♕ PDX Princess

WEEK 21 - Puffs!

2012-01-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, I am so thrilled that it is almost the weekend. I am making my usual Friday hexi-puffs post, this morning. I have made progress on my cardigan design knitting...I will save that discussion for another post later this weekend.

I did manage to knit 11 hexi-puffs this week, in between design knitting. I didn't work on much else. The cardigan and puffs have pretty much consumed me lately. I am so ready to work on something else, but I stop myself when the "startitis" sets in. I have managed to be very good about it...so far. ~sigh!

So, my puff count looks like this...

11 hexi-puffs knitted this week, for a total of 161 puffs completed.

GO ME! I am beginning to run out of sock yarn leftovers. My colors are getting more and more limited. I will be buying sock yarn as soon as I can, for the quilt. I knew this day would come...I am going to find some bright colors, of course. Stay tuned...

I hope everyone has a really great weekend. I plan to...No plans that I know of. Probably just hanging out at home. Yup!

Things I Love

2012-01-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time for "Things I Love." I am not sure, but I have a suspicion that I am longing for Spring already. I know, I know...Winter just started. I'm sort of sick of the gray, rainy skies and cold temperatures. I want color, flowers, sunshine, etc...So, what am I loving this week?

Pressed and framed botanicals. My Oma used to have pressed flowers in frames, around her apartment. I used to press flowers when I was young...and I think I may try this idea again. I love the natural art aspect of it.

I will have to do some research on the proper paper to use in the frames, etc. It shouldn't be too hard, right?

I am loving "girly knits" right now. Anything with lace, ruffles and flowers on it. I have no idea why, exactly. Maybe it is the anti-Winter thing? No more slouchy sweaters, bulky hats, etc. I need something pretty and feminine. I don't know. I want to delve into Spring and Summer knits already.

I want this dress!

It's really cute. I like the style. I could wear it with tights and flats or leggings and boots. I want to wear it with a cute cardigan or a colorful triangular neck scarf.

Gimme, gimme...I say.

I don't have an "office space" in my small apartment. There just isn't any room for that. I mainly use a laptop, on my couch, as my office. Designing knits this way is a challenge, I admit.

I can dream about a cute home office, right? I love the look, colors of this pictured space. I want it. Once day when my youngest moves out (3 more years)...I am using the extra bedroom as an office/design studio area.

I miss not having a desk...

I am obsessed with tulips. There are so many colors and styles and I love them all. Daffodils and Tulips are often the first signs of Spring up here in the Pacific NW. So, I am looking forward to seeing them pop up out of the ground...like now, would be really great.

Maybe I should buy some tulips and put them on my coffee table...for a splash of color? I am actually craving color right now...

~sigh~ I am sick of Winter.

So, what are you loving this week?

Wordless Wednesday # 29

2012-01-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Oh Rainy Day

2012-01-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

It is literally pouring buckets outside. It's so dark and dreary, soppy and gross. Another rain storm is here. I have lost count of the nasty weather storms lately. I am over all of this rain and cold. Is it Spring yet?

What do I do on days like this? Knit and watch Netflix streaming, mostly. I am halfway through the last season of watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer. So, knitting, hot coffee and a Buffy marathon. Perfect crappy weather day, in my opinion.

I will be SOOOO sad when I have completed all 7 seasons of Buffy watching. I am not sure what show I should watch next...Any thoughts? Some shows that I have saved in my Netflix Queue...Camelot, Sons Of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, Being Human UK and US versions, Downton Abbey, Charmed, Angel...and more. I am so torn on which to begin next.

I have made some progress on the left front piece of the cardigan, since yesterday. I tend to knit faster when I am distracted with television or music on my iPod.

Nothing much else to report for today. It has been fairly quiet and I am enjoying my free time to knit, watch TV and have really good coffee. Mmmmm...Back to knitting.

Monday Catch Up

2012-01-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

I'm still not feeling all that fabulous today. My sinuses are killing me. I feel like someone has punched me on the bridge of my nose. Ugh! Despite being sick, I did run errands on Saturday and I spent most of my Sunday cleaning the entire apartment. I probably did too much, but I am thrilled to not have to clean much today. I just wanna lay down...S-I-N-U-S-E-S suck! I would take some Nyquil, but I really don't need to pass out. Things to do and all that.

I was also productive on my knitting. Usually, when I am sick, I don't knit as much. I did knit last night, while watching TV. I managed to finish the back piece of my Cardigan design. I also began the left front piece right away. I am on a roll...

I am hoping the smaller pieces (2 fronts, 2 sleeves) will go a lot quicker than the back piece. I just need to keep motivated and finish this cardigan.

I also worked a little on my Sammie, the Sock Monster last night. I finished one leg/foot. I haven't been working on this monster all at once. I go through little spurts here and there. I have one more leg/foot to knit and then the socks. Almost done, I swear. I am just being very slow about it...

I also managed one hexi-puff over the weekend. I am having a slow hexi-puff knitting week, it seems. That is okay...I am almost out of polyfil and sock yarn scraps anyways. I need to buy some more of both. I may have to put the blanket on hold until I do buy more stuff. We will see how it goes. I am not buying yarn until the middle of next month, probably.

Otherwise, all is quiet at Casa Lana today. The cats are all sleeping downstairs with me, as I sit here on the couch, blowing my nose...a lot.

I have my snuggle buddy, Phinnegan. He is passed out next to me...snoring. He is making me all sleepy just looking at him.

He is just so sweet. He knows when I don't feel well.

Okay, have a great Monday everyone...

The New Hair Cut

2012-01-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

Alyssa Milano's cute Pixie cut.

I ventured out today to run a few errands and to get my hair chopped off again. My hair was getting long, curly and unruly. Well, I admit that it had been 3 months since my last hair cut. Shame on me.

I would have taken a photo of my new hair cut, but really, I am still not feeling all that well and I look like crap. I decided to share the picture that I took to the salon as an example of what I wanted. So, I got the "Alyssa Milano Pixie" cut. I love this hair cut. I even have the whispy sides...Normally, I prefer my hair to be cut around my ears. I guess I was feeling adventurous? My hair being super short feels SO much better.

The woman that cut my hair always gushes over it. I was told I have nice waves/curls. My hair would be so easy to managed due to the body. She loved my hair cut choice too, etc.

I am also thinking of coloring my hair again...pretty close to the color in the photo. It's a bit darker than my natural color. My mousy brown hair is looking more and more faded...the grays are washing out my brown. I don't have enough gray in my hair to leave it natural. I have enough to make my hair look...ICK! I'll decide another day, I suppose.

I will fix my hair and take a nice picture when I am feeling a bit better. No one wants to see my puffy eyes, red nose. Besides, Alyssa Milano is much prettier than I am. He he he...

WEEK 20 - Puffs! (Plus More)

2012-01-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

I only have 7 puffs to show for my efforts, this week. I would have had 2 more, but I had to frog them for knitting mishaps. One hexi-puff was lopsided and the other was just a sad attempt at intarsia knitting. Epic fail! As you can see...I was a bit more creative with my puffs this week. Two of the above hexi-puffs are different. The most notable one is the center puff. It is knitted from the center outward, rather than bottom up. I like the look/effect of that puff too. I may add some more like this for a different look to my puff blanket.

My yarn color selections are seriously lacking lately. I am running out of scrap sock yarns. Eeeek! I never thought I would say that. I am almost to the point where I am going to have to actually buy sock yarns to finish this blanket. I am also very low on polyfil to stuff the hexi-puffs.

My count for this week is a follows: 7 hexi-puffs knitted for a total of 150 puffs completed. I am about 35% of the way finished with my Beekeeper's Quilt. Woo hoo! Who thought I would have stuck to this project? Certainly not me. I usually get bored with long-term projects. For some reason...the slow and steady progress of knitting hexi-puffs makes me excited. It never gets boring for me.

Phinn, dead asleep. Twitching, snoring and meowing in
his sleep. Silly kitty poo...

In other news...I am still not feeling all that well. I haven't developed the full cold just yet. So, I am guessing my not feeling well is due to "the monthly" right now, more than the sniffles. Poor Hubby is pretty sick. He came home from work last night, ate dinner, took some Nyquil and passed out soon after. I can't blame him...He still looked like death warmed over when he got up for work this morning.

Phinn and the other two cats seem to be in sleep mode. It seems like in the winter months...they too hibernate. It's dark, dreary and really rainy here lately. I took this photo of Phinnegan, yesterday. He was passed out. Snoring, twitching and meowing in his sleep. It was freakin' adorable.

What are my plans for this weekend...despite illness? Well, I have errands to run tomorrow. I am getting my hair cut, for one. My hair has grown out a lot...3 months worth. It is getting chopped off. Finally! Sick or not...I am going out tomorrow in the rain, probably. I have cabin fever this week. I have no plans for Sunday, really. I will probably catch up on my knitting/movie-watching, etc.

Tonight...Belgian Waffles for dinner. No one feels well and comfort foods are a must. I plan to watch Grimm at 9pm, knit for a bit, read a few chapters of Cat & Bones book 4 and then fall into bed. Nothing more exciting than that for me, tonight. Sad, I know...

What are you up to this weekend? Anything cool and exciting?

Rain, Rain, Rain

2012-01-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

I was going to make a knitting post. I was going to make my usual "Thing I Love" post this morning...But you know what? I feel like poop. My husband has been sick for the past few days...and I think I am going to be next to get it. I'm hoping that I don't and I just feel crappy because of "the monthly." Is my headache due to my menstrual issues or from the upcoming head cold? It's hard to tell at the moment. I've been sneezing, dripping and my head is pounding. I guess my getting sick would serve me right. Karma! I told Hubby, last night, that he had cooties. I probably shouldn't have...Lol! I will end up with the cooties now. Tsk, tsk on me.

It is still raining. There are flooding issues for NW Oregon. Just last night, I saw the news story about a car being swept away into a creek. A father and child got out of the vehicle and another child's body has been recovered. It made me so sad. I live near a Fanno Creek. It has flooded pretty bad once in the almost 7 years I have lived here. My street was impassable that day. So, we will see if the creek floods that bad this time around. Seriously, it hasn't stopped raining yet. No end in sight. I guess the plus side to all of this weather...it's warmer. Another danger in the West hills of PDX...landslides. Falling trees too. So far, (knock on wood) I have kept my power. It could ALWAYS be worse.

I have nothing else to share. I feel pretty bad and I think I may just go and lay down in bed until lunch time. I feel so bad for Hubby. He had to go to work today. Boooo! This whole "sick thing" could not happen at a worse time. I have errands to run, packages to mail, design knitting to do, and all I want to do is...sleeeeeep. UGH!

Done: Woodland Winter Hat

2012-01-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I took a bit of time off from my "work/design" knitting to make a quick little hat. I had to...for my sanity.

It was an easy, mindless knit project. Perfect for staying in and watching movies. I like this slouchy hat, it's cute.

Specs On The Hat:

Pattern: Natural Winter Set from Pickles. It's a free pattern.
Yarn: LB Wool Ease in "woods print;" 3/4 of a skein.
Needles: US 8 - 16" circular needle and double pointed needles for the crown decreases.
Ravelry Project Page: more pictures here.
Mods: I knitted an extra inch in the body/stockinette portion of the hat, for extra slouch.
Size: One size
Time: About two days
Verdict: Cute, easy, quick and I love it.

Okay, back to working on my cardigan design. I have been knitting on it most of yesterday and today, since my internet isn't working all of the time. It keeps going in and out. I am sure it's all weather related. My power keeps flickering too. So, that's not good. I haven't been able to get online for long periods of time, today. So, knitting it is...

Now We Have Snow

2012-01-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Snow this morning! 300 ft elevation in SW PDX!

I woke up to THAT, this morning. I really want to "squee" about it, but I have important errands to run later today. This whole nasty weather can really hinder my plans for later. Boooo!

It is snowing pretty good. Big, fat flakes. There is a news crew not far from where I live, on Dosch Rd/Hamilton, reporting on TV this morning...I just saw a transformer pop on the news, at that intersection...and my power just flickered as it did. Eeeeeery, I tell ya. Please, don't let my power go out! I am already having internet issues. I swear, every time the weather becomes questionable, (wind, heavy rain, snow) my internet connection becomes sporadic, in and out. It annoys me to no end...

Hubby just called me from downtown PDX...nothing down there. No snow...just rain. Isn't that weird? I live 10 minutes outside of downtown and I have snow. The elevation makes all the difference, I guess?

So, I have no idea what today will bring. I may not even have power or internet at times today. Who knows? I guess we will see...It's supposed to get worse tonight...I am not sure the weatherman even knows? It depends on where the low pressure arrives, for us, on whether it is snow or rain accompanied by heavy winds. Heavy rains arrive tomorrow afternoon with some flooding later in the week. Oh goody!

Okay, I am going to go for now. I am not sure what is happening. I am taking this whole thing hour by hour. I might make a second post on here, later today. I have knitting to discuss. We will see...

Have a great day, everyone!

Snow? What Snow?

2012-01-15T21:31:00.000-08:00

It's hit or miss with the snow in PDX today. Some folks got an inch or more of snow, other people got nothing. We are in the "nothing" category. We had heavy flakes falling a few times, but it never stuck to the ground. Meh! I live at about the 300 ft elevation in SW Portland. Our snow event was a big fat nothing. Nada! Zilch! It's a really good thing I didn't get my hopes up for snow.

My cat, Pixie enjoyed watching the snow fall from the living room window. I love how the cats seem so intrigued by falling snow flakes. Every one of my three cats spent time in the window, watching the snow. Well, not all at the same time. There would have been a cat fight, fur flying...

It has been a rather slow and uneventful weekend around here. I ran errands yesterday. I cleaned a bit today and spent the rest of my day being lazy. Watching TV and knitting...

How was your weekend? Any snow to play in?

WEEK 19 - Puffs!

2012-01-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm sharing a quickie update for today...my weekly puffs count. So, here goes:

This week, I knitted 13 hexi-puffs for a total count of 143 puffs completed.

WHEW!

Happy Friday the 13th everyone...Have a great weekend.

Things I Love

2012-01-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday, time for "Things I Love." This week, I am using my own photos from around the apartment, etc. So, what am I loving this week?

I love unusual coffee mugs. I have a bunch of them. Some plain, some fancy, others are just plain fun and odd.

Hubby bought this large coffee mug for me on a business trip to California several years ago. I loved the Lilo & Stitch movie. So, I got a Stitch mug from California. The front of the mug has Stitch's face...the back has Stitch's bum. Hehehehe...I love drinking my nightly tea from this mug, since it's extra large. Okay, and it's blue. My favorite color.

Speaking of tea. I used to mostly drink peppermint tea. It was my favorite since childhood...and still is. I found a new favorite kind of tea by accident. I purchased this can of tea because it was on sale. I liked it so much that I went back to buy more...and purchased the very last one on the shelf. LOVE IT!

It's The Tea Nation Pomegranate Black Tea. I am quite obsessed with it. I may have to try out some more Tea Nation flavors eventually...

Well, we all know that I love knitting. Here is a photo of my WIPs basket, excluding my current hexi-puff basket. I really, really need to get hopping on some of my other current projects. I am SO behind, I swear.

You can see my brown cardigan design sample, my pink Sammie-the Sock Monster in progress and vaguely, you can see my green Central Park Hoodie in the bottom of the basket. I will finish that one eventually.

I am rereading one of my favorite book series...The Night Huntress series, by Jeaniene Frost. Cat & Bones = love! I have read books 1-4 before, but I am working my way up to book 5 and 6, which are new to me. I have these books on my Kindle too...but I actually collect the series in paperback.

I am currently reading book 3, At Grave's End right now. I will be very sad when this series ends.

Lastly, I love my smooshy, sleepy, snoring cat, Phinnegan. I love all three of my cats, of course. Phinn is my best buddy. He follows me around like a puppy, snuggles with me, sleeps with me, eats with me, etc.

He is such a big baby...and the sweetest cat EVER.

What's not to love? Okay, he can get a bit clingy and needy, I admit.

So, what are you loving this week? Do tell...

