Knittin' and Lovin' It

A Few Woolgirl Knits

I think it's safe to post about these now. It's been over a month since the boxes went out so I'm pretty sure most people including those outside the US have received their packages. I test knit the patterns for the June Woolgirl sock club package.

First up is the sock pattern, It's Raining Cats & Dogs Socks (Ravelry).

This is a club exclusive pattern so it's not available right now however I wouldn't be surprised if it's available within the year for sale to everyone. I loved knitting this sock. It has cables, these cute little paw prints, and to top it off it's knit with one of my favorite go to yarns, Dream in Color Smooshy the colorway is called Raining Cats and Dogs.

Then I worked the Raindrops shawl (Ravelry)(non Ravelry).

I do believe the pattern edging was tweaked for the club but you can get the pattern for free from the designers website. It was a great knit and the pattern was easy to work and once again it was knit in Dream in Color Smooshy. One skein will gets you a smaller shawl. If you want a bigger one you'll definitely need a second skein of Smooshy. I managed to eek out 8 pattern repeats before starting the edging but I was cutting it pretty close on running out of yarn.

I have a few more knits but I can't post about them yet since they are hush hush. They are club patterns so I won't post them until after a reasonable amount of time has past after the boxes are sent off.

I'll be back in a few days to post about some of my WIPs, goodies, etc....oh and that blog contest that I want to start. More details in a few days.

Happy Crafting!

Bee Fields Shawl

Wow has it really been that long since my last post? Guess so! I decided to do a quick post with just photos of the Bee Fields Shawl (ravelry)(non ravelry). It's been blocked and ready to be posted for awhile now but I've just been way to lazy busy to post it.

Lets get all the pics out of the way first.

Kaity was kind enough to model the shawl for me. Getting Shawn and the weather to cooperate to get some nice pictures was hard then I thought it was going to be. I really enjoyed knitting this shawl and I'm sure if I would have worked on it more it would have taken me way less then a year to knit it. The shawl and I got in a few fights along the way and it had several lengthy time outs.

Kaity was shooting for a sad look. She tried to con me out of the shawl but I told her that I spent way to much time for her and and her sister to use it to play dress up. I'll give her an A for effort. She did try. I have yet to figure out what I'm going to do with the shawl. I'm not a shawl wearer but I love to knit them. Know anyone who would love a green lace shawl?

I'll be back in the next few days to post about some of the things I've been up to. I have lots to show.

Happy Crafting!

Gotta Have Some Bling!

I have some very shiny bling now. Thanks to the root canal I had a few months ago I needed to get a crown. The dentist and I decided to go with a gold crown since it's the back molar where there is a big chance of chipping it if I went with porcelain. Thankfully there was no numbing needed and my dentist appointment went quickly and painlessly. I love my dentist!! I still have several more crowns but only one more that needs to be taken care of fairly quickly. The other 3 are to re-enforce the teeth that have had a lot of work done to them in the past. The Sonicare toothbrush seems to be doing the job....it was definitely money well spent.

So anyway, you all are wondering what I've been up to (knitting wise) since my last post. Well the answer is a lot of things.

I finished the mid March Monthly Dishcloth KAL cloth.

The pattern is windmill dishcloth (ravelry)(non ravelry). I used Peaches & Creme yarn in the Aqua Mist ombre colorway. Exciting isn't it! OK, so dishcloths aren't very exciting but they are great fillers when you are working on big projects.

Oh look, a boring progress shot of my toe up bamboo socks.

I wasn't going to bore you all with this photo but I took it to update my Ravelry notebook so I figured I might as well subject you to it too. Actually there is another 2 inches or so on the cuff thanks to my dentist appointment. I always take my socks with me since there is the wait time plus it helps pass the time when they need to numb my mouth up for work....much better then boring magazines. I'm working a k2, p2 ribbing....boring yes but it doesn't require me to drag around a pattern. I have my basic toe up pattern memorized.

Oh boy! Here's an exciting one for you guys.

