Stress of Shopping

Christmas time is nearly here and besides the usual presents, which I have not even begun to think about, I have to pick out and purchase items for our promotion at work. That would be 528 gifts ranging from $15 to $1500. Sounds like fun? It can be but try finding items that are gender neutral, fit the budget and will not be a pain in the ass the lug to 4 different locations and set up in a display but at the same time look nice and worth winning. Want a PS3? You have to pre-order the games before you can even pre-order the system. HUH? That eliminated that one. Plasma tv's, GPS systems, stereos, chocolate fondue fountains? I am getting tired of shopping already and I haven't even purchased anything. Why can't we just give away yarn? That we be an ever enjoyable shopping experience!

BTW- I finished the ball band washcloth in my car this morning, waiting for an appt. Love the portable knitting.

Joining the Club

Yes, I have started a ballband washcloth. I am not a big washcloth knitter but it was one of the first things I learned to do. Peaches n' Cream did not disappoint. I cannot get over the colors and it is really soft. The pattern is easy on pretty mindless (read: can be knit during Celebrity Duets, which is also mindless). I should have this done either tonight or tomorrow and be ready to Ocktoberfest on Sunday.

Feeling Kinda Funny

Ever get that feeling after finishing a larger project that something is missing? Kind of like phantom leg pains. Not that I am in pain but I do feel ackward having 2 large/time consuming projects off the needles within a day of each other. Yes, I have do have 2 smaller projects to work on and some finishing still left on Sunrise so I not without things to do.

I got my 8 balls of Peaches n' Cream on Tuesday. Love the colors. Maybe I will do a quick ballband dishcloth tonight. Who isn't making these?

Getting it done

Today was my get shit done day.

Sewed the seams on Sunrise Circle- check
Mailed thank you package to former Sp in Canada-check
Called about new countertops-check
Got the wrong season tickets to the 5th in the mail-check (and will be sending those back tomorrow)
Dyed beer-inspired yarn-check (yes, I think it looks like a banana too)

Check out this shizzle!

I have finished backyard leaves! I was literally sweating last night watching Dancing with the Stars and knitting but it was worth it. I really really like this. Here is the info:

Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style

Cotton Fleece in Brown (can't find the exact color name)

Size 5 needles

Guilty Pleasure Wednesday

Clue

I love this movie so much. I can turn it on and do things around the house and recite the lines as I am going. Just a few samples of the classic (at least to me) quotes:

"I hated her . . . so . . . much . . .I-It-It--flame--flames . . . on the side of my face . . .breathing . . . breathle--heaving breaths . . .heaving--"

"And what exactly do you do?" "I buttle, sir."

"I was lisuning!"

"I . . . am . . . your singing telegram--"

Great cast-Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Jane Wiedlin(?!)...- and good mindless movie. I think I might go watch it now.

Determination

Thank god for Purly Girls and 3 hour knitting blocks! I am on the last repeat of Backyard Leaves. I have about another 40 rows to go before binding off, seaming together and blocking. I think once this is all done and of the needles, I will really like it. Goals for tonight: Work on this and dye the much talked about beer-inspired yarn.

Game Plan

Alright, I have 4 projects going right now. One is of the needles but still needs to be sewn together. I have come up with a game plan since 1) Socktoberfest is coming up and 2) I don't like having UFOs looming.

I am going to focus on Backyard Leaves until Oct 1. I should be able get it done by then. I got a few rows done during Desperate Housewives last night. Starting Oct 1, I am going to work mostly on, of course, socks. I have enough yarn to make 17 pairs! I could get that down by a couple skeins. When I want a break from socks, I can sew up the Sunrise Circle Jacket. This leaves the Trellis Scarf out in the cold but I am ok with that. Sounds like a plan? I will keep you updated on any progress, changes or just plain deviation.

Back from Oregon

We took at trip to Portland this weekend which happened to be during the Oregon Flock and Fiber Fest. So we made a slight side trip on Sunday.

Checking out the Socks that Rock Display. Yes, I came home with 2 great colors- Bleeding Hearts and Harlotty.

Yes, that is Lamb's Pride for under $4! I got 5 skeins of the olive green for a sweater. I have now offically been told "No more yarn."

I also got a pair of Dansko clogs to show off my growing collection of knit socks, along with 8 bottles of wine from the local wineries.

I need to stop!

