SP8 - All About ME!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I'm a new knitter so I'm not very "experienced." I've led a very sheltered life when it comes to yarns. Just like us, I think it ALL needs love! I'm not a yarn snob so I wouldn't say that I hate anything. But, I could definetly do without having to look at that Fun Fur stuff ever again. I'm a little fluffy myself, so I just like it light and soft. I just started something with the Rowan cork (my first Rowan) and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with it. I love that it has a little "give."



2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I've got a few yarn bags (just got the pirate bag from anatomy of a skirt - it roxs). Dope -- that's another picture I need to post. I've been planning on making one of the needle rolls shown in Stitch N Bitch, but haven't quite got there yet. I saw one made from a beuaitufl asian-design fabric, but then when back to the store and POOF it was gone. What was the question? Oh yeah, needle storage, my tote bags and a wine bottle holder-thingy.



3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for a year last Thanksgiving. I'd like to say I'm intermediate, but I'd be lying! I'm still a beginner. I know NOTHING. I just started a cable scarf and have been ECSTATIC that I could actually cable. I've also done my first "pseudo-sock" by making the Pedicure sock from Knitty (but on the left one). I'd like to get into sweaters, tanks, and ponchos, but I'm slightly intimidated. I'd have to say that I can make a darn good scarf. (Jeez, hope that's not my forte!)


4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Actually, I don't think that I do. That's a great idea. I'll get started on it and let you all know!



5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I really like “citrus-y” and “herb-y” smells. I have a candle that I like which is cucumber/mint (go figure) and it really smells nice. I also like most of the scents in Pier 1 (I think the Cilantro/Lime may be my favorite). I like anything as long as it is not too sweet/flowery.


6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes. Yes. Please no!



7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Never tried spinning. We just moved into a new (used) house so we're doing a lot of FIY stuff there. I do a tiny bit of sewing - but mostly just for crafty items.



8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Love music - ALL types. And yes, my computer plays MP3s. I've got an iPOD and a few music accounts so I've got almost everything out there. I like pop, rock, hip hop, rap, country, gospel, hard rock, funk, R&B, and on and on.



9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I think I'm a "cool" person. I wear the pink, purples and things that have "blue" undertones. I have blonde hair (right now!) and violet eyes (right now!) and light/pink/freckled skin. I like a good mix of almost all colors. I like basic combos (black/white), earthy combos (black/brown), and I'm really into the pink/brown funky combos now. The only color that I really CAN'T wear is that bright aqua/tourqoise blue.



10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm a "newlywed" - we just had our first anniversary! I have 2 fabulous stepkids (16 & 17). We have 2 cats and a dog.




11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yep, yeah and uh-huh!




12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I think my “forte” may be scarves. Seems to be the only thing I’ve done consistently well. I really want to spread out into ponchos and sweaters, but I’m a little gun shy. I made one sweater (which I really like) but it came out 2 sizes too big. I want to redo it one day. I think I need one successful item of clothing under my belt and I’d be good to go.




13. What are you knitting right now?
I need to start the 2nd sock for the pedicure socks on knitty (they are TOO cute). I've started the Irish Knitting Scarf to learn to cable. Oh yeah, I've got the holiday red poncho which I'd forgotten about. And there's this scarf.... oh my, this is getting embarrassing. Okay, I'm working on the 2nd pedicure sock and the Irish Knitting Scarf.



14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Sure.




15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Uh yeah! I love circular needles but I've found for some things (like scarves) they seem to come out better on straight needles. I like bamboo, aluminum and plastic, but I think there's a special place in my heart for bamboo needles. (There's a new INTERCHANGEABLE bamboo set that I am SOOO lusting for!) I've heard alot of people rave about the Addi Turbos and I'd like to try them out one day. I'm just not sure if I'm advanced enough to use them.



16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but I did date a guy named Swift once, but lets not go there.



