Butterfly Away

(That’s the desk the Knight and Uncle Bobby share in the background…)

Well, it’s done.  My ever-faithful model MJ is sporting the Butterfly Lace Stole, from the current Knit ‘n Style.  I love this photo of her.  She says her eyes are closed, but it’s just because she’s really smiling hard.  Photos of happy people make me happy!

Pattern:  This pattern is getting a bad rap on Ravelry.  I loved it.  It was as close to mindless lace as it gets.  I knitted on it at our retreat.  I hung my GypsyKnits bag on my left wrist and knitted on my feet while I played with Sissy and Mugsy in the yard.  I knitted at the S ‘n B.  I did 44 repeats, 3 fewer than the sample for the pattern, but I do believe it will fit its recipient perfectly, and she is 4 inches taller than MJ, with much longer arms.  On me - 5′3″ with fairly short arms - once blocked, it hit below my fingertips.  I think it will be the perfect lightweight wrap for my mother.  (Shhh!  I think it’s embedded enough that even if she does read my blog she won’t notice!) 

It also turned out to be a great lace project to learn how to fix otherwise frogthewholedangthing mistakes.  Thanks Grace for the coaching!  When I was showing the shawl to MJ, *I* couldn’t even find the fixed booboo.

Yarn:  My beloved Tofutsies, in colorway 847.  Yes, this yarn splits.  I found it split less with the bamboos than with the Bryspuns, but I’ll talk about that more in the needle section.  However, it’s machine wash and dry, which makes it great for gifts.  Tofutsies blocks well with just a steam iron, which is what I did this time.  I would have liked to wet block it, but it had to get in the mail. 

Needles:  I started with #6 Bryspun straights, my lace needle of choice.  Everything was going swimmingly until Sissy seriously chewed the tip on on one needle.   I can report that Pampered Chef Kitchen Shears will hack through Bryspuns, not that the average gal needs to know that.  I then used the remaining Bryspun for the knit/lace rows, and a wooden needle from Peace Fleece for the purl rows.  That system sucked, as the point on the wooden needles was too dull for the K3togs.  The Crystal Palace Bamboos I picked up in town were better.  The points were fine, but if I ever use these suckers again, the Knight will have to sand on them; there were a lot of invisible rough spots that grabbed constantly.  I did notice that the Tofutsies splitting was less of an issue with the bamboo though, so that’s something to consider.  I tested some more Tofutsies with Addi Bamboo dpns last night, and there was no splitting to speak of.  For me, matching the right needles with the yarn and pattern is another key to happy, pretty knitting.  That’s why you’ll see me use dpns, circs, straights, metal, whatever my Bryspuns are made of, bamboo and wood, in all kinds of combinations. 

Again, I really was pleased with this project, although stoles do seem to go on and on forever.  I don’t think I’d make it again, but that’s just because there are so many lace wraps and so little time.

I haven’t forgotten my tea blog along  post this week.  I’ve taken a couple of photos, and will likely blog tomorrow, since I forgot to bring my camera to work today.  Today’s a busy day.  We dropped Sissy off for her spaying this morning (should be complete by now… I’m sure the vet will call soon!), and Mugsy is in the office for a change, so that when we pick her up, he can get his annual shot(s).  Sissy’s also getting micro chipped while she’s under.  We didn’t chip either of the boys, but since we’re headed to the beach several times a year, it seemed like a good idea.  Needless to say, this will be a quiet weekend for us as we try to keep the wild woman calm!

 

Never Say Never

I think perhaps that’s my new mantra.  I am pretty sure that at 14 (give or take?) when I threw down the knitting needles, I said I’d never want to knit.  I know for a fact that about a year ago, I said I’d never have any interest in crochet.  Then, spinning.  Now, a spindle.

Meet my new source of frustration.  You might recall that after my spinning class, I had zero interest in spindles, as opposed to wheels.  Well, since I’m such a belabored shopper, I’m wanting to spin and have nothing to spin with (on?).  Anita found this spindle kit in an Etsy store.  Mary purchased a bottom whorl version, and two days later, I found myself purchasing the very same kit Anita purchased.

