Fulmar Update

The progress on this is going so quickly. I'm on my 4th ball and we've got the rib done and on to the main body.



This picture is actually not time accurate. But as my NEW CAMERA is charging...new pictures will have to wait.

Tomorrow is a new year, and my friend and I are heading out to The Fold. Nothing like a fiber sale to start off the new year perfect.

Have a happy and safe New Year!!

Look At The Loot...

First off, let me say that my husband is awesome and knows me better then I know myself. I don't have a hard time saying what I want, but I surely wasn't expecting all this...I have to personally thank Tricia and Cory from Nana's Knitting Shop for guiding my husband down the correct path...even if I posted a wish list...you guys were spectacular at picking up on my colors. Thanks!

In the reading department...yes, people I got not one but two books. Both are fabulous and I've been skipping away to my bedroom to steal moments alone with them.



I can't even start to tell you how many patterns I LOVE in there. sigh. I just wish I could knit faster;)



Now socks...come on...can't go wrong with a sock book. The big plus is the patterns are also written for circular needles!! They might not be toe-up, but with patterns like these I'll be busting through my sock stash like crazy.

Well, now to talk yarn. Here is the Dale Baby Ull in a lime green and grape-ie purple. This is my new small project for the start of the new year. Wondering what I'm making? ... Endpaper Mitts



And last, but certainly not least by any stretch...yummy Malabrigo. Oh yeah people...I've got enough to make Wicked.



The color is so rich and deep fire red/orange that it was hard to photograph. I'm hoping to start looking into cameras this weekend. This one was great when I bought it 3 years ago, but it's seen better days.

I still have to blog about Fulmar and show you updates on that...and lets not forget about my Koolhaas Malabrigo hat...

Signing off for now, hoping to post soon. I hope you all are safe, healthy and ringing in the new year in your own special way. Cheers and Knit-On!

Tap-Tap-Tap

(swipe off the cob webs)...Is this thing on?...

Yeah, I've been a bit busy. It was a little thing called Christmas. I've rated the quality of the kids enjoyment on how soon they eat after opening presents. They didn't have a single bit of my baked French Toast. It was a good day. I hope everyone had a very Merry Holiday.

I will keep this short, as I do want to show off my goodies properly. Hubby was fantastic this year...I couldn't have asked for better;)



Kids look happy....



Yep, she did want to ride the bike, but we were lucky she didn't want to go outside;)

Had this to deal with and still dealing with...



Kinda stinks to use a bonus for something that is only 5 years old and should work. The only thing to bring my spirits up is holding a tiny-tiny little wee one...



Little Mimi was a delight. It's hard work being so little;)

Friday Quickie

Here is a progress shot of the Koolhaas hat did up in Malabrigo.



Company holiday party is practically under way... with only one joker in the mix to try to ruin the plans. Not gonna happen buddy. I'm slicker and wiser then you.

I hope that everyone's holiday celebrations, no matter what or how you do it goes smooth. I think this is going to be the best year since Eric was very young. We've got the magic in the house again and I'm loving being apart of it.

Hope to post between now and the new year... Cheers!

Things To Be Thankful For...

I love, love, love my Stitch 'n Bitch girls. They keep me sane more then they probably realize. Last night was our Holiday Party and oh what fun we have. Cheesecake, cookies and coffee, oh my.

As requested I'm posting up some of my favorite holiday cookie recipes. These are easy and super yummy.

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Almond Graham Delights

2 Sticks Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Sliced Almonds
2 Sleeves of Graham crackers

Break apart graham crackers into individual cookies and line a jelly roll cookie sheet. Melt butter in the microwave. Mix sugar with butter, then drizzle evenly over crackers. Sprinkle sliced almonds over top. Bake at preheated 375 oven for 7-9 minutes. Check on them often so as not to burn. Let cookies cool slightly for 1 - 2 minutes, but remove promptly to cooling rake otherwise they will stick to the sheet. Plaese note to also rise the baking sheet with hot water to remove access sugar which turns to glue.

