NO PURCHASE NECESSARY...

After waking to every news station covering the "purchasing frenzy" that is the day after Thanksgiving, I've decided to stay home and work on my own presents.
My 5 year old was watching with me asking "Mommy, why are all those people pushing each other to go shopping when they could be sleeping?". Ahhh, good question my child. But instead of going into a rant about why some people choose to wake up at the butt crack of dawn so they can fight there way to that "special item" that the store has only 50 of and then go sell it on E-Bay for 3 times as much to someone who can't really afford it. But wants to make sure their child isn't the kid who returns from winter break without the "super-hip-does everything-must have-electronic wonder" that will be out of style in 3 months when the next "Big Thing" is launched. I just told her some people think braving the crowds the day after is "fun". She just shook her head and said "weird".
Anyhow, after reading Worsted Witch's latest blog entry, today we have decided to stay away from the malls and stores and put together lists of what we'd like to MAKE for friends and family. This year we will try and regulate "the Hype" of Christmas as much as possible without shattering the dreams of our 5 year old. I mean I wouldn't want to make her sad by telling her that if everyone continues to (over)consume at the current rate, not only are we losing the fish, polar bears, and migratory birds. But we may be losing "ourselves".

Miss Priss

Shown as a work in progress, Miss Priss is now finished. The pattern is from Kpixie's Midnight Knitter. I've worn this scarf a few times and have received many compliments on the texture and the color. The pattern is simple but looks as if you've spent lots of time on it. The yarn is Schaefer Yarns Miss Priss and the color is Clara Barton.
Now kids here's todays history lesson about Clara Barton: Known as the Angel of the Battlefield for her to devotion to the soldiers during the American Civil War, Clara Barton then compiled the records which identified thousands of the dead and missing on the battlefield and at Andersonville prison. In 1881 she organized the American Red Cross and remained at its head until 1904. She wrote several books on the Red Cross and was instrumental in emphasizing its work in catastrophies other than war. Class dismissed...

Knit Mitt Kit Swap Answers

ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO ANY FIBERS?

No.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?

Red, black, pink, purple.

ARE YOU A NEW MITT KNITTER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN KNITTING MITTENS?
Semi-new. On/off for a year.

DO YOU PREFER SOLID OR MULTI-COLORED YARN?

No preference.

WHAT FIBERS DO YOU PREFER IN MITTEN YARN?
Something soft and not too thin.
WHERE DO YOU USUALLY KNIT MITTENS?
I don't have a special place, just wherever I get a chance to knit.
HOW DO YOU USUALLY CARRY YOUR SMALL PROJECTS?
In a small pink silk bag.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE MITTEN PATTERNS?
Haven't done enough to have a fave.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MITTEN KNITTING TECHNIQUES?
See answer to previous question.
WHAT NEW TECHNIQUES WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY?
Intarsia-Fair Isle, some type of color work.
WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE NEEDLES FOR KNITTING MITTENS?
So far double-points.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE YARNS?
Malabrigo, DB Cashmerino, Schaefer, anything soft.
WHAT YARN DO YOU TOTALLY COVET?
Anything with cashmere in it, I love the softness it produces.
ANY PATTERN YOU WOULD LOVE TO MAKE IF MONEY AND TIME WERE NO OBJECT?
There are a few Rowan Patterns I would love to make, with their yarn.
FAVORITE KIND OF NEEDLES?
Depends on the pattern and yarn. I usually use bamboo or addi's.
IF YOU WERE A SPECIFIC KIND OF YARN, WHICH BRAND AND KIND OF YARN WOULD YOU BE?
A worsted/bulky handspun, multicolored with red, pink, and black, super soft yarn like malabrigo, and I'd call myself "Cherry Bomb". Is that specific enough?
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CANDY OR MAIL-ABLE SNACK?
Licorice (preferably black and in a rope, although I like red too).
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
It's a toss up between ring-tail lemurs and monkeys.
WOULD YOU PREFER SUPER WARM MITTENS OR FINGERLESS MITTS?
I wear both.
IF YOU WERE A COLOR WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Red/Black.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST INSPIRING IMAGE, FLOWER, OR OBJECT IN NATURE?
The Sky.
DO YOU HAVE A WISHLIST?
Yes. On Amazon
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE GROUP TODAY?
Let's Swap.