It came with instructions and a couple of sample fibers.  It should have come with its own parachute.  See that?  That’s the floor of the dog pen, below our back deck.  I was out there on the deck, spinning away, so proud of how it was going.  I stopped to wind on a bit, and next thing I knew, the tail end of what I was spinning was feeding into what I’d already spun.  I was working on untangling that mess and trying to get going again, and I suppose I overspun a bit…  Next thing I knew, my new treasure very literally took flight from my leg (I was giving it a good spin to get started), flew through the rails on the deck, and landed below.  (Couldn’t just have thudded against the rail and landed on the deck.  Not with my luck.)

Luckily, it was none the worse for wear.  I managed to get to my spindle before Sissy did, since she wasn’t quite sure what we were doing in the pen.  It’s a very pretty little spindle, but I’m going to have to get the Knight to notch it for me, at 4:00, Robin says… 

A spinning bag is also in order.  I think one of Kathy’s bags  will be ideal.  Then, I can stand and spin while playing fetch with the dogs…  I’m betting one of you spinner-types will also point me to a specially designed spinning bag, hint, hint?

I will say that I found this WORLDS lighter, prettier spindle easier to use.  It spins - as in whirling ’round and ’round - like a top, unlike the big clunker we tried in class.  Also, it’s so visually appealing that I WANT to try to make us a team.   Still, I’m planning to get a Kundert before we head to the beach.

If you look closely in the upper left corner, you can see my little helper.  I was surprised that she wasn’t curious about the spinning thingee, dangling in the air.   I think it’s neat that it’s signed and dated.  Perhaps if I do take to this form of self torture  artform, I’ll remember that this was my first, and hopefully only flying, spindle. 

I feel a multi-post day coming on.  I have a tea-along post due, and probably another coffee swap question to answer too.  However, I also have an article due for a newsletter TODAY, so I think I’ll tend to that first.  (I did get my billing done already this morning, lest you think I’m a total slacker.)  I did have to stop working on work to look for the new Panda Soy Sock Yarn.  (Thanks, Cassababe!)  Turns out it won’t be available until July, so I’ll make a shameless plug now for belated birthday gifts of the same. 

This isn’t getting that article written.  I need to remember to attach the recipe form and copy the webmaster too… but that’s not exciting, bloggable news, is it?

One more tidbit to help me avoid doing what I should  before I wrap this up.  Many of you share your children’s milestones on your blog, and I’ve been sharing Sissy’s too.  However, today was a special day in MJ’s life.  Last month, she finally learned how to check her own email account.  Today, she made her first online purchase, all by herself (if you don’t count me talking her through it).  Yes Ann, I am an enabler.  Aren’t we all?

 

 

Mountain Madness

At least, that’s what I’m blaming it on.  I had a fantastic weekend with my new friends in the River City Knitters Guild.   Graves Mountain Lodge was absolutely breath-taking, with the trees blooming.  The guild’s site will soon have photos up, and you’ll need to check them out.  A good time was had by all. 

Saturday, about half of the group was sitting outside knitting on the porch at the dining “hall” so I just parked and joined them.  Most of the group arrived early Saturday morning and had breakfast there, but as I live less than a hour away, I wandered in at my leisure.  After lunch, we had an entrelac class taught by Pat of Kirtland’s Yarn Barn.   The biggest help she gave was simply affirming that the weird “messes” we were knitting up were indeed the foundation for entrelac. 

That’s my start.  There are three little triangles to get things started, and then I picked up 10 more stitches and started the next row.  We ran out of time there, but the pattern for an afghan was included in the class.  I can’t imagine an afghan, so I’ll likely frog this start and try either the sock yarn tam pattern peeking out from underneath or Quant, which I’d started before and frogged in frustration.  Neither will be happening this month though, as I have several things I need to get done before the end of April.