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Ginger Snaps

3/4 cup butter softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and egg. In another bowl combine 1 cup flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Combine with wet ingredients and mix well. Slowly add remaining flour. Chill dough in freezer for 15 minutes. Preheat oven at 375. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Bake on a parchment lined (or greased) cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool for 1 minute on sheet then transfer to cooling rake. Between baking place dough back into freezer.

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Also wanted to share Mac's first Snowman. Looks like he's been in a fight, but adorable none the less.



Sorry for the low knitting content...will have updates soon. I do have to say the Malabrigo is fabulous to knit with.

2 FO: Bunny for the Bunny

This is one finished object:



Pattern: Bunny Blanket by Lion Brand
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine
Needle: US3 (the pattern recommends decreasing needle size for the head, but I stayed with the same needle)
Comments: super quick...like one day quick. Yarn is fabulous, so if you need a quick project I totally recommend this one. Miss Mac thinks it's hers but it's for another little girl....

Becca's Finished object:

Baby Girl

Looks like not one of us guessed the right due-date for Becca's Baby. She finally gave during the night at appx 1:30 am Monday (Dec 17th). Baby weighs in at 7 lbs 12 oz and 19 1/2 in long. Sounds like everyone is happy and thrilled.

Congratulations Jason and Becca!
- oh, and Becca, you better let her hold the needles early;)

Time For a Hat

Yes ladies and gents...that is some Malabrigo. sigh. I know...I can't wait either. I'm looking for hat patterns and I think I might do another Koolhass.

I do have an announcement to make. Are you sitting down? I have finished the front panel for Fulmar. I know it knocked me on my butt when I finished it come 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

Whisky In, Wisdom Out

No... this is not a tale of my lush ways. I spent 60 minutes in traffic court last night and this was some advice the judge gave out. It pretty much sums up the whole story for these strangers, but I got a chuckle. I'm sure they were not not happy with the 50 dollar fine. I was lucky to have gotten my ticket dismissed. Yippee, as that means more cash towards holiday gifts.

Note to all suburbanites out there... walking in the middle of the street is a city violation. That is why we have sidewalks. Needless to say, my son got an ear full when I got home. I don't ever want to be that parent standing up in front of the judge.

I'm steady working on Fulmar...these neckline decreases go by fast. I'm already on the right side of this front panel.



I'm also declaring that my favorite swear word phrase is now Poo-Poo-Pee-Pee. My clever little stinker has come up with her own come back and she loves using it ... all. the. time. Well, at least when her brother is bothering her. It could be worse, right? I'm just waiting for the upgraded version Fu**ing-Poo-Poo-Pee-Pee-Head to come next.

Random Wednesday

13 days people...yep...seriously. I guess I don't even have to remind you of this number as I'm sure your well aware of it. Deep breath... lets move on. I have stuff to show off, but just real quick like...



Started a new pair of socks. The yarn is Shelridge Farms from Canada. I bought this stuff back in 2006 Stitches. I've been meaning to cast on for these for a while. They are a bit out of my comfort zone. I'm usually drawn to a something with more zing then brown. But, alas...I think I was wrong to prejudge this colorway. It's warm an reminds me of chocolate. The only down side is the yarn is very thin and with my new Knit Picks US1 (2.25m) needles the texture is very course. I'm not sure if it's my tension or perhaps the needle size. I believe the Addi's I usually knit my socks would be considered a US 1.5 (2.5m)...hum, they just feel a little stiff for my liking. I think I might grab my 2's and give it a shot there.

I've also started something else, but I don't want to reveal to much. Bethany (blog-free) will most likely recognize the pattern...hush now, don't spoil;)



What I can tell you is that the yarn is Knit Picks Shine and I'm loving the feel. I can totally see this yarn knitted in other patterns.

Last, but certainly not least is Fulmar.



Oh Yeah Baby...look at them neckline decreases. Just makes you swoon, right?

Ta-ta for now...

