Happy Halloween!

I know, it's tomorrow, but I'm here today!

This week brought some happy fun......
I won a contest. The wonderful Kerrie, way over there in Germany sent me this gorgeous yarn that she dyed herself, and some wonderful german chocolates.
Wait! There's some missing! OOPS!
Not sure what I'll make with it, but I love the colors.











I also spent most of the week making a custom knit doggie sweater with monkey for cousin Newt. Newt is my sister's jack russel baby, and he's cute as heck. He totally deserves the monkey sweater that yogi is modeling here. (it's too small for yogi - my BIG baby) I think he's a little jealous, though, he's a boxer and they ain't got no hair, so he needs a sweater too!














Yesterday, I cast on for a Damask shawl with the madtosh light dahlia. The KAL wasn't working out too much for me, so I decided to use another of kitman's patterns and I've been eyeing damask for a long time. I'm getting the itch to do a nice cabled sweater, though, so, maybe that'll be next. (after the christmas knitting is all done)


On the house front, friday was lighting, plumbing and appliances day. Imagine walking into an appliance store and going, "I'll have that, that, that and that!".
It WAS rather fun. I spent a WHOLE bunch of money on paper, also fun.

Next week it'll be kitchen, floors,tile, and garage door speaking of spending a whole bunch of money. I'm also calling in the landscape designer we've picked out because we need to start thinking about WHERE on the acre of property this house will be built. After we see the kitchen gal on friday, I'll also be calling the interior designer. I wanted to make most of my choices and have her help with some of the more difficult things, like, how to light the studio, and pulling the whole color thing together. This is really a lot of fun!

Happy Halloween!

windows and doors and floor plans, OH MY!

This week we did some major work on the house. On friday, we went out and picked out windows (milguard montecito with a craftsman style grid at the top) and doors. The molding threw us for a bit of a loop, though. Do you know how many styles of molding there are out there????? Then, friday night, we went and met with the contractor and the designer to work out some details of the plan, like, radiant heat flooring (not an option in my book) and whether or not we will build with SIP panels (still an option- we're working on that). We feel like we have a pretty good handle on the floor plan. The next step is plumbing and electrical, which I hope to go do this week, and then kitchen - that's a big one. We're going to get a few quotes and options on the kitchen. We want it to be nice, but not over the top.


In knitting news, I took a class yesterday on double knitting. It was fun, but I was kind of hoping there would be a bit more talk of colorwork. The person teaching the class said she had trouble finding double knitting patterns. I told her I'd found a BUNCH on ravelry, and she said "oh, I guess there might be some on there". And, THAT, folks, is why I don't usually take classes at my LYS. :(

I have also been working on the DIC october scarf and it's almost done, but too squished up to see anything yet. I think I'm going to run a couple of rows short on yarn, this has happened before with DIC, so I'll go as far as I can and bind off. Probably have pics next week.
The little doggies are all sewn up too, thanks to a VERY long online training for weight watchers. I just need to make one more little shirt.

Last but not least, look what $5 will get ya......
Doggies were very curious...









I weeded out the acrylic and a few others I didn't want - they'll be donated to the master gardeners for their crafty projects......
I kept the wool......It'll make good dog sweaters.

not much knitting to report,

again....
but I do have this really cute boxer pumpkin. This is a stencil from the better homes and gardens website. They have several dog breeds and, yes, even cats. It's a fun place to go and play...









See the resemblance??









I am working on my knit doggies for a friend's grandsons. Pardon the fact that he's armless. They're made, I just have to make his shirt first, so I can get the placement of the arms. (he gets a cute little shirt and pants) - there's another one too.
I don't think I'm going to finish the KAL I'm doing. Love the yarn, love the color, just not loving the pattern. I think I'll frog it and start something else.
Next up, more christmas knitting........




P.S. the house is coming along swimmingly. Loving the plan so far, just a few more tweaks, a whole bunch of picking stuff out, and we'll be ready.....Check please!
(for the heart attack when we see the price tag)

decisions, decisions.......

I've got virtually nothin' for ya knitting-wise. Last week was super busy with working. I did start some doggies for my friend's grandbabies. I got 4 legs, 2 heads, and a tail done before I was side-tracked knitting a shawl for my boss who is leaving next week. I've also been working on the mystery KAL, and that's pretty time consuming. This week should be slower work-wise, and crappier weather-wise, so I should see more progress.

Most of my time has been spent on the new house, trying to anticipate all the things we'll have to pick out and using the internet to find ones I like before I get to meet with the interior designer. At $100 per hour, you don't want to waste a bit of time hemming and hawing.

