Here's a photo of the Hedera in the Mulberry colorway. How bright! But it coordinates with my lovely birthday present from Sheila. I feel so spoiled I love this bag. Everyone at the store agrees that this is my bag, little skulls.
They are both done. That is-the Jaywalkers in CTH Java colorway. Yeah! The pair of socks are going to my mom. I need to also make a pair for my Aunt. My aunt noticed this pair and commented how much she liked the earth tone colors. The problem is these are a little snug on me and she has a larger foot, so I thought I would make a special pair of socks just for her. Izzy doesn't seem as impressed with my socks (in fact don't you have the impression he thinks my feet are stinky?)
Margaret came over yesterday with her DH for a barbeque to celebrate my birthday. It was our first barbeque. Hamburgers and grilled vegetables, oh yummy. Not only was I surprised by the wonderful present (photo will be posted later), but also by the ice cream cake. I don't care how old I am, my favorite birthday celebration is ice cream cake.
Well, I am now casting on for Hedera. Hmm... again in CTH in some pink color. Although, I am quite tempted to knit with Lorna's Laces in Purple Club that Margaret gave me. I keep squeezing it, it has such sproing. I need an idea of what pattern to follow for that yarn.
Oh-so my mom wants to buy me a gift just for me for my birthday. I feel so spoiled. Honestly, when it comes to my birthday for the past six years all I ask for is things for my home. My mom wants to treat me to something just for me. So, what's the problem? I have no idea what to get. She wants to take me to the LYS and buy it. I have a ball winder and I still need a swift (but they haven't arrived yet in the store), maybe more addi turbo or addi lace for the magic loop, ohhhh maybe Shaefer Yarns. Oh, I just don't know.
So, after yesterday's search and rescue mission for my missing size 8 ebony Lantern Moon needle which propelled me to look through my stash, I consulted the Yarn Harlot's Cast Off book as reference material. Ok, first I spoke to Margaret about said MIA needle and I mentioned the missing needle caused me to freak out about all my UFO's. We identified that my problem is that I really need to have closure on projects before beginning new ones and certainly before expanding my stash. According to the five stages of stashing, I am probably somewhere between Anger and Bargaining. I would guess Ms. Forgetful Stitcher is on acceptance. What does this mean?
Anger- I have to use my leftover yarn to make stuff and I need to control the stash.
Bargaining- I need to finish a project before starting a new one. I learned that I get around this rule every so often by hiding a UFO and thus forgetting about it-therefore the project never existed.
What does this all mean? Today, I am finishing FIL's scarf. I am now debating should I give to him for Father's Day (not the best time to wear it middle of June in Jersey) or next Christmas (scarf will then be two years old)...Decisions to be made.
So, what stash stage are you at?
Ok, title is sucky, but yesterday was my birthday. I have a not so great date. See, when I was young, the only other thing that happened on my birthday was that April 19th represented the first day of the American Revolution. However, as I grew older, the siege at Waco ended on my birthday (and for those who missed the memo that didn't end well) and the Oklahoma City bombing. However, I thoroughly believe that you always look for the positive. And yesterday, I had a wonderful birthday. The day before (yes, I am backtracking) my SIL mailed me two Rowan books. Yeah! The coolest gift. She also bokmarked pages of patterns she liked. Unfortunately, the stunning Dk weight cable throw that requires 34 skeins of yarn will probably not be made but the beaded socks are a definite possibility. I love the books, especially because I have no Rowan anything (scratch that, Margaret gave me a skein to make the Odessa hat).
Well, here's the thing today I got home and found an old scarf I promised to make my FIL. See, last weekend DH finished the floor and we still need to add the molding and the room is done. So, my knitting is in complete disarray. Ok, I found this scarf. I am now motivated to finish this scarf, until I couldn't find the significant partner of the Lantern Moon needle I have been using to knit it. My logic is to start digging through my stash to locate the MIA needle. No luck, but what I did find was a pile of UFO.
- Anna Banana's baby blanket #2
- Burgundy and white scarf for DH in Alpaca
- FIL scarf (obviously)
- Adrienne Vittadini scarf (leftover yarn, which will be donated)
- Lift & Separate sweater (it needs some knitting and sewing)
- Star Mesh wrap
This doesn't include the piles of perfectly usable yarn leftover from projects which include:
- Elabeth Lavold chocolate yarn (enough for a scarf)
- Manos Del Uruguay (I keep frogging whatever project I work on with this yarn)
- Piles of misc. Rio De La Plata
I feel overwhelmed and compelled to do something about this. I seriously need to reduce some of this before it becomes clutter. At what point is it clutter? And for anybody who gasped, I did say clutter. I only have so much room and I need to finish some of this stuff. Certainly, well before Sheila has her next sale.