Santa

Every year we go the THE MALL and really it's not to shop. It's to see the BIG MAN dressed in red. Yep, Santa. I've been doing this since Eric was 6 months old, so I've seen my fair share of Santa's. I'm picky when it comes to Saint Nick. First off, there has got to be a real beard. None of this fake wig stuff. Second, he's got to have that...how shall I say...presence.

We arrived at THE MALL around 1 o'clock and they were not allowing any more people in the line as it was soon approaching reindeer feeding time. We dodge through the crowds and ventured into several establishments to pass time. I soon figured that sitting in line would work out much better in the long run. The boys were off doing what boys do while me and Miss Mac sat at the front rope, waiting for Santa's return.

I knit on the mini-half blood prince socks while she ogled the holiday decorations planted around Santa's chair. A short time later we hear bells ringing down the long corridor. Then out of know where a voice bellows all around us... Ho! Ho! Ho!

I swear I got chills.

Miss Mac grabbed my hand and said softly. "It's Santa..mommy" Yes...Yes it is.

Santa sat down. They opened the rope and she started to back up. I told her "It's okay, it's time to talk to Santa now."

"Come give me a big hug!" says Santa.

Mac quickly walks up to him and sheepishly hugs him. Not quite knowing what to do next. On the lap she goes and Santa asks the big question. What do you want for Christmas?

She hardly but a whisper...Thomas.

Without any hesitation "I know Thomas and Percy and Gordon, sure I know all Thomas's friends"

Mac looks up at him with the expression of wonderment...he knows them, he understands.

I quickly tell her to smile real nice for the camera and look what we walked away with:

The Stretch

Let me first say I love my Thermal. Let me say I loved knitting with Knit Picks Gloss. Let me also say that I've lost a few pounds since said garment was finished back in July of 2007. But for this gorgeous knit..



To go looking like this...



Look at the saggy neckline? sigh, I'm upset. What to do? Silk obviously stretches doesn't it. So, this is what I did. I felted it.

Okay, breath...seriously, inhale and exhale. It's not that bad...I did this:

I did a quick 10 min soak in the washer (no agitation). Pushed the dial to spin to get as much of the water out, then stuck the whole thing in the dryer. I checked on it every 5 minutes, until I could tell that it was nearly dry then it was every 3 min. Pulled it out and laid it out on the guest bed to dry and couple days later...



I'm so happy I did it, because I was so mad to have spend money, time and energy to love something so dearly to then be a waste of time. sigh. It's a good sigh people. phew.

Oh Hell No!

Okay, so let me just say I'm super jealous of everyone out there who has all their holiday shopping done. (evil eye stare).

Sat down with hubby last night to go over budget and all that good stuff. We've taken several people off the xmas list as it has just gotten to be to much for the holidays. When this happens that's when guilt sets in. I want to give. give. give, but what do you do when you can't? I bake. sigh. At least I know I can do that and not feel to guilty that I haven't bought for everyone this year. Yeah, that's it...pump them full of sugar and maybe they wont notice how broke we are;)

Now, what kills me is this... hubby and I talked about who and what and how...he gets to a certain member of my family and pulls the "oh, you could just knit something!"... huh? me? knit? ARE YOU SERIOUS! I played it off all cool...and now here I am on my lunch break searching Ravelry for the perfect, simple, quick, yet jaw dropping holiday gift you can give. Nope. Not going to happen. I said no holiday knits. I mean it. I'm not stressing myself over this blown out of the water holiday anymore.

This year is all about my kids and what they want. My son has pulled a miracle this holiday and turned an F into a C. Yep, that's my boy!!

Alrighty Then...moving along. Knitting news. The Koolhass hat is now in time-out. I can't seem to read the knitting when I ripped back and have no clue where I am in the pattern. sigh. It would probably be quicker to start over.