Cardigan Design Progress

2012-01-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

I have made progress on my Cardigan Design sample knitting. Woo Hoo! I am one inch away from the armhole bind off. I worked like a knitting fiend, yesterday. I think I managed to actually knit five inches. Something like that...

I really don't have much else to report. Seriously, I have been working on the this brown cardigan and ignoring the world. Well, not really, but I haven't watched much TV, or done much reading on my Kindle, lately, either. I have to finish this cardigan.

I have startitis. badly too. I want to begin some new projects. I refuse...until I get this project done. I also have a few minor projects to finish as well, like my Sammie, the Sock Monster still needs legs/feet and his socks. I am SO behind, I tell ya.

Also, the weatherman mentioned the "S word" this morning. SNOW! We may get snow by the end of this week/early next week. I am not going to over excite myself about it. I will not believe in the whole "snow idea" until the crap is falling from the sky in front of me. Call me a pessimist, but I know that Portland weather can be so damned fickle. Today, it's chilly and windy. The East winds are blowing and it is wreaking havoc on my internet connection. BOO! I have had "in and out" internet all morning. I'm beyond irritated with it. Grrrr...

Oh well, this allows me more time to work on my cardigan with no internet distractions, right? Ummm...yeah. I do hope this posts. The internet goes out at the most inopportune times, you know?

Happy day to all! I hope it's a good one.

Basket O' Puffs!

2012-01-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

I finally cleaned out my basket of worsted weight scrap yarns to make room for...HEXI-PUFFS! I now have a half a basket full of them. I counted them, yesterday. The basket currently holds 136 puffs. I would have had more hexi-puffs in there, if I had worked on any last week. I was busy, I admit. This week...I have knitted a few puffs. I will have a regular weekly puff post on Friday.

The cats are very curious about the basket and its contents. Phinn had to take a good look, while I was trying to snap a photo this morning. Pixie also tried to attack the puffs as I was counting them, and tossing them in the basket. I am shocked that none of my three cats have tried to climb into the basket/puffs to get a cat nap. They are squishy enough to sleep on, but I am not sure the cats have figured that out quite yet. Shhhh...don't tell them, okay?

Alright, I have a few things to do today. I am buckling down to work a few inches on my Cardigan Design, this morning. No puff knitting until much later this evening, I suspect. I also really need to clean out my "design cabinet." I have a portion of a cabinet reserved for my swatches, notebooks, sketches, etc. I opened it up this morning to get something out...and crap just fell out. It needs a clean out. Organize!

What are you up to today? I hope it's a good day for you...

Pillows In Action

2012-01-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

I had a fairly busy weekend. I spend time at home, cleaning and doing the laundry. I am happy with what I accomplished. I even laundered my bedding. Whew!

I took a photo of my two crochet pillows "in action" this morning. I had been thinking about where I would use these two pillows, since finishing them. On the bed? Or the couch? I chose the couch, for now. I did wash and put on the red pillow cases, for the couch. They were an olive green print. I got a bit bored with the greens. So, back to red. I figured the red pillows would look better with my crocheted pillows.

I seriously need a new couch. This black IKEA couch is almost 7 years old and really showing its age. The black fabric is really faded, although you can't really tell. There are also two holes in the seat of the couch, strategically hidden. Have I mentioned the cat hair? I have a white cat, a black and white cat and a black cat. There is cat hair everywhere.

I can't afford a new couch right now...so I make do with it. Bright pillows help to spruce it up, I think.

I am spending my Monday morning, watching the news, drinking coffee and knitting on my brown cardigan design. I haven't measured my progress since the other day. I will write more about the cardigan another day. Do we really need to see another brown photo? Didn't think so.

I expect a rather uneventful Monday. It's foggy, cold and rain on the way. Perfect day indoors, knitting and maybe even napping this afternoon. We'll see...

More Of The Same

2012-01-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I figured I would write a blog post, this evening. It has been two days since my last post. Ooops! It has been more of the same, around here. I have been knitting A LOT on my current design, an un-named cardigan. There is a lot of brown. I have made progress, at least. The back piece measure about 9.5 inches right now. I have roughly 6 more inches to go before the armholes. I'm trekking along...

I have nothing much else to report. Seriously, it's been a boring day. B-O-R-I-N-G! I am still in my pajamas, if that is any indication on that. Pajamas, slippers and a hot latte in front of me. ~yawn~

How is your Saturday going? Anything exciting to report? Come on, I need some entertainment here...Anybody?

The Beginning - A Cardigan

2012-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I have been kind of quiet the past two days, online. Why? I've been working on my newest design, a cardigan. Well, mostly...I have the real-life stuff thrown in there too. Cleaning, cooking, cat refereeing, etc.

So far, the cardigan sample knitting is going well. I have no complaints. Other than the slowness of the knitting. I haven't knitted much on any of my other projects. I finished the arms on my Sammie, the sock monster. I have the legs and socks to go. I knitted a few rows on my Lemon Drop Shawl too. Nothing serious.

I am not sure why the color of the yarn seems darker in my picture. The color is called "camel." It's lighter than the actual photo. Oh well...I will try to get a better progress pic next time.

I have some afternoon chores to get done. Take the trash out, cook dinner, do the dishes and what not. Then, it's back to my knitting...What are you all up to? Everyone has been sorta quiet, this first week of 2012.

Cat Snores

2012-01-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Since I don't have any knitting to share for today...I figured I would share some cat photos. Phinn, my cat, to be exact. He is so cute and I love sharing him with everyone, of course.

I wish you could hear the snoring coming out of this cat. He snores like a horn. I wish I could sleep with such abandon. Ahhhh, the life of an adult male cat.

Goodnight everyone! Sleep tight!

Scrappy Pillow # 2

2012-01-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Oh look, I am up early. Well, I never really went to sleep last night. Not from a lack of trying. I dozed off a few times, only to wake myself up. I have no idea why...?

Everything reverts back to normal again. The holidays are officially over. Hubby goes back to work and the youngest daughter is back in school today too. It's just the cats and I at home for most of today.

I do have a finished project to share this morning. I crocheted another granny square pillow the other day. Again, it took me less than 24 hours to create pillow # 2. I used up more of my scrappy worsted weight yarns that I had laying in a basket. I have now used up most of my leftover scraps and random balls of yarn. My basket has a few balls left in it. I am proud of myself for having used up my leftovers. YAY me! Oh yeah, in case anyone wants to know...I used this pattern (ravelry link) for the pillow and an H/8 hook. I changed colors of yarn on every round.

Here are the two Scrappy Granny Square Pillows together. All four sides are different. I used random colors, all worsted weight yarns. I like them both...

In other news...I think part of the reason I couldn't sleep last night, is my newest design that I am working on. I should never have done math before bed. My brain refused to turn off. I was swatching, configuring decreases and stitch counts for my new design. Bad idea, before bed. So, I do know that I am having a nap sometime later in the morning, after the daughter leaves for school. I feel okay right now, but a nap will be coming around later. Otherwise, I am not going to make it through the day.

First, I am off to cast on my newest design. Let's hope that all of my mediocre math skills are correct and the design goes off without a hitch. Wish me luck...

Happy...ummmmm...Tuesday that feels like Monday, everyone. I was going to say Happy Monday, but it's really Tuesday. YAY for a shorter week. Okay, going now...

One Last Day...

2012-01-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have this one last day to get myself together before real life goes back to normal...The holidays are over. Thankfully, I survived all of that stress, bustle and hectic crap. The youngest daughter goes back to school tomorrow and Hubby goes back to work. Hence, things going back to normal again.

With the new year I feel all inspired and ready to tackle new projects. For example, my new design. A cardigan...I plan to begin working on a lot, starting tomorrow. I am ready to tackle the sample knitting, as well as the pattern writing. I CAN DO THIS!

Ahem! I was bored last night and began a new knitting project. I probably shouldn't have, but I couldn't help it. The yellow yarn reminded me of Spring. Yeah, Winter is a bit colorless and gray. I need something bright to look at for a bit.

What is this yellowness? Well, it's another Oaklet Shawl that I am referring to as "lemon drops." The yarn is LB Sock Ease in, you guessed it, " #204 Lemon Drop." I have knitted the Oaklet Shawl once before. I love wearing the previous one as a neck scarf...why not make a second one? There is a lot of mindless stockinette stitch in the main body of the shawl, which makes it a great TV-watching project.

Also, over this past weekend, I managed to complete a second crocheted granny square pillow, to go with the first one I made last week. I have to seam up the two pillow pieces and then take some photos of the completed project. I will do that sometime today and probably post about the pillow tomorrow. My basket that is usually filled with scraps, odds and ends of worsted weight yarn is finally dwindling down. This makes me happy. I am using up some of my leftovers. Waste not, want not, I say.

Oh, before I forget...HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY to my little sister, Tanja! I hope you have a wonderful day...

Okay, I have some cleaning to do, yarn to wind up, seaming of the pillow, etc to get to.

Have a pleasant day, everyone!

2011 Year In Review

2011-12-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

For the past few years, I like to write a "year in review" post. I mainly keep it crafty in content...2011 wasn't a bad year. It wasn't fabulous either. I have no real complaints. Here is the quick run down of the happenings:

January...was a bit boring. Nothing much happened. I began learning to use and read novels on my new Kindle 2 that I got for Xmas last year.
February...We got snow twice last February...nothing serious. It snowed and melted rather quickly both times. I cut my long hair off to my shoulders, a curly bob.
March...the entire month of March I blogged the 30 Day Challenge.
April...kind of a quiet month. My youngest daughter turned 15. The weather finally warmed up a bit. Spring arrived.
May...I cut my long, curly hair off...all of it. Gone! I got a "pixie cut." I don't regret it and never look back.
June...My Oregon Grapes socks pattern was released at Knitpicks. Found out my Isabella Hat was published in the Knitting 2012 Calendar. I began knitting my first lace triangular shawl too. My oldest daughter left for US Marine bootcamp. I was very sad.
July...I finished the Hotness Top. Loved it and gave it to my MIL since she loved it too. I finished my first lace shawl. I finished my 2nd lace triangular shawl. A rather uneventful birthday for me passed on the 9th. I turned 37, by the way.
August...I cleaned and rearranged my entire apartment. My 14th Wedding Anniversary came and went. I released another sock pattern, for sale. I started my Beekeeper's Quilt (hexi-puffs)
September...school started up again, for the youngest daughter. The oldest daughter completed bootcamp and came home for a week long visit. I knitted a lot, but nothing much to show for it. I visited Voo Doo Donuts.
October...an uneventful month. I knitted a lot...nothing much to report for this month. My oldest daughter turned 20!
November...I made progress on my hexi-puffs. I knit, knit, knitted a lot. I worked on a new cowl/scarf design. I got a "new to me" Kindle 3/Keyboard.
December...was a busy holiday month. A lot of knitting and crochet going on. Holiday shopping, etc. My oldest daughter finally arrived where she is to be stationed at for the next three years...in North Carolina. Hubby's 41st birthday was on the 14th.

What's to come in 2012? Well, I am beginning my work on a new design...a cardigan. I plan to finish my 2nd Central Park Hoodie. I have a few patterns coming out soon. A cowl/scarf, for one. I have a shawl pattern coming out in the book, Knits For Nerds. I plan to have some major dental work done. Ummm...not sure what else, just yet.

My Crafty-ness in 2011:

I finished a grand total of 37 projects this year. It's not as many as years past, but I think I have become a bit more picky on my projects. I used to just knit anything that caught my eye at that moment. Now, I knit things I want to wear, etc.

Last year I made the promise to crochet more. I was a crocheter long before I became a knitter. Crocheting went by the wayside when I learned to knit 8 years ago. I did manage to crochet more this year. I crocheted 9 items in 2011.

I crocheted 3 of these cloche hats, in different colors...because I love to wear them with my short hair.

I also crocheted a rug for my bedroom, a granny square pillow, a cell phone cozy, a shrug, a bag, etc.

I also knitted 5 pairs of socks, two of which were my own designs mentioned above. I tried to complete the three pair sock challenge in September, but fell short by one pair. Boooo! I did manage to complete two lace shawl in 2011...my first ever. I wear them as neck scarves, not shawls, I admit. I made 10 hats. That is significantly lower than my normal hat knitting/crocheting. I have become picky in my hat making, it seems.

I only knitted 2 sweater/tops this year. I usually manage more. I made the Hotness Top, shown on the right. I loved that top. It fit me perfectly and I loved the yarn and color.

I ended up giving the top to my MIL, since she loved it too. I figured since I was the knitter, I could knit myself another one eventually.

I discovered the Big Book Of Knitted Monsters by Rebecca Danger. I became obsessed with the cuteness of the monsters...still am. I have made 4 complete monsters. I say complete, because I have half a monster sitting in my WIPs basket, waiting to be finished. I love all things monsters...and plan to eventually make more.

I did make a few other random items this year, including a pair of fingerless mitts, which I love. I crocheted a little ruffled capelet, designed by Tinyowlknits. I even knitted a cute cupcake for Hubby's 41st Birthday.

I have no idea what I will knit or crochet in my spare time next year. I want to make more wearable sweaters for myself. I plan to design as much as I can too. I have a notebook filled with knit design ideas...We will see where it takes me. Stay tuned...

Happy New Year to all my friends and blog readers. Stay safe!

WEEK 17 - Puffs!

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

I have made a little progress on my Beekeeper's Quilt this past week. I haven't really been knitting on much, just random hexi-puffs here and there. I did work on my pattern writing and editing this week instead. A the technical part...not my favorite. I much prefer the designing and actual knitting.

Anyways, I knitted 13 puffs this week. Go me! I now have a grand total of 130 hexi-puffs completed. I am still aiming for about 400 hexi-puffs before I begin putting them all together...to assess the size of the quilt. I may make more after that...no idea. I have a ways to go yet.

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend. Party well and drive safely. I am spending my New Year's at home. I'm going to stay in my jammies and watch some TV, probably. Ahhhh...quiet.

Things I Love

2011-12-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks since I have posted my "Things I Love." I figured it was about time. I have no knitting content to discuss. I haven't knitted a stitch all day. I was pattern writing instead. So, here goes...

I love this dining room set. I even love the framed posters. I know IKEA had the table and similar chairs. I want them.

Only one problem...I have a huge weight bench in my dining room instead. Hubby's weight bench. I can't have a dining room set until that thing is moved or gone. I have no idea where to put the bench, other than than my current dining room.

~sigh~

I am ready to downsize my dining set anyways. So, the old one going to the wayside (due to the weight bench) is alright. With one daughter already out and on her own in the world...I can get by with a smaller table and chairs these days.

CASSEROLES! I swear, I am the Queen of casseroles. In the colder months of the year, I am known to make a ton of casseroles. All kinds, flavors, etc. I love mixing leftover and other ingredients and putting it in the oven to cook. It's just easy and mostly quick.

Tonight's dinner is Tuna Casserole. Canned Tuna, Pasta and a sauce all baked together with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and bread crumbs on top. Simple.

Recently, I bought a new doormat for the front porch. It's a boring mat, I admit. Hey, it was cheap. It says "Welcome" and it's brown.

My twisted sense of humor really wants a funny doormat. I love this one...it's SO true. Some weeks it feels like I am constantly cleaning around here and no progress to show for it.

Three cats are messy. You wouldn't think so, but I am here to tell you...they can be little furry piggies.

I love this hair cut. I usually keep my hair cropped really short in a "pixie cut." It has been almost three months since my last hair cut, I admit. I haven't had the time to go and get it cut. Crazy holidays.

So, my hair is a bit grown out right now. I am considering this hair style with the longer top. I love the messy-ness and choppy look. I want it. I wonder if my hair being longer on top would make my curls come back? I have curly/wavy hair, hence why I tend to keep it extremely short, most of the time.

In case you are wondering who that is...It's Ginnifer Goodwin from Once Upon A Time. She plays "Mary/Snow White."

Anyone who knows me is aware that I love all things fairy and Tinkerbell. I collect them. I want this Tinkerbell! Or the pattern to make my own. Anyone know where this is from?

I saw this image of a Tinkerbell Amigurumi on Pinterest and loved it. It's the cutest thing ever.

I could also take the Sally, Eco Fairy knit pattern and adapt it to a Tinkerbell. Hmmmm...? I may just do that sometime in the coming year.