I finished the Bee Fields Shawl (ravelry)(non ravelry). It only took me a year to do it but it's done!!! Well almost done. I still need to give it a good soak and blocking. I'm going to try to get that done tomorrow morning after the kiddo heads out the door for school. There are a few minor errors in the shawl (my knitting errors not pattern errors) but all in all it came out great. I can't wait to see it after it's all blocked out.

I picked up some yarn from ebay from KimiK.

It's 440 yards of multi colored sock yarn (100% Merino non superwash) with 110 yards of coordinating kettle dyed yarn for the heels and toes. I liked the colors and the price was right.

I received my final Seven Deadly S(p)ins club shipment. Go here if you want to see it. I probably won't make the pattern so I need to find something else to use the yarn on. I loved the yarn and colors!

Well at least this time the post is shorter. I'll leave you all with Bree playing peekaboo!

She decided to sneak a peek out the window while I was taking some photos of projects and stash. She kept saying "peekie boo" and giggling!

Happy Crafting!

Fa La La La La

La La La Laaaaaa! It is the season to be jolly, isn't it? I'd be a lot more jollier if it was a little warmer here. Guess I could go buy me a little Captain Morgan's and Coke to make things a lot more warmer and jollier and I do believe I'd forget all about the cold weather.  ;~)

Oh, wait you guys are in shock aren't you? I just did a post the other day and now I'm posting again. Scary, I know! I'll probably post again in a few more days since Christmas is less then 3 days away.

I was planning on a trip to the Bahamas (in my dreams) to warm up but seeing as the flight and hotel are going to run me around $3,000 (could be a little cheaper but I don't want to stay in the no tell motel so it's gonna cost more) not including food I guess I'll have to stay here and freeze my butt off. So what do you do when it's -8 outside?

Why you buy a Frappuccino from Starbucks! Nothing makes a cold day better then a cold Caramel Frapp from Starbucks. It's funny when people look at you as if you've gone crazy. Specially the ones who give you that look when they are standing there holding an ice cold soda. How is my cold frapp any worse then getting a cold soda on ice? Just in case you guys haven't figured it out, I enjoy being the odd duck in the group.

The lone package from TLE came in.

This poor package was shipped out on the 15th of Dec and came in today 22 Dec.....talk about slow moving mail. I had a first class package from Texas that beat this one by 5 days. Crazy holiday mail! The yarn is going to be used to make a hat for Shawn. He wants a hat with the pirate skull and crossbones on it. I think I have a pattern picked out but need to discuss it with Shawn first since he's the one who will be wearing it.

I have an FO to share with you.

I meant to put this in the last post but forgot about it. In my defense it was a big post full of stuff. I knit a helmet liner for Shawn. He needed something warm to wear while he's out in the cold shoveling snow. I used blue yarn (Valley Yarns Northampton) for this one since he'll only use it at home. He has a black one at work with his cold weather gear that was bought for him to wear when he's in uniform and has to work outside.

I've been chugging right along on my Bee Fields (Ravelry)(non Ravelry) shawl since I finished my Christmas knitting.

I've gotten quite a bit done in the last few days. I have about 30% of the shawl complete. I'm about 28 rows from completing the Bee Swarm section. This poor shawl has been put into time out way to many times. It's time to finish it up. Plus some time after the first of the year I need to get one started for my mom. I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with this one when it's complete. I'm not really a big lace shawl wearer. Maybe a decoration to hang on a wall?

I've also made good progress on my socks.

I only worked on these in the car. I have a few more inches until I'm done with these. I like longer cuffs on my socks. Since these are made out of worsted weight yarn they will most likely become boot socks. When I wear my shearling sheepskin boots I have to wear thick boot socks or they slide around on my feet. My favorite socks are some black cold weather boot socks I bought to wear with my military uniform. They cost me $8 a pair but they've lasted me 10 winters now. These boots are 500 times more comfortable then my snowboots and a lot warmer. The link I gave is to the boots I bought last year (yes I bought mine from Overstock their prices are great).  They have a lug sole so they have good traction. The parking lots around here are slick with snow and ice so shoes with good traction are a must. If you want a comfy pair but don't want to pay out the price for Uggs these are a great buy. Ugg brand boots similar to the Bear Paw boots I bought will run you around $160-$200 for a pair. I don't wear cheapo shoes but I'm also not into spending $$$ on shoes.

