten sitting on the floor of my friends enclosed porch and playing this game - he brought it all back with great clarity, including the fact that I had the decency to take the gum out of my mouth before kissing him LOL :-) Then he closed the e-mail with "My daughter and granddaughter are coming for dinner and I've got to get the chicken going". WHOA - daughter, granddaughter, dinner - couldn't possibly have been that many years ago we were playing spin the bottle! Ah, the simplicity of life when you're young and how quickly the time goes by.

OK - obligatory knitting info - MS3 has been added to the "on the needles" group. I'm more confused than when I was swatching. If I print much more info I'll have to run to the store for paper! I also ordered the pattern, yarn, and beads for the Frolicking Shamrock Knitalong that starts 2/24. Can't let Saint Patrick's Day go by without showin' the green ya know!

One more note - my DS is having surgery to have her ankle and foot fused together. They will also break her leg to make it shorter because with the fusing it will be longer than the other leg. Please remember her in your prayers. I wish I could be with her to help during her recovery but my BIL, two brothers, and SILs will be there. She'll be surrounded by lots of love!

Happy SAINT Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

Well, went to my Monday night knitting group to drop off some yarn for J over at Knit N Things 'cause she's doing the Mystery Shawl 3 with me and I KNOW she wants to swatch since the clues start on Friday. The yarn was all wound into balls and neatly labeled with yardage - no thanks to Mr. Knit Along With Me - but then again, I didn't marry him for his carpentry skills :-) I simply improvised - should have taken pictures so you could all laugh. I put the meter on the dowel and elevated it on a bunch of clothes that were waiting for me to do SOMETHING with them (they got their wish), set up my ball winder to my right, cone of yarn to the left on the floor and wound away. Worked perfectly. Of course, it's not very portable! And, the yarn is wool and silk so it kept wanting to fly off the ball winder. I may have to take Mr. Parkway Rest Stop up on his offer to assemble - waiting time and language seems acceptable now.

After dropping off the yarn the Mr. and I decided to stop for dinner. We went to the Grist Mill - I don't go for the food (it's OK) - I go for the view. Having been a working grist mill it sits beside a beautiful stream with a small waterfall that's just wonderful to look at any season of the year. There was a young couple, I'd say mid twenties, sitting two tables away directly in my line of vision. They sat side by side. All through dinner the Mr. kept asking me what was so amusing. Since we were in close proximity to the young couple I just kept telling him "I'll tell you later". Here's what I was smiling about (notice I said smiling - I wasn't being amused). The couple had finished dinner by the time we arrived and were engrossed in conversation. They were in their own little world and it appeared that nothing around them mattered. They smiled, laughed, but more importantly, they never took their eyes off each other. There was not a time when he wasn't gently touching her - he held her hand, touched her face, put his hand on her shoulder, rubbed her neck, touched her knee and he caressed her with his eyes. I hope that it is always like that for them, especially in today's world where everything is disposable; marriages, unborn children, cars, dishes. There needs to be permanency. No, the Mr. and I don't sit side by side anymore, we sit across from each other, he says he likes to look at me, he does caress me with his eyes and I love him as much today as when we got married - probably more. When we were leaving the restaurant he asked again what was so amusing and I told him - it was remembering and watching another generation doing the same things we did when we were young. I can't slide across the bench seat anymore so he can drive with his arm around me (and I can shift that '55 Chevy Convertible for him - WHAT - didn't everyone do that!) Some things change but remain an important part of my life and remebering is one of them. My hope for them is it will always be as special as it was last night, that they grow together.

Of course, when we got home, the Mr. decided to cut the dogs nails and clipped a few too short and the dog started bleeding ALL OVER THE RUG totally blowing all those romantic feelings from earlier LOL. This is really what love is about - the everyday trials and tribulations that we get through WITH each other.

Happy Saint Valentine's Day everyone :-)

Can you identify this?

2006-02-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

I bought this at a yard sale during the fall. I've contacted the manufacturer, Griffith Laboratories, but so far they haven't emailed me with a response. I thought it would make an interesting addition for display in the kitchen but I sure would like to know what it is LOL.

The long anticipated winter has arrived!

2006-02-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

One picture is worth a thousand words - my yard at around 11:00 a.m. today :-)

Yarn Meter???