Next week, I should be getting the new judy's magic cast on book, and my dream in color october yarn (couldn't resist it - it reminded me of indian corn). Hopefully we'll be able to hook up with the interior designer too.......
Since there's no knitting content to speak of, I'll leave you with a boy and his monkey man.......My little baby's all growed up

another one down

so, this week I finished another christmas gift. Gentian socks for my friend. These were a fun, free, cabled pattern and an easy knit. Love the madtosh sock I made them with.
On to the next gift.......














I also won a contest. The very generous robin of robin's nest sent me this beautiful green yarn, some patterns and some hershey's kisses (oops, the kisses are missing). I had entered this contest about 3 months ago, and it was a pleasant surprise to be the random winner. Thanks Robin!












Last but not least, cinnamon brown is modeling my new book, knit-swirl. I've been coveting it for a while, but, no discount on amazon. Knitpicks, however, was quite accomodating and put it on sale for 40% off, so, there ya go. I needed some new size 4 dpn's anyway to do my beekeeper, so, had to have it.











There are some more books on the way. I've pre-ordered judy's magic cast on, socktopus, and the principles of knitting. All due in oct-dec.

This week I also started the Koi-rama KAL. It's quite involved, but turning out very nicely. When I get caught up on that, I'll start my next christmas gift. I think it's going to be a couple of knitted doggies for johnette's grandsons.

On the house front, we should be getting the preliminary plans back this week, and we're headed to the tacoma home show next weekend to look for ideas!

goodies!

and free wollemeise!
the wollemeise is the prize for completing all 3 projects from the loopy ewe camp loopy. I'll definitely be doing it again next summer, wollemeise or not. It was a blast!











Of course to get my wollemeise, I felt the need to place an order. This yumminess is madtosh light in the dahlia colorway. I got it for the koi rama knit along that starts oct 1. I love kitman's patterns and I hope this will be no exception. The yarn is actually a bit more berry than pink. Trust me, it's gorgeous











I also got my anne kit this week. I love the pattern, although I might add a 3 stitch garter border at the top to keep it from rolling. The yarn, not so much. It's quite a bit lighter than the photos and has a dime-sized patch of white where the dye didn't take. Next time I'll just wait and get the pattern.











One more fun thing. The knitter's life list. So far it seems to be a pretty fun book. No patterns at all, just all about knitting, techniques, etc. A good bedtime read. Next to it is our version of the house plan. The other one is still out with the professional, hopefully we'll see something this week!

some (almost) fo's

I know, I'm late. I have a good reason, though. Yesterday was the final class for the colorwork sweater. It's almost done, just needs some work on the seams to finish.
The color is not as pink as this pic.
























I also finished the phoenix and the carpet KAL. Needs to be blocked. I loved the yarn and the color "african violets". I'll definitely do more with the unique sheep.












(snoopy boxers not included)

Some socks got done too. Rock and weave to be a christmas present. They just need a toe and some buttons. What's that next to the sock? It's a hexipuff. Yes, I jumped on the bandwagon for the beekeepers quilt. I figure I have enough "bits" to go quite a ways. I'll work on it a bit at a time, no rush.



this week, hopefully I'll get the knitting with jane kit, enroll for a kitman figueroa KAL in october, get a couple of books I ordered and start another christmas present pair of socks.

In house news, it's off at the designer's. Should have a first draft plan soon!

too hot to knit

well, being the pacific nw girl I am, I HATE hot weather. Guess what! This week has been the longest stretch over 80 degrees in history. Yep, we set a record. It's pretty much impossible to think about knitting or sitting with a wool sweater on your lap when you're baking. So, the colorwork sweater sits in the "craft room" (also known as the crap room), without it's sleeves. I'll need to finish it this week, though, because the final class is on next week sunday. Good thing it's going to be cooler.

The only knitting I've done this week was yesterday, while I hung out at the farmer's market for the master gardeners. I worked on my sister's christmas sock, and really, got quite a ways. It's the rock and weave sock and there's not really much to think about there knitting-wise, just go. Makes a good doing something else project. No pics, though.

I didn't even buy any yarn this week, imagine that, although I did get some. I'll have to show pics next time. The really cool thing we DID do was meet with a contractor and sign a design agreement for our new house. I'm really excited about the whole creative aspect of picking out stuff and working with an interior designer and landscape designer to pull it all together.

I'll leave you with some doggie inspiration.......
they're very happy about maybe having a new house too. They'll get their own door and kennel if all goes well.

Hairy Boxer just because it cracks me up every time I see it.

back from the beach

and baking too boot!
It never gets very hot around here, that's why I LIKE it. This week, we are having a string of days that are close to 90 degrees. Hard to think about knitting. It was sunny and warm at the beach though, and a good time was had by all.











Before we left, the mailman brought me this:
Mrs. Dalloway kit from woolgirl. I'm not that hot on the pink, but the pattern is great and by knitspot and there's goodies too.