pUnK RoCk PrESeNTs

I would like to send out a huge thanks to my PRGE Pal! I recieved this package a couple of weeks ago but didn't post the photo because it was missing a magnet she sent, (which is on my fridge). I was going to reshoot the contents, but now its dark when I wake up and when I get home from work (damn daylight savings!). Included in the package were a skull and crossbone washcloth, (which my daughter keeps trying to hijack), a glass jar full of dark chocolate kisses, a green leaf bar of soap, numerous packages of "knit girl" notecards, a really cool magnet( which i will photograph later), and a very cool handmade notecard. I don't know who you are, but you rock and I thank you for all the great stuff.

Coming Soon!

I apologize for the lack of posting, a little pre-occupied. I recently recieved two wonderful packages in the mail, and have started some new projects. I'll try to photograph and post them by the end of this weekend.

Funky Scarf is on its way!

Well I finished my scarf and put it in the post yesterday. The pattern is Edgar from Knitty and I really enjoyed making it. I used Lorna's Laces Shepherds Worsted in Black Pearl and really liked working with this yarn. I hope she likes it! Props to my girl Naomi for modeling for me at our Wednesday Chicks with Sticks group!

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

Ahhh, the smell of pigs, horses, turkeys, and cows in 85 degree weather.
I got to spend the day with my daughter and 15 other kindergartners at the local pumpkin patch for their first fieldtrip- it was pretty fun minus the smells. I was going to photograph and post today, but maybe tomorrow. Aunt Flow decided to pay me a visit this afternoon, so instead I am going to take a couple of Advil, grab a heating pad, and hit the sack. See ya manana.

Speak up, I can't hear you!

Spent last nite with this man and now I'm temporarily deaf. It was an evening of flames, fireworks and free cocktails. Sully and the rest of Godsmack put on a great show and I was pleasantly surprised by his percussion abilities. Rob Zombie opened for them and his show was almost the same as I witnessed 18 years ago, you know go-go girls, monsters, vampires, manson, etc. , and lots of fire! Violet, M, and I had a fun time and didn't feel as old as we expected to(this may be due to the fact we were mixing drinks in the parking lot, like teenagers, before the show). We were surprised at how many people were as old or older than us, and I'm thinking it's because you need to have full-time job/double income to afford a concert ticket these days. I mean come on, $60.00 could buy me a decent amount of yarn.

Shout out to my "Chicks with Sticks" girls!

These are the wonderful scarves that girls from my Wednesday night knitting group donated to the Think Pink Challenge. If you're fast, there is still time to make one and donate. They have extended the deadline until mid-October. So here's to the girls-Claire, Theresa, M, Lisamarie, Naomi, Heather & Stefanie. Thanks for donating your time and for your thoughtfulness, I know they will be appreciated.

Shake it, don't break it! - Cocktail of the Month

I know I haven't posted a drink in a while, but this one is worth the wait!

Chocolate Martini

full shaker of ice, 4 shots vodka, 2 shots Godiva chocolate liquer, 2 shots white creme de cacao, splash of Baileys
shake, pour, enjoy!

What the F@&#!

From what I've heard dressing up at Walmart is making sure you wear your good slippers and a clean wife-beater.

Wanted: Two more hands!

Here are the latest knitting projects: A luxurious hank of Black Pearl from Lorna's Laces, which is being used for my Funky Scarf Swap. One almost finished Lace-Up Armwarmer from Alterknits (which I started last September on a trip to Disneyland! I know how lame is that?) A scarf that only needs the ends woven for my honey to wear to our daughters soccer games, (I think I found the perfect matching blue, don't you?) I also started my bag for the International Tote Exchange, a beanie for my daughters soccer coaches, and am halfway through a blanket for a baby shower that is at the end of this month. Oh yeah, and I just started these cool sleeves too! I guess I'll be waiting until the beginning of October to start my holiday knitting. .

Gone Fishin'

Be back Sunday. Have a nice weekend!