2006-02-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm cheap, I admit it. My daughter would tell you I don't pay full price for anything which is almost true. J over at Knit N Things is going to do the Mystery Shawl 3 with me. I go on line, find the yarn for cheap (cheaper I should say) and purchase a pound (yes, a pound). It arrives and it's beautiful except I'm now in a dilemma over how to split the cone in equal amounts. I'm not about to spend $50.00 on a yarn meter but thanks to a knitting friend I don't have to! I took a trip to Tackle and Things and purchased the same meter for $10.99. OK, admittedly it's not that easy - I now have to enlist the help of DH to actually MAKE the holder for the meter (see pics). Another trip to Home Depot and, voila, all the necessary pieces are sitting on the dining room table. Since we're supposed to be snowed in tomorrow HE should have lots of time to work on this. I have to give J her half on Monday, I'm sure she's anxious to swatch :-)

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take pictures before I start winding off for J - isn't it pretty! I think the color is called Claret and it's just gorgeous. It's wool and silk - does it get any better than this. I CONFESS already - I'm a yarnaholic and I can't help myself. Do you think they have support groups for knitters like me? If they do I don't want to know - I'm perfectly happy collecting all this yarn so when I retire and I'm poor as a church mouse I'll still be able knit with yummy yarn!

Update on MS3

2006-02-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ok - I REALLY do know how to knit. No wonder those swatches looked a little funky! There's a mistake in the pattern! More later after my knitting meeting this afternoon. Since we're expecting snow tomorrow in our neck of the woods I need to get my fix today. (See how easily I can justify going out to knit.) We probably won't get much snow - haven't had any to speak of since we started buying Jeeps and have a trusty snowblower sitting outide begging to be used LOL.

My Quest for Employment

2006-02-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

I've actively started to search for employment. Today was my first experience with a recruiter. She telephoned me last evening with this "wonderful" job opportunity and could I come in to speak with her. Little lamb that I am, I dutifully drive to Bridgewater, take all their tests, fill out all their forms, give them all my references and lo and behold - the company isn't accepting new resumes. They ended the first round and will evaluate the applicants they have. My naivety never ceases to amaze me (and probably lots of other people too!) The old "bait and switch" happening here! Oh well, everyone has to start somewhere, right!

All this preparation seriously cut into my knitting time. I had to go to bed early, rise early, drive a long distance and all for naught! If I were sitting here knitting I would have at least accomplished something even if it was several trips to the frog pond LOL.

2006-02-08T15:53:00.000-05:00

OK - I swatched some stash yarn 'cause I wanted to see what the pattern looked like for MS3. The bright pink is Cascade Indulgence (which I realized afterward I would need another skein to use this yarn and sent out an SOS to some groups). The cream color is a mohair/nylon combo I got at Stitches last year and I like it better than the Indulgence. I have one more yarn to try but since swatching is REALLY on the bottom of my list for knitting it will have to wait until tomorrow. Comments, anyone, comments???

On a happy note, my favorite guy in the whole world showed up again and he delivered the last of the 100% pure wool so all you secret agents out there - get ready and we'll set up a secret drop. I can't guarantee that I'm not under surveillance so we should be careful with this one. I just love these clandestine operations, the anticipation, the intrigue, the suspense - will we pull it off without getting caught? I don't want the knitting police to arrest me!!!

SEX

2006-02-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

Stash Enhancing Experience that is. A few friends and I went to the yarn sales on Saturday and although we each bought something it really didn't amount to an awful lot. I guess being on unemployment really does affect my thinking LOL. Anyway - In one store the owner was her regular nasty self. Needless to say it didn't encourage purchasing much and in fact I put back four skeins - SO THERE to that yarn store owner! The other yarn store has increased its selection of sock yarn and had some I really like (which I did buy). I'm still really surpirsed at my self control this weekend. Of course, it was totally out of control today. I was going to make the MS3 from Stash - yes, you read it right and I actually picked out about 5 different things to swatch. That was until a friend who joined the knit-along decided since it was a mystery shawl they should do it in the yarn called for. Well, anyone who knows me knows it doesn't take much to make me purchase yarn VBG. Note how easy it was for my to just jump right in and purchase yarn since I had a project for it :-) Perhaps that's why I didn't buy too much at the sales - no project in mind except the socks! So, we're working on a color. In the meantime - check out the photos of my SEX from this weekend :-) The picture of the mosaic socks is what I'll be making with the solid gray and multicolor pinks and grey. The cotton in the back right is also designated for these socks - a little more dramatic and if I start now perhaps I can get them done for next fall 'cause the yarn is definately fall colors :-) Won't be as dramatic but I just didn't want to do balck

100% Pure Wool

2006-02-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

I swatched the yarn from Uruguay - I'm getting 4.5 stitches/inch and 6.5 rows/inch on size 6 needles. It is very nice to knit with but the dye does come off a tad on your hands. Like Manos, there is no true solid. This is black which I intend on mixing with another multi-color from the same vendor. Now if I can only find the book with the patterns in it I'll be a very happy knitter, since I ordered enough to make four sweaters.

