Saturday, November 22, 2008

Pug Knit Swap

This was a fun swap, even though we kind of got off to a bad start. I was away on one of my mini vacations when I was supposed to reply with my name and address, or something and my Blackberry cannot sign in to Ravelry for some reason. But, we figured it all out and this package was awesome!
My swap partner, Smatchell, made these. I love them! They'll work with so many projects and my favorite color, too. They came in the cute little red change purse, my other favorite color. This one couldn't keep her head, nose and body out of the box! She could smell something good in there. First thing she pulled out was the box of chocolates, but I quickly told her they weren't for her. She was so funny, just grabbing at anything she could get her mouth around.
Thank you Smatchell. We love every bit of that box, even the pretty purple fabric that everything was wrapped up in!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

It's a Bit Nippy Outside!

Even for a "Misplaced Yankee" it's a bit nippy outside. The temperature today isn't supposed to get out of the mid 50's and it's going down into the 20's tonight. Brrrrrr! So, the Christmas cactus came in and tonight hubby is bringing in my geraniums because they are full of buds and just beautiful and they need to stay that way so the WHOLE family can see them. I love pulling out the sweatshirts and sweatpants, socks, all the nice "stay warm" gear. In the South you have to get used to doing everything opposite of what you did up North. You wear shorts and t-shirts here 10 months out of the year. Up North I was lucky if I could wear shorts and t-shirts for 2 months. So, everything's totally different, so when this little freeze comes a little earlier than usual, this is one happy North/Southerner!

I have been trying to spend less time on the computer (have you noticed?) and more time doing other things, like knitting. I finished this and blocked it last week and just love it, and love the color.

Clapotis at Knitty

Yarn: Shaefer Laurel 100% Pima Cotton

Weight: Worsted

Needles: Size 8 Brittany

Color: Can't remember - I'll find it sometime.

Bought at Stings and Strands in Atlanta on my trip with DH.

The shawl under it is one that I made way back when I first started on this journey of lace knitting. The pattern is in one of my knitting books but it's been so long since I did it I don't remember. I have a huge bookcase and it's full of knitting books, magazines, and trying to find one quick isn't easy. Very unorganized bookcase.

Kauni Sweater
I've also finished this sweater from a knit-a-long I did last winter. I finished it in quick order but then died out on the sleeves. I still don't like the sleeves but they're going to have to do. It's not like I'm ever going to wear it. It is cold here, but not cold enough for a 100% wool sweater. I don't like wool.
I liked that the sleeves aren't exactly the same. Some people did them exactly alike but it's the character of the sweater and the yarn. Doing sleeves from the shoulder down, in the round, on double pointed needles is not fun. Next time I'll try a different way, or just do them flat and sew them in. Finishing a sweater is a chore, but once I get the needle and thread going it doesn't matter if I have to sew in sleeves. And the join will look a whole lot better than where the end of the round is when using double pointed needles.
last weekend on my coupon shopping spree. I got him in Bath and Body Works if you want one. He has a candle inside (take off his head) and this one is Spice. They also have Evergreen.

That's all of the yarn I have left after the sweater. It was 2 skeins of Kauni in the EQ colorway. That's a lot of yarn. I bought more too, in pinks, to make a shawl/stole. Someday. Just not enough hours in my day to knit all the things I see that I want.

If anyone can explain to me (again) how to get the writing beside these pictures instead of having to keep writing either on top of or under them, please tell me. I need to spend a day just reading all this blogger stuff so I can figure out what the heck I don't know. I can't get a picture in my header either, so, still a boring blog.


Happy Knitting!
Edited to Note! Well, I decided my little Penguin would look better above my writing and when I moved him, all the writing went along side him. So, guess I sort of figured that part out, accidently. Jeesh!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Veteran's Day/Happy Birthday

Every year on this date I'd send my father-in-law an e-card, thanking him for all his dedication and sacrifice for our country. He passed away 5 years ago, but I still like to mention it here on November 11th. This year I'd like to wish all the service men and women a very Happy Veteran's Day and a big Thank You for all you've done to keep us safe.
Veterans Day MySpace Comments and Graphics
Veterans Day MySpace Layouts Photobucket Login - Upload Pics and Videos
Free Comments and Graphics
And, you know what I was doing 28 years ago today?Giving birth to this handsome kid! Happy Birthday Baby Boy. I love you lots and lots!

My Clapotis is now an FO and is blocking. My Kauani Sweater just needs the ribbing around the edges of the sleeves. Not much else going on, just enjoying this beautiful weather and getting the house ready for Thanksgiving company. The Baby Girl, The Baby Boy, The Grandson and the Parents are all going to be home for the big bird this year so we're all getting pretty excited.

Happy Veteran's Day to all and Happy Birthday kiddo.

Happy Knitting!