Punk Rock Gift Exchange Questionnaire

1) How long have you been spinning/Knitting/Crocheting?
I've been knitting about two and a half to three years.
2) Do you consider yourself a beginner, novice, or experienced Yarn Artist?
Intermediate.
3) What type of fibers have you worked with?
Mostly wool, some cotton, baby alapca, soy, acrylic.
4) What types are you dying to try?
I'll try anything once.
5) Are you allergic to anything, (Fibers, Food, Smells that make you want to puke, etc.)?
Sadly, I'm allergic to cats although I still play with my friends.
6) Do you have any Disorders, ex: Diabetes?
Physical or Mental?
7) What is your Favorite Time/Style period, ex: Romatic, Grecian,Metal, Goth,etc?
I like bits of miscellaneous periods. I really like Ramones-esque late 70's punk, as well as some 70's glam( ex: Marc Bolan from T. Rex), I also love 40's and some 50's fashion.
8) What fibers do you dislike?
I'm not a big fan of the super- eyelashy- fun- fur- ribbon kind a yarn.
9) Name some of your favorite Artist, Movie wise, Television if you watch it ex: I heart Keanu, some things cant be helped, and Rachel loves Mike Ness !?
I *heart* Ewan McGregor and Anthony Bourdain.
10) Whos your favorite Character ex: Jack or Cpt Jack?
Randy(Nicolas Cage) in Valley Girl.
11) Do you prefer natural colored fibers, or handpainted/dyed fiber?
No preference.
12) What are you favorite colors?
Red and black, pink and black, purple and black, green and black, & sometimes black.
13) What colors do you dislike?
Bright neon colors. No desire to relive 80's fashion again.
14) What projects are you currently working on?
Too many to list, I am quite the project ho!
15) Do you have a wishlist?
No.
16) Do you have any other favorite hobbies?
Photography and collecting. I love vintage stuff.
17) When your birthday?
4/13.
18) What is your favorite food, candy, scents that you love!! Etc.?
Food: mexican, Candy: anything with caramel, Scents: vanilla & most citrus scents.
19) Are you pierced at all? Any tattoos? Can you/would you wear jewelry that isn't real?
Pierced-yes, Tattoos-4, Can you/would you?- I guess.
20) What do you like Culturally, ex: Celtic, African, Devil Worshiping, Kidding!?
I like Celtic stuff, I'm a bit Irish and I was married in Scotland( go figure).
21) What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My straights are in a glass vase, and most of my dpn's and circs are in a small travel case from Target.
22) What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Please refer to my about me profile section on my blog, there are just too many to list, I love music. Yes my stereo/computer can play MP3's.
23) What's your favorite season and why?
I enjoy fall. The air is crisp but not freezing, and it means summer has left.
24) What season do you abhor?
Summer. I do not thrive in the heat!
25) How about Sports, any that you just cant get enough of or do they make you throw up in your mouth just a little?
I like sports but there isn't anything I can't live without.
26) What is your family situation Do you live alone?
I have a great husband and a wonderful daughter.
27) Do you have any pets?
Yes. An old, but sweet border collie
28) Do you like handmade gifts?
Yes!!!
29) What's your favorite thing to make, knit/crochet or other craft wise?
At the moment bags.
30) Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Lately I've been using circs more than straights. Depends on the project.
31) Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes.
32) Tell us how you learned to knit/crochet?
I tried to take lessons at a no longer existing (thank goodness) yarn store, and after spending over 100.00 for two 4 week sessions, I just slowly taught myself through books, mags, and asking lots of questions at knit groups.
33) Do you enjoy getting helpful hints from others or does it just piss you off?
Anytime you learn something its fine, I just don't like self-proclaiming experts trying to fix what is working for me.
34) How old is your oldest UFO?
Almost a year and a half.
35) Is there anything that you collect?
Purses, shoes, and little vintage knick-knacks.
36) Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Gee, there are so many.
37) What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have if any?
None.
38) Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Intarsia and Fair Isle.
39) Do you enjoy knitting socks? How big are yer boats (feet)?
Yes, but i have a problem finishing the second one. I wear a size 8 and a half.
40) When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
See #17.

One Skein Swap: Prodotto Finito

Sent my final One Skein package out yesterday. I was a day late getting it in the mail, but the inside DID NOT want to dry. I hope Trish likes it. It's the clutch pattern from the One Skein book with added vintage button on the front. I also threw in some other goodies for her to enjoy. This was a fun swap and I can't wait until they start the next one.

Cher needs...

