Knitter's Haven

39 FOREVER

Hey Ya'll!

When I came in to work this morning, I was surprised to see that somebody decorated the hell out of my office with balloons and ribbons.  Yes! Today is my birthday. I took this picture with my camera phone. Gotta love it!

Today is also Shameka's' birthday.  Happy Birthday to my twin sistah (from another mother - HA HA)

I fully intended to make this an updated post with PICTURES of my progress. But for some reason, I seem to be having technical difficulties. So I will be brief.

I finished my Drop Stitch Lace Tank. Well, can I say that even though all I need to do is work some stitches around the neckline?  I haven't gotten around to that because I have cast on for another project. If you read Rosi G's blog, you may already know by now that she and I are doing a KAL on the Lace and Cable top from the current issue of VK. After seeing Robin's sexy top, I decided I had to have one too. Rosi works so fast, she's probably binding off as we speak! LOL 

I've also been involved in a charm swap and a fat quarter swap. I think I'm ready to take the plunge and participate in a quilt block swap.  I'm also planning on participating in the Ravelympics. I have NO IDEA what I will cast on for.

That's about all that I have. I hope to be back with a better update soon.

Til next time.

Later ETA:

Oh WOW!!! I just found a gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop from some nice people. THEY really like me!!! How enabling is that??? Aww shucks. I LOVE IT!

Secret Pal Questions

Thank You Secret Pal. Since I don't know your name yet, today I will call you Samantha. HA HA 

As you can see Samantha (aka Secret Pal) gifted me with this cute KNIT bag stuffed with goodies on the go. I emphasize knit because I truly believed she crocheted it.  Up until then, I'd been toting along the same type of items in a ziploc bag. Thank you again. I truly appreciate it.

Speaking of Secret Pal, there have been 4 questions and I've yet to answer one. I'll take a gander and answer as best as I can.

Question #1

What is your favorite summertime drink?

Fresh Lemonade. I also like fresh brewed Iced Tea. But I actually like that all year round. This weekend I added a new drink to this list. It's called a Watermelon Cooler. Basically, you put 4 cups of sliced up watermelon in a blender with a cup of Lemon Sorbet and a cup of cold water. Blend it well and refrigerate.  Then you pour over ice. It's very refreshing. Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen.

Question #2

As a kid what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

I just enjoyed being out of school and going to camp.

Question #3

What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

I say there is no such thing as the perfect stash.  My tastes are forever changing. If you asked me a year ago, I'd say what I had was the perfect stash. This year, I don't feel that way. I feel I'm in need of some serious stash enhancement.

Question #4

1) What yarn (that you don't have/haven't used) would make your stash complete?

Malabrigo

2) What yarn do you never want to be without?

Cascade 220 or Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece

New Ish

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Can ya tell I'm happy today is Friday???

Unfortunately, I've got nothing knitting related to report. The DSLT is still in progress. In fact, I'm back at the armholes again. Not too bad for a project that's been limited to being worked on in the car. If I really pushed myself, I could probably finish it over the weekend. But I always have something going on.  So, I'm not even going there.

I can offer you a little show and tell.  Here are a couple of items I've accumulated over the past week. I know I mentioned that I didn't get to attend the quilt expo and I felt it was only right that I remedy that with something quilt related.  So, while some of the Whatchamacallits are buying up the Japanese knitting books, I thought I would treat myself to a Japanese Patchwork book. I am really psyched about this book. It has 1,030 block patterns. My one disappointment is that the only pictures are that on the cover of the book.  Each block is illustrated in different views in which you are able to figure what to do. The Illustrations are the instructions for the blocks. I've always wanted to own a Japanese craft book. I just didn't know my first would be quilt related.

I also got me some cupcakes and Ice Cream in the mail. Oh 2 yards of one and 1.25 of the other.  What a treat.  These are from Robert Kaufmann's Sweet Tooth collection. Please don't ask me what I will do with them. I have NO IDEA. 