I stayed for dinner and then drove home.  It sure was a lovely day for driving through the countryside.  Sunday morning, I headed back to the retreat for a yarn tasting.  I was quite taken with Classic Elite’s Premiere, and Filatura Di Crosa Superior.

Saturday, there was a little shopping session after class.  Robin was selling her wares, including her homemade soaps.  I couldn’t resist these felted soaps, and of course, handmade soaps need a “dock” to sit upon…

I didn’t see her lip butters Saturday, so I’ll be placing an order in a few minutes.  There’s nothing like homemade lip balm!

I also touched everything the Yarn Barn had there to see.   I ended up getting six balls of Noro Niji, a mohair silk blend, in color #86, and one in color #266.  (Yes, it seems I suddenly am a Noro addict.)  I’m thinking about Lady Eleanor(Ravelry link), in a narrower version, but that’s WAY off, because I have Fredfoot to finish before I cast on for anything else for me. 

When I got home Saturday night, there was a special treat waiting for me.   Since I have neither wheel nor spindle to make my own handspun, I had to buy some from Jessi.   Instead of pacifying me, it has stirred me up terribly, and I simply *MUST* spin yarn of my own!  It’s soft, and so pretty…  The photos really don’t do it justice.

You have to see a close-up of the stitch markers and Jessi’s adorable business cards.   Since I linked to Jessi’s blog, you need to find the way to her Etsy shop.   There’s only one hank of handspun left, so hurry!

 

 

Then, the Knight wandered home from a long day, with a present.  He won it in a raffle. 

(Excuse the photo.  It was late and the outdoor light was fading fast.)

It’s a 90 x 96 inch granny square afghan, supposedly done in wool, according the the crocheter’s husband by way of the Knight.  It’s very scratchy, so I need to figure out if it is wool, and then give it a nice Soak bath… 

I know this post is long, but since House is now on Monday nights, I thought this was fun:

Which House character are you?

You are Dr. Lisa Cuddy. You are stuck running the freak-show. It’s your job to make sure the hospital runs smoothly, but sometimes it feels like you’re babysitting a bunch of petulant children. The good news is that you kick ass first and take names later when you need to and kiss boo-boos when that works better.

I can’t recall my Quizilla log in info, so…  Another good fit.  I think our employees and the “kids” at the firehouse would agree!
 

Did I Do That?!

There I was, minding my own business, headed home, when Lexie suddenly lurched to the left, and then to the right, and I found myself in a yarn shop.  Stacey and I have been talking about Noro’s Taiyo quite a bit, and I decided I had to have some.  While I was snatching up the colorway of my dreams like a starving dog on a bone, I somehow snarfed up some Matsuri too.  It’s cotton and wool, and just lucious.  On the top there is Plymouth’s Happy Feet.  It actually feels rough compared to the Matsuri.  I’m still no fan of the Noro staple, Kureyon, but evidently, I’m a sucker for their softer yarns.

 

Just look at it.  I am.  Heck, this post could have been done ten minutes ago if not for the pauses to admire and pet my new yarn luv.  There’s 220+ yards of self-striping softness there, yearning to become a shrug of some sort, I think.

That’s the Bamboucle I failed to photograph yesterday.  You needed to see it.  I mean, if I’m suddenly gahgah about a boucle, that’s worth a look, no?

I promised an FO too.  It’s a hat for Ann’s Sublynnmal Healing Campaign.  (Join us please, for some knitting that will truly make a difference.)

Pattern:  Delite Hat  

Changes:  Quite a few.  There’s an error in the fourth row of the lace pattern.  The K2 should be K2tog, I do believe.  I also opted to keep the twisted rib going through the decreases, even knitting the K2togs through the back loop.  Then, I feared I wouldn’t have enough yarn, and indeed, I would have been a few yards short, so I grabbed some of that nearly edible Malabrigo for a fun, bold pink stripe.  I like it, and I hope Lynn will too.

Comments:  While it’s such a cute hat that I’m having a hard time telling it buh-bye, I doubt very seriously if I’ll ever knit it again.  All that twisted rib made me crazy, and slowed me WAY down. 