While perusing blogs today, I came across this idea from Punk Rawk Purl (which she posted sometime last year). I figured I'd give it a try. Just type in your name and add the word needs and see what the Google Gods come up with. Here's mine:

1. Cher needs to accept that no one is self-sufficient all the time and to be gentler with her "childish" emotional needs and wants.
2. Cher needs to take a break, she has been on tour for...I don't know how many years.
3. Cher needs to make a new cd, because her voice is one of a kind, and we love her so much.
4. Cher needs a job...
5. Cher needs my help with her yardsale.
6. Cher needs to study up on her politics before showing her ignorance of the issue.
7. Cher needs a clue for Christmas.
8. Cher needs the profits from t-shirt sales at $35 each to pay for more surgery.
9. Cher needs $30 million for a family crisis.
10. New York needs Cher!

Pretty funny, eh? I must admit I do agree with them on #4, (a new one), and #'s 9(a million will do), and 10 (duh!). Ciao.

Happy Trails to you...

Well here she is, the Noni bag I made for my KSKS Pal. I hope that KnitWit Momma likes her. I must admit that once she was complete, I was very tempted to keep her for myself, but I figured it wouldn't be fair to her owner since I picked these colors specifically for her. Who knows, I may get to see her again since my pal is somewhat local. Farewell Miss Thing, have a safe journey... until we meet again.

FuNkY sCaRf SwAp

1. ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO ANY FIBERS?
Not as far as I know, but I do get a tickle in my nose when I wear mohair and alpaca. Not that it stops me from wearing those fibers.
2. DO YOU PREFER ANY FIBERS OVER OTHERS?
I really love soft fibers. I'm working with some Malabrigo right now and I just got some Cashmerino that feels good as well. I like lots of different fibers, and I'll wear almost anything as long as it isn't too scratchy around my neck.
3. THINKING BACK TO SCOUT'S POST ABOUT WHAT FUNKY MEANS TO YOU, POST AN IMAGE OF SOMETHING THAT YOU THINK IS FUNKY!
Green sweater photo above.
4. WOULD YOU PREFER FUNKY YARN OR A FUNKY PATTERN?
I'll let my pal decide!
5. WHAT ARE YOU FAVORITE COLORS?
Deep rich reds and black- and army greens, pinks and greys.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART?
Just about any photograph from Man Ray.( photo above)
7. WHAT COLORS WOULD YOU NEVER HAVE UP CLOSE TO YOUR PRETTY FACE?
Yellows, peaches, or anything neon.
8. WOULD YOU PREFER AN ACTUAL SCARF OR A COWL?
A scarf please.
9. DO YOU PREFER A WIDER/SHORTER SCRAF OR A THIN/LONG SCARF?
Thin/medium-long or medium/medium-long. I'm 5'8".
10. WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE WHERE YOU LIVE?
Pretty mild, but I do like to go to the snow in the winter. I wear scarves as an alternative to sweaters. If my neck is warm, I'm warm.
11. WOULD YOU PREFER A FUNCTIONAL SCARF OR JUST ONE TO FUNK UP YOUR WARDROBE?
Probably one to funk up my wardrobe. I usually wear basic but boring black t-shirts, with jeans or army green pants and a pair of converse or mary-janes.
12. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR PARTNER TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'm pretty open to anything. I love the idea of letting someone be creative and funky to come up with something they'd think I'd like. I love vintage stuff, retro kitsch stuff, as well as classic romantic things with a modern edge. Even though my wardrobe is plain and simple, I love to funk it up with accessories.

Kindergarten is gonna R-O-C-K !!!

Next Tuesday will be my daughters 1st day of Kindergarten. Pictured here with friends who will be attending the same school. My friend Naomi had an American Idol birthday party for her oldest daughter, and all the kids got dressed up in their favorite rockstar gear. My daughter asked me to knit her a Hannah Montana outfit (those of you with youngins know she's a crowd favorite) , and after I got done explaining how long it would take me to knit jeans, a shirt, a cowgirl hat, etc., we settled on this outfit. Pink AC/DC t-shirt (hubbies input), a leopard print mini-skirt (she luvs the Cheetah Girls), pink knee-hi's and brown motorcycle boots (my idea, so the outfit wouldn't look too cheetah-eee). Anyway, the kids had a great time and even some of the adults joined in. It makes me wonder, did I ever think I looked this cool in Kindergarten? Did I care? I think my main focus was ABC's and how to spell my name. Oh well just wondering...