I recently paid a visit to Barnes and Noble specifically to purchase Verena Magazine. I made a mental note to seek this mag out after reading/seeing photos about it on Stacey's blog.  I am totally loving this magazine. You definitely get bang for your buck with this magazine. I am considering subscribing but I may want to see the next issue first before I decide on doing that.  I also saw it at BJ's (of course, after buying it in B&N). So, keep that in mind for MORE savings if you shop there. 

While on my way to the register at Barnes and Nobles, I hit the clearance aisle.  On a whim, I decided to get this quilt book, Instant Expert Quilting. After all, it was on clearance.  To make a long story short, the book rang up LESS than what I thought it cost. I was damn near running to more car!!! I couldn't wait to get out of that store. If you have ever seen the new Ikea commercial, with the woman leaving the store, telling her husband to start the car - it was like that for me.

What piqued my interest was this house quilt. I am smitten with House Blocks.  I also like the look of this scrappy goodness of the string quilt on the right. Too bad there are no directions in the book for the string quilt.  But it's still inspirational and I'm a resourceful gal. I've already bookmarked the page online that shows you how to do it.

   

Then last night, I came home to find a package waiting for me from Scouts Swag!!!!  I never did mention how I got in the Scouts Swag Sock club. This is my second package from Scout. This colorway is called Stacker Pond.  You will have to check in Ravelry if you want to see the first colorway. But that means I would have to update my stash first. HA HA.

Speaking of stash and Ravelry, I will be updating over the next few days/weeks. I've already started taking photos.

Have a Happy Crafty Weekend!

Another Week Gone By

Trust and believe me when I tell you I've been super busy since my last post. I HAD lots to say, but the days got ahead me.  So the best I can do is give a week in review. Although, the week is not quite over yet.

The biggest highlight of the week was going to DS #'2's graduation.  I can't believe he will be starting High School in Sept.

Last weekend, I have to admit I was just a bit down in the dumps.  WWKIP and a Quilting Expo I planned to attend were taking place the same day.  The Quilting Expo was all weekend. I REALLY wanted to attend because that's one thing I've yet to experience. I will have to plan it right next year. I imagine that when I do go, it will be like going to Rhinebeck (how many days to RB????).  I was just weighed down with too many obligations.  I DID remedy that angst. But more on that another day.

On Father's Day, we indulged in this yumminess. It's Chocolate Chip Pie!!!!!

See that little drop of melted icecream on the left???? It's best served WARM. My house smelled soooo good while it was baking.

When I went to put in some knitting time on my Drop Stitch Lace Tank, I suddenly recalled WHY I stopped knitting it.  I vaguely recall having a tantrum because, I had to rip back 50+ ROWS!!!! UGH.  Talk about instant aggravation. You see, I had inserted a lace panel in the back that should not have been there.  I didn't realize the error until I was at the armholes.  There really was no way I was going to leave the panel there - I was NOT FEELING it.  So, I DID rip and I am truly taking my time working on it. I keep searching for that next what I want to knit pattern.  So when that happens, I imagine that will get my heart racing.

Right now, I am gearing up for my Quilt Guild's show that is taking place tomorrow. I am looking forward to it. Tomorrow will also be the last meeting until September when it starts up again.

Have a crafty weekend!

Later ETA: I came back to note WHAT it is.  I kinda left that part out in my original post.

Up and Out from the Dungeon

I've been in search of my next knit. I'm STILL searching but decided to just work with what I have.  So I went and dug deep and came up with a project I put on time out.  My Drop Stitch Lace Tank. 

I started this sometime last year. I'm just too embarassed to search in my archives to find out when.  The hardest part is figuring out where I left off and just what was I thinking at the time to make me stop working on it.  I tried it on last night and it's at the armholes and I am LIKING the way it fits!  So there just is hope for me yet.  Although, it's been taking me days to do the figuring out.  I DID get a little lazy AND... my mind has been preoccupied with my latest quilt top.  Here's a sneak peek close-up. All that it's in need of are the borders.  Can't wait to get to it. 

I'm really hoping to put some time in for my DSL tank this weekend.  Especially with it being WWKIP Day!!!  Happy Knitting to those who participate and have something going on. 