This is TLC Essentials in Choco Cherry and it is the latest purchase in what has been a very busy yarn buying week. First there was the 2 extra skeins for my sweater. It doesn't count if you need it to finish a project. Does it? Then 9 skeins of Peaches N Cream followed by a another skein of Trekking. Now 2 skeins of Choco Cherry. For what? I have no idea. It's acrylic but I love the color. Last time I found a TLC color I liked and didn't buy, I went to 4 Joann's the next week trying to find it. By buying it now, I am just saving myself the aggrivation and hassle of trying to find it later. Right?

Project Rundown

My extra skeins for my Sunrise Circle Jacket came yesterday and by last night, I had finished knitting the pieces! Just need to buy some embroidery floss for sewing up the seams. That might not happen until Monday.

My Dublin Bay socks are coming along. These will most likely be worked on in the car ride to Portland tomorrow. WE just happen to be going during Oregon Flock and Fiber. What are the chances of getting hubby to check it out with me?
I also started something new yesterday. A trellis scarf from a LYS. Kidsilk Haze stranded with Copa/Fiesta. I actually tried starting this last week but somehow dropped 2 stitches. I have a feeling lifelines are my friends with this project.

MIA is Backyard Leaves. It is so far down in my knitting bag, I was too lazy to take it out and take a picture. I need a day of watching football and a beer to finish this one.

Speaking of beer, sock yarn is skeined-up and ready to dye. Could happen tonight...

More Time to Knit...

I have been advised by my Physical Therapist to go to the gym every other day and to only use the bike or ellipitcal for 10 min at time. Since I was going 5 times a week and spending 20-30 minutes on the elliptical and another 30 minutes lifting weight (which now needs to be changed to stretching), I have more time to knit. Happy that I can spend more time getting projects done but frustrated that my getting-in-shape goals may be sidelined. Damn bursitis!

LYS or daycare?

Yesterday, I visited a LYS for the first time. Selection was ok. Lots of Cascade and Trekking but that isn't what left a lasting impression. The 8 year old who asked me if I was finding everything I needed, the baby waking from her nap in the backroom and the 2 toddlers fighting in the make-shift playpen area with cartoons playing on a TV were a bit more memorable. Then there was the worker (owner?) talking to her mother about how her son forgets his homework at school everyday. Maybe if you didn't make him help your customers, he would remember things like homework and school. Customer service by a child (even though he knew his yarn) isn't exactly comforting or legal. It all left a bad taste my mouth. There was no cozy place to sit and knit feeling of the usual LYSs. It was more find your yarn and get out of here because I have kids to look after. Not visiting that one again.

Sock yarn with a head?

I think I just got the color inspiration I needed for dying my sock yarn. I signed up for Socktoberfest so why not dye some beer inspired yarn. I am not talking PBR or MGD but the great colors of an IPA, a Hefe, an Amber and a Stout. I can see it now but will have to wait until Thurs or Friday to give it a try. We are going to see Wicked tonight!

Guilty Pleasure Wednesday

Tony Orlando and Dawn

If there is one theme that is/will run through my guilty pleasures, it is music. If it is cheesy with a song, I am there. For me, it all started with Tony Orlando and Dawn. I had the record as a kid and danced around the house to "Knock Three Times". My mom still brings it up every so often. I remember watching their variety show every week, even though I was only 4 or 5. How is this for some '70's reference? I used to think the picture that Jack on Three's Company had hanging above his bed was supposed to be Tony Orlando when it really was Ringo and the Beatles. I have the Greatest Hits CD and DVD set of the show now. Whenever I want to do little flashback to being 4, a set the iPod to "Candida" and sing along.

Stash Addition

After drooling over Peaches n' Cream last night at Purly Girls, I placed an order online for 8 balls. I guess Walmart sells it but paying for shipping is worth not having to deal with our local Walmart crowd/employees. Pics to come once the order arrives.

Standstill

I have run out of yarn for the Sunrise Circle Jacket with about 20 more rows left. Luckily, I ordered more but it hasn't shown up at my door yet. I guess that will give me an extra day to work on the socks or (dare I say it) Backyard Leaves.

Maybe I will use the extra time to dye that sock yarn that was calling my name last week. The Godfather Xbox game comes out today and we have our copy to pick up so odds are I will turn into my once a month gamer-geek and play that.