Delivery Confirmation Status: Recieved!

After a day of dealing with full moon crazed customers, I came home to this wonderful surprise! A very large box sitting on my kitchen table just waiting to be opened. I started ripping into the box as my husband sat chuckling, amused by my actions which closely resembled a child on Christmas day. This is my 1st completed swap and it way exceeded my expectations! I got so into planning my pals kit that I almost forgot I would be recieving one as well. Look what I found inside:

A beautiful felted bag in
blue, green,black,purple
and orange.
Tasty treats including
bazooka gum, mini m&m's,
& knitting girl mints.
3 separate sock pattterns,
a magic loop handbook and an addi circular
to use with it, a mini-sock keychain kit,
a hank of yarn in Tiger from Sunshine Yarns,
a finger yarn guide, and a very nice note
on super cute knitting stationery.

Thank you so much to Dani for this wonderful package. I'm in awe of all the great stuff, and I can't wait to use the yarn and try these new techniques. You're AWESOME!!

I said "W I P it, W I P it good!"

These are a few of my works in progress. 1. Pink scarf for the Think Pink Challenge. 2. Black twitterpated purse needs a liner,(found this pink, black and white skirt at a thrift shop and thought it would make a perfect lining). 3. Pink and Brown Noni (soon to be felted) purse for my KSKS Pal. 4. Socks made with Scout's Hurricane Yarn in Run Like Hell. My goal is to finish them this week so I can start other projects. One being a new knitalong to help me finish items for my daughter. If you are a mom who knits for everyone else except your kids, click the Little Bit Knits button and play along.

I've got mail

My One Skein SP Package arrived and I am in love with the contents! So much so that I have been looking for patterns that use DK tweed or #9 needles just so I can use this stuff! The package contained a ball of Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Beanshoot, a pair of #9 Beechwood knitting needles with green tips and a package of super cute Knitting Girl mints that are green apple flavored(yummy!). So here is a shout out to my secret pal. Thank you very much, YOU ROCK!

Tra La La, La La La La... Cocktail of the Week

The Banana Split(s)

1 shot banana liquer
1 shot Kahlua
half and half
pineapple juice
cherries

Combine ingredients, shake, and pour over ice in cocktail glass.
Garnish with cherries!

My vacation-Blue sky, lake, and lips...

Just back from 3 days of much needed rest and relaxation in Tahoe. We got a nice little lake front cottage and hung out on the beach all day. I packed my knitting hoping to get a lot done, but instead found myself mesmerized by the beautiful blue lake with its snow capped mountains, and cotton candy clouds. My daughter frolicked in the water while hubby and I took turns standing knee deep in the toe-numbing lake. Bean's little chin was shivering and she had goosebumps all over, but she did not want to get out! We finally had to pull her out once her lips got bluer than the water, yet she denies ever being cold!! Kids, you gotta love 'em.
Even though I didn't get much knitting done, I did have the opportunity to teach both of my aunts to knit. One night we were up until 1:00 a.m. learning the basics and when I woke up that morning there was my Aunt Maria sitting on her patio knitting away. I was so proud!

Graduation-Celebration-Vacation...

My daughter graduated pre-school this afternoon,(yes, I cried). Tomorrow we will be celebrating her birthday at the roller skating rink(thank goodness it's inside, since it is supposed to reach 110 degrees), and today is my first day of vacation! Hooray! I'll try and post some of my new projects by Sunday. Have a great weekend y'all!

Knit Swap Kit Swap

Yay! My kitter got in touch with me yesterday, so here are my answers to the questionnaire. This is such a great swap. I'm looking forward to all the creativity that this swap produces.

1. What are your favorite colors? Deep reds, pinks, and oranges, & greens, purples and black.
2. Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks? Yes. Only about 3 months.
3. Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? Multicolored.
4. What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? Wool. I haven't really tried anything else, yet.
5. Where do you usually knit socks? On the couch at home, in the breakroom at work, and on the bench during my daughters ballet class.
   
6. How do you usually carry/store small projects? In a small silk bag, or my small basket from Trader Joes.
7. What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? Since I'm fairly new to socks I can't really say I have a fave, but there are sooo many I want to make. I just got the Sensational Knitted Socks book, and I love it, so many ideas!
   