Yeah, What They Said

Surely you must know I'm fan of The Soapy Knitter, aka Rosi G.  After all, she is the creator of my Primavera.  It seems only right that I would love her newest creation New York City.  It's got nothing to do with me being a New Yawker either!

Kindly show and prove just how much you agree with me and these individuals and vote for her New York City Shawl for the Favorite Trenna Design contest at Live Stitch Design.

To see all of the designs, just scroll down.

Secret Pal 12 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Not much of a fan of Woolease or Red Heart.  Not that there's anything wrong with it.  I don't like itchy, scratchy yarns. Oh and I don't like boucle.  Not interested in eyelash right now.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Right now, it's a smaller version of my storage bins.  Yep, everything is all thrown in there together.  But I do have an addi turbo circular needle case.  Also a handsewn case for dpn's

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting off and on since I was a teen.  I'd have to say steadily the past 10 years.  I was taught the basics by my grandmother.  Thereafter, I was self taught. I'd consider my skill level to be advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I sure do.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I like Bath & Body Works, Body Shop and Philosophy. My fav scents are grapefruit, coconut verbana, Pina colada, and strawberry. Not too big on spices.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Yes! It seems I do. I like Ice cream from Coldstone Creamery. I like chocolate, sour skittles, cherry jolly rancher's. Madeline's from Starbucks.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I sew a little here and there. I quilt. I crochet. Spin? I have a spindle and have tried using it, but I'm not very good at it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I don't like classical or rock music.  Aside from that, I'm open. Yep my computer/stereo that plays MP3s. 

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Reds, pinks, oranges, cool greens, chocolate, plum, honey.  I find I am drawn to the warmer tones.  I like colors that make me feel good.  Don't care for hunter green, mint green, or neons

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married with 3 children.  2 boys and one girl. No pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes, Yes, No and I can't remember the last time I wore my poncho.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I don't discriminate. I pretty much knit anything that tickles my fancy. Although there is nothing like instant gratification from a quick knit.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I'm trying to decide on my next knit now. Right now, I'm liking Bonne Marie's Nicole and Sweaterbabe's Lush and Lacy Cardigan

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circulars. Aluminun and Bamboo.  I don't like aluminum dpns though

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

ooh. I'm thinking maybe 4-5 yrs old.  It's Bonne Marie's Lo Tech Sweat. 

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I dunno. I guess Xmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

As of late, it would have to be fabric. I do have a slight pen fetish and I like journals.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm due to renew my subscription to IK. I'm a fan of Rowan, Rebecca and Phildar mags.  I don't have any of the current issues. I've been eyeing Heartfelt by Kim Hargreaves. I've been dying to get my hands on one of those Japanese crafting books.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Steeking

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Sure am.  8" circumference/9.5" long.  Size 7.5 US womens shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

July 22nd

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Jeanine

In the Making

Finally. Something I haven't had in a long while. A FO!

I am always so slow when it comes to the pictures and the blogging. I finished my "secret project" two weeks ago and am just getting around to the reveal.  It was none other than the Primavera Shrug by the creative and talented Superwoman - The Soapy Knitter.

I'm sure by now you've seen the ORIGINAL on her blog.  But it can't hurt to have a sample knitter either. I had the pleasure of knitting the sample for this darling shrug.   Knitting this actually restored my mojo which had been waning. It was the painlfree mindless knit that I needed. I'd have to say 85% of it was knit in the car.  Carpooling with DH has it's perks.  The pictures really do it no justice.

What I love most about it is the back panel that looks like hearts. Oh and the peplum in the back!!! 

I wore it work and received so many compliments. That totally made my day.  I can't thank my girl Rosi enough for allowing me be one of the first to knit it AND making me WANT to knit.  BTW Rosi, this was only knit ONCE. LOL!

Now if only I could decide what to knit next. Gotta take the moment while it comes!

Til next time!

I Know it's Been A Long Time But.....

Back in the day, on the rare occasion I did blog, I mentioned inserting a blog template that started with the title of today's post.

I just had not been myself the past few months. I had some health issues and eventually a minor surgery. All is well now.   