I am not into fashion at all. I'm all about the comfort. I'm a Levi's and Hanes T-shirts kind of gal. I have a total of 7 pair of shoes none of them cost me more then $100 and do not own one single suit or anything that someone would consider fashionable. I would probably shock Stacy and Clinton on What Not to Wear. I've only seen the show a few times but refuse to watch anymore because they get down right mean and nasty about what people wear. Insulting people with a smile on your face and a giggle in your voice does not make it any less mean or hurtful. Yes some people want to be on the show and know they are going to be criticized but there are plenty who have no idea they are going to be on the show because they were put in by meddling family who can't accept them for the way they are. On one show a woman was practically in tears after they tore her clothing choices apart. Not watching the show is a person preference for me, everyone is allowed to like what they want to like, so it doesn't bother me one bit if you like the show. To each their own I always say.

Oops, I got sidetracked, now back to knitting. Sometimes I'm so easy distracted.

I've also been working on my moms Errant socks.

I would like to get these finished up soon. Plus if I finish these then I can cast on another pair, maybe for myself. I have several yarns sitting in my "to be knit next" basket.

Kaity's A-line Coat is done.

Well almost done. I need to get some buttons for it. I have my eye on some ladybug buttons from an online website. I was going to see what JoAnns had but Bree was getting tired and fussy so we decided to come home. Plus the weather was cold and nasty. I'll just order from the online store so I can pick up some other buttons for a few projects I have on my list to do. I really want to start a button stash.

I think that just about covers it for now. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Wonderful Kwanzaa, just another damn day, etc and an excellent New Year!

I'll leave you with Shadow.

It's been awhile since she's been in a post. I think she likes the new bed we bought her. I do believe that's what complete and total relaxation looks like.

Happy Crafting!

I Hate Spring Break!!!

Now that I'm not a kid and I have two of my own, I can say without a doubt in my mind "I Hate Spring Break." Some of you may ask yourself "Why would she hate spring break." I'll answer in two words "No School". We're coming to the end of spring break and I am very ready for Kaity to go back to school. She's driving me crazy....not that I have to drive far to hit crazy.

The first thing Kaity drove me crazy about,


Her socks! She wanted her new socks finished. So I sped through the second sock the other night so I could wash them for her for the next day. I really like Berroco Sox. It knits up nicely and although it's a tad scratchy while knitting with it, it softens up very nicely after a nice soak in wool wash. The scratchiness isn't any worse then any other basic sock yarn with nylon in it. I'd compare the feel to that of Opal sock yarn. We'll see how well it wears. I knit her a pair of socks back in Nov of 2006 out of some Regia and the socks are still going strong after lots of wear and trips through the washer and dryer. You can see the socks in my Rav Notebook. Regia really does wear like iron.

I knit a dish cloth.


This pattern is from Lily. It's the Doily Style Dishcloth and you need to have a freebie account with Lily to download the pattern. I noticed that the pattern is on the ball band of the Sugar N' Cream too. I think I'll make this one again. It's worked in the round and works very well with variegated yarn.

The Reims Stockings are coming along.


It doesn't look it but I'm about halfway through the foot pattern.

I also finished my sample knit for Woolgirl but I need to keep that one under wraps for now. I should be getting a new sample knit from her soon.

I started another dishcloth but I'm only 6 rows into it so there isn't much to photograph. Same goes for the inch I knit on my sweater.