17. How did you learn to knit?
My coworker was knitting a lot of things and talking about it. I learned to crochet when I was a wee lass, but never learned to knit. I tried a couple of times on my own, but it was basically a disaster. Since my coworker was knitting (and she’s NOT in her 60’s), I thought it would be okay for me to take a class and learn to knit (without having people snicker behind my back). I went to the LYS (which is my FAVORITE LYS, by the way) and I was instantly ADDICTED (although I still hear snickering... ).



18. How old is your oldest UFO?
I haven't been knitting for that long, so I'd have to say a year old.




19. What is your favorite holiday?
Mmm, I really like them all. It used to be Halloween without a doubt. I loved dressing up and looking silly. I don’t get to dress up much anymore, so its not such a big deal anymore. Christmas is always great, but sometimes there is so much stress that you don’t get to sit back and enjoy it. My anniversary (which I’ve only had 1 of) rates pretty high up there. It was such a fun and fantastic day that I love to celebrate and think about it. I guess I’d have to pick my birthday as my favorite holiday now. I know there’s the whole “getting a year older thing” but it’s also ALL ABOUT ME – ME – ME!!! What’s better than that? Besides, as my mother – the old bag – would say, “Getting another year older sure beats the alternative!” Well said, Mom, well said.


20. Is there anything that you collect?
Not especially.




21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Yes, lots. I'll try to list some later.
I don't think I've subscribed to any knitting magazines. (Are there any?)



22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Oh yeah! I'd love to learn entrelac! There's a purse I'm dying to make (Market Squares), but I totally don't understand the concept. I haven't "felted" yet, but I'm dying to do it. I guess this project will kill two birds with one Stone! (ahh haa haa) I also would eventually like to learn the whole Miters-thing too.



23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Not really. I've only done Knitty's Pedicure socks and I don't think that counts. How do you measure your foot?? Uh, ladies size 10?


24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
June 3rd - gemini - evil twins - eh eh eh

Shhhh! It's Secret Pal 8!

Time to be a responsible adult. My Secret Pal 8 questionnaire:

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

I'm a new knitter so I'm not very "experienced." I've led a very sheltered life when it comes to yarns. Just like us, I think it ALL needs love! I'm not a yarn snob so I wouldn't say that I hate anything. But, I could definetly do without having to look at that Fun Fur stuff ever again. I'm a little fluffy myself, so I just like it light and soft. I just started something with the Rowan cork (my first Rowan) and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with it. I love that it has a little "give."


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

I've got a few yarn bags (just got the pirate bag from anatomy of a skirt - it roxs). Dope -- that's another picture I need to post. I've been planning on making one of the needle rolls shown in Stitch N Bitch, but haven't quite got there yet. I saw one made from a beuaitufl asian-design fabric, but then when back to the store and POOF it was gone. What was the question? Oh yeah, needle storage, my tote bags and a wine bottle holder-thingy.


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

I've been knitting for a year last Thanksgiving. I'd like to say I'm intermediate, but I'd be lying! I'm still a beginner. I know NOTHING. I just started a cable scarf and have been ECSTATIC that I could actually cable. I've also done my first "pseudo-sock" by making the Pedicure sock from Knitty (but on the left one). I'd like to get into sweaters, tanks, and ponchos, but I'm slightly intimidated. I'd have to say that I can make a darn good scarf. (Jeez, hope that's not my forte!)

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

Actually, I don't think that I do. That's a great idea. I'll get started on it and let you all know!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)



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

Yes. Yes. Please no!

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

Never trying spinning. We just moved into a new (used) house so we're doing a lot of FIY stuff there. I do a tiny bit of sewing - but mostly just for crafty items.