I'm expecting a junkmail jackpot today after having it held since last week and a holiday in there too. (that's if the mailidiot remembers to bring it).
He just doesn't understand when he doesn't deliver my mail when it's supposed to be, I get antsy and crabby....there's YARN in there.
like, a sweater's worth of skinny bugga and the knitpics sweater kit I order for my winter project. I mean, REALLY!

I should also be getting my knitting with jane shawl kit soon. I fell in love with the pattern and just couldn't resist. Ok, enough yarn for now (NOT!)

The colorwork sweater is coming along, just sleeves to sew in and edging to sew on. The last class which is finishing is on sept 18th, so I'll be ready.
Now the attention HAS to turn to making (ACK!!) christmas gifts. Three pairs of socks and a couple of really cute little knit doggies, maybe more.

In news on another front, we meet tomorrow with a new potential contractor to build our house. Fingers crossed!

getting caught up

I know, last week I was MIA, attending pilates on tour. I have to say, it was quite informative and a good time was had by all.
The good news is, spending a weekend in a hotel makes for some good knitting time when you're not in class.
Here's my final project for camp loopy. It's a 800 yard ishbel in dream in color baby. I'm really liking it and I think I would knit this one again as a gift. Not too complicated but just enough to keep you interested.












I'm also getting caught up on the unique sheep KAL. I have about 15 more rows on this week's clue to finish. Not too bad considering I was 3 clues behind












Since the last time I was here, I also chopped up my sweater. No pics of that, it's still OTN, working on the front, but I hope to make some progress this week on that and then there's only finishing the seams and sewing in the sleeves. The last class is sept 18th, so I'm hoping to have some serious progress by then.

This sweater has inspired me to do more, so this week I ordered the dogwood blossoms sweater from knitpicks (in blue). I don't have any immediate plans to make it, but you know how knitpicks is, if you don't get it while you see it, it's discontinued.
I also used my last christmas gift certificate and bought a sweater's worth of skinny bugga from the sanguine gryphon. I just can't resist a good sale and that sitticus jumping spider jumped into my cart. Again, no specific plans right now but.....



This week should bring the mrs. dalloway kit, so we'll see what that looks like.
I'm also already planning on the next unique sheep KAL, which announces sept 15th.
love those gradience yarns.

Yogi says "WHAT it's labor day already?"

I've been MIA

working like a crazy nut on my sleeves, and thanks to a bathroom remodel, and having to hang with some "stomping" contractors, I did get to finish. Today, we steek!


















I also finished my vortex socks for camp loopy, project 2, and ordered yarn for project 3........









and... in other news this week, our baby, yogibear is 1.
He was such a tiny puppy when we first got him. See how he's grown? goofball!

It was awesome

here we are, a bit hung over from the yarn fumes, tired as heck and back from the awesomeness that was sock summit. I'd have to say a good time was had by all.
I got there about 2 on thursday with my friend Pam. We picked up our registration packets and noticed the line for the marketplace was already forming! By the time we joined it, it went down the aisle, around the corner, and eventually went into another room. They let us in promptly at 4:30 and we shopped 'till we dropped. Then it was off to the opening ceremonies.
After a good night's sleep, we hit the marketplace AGAIN on friday morning for a more leisurely shop. I had a class in the afternoon, tesselations with Franklin Habit (take it if you can, it's awesome), and then we met for dinner with 20 people we had never met and went to a great portland restaraunt, came back to the hotel and crashed.
Saturday, I volunteered for a vendor, Anzula, and had a great time. I sold yarn to Anna Zilboorg, talked to Mary Scott-Huff, and told Ann Budd that she had the PERFECT yarn. Not to mention all the other fun folks who strolled through, bought yarn and just petted. Then it was off to the pooling lecture for another mind altering experience. After that, we went out for lebanese dinner, and off to Stephanie's talk before another total crash and burn at the hotel.
This morning, it was up early and on the road. House cleaning and life to do.
I had such a wonderful time, met some great folks, got a (temporary)tattoo,













shopped till I dropped, and I can already hardly wait to go back in 2013, where, I understand, they have the ENTIRE convention center reserved. (we'll also try again to break the guiness world record)
my spoils from the market.....
some lorna's laces solemate, special ss colorway,
miss babs, yowza, what a skein for mansocks
noro silk garden sock (it was on sale)
cooperative press goodie bag
Mary scott-huff and blue moon violets steeked scarf kit.
and some misc. goodies











yogi is modeling my "payment" from anzula. 950 yards of beautiful laceweight.











The good news is, the bathroom is coming along, slowly but surely.......









Next week, third installment of camp loopy, more colorwork sleeves and knitting at the county fair.

hi ho, hi ho, off to sock summit we go!!!!!!!