Not much doing today

2006-02-03T00:04:00.000-05:00

Dinner last night with some former coworkers was so relaxing. I miss them so much. We were really a tight knit (oh, I really don't believe I just said that) group. We get together every four to six weeks or so and bring each other up to par on what's been happening in our lives - they're like extended family. Only one of us has found a job so far - not a good sign. Know anyone who wants to hire an aging, smart, witty, charming, loyal employee? Me neither...

Rather boring day today but tomorrow looks promising. I think I'll get to knit with some friends and sip coffee. I'm going to bring my new wooden swift with me so I can wind some of that yummy yarn that arrived. It's going to receive my full attention (at least one skein anyway). I really, really want to swatch this. OK - pick yourself up off the floor and stop laughing - words I never thought would escape my mouth have been spoken willingly. As long as it knits nicely I think this will turn out to be one of my favorites. At least until Saturday that is. I can hear the yarn calling to me from Wooly Monmouth and The Knitting Gallery - "pick me, pick me". Saturday's schedule will be a yarn store, lunch, another yarn store, a bead store (maybe), and then knitting and fondling the yarn that's bought. I know, I know, it sounds grueling but someone's got to do it - I'm up to the challenge! And I have a wonderful support group to cheer me on.

The highlight of my day was my mystery shop - they actually pay me to shop - imagine that! I evaluated the store and did my food shopping at the same time. As if shopping for food isn't enough - later in them month they're going to PAY ME to shop for SHOES! It just doesn't get any better. I'm blessed, truly blessed - paid to shop for SHOES! I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Nope - I'm wide awake! Being unemployed does have it's benefits albeit little ones, like being able to mystery shop and not having to get up until the dog licks my eyes - did I tell you he's very smart? When he decides it's time to rise and shine that's what he does licks my eyes until they pop open LOL.

Happy Days Are Here Again

2006-02-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

My most favorite person in the whole world just came to my house THE FED EX MAN! Four boxes from Uruguay - whatever could they be??? The suspense is killing me - wait a minute while I go open one. What a surprise - it's YARN! See their little faces peeping out. It's very good yarn though - no crying or whining. They did tell me they want to go to their permanent place of residence though, since they were not all adopted by me. Now, I can't tell you who adopted them - you know - what with being shipped from a foreign country and everything. There's definately some undercover folks involved and I wouldn't want to blow their cover (we all know how those secret agent types can be!) I guess if they read my blog they'll know their "shipment" has arrived.

Socks that won - thank you Candice for being a wonderful teacher!

2006-01-31T16:14:00.000-05:00

OK - guess it's time to get some knitting related stuff in here. These are the socks that won me a prize at AC Moore - I'll probably never make another pair like this so they better last a lifetime (in fact they better be heirlooms for my children!)!

2006-01-31T15:32:00.000-05:00

And this big guy is Koko. He is the best guy in the world. He doesn't like yarn or chewing anything else for that matter. He's just a 120 pound puppy!

Meet Jack

2006-01-31T15:20:00.000-05:00

Meet Jack. Jack likes yarn - the only problem is he likes to eat it! So far he's chewed holes in my Hanne Falkenberg Sweater and my Birch Shawl. Jack is a bad doggy! We love him anyway!

Day One - What Not To Expect

2006-01-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

OK, so there's a negative conotation in there but it's the simple truth. I won't be posting daily - don't have that many words in my head for an entire day so I gotta keep some around for an emergency!

Alrighty then - on to the positive stuff. I can't post pictures of all the things I'm working on because it would take up all the bandwith alloted for me and all the other bloggers here! I'm the BEST starter in the world (notice the absence of the word finish). The sobs coming from the UFOs in my bins eventually subside to a whimper and then I can't hear them at all. It's probably because they've been smothered by new acquisitions. It's a sickness that I can't seem to cure. I LOVE yarn, and needles, and gadgets. It's pretty sad when yarn store owners in other states are on a first name basis with you! I get so enthusiastic about a new project but once I've conquered the new technique or pattern - it loses its appeal. I do much, much better if I'm in a knit-a-long with real live people.

Over the weekend my knitting buds and I went to the AC Moore Knitting Party - what fun, I entered my socks but coudn't stick around to find out who won. I had places to go, people to see, and things to do. Now just what do you think they were LOL. It was our monthly day in Staten Island. First stop the card show at Mount St. Lorretto; up next is The Yarn Girl and last but not least the best Italian restaurant we've dined at in a very LONG time - Il Pomadoro on Hylan Blvd.

I'll be posting pictures of finished objects and works in progress soon. I have to prove to some folks that I really do knit :-)