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

Love music - ALL types. And yes, my computer plays MP3s. I've got an iPOD and a few music accounts so I've got almost everything out there. I like pop, rock, hip hop, rap, country, gospel, hard rock, funk, R&B, and on and on.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I think I'm a "cool" person. I wear the pink, purples and things that have "blue" undertones. I have blonde hair (right now!) and violet eyes (right now!) and light/pink/freckled skin. I like a good mix of almost all colors. I like basic combos (black/white), earthy combos (black/brown), and I'm really into the pink/brown funky combos now. The only color that I really CAN'T wear is that bright aqua/tourqoise blue.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm a "newlywed" - we just had our first anniversary! I have 2 fabulous stepkids (16 & 17). We have 2 cats and a dog.


11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yep, yeah and uh-huh!

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

13. What are you knitting right now?

I need to start the 2nd sock for the pedicure socks on knitty (they are TOO cute). I've started the Irish Knitting Scarf to learn to cable. Oh yeah, I've got the holiday red poncho which I'd forgotten about. And there's this scarf.... oh my, this is getting embarrassing. Okay, I'm working on the 2nd pedicure sock and the Irish Knitting Scarf.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

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

Uh yeah! I love circular needles but I've found for some things (like scarves) they seem to come out better on straight needles. I like bamboo, aluminum and plastic, but I think there's a special place in my heart for bamboo needles. (There's a new INTERCHANGEABLE bamboo set that I am SOOO lusting for!) I've heard alot of people rave about the Addi Turbos and I'd like to try them out one day. I'm just not sure if I'm advanced enough to use them.


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

No, but I did date a guy named Swift once, but lets not go there.

17. How did you learn to knit?

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

I haven't been knitting for that long, so I'd have to say a year old.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

20. Is there anything that you collect?

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

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

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

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

June 3rd - gemini - evil twins - eh eh eh

Okay. That's all I can do for now. Whew - I'm not sure I've ever talked so much about me! I've definetly never had anyone want to know so much about me! Well, Secret Pal, wherever you are, I hope you find some of this interesting.

G'night!

I'm a Little BeeHind - Short & Stout ...

Where does the time go? Gosh, I'm soooo behind. I've started things, finished things, got a secret pal, became a secret pal and yet, there's nothing new out here! Shame on me! Let me catch you up by showing you those bootie and bonnet pictures.






Of course, that's not a REAL baby that's wearing them. It's Gabby the Cabbage Patch girl doing a little modeling. Both of my friends are having/had a boy, so I went for the blue & white combo. I''ve mailed the packages off, but haven't heard anything back. Uh oh - that might not be such a good sign. The booties did have that whole elf-like pointy toe thing going for them, but that's only because SOMEONE cough-cough wouldn't email me their pattern for REALLY CUTE booties!

While I'm talking about babies & presents, let me give a shout-out to my favorite gift to give. I'm told by all the people who receive this gift from me that IT REALLY WORKS and they love it! It's a CD (or cassette) or sounds (such as the vacumn, clothes dryer) that seem to soothe a crying baby. I believe it was created by two ladies who live in my area (Richmond, Virginia) and who were/are both nurses. All I can say is that everyone I give it to is AMAZED at how well it works. I think the only place you can find it now is at www.cdbaby.com. So, if you're in the need, please check it out.

Off the Face of the Earth?

I'm back on the face of the Earth, and I've done a bad thing. I've been knitting behind your back. So sorry, but things have been moving at 100 mph lately and I can barely keep up. I'm starting to think that Mr. Furbee got off lucky!

So what's been on the needles. Well, most of my friends seem to be popping out babies these days so I'm WAY behind on the booties & bonnets. I've finished the first pair and working on the second. I'll post some pics. They are so tiny (and so cute). It's it GREAT to be able to finish a project in a weekend!! Love it love it love it!

Death of a Furbee!

I have had many days when I've felt like this, but it hasn't actually happened to me yet. Can't say the same for Mr. Furbee.


You know how these things like to talk and just chatter on and on? Well, apparently he made some pretty, snide comments to Miz Shawlette that she was none-to-happy with. You know what happens next - OFF WITH HIS HEAD!

Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On

Whew. It's been a while, but we've accomplished quite a bit in the move-in, fix-up, unpacking world in which we live. And - GUESS WHAT -- I've got AFTER pictures for you. I hope you're as excited about this as I am. If you need to go back and see the BEFORE pictures, CLICK HERE.

First, as a little teaser, let's take a look at the dining room.


I know. There's really not alot of difference - except for the furniture. We didn't do alot of "work" in there. Moving along down the hall, we come to Sting's room:

I don't feel like I can get a good angle for the pictures, but I really like the colors she's chosen. We haven't painted it yet, and you can't see the, umm, PSL ("workroom") yet, but it's getting there.

For the big FINALE - the "Pepto Bismol Pink" bathroom:

BEFORE:

AFTER:


I wish I could take some of the credit, but that was all Seymour. I did pick out the color (sand/light chocolate brown), the light fixture, and hardware, but he did all the work. (Hey, picking out the colors is a HUGE accomplishment for me. But lets not bring up the whole Mexican bathroom fiasco, okay?) We haven't put the new hardware on the sinks, and we may replace the countertop, but I sure like it MUCH better than the before!

Sorry, that's all I have for right now. The other rooms are a tad messy. And, it's Easter weekend and gotta get ready to do some travelling. Have a safe, wonderful, blessed weekend, because Charlotte said so. Or else ...

she'll get ya!

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

Yahh! A year - and they said it wouldn't last! And what a year it has been! Time flies when you're having fun. Yes, that was the cake topper that we had on our wedding cake. We went out for a nice anniversary dinner - just us and the girls. Here's some lovely, unflattering pictures below.



Wow - we look wasted, but seriously, we weren't. The Diva looks possessed by the devil, but that's normal. Only one year ago on April 1st we were joined in Holy Matrimony.

Seriously. I'm not kidding. For reals. We were married on April 1. Come on, would I kid you?

P.S. Thanks for the wonderful cards and gifts! They were all really great!

I've Got Cable!

Back to the good stuff: This is my first Knitalong (unless the Knitlympics count) and my first attempt at cables. I LOVE IT! Who knew? Cables - or at least these cables - are very easy to do. I'm using some Rowan Cork that I found on clearance at LYS and this yarn rocks! I'm definetly not a yarn snob (yeah, I got fun fur and acrylic - so what), but there is something about this yarn (my first Rowan too). The color is a purple/maroon color. The yarn is lightweight and a little "springy" in texture. Well, here's what I have so far:

A Picture is Worth ... How Many Words??

As we take one final look back, this is the outside view of our new ("used") house. We totally LOVE it! I think we all (cats, dogs, kids) are starting to feel like it is home.

Thinking back, I'm not so sure what we were SO WORRIED ABOUT? Moving wasn't that difficult - not that big a deal. Everything went rather smoothly. Piece of cake.

Maybe a little hectic, tiring ... okay, EXHAUSTING!!

House Porn - Take Two!

As we leave the kitchen, (passing the front door), you see the hallway and the steps. There are two bedrooms on this floor.

On the left is the downstairs master. This is also known as the Guest Room, but it is where the Diva will sleep when she is here. We are putting our old Queen bedroom suit in here. Lots of windows and a HUGE closet. (Don't you love the red light fixture? NOT. These people definitely had some attraction to red.)


This is the downstairs bath between the 2 bedrooms. (That whole flower thing you see on the left - don't ask.)

This is Sting's room which is on the front side of the house. It has some kind of bamboo wallpaper - which we think is actually kinda cool. And, it totally fits Sting's personality. The closet area has no door (for some reason) so we think this will be some kind of work area (with a desk and shelves).


Now, let's go upstairs!! This is looking down from the catwalk in the living room (say hi to Seymour!).