Recycled Patterns

I recently saw that Interweave Knits was coming out with a Holiday Gifts edition. I was excited to see what ideas they had. Today, I saw the preview online. What is the first thing? Backyard Leaves- the very scarf that has become my longest UFO. Also there- the Christmas stockings I made last year. It looks like almost everything there is something that can be found in a back issue or in one of their books. Are there any new patterns? I am let down by this. I had high hopes and looked forward to buying it. Not anymore.

Did I really eat that?

Back from Canada and a weekend of eating like crap. I really like Vancouver and had a great time but my bad eating habits kicked in as soon as we got in the car and hopefully ended last night at dinner. Here is the rundown:

Saturday:
Pumpkin Spice Latte and a cranberry-orange scone
Dim Sum including chicken feet, beef balls, spring rolls and chicken with rice
Candy Corn
2 Glasses of Wine
Dinner Buffet with 2 small plates of desserts

Sunday:
Banana muffin
Brunch Buffet with sushi, more spring rolls, eggs benedict and another plate of desserts
Icee and Habenero Potato chips
More Candy Corn
Pizza

When my hands weren't pusshin food into my mouth, I did manage to start another pair of socks. Dublin Bay and my first try with Socks That Rock. Love the yarn!

Socktoberfest

After seeing exaclt howmuch sock yarn I have and then signing up for another sock yarn swap, I have joined Socktoberfest. I am excited. If I concentrate on just socks for a month, I could kick some ass!

I am about 1/4 of the way on the back for Sunrise and am really glad I ordered the extra yarn. I have already used over 1 skein! Hubby was impressed that my only purchase was the yarn I actually needed. I have to say I was too. Another step in keeping the stash under control.

Off to Vancouver tomorrow.

Just a quick phone call

Knitting on the back of the Sunrise Circ Jacket last night, the thought occured to me- Do I have enough yarn? Actually, that thought occurs with nearly every project. I have 3 skeins of WOTA to do the whole back. Stress time. What if the dye lot has changed? Do I wait to see if I actually need to buy more? I couldn't take it any more and called Knitpicks this morning. Same dye lot! I ordered 2 more skeins. No more worries. I was tempted to buy some Shine while I was at it but kept my order small- a first.

It is sign-up time for alot of swaps. I am a little leary about signing up for more. I have been ditched twice in the 5 swaps I have done. The angels were great! This one though is really tempting me. Easy and fun.

ETA: Ok- I just signed up. I really like the idea and am now really excited about it.

Oh Canada

We made a semi-last minute decision to head up to Canada this weekend. Step-son has never been and Hubby has a rare Saturday off (actually 2- we are going to Portland next weekend). This means: 1) I will have time in the car to knit and play auto bingo (see last post) and 2) Another city to check out a yarn store. However, I am out-numbered so I am not sure if that will happen.

BTW, no yarning dying took place last night. I was too tired after I got home and Dancing with the Stars was on. How could I miss Joey Lawerence and Mario Lopez on the same cheesy show?

Guilty Pleasure Wednesday

AUTO BINGO

Ok. I admit it. I have 5 auto bingo cards in our truck at all times. Whenever we go on a car trip- Portland, Canada, vacations- I play Auto Bingo even if I am the only one participating. Depending on the trip, it's either Traffic Safety, Interstate Highway or the original green. Look for specific items on your trip and slide the red plastic over the picture when you find that item. Stop sign, girl, yield sign, tow truck, policeman, train, house number sign, horse, etc... Last trip to Oregon, my cursed enemy was a silo. Hubby finally found one for me off in the distance. Does that count? I kind of feel like I cheated if it is something I didn't find myself. Just another reason to call me a geek.

peek-a-boo

I finished the second front for the Sunrise jacket tonight. I had the sides nicely laid out on the floor and ran downstairs to get my camera. I came back up to this.

That would be the latest Playboy cover model peeking out of the top of the sweater. My husband put it there so he "could see what a big pair of t!ts would look like in it." Thanks Honey.

Something Suddenly Came Up

Sitting here at work (sshhhh.... don't tell), I have a sudden urge to dye some sock yarn. Maybe it's the fumes from the spray varnish that has overtaken my office but I really want to get home and do some dying. I have the yarn. I have the dye but no color inspiration. I will have to look around on my way home and at the gym to see if anything hits me.