Leaving tomorrow bright and early for the awesomeness that is sock summit.
The bags are packed, the stitch markers for trade are made, a project to work on is started, and I have a very long wishlist for the marketplace.
I'll be pretty happy to get out of here, since all week I've been dealing with this:
(yes, that WAS a bathroom)











time to let dh have some fun!

making a list and checking it twice

and three times and four!
A week from today I will be enjoying the awesomeness that is sock summit.
I've been preparing all week (thanks to pilates clients that are either sick or on vacation). I've loaded new apps into my phone, made a (long) wish list, inventoried my knitpicks needles, just in case there's some there, chosen which knitting I'm taking to wear, and started a project to work on while I'm there.
I'm sure there's something I'm forgetting.







I also finished my camploopy vortex socks. I wanted to have them done before I left, and finished clue 2 in the KAL. Not much progress on the sweater, though. Too much sock summit excitement to think about.















next week.....sock summit overload and stash aquisition.
sock summit!
sock summit!
Sock summit!!!!!!

ok, I'm keeping up (for now)

This week, I was able to get a few things done......
The sweater body is done and duplicate stitched. I even steamed it a bit, and it looks quite nice, if I do say so myself.






























I also finished up my stitch markers for trading at sock summit.














And was able to complete the first clue in the phoenix and the carpet KAL, as well as cast on for my cabled vortex socks for camp loopy. (no sock pic to show yet).
This week, I'll keep working on those cabled socks and I also need to do some simple homework for sock summit.

As a parting gift, I bring you
HARRY BOXER
(or is it hairy boxer?)

counting down to sock summit!!!

This week the weather was hot and so was the knitting.
The sweater made some pretty good progress. I only have about 6 back and forth rows to finish on the body and then it's on to the sleeves. The next class installment is next weekend, so I hope to finish the body, steam it a bit and do the duplicate stitch on the big flower in the back, we'll see.......
I'm feeling good about where I am with this, though. Good thing, there's plenty of distractions coming up.












Like the second project for camp loopy. The challenge is cabled socks (or mittens or gloves), but I've chosen the socks. I'm doing Vortex by chrissy gardiner in this beautiful green. Can't cast on until friday, but I can hardly WAIT to get started. I'll have to work like mad on these, too, because there's this little thing called SOCK SUMMIT in the middle of the project. (got a new book this week too)










I'm also expecting the first installment of the Phoenix and the carpet KAL next friday. Good thing the first couple of clues are on the smaller and quicker side, because on clue 3, I'll be at SOCK SUMMIT.
Now, just gotta finish those stitch markers and do my homework!

I know, I was a little MIA last week

but I have a good excuse.....
I was at a class learning how to do this.....











A colorwork sweater, steeks and all. YIKES! I'm trying to make some significant progress on the sweater, because the NEXT class is the 16th of july and all about sleeves.

I'm also working on the bridge of roses socks (in my spare time). It'll be a good take along project when I have to work the farmer's market next weekend. (hard to transport and focus on a colorwork sweater or a lace shawl)







Sock summit is coming up fast, too, and I really need to finish stitch markers and do my homework. I'm starting to feel just a bit overwhelmed. The other 2 things in the fire are the camp loopy project 2 (cabeled socks - can't start until the 15th, though), and the phoenix and the carpet KAL, a lace shawl, that starts this coming friday. YIKES again!

I did find myself some goodies this week though.....I was surfing the loopy ewe site for potential camp yarn and WHOOP! there was a wollemeise update. I think I was the first person to see it, because there were about 30 offerings to choose from. I had to have a couple, of course, and the photo just doesn't do them justice. They're petite poison #5 dark and chim chim cheerie. It's hard to imagine what to do with such special and hard to get yarn. I think I'll just pet it for a while.








Next week.....hopefully some more sweater progress, the yarn for the cable socks should arrive, and who KNOWS what else!

it's all about sock summit now!

just about a month to go to sock summit and a knitting girl's fancy turns to socks.
What to wear, what to take, what to get done before I go....how to play with the cool kids......
The watermelon socks are coming right along. One done including picot cast off (just need to sew it down) and one on the heel. They'll be done by the end of the week. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish our "trading" stitch markers as well.






















I did take a little detour to work on my camp loopy project. A Daybreak in studio june and dream in color smooshy. This needs to be done by july 17, I think I'll be OK. The second camp project announces on july 1, and speculation is that it might be socks. I've already been looking at cool sock patterns and que'd a few on rav. I'm thinking something cabled or colorworked. We'll just have to see because I also start my mary scott-huff colorwork sweater class next week. YIKES! So much knitting, so little time. Who needs to sleep anyway?

In garden news, the poppies are coming out. The rain we're having beats them up, but they're still huge and beautiful.









next week.....a finished daybreak, finished watermelon socks, casting on for bridge of roses socks and hopefully a bit of a test for my rosalia sweater (need to get the yarn in first).