As we move into the master, you'll see the lovely purple walls or maybe you won't! Sorry, I guess I forgot to take pictures of the master bedroom. How bizarre. Anyway here's the master bath with - ta dah - pepto bismol pink walls. I TOLD YOU - you thought I was exaggerating!

This is the only picture I have from the master bedroom. It is the window which looks out over the living room.

That's all I have for now. Isn't it enough? I'm worn out just walking through this much of the house. I still haven't shown the unfinished basement, bedroom, and washroom, but, honestly, there isn't much too see there. But just wait until I start posting the AFTER pictures! I think it's starting to look good. Next time, I'll get some serious photos up here (of my current knitting projects)! Have to get back to the infinite unpacking. Uggg!

Here's the last look at the house.

House Porn!

Okay, I'm finally back online and I have NAKED pictures of our new (used) house!! You walk in the front door and you see the living room:

Love the fireplace, skylights and vaulted ceilings. If you can't tell, the sliding glass doors are very wide (about 7 ft) and there is so much sunlight!

What's the downside - you ask? If you turn to walk back to the foyer, you see "The Big Red Wall." Don't ask me. Yeah, it's one of those things we will try to change! You can also see the upstairs catwalk to the master bedroom and a window into the master.

Now, while you're in the foyer, if you turn to your immediate left, you'll see the dining room. It faces into the front yard, has huge windows and skylights.

Immediately past the dining room is the kitchen.
Yes, more windows and a built-in wine rack. Hmm, that may come in handy. Uh, yeah, that is BRIGHT RED COUNTERTOPS you are looking at (we're working on it). I hate those cabinets too. Yuck. They will be replaced (eventually). All the applicances are OUT right now and we'll be getting new ones tomorrow. NO, the baskets are not mine - leftovers from the prior owners who decided not to return and get their last items. And, YES, that is the little cheeries wallpaper. I know it look likes plaid, but TRUST ME - it ain't! That's getting painted today. The kitchen window looks out into the fenced in back yard, where you can see Charlotte:

Oh PLEASE! You don't expect her to be sitting on the GROUND to do??

Since we're in the kitchen, let's take a break and have a cup of coffee, shall we??

Ready to see more??

Movin' on up!

We've moved! We're in our newhouse! We've got a whirl-pool. We've got a hot tub. We've got sky-lights. We've got a gar-rage! I can't stop talking like-thisis! Okay, I'll try. It's starting to give me a headache.

The house is a mess - boxes everywhere. It needs some work and some lovin'. We're having some painting done on Thurday & Friday. Goodbye little cherries kitchen wallpaper & pepto bismol pink bath. We have new kitchen appliances coming on Saturday. New bedroom furniture on Friday. Hot tub cleaners coming on Saturday (i.e. "the kids"). What? You wonder how the sunken whirlpool bath works in the master bath? It's marvahlous, darlings! Just what the aching back, feet, shoulders, neck and legs need.

Pics will be posted soon. As soon as I get it all back online.

Oh, the Irish Hiking Scarf - you gotta see it. It's beautiful, if I do say so myself - and I do - have to - cause it is! Can't believe how simple the cabling is. It's my first. Gotta run now. What a great week!! TTFN

Excuses, Excuses

I know I haven't blogged much about knitting lately. I've been a little slack since the Games. Right now, we're in the middle of a house move. Out by this Sunday and into the new on Monday. Wait - how's that work? So, other than sneaking in a few midnight stitches, I haven't been ALLOWED to knit. (Whatever that means!). But, I'm making progress on my Holiday Red Poncho. And, planning the future, I've signed up for the Irish Hiking Scarf Knitalong and the Sexy Knitters Club Knitalong. Can you say Peer Pressure?? The Irish Scarf has cabling which I have never done. I'm really excited about it. And last night I found some beautiful green yarn (it has to be GREEN, right??). I'll sneak in some pics later. Wish me well with the move. It's going to be a NIGHTMARE!!!!

Tell Me Something I Don't Know ....

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

The Muppet Personality Test