Fulmar is just inches away from neckline decreases and because I love pictures...here is a photo:



Only other thing going on is Becca's Munchkin is due (Go check out the glowing mommy-to-be) ... MB and I have already lost the bet. Others still in the running are as follows:

• Karen has December 5th (3:30 am, 7lbs 14oz 19in)
  
• Bethany has December 6th
• Linda has December 7th
• Nancy has December 8th
• Wren has December 9th
• A:) has December 12th
  
• Mo has December 15th
  

FO: Mini-Half Blood Prince Socks

Pattern: Two Socks, Toe Up, on one Circ's (Magic Loop)
Yarn: Mackintosh Yarns in the Half Blood Prince colorway
Needles: US 1
Start Date: November 12, 2007
End Date: December 2, 2007
Comments: I finished these up last night as Miss Mac fell asleep on the couch with me. Well, of course I had to take a picture of them on her and what a better opportunity then now?

My hubby thought the other end was much cutter to photograph, but as he doesn't understand half of the things I do...it's okay.

My son would also like to point out that if I by chance knit him a pair a socks and plan on photographing them while he sleep, that I should take heed for booby-traps.

Just a Pinch of Sage

I know it's been awhile since I've posted any spinning projects, but the answer is Yes! I have been spinning. Certainly not as often as I would prefer, but not letting dust settle on the wheel either;)

Couple weeks back I posted about my latest Merino blend in a lovely Sage color. What I was most delighted about was the other color streaks that run throughout the green. A little canary yellow, a punch of cranberry red and was totally surprised to see a bright cyan in the mix.

I finally filled two bobbins and then on a spur of the moment thing, plied them up. I'm still pretty new at this whole spinning thing, but learning as I go. I never really understood how you can fill two bobbins with the same amount...and then of course the light bulb went off while spinning with Lady A. It's really as simple as dividing them up equally in the beginning before you even start spinning. Well Duh!

Gosh, She's Got A Big Head

Just wanted to say thank you for all your suggestions on creepy Big Guy. We had quite a laundry list of ideas at last nights SnB of how to handle this man in the future. For now, I will sit in another part of the train...I'm not big on confrontation. I do want to say, if by some chance I forget about this man and find myself in this predicament again, I can surly say that he'll have a very bad experience on his way home;)

Do you want some knitting news? Of course you do. The Fulmar is not in time-out nor in jail, but just on vacation for a spell. I don't want to burn myself out on this tremendous project, so little things in between are super nice.

I did want to bring up the damn Sahara...lovely silky Sahara. I'm not pleased with my increases for the waist shaping and will rip back some 20 rows to redo them. No big deal, but I just don't want to. Ya know? The only projects I really want to knit are things I don't have to fix. I'm sure once I rib back all will be okay, but I can't muster the will.

I do have a couple of pictures of my little stinker making a fuss. The hat was actually finished and done...we're talking ends woven in done. Placed hat on Mac and it shot off her top like a rocket. My husband walks away and states "she's got the Carlson head" ... I then yell after him, Hey! It's all hair...besides, it just means a big brain.

All I wanted was a clear, smiley progress shot of the Koolhass Hat and this is what I got:



Don't mention sticky toes while doing a photo shoot...you get toes coming at you.



She then refused to take another picture unless she could stick her tongue out. Oh the joys to be three.

Change in Plans

I think it’s time to change a habit. Why do you ask? It has to do with another person who has fallen into my routine and I don’t care for it. This person was once just some random commuter who is apart of my train ventures. Until about a month ago. I will now forever call him Big Guy. I know I really should have gotten creative with the name, but it’s really not worth my time at this point.

I was even tempted to take a photo of him to warn all those who commute, but I figured with his big stature and all I don’t think I would get away with it. The best I can do is a sketch.



All right...it goes back several weeks. Now I’m sure you can imagine a very busy rush hour train, right? Well, since I board the train at the first stop I can usually grab a window seat, but once we get to the next stop the remaining seats get occupied very quickly. The first time Big Guy sat with me, I just was completely discussed. There are very distinct lines that divide the double seats and he is clearly not noticing these. Obviously by his name you can pretty much guess he is Big. Now, when I mean BIG I don’t mean FAT. Although he might have some pounds to shed...that’s not the visual I’m looking for...No....this guy is just very large. He must stand close to 6 ft 7 something...and weighs perhaps 230. He sits down with his overstuffed winter coat and furry fox hat, then proceeds to open his briefcase and pull out reading material.