The Bee Fields Shawl is out of it's time out and the 7 rows I had to rip are now back on the needles again. I was an idiot and didn't run lifelines. The only thing that saved me is that the Malibrigo lace is kinda grabby so I was able to pull back the rows one at a time very slowly until I was back to the mistake. Since the shawl doesn't look any different then it did the last time I posted about it, I didn't bother with another photo. The only difference now is you would see lifelines in the pic.

If all goes well, this payday I'll be ordering the yarn from Knit Picks to make dresses for Kaity and Bree. I'm going to pick up some Shine Sport for Kaity and I think I'm going to try some of their new yarn Comfy for Bree's dress.

It's time to start thinking about summer knitting.

Happy Valentines Day

Wishing you all a Happy Love Day.


Shawn ordered these for the girls and I. I was completely shocked when the delivery person brought them to my front door this morning. Bree kept saying "Wow" and pointing. Kaity's still at school but I can imagine she'll be excited to see all those balloons.

I finished the sample knit and it's winging it's way home as I type. I'll post about it when I can.

I also finished a few things for Kaity. She's been pestering me about these for days.

First up, her hat.


Norwegian Star Earflap hat, minus the earflaps and one full star repeat.


I did a provisional cast on so I could pick up the stitches easier and knit the hat to push inside the hat. The hat has been washed and blocked so both sides are the same size now.

I finished Kaity's Monkey socks.


I used a pink/white TOFUtsies. Knit at a slightly tighter gauge then the pattern states will give you a sock small enough for a 6 year olds foot without the need to modify the pattern. Ah, the powers of gauge.

I ordered my wheel this morning from The Woolery. I've heard they have great customer service. The guy I talked to this morning was really nice. I can't wait to get my wheel.....weeeeee! Now I need to start thinking about names.

I've decided to knit the Celtic Knot Stole but I need to enlarge the charts. If I tried to read them as is I'll go blind. I can't wait to get started. I'll probably be starting this by the weekend.

Lots of Updates

Is it just me, or my titles lacking in creativity. Oh well, better luck next time. I have a lot of things to put in this post so it's a little picture heavy.....sorry, dial-up user! Don't mean to slow you down.

A few questions before I continue on with my post. Does anyone who reads this blog use dial-up internet service? Am I a horrible person because I decided not to send out Christmas Cards this year? Anyone else out there not sending Christmas Cards. Just curious!

Were to start, oh yeah, FOs.

I finished up Kaity's Forest Canopy Shawl.

I'm going to try very hard to get it blocked either today or tomorrow. This is my special gift for her for Christmas. Believe it or not I'll probably be making one more of these shawls as a gift. This time in a yummy Malabrigo worsted. I'm going to be my moms knitting hands, she's going to be the yarn purchaser. Sounds like a great deal to me.

I also started and finished a crocheted cloth yesterday. It's folded in half for the photo.

I was in the mood for a little crochet and found the link to this cloth out at Lion Brands website. It's called the Almond Back Loop Stitch Washcloth. I kept crocheting until I ran out of yarn so mine is a lot bigger then a washcloth. It's almost the perfect size for a hand towel. I think I'm going to use up some of the cotton I have on cones to make a few more of these. Super easy and super fast.

Sheldon is moving right along.

He now has all 4 legs and I started his shell last night. I have the tails of yarn tucked into each foot so they won't tangle into a hopeless mess. I'll probably try to finish him up before the end of the weekend.

My mom's sock is coming along nicely.

I'm over halfway through the heel flap. It won't be too much longer before these are in the mail on their way to my moms feet.

Finally, an addition to my stash.

I picked this yarn up for Kaity. The Opal 6 ply was bought on sale from Little Knits. The one on the left is #1712, Lollipop and the one on the right is #1715, Tutti Fruitti. The Regia is from another Ravelry destash. I have a small amount of this yarn left in my stash from the very first fingering weight socks I made Kaity. I want to make her some more since she loves the socks so much.

I'm suppose to be eliminating my stash and so far I've made one pair of socks and bought enough yarn to make somewhere around 4-5 pair of socks. I'm losing my campaign which is not bothering me one bit. How in the world can you pass up on sales for stuff you've been wanting?