So, what are you loving this week? Do tell...

Day Of Domestic

2011-12-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty domestic today. The weather outside is kinda gross. Soggy, rainy and windy. So, it's a perfect day for soup. I am making Split Pea Soup, from scratch. All home made...Split Pea is one of my favorite soups...Yum! I guess this is sort of funny since I detest regular peas. I'm an odd one, sometimes.

The soup has been simmering for over an hour now...and starting to smell really good. It's driving me nutty...I'm starved.

I have also been cleaning up the apartment a bit. Nothing major, just straightening up mostly. I need to vacuum, but that can wait until tomorrow. I am not doing anything too noisy. I have had a hormonal migraine most of the day, today. It sucks. I have taken the usual headache meds and it has dulled the pain for a bit. It will be back I'm sure...

I haven't been knitting on anything too serious, either. It's a slow week, I think. Once the New Year arrives, it's back to design work/knitting. What is that pink blob in the picture? It's Sammie The Sock Monster. I wanted to knit a monster for me. This is my 5th Rebecca Danger monster and finally I get to make one for ME, all me! I admit, the monster doesn't look like much yet. I have to knit the arms and legs...and socks, still. Also, the monster smile is missing too. I will share more on my monster as soon as I get farther along. The progress shown is about 4 days worth of leisure knitting...while watching TV and movies. I have also been knitting on hexi-puffs this week. Like I said, it's a slow knitting week. It's a nice change of pace.

Speaking of movies, I watched Love And Other Drugs, yesterday. I did not really know what the movie was about. I watched it and loved it. Great movie, for a romantic comedy. I love Anne Hathaway. See the movie if you get the chance to.

Okay, I have to go and check on my soup. Have a great evening. I am curling up with another movie and some knitting, later. I may even read some of my current novel before bed. A nice quiet evening at home....Ahhhhhhh!

The Book Loot

2011-12-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

Every year, it has become a family tradition to go downtown, to Powell's Bookstore, on Christmas Day. It started several years ago with Grandma buying the daughters gift cards for Powell's. It progressed from there. AND Powell's is one of the few places open on Christmas Day. So, this year was no different. Hubby, Hannah and I headed to Powell's on Xmas Day. Here is my book loot...

Knitting books are a must for me. I seem to be amassing a large collection of knitting books. I am running out of shelf space. Seriously. I bought and added two new books to my collection. I simply can't help myself.

I bought a used copy of Knitting Knee Highs by Barb Brown. It's a really lovely book all about knitting knee high socks and stockings. I love knee socks. I want to make one of each pair in this book. I also love the photographs.

The second book, I bought was Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael. Also a really lovely book. I like a lot of the designs in this book. Quite a few come in plus sizes too. Bonus! I bought this book for the fishnet socks/stockings. Yes, I want to knit a pair for myself eventually. There is also this really cute baby doll top and matching undies that I want too. This book also has lovely photography in it.

Despite my intense love of my Kindle 3/Keyboard and reading eBooks...I do collect and read paperbacks too. I collect specific series and authors. For example, I love, love, love Jeaniene Frost books. I collect them. The Night Huntress series is one of my all time favorites. Okay, aside from the Outlander series, by Dianan Gabaldon.

Anyways, I had books 1-4 in the Night Huntress series on my bookshelf. I did buy books 5 and 6 at Powell's. I haven't read these two books just yet. I think I am current on the Cat & Bones books now. I do have the first book of the Night Huntress World series (Spade's books) in paperback. I am reading the second one right now, in eBook format. I still have to buy the Mancheres book in paperback. One more paperback and I have all of them. I am eagerly awaiting Vlad's book...released sometime in 2012, I think.

Night Huntress series, by Jeaniene Frost (in order)

1. Halfway To The Grave
2. One Foot In The Grave
3. At Grave's End
4. Destined For An Early Grave
5. This Side Of The Grave
6. One Grave At A Time

Night Huntress World (in order)

1. First Drop Of Crimson (Spade's book)
2. Eternal Kiss Of Darkness (Mencheres book)

I think these two books should be read between books 4 and 5 of the previously mentioned books. They kind of run parallel to those books. It's a bit confusing...and I try to keep it all straight. If you haven't read these books...and you like Paranormal Urban Vampire books...I recommend them. I love Cat & Bones...a sort of more adult version of Buffy & Spike. Hmmmm...? I am not sure that was a fabulous comparison, but that was the only one I could think of, for now.

Okay, enough book talk. I am off to read on my Kindle...Eternal Kiss Of Darkness. I think I will then reread books 1-4 of the original books to catch up (again)...and then read books 5 and 6, which are new to me. Haven't read them. It's a perfect reading day. Cold, windy and rainy...

I also need to get busy on some design knitting. I am winding the yarn this evening. More on that tomorrow. Have a great day, everyone.

Holiday Recovery

2011-12-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

Phinn fell asleep face first, in the carpet.

The holidays are exhausting, just ask Phinnegan, the cat. He is displaying everyone's sentiment...this week. We all survived the mad holidays and now let's sleeeeep.

Unfortunately, Hubby has to work the rest of this week and I have a few things to do, as well. Nothing major. Back to life tomorrow...

A week from tonight, the holiday tree and decorations are all coming down. I can't stand the clutter much longer. Just one more week.

I am relaxing tonight. I plan to watch some TV, knit and have some pomegranate tea. Yummmm...Have a great night. I'll blog tomorrow again, I am sure.

Xmas 2011, in Pictures

2011-12-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to blog for most of this weekend. I have been busy. Holiday shopping, present wrapping, cooking, cleaning, spending time with family, etc. Whew! I feel like I have been going non-stop. I did take pictures this weekend...and here they are:

Pioneer Place Mall, downtown PDX. Photo taken from the Skywalk, December 23.

Waiting for the bus, downtown PDX. Morning of December 24th.

Xmas tree with presents, December 24th.

On our way to Powell's Bookstore. Off Burnside, PDX. December 25th.

Hannah & Hubby, December 25th. Downtown PDX.

I hope everyone had a lovely Xmas holiday. Ours has been great...quiet, mostly.

Crochet Granny Square Pillow

2011-12-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

I was a bit bored, last night, after I finished all of my holiday knitting. I decided that I needed a quick crochet project to occupy me for a few hours.

I have a basket full of worsted weight scrap yarns. Leftover balls of this and that in random colors. I always say that I am going to use them up for something...I decided that last night I would crochet a pillow cover. Why? Because I could.

One thing...I hate sewing in ends. I detest it. Those are all of the ends that I had to sew in for the completed pillow. Ugh! I did manage to sew in the ends, in about 45 minutes. It was worth it, though...

This is the completed pillow. Well, one side of it. I love the bright and random colors. It's a basic crochet granny square that I made and customized to fit that pillow. Easy-peasy.

Here is the other side. They are different. Same colors, just a different order. I think I prefer the first side better, but this is just me. I started this pillow around 10pm last night and finished it about 11am this morning. I also slept in between. Not a bad project for less than 24 hours, if you ask me.

I am thinking about making another pillow in some other random colors from my scrap yarn basket...Hmmmm? I also think I may buy some yarn, eventually, to make a huge granny square bedspread for my queen sized bed. Not sure about colors just yet. I will decide after the new year.

Okay, this is all I have to share today. I am feeling a nap coming on. I am so sleepy all of a sudden.
Have a great afternoon, everyone.

Hugo Monster

2011-12-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

I did it. I finished all of my holiday knitting with time to spare. Whew! I completed Hugo late this afternoon. Isn't he the cutest? I think so.

He is huge. Ginormous. BIG! I measured Hugo and he stands 23 inches tall. He is also quite fat. I made the monster for my Husband, for the holidays. I figured the Couch Potato monster would be perfect for him. I am sure they will be fast pals during Sunday Football watching season. Yup!

Specs On The Monster:

Pattern: Hugo, The Couch Potato Monster
Needles: US #8 circular and double pointed needles.
Yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma (bulky yarn) in "royal." I used almost 3 skeins to complete the monster.
Mods: None.
Time: About 10 days from start to finish. I worked on it while Hubby was at work, in secret.
Size: The bulkier the yarn, the larger the monster is. Mine is approximately 23 inches tall.
Verdict: Cute! Love it! I am in love with all of Rebecca Dangers monster patterns. Monsters rule! The next monster I am knitting is MINE. I have knitted everyone a monster now, except for me.

More pictures...

Hanging out on Hubby's weight bench...

Hugo, pumping iron

Attacking the cat!

Yeah, Phinn, the cat, was not pleased with Hugo on him. He was all like, "WTF is this thing on me?!?!?" It was really funny. I amuse myself...

Whew, I am done with the holiday knitting. Now what should I knit on next?

Hubby's Holiday Socks

2011-12-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, it's 1 AM in the morning...and I am still awake. I have been knitting for most of the day...Well, yesterday, since it's after midnight. Whatever. I have managed to finish Hubby's holiday socks. I finished them about an hour ago. Whew! I am sooooo happy to be done with the socks. Last year, Hubby's holiday socks did not make it off the needles until New Year's Eve. I am ahead of the game this year.

I am also SO close to being finished with Hubby's Hugo Monster too. All I have left to knit are the two little arms and putting the monster all together. I expect to complete the monster sometime tomorrow. AND then...my holiday knitting is done. Finished. Kaput.

The socks above are pretty basic. I didn't use a pattern for the socks. I pretty much make Hubby the same socks every year, just different yarns. My Husband prefers plain socks. No patterns, no fancy colors. Just the manly colors, simple-style socks. This makes for easy, but kind of boring sock knitting. The yarn I used this year is Lang Yarns Jawoll Color Aktion in 132.0299.

That's about it, really. I am off to get ready for bed. I am yawning...I am sure to be up in a few hours. G' night.

Singing Lambs

2011-12-19T14:51:00.001-08:00

What is cuter than little lambs? Lambs wearing scarves and singing? Soooo cute!

Around Downtown

2011-12-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Hubby and I decided to go downtown...to walk and wander around. We mostly window shopped. It was fun and the exercise was a good thing. I did take some pictures. Wanna see?

the Burnside Bridge, from SW Waterfront Park

a Seagull perched on a dock, SW Waterfront Park

at SW Waterfront Park, near Saturday Market, looking towards downtown

downtown Portland, near Saturday Market

graffiti that I took a photo of, while walking along 9th

And that is all I have to share for this morning. I have some serious holiday knitting to do this week. I must finish Hubby's socks and a rather HUGE monster to complete. So, if I am scarce online...I am most likely knitting, cleaning and stressing out before the holidays. Let the craziness begin...Happy Monday!!!

WEEK 15 - Puffs!

2011-12-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

I actually knitted 9 puffs this week. I felt like I had to play a little bit of "catch up," after last week's no puff knitting. My Beekeeper's Quilt is s-l-o-w-l-y coming along. I don't have the time to work on it seriously, right now. I am knitting holiday gifts and design stuff, still. Eeeek! So, 9 puffs for a busy week is not bad. Not bad at all.

My tally is as follows: 9 hexi-puffs knitted this week, for a total count of 115 puffs completed so far.

A lot of my smaller balls of sock yarn are gone. So, my puffs are going to be limited in the colors from now on. I am using up what I have, before I buy anymore. I do have some sock yarn in my stash, but I plan to use them for socks or fingerless mitts before I use the leftovers for the quilt. No worries...

Happy, Happy Weekend, everyone!

Hannah & The Cowl

2011-12-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am skipping my usual "Things I Love" post for today. I am really busy. I am about to jump into the shower, dress myself and all of that, because I have to attend a holiday party tonight. I'm not looking forward to it. I am being a big girl, sucking it up and going...

So, I am posting a quick, fly-by picture of my new design/finished cowl sample. It will be available soon. My youngest daughter, Hannah, was nice enough to model the cowl for me. She was in a good mood and having a good hair day, according to her. So, I took advantage of that. No bribery involved.

The cowl can be worn in several different ways. I will post photos of the different ways, at another time. For now...we get this version. I think this is my favorite way to wear the cowl. Just sayin.'

Looking at this picture...I can see that my Hannah, the baby, sure is looking grown up. She is 15 and a half. Han turns 16 next April. Eeeeeek. Wanna see what Hannah looked like when she was two? She is going to kill me for posting this photo, but it is my absolute favorite of her.

Hannah was the cutest thing ever. She had that silly smile, freckles on her nose and bouncy, Shirley Temple curls. She loved to play dress up. This is her wearing a little ballerina tutu over her dress. Yeah, I kinda miss the old days, sometimes. Hannah needed me back then. I was her most favorite person. We used to color, eat french fries (some things never change) and watch Blue's Clues together. Nowadays...she would rather not be seen with me. I get the "whatever" eye roll more often than not.

My how my Hannah has grown...

Okay, enough of that stuff. I have to go and get ready for the holiday party tonight. It requires me to even put on some makeup. Have I mentioned how much I don't wanna go? Ummm..yeah.

Toodles for today. Have a good one.

Happy Hubby Birthday!!!

2011-12-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my Husband's birthday. I made him a cupcake. Isn't it cute? Last night and last minute, I did a search on Ravelry for "cupcake" patterns. I found one that I liked, went digging into my leftover worsted weight yarns, a couple of hours later...voila.' I placed the knitted cupcake on Hubby's laptop, so he would find it, this morning, when he got up for work.

Hubby liked it. Who wouldn't? He took the little cupcake to work with him, to show everyone. I think it may end up being passed around as the "birthday cupcake." So, when an employee has a birthday, at work, they get to put it on their machine, desk, whatever...Either that, or I am going to have requests for more knitted cupcakes.

Phinn - "Whatcha got there?"

Specs On The Cupcake:

Pattern: Divine Cupcake, a free pattern on Ravelry.
Yarn: Dark Brown - Red Heart Soft in “coffee,” I think. Light Brown - Caron Simply Soft in “bone.” Light Green - Caron Simply Soft in “soft green.” Red - I have no idea what it was. (used worsted weight leftovers)
Needles: US #4 double pointed needles.
Ravelry Project Page: More info
Mods: None.
Time: A couple of hours.
Verdict: Love! It is just too stinkin' cute.

(bonus kitty in pic)

Look, the cupcake has a wee little face. Doesn't it make it THAT much cuter?

HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY, Husband O' Mine!!!

Grrrrrr...Monster!

2011-12-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

It's been a really slow and quiet kind of day. I am not complaining at all. I am keeping myself busy. I am enjoying it...knitting and having some hot coffee. I am about halfway through knitting the body of Hubby's Xmas Hugo Monster. I am using a bulky yarn and US #8 needles. I knew this monster was XL sized before beginning. I think Hugo is the largest monster in the Big Book Of Knitted Monsters. I had to go and use bulky yarn...which makes him humongous. So far, the knitting is going well. Since Hugo is the "couch potato monster" I was thinking of adding a pocket on the back of the monster, for the remote control. I'm not sure if I will have enough yarn just yet. We will see...

I am also knitting on Hubby's socks. I plan to knit on the sock tonight. Monster knitting is reserved for when Hubby is at work. He doesn't know about the surprise Monster yet. Shhhhh...it's a secret. No telling.

Are the holidays almost over? I'm feeling a bit frazzled. Not as stressed as I have been in years past, but still a bit frizzle fried. I got things to do...and not much motivation. Thursday, Hubby and I are attending a holiday party. I don't wanna...I hate holiday parties. I am not much for crowds of people and most of them are strangers, at that. Ugh! We have to attend, though. Hmmm...what to wear?

I am going offline for the afternoon. More knitting and coffee drinking. Enjoy your evening.

I'm Dragging Today...

2011-12-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Oh Monday, you came too soon. I am seriously dragging this morning. In my defense, I have been up since 5 am. It's really cold here (25 degrees) and I would like nothing better than to curl up under the covers. I stayed up way too late, last night, knitting. Boo on me!

I had a good weekend. I stayed home and in my pajamas for most of it. I wasn't lazy, mind you. I cleaned up the apartment, cooked and knitted quite a lot...

I spent all afternoon, yesterday, cooking a large pot of Goulash. It turned out really good and there are enough leftovers to eat another dinner from it. Probably tomorrow. I love to make soups and stews from scratch, during the colder months of the year.