I am always curious as to what people find for entertainment on these 45 minutes stretches between work and home. I would say it's mostly split between sleeping and reading. If someone sits next to me I usually check out what they're reading. Is if for pleasure or purpose? This guy? I can't seem to decipher his taste. I've seen everything from Economic Review to Market Analysis charts.

Well, the really nitty-gritty of it all is he is smothering me. I'm certainly not a small woman, but good God! I keep my elbows firmly to my body, not slid back all way where I could poke him with an elbow or needle. Although I've thought about doing that. Imagine if you will your sitting there knitting away and all of a sudden you have this pressure. You become very stiff and feel lodged between Big Guy and Train Window. This certainly does not make for good knitting time. I adjust my self in the seat which involves me moving as far to the window as possible. Yet, his man is not done. He proceeds to undo his coat, so now I not only have Big Guy smashing me, I have his hot down feather coat laying on me to make things worse. I couldn't take it and after a while of him twitching in his seat, I excused myself and move to a different part of the train.

Since that day, he has made a point of sitting with me every time I sit in my favorite part of the train. I'm done. I think it's time to start a new routine. Unless perhaps anyone has any suggestions as to getting rid of this bloke.

A Post For The Senses

Okay, can I just say I'm totally in love right now. This hat is fun, fast and fabulous. I'll totally make one for me and when I get the chance. Because I'm using a different yarn I had to do a little knitting math to make sure this would fit on Miss Mac.



So, now that I've given you something for your eyes, how about for your mouth?

Have you ever been in a situation where you were pressed for time but wanted to spend any spare moment you did have with loved ones? Or, have you ever been to up late and completely frustrated as to ideas for breakfast or just to tired? Well, here I bring you the perfect solution. I make this for Christmas morning, Fathers Day or even perhaps for a Bridal Shower.

Baked French Toast

1 loaf French bread
8 large eggs
2 cups Half-n-Half
1 cup milk
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Topping:
2 sticks butter (room temp)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbs light corn syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Slice bread into 1 inch thick slices. Overlap slices into a 9x13 baking dish. Combine eggs, half-n-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and beat well. Pour over bread evenly coating slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning pre-heat oven to 350. Combine all topping ingredients into a bowl and blend well. Evenly spread over bread and bake for 40 minutes. yummmm!

How Many?

Thanksgiving is always a good time in my house. I love to cook and I love to feed people. Thus the reason for my Getting Skinny for Stash, but I digress. For years I've always invited the whole family out to sit at my table and feast. I only really cook this way once a year, but I truly enjoy it. My husband and son get dibs on what dishes they want, and that hasn't changed. What has changed is that this year I didn't invite ANYONE. Guess what happened? It back fired on me. Yep, I prepared a meal to feed 6 with plenty of leftovers to last a week and ended up with 12 guests.



Lucky I hid that extra pumpkin pie, other wise that would have been crumbs too. I think I have enough turkey to make some yummy chicken soup.. yep, a carcass is all I have. I do want to say that I'm ever so thankful to have family to sit and eat with. I'm thankful that I they have brought a very memorable dinner for all invited. I'm thankful for all my knit, blog, and Ravelry buddies out there. I hope you all had a full-tummy kind of day.

On the knitting front I did get to finish the second skein and pulled out another one for Fulmar.



We did have a small yarn crawl scheduled for today, but as holiday turkey has a way of turning even the most loved knitter comatose, we settled for a meet up at Nana's Black Friday meet up. This is my newest project...and it's not for me.



A fellow Ravelry member posted the most adorable toddler version of this cute pattern from Interweave Holiday Knits. I'm hoping to modify the pattern for Mac. Pink and Purple Debbie Bliss...super soft and yummy.