Purl with the Girls

Last night, I went to Purly Girls for the first time in a few months. I forgot how nice it is to sit and knit for a good chunk of time with other knitters. Sorry to say my conversations were lacking since I was counting stitches on my Sunrise Circle Jacket but I had fun anyway. The location recently changed so no yarns store in walking distance but lucky for Hubby, there is a beer store. I came home with a pumpkin beer, chocolate stout and a porter just for him.

Slowly but Surely

What is this? Actual knitting content! It is true. I didn't get too much knitting time in this week but yesterday I pulled Backyard Leaves out of the bag for the first time in a couple months and worked a bit more than one repeat in. Only 4 more to go!

The second front for the Sunrise Circle Jacket is coming along. The M1R take some getting used to. I think I may have this done for the first cold spell of the season.

The pink hat is still out there in soon-to-be-started land. I figure once I get going on it, it should go very quickly.

Blogstalking: Celebrities

For this week's blogastalking assignment, the theme is celebrities. I have met a few- Pete Rose, Peter Brady and Helen Reddy but sorry, no pics. I give you the next best thing- a trip to a wax museum in Vegas after a few drinks.

Judy and Me

Debbie and Me

Mr. Las Vegas and Me

Am I really that Neurotic?

My Personality

Neuroticism	45
Extraversion	24
Openness To Experience	16
Agreeableness	15
Conscientiousness	66

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report MySpace Surveys, Bebo and MySpace Codes by Pulseware Survey Software

My Husband wants this?

I guess I am not one to talk. I, after all, want a pink hat that is long enough to wrap around my neck. I am trying to stash bust. Christmas present? I think so! The link is here.

Guilty Pleasure Wednesday

The Lawrence Welk Show

Saturday nights growing up meant babysitters and Lawrence Welk. I still watch this 1970's classic on a regular basis but now with a yearning to know what went on behinds the scenes. It's like a Mormon soap opera. Guy and Ralna were married to each on the show, then got divorced (the horror!) but still sing together today. What happened there? Lawrence Welk's daughter-in-law suddenly shows up as a regular. Did she sleep her way to the top? There are rumors that Arthur Duncan, the afro-american tap dancer(cliche?), got paid less than the others. Behind the scences politics? All this entrigue plus all the polyester suits, beaded dresses and waist long hair one can stand. This is a definite guilty pleasure. Adios, au Revoir, auf Wiedersehen - Goodnight!

Let it Flow

Lava Flow Socks

Pattern from Sockbug

Trekking XXL

Size 1 needle

I love this pattern especially with the yarn. Any pooling that may have happened is broken up by the slipped stitches. I am sure I will use this pattern again for another pari of socks. I have already worn them around the house to keep my always chilly feet warm.

1 set of needles free

No pics now but I finished the Lava Flow Socks last night. I really like how they turned out and was ready to start another pair as soon as I finished sewing in the ends. I have to practice some restraint though. I have 2 other projects going, one that has been in progress for way to long. Time to focus on those and get another set of needles free.

I went over to my parents yesterday for dinner and too look for a pattern or picture of the pink hat. No Luck. I looked through all the pictures my mom had from 1977-1980 and nothing we me in that pink hat. I guess I will have to make something similar in tribute- but not until I finish at least 1 more project.

My Tools

When it somes to regular tools- hammer, screwdriver, saw- I have none. I do have a bunch to crafts and art tools. Take a look. Ball winder, swift, various x-acto knives, thread, pins needles, yarn, dye. Most of it is kept here.

I was totally wrong about the American Idol concert. I went in thinking I would feel old but it was really to opposite. For every 1 kid, there were 20 people over 40. I couldn't believe it. The sponsors were Pop-Tart and All-State insurance. Talk about 2 different demographics. The concert was good. I liked the first season concert better but the people watching alone was worth the ticket price. Taylor Hicks walked down our aisle on the way to the stage which was kind of interesting. We wondered what was going on since there were not letting any people leave through that aisle and a ton of security was lined up.

Weekend Plans

3 day weekend and not too much planned except for the American Idols concert tomorrow night. Great people watching and "Chicken Little"!

In case I don't feel like an old lady after seeing all the 16 year olds at the concert, apparently The Girls Next Door are coming to Seattle Sunday night. Is it possible to drag hubby to a nightclub on a Sunday night to check them out? I haven't been "clubbing" for years.

i found the last earring after hubby called yesterday. I told him I had not found it and he asked me if I had brought lunch to work this week. Why would I? I get lunch for free everyday at work but there it was in my lunchbox on top of the fridge. LOVE YOU HONEY!!