I finished one sock and began the second sock, of Hubby's Holiday Socks. Go me! I didn't let any time go by, before beginning the second sock. I cast on immediately after finishing the first sock. Why? Well, I often get "second sock syndrome." I knit one sock and then put it in my knitting WIP basket and forget about it...on purpose. Yeah, yeah, I know. So, I had to begin the second sock right away, you see? I have to complete these really soon, to go under the tree.

Another Hubby Xmas project. A Hugo Monster for Hubby. This is a secret project. I only work on it while Hubby is not around. Either asleep or at work. I have to finish this one before Christmas too. Eeeeek! I have just connected the legs and have begun knitting on the body of the monster. This one is going to be HUGE!

I have some cleaning chores to do. Mostly my daily stuff. Clean the cat box, straighten up the downstairs, clean the kitchen, figure out what's for dinner, etc. I need to wind up my cardigan design sample yarn sometime today. I also should add a "required nap" into that. I am yawning already...

How was your weekend?

Kinda Busy Weekend At Home

2011-12-11T10:39:00.001-08:00

I took a day off from the internet, yesterday. I did check my email and all of that. I just didn't twitter, blog, etc. I stayed in my pajamas all day, too. Despite all of that, I did accomplish a few things. I cleaned up a bit, of course. Nothing serious, the usual daily chores. I also managed to finish the first sock of the pair, for Hubby's Xmas gift. I started the second sock immediately after. Yay! I am going to have these socks finished in no time. I finished reading a novel, before heading to bed, last night. So, that was nice too.

I did start a new holiday knitting project. I started Hubby's Hugo Monster. I am knitting on the first leg. I have to knit on it, in secret. While Hubby is asleep or at work. I am crossing my fingers that I can finish the monster before Xmas eve. It's going to be HUGE! I will post more on the monster soon.

I am blocking my cowl design sample. I started writing up the pattern. I am going to work on that more, tomorrow morning. I need to get finished photos of the cowl too. I will finish the pattern, send in the sample and wait...I should wind up the yarn for my next design, a cardigan. I will see if I have enough time to do that, this evening, while watching Once Upon A Time on ABC, tonight. I may not begin knitting on the cardigan sample until I finish the Monster and Hubby's socks. We'll see how it goes.

I need to sit down and wrap Xmas gifts as well. I absolutely hate wrapping presents. I am not very good at it. It takes more patience than I seem to have. It must be done, though.

What else is on the "to do list" for today? I need to do a load of laundry. I am also spending part of the day in the kitchen making Goulash for dinner. My mother taught me how to make it...It's very good. I put my own spin on it, of course. I will try to remember to get a photo of the finished dish.

Okay, I should shut up now...and get busy on my "to do list." It's not going to do itself. It's been a pretty boring weekend. I'm not complaining. Just sayin.'

The Smoky Eyes?

2011-12-09T18:16:00.001-08:00

I recently purchased some new make up. This is the first time I actually used it. I got a wild hair to put on some make up and try out the smoky eye effect. I followed the instructions. I'm not sure if it turned out okay. I have never been all that great with applying make up. I am pretty simple and basic when it comes to my make up wearing. I am wearing darker eye make up, so I went with a "nude" lip color. I really love this color. It's Cover Girl and the color is called "nearly there."

I am also in dire need of a hair cut. It's getting long and my curls are starting to show again. It has been almost exactly two months since my last hair cut. I'm going to cut it off shorter soon. Yup.

I am now off to cook dinner for the family. I then have a bottle of wine with my name on it...Happy Weekend!

2 Floral Cloches

2011-12-09T09:21:00.001-08:00

I am sure that I have mentioned this before, but I am obsessed with cloche hats, ever since I cut off my long hair. I love to wear them. Since crocheting the pictured gray Floral Cloche, I have worn it a handful of times. I always get compliments on it. I had a female metro bus driver gush over the hat. She was fascinated that I had made it myself.

So, why mess with a good thing? I decided to make two more of the Floral Cloche hats for myself. It took me a day to crochet two more of the hats. Not bad, really. I love that these hats are so quick to make. A couple of hours at most. I now have three of the Floral Cloches in different colors, to wear. Yay! I am such a nerd, sometimes.

Here is a reddish version of the same hat. The main body of the hat is made in Caron Simply Soft Paints in "sunset." The little red flower is made in Caron Simply Soft in "autumn red." I added a little silver button in the center of the flower, for added "bling." I did add a few extra rows to make the hat lower on the brow, since I didn't use a bulky yarn, or doubled Sport weight yarn. I just used an Worsted/Aran weight yarn. I love the red colors...

Here is another version of the same hat, different colors. For this one I used Bernat Softee Chunky in "taupe twist." It is a bulky yarn. I followed the pattern exactly for this one. The flower is crocheted using leftover Caron Simply Soft in "bone." I added a gold-rimmed white button to the center of the flower. I like this neutral colored version of the same hat, too.

I think I will eventually make a black version of the hat. I need a black one too.

In other crafty news...I finished knitting my cowl design sample this week. I will post photos of it soon. I am going to begin working on writing the pattern today. It will be a free pattern very soon. Also, shockingly, I did not knit one hexi-puff ALL week. ZERO puffs were knitted. It makes me a little sad and I will probably over compensate for it next week. I have no puff pictures to share this Friday. Booooo on me!

And with that...I am going to go and begin my day. I have finished the coffee. I have some cleaning to do, for one. I am also going to shower, get dressed, put some make up on. Then sit down for pattern writing...

Happy Friday/Weekend to everyone.

Things I Love

2011-12-08T18:34:00.001-08:00

I am a little bit late with my weekly "Things I Love" post. Oooopsy. So, here goes...

Scrabble Cookies. I love these. Aren't they cute? Mama always told me not to play with my food, but I could definitely play with these cookies, right?

I love all things Sock Monkey...always. I found this teeny tiny one, today. I LOVE it. It's sooooo tiny. I want one.

I want this chair. It looks so comfortable. I am okay with the color...it's the shape that I love. Round! I want to curl up and read in it...or maybe knit. Nap in it.

I am completely obsessed with crocheted cloche hats, lately. You'll see what I mean in tomorrow's post. I love the flower. It's just so feminine. I love this style of hats. Did I mention obsessed? Ummmm, yeah...

I love music. I admit to going through phases with different styles of music. I think I may have entered my "punk/goth phase" again. I have always loved The Cure. One of my favorite bands. It takes me back...Other music heavily in rotation on my iPod - The Cure, of course, Siouxie And The Banshees, The Clash, Descendents, The Distillers, Floater (from PDX), The Smiths, New Order, The Ramones, etc...

What are you loving this week?

My Favorite Ornament

2011-12-07T17:27:00.001-08:00

I usually post a "my favorite ornament" during this time of year. In previous years, I posted my favorite wire snowflake ornament and my cute little knitted sweater ornaments.

This year...I actually bought an ornament. A rare thing, for me. I purchased this little snowman for $1.00 at Michael's Craft Store. I could not resist the little red knitted earflap hat. Call me a nerd, crazy, I don't care. It is adorable. I love the hat...it reminds me of Thorpe. Last year, I lost count of how many Thorpe hats I actually knitted as holiday gifts. I refused to knit any and all hats as gifts this year. I kept the holiday knitting to a minimum, thank you. I am limited in time, actually.

So, this is my favorite, new ornament this year. Isn't it cute. I love it. It really makes me smile. What's your favorite ornament?

"The Head"

2011-12-07T09:08:00.001-08:00

"The Head" now has a face...

I have had this cheap, ugly styrofoam head for over a year. I think I paid $2.50 for it from a thrift store around Halloween. I should have bought several of the heads, but I only purchased the one, at the time. It was blank-faced. Here, is the blank faced head, before. Just creepy, if you ask me. I had been meaning to give "the head" a face for a while now.

I use "the head" for modeling my knitted/crochet hats in photographs. Sometimes I don't feel like modeling the hats myself. Yeah, it happens...

So, this morning I got a wild hair to give "the head" a face. I got out my black permanent markers and a blue glitter crayon and drew a face. Yeah, I am all artsy with the crayons, YO! The above photo shows the finished product. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I like "the head" so much better now. A lot less creepy.

The next time I come across the cheap blank-faced heads again, I am buying two more. I want to display them as art in my apartment, as well as use them for my hat modeling.

Now I need to name "the head." Any ideas?

Two name ideas, so far...Betsy and Lola.

Hmmm...?

A Cat Day

2011-12-06T07:45:00.001-08:00

I'm still design knitting. Busy, busy knitting hands. So, I don't have too much to share today. I decided that I am posting pictures of my cat, Phinnegan, that I have taken since yesterday...He is so stinkin' cute. He knows it. Phinn is really good at using "the cute" to get what he wants...

"You got some treats for me?"

"No need to take pictures of the tree, when I am right here..."

"Put down the Kindle and pay attention to me, please."

Holiday Tree 2011

2011-12-05T08:47:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I put up the holiday tree, last night. Hannah, the teenager, hung one ornament and then announced that she has chemistry homework. Ummm...okay. So, I decorated the majority of the tree myself. Hubby and I decided that this year we were going with the colored lights. The past several years we had white LED lights. I needed some wild colors this year, I think. Every time I used colored lights...I think of my Mother. She hated colored lights. She only used the white ones, for a more uniform/organized look, when we put up the tree in my childhood. She forbid the blinking lights too. So, my big "bite me" to my Mom...the colored lights. Just kidding.

My tree doesn't have a theme or color scheme. Most of my ornaments are home made. A lot of the ornaments are from the kids, that they have made over the years. Some I have made. I also have several ornaments that were gifts from others. I like my home made, mix-matched tree.

I'll post more holiday decorating pictures another day. I just wanted to share the tree for today. I am tired and need to get myself together. Things to do today, and all of that. It's cold and Monday...I am having a slow time of it. ~yawn~ I really want to burrow under the duvet and go back to sleep.

What's New?

2011-12-02T14:45:00.001-08:00

I've been somewhat busy this week. I feel like I haven't been online as much as I normally am, this week. I seem to do my daily cleaning chores, then sit down to work on one of the above three things. Sometimes I think there just aren't enough hours in the day. So, what's new with me?

Firstly, three new hexi-puffs for this week. I know...a sad amount again. I try to work on these puffs in between, when I have 20 minutes to spare. Obviously, I only had three 20 minute segments to spare for this past week. So, I worked 3 puffs for a total of 106 hexi-puffs completed. Hey, they add up...

I am still working on my green cowl design, shown above. I love the color. I would have completed this cowl long ago if the yarn had been worsted. Instead it is a DK weight yarn and I am using US # 4 needles. It makes for slower progress. I am almost finished with the cowl sample. I will then be writing up the pattern, which won't take me long at all.

Oh, then there is my new Kindle 3. I love, love, love it. I swear, my friend Tricia, Hubby and I are playing "Musical Kindles." Tricia got a Kindle Fire and a Touch. So, I got her Kindle 3 and Hubby got my Kindle 2. Every one is happy. I love reading on my new Kindle...the cover is awesome and the skin is lovely too. I have been reading a lot this past week too.

Lastly, I got a new book this week, from Amazon, not pictured. I got Stitch 'N Bitch: Superstar Knitting book. Yes, I do still buy real books. Mostly knitting books, I admit. I love more than a few patterns from the new SnB book. I don't have time to knit them right now, but eventually...

Oh, I took this photo of Phinnegan, last night. Every evening when Hubby gets home from work, no matter where Phinn is in the apartment, he comes to greet Hubs at the door. He follows Hubby around until he sits down on the couch and puts his feet up. And then this happens...Phinn climbs up onto Hubby's lap, gets comfy and falls asleep. Yeah, that is 15 pounds of cat laying on the legs...it is painful after a while. BUT look at that happy cat-face. Ahhhh, the life of a cat owner...

And with that, I wish everyone a happy and pleasant weekend.

Things I Love

2011-12-01T05:52:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the week, for Things I Love. I did skip last week, due to the holiday. So, I figured that I would start it again, today. So, the things I am loving this week...

The advent calendar. This reminds me of my childhood, back in Germany. My Oma and Mother would set up an advent calendar for my sister and I, every year. It was fun to open a small gift every day in December, until the evening of the 24th. Usually the gifts are something small like a piece of chocolate. I loved this tradition and I miss it. My daughters are too old for this now, too. ~sigh~

I love these band aids. Aren't they great? Maybe I'm a bit crude? I want to know where I can buy these. Anyone? I kind of like wacky band aids. The last box of awesome band aids I had were pink Hello Kitty! Band aids should make you smile, I think.

Usually, the holiday decorations kind of drive me a bit nutty. I hate clutter. It makes me feel unorganized and scattered. I live in a rather small townhouse-style apartment and adding the Xmas tree to an already cramped living room...Well, you know? This room just made me smile. I want it, decorations included. It's simple. Neutral and I love the lights/candles.

Are these socks? Are they legwarmers? Both, I guess. I want them. I want to make a pair of these to wear with my boots. I love the really tall socks/legwarmers right now. I need to keep my legs warm in the cold months, while wearing skirts and dresses. Once, I find the time to make a pair of these...I'm gonna...

I LOVE Cloches. I have always loved them. The cloche hat is my all time favorite style of hat and always has been. It's feminine. With my short hair...I love to wear them even more. I have designed two knit cloches over the years and I still can't get enough of them. Women should wear more hats. This blue cloche, I love and want. Blue is my color and the style of this one is just perfect. Mmmm...

Jeez! Crimenies...It's December already. Where has this year gone? I swear, it was just the beginning of 2011 and I blink...Poof, almost over. The older I get, the faster time goes by. Today is also World Aids Day. What does one say..."Happy World Aids Day?" Or "Merry World Aids Day?" It just seems wrong. So, I will say, ACKNOWLEDGE it!

What Does 100+ Puffs Look Like?

2011-11-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

So, I am still slowly knitting on my Beekeeper's Quilt. I'm hexi-puffing along...I have made over 100 puffs, so far. What do they look like? I took a photo of a pile of puffs and I also put the hexi-puffs together in another picture. I had a lot of fun putting the puffs together. It's like playing with a puzzle. Yeah, I'm a nerd.

Now for the photos...

All of my puffs in a pile...

All of my puffs put together...randomly.

Okay, now back to my regular scheduled knitting. Oh, and coffee consuming...Have a good morning!

A Busy Weekend

2011-11-28T14:42:00.001-08:00

I was out and about the city, for most of the weekend. I was busy, busy, busy. I didn't have time to knit much, or blog, etc. I really don't even have much to share today. I am trying to recover from all the holiday bustle, I think. I am actually busy at home today. I have design knitting and my cleaning chores to do.

I did manage a fly-by cellphone picture, while downtown, on Saturday. It's one of my favorite water fountains in Portland. I have no idea what its name is. I am trying to remember...I think it's on 5th Ave? Anyone have an idea of its name? Just curious. Anyways, I love this fountain....classical and it reminds me of Greek/Roman mythology. So pretty.

I will post a hexi-puff post tomorrow, I think. I am going to lay them all out and try to take a decent picture. Stay tuned...Until then. I have to go and clean up the apartment.

It Looks Like The Holidays

2011-11-25T20:10:00.001-08:00

Before the tree was lit up...

Tonight, Hubby and I dragged Hannah and her friend to the holiday tree lighting in downtown Portland. It was PACKED with people. I would guess about 10,000 people squeezed into Pioneer Courthouse Square. Standing room only, of course.

We waited and waited...packed like sardines. The chick standing immediately to my left, had too much garlic for dinner. I could smell it. It was making me ill...so strong.

After, all lit up...and pretty.

Here is this year's holiday tree, all lit up. This year, I was shocked to see colored lights. The previous two years were all white lights. I prefer the colored lights, myself. So pretty...

We left soon after the lighting of the tree. We wanted to get out of there before the crowds began milling around to get home and traffic got backed up.

Saw some Occupy Portland Protesters at the event tonight. They were out chanting with their bull horns and picket signs. Yeah, yeah...

All went well. Now it is beginning to feel a bit more like the holidays...

WEEK 12 - Puffs!