36 Days

How is that possible? Only 36 days till until this whole holiday crap ends.... oops! did I say that. I think I'm turning into Scrooge? maybe...just maybe if the toy companies would stop showing The Best Toy Ever commercials on TV I might not be going insane. It is insanely cute that Miss Mac's favorite song is Santa is Coming to Town. I've got to remember to video tape her singing the song, you'll be off your rocker in tears.

No knitting progress shots for you. Spent the week doing everything but knitting. Luckily I've got only two work days and then it's all about the Turkey. Wednesday will be all about pies and prepping for Thursday. I'm totally psyched about Black Friday. The gals and I are doing a yarn crawl! I'm hoping to get in some photos of our exciting day as this is also Outlaw Knitters Day.

Some other awesome knitting news is that I'm the lucky winner of Claudia's
random book giveaway and have a copy coming my way of the Clara Parkes' book "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". How completely cool is that? If you haven't visited Claudia's blog, do so. Her photos are stunning and on more then one occasion received much needed knitting tips and tricks.

Only other news I have to post is on the Twins. They are just over a month old and doing well. Mom has reported that the introduction of the bottle is going smooth and they've both gained some weight. When they were first born, baby boy Tyrin weighed in at 2 lbs 8 oz and baby girl Nanaidia was 2 lbs 6 oz. The little girl is now passed her brother and is showing the best signs of improvement at 3 lbs 8 oz and the boy is weighing in at 3 lbs.

Since I hate to post without pictures, I give you silly faces to brighten your Monday:

Any Guesses?

At last nights Stitch 'n Bitch, we were all noticing the increasing size of a certain soon-to-be mommy belly.

Mrs Froebe is due December 12. Yes, only four more weeks to go. All the mommies out there are putting out the huge sigh. We all understand. It's the longest part of the pregnancy. Each day. Each hour. Each minute seems longer then the next.

After much discussing over when she'll pop...we all started to yell out dates. Here is a list of those who wish to poll there opinions. There listed in the order of the guessed dates.

• I'm putting my bet on November 25th
• MB has December 1st
• Karen has December 5th (3:30 am, 7lbs 14oz 19in)
  
• Bethany has December 6th
• Linda has December 7th
• Nancy has December 8th
• Wren has December 9th
• A:) has December 12th
  
• Mo has December 15th
  

Anyone else want to throw there date into the poll? (I'll update if you comment) I should have taken a belly picture, but this will have to do:



She was calculated at 12.5 TP sheets back in October, so I'm sure she's gone up at least a half sheet;)

FO: Merino-Noro Mits

I really can't get over how quickly these knit up. They were so quick that I haven't even blogged about them yet. I might have mentioned some time ago that I had spun up some gorgeous merino cross wool couple months back, but never really showcased it. Anywho... last week we hit a cold snap and I was really regretting not having something on my hands. With the Noro Wrap finished I had a good part of a skein left over and decided to use it for this project.



Pattern: My own (made it up, really)

Yarn: Merino handspun doubled with Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 5

Start Date: November 10, 2007

End Date: November 12, 2007

Comments: Started by getting my gauge numbers and then measuring the widest part of my hand. Did some small knitting math and came up with 36 stitches (which divides nicely on 3 dpn's). The whole mit is worked k1, p1 which allows for a nice give and tight hug when needed. The cuffs and fingers sections are done with single merino but the main palm is doubled with the Noro. These will do nicely to keep my hands warm and toasty.

A Beautiful Blend

On Saturday, Miss A from Knit and Run invited me over for a little afternoon of spinning. I was very happy to discover another spinner and so close to home...gosh, just minutes from my front steps.

I was amazed to discover that she is also a very new spinner like me. I bought my wheel at The Fold back in May and she followed suite about month later. Miss A has also experienced several spinning classes, which I'm hoping to do in the future. So, while I was there I learned some great tips and tricks but most of all she got the spin bug back in me. Thank you Miss A...I really did enjoy the afternoon...and it just wasn't the plate of cookies that did it;)



This is the Sage Merino Blend I worked on that afternoon. It's turning out quite lovely and can't wait to get another bobbin going.