Yarns:  Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran (blue) and Malabrigo Chunky (pink stripe).  I will say that the knitting went faster with the wool, rather than the slightly fuzzy, slippery stuff.  I love both yarns, but it’s another lesson in fiber substitution.

Needles:  My new Knitpicks Harmony Options, size 6 tips, 40″ cord, so I could magic loop my way through the whole thing. 

Still with me?  I hope so, because the best is yet to come. 

Remember the little wager Anita and I had, to urge us both on with our wraps?  Well, I finished my clapotis first, so I was waiting to see what yarn she would send.  As usual, Anita outdid herself.  Look at that!  (Just scroll down for close-ups.)  There’s a lot more than a hank of great yarn there, but I know you want to see it all, so just keep going. 

I do have to note that Gypsy Knits was kind enough to include a special treat package for me too, as Anita had mentioned some of her purchase was a gift.  You know I love that kind of attention to detail and customer service…

 

 

First, the yarn, from Gypsy Knits.

It’s called Apple Valley, which is way cool, as I love apples, and my state has an apple blossom festival coming up soon.  The colors scream spring, and I’m looking forward to casting on. 

The bag is one of the best designs I’ve seen.  Check out the drawstring, the elastic loop to stay on your wrist if you choose to walk and knit, and a wee caribeaner so it can hook onto most anything.  It’s roomy enough for a medium lace project, and even for two socks at a time!  It’s also from Gypsy Knits, and I was CRUSHED this morning when I saw its twin on Anita’s blog, and couldn’t find another for me.  Sneaky, sneaky, and I love it!! 

Of course, being the thoughtful gal that she is, Anita dropped in a couple of her own cute clay stitch markers.  Here lately, I’ve been thinking Anita and I are like two peas in a pod, but she said she chose these because they’re sweet peas for sweet me.  Ha!!  It’s great to have friends getting to know me pretty well but who still think I’m sweet! 

I know this has been another long post, but I had so much to share!  Now, to Ravelry to find a few patterns for my new yarns so I can knit away during House.   The new episodes are a few weeks out yet, but that’s okay.  I’ll flip back and forth between House and the NCAA basketball finals.

Whirlwind Weekend

I don’t even know where to begin.  It was a fun, full weekend, and we’re not done yet.   Go grab a cuppa’ and a snack, and then we’ll see how much I can cram into one post. 

First, we have to slip back to the contest prizes.  More have arrived!

It’s not a great photo, but it’s been rainy and/or overcast here since I honestly don’t remember when.  The sun almost made it out yesterday for a while, but not when I was at home.  The yarn is a custom colorway from NH Knitting Mama, just for this contest.  The colors are some of my favorites, as noted in my recent coffee swap questionnaire.  The stitch markers are from InsanKnitty, and while the photo is inadequate, there’s a cute basset hound and a bone amid the ruby red beads.  Thank you so much Amanda and Michelle! 

Speaking of Michelle…

We had a great weekend.  Friday night, we went out to dinner, hit the grocery store, and then sat up late knitting and talking.  Saturday, we headed out for Carodan Farm.  It was a pretty drive through the countryside, with redbuds and blooms galore, but Caroline was as accomodating as ever.  I wanted the April Tofutsies yarn and pattern, so she kindly walked over to her home, unpacked a skein or two, downloaded the pattern, and brought it back over.  While Michelle had no trouble finding yarn, I touched everything and yet, I wasn’t moved to buy much.   I had this feeling I was leaving something behind.  When Caroline asked if she could help, I jokingly asked what she would feature in the shop newsletter that would find me saying “Shucks!  I wish I’d seen that!”  She laughed, and left the shop again, returning with Online’s new cotton sock yarn, the whole box, so I could see all the colors, and with some Elsebeth Lavold Bamboucle (which for whatever reason, didn’t make it into the photo). 