2011-11-25T13:58:00.001-08:00

I didn't post my "Puffs" entry, last Friday. Why? Well, I knitted 1 puff last week. It was just a sad and lonesome puff. I did mucho better this week. I managed to knit 9 puffs this week. I took yesterday off, from design knitting, the holiday, to knit on hexi-puffs, for a change. It also helps that my friend, Tricia, sent me some of her leftover sock yarn scraps to play with. New colors to stripe and mix-match together. New colors inspire me.

So, this week I knitted 9 hexi-puffs to add to my total of 103 puffs completed.

I have reached the 25% mark of my Beekeeper's Quilt. A milestone! I think, this weekend, I will break out all 103 puffs and take a picture, all together. So, stay tuned for that.

I'm off to dress myself for tonight. I'm dragging the youngest daughter and friend, downtown to meet Hubby. We are going to Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the Holiday Tree Lighting, window shop and have some coffee.

Toodles! Have a great weekend.

Ah, The Food Coma

2011-11-24T09:18:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I hope that your holiday is filled with laughter, love and good food. I plan to eat green bean casserole until I pass out...my favorite.

I'm feeling thankful for my family (cats included) and very good friends. You know who you are...HUGS!

WIP Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:01:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted a WIP Wednesday in a while. So, I figured that now is a good a time as any...I'm really busy with the knit designing, for one. So, my personal WIPs are taking a bit of a back seat. Slower progress than normal.

This first photo is my first design in a series of two, that I have been working on for about a week now. I can't share too much of it...I will admit to being about 60% done with the sample knitting. It's a cowl.

I love the green color. It photographs rather well. The yarn is pretty soft and enjoyable to work with. I have no complaints.

I work on this project the most, right now. I need to finish it and write the pattern for it, etc. I can then begin my second design. I think, this weekend, I will begin winding the yarn into "cakes" for the second design. It depends on how busy I am this weekend. I do have some errands to run.

I started Hubby's holiday socks the other day. I work on these socks when I can squeeze it in. It's a tradition that I knit Hubby these socks. Every year I knit him a pair of socks for Christmas. This project is the last of my holiday knitting projects. I have to finish these! Last year, I did not finish Hubs's holiday socks until New Year's Eve. Ooopsy!

I am liking the yarn. Hubby likes the blues. Most socks that I make him are gray, blue or variations in between. He is color blind. So, we stick to very basic, manly colors. I did branch out, last year, and knitted him a pair of brown socks. This year is all about the dark blue, it seems.

I am still adding to my hexi-puff collection. I have knitted 4 puffs so far, this week. I will hopefully have a few more to add by my regular Friday Hexi-puff post. The Beekeeper's Quilt is an ongoing project....indefinitely. I almost have 100 puffs knitted. That would make my quilt about 25% completed. Crazy!

My wacky, bright colored hexi-puffs. My blanket will have all colors of the rainbow in it. No rhyme or reason to it at all...

Not shown in the post...one more WIP. The Central Park Hoodie is sitting in the bottom of my WIP basket. I did not want to dig it out for photographing. Call me lazy. I haven't touched it in weeks. I've been busy knitting other things and working. I will finish my second CPH, but probably not til after the new year, unfortunately.

I'm trying to take it one project at a time...There simply aren't enough hours in the day for all of the knitting I want to do. Damned if real life doesn't interrupt me often, too. I keep reminding myself...I am only one person with two hands.

What are your WIPs this week?

Random Posting For Today

2011-11-22T06:38:00.001-08:00

I haven't written a random post in a while. Heck, I'm not even sure my internet connection is going to cooperate with me, and post this one. Who knows?

- The weather here in Portland is just gross again today. It was raining and breezy, yesterday. It is worse this morning. Heavy rain and winds...stalled out right over us. My internet has been spotty since about 9pm, last night. I am not sure if this is weather related, or not? The wind is freaking the cats out. They don't like it a bit. I always worry on trees coming down. I live in a fairly wooded area. The ground is really saturated and this is a gusty South wind today...trees will be coming down. The question is where, though?

- I got an awesome package in the mail yesterday, from my friend, Tricia. I am practically jumping in my seat over here...I got her used Kindle 3 Keyboard. Well, she purchased a Kindle Fire recently...and I was planning to buy Hubby a Kindle for Xmas this year. So, I am giving Hubby my old one. I say "old" loosely. It's about a year old and in pristine condition. I will be using the "new to me" Kindle 3. I'll take photos of the K3 later today. It's very cool. It has a lighted case and a lovely skin on it, too. Thank you, Tricia. I will treasure this K3 and Hubs will be in heaven with his Kindle as well. We may never speak to each other again. We will both grunt at each other while reading on the couch, or in bed...Hehehe.

- I am going to start working on Hubby's Kindle. Clearing off all of my books and putting on some of his favorites, then organize them into collections, etc. I will eventually be doing much the same to my Kindle. It will take me some time to do. If the power goes out...I will either be knitting, or messing with Kindles. :-) I am never bored with out the internet. There is always plenty to do...

- Every single time a package arrives at my apartment...the cats get to claim the box. After I emptied the box, Phinn, got into it, immediately. He wasted no time in claiming this one as his. All three of my kitties LOVE cardboard boxes. It's funny. It doesn't matter what size the box is...Mr Phinn will try to squeeze is big furry butt into it. Cute!

- The teenager is already driving me absolutely bonkers. It's only Tuesday. She is on vacation from school all of this week, for the holiday. Well, the internet has been in and out since last night...this makes for much teenage rage. "OMG! I was in the middle of doing something on Facebook! ARGH! Stupid internet!" I heard this at one point, last night, because there was no internet access for a 10 minute period. I got the whole, "Now, what am I supposed to do?" I suggested that she read a book. Hannah rolled her 15-yr old eyes at me and stomped upstairs in a huff. Well, then...

- Unfortunately, later today, I have to venture out into this nasty-ass weather. I must trek up to the grocery store, on the metro bus, to finish my Thanksgiving shopping. I'm not looking forward to this at all. Mostly due to the weather...well, also the crowds. Oh well, it must be done.

- Alright, I think I am going to get off this computer for a bit. The gusting winds are scaring me, a bit. I can hear the tall trees whooshing in the wind. It also howls/whistles through my window/door downstairs. Just awful sounding...The weatherman did say the Valley could have 50 mph gusts. So far, nothing that serious here. I know the coast is getting 80+ mph right now. Eeek!

So, to all my Pacific NW friends...stay safe and dry. Have a good day!

I Like To Dream

2011-11-21T06:19:00.001-08:00

I love to knit. It's no secret. I rarely go a day without some knitting. Even if I sit and knit only a few rows. It relaxes me. Even the boring stockinette type of knitting. I rarely sit for long with idle hands. I will even knit during my TV watching.

I always have projects backed up. A perfect example is right now...I have several projects "on the needles" and "on hold." The list of WIPs, right now...?

- Central Park Hoodie: I have knitted to the armholes of the back piece. This project is on hold, sitting in the bottom of my WIP basket. I will work on this after the new year, when I can find the time.

- Beekeeper's Quilt: An ongoing project. I work on hexi-puffs when I can. Last week, I knitted 1 puff. Sad, I know. This knitted quilt may take me a year or more to complete. I am in no hurry, mind you. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

- Hubby's Xmas Socks: I always knit my husband a pair of holiday socks. This year is no different. Luckily, I already knitted the 2 daughters Xmas gift. I only have to make the socks, which I started last night. Whew! I have about a month to knit them.

- 2 New Designs: I have two new designs on the needles. These two projects are what I HAVE to work on right now. I pushed most personal knitting projects aside for these two designs. I have to knit the samples in a timely manner. I am about halfway through Design # 1. More on these projects another time.

~sigh~

I still like to look and dream of what I want to knit, in the future. I still add projects to my Ravelry Queue, which is 504 projects strong. My queue is out of control. I simply can't help myself. I have even purchased yarn for some of these projects...and they are waiting their turn on my "to knit list." Some things I really want to make soon...

Velma Legwarmers, for wearing with my boots.
Red Velvet Cupcakes, I need to buy yarn for these.
Regina Hat, so pretty.
Elphaba Mitts, I want to knit another pair. Hannah wants a pair of these too.
Koolhaas Hat, I want to make this hat for Hubby.
Sage Remedy Top, already have the yarn, just need the time to knit.
Simple Things, I also have the yarn for this. Maybe for Spring?
Rosazura Hat, will make soon. Love this hat.
Hugo Monster, I have the yarn and will knit this for Hubby.
Sammie The Sock Monster, I plan to knit this monster for myself, eventually.
Folded Sweater, I want to reknit this sweater in a different yarn.

So, these are the knits I want to knit. I like to dream...I don't have time to knit any of these projects yet. What are you dreaming to craft? Knitting, Sewing or Crochet? I'm always free to be enabled.

In other news...I'm finally feeling better. I'm not at 100%, but better than I was. I hate being sick. I am a horrible patient, I admit. Unfortunately, I'm now all PMS-y. Ugh! Oh well, I take it one day at a time. The weather...is just gross here. A week of rain, stormy windy stuff. The weatherman even mentioned several inches of rain and possible flooding. I live next to a creek. Normally, I don't worry about that, but last year it did flood and it was kind of scary. It flooded over the road I live on, a rare thing. We'll see how it goes, of course. I'm not worried about my apartment building. I live on a big hill. And lastly, the youngest daughter is out of school for this entire week. So, she will be home, driving me nuts this week. Just sayin.'

Have a great Monday, folks. I'm off to work on my design knitting, some cleaning and a possible nap, later. Hey, I got up at 5 am this morning...I'm gonna need that nap. Toodles!

Finished: Orchids & Fairy Lights

2011-11-18T23:21:00.001-08:00

I managed to finish the hat I began knitting on before my design yarn arrived in the mail. I finished it this evening, while watching movies. Woot!

This hat was a fiddly one to knit. Two stitch cables and many-a-bobbles to knit. It took a lot of concentration on my part to get through it. It's not a hat for a beginner knitter and/or the faint-hearted. Once I got going on the pattern stitch...it was fine.

I really like this slouchy hat. I loved the yarn I saved for it. I had one skein of this color of LB Wool Ease left and I had been saving it for my very own Orchids & Fairy Lights.

Specs On The Hat:

Pattern: Orchids & Fairy Lights, by Tiny Owl Knits.
Yarn: 1 skein of LB Wool Ease in "blush heather."
Needles: US #8 - 16 inch circular and double pointed needles.
Ravelry Page: To see more info and/or more photos, go here.
Size: n/a
Mods: None
Time: 11/7 - 11/18, a week and a half, or so.
Verdict: I really like this hat. It had sort of a whimsical look to it. I love the yarn and color. I would make this hat again, someday. Like I said before, it was a bit fiddly and took concentration to knit. However, it is a well written pattern and I would recommend it to experienced knitters. It's a really sweet slouchy hat with a lot of details. I'm glad I made it and plan to wear it this Winter.

I promise to get better photos soon. It's really dark in my apartment right now. Bad lighting! I will also take a few pics with either Hannah (the youngest) wearing the hat or myself. I'm sick right now and definitely not looking my best. When I am feeling better...I want to try out my new make up, anyways. Probably after the weekend...

Have a pleasant night. Happy Weekend!

Things I Love

2011-11-17T14:31:00.001-08:00

Well, this week...I have come down with something, it seems. A cold, most probably. Who knows? So, this week's version of "Things I Love" is all about my being sick. What do I love when I'm not feeling well...

I love hot tea. I have been consuming plenty of it, the past few days. Even coffee is not "doing it" for me lately. That is how you know that I am not feeling well...I will forgo coffee in favor of tea. Mmmm...hot tea.

I love my bed when I'm sick. I just want to stay in it, hibernate, sleep and curl up under the covers. Don't bother me, move me, etc. I love this bed. Doesn't it look cozy? I love all of the yarn and knitted accessories. That knitted blanket is instant LOVE for me. Must make one soon.

Slippers. I live in these during the colder months. When I do have to get myself out of bed...I have to wear slippers. My feet get cold in my drafty-ass apartment. These slippers look very comfy. I want a pair, for sure.

I love the wear sweaters around the house...with my slippers. More than likely, I am wearing some tacky pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. A cardigan is always a must. I like the wacky colored cardigans that are out now. Slouchy with a lot of patterns on them. Maybe I will make one of those Nordic Reindeer cardigans?

I love soups during this time of year. I make a lot of home made soups and stews. If I am sick...I usually have to resort to eating soup out of a can. When I am out of commission...yeah, cooking home made soup is out of the question. I still love to eat soup when I am ill. I really thought this image of soup was funny. It made me laugh. I feel poopy...and those are my sentiments exactly. :-)

What are you loving this week?

Some Other Knitting Stuff

2011-11-16T23:38:00.001-08:00

I'm knitting on a design sample, at the moment. I can't really share it right now. So, I figured I would share the progress I have made on my Orchids & Fairy Lights hat, instead. It is very slow progress. This is one of the most fiddly hats I have EVER knitted. I can't complain about the pattern. It's a great one...just the combination of two stitch cables and bobble, makes for some stitch wrestling, as a knitter. I am sure that the end result will be lovely...until then? I have one more full pattern repeat to go before I can begin the crown decreases. I am hoping to find a bit of time, tomorrow, to work on this hat, to finish it. We'll see...

This past weekend, I purchased this little knitting booklet. All about socks and sock yarn. It's Patons Sweet To Your Feet booklet. What sold me on this booklet? The knee socks and over-the-knee socks. I want to make myself a pair eventually. I can't right now. Maybe next Spring?

I am positively swamped with design stuff right now. I feel like I am going to turn into a crazy woman. Stress! I keep reminding myself that I am only one person and I can only do one thing at a time. And then...the holidays are fast approaching. Let's not get me started on this.

So, I apologize if I seem unsocial the past two days. I haven't been feeling like myself. I hope I am not coming down with something. I've also been staying up way too late, knitting on a design sample. I'm tired and dragging. I have a feeling I am not going to be sleeping all that much for the next six months. Oh yes, I haven't mentioned on my blog that I am submitting at least two new designs to a new book proposal, possibly three designs, if I have time. EEEEK! So, I am currently designing two patterns for a yarn company and then some designs for a book. Whew! That is all I will share about it, for the moment.

It's late and I have some knitting to do before I head to bed. Toodles for now. I will post my usual "Things I Love Thursday" tomorrow. Until then, folks.

Design Knitting Has Begun

2011-11-15T10:20:00.001-08:00

I am just popping in to say...the design knitting has begun. In other words, I'm insanely busy. I will blog when I can. I now have new, faster internet. It doesn't take me five minutes to load my email anymore. Okay, that was an exaggeration, I admit. My previous internet was a crawl compared to this new, cheaper service provider. This makes me a happy person. Netflix streaming is so much better now.

Isn't the green design yarn pretty in color? I love it. Also, who knew pure alpaca was so smooshy and soft. I am not the only one who appreciates alpaca yarn. Phinnegan, my boy cat, has decided he loves the stuff. I CANNOT leave my yarn/project out in the open (on the coffee table or in my WIPs basket) due to Phinn seeking it out. He rubs on it, nudges it, attacks with paw and then tries to lay on it. Not a good thing and very dangerous. Is it the "animal smell" or the texture? I don't know, but whatever it is...Phinn gets this blissful look on his face any time he sees this green yarn anywhere out. I had to pry his paw out of my skein already once this morning. Normally, my cats are good about leaving the yarn alone. Alpaca must have an entire different set of rules.

I have not named this design just yet. I'm waiting for it to come to me. It will eventually be an infinity-type cowl. The yarn color reminds me of evergreen trees. I like naming some of my designs after places around Oregon and Portland. Not sure if that will be the case this time around...?

Okay, enough chit-chat for this morning. I must get back to my design knitting. Have a pleasant Tuesday, everyone. :-)

Yarn For Designing

2011-11-14T14:42:00.001-08:00

I've had a really busy Monday. The best part of it...yarn! I'm designing two new patterns and this is the yarn I will be using to design them in. The yarn finally arrived via a kind of cranky UPS delivery guy. For 5 years, I had the best UPS delivery guy...and lately, he has been MIA. No idea what happened to him...this delivery person is not very friendly, I must say. Oh well, I can overlook the moodiness, due to the yarn arriving.