Wow, I think I'm finally to the end. Time to go put a few more rows on Sheldon's shell before Bree wakes up.

New Project

**ETA: the pictures. I posted without the pictures. It's going to be a long day.

As if I really needed to start another project. I finished up my moms first sock yesterday so I celebrated by starting a new shawl.



The pattern I'm using is Show Your Colors Shawl. It's a very simple shawl pattern. I'm using to strands of Knit Picks Shimmer, color Grape Hyacinth.

Here's the first Penllyn Sock.



This one was a fast knit, three days for the first sock. Keep in mind that this is the socks I knit on all night long when Kaity was sick.

I've died and gone to....well you all can figure out what I was going to say. I just read out on the Ravelry forums that the yarn shops in Helena went out of business. The shop here in town is very limited...emphasis on very! So I guess Billings has my nearest yarn shop and Billings is like 4 hours away. Makes me almost want to cry.

I'm really kicking myself in the butt because there are like 3 shops located outside of the base there in Cheyenne, WY and that was our second pick. It was our second pick because it put us farther away from my family. Cheyenne is less then two hours away from Denver, CO. *sigh* Should have picked WY. Oh well, stuck here in Montana it is....guess I'll make the best of it. Internet buying here I come.

Time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get the kiddo out the door for school.

An FO With Some Snow

It's snowing finally. The snow started last night and it appears that it's snowed off and on all night long. I love snow yet, I hate it too. It's pretty but it creates so much more work. Every time the dogs go outside they have to be rubbed down to get the snow out of their fur. What fun today will be.

I have good news though. I finished Bree's sweater last night.



Here's the Stats:
Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple (KP&S) #211, Baby Tunic
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi, color Childsplay
Size Knit: 12 Months
Needles: US 8 for the body, sleeves and hood and US 6 for the ribbing.
Mods: None

After it's washed and dried I'll get photos of Bree in her sweater. Well, I'll try to get photos of Bree in her sweater.

If you're looking for a simple baby sweater to knit this is the one for you. The pattern is written in sizes 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. It's knit all in the round which means no seaming unless you pick seaming over kitchener for the hood. I used the kitchener stitch for the hood. The link for the kitchener stitch is the one I used to help me when I first started knitting socks.

The only thing I noticed about the KP&S patterns are that they run kinda on the big side. I ended up going with the size 2-4 for Kaity because it will give her about 6 inches of ease. Kaity normally wears a size 6-8 in shirts. I'll be casting on for Kaity's sweater here soon. I want to finish my other sock and the shawl.

An Almost FO

Sock number one, done.



This morning I finished up the 1st 3x3 cable sock with moss stitch.....pattern found in Sensational Knitted Socks. The sock weighed in at 50 grams and the left over weighed in at 72 grams. You can get mega long socks out of these hanks. I knit a 2" cuff, 5.5" leg (pattern), and a 3" heel flap for a total of 10.5 inch long sock from heel to cuff. Plus the sock has a 10" foot unstretched.



This has got to be the absolute super duper most comfy sock I've knit so far. The yarn (Dream in Color Smooshy) is a dream to work with and the pattern has a bit of stretch but the cables and moss stitch pull in to make the sock stay up. Love it, love it, love it. I can't wait to get the second sock finished so I can wear them.

I started Kaity's shawl the other night.



I have a few repeats of the pattern finished. I doubt this will take me very long so I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to finish it up for Christmas. I've found my new "go-to" acrylic. I like Red Heart Soft Yarn much better then Caron's Simply Soft. The Red Heart is just as soft but it doesn't split at all. I constantly split stitches with the Simply Soft.

I'm off to go grocery shopping. See I told you I have a fun filled, exciting life. Grocery shopping at the base commissary....at least Shawn gets to join in on the fun. He's off this week so he's going a long to help.

Today I leave you with a cute puppy pic.



"What me, I didn't do nuthin'!"