I love that pattern too.  The sample was done in Koigu, which of course, I have in my stash thanks to my Red Colorswap pal.  I was torn between the Anne and the Heather yarn, but the Anne came home with me.  The Bamboucle is a must-see.  It’s not so boucle, and it’s actually cotton, bamboo, linen and nylon.  I think it will be a little scarf, but who knows?!

 

It would truly take all day and dozens of photos to show you everything Michelle had in this basket.  There were treats for the dogs, shortbread which the Knight is sure were for him, teas, flavored syrup…  and three new magazines.  I am going to take a moment to mention that I’m sorry I let my suscription to Creative Knitting expire.  They have a new editor, and the whole feel of the magazine is different.  (Yes Jessi, that’s Spin Off, and a subscription is in order.)  Knit Simple is always a good choice, and the assortment of “tee shirts” they offer is sure to have something for everyone.

Then, there are the highlights from the basket.  I mean, everything in there was obviously selected by someone who know me well, especially my requested candy-coated sunflower seeds, but these are the things I thought the rest of you might appreciate and/or “need.”

Love this very sleek mug.  Can’t wait to drink from it, and it might get a quick wash for that early evening cuppa’ I’ll need after this long composition.  Yes, it’s slightly assymetrical, but that’s part of its charm.  I like brown a lot too, so even without loose tea packed inside, it’s a keeper!

 

 

 

 

 

Next, there’s a treasure I think some of you will have to special request from Michelle’s shop.  (She is indeed the InsanKnitty linked at the top of the post.)  It’s a yarn cutter, taken off the chain, and slipped onto a clip, with some very “me” charms added.  I’m still thinking the blue teapot needs to move over to my charm bracelet.   This little baby is going to be clipped on my project bag, and it will go everywhere with me.  No more worrying about my scissors on planes, as Caroline pointed out when we were looking at the cutters in her shop. 

 

 

 

I loved Pez dispensers as a girl, and this little one delights me to no end.  Could it be any cuter?  It has a hook to be a keyring, but I know that with my life, it would be dirty dingy in no time, so I’ll have to think of a nice, clean place for it to live. 

 

 

 

 

 

The folks at Lindt are so clever.  Isn’t the little black sheep precious?  I hate to rip the foil, but you can bet that if I don’t, the Knight will. 

 

 

 

 

Can you guess what this is?  Yep!  It’s the cutest tea ball EVER.  It’s now offical; I’m going to have to collect novelty tea balls.  I had no idea they made anything fancy or silly, but isn’t this fun?  Even the metal “tag” on the end is a little slice of citrus. 

 

 

 

Michelle had been taunting me all week last week about her secret project.  Sigh.  It was worth the wait!  She hand felted this adorable little rooster, bless her heart!   He’ll have to find a very high, very safe perch, because Sissy’s reach expands a little every day.   

Michelle also made me a very sweet cloth with a “profile” head shot of Winnie the Pooh, but I just can’t get a good shot of it.  It’s hard sometimes to get a good photo of a cloth, and you know I’m not a great photographer.

 

There’s so much more, but this is already very lengthy, so I’ll stop here for now.  There’s a photo of Michelle and me just before she left this afternoon, and much more about tea and friendship, but the Knight wants to take me to dinner, so you’ll just have to wait!

PS - Where did spell check go?!  WordPress, what have you done!?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Toys on Thursday

Don’t forget to visit everyone else at Dogs on Thursday too! 

Just as a set-up to another multiple post day, Sissy does go in for her third (fourth?) regular puppy visit today, so my regular entertainment  pen pals might notice that I’m gone for a while this morning, until about lunchtime, maybe.  Remember?  We trek to the other side of the county for our great vet now!

Anyhooo, about those dogs.  I’m going to share a surprise package from a friend in a bit, and while it relates to the dogs, I also wanted to warn the any non-yarnies in the bunch so they can stop reading when they lose interest. 

Today’s post is about how my dogs permeate my life.   I still miss Fred terribly sometimes, and the past two afternoons, I’ve spent at his garden.  I cast on