What is this yarn?

- Galler Yarns, Heather Prime Alpaca in color "#206 (green)" ; 1 skein, 600 yards of 100% Superfine Alpaca. - This yarn is to become an infinity type cowl/scarf.

- Galler Yarns, Prime Alpaca in color "camel (brown)." ; 3 skeins, 660 yards each of 100% Superfine Alpaca. - This yarn is to become a cardigan.

So, now that I have the yarn to begin my two new designs...all of my other projects are pushed to the back burner. My Central Park Hoodie is on hold. Hexi-puffs will be knitted sporadically. I expect a lot of late night knitting. It's exciting to have new designs to work on...and I hope that I don't turn into a crazy woman.

I am spending my evening winding the yarn. Tomorrow I will begin the cowl/scarf design, sample knitting. Wish me luck! I'll update about my designs when I can...Stay tuned.

Happy Monday! I'm off to clean up the downstairs...

Some Pictures: Autumn

2011-11-12T18:03:00.001-08:00

I am SOOOO behind this week...So, I am lumping it all into one post, this evening. For example, my usual weekly Friday "hexi-puff" post got postponed, because I wasn't home yesterday afternoon/evening. Not that my weekly puff count was impressive, by any means. It was a slow week for the little puffs.

I knitted 3 puffs this week. That's it. Yes, sad, I know. So, 3 puffs makes my total count to 92 puffs completed. My excuse? I've been busy. It's only going to get worse as the weeks pass. I may find a lull in January of next year. Maybe?

The fall colors are really pretty here, finally. It seems the tree changes are late this year. Something like 2 weeks late, according to the weather man...? The neon reddish trees are on my street. I took a cell phone picture, as I walked by, because they were so bright. Flaming trees!

More trees that I thought were pretty. In Beaverton there is a line of yellow trees. So, while waiting for the metro bus today, I snapped another cell phone picture. I simply can't help myself...bright, pretty colors...I get distracted.

Autumn fruit...I bought a bag of Gala Apples and a mixed bag of pairs...there were three different kinds, I think. I have since eaten several of the apples and pears. I took a photo of them, all pretty in the bowl beforehand. Lol.

Lastly, this is my yarn haul for the past two days. I actually purchased some yarn. I haven't bought much of anything in months. So, here is the lot...

The dark blue yarn at the top right: Loops & Threads Charisma in "Royal." This yarn is set for Hubby's Hugo Monster, to be knitted soon. The gray Caron Simply Soft is going to eventually become a Koolhaas Hat for Hubby as well. The yellow sock yarn is LB Sock-Ease in "Lemon Drop." I am saving that skein for a pair of socks for ME. Not sure when I will have time to knit myself a pair of socks, in the future? The blue-green Caron Simply Soft is not set for anything in particular, as is the pink Caron Simply Soft. No idea what those will be just yet. Lastly, the off-white crochet cotton thread is going to eventually be crocheted into a lacey doily. I used to make them all of the time, but haven't in years. So, stay tuned for that...

Whew, I think that is all for this post. Sorry, for being so long-winded. I was seriously behind in my posts. I am all caught up now. I am now off to enjoy my evening. I am doing the after dinner dishes, giving myself a manicure, having a bottle of wine and watching Bridesmaids on DVD. Sounds fun, no?

Have a great evening, everyone!

The Good Wife

2011-11-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

I'm a good wife. I deserve a medal, or something. Why? Well, do you see the monstrosity above? Yeah, that is parked in my dining room. I now have a weight bench in my dining room. It's freakin' huge! I no longer have a dining room table. BOO!

This is how it went...Someone Hubby works with was getting rid of their $400 weight bench. The result of a bad break up. So, a coworker was selling it for $100. Hubby has always wanted a weight bench. We have never gotten one, due to lack of space. We live in a tiny apartment. Hubby wanted it...I said fine. I would find a place, in our apartment, to put it. What I did not realize is that the weight bench was SO HUGE. It takes up my entire dining room. So, the table had to go, unfortunately. I'm still a bit sad about that...

BUT I look at it this way...if it makes the Hubs happy...then that thing is worth it. How many years has Hubby had to put up with my yarn habit, knitting projects all over our apartment, etc? I can suffer through having that ugly thing in my dining room. Right?

Things I Love

2011-11-10T15:20:00.001-08:00

I almost forgot that it's Thursday...time for Things I Love (this week). My mood for this round is more Winter-y, I think. I just go with what I am loving this week...

I am loving the colors in this room. Turquoise is the bomb. In Winter, I gravitate towards brighter colors, I think. Maybe because Winter is so barren of most color. I love the turquoise paired with the reds. The couch is super cute too. Want it. My living room is currently red, black, blue and green. I like to mix colors.

I love vintage telephones. Not enough to collect them, or anything. Maybe having one around would not be so bad? Hannah, the youngest, asked me how this phone would work. She has no idea. I don't think she has ever seen a rotary phone. Nowadays it's all touch screen on cell phones, or number keypads on regular phones. I just feel old when the teenagers now, don't understand the technology from our day.

I'm obsessed with big cowls and infinity scarves. I love them. I want to knit several of them. This one is very pretty in purple. I would knit it...it's simple enough, but I think all of that "seed stitch" would kill me. I would want to gouge my eyes out after about 10 rounds of that business...Lol! Cowls seem to be in this season.

Tis the season for hot lattes. My most favorite Winter-y season drink. I have an espresso maker and make plenty of them at home for Hubby and I. I like my lattes plain. No flavor. If I go to Starbucks...their sugar free syrup flavors are to be desired. Although, I did find one that had sugar free caramel flavor. Love that one. So, most of the time...a plain old latte for me, thank you.

It's also sweater season! I love sweater season. My two favorite things to wear are Summer dresses and skirts...and then sweaters/cardigans. Not always together, of course. Okay, I have three things I love to wear...boots. Add boots to that list. I could just wear these all year round, if the weather would permit it. It doesn't, so I don't.

What are you loving this week?

Non Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

US Marine Corp Ball, November 2011

I was going to post my usual Wordless Wednesday...Sometimes I just have a hard time shutting up.

Taelor, the oldest daughter sent me this photo of her and some Marine buddies at the US Marine Corp Ball, a few days ago. Of course, Tae is the only girl in the photo. I swear, she is such a tomboy and had always been "one of the guys." There is a family joke about this, actually.

Long story short...Taelor was born very premature. She was born 2 and a half months early, at 28 weeks gestation. When she was born the neonatal unit snatched her and rushed her away...in all of the frantic-ness, the doctor told us that we had a boy. So, Hubby calls the family and says, "It's a boy!" Her name was to be Jonathon. An hour later the doctor comes into the room and apologizes profusely..."I'm so sorry!" I was thinking...something awful happened like she died or something, since she was soooo premature. "No, no...you have a girl." So, Hubby had to get back on the phone and tell the family that we have a girl, instead. Her name was quickly edited to be Taelor, for my chosen girl name. So, the family joke is that Taelor was a boy first...for an entire hour. Maybe this is why she is such a dude...? LMAO!

Oh, speaking of birthdays...Taelor had her birthday not long ago...her first away from home. She turned 20 years old. My child is 20! I am the mother of a 20 year old...it just baffles me how fast time flies.

Tae has always been a tomboy. She hates dresses and I can name two times I have actually seen her in a dress or skirt. Even as a toddler she hated bows, dressed, dress shoes, anything remotely girly. Tae skipped her high school senior prom due to not wanting to don a formal dress. She was never "sweet and sugar" as a lot of girls. Tae was a dig in the dirt, I can do it myself, kind of girl. I'm proud of that...and proud of her. My daughter is a US Marine and loves it.

I do miss the brat! I am wondering when she will get some leave to come home and visit? It will be hard to spend the holidays without Taelor. ~sigh~

A New Project, Really?

2011-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

This week is promising to be a rather busy one, for me. Most of it is non-knitting related. I like keeping busy, but not to the point of making myself stressed out. I am not yet to that point, thankfully. I am taking one task at a time...

Knitterly things...Well, I should be working on my Central Park Hoodie, this week, while there is a lull in my knitting. I haven't worked on the cardigan in a few days. I also have the whole Beekeeper's Quilt thing to knit on too. What do I do, instead? I begin a new project...a hat. I started Orchids and Fairy Lights last night.

So far, so good. Knitting this hat is not for the faint-hearted. It take counting and serious concentration. I haven't knitted a project this fiddly in ages. It would be so easy to make a mistake on this hat. Normally, I can zoom through a hat like no tomorrow. This one is going to be a few days. It better be a great hat when it is completed. I'm using my very last skein of LB Wool Ease in "blush heather." A really pale pink. Actually, I think this is my last skein of LB Wool Ease, period. I don't have anymore...It's odd to say that. I always have LB Wool Ease in my stash. The reason for this? Well, my usual haunt of Michael's in Beaverton stopped selling Wool Ease and most LB yarns in favor of some crappy in store brand of yarn. I was very disappointed. Okay, I won't rant about it...Just sayin.'

I'm kind of anxious...I am waiting for my design yarn to arrive in the mail. Once the yarns arrive, I will begin working on two new designs. All other knitting will be cast aside, for a while. Hexi-puffs, my Central Park Hoodie, etc. Exclusive design knitting...only. I may squeeze in some of my current projects when I can. I have a feeling that my CPH is going to take me, like 6 months to complete. I was hoping to finish it within a month, but other things have cropped up. So, I go with the flow...

Oh well...I have to get off the computer for a bit. I have some things to do, non-knitting related. I will work on my hat later today...I hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

Maddox For Hannah

2011-11-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

I have finished my third Rebecca Danger Monster, tonight. This one is another Maddox Monster for my youngest daughter, Hannah, for the holidays. I made each daughter a Maddox. I am SO on top of the holiday knitting this year.

These monsters are pretty quick to make and oh so cute. I am a big, big fan. Hannah requested a blue colored monster. I obliged. His eyes are crooked, I admit. I swear, every time I make a mosnter...something is always crooked. We shall call them character flaws. Hehehe...

SPECS ON THE MONSTER:

Pattern: Maddox the Mischievous Monster, by Rebecca Danger.
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in "waterfall." I used about a 1/2 a skein.
Needles: US # 8 double pointed needles.
Size: This monster is about 12.5 inches tall.
Ravelry Project Page: More images and notes found here.
Mods: None
Time: Nov. 1st - 6th...5 days total.
Verdict: Very cute and I love this monster...just like the last one. I am a big fan of these little guys. Easy pattern.

Here are the two holiday monsters that I have knitted for the daughters. The yellow one is much smaller...about 9 inches tall. I used worsted yarn and smaller needles. Same pattern, different gauge.

It's really hard to keep these cute monsters a secret until Christmas. I must hide them...and not mumble a word. Shhhhhh...

WEEK 9 - Puffs! (& More)

2011-11-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ahhh yes, Friday brings my weekly hexi-puff post. I almost skipped this week. I'll explain why in a moment.

I almost made it to 10 puffs this week. Almost! I was halfway through knitting the 10th one and had to rip it out due to my not paying attention. It was turning out quite lopsided...I forgot a decrease on one side. It's not a big deal...I just like even numbers.

So, my puff count for this week is 9 hexi-puffs knitted, which make a total of 89 total puffs completed. It's small, but still progress...

To anyone who tried to contact me via email, text message, Google +, GTalk, etc...I was soooo not at my computer/phone after about 9:30 am this morning. I wasn't ignoring anyone...I was ill. I'm still not sure why or what happened, but it went like this:

I was sitting on the couch knitting and texting with my friend Tricia. I felt pretty good this morning, despite having gotten up at 5am. I had a few cups of coffee. Tricia had to go eat lunch and I wanted to find something for breakfast, so we said our "byes" via text. I knitted another two rows on the shawl I was working on...and I noticed that I felt slightly dizzy. I thought I should eat. I get kind of weird if I don't eat. I stood up and WHOA. I did go and eat a peanut butter sandwich, just to keep my blood sugar up a bit. I then took my dizzy, room-spinning ass up to bed. Maybe a nap would help? Uhhhh no. I ended up stumbling, really dizzy, into the bathroom and barfing my guts up and then some. The throwing up got rid of most of the dizziness, but then gave me a really bad headache. I went back to bed and slept for three hours.

I have no idea what that was all about. I am feeling "okay" at the moment. Not great, but much better than this morning. I don't feel sick, like the flu. I am going to guess it was something I ate? So, I am taking it sort of easy the rest of today. Eating is not on my top list of priorities right now...having a bottle of water instead.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. It's going to be a chilly one here, in the upper 40's for the next few days. I don't have any plans...I am taking it moment by moment. I just keep telling myself, "I'm not sick!"

Things I Love

2011-11-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Another weekly look at "Things I Love..."

The weather has turned colder and dreary, here in PDX. This time of year...I get all "nesty." I want all things cozy, homey and comforting. I love this chair. It just looks so comfortable. I want to sit in the chair to knit and read. I want to be l-a-z-y in that chair...

I love summer dresses a lot. I could wear them all year round, if the weather cooperated here. So, when the weather gets chilly...I am always looking for ways to extend the dress wearing. I love the cardigan and boots to make the outfit look more Fall-friendly. Cute!

I love hot coffees and teas right now. Tis that time of year. Mmmm...Lattes. I don't necessarily need to go to Starbucks to get my coffee fix. I can make lovely coffees/lattes at home.

I love this cute knitted elephant, named Elijah. The pattern is by Ysolda. I plan to knit this little guy, soon. I have to buy some appropriate yarn for him. He's adorable.

I have a rather large collection of vintage buttons. I saw this necklace idea on Pinterest and loved it. Isn't it awesome...and gawdy? I love it. It would be a cool way to display vintage buttons. Hmmm...wonder how this necklace is made?

So, this is what I am loving this week. The colder weather is making me all kinds of nesty. I want to make soups, bake pies, put slippers on, wrap up in a blanket or fluffy cardigan, read a book, knit a lot. Am I the only one?

Wordless Wednesday # 28

2011-11-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

Busy, Busy Knitting Bee

2011-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy, busy knitting bee, lately. My project page on Ravelry doesn't reflect half of the projects that I am working on right now. I feel like I knit, knit, knit and little progress is made. What am I knitting on...?

A Central Park Hoodie, a Beekeeper's Quilt, a Maddox Monster for Hannah and I am about to begin a Tattered Shawl for a knit-along. I have not included the scarf that I am designing. I am halfway through knitting the sample. It has been sitting in my basket for over a month, untouched. I also have to knit a pair of socks for the Husband, for the holidays, sometime in November. Eeeek!

I am also working on, at least, three new designs. I am in the sketching, swatching and calculating phase. I have other designs planned too, but I am working on the mentioned three, first. Whew! It makes me head spin, sometimes.

Here is the progress I have made on the back piece of my Central Park Hoodie. I am about an inch from binding off the armholes. I work on this project mostly at night, while watching TV. I don't work on it constantly. I probably would have finished the back piece completely, by now, if that were the case. I am still applying my goal of knitting (at least) 10 rows per day. It has worked so far. I work this way...to keep the momentum going and preventing burnout on the one project. I have this tendency to grow bored easily with some longer projects. I admit it...

Yarn! Can you tell that I am really into green and blues right now? I always seem to knit projects in the same color family at one time. No idea why? Just an observation I have made about myself. Anyways, this skein of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight is slated to become the Tattered Shawl. The colorway is "algae." I have dubbed it my "zombie colors." I am going to knit the shawl for "A Year Of Halloween" Knit-along. It's a group on Ravelry where we knit Halloween-type projects all year round. It sounded fun.

I will update about my new designs when I can. I am not comfortable mentioning them, other than discussing my working on them, just yet. I have high hopes for the 3 new designs. I'm also a bit nervous about them too. The evil self-doubt monster creeps up on me sometimes...

I will close this post with a cute picture of Mr. Phinnegan. He was cat-napping on the floor next to my knitting basket, this morning. He was snoring so loud. I could hear him over the TV. Phinn is such a cute little stinker. I say little, but really he is a bruiser, at 15 pounds of smooshy-love.

Have a great evening, folks.