Ok, I am sitting her without a needle to finish FIL scarf which kills me because it in the last ten inches of being complete. Agh!
Puffy looks at Maya quizzically, "I don't get it, you don't pet me, you don't feed me, what are you doing here?" Maya's response, "Let's play." Eventually, (fingers crossed) all will learn their place in the home. Back to the goodies.
I did some etsy shopping. Hmmmm..... the collar and leash are Lodi and Lewi which is stunning. It is the fireworks collar and leash. The pictures do not do it justice. She has some stunning pieces. And, in the center of the photo is Maya's new decorative tag, maybe, I should call it her pendant which I picked up from Miss Bluebird Creations. She can customize the tags in different colors. And while if you click on the link you are going to ask why not the skull (as you are calling on kahlo)? Well, when I had Blake (family dog who is a black lab) people would get intimidated by her and I didn't want to add to it. Besides, I think Maya looks pretty with bright colors. I think she is more modern a la Pucci and I am more rustic. The treats container is another treasure found at Target. Although, they didn't have anymore sheep squeak toys (so I am washing Maya's).
Oh, you are probably wondering where is the Jaywalker content? I am stuck on the heel turn. I understand the concept except my heel looks really tiny. Tiny tiny and that is a technical term. If anyone has tried making the jaywalkers and has some enlightened wisdom, please share.
 | My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Baroness Monica the Malleable of Old Yarkhillshire Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
I found this on Crafty Weasel's site. I think it's funny because when I registered at an online UK store the store requires you put in a title such as Mr. or Mrs. which honestly I am not a huge fan of titles. They also gave options such as Lady (of which I do not claim), and so I chose Dame. Now I can add Baroness.
Margaret caught The Harlot at FIT (and that is not the Frybread Intelligence Test for you counseling students) and was able to snag me a signed copy of her book. How cool is that? I was in class doing practice sessions and so sadly no Harlot talk for me. It's the first time I missed during one of her tours. Maybe, I can convince Marge for the WEBS talk.
I have started reading the book gingerly... I have three more weeks of classes. I can't read as quickly as usual because I have papers due every week. Blegh.
Although, I love what I have read. Love. LOVE. I don't want to spoil it but I am enjoying the book. It is giving me some gigggles which I need.
Okay, so Dee made the announcement that she has finally started a sock. When she came to visit NJ and we were eating the best french toast in the world, she mentioned she loves the yarn but doesn't knit socks. See, I don't knit socks or rather I didn't. Sunday, I cast on for my first sock (like eight times) the Jaywalkers in Cherry Tree Hill Yarn.
This doesn't necessarily mean I am a sock knitter yet. I am noticing that I like this colorway, however I am in agreement with Dee, I want to knit some colorful yarns. I want to knit somethink bright and reminds me of summer fruits and sorbet.
Well, I like this pattern. It is very easy and I think makes the yarn looks pretty. I am very happy that I am knitting this sock, because that means I can knit socks for people who love socks like MIL.
While it is an accomplishment I am trying something new, this is the extent of my knitting. quite sad. In three weeks that will change.
People, I tell you a bowling ball in the middle of the lawn. A heavy bowling ball. So, what do we do?
Take a photo of proud DH and Maya (ignore the mess we are doing some work). And then I proceed to call Margaret.
Me: We have a bowling ball in the middle of our front lawn.
Marge: A bowling ball?
Me: Do you think I should call the police?
Marge: Is that what you think you should do when a bowling ball appears in the middle of your lawn? Dial 911?
Me: Well, what if what involved in an act of vandalism?
Marge: Yes, the mysterious bowling ball is key evidence in an unsolved crime. Does it look like someone rolled the ball onto your lawn?
Me: It looks like someone dropped it off.
If anyone else has theories on this: welcome to the neigborhood package, neigborly invitation to the bowling team, there's always aliens....
Ok. DH picked Maya as our little lady's name. All the suggestions were fabulous. The winner is We Do Not Have a Knitting Problem. Although, based on their Flash the Stash photo the prize may not be needed (impressive stash!). Please email me at mmtate@comcast.net with your address so I can mail your prize.
So why, Maya? DH loved the way the name sounded. I am going to have him read Maya Angelou's poetry because she is one of my favorite poets. I saw her speak at Rutgers when I was a student and she is amazing. Thanks to all who made suggestions. Maya will start dog training classes tomorrow I also need to post a photo of the stunning dog leash I picked up from Lodi and Lewi.
Also, on the posting photo list- picture of the signed new Yarn Harlot book, Maya photos, knitting room updates, etc. Five weeks until classes over and the countdown has begun...