In the interim, I lost my knitting mojo and somewhat found it again. I have been knitting monogamously on ONE project for the past few weeks. It's mostly done in the car. More on that another day. I'm pretty durn excited about it because it's a SECRET knitting project.  I have the exclusive on it. It's like getting the item on sale the day before everybody else finds out about it. Feel me???  I also have some pics of old FO's to share but I need to take the pictures first.

Some of the people I work with like to bake. Whenever somebody has a birthday, one of them will bake a cake. It seems like there's always a birthday. The last birthday, there were 3 cakes! When I returned from my surgery they bought in a cake for me!  I'm not much of a cake lover. But yet, I always manage to have a piece of pie/cake in my hand asking for the recipe. So it's gotten a little contagious and trickled into my home. I have been doing alot of baking on weekends. Every weekend (or mostly every weekend) I try to make something new. It's getting to the point now when one of my kids may ask, what am I baking this weekend?  This past Sunday was a repeater. Meaning I've made it before. But this time with a different recipe. I made these delish Apple Dumplings. 

All I can say is, warm Apple Dumplings + Vanilla Ice Cream = OH BAYBEE!

I've no clue what will be on the agenda this weekend but I already have a few ideas in mind. If you know of any cool cakes/desserts send the recipe my way!

Back in March, I went to my first quilt guild meeting. YES!!!! I joined a quilt guilt. I gotta tell ya... It was the most exciting/exhilirating and intimidating day. I even had the nerve to show my first quilt top for show and tell. They are such a warm and welcoming bunch of women. As I expected, I was very intimidated because, well the members quilts were just a sight to behold.  Some of them were like art. All I kept thinking was, "I hope I can learn to do that one day"  I happened to have been wearing my Retro Redux Shrug that day.  Some of them knit and actually asked me where did I get the pattern from. I had a headache by the time I left. But in a good kind of way.

The second meeting, I actually had a chance to participate in a workshop. I chose the Quilt As you Go Reversible Baby Quilt. Basically, you are working on the front, batting and back of the quilt simultaneously. For the most part it's 98% complete. I just need to add the binding. I haven't gotten around to that yet because it will be a first for me so I'm a little apprehensive.

That was such a great day. I also had an opportunity to get a glimpse of the other two workshops taking place that day. One, Log Cabins and the other Watercolor quilting.  A member also happened to bring him fabs from her stash for the taking.  She came in with boxes/crates and even sorted them by colors.  There was PLENTY for all of us. Well to put it mildly, somebody gave me a pillowcase to take home my motherlode.

Here it is OUTSIDE of the pillowcase.  There's alot more than what you see here. It's all piled up. I'm thinking they will make a great string quilt.

This is the beginnings of my new quilt top which will be a gift for a friend. I can't wait for the weekend to come so I can put some more time into it.

Today happens to be DH's birthday.  The kids and I will be taking him out to dinner tonight.  Looking forward to the end of the workday. 

Til then, my friends.

Vices in Effect

I'm not much of a sports lover but I was one yesterday.  I was basking in the ambience of the Giants victory over the Patriots.  17-14 Woo Hoo!!!!

Yesterday was also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some serious grubbing and knitting!!! We were eating all day in my house.  I even took the time to buy a tube pan so I could try out a new recipe and make some Monkey Bread.  It was DELISH.

As I mentioned there was some knitting going on too!!! When I last blogged, I mentioned that I was thinking about starting a Drops Jacket.  Well guess what?? I've damn near COMPLETED a Drops Jacket! All that needs to be done is the collar. Oh and one of my biggest vices - the BUTTONS.  They need to be sewn on.  But I need to take time out to buy them first.

While on the subject of buttons, NO I still didn't put the buttons on my Fairly Easy Fair Isle. I thought I would have done that yesterday, but I couldn't take my hands off my Drops Jacket.  Pics to come eventually. 

I recently got some new reads too.

Now my focus will be on completing Forecast. As for what's to come afterward, remains unknown even to myself. Now I'm liking the Tree Jacket and I've always liked Juliet and The Top Down Raglan.  Or maybe, I should go with  a spring knit.  Who knows. 

Happy Knitting.