Happy Halloween & Stuff

2011-10-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a quick-like post, this morning, to wish everyone a Happy Halloween...and Merry Samhain to my Pagan friends. :-) This is my most favorite holiday of the year...

I didn't post over this past weekend. I was a bit busy. Saturday, I ran errands and wasn't home until the late afternoon. Sunday was a combination of cleaning and laziness. It depends on when you caught me. I cleaned house a bit, then had a long nap, made dinner, then sat and watched TV, etc.

I will be busy most of today...working at home. I have a new knit design gig. I'm not free to speak on it much, right now. Soon, very soon. I am working on three designs at the moment. I am doing sketches, swatches and notes. That is what I am working on this morning. BUT first, more C-O-F-F-E-E!!!

Happy Halloween!

WEEK 8 - Puffs!

2011-10-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's raining and cold, today. Disgusting weather, I tell ya. I am not complaining, since I don't have to actually step out in it. I'm home knitting. It's perfect knitting weather. Also, great hot coffee weather. I'm a happy camper.

I have made a little progress on my Beekeeper's Quilt. I love knitting these quick little puffs. I work on them when I find a quiet 20 minutes to make one. I will knit one before bed, at night. I may make one while having my morning coffee. I am knitting on other, larger projects. I work on puffs randomly.

This week, I have knitted 9 puffs. It's nothing monumental, I know. It does bring my total puff count to 80 hexi-puffs completed. Woo Hoo!

I am thinking of making my quilt a throw size. No queen sized bedspread, or anything. Just a throw blanket to display on the back of the couch. Maybe? If I am going to invest this much time and knitting effort, there is NO WAY I am laying it on my bed where the cats can ruin it. My cats are rough on blankets.

So, I have made a decision on the amount of hexi-puffs I will be knitting...around 400 or so. I may edit this number eventually. We'll have to wait and see.

Happy Weekend to all my friends! Have a great one. Stay warm and dry, wherever you are...

CPH Progress Again

2011-10-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting on the back piece of my Central Park Hoodie the past few evenings. I try to make a goal of working 10 rows per day. I can then knit on something else, or do whatever. This system works for me. It makes for some steady progress on larger projects. I apply this system of goals to my hexi-puff knitting too.

I finally measured the back piece. I am exactly at 14 inches with the the cardigan. I am lengthening the body of CPH by three inches. If I were knitting as the pattern stated, I would only have a 1/2 an inch left to knit before binding off the armholes. Instead I have 3 and a 1/2 to go. I can finish those last inches tonight, before heading to bed. Easy-peasy.

For some reason, the Hoodie is taking a lot less time to work through. I don't remember it going quite this quickly, the last time...? The back piece is the largest one of the pattern. I am hoping to zoom through the other pieces. We'll see how it goes. I still have some holiday knitting to do, in between.

I should get my butt off this laptop and begin my afternoon chores. Yeah, I have been procrastinating. In my defense, the monthly migraine has arrived today. I have a feeling it is going to be one of those two day events. I won't be able to get rid of it...I took some Exedrin and it dulls the migraine to an annoying ache, but doesn't get rid of it. Oh well, I carry on and do what I have to...

Have a pleasant afternoon. It's sunny and cool here. Very Autumn-like. The trees are changing, finally.

Things I Love

2011-10-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

This week's installment of Things I Love...HALLOWEEN! I love Halloween. It's my most favorite holiday of the year. Yearly, I dedicate October as scary movie month. I watch all horror films that I can get my hands on. Netflix has made it fun this year to see spooky films. :-)

I love cool and creepy pumpkin carvings. This one is more funny, than spooky. It made me giggle. "Nom, nom...brains!" I admit to sucking-ass at pumpkin carving. I live vicariously through everyone else's cool pumpkins.

Vampires! I love them. I have had an obsession with Vamps, since childhood. I think it all began with my 3rd grade book report of Bunnicula. Does anyone else remember this book? My Vampy love progressed to Dracula, Buffy and on to True Blood.

Okay, the heels on these shoes are too high for me, personally. I'd break my freakin' neck trying to walk in them. I love that they are Zombie Shoes. I love them. Aren't they awesome? I love Zombies! These are kick-ass shoes.

Blood spattered nails, huh? They are sooooo creepy. These nails would be fabulous with a Zombie costume.

I think this Day Of The Dead makeup is awesome and beautiful.

Yes, I know that Hocus Pocus is not a scary movie. It's Disney. I love this movie...it makes me laugh. When the girls were little, we had a tradition to watch this movie every Halloween. I have seen this movie so many times, I can quote it. It isn't Halloween in this house, without "I smell, I smell...Children!"

I hope that everyone has a spooktastic Samhain/Halloween this year.

Wordless Wednesday # 27

2011-10-26T06:24:00.001-07:00

Some Knitting...

2011-10-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

I have made some progress on my Central Park Hoodie. I should have gotten a bit farther than this, but I took the night off, last night, and knitted a few hexi-puffs instead. I will get back to my CPH knitting tonight, I think. I haven't yet measured how many inches I have actually knitted. Maybe later? I'm feeling kind of lazy and menstrual today. You'll have to excuse me. I'll be fine in a day or two. Back to normal.

The weather here has taken a turn for the chilly. I actually broke down yesterday morning and turned the heat on in my apartment. It's the first time of the season. My entire apartment smelled dusty for over an hour, after I turned the heat on. Ugh! Luckily it went away. It actually got down into the 30's last night. So, the heat is still on, today. At least the sun has been shining for most of today. Crisp and sunny. Very Autumn-like, if you ask me. I need to dust off my coat.

That's about it for today. Really, it's been a really slow day around here. I have to go and do the dishes and figure out dinner. Toodles for now.

Best Halloween Lights EVER!

2011-10-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

Finished: Maddox Monster

2011-10-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have finished another monster. I am quite addicted to knitting these little guys. They are so much fun to make, customize and collect. Monsters make me smile. Isn't he cute?

This particular monster is a holiday gift for the oldest daughter, Taelor. I am getting a bit of a head start on my holiday knitting this year, in the hopes of getting all of the knitted gifts finished this year. Crossing fingers. One monster down, one still to go, for the youngest, Miss Hannah.

I do hope that Taelor will like her Maddox. I am going to send the monster in a care package to her, around Thanksgiving. She is stationed in Mississippi until the 20th of December. She will get her official duties/station soon thereafter, probably in California. So, I am going to send it early. I'm not exactly sure where Tae will be around Xmas. It's a mystery. That is the military for you. Lol!

Specs On Maddox:

Pattern: Maddox The Mischievous Monster
Yarn: Not really sure. It's a worsted weight acrylic. No ball band could be found. It's a mystery yarn. Very yellow. I used approximately 150 yards.
Needles: US # 6 double pointed needles, throughout.
Ravelry Project Page: go here to see more pics, info, etc.
Mods: None
Time: Four days to make. (10/19 - 10/23) 2011
Verdict: Love x 100! Another cute monster. I love them all. Muhahahaha...

Week 7 - Puffs!

2011-10-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

A bowl full of hexi-puffs!

I really need to find a new place to store my finished puffs. I currently have them sitting in an overstuffed zip-lock bag. No more will fit. So, I am on the hunt...where to put these puffs? I poured the bag out into my largest mixing bowl, for picture purposes, even that is full. I think, eventually, I will be over run with hexi-puffs. You will find me buried underneath with the cats.

As far as puff knitting goes...it has been a slow week. I have been working on other knitting projects. The Central Park Hoodie and a Maddox Monster for one of my daughter's holiday gifts, this year. I only managed to knit 6 hexi-puffs this week. Oh well, there will be weeks like this, I am sure.

So, my count for this week is as follows: 6 puffs knitted this week, for a total of 71 puffs completed.

I will leave you with a moment of peaceful cuteness...Phinn sleeping on the couch next to me. All smooshed into his blankie. Yes, my cat has a blankie. Lol!

Happy Friday and Weekend to all my blog-pals. Have a great one!

Things I Love

2011-10-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

This week's Things I Love is a bit random...

I love these Vampire Bite Cookies. Very clever and cute. I am such a Halloween Geek! I love all things spooky for the entire month of October. I dedicate the entire month to watching horror movies...and fun Halloween crafts and stuff.

I love this kitchen/dining room. I love all of the colors, for one. I love the mix-match table and chairs. I like the vintage feel too. I want this room in its entirety. Ahhhh, one day...

I occasionally make lace doilies. I don't crochet them as often as I used to...I love the idea of framing them. It preserves them, for one, and makes for a nice display. I think I may have to do this idea. for my bedroom. I wish I had some of the lace doilies my Oma and Mother have made...I would frame those too, for sentimental/family reasons.

I love this hat...or rather the style of hat. I know it's an earflap hat, but I mean the one's with the fur flap on top...and on the inside. Aviator hats? I don't know what they are called. Love them and want one, for sure. Maybe I will look and see if I can find a knit pattern for a similar hat...?

I love silly cats! My cat, Phinn, likes to squeeze his rather large butt into odd items. This cat reminds me of that...Cats amuse me. Sometimes I want a dog. Then I remember, I love my kitties.

What are you loving this week?

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting quite a bit this week. I have a cut on my finger, in a really dumb spot, it makes knitting difficult. I power through...I am knitting anyways. Things to make and do, and all of that good stuff.

I have officially begun my holiday knitting. I am trying to start a bit early this year, so that I can actually get them finished. As of right now...I have three things to knit. Two Rebecca Danger Monsters and a pair of men's socks.

Holiday knit # 1 is a Maddox the Mischievous Monster. I am knitting it in a bright yellow worsted acrylic yarn. I am sorry to say that I have no idea what yarn it actually is...no ball band available. It is knitting up quite well so far. I am thrilled to be knitting a monster on "not so tiny needles." The second monster I will be knitting will most likely be made with some blue LB Homespun yarn. We'll see...

I have also been knitting on my green Central Park Hoodie (CPH). I started the cables section of the back piece, last night, before heading to bed. I haven't knitted cables in a while and I forgot how much I love knitting them. I love cables! I am also really liking the color, "tea leaf" green. This is the second time I am knitting this pattern. I plan to make a few mods to this one. For one, I am using a size larger needles, US # 9. I am knitting the body at least three inches longer and I am most likely going to omit the hood in favor of a collar. Since my apartment is awfully drafty in the colder months, I plan to wear this cardigan almost daily. I am hoping this cardi will be sturdy and hold up to several washes throughout the season.

I am also knitting on hexi-puffs in between and when I have the time. I usually do weekly updates on this, on Fridays. So, I did not take any progress pictures of this project this morning. I have only three projects on the needles right now. Shocking to have so few...I am trying to keep my WIPs down to a minimum, for maximum finishing.

...AND now back to my knitting.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. I hope it's a good one...

Done: Quincy Quade Quentin

2011-10-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

I finished my Q Monster, last night. I call him "Q Monster." His full name is Quincy Quade Quentin. Yeah, a mouthful. I am so happy to be done with this little monster. Well, he isn't that little...Quincy is much larger than I thought he would be. My little tea pots are a perfect fit for him, it seems. Quincy likes his spot of tea.

Hubby stayed up, last night, until I finished the monster. He had to see it. I told him..."He is ugly!" Hubs thought for a moment, "Well, he's a monster. He is supposed to be ugly." I guess so...

You can't see it too much in the picture, but my monster is lopsided and lumpy. I had issues with the stuffing cooperating and serious problems, sewing on the arms. Oh well, it gives him some character.

Specs On The Q Monster:

Pattern: Quincy Quade Quentin, A Very Memorable Monster by Rebecca Danger.
Yarn: I used about 1.5 skeins of Patons Stretch Socks in "Nougat."
Needles: US # 1 double pointed needles
Ravelry Project Page: more pictures and notes are here.
Mods: N/A
Time: 10/5/2011 - 10/16/2011. About a week and a half.
Verdict: Love x 100! I did not love knitting this monster with such tiny double pointed needles, but he turned out fairly cute. So, I have no real complaints. Not bad for my first try. I did have issues sewing on the arms. They are crooked and not very neat-looking. Q is also a bit lumpy, since the stuffing did not cooperate well. Oh well! I am completely addicted to all of Rebecca Danger's Monsters and I plan to make more.

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In other news...I have been hobbling around since Saturday night. I stubbed my toe on the drawers under my bed, while trying to get to the bathroom, in the dark. Yeah...laugh if you need to. I stubbed my toe so hard, I thought I broke my toe. So far, I am unsure if it's broken, but it is three shades of purple, swollen and hurts to actually walk. If my toe is broken, this will make the third time I have broken the same toe, doing the same damned thing. I wish I was kidding. I broke the same toe when I was about 13, running down the hallway and hit my foot/toe on a little table's leg at the end of the hall. Broke it. Then, there was an incident about 10 years ago, I was running to answer the phone, turned a corner too fast and clipped my toe on the dining room chair's leg. Broke it. AND now, this one...It's getting a little ridiculous. I am a klutz!

So, since I finished knitted on my Q Monster. I am free to move on to my next major knitting project...the Central Park Hoodie. I am making a second hoodie for myself. I am also knitting this particular pattern with three of my friends. I am hoping that having a mini-knit along will inspire me to finish it. I plan to cast on the back piece, sometime this morning. I have some "chores" to do today, first. I will be blogging my progress, of course.

That is it for this early morning post. I hope that you all have a great Monday. I am going to definitely try...Toodles!

Happy Birthday

2011-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 20th Birthday to my oldest daughter, Taelor...

I'm a little sad that she is not home to celebrate her birthday. This is the first time, that she has not been home for the occasion. Tae is currently in Mississippi. Well, until Christmas, anyway. I miss the brat!

I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my child is now 20 years old. ~sigh~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAE! <3

Thrifting Adventures

2011-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Hubs, Hannah and I spent the afternoon thrifting. We don't do this too often, but occasionally, it is a lot of fun to hunt for goodies. We have been trying to find new thrift stores to visit...you know, different ones each time. So, here is our day, in pictures...

I took this picture because of the yellow leaves, or what's left of them. It is certainly looking very Autumnal around here. Red, gold and orange trees everywhere. I am liking it.

I took a snapshot of Miss Hannah, the youngest teen. She is actually smiling/laughing. Usually, when she sees my camera...she hides. Maybe the Fall crisp air is going to her head...Lol!

I bought a few books. I am collecting the JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series in paperbacks. I found one that I didn't have...I am up to three of them, now. I also have several Hannah Howell novels in my collection. Add another one. The other two books were just random purchases for smut reading purposes. Yes, I like to read mindless smut sometimes...

I found this shirt for $4.00. It's white, which is a stain waiting to happen, for me. I love the style, it fits me nicely, etc. It has pretty embroidery along the neckline. It's T-shirt material and 3/4 sleeves. Love it.

Lastly, a new t-shirt. Hubby found this one for MEEEEE...A True Blood themed t-shirt. It was $2.99 and had a 50% 0ff tag to boot. Cheap! I love the t-shirt. Not only is it my favorite color, but my most favorite show on TV. I am a True Blood nerd, I admit it. Best find of the day!

I did look at yarn, at the thrift store, but nothing caught my eye. Nothing I had to have...Maybe next time.

And that is my day, in pictures...I had a lot of fun. Hubby and I are now settled in with some beer/wine and are going to watch Thor. I have been wanting to see it. Thank you Netflix for not separating your services. We decided to keep the DVD part of our service. :-)

WEEK 6 - Puffs!

2011-10-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

This week I have been knitting on my Q Monster, mostly. I work on a puff or two when I can. I only knitted 10 hexi-puffs this week. Well really, 10 and a half, but I did not count the half in today's count. I even managed to finish off a skein of sock yarn, the blue/green/orange/yellow. I love using it all up. I feel sort of accomplished about it. Also, this week, I spent a bit of time striping and slip stitching a few colors of yarn leftover from a little swap with some of my own colors, to make them stretch. The dark teal puff is two different colors of sock yarns. The pink and blue striped puff is a pink sock yarn that I striped with some blue of my own, etc.

So, my stats for the week...10 puffs knitted, for a total of 65 completed. I keep telling myself...progress is made one week at a time. Right? I still have no idea how many puffs I will make until I feel finished enough to put the puffs together, into a blanket. We'll see...