8. What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? See answer above.
9. What new techniques would you like to try? I'm up for anything!!
10. Do you prefer circular or dpns for sock knitting? DPN's.
11. What are some of your favorite yarns? For sock knitting I've only used Claudia HandPaints, but I just got some of Scout's Hurricane sock yarn, and picked up some MegaBoots stretch for my husband.
12. What yarn do you totally covet? I really like Malabrigo, because it's so plush and fluffy and I love their colors. I also like just about anything with a good amount of cashmere in it.
13. Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Ummm. Again there are so many, I just can't decide.
    
14. Favorite kind of needles(brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? I like wood or bamboo dpn's for sock knitting, but my fave needles are addi's.
15. If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Manos del Uruguay color 115.
16. Do you have a fave candy or mail-able snack? I love anything with caramel in it. I am also addicted to Altoids Raspberry,Tangerine, and Apple flavored sour candies.
17. What's you fave animal? Ring-tailed lemur.
18. Do you have any pets? What are their species/names/ages? Yes. A border collie named Ansel, he is 11 years old.
19. If you were a color what color would you be? RED.
20. Describe you fave shirt? Black v-neck t-shirts.
    
21. What is you most inspiring image, flower, or objects in nature? Right now I'm obsessed with clouds. I love to photograph them in black and white.
    
22. Tell me the best quote you've ever heard or read. "Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand."-Margaret Bourke-White.
    
23. Do you have a wishlist? Yes, on amazon but I haven't updtaed in a couple of months.
24. Anything you'd like to share with the group today? yeah! let's get this party started!!
    

Cocktail of the Week

The Mary Pickford

1 1/2 oz. light rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 tsp maraschino liquer
1/2 tsp grenadine
1 maraschino cherry

Combine rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liquer, and grenadine in a shaker half filled with ice cubes.
Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass and top with a cherry!

Sit and watch a classic, and in no time you'll be feeling like America's Sweetheart!

Camera on the fritz !

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but my camera is on its last leg and now I can't even get my card to read in the reader! Aaaaargh! Here's what I've been up to: I just packed up the box for my One Skein Secret Pal and it should get to her by the end of the week. I just purchased what looks to be a great pattern book from Knit Pixie called Barefoot Knits in which I hope to find great patterns to knit for my bebe girl. I'm halfway through my 1st scarf for the Think Pink Challenge, halfway through 2 socks in different yarn, and occasionally I pick up my sweater and try to work 6-8 rows before getting bored and stick it in its basket. Since I 'm unable to post current photos, here are some I meant to post in the past but never got to get around to. My bebe in crocheted cowgirl hat from the cover of the Happy Hooker book, my mom in "Mini Poncho" from Interweave Knits, my birthday stash from friends and family(thanks, i *heart* u guys!), and my bebe getting luv'd up by debbie stoller on the train. She is still trying to figure out how the lady from mommy's book came to life and went to Berkeley with us, (Deb was wearing the exact outfit, head to toe, that she had on the cover). Hopefully I can get this camera thing worked out by the end of the week.XOXOXO.

I'm your ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb!

Cocktail of the Week

Cherry Bomb

ice cubes
30 ml gin
15 ml cherry brandy
15 ml lime juice
15 ml cointreau
1 tsp grenadine
dash bitters
pineapple juice
pineapple wedge

Half fill a cocktail shaker w/ ice.Pour in the gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, cointreau, grenadine & bitters. Shake well & strain into a highball glass half filled w/ ice. Top up with pineapple juice & garnish with wedge. Kick back and enjoy the ride!

Let's Go To The (Yarn Shop) Hop!

On Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12 semi-local shops had their 1st Annual Yarn Shop Hop. This gave yarn enthusiast everywhere the opportunity to visit "new" shops while enjoying discounts, raffles, and other little gifties just for walking through the door. Although I only made it to 8 of the 12, I really enjoyed myself and had fun checking out the stores with my daughter and my friend Marcell. Here are some of the places we visited and the things I found:

Be Sweet-Brushed Mohair in Lemon, and Lana Gatto Mohair in Pale Green from The Yarn Shoppe(50% off on the lemon!).Organic Cotton Kit from My Secret Stash. Black and Hot Pink hanks from Rio De La Plata, and (2) solid (1) striped of Freedom Wool( also 50% off) from Auburn Needleworks. I also found Malabrigo in Mandarina from Knitique (maybe for a secret pal), some fabulous Alchemy Alpaca in Koi Pond from In Sheep's Clothing, and some Chocolate Cherry Sock Yarn by Claudia Hand Painted Yarns at Frog Pond Knits. We started early and made it to the last stop just 10 minutes before they closed shop, and I could not think of a finer way to spend the day....