What Have I Been Up Too?

I've started a new project if you've been paying close attention to my side progress bars. This is a hint for the little project for Miss Mac:



I love toes;)

Plus, I'm cheep...so cheep that when I first started to knit socks on two circ's I bought the longest length that the Addi Turbo's came in. I figured if I was purchasing two needles at $15 bucks each, they better be able to do more then knit socks. Well, I've never used them for anything else but socks and I can't stand the length. The cords get in the way and I was to the point that I never want to knit another pair of socks with them again.

Well that didn't last to long, but I still hate them. I will eventually purchase some Knit Picks 24 inch circ's, but seeing that I'm saving verse spending...I took the pair off two circ's and Magic Looped them on one needle. Fabulous! Now I can knit four socks with these two needles. Oh my, just think... two different socks on the needles at the same time....watch out.

Here is the baby twins of my Half Blood Prince socks. Pretty close to the heals on these.

See Me Blush

Mrs. H of I Like Yarn has given me the Yarn Ball Of Bloggy Excellence. I'm speechless. I've enjoyed reading her blog for sometime now and just recently she has dived into the Podcast arena. What an amazing and huge undertaking to put yourself out there. If you get a chance, go listen in and you wont be disappointed. She reviews books, gives updates on her current projects and talks about interesting blogs.

Thanks Mrs. H. Keep up the great work.

She Started It!

I swear it wasn't me. It's all Her Fault. But I certainly wont say I'm not loving the Fulmar Knit-Along. Knitterary and I got to compare our Fulmar's at the last SnB and it truly is something amazing.



I think the Fulmar has some secrete thing happening...just look at those grins. Half the time when I pause to look over the cables, I think to my self ...Wow, I did that.

My camera stinks and when I tried to take pictures of a side-by-side the colors were just screaming and combined with bad lighting...oy.



While out during lunch I took a daylight picture to really show off the cables...ah, much better.

FO: Noro Wrap

Pattern: Ponchette by Bonnie Knits from the Knitting Pattern A Day Calendar 2007

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 10

Start Date: October 12, 2007

End Date: November 6, 2007

Comments: The pattern called for Noro Iro, which is a bulky weight yarn. I feel in love with the Silk Garden and figured I'd go with that instead. The pattern had first caught my interest because it recommended only 2 balls. I ended up dipping into a 4th ball and in general would recommend 4 balls for this project. The results of picking a different yarn and needle size also adjusted the cast-on...trickle effect. I recommend doing a quick gauge swatch just to get a ball park figure. The rib allows for plenty of give, but you don't want this sucker to be to tight or too loose. I then measured the area around my shoulders and came up with my cast-on from there.

The pattern is easy and fast, the yarn is super yummy...can't lose.

Oh My Yoga

Have you ever let your body get so far out of shape that when you start to get back into the groove...and do something as easy and non-stressful as yoga...you're whole body goes into shock? Today people...my toes hurt. How the hell does every muscle ache even down in my toes?

When I got home... I discovered the Interweave Knits had arrived, so of course I had to snuggle in bed with my new socks and the newest Winter magazine. I'm not exactly thrilled with the selection of patterns, but some big highlights are the Ivy League Vest (designed by Eunny Jang - well, duh!), the Celtic Tote (cuz' I love cables), the Bonbon Pullover is growing on me.



I knew I needed to get some pictures taken of my works in progress and without any daylight in the evenings and Miss Mac all underfoot...it' slightly difficult. She is such a big helper, gosh I love this age.



With her holding the Fulmar it looks so much bigger. I have know idea what she's doing, but she found this photo shoot hilarious. I guess sticking your tongue out in pictures is the coolest thing to a 3-year old.

One of my other on going projects is this very simple Noro Wrap. It's my mindless knitting project for TV watching...yeah, speaking of TV shows...did you watch Heroes last night...OMG!!! I love this show! moving on...here is Miss Mac showing off the wrap...I'm on the decreases now, so soon I'll have a finished object to show off.



That's all for now...go knit.