Happy Weekend, my friend! Woo Hoo!

Yarn For CPH

2011-10-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Red Heart Supersaver in #0624 Tea Leaf

Two of my friends and I are doing a little knit-along really soon. We are going to knit the Central Park Hoodie (CPH). This will be my second time knitting this cardigan. I plan to make a few mods this time around. Last time, I knitted it exactly a the pattern was written. I'm a little wiser this time around.

Yarn choices...Well, I bought some Red Heart Supersaver in "Tea Leaf" green. I know that a lot knitters say that the only things that will survive the zombie apocalypse are Twinkies and Red Heart acrylic. That is the point. Nothing will kill my cardigan after I complete it.

I need a sturdy, high functioning, washable yarn for my Central Park Hoodie. I plan to wear this cardigan almost daily. My apartment gets extremely drafty in the Winter months, a warm cardigan is needed.

So, this is the plan. We are thinking of starting our little knit-along on Monday. I have to finish up my Q Monster first. I am working on the little arms right now. After that, it's all finishing. I have a busy weekend ahead of me. I just hope to find some time to knit.

Plans for today...Taking the youngest downtown for some boot shopping, this afternoon, and then we are both getting our hair cut.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Done: Floral Cloche

2011-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

I started and finished a really cute crocheted hat this morning. Quick & dirty! I like those kinds of projects, sometimes.

So, I am meeting Hubby downtown, after work, this evening. I decided, at 7am this morning, that I need a cute crocheted cloche to wear for the occasion. I love being a knitter and crocheter. I can just randomly decide that I need a hat and "POOF" there it is. From beginning to finish, this hat took me exactly 1.5 hours. I actually timed it. I can be pretty damned speedy when I must.

Specs On The Hat:

Pattern: Floral Cloche, a free pattern from Crochet Today, Sept/Oct 2008.
Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids, about 1/2 a skein of "true gray." The flower was made with Loops & Threads Santa Fe Striped Roving in "amethyst stripes."
Hooks: I used an I hook for the hat itself. I used a G hook for the flower.
Size: one size
Mods: The pattern called for two strands of sport weight yarn to make the actual hat. I just used a thick worsted, instead. Also, I used a finer yarn and smaller hook (G) for the flower. I did not want my flower to be as large as the pattern one.
Time: 1.5 hours from beginning to end.
Verdict: LOVE! This hat is super cute and easy to make. The pattern has written instructions as well as charts for the hat and flower. I used the charts to make both. I am also loving the gray-ness right now. I think I mentioned this in my previous post. Lol! I may have to make several of these. Next one...black with a red flower, maybe?

Things I Love

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Things I am loving this week. I seem to be attracted to all things silver, gray and neutrals. Hmmm...? I have no idea why. So, here are my loves for this week.

I love these gray gradient nails. I wish my nails were that pretty. I'm a housewife...I do dishes at least twice a day, scrub floors, etc. Nail polish never lasts me more than a day without chipping. I love these nails. I want them...but then I'd have to give up my daily housework. I'm okay with that.

I love this coat. I couldn't afford to buy this one, as it is from Anthropologie. I would love to find a similar coat somewhere else, much cheaper. I have a black coat that is sort of like this style, but I would adore a gray one too.

I love big, funky earrings. I have short hair. This allows me to play with earrings a lot more than when I had really long hair. I love these earrings. They look like angel wings to me. Want them.

I also have a thing for knit and crochet hats. I really love this one. I like the cloche style, the flower and it's chunkiness. I want to crochet one similar to this one. Again...in gray.

Okay, this image isn't really gray. I love the wall of postcards. I used to collect postcards, myself. Of course, I have no where near enough to cover a whole wall. I do love this idea, though. Who needs wallpaper?

What are you loving this week?

Wordless Wednesday # 26

2011-10-12T05:48:00.001-07:00

S-L-O-W Knitting

2011-10-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my Q Monster's first leg/foot. I am so excited by this. You have no idea...I must have been insane to knit a Monster on US # 1 needles. Next time, someone slap me, Mmmkay. I have no idea what I was thinking. I will start the second leg/foot sometime tonight. It is a lot of mindless stockinette. I am sure to find something to watch on Netflix to pass the time.

The leg/foot looks like a wee mini-sock. It's so cute with it's little heel flap and gusset too. Love it. Of course, I still have to knit two little arms for my Monster. I am sure to zoom through those, once I finish the legs/feet. Almost done...I keep telling myself.

I had a bit of startitis this morning. I was looking for another project to start knitting or crocheting on. Anything a little more fast-paced than this US # 1 needles. Lol! I refrained. I am keeping my WIPs to a minimum for now. I am working on my Monster and hexi-puffs for now. That's it. I can't remember the last time I only had two projects on the needles. Just two...shocking, I know.

It's been a really strange day around here:

- I've been kind of busy.

- The oldest daughter, Taelor, called me and let me know that she is heading to Mississippi for her Aviation Supply training. She will be there for about 60 days. We have no idea where she will be stationed after that. We will have to wait and see.

- I got to meet, the youngest daughter, Hannah's, boyfriend's Mom. Did I type that right? Not sure. Hubby and I like Han's little boyfriend. He is very polite and nice. His Mom is also nice...very chatty. Her and I talked for over 30 minutes, just shooting the breeze.

- Also, the weather has been really odd today. Sunshine one moment and downpours the next. Just wait 5 minutes and the weather changes. It's kind of chilly though...55-60 degrees and breezy. At one point it rained so hard there was a river pouring off of my roof. I suggested to the managers that they install proper gutters on the buildings here, but no avail. I think the gutter idea would prevent my and my neighbors yard from flooding during these types of downpours. Oh well, what do I know...?

I am going to be kind of busy the rest of the week, I think. Not only do I have my usual house chores..but I have errands to run this week. I have to go and pick up my medications from Walmart, wayyyy on the other side of the city. I will have a grocery store trip via the metro bus (Fun times). Hannah has to take her PSATs this week...Craziness and nervousness for her. Bills need paying. I need a hair cut, desperately. Yarn shopping, mailing off a package to a friend, etc. I will just have to get to one thing at a time...

So, this was a bit of my strange day. A good day, but a little weird. I am off to knit a bit on Monster legs. Heheheh...Have a great evening, peeps.

Knitting On Tiny Needles

2011-10-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting quite a bit lately, with not much to show for it. I have been knitting on teeny-tiny needles. I really need a worsted weight project with US # 8 needles. I am trying to finish my Q Monster first, though.

So, my WIPs are as photographed, as of 10 minutes ago. Over this past weekend, I knitted three hexi-puffs during my "in between" time. I also finished the body portion of my Q Monster and have begun the first leg. It is very slow going...on US # 1 needles. I swear, the next monster I make will be a worsted weight one. Thankfully, knitting the legs and arms are fairly quick. The biggest piece is the body. I am done with that. Whew!

What else? Oh, Tae called me yesterday. She is doing well. She finished her MCT and is finding out today, where her training for her aviation supply stuff, will be. More than likely she will be in Mississippi for a bit. She isn't sure when she will get time to visit home again. I miss the brat! I'm glad she is doing good and is happy. I am not going to whine, I promise. Believe it or not...Taelor turns 20 years old in 6 days. It makes me feel really old to think of it. This will be the first birthday in her life, that she has not been home to celebrate. ~sniff~

Hannah, the youngest, is sick with a nasty cold, the past few days. Whatever it is...it is going around her school, lately. I am hoping that it won't pass on to me. I was sneezing several times yesterday...so far I am not feeling sick, so who knows? I feel fine, for now. I have a busy week/weekend ahead. I can't afford to get sick on top of all that.

I also reverted back to the old style blogger template. I do love the Dynamic View templates a lot, except for one thing...I missed having my sidebar on my blog. So, until that is resolved, I am keeping the old style. I had to try the new template out, and now I know. I'm an old school blogger, cluttered sidebar and all. So, we are back to the usual blogging, sidebar included.

I am off to do a few Monday morning chores. Then back to knitting on my teeny-tiny needles for a bit. Have a pleasant Monday, everyone. It is pouring rain and cold here...perfect knitting, hot tea weather.

Week 5 - Puffs!

2011-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

My hexi-puff knitting has been slack this past week. Boo on me! I admit to knitting on other things this week. I am still knitting on puffs, during my "in-between" times.

This week I only managed to knit 8 puffs. I used yarn leftovers that my friend, Tricia, sent to me. I am loving the news colors. My sock yarn gets a bit boring...looking at the same colors over and over.

This week: 8 puffs knitted for a total count of 55 hexi-puffs completed.

I still haven't figured out how many total puffs I will be making for the quilt. I figured I would knit hexi-puffs until I loose my mind and/or I get sick of looking at them. I have no idea how many that will be...Stay tuned.

I have been knitting on a Rebecca Danger Monster that I am calling "Q." It has three names that begin with a Q, and I can never remember what order they go in. Anyways, it is a really slow knit project. Tiny needles and sock yarn. I am trying to speed it up. I am soooo backed up on knitting projects right now. Too many things to knit, not enough time or hands to do all of them in. I need some knitting oompah loompahs...I will get all of my knits done eventually.

So, enough chit-chat. I am off to knit on my Q Monster for a bit. I should be cleaning up the downstairs, this morning. I'd much rather knit.

Happy Friday to all my fellow Crafters. The weather has finally gotten cooler and it's a perfect weekend to sit in and knit. I'll be parked on the couch, doing just that. Toodles!

Trying A New Template & A Monster

2011-10-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, nobody flip out, or anything...I am trying out Bloggers new "Dynamic View" blog templates. This one is called "Magazine." I like the new simple design and the way the blog content is displayed...but I am kind of missing my sidebar. I am going to try this template out for a week or so and see if I like it.

What do you think?

An FYI, to get to the comments...click on the post link and you can view the entire blog post and the comments are at the bottom of that page/window.

In knitting news...I have only knitted a handful of hexi-puffs this week. I will do my weekly progress post on those tomorrow.

I am currently knitting on a Rebecca Danger Monster. This photo shows my progress on Quincy Quade Quentin, A Very Memorable Monster. I am using sock yarn and US # 1 double pointed needles. It is slow going...But fun to make, so far.

I am completely obsessed with knitted monsters. They are freakin' adorable.

I am done for tonight. I am finishing up dinner and then I have my nightly chores to do and after that, back to my monster knitting. Have a pleasant night, folks.

Things I Love

2011-10-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time, for Things I Love. So, this week I am loving these things.

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I love this crocheted scarf. It's a cat. I am loving the animal-type scarves lately. I have seen a few of them on Ravelry, these days. I have no idea where to find a pattern for this scarf. It's adorable and I seriously want one. I will have a look around and see what other animal scarves I can find and/or make.

I am loving this mix-matchy outfit. Plaid with floral. I am a big fan of mixing and matching patterns in my clothes. I am also a Pacific Northwest girl...we layer everything here. I am a crazy, wacky dresser at times. It just depends on my mood that day.

A friend of mine, bought me this book, The Big Book Of Knitted Monsters, yesterday. I love this book. LOVE x 100! I adore the cute monsters...all of them. I am sure to be knitting many-a-monsters in the near future. Be prepared.

With the coming cooler season and spending more time indoors, I want to study more on my beliefs. I love reading Pagan books and relearning things that I have forgotten. I love rededicating myself to the Craft.

I love paper snowflakes. I am known to make hundreds of them and hanging them from my ceiling during the holiday season. They are cheap and easy to make. I haven't done it in the past few years. Seeing this photo makes me want to do this idea again. The paper snowflakes are just so pretty. I must make a bunch for this year.

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What are you loving this week?

Finished: Elphaba Mitts

2011-10-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

I made a goal, yesterday, to finish my Elphaba Mitts before I went to bed last night. I did it! Aren't they great? I love them. The colors in the yarn rock my world. Normally, I don't care if my stripes are matchy-matchy on my socks. I really did not give a care for it on these mitts...Until I looked at the mitts in the photo. If I had taken the small bit of "gray" off, on the bottom right mitt, they would have matched up perfectly. Silly me, for not paying attention. Oh well. It really isn't a big deal to me. Just an observation...

Specs On The Fingerless Mitts:

Pattern: Elphaba Mitts by Valerie Johnson, a free pattern download on Ravelry.
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici in "time traveler." (Dr Who inspired colors) I used about 3/4 of a skein to make the mitts.
Needles: US #2 double pointed needles
Size: One size available
Mods: None. Followed the pattern exactly
Time: About 5 days from start to finish
Verdict: I loved making these mitts. The pattern is well written, easy to follow. The pattern stitch is easily memorized and was interesting enough to hold my interest. The fingerless mitts fit me perfectly. My hand is 8" around at the widest part. They do have a bit of give/stretch, but if you have a larger hand, you may wish to use a larger size needle/yarn. Just a thought...

One Fingerless Mitt...

2011-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to be cleaning up the apartment, yesterday. Instead I knitted, mostly. Shame on me...I did manage to finish one fingerless mitt for my efforts. It's just like second sock syndrome, though. I have to make another one to match.

I MADE myself cast on for the second mitt, last night. I will finish the second mitt in a reasonable amount of time. I will!

The fingerless mitts pattern is a freebie on Ravelry, called Elphaba. Great pattern, well written too. I highly recommend the mitts/pattern. Aren't they cute? I think so. Oh yes, the yarn...is Knit Picks Felici Fingering Self Striping Socks Yarn in "Time Traveler." A friend sent this skein of yarn to me specifically to make the Elphaba mitts. I have been told by other knitters that the colorway is Dr Who inspired colors. I will have to take your word for it. I have never watched Dr Who. Am I the only one? I will have to check out Netflix streaming to see if they have any episodes available to watch. I'm all curious now.

What is Dr Who about? I need a summary, people. Someone tell me...

Alright, since I neglected to clean much yesterday. I will be doing the cleaning today. BOO! It's Monday. It's rainy and cool. I am cleaning. Meh, for Monday this week. Have a good one anyways...

Week 4 - Puffs!

2011-09-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, which means it's time to count my weekly puffs. I have knitted quite a few of them this week. I had a surge of puff-making due to having traded mini skeins of sock yarn with a friend. New colors and yarns were exciting to work with. So, this week's count is as follows:

14 puffs were knitted this week, for a total of 47 puffs completed.

Now that's progress! I am almost to the 50 count. So close...

This is not a color placement, or anything. I just sort of spread all the puffs out on the dining room table to see what it would look like. I really love the bright ones.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Things I Love

2011-09-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

Another week of Things I Love. I am finding that I really look forward to this weekly post. Here is this week's sharing of love...

I have no idea why I love these rocks. They are just rocks, after all. I just think they are soooo pretty. I want to make some. I just need some rocks and a black permanent marker. Cute idea. Simple.

Okay, it's no secret...I love coffee and teas. I also love unusual mugs in which to drink from. I saw this mug and immediately wanted one. I love the owl. Maybe I'm on an "owl kick?" I have been looking at owl related knit and crochet projects on Ravelry too. Speaking of coffee...Happy National Coffee Day!

Yes, most of us have accidentally felted a wool sweater. I admit to having done this once. Well, why not make it into something else? I love this idea of making a pair of felted mittens. Cute mittens would definitely take the sting out of the felting a nice sweater. Right?

Some of the leaves are just now beginning to change here in the Portland area. I can't wait until all of the colors are on display. It's one of my most favorite times of year. The leaves...the colors. I want to step into this picture. The colors just make me smile.

I don't know if it's this upcoming Halloween, but I am really loving all things ZOMBIES! Yes, I am weird. Maybe it's the year of the zombie?

What's your obsessions this week? C'mon share...

October 2011 Knit Picks Catalog

2011-09-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

My October 2011 Knit Picks Catalog arrived in the mail yesterday evening. Look, look, look what I found in the pages this month. My Oregon Grape Socks (yellow socks) are in the catalog this month. Yay! I've known about this development for a few weeks, but had to refrain from blogging about it. It was a secret. I can tell everyone about it now, since the catalog has been released.

I am excited. Can you tell?

Okay, that was all that I had to share, this early in the morning. Back to your regularly scheduled knitting. Have a great hump day, folks.