One Skein Secret Pal Exchange

Answers to the questionnaire.

1. Which yarn is most like your personality? MANOS del URUGUAY color-115. The label reads "sometimes subtle, often dramatic". I find that it can be sometimes plush and soft, sometimes itchy and scratchy, and sometimes thick or thin. I often relate to this yarn.
2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with? I usually knit with reds, pinks, and greens. I buy whatever jumps out at me. My mood often decides the color.
3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic yarns? Variegated-Yes, Magic-No.
4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns? Mostly wool and cotton, but it really depends on the pattern. I've been using lots of wool lately since I've been in somewhat of a felting frenzy.
5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn? No preference. I own a swift and ball winder.
6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them? Yes.
   
7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year? Quite a few. 10 felted purses-bags, 6 and a 1/2 hats, 2 kids ponchos, 1 blanket, beer cozies, legwarmers, 1 sock, 2 wraps, 6 scarves, and I am halfway through a handful of others, including a cardigan for myself and a ballet wrap for my daughter.
8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year? Yes. For birthdays, babies, and the holidays.
9. What is your favorite One Skein project? So far my fave is the Felted striped tote. I used Manos, Lopi, and Rowan. I love the way the different yarns came together for a funky felt with lots of shape and texture. I'm also addicted to the clutches, I've made 4 in the last 2 weeks, they are so fast and easy!
10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it? My husband would say too much, but I'm always looking for the perfect yarn. I store them in long, flat rubbermaid containers under my bed and in taller ones next to my nightstand.
11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use or part with? No. The reason I purchased it was with the intention to create something to show it off. If I give away a yarn I love knitting with I'll usually just get more! Each season there is something different I fall in love with. I'm just plain fickle.
    
12. Do you knit less of differently in the summer? I don't knit less, but i definately knit lighter, smaller items .
13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)? I'm in a knit/crochet group that meets weekly called Chicks with Sticks.
    

Hey Cats and Kittens, skip dessert and try this decadent drink. A tribute to Debbie and her book of the same name I give you:

The Happy Hooker

1 oz Kahlua
1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
1 oz Godiva Chocolate Liquer
1 oz Creme de Cacao
1 oz Chocolate Vodka
1 oz Raspberry Vodka
3 oz half and half

Mix together in large shaker with ice.
Shake, then strain into an exotic cocktail glass and enjoy!

Crocheter Hater? Knitta, Pleeze!

I *Heart* Debbie

Last Sunday my friend M, my daughter S and I hopped aboard the Stitch n' Ride train from Sacramento to Berkeley. Debbie was promoting her latest contribution to the craft world, "The Happy Hooker". During our trip Debbie shared goodies from the book, like the One-Skein Scarf from Denise Cozzitorto who was also on the train, (check out her super cute stuff at www.heydayfashion.com). Other projects we fondled were the Fat-Bottom Bag, Cupcake Top, Short n' Sweet Top, Knot Ugly Shrug, Bikini in a Bag, Prepster Jacket, Frou Frou Sweater, Fluffy Bunny Slippers, Cozy Pod Creatures, and the simply adorable Lil' Monkey Baby Hat and Matching Afghan done in a sock monkey pattern.

I think my first project from this book will be the In Bloom purse. The book describes it as the perfect pattern for folks with a short attention span who prefer almost instant gratification, and Debbie told us "it has just enough room carry your smokes, your flask, and your crack pipe."

Debbie also gave an impromptu crochet lesson to those of us who wanted to try and get our crochet on. Getting started was quite easy, at least compared to how difficult my first knitting lesson was. I also learned that crochet is much faster than knitting since air does half the work, but the biggest lesson Debbie taught me was that even the much maligned granny square deserves our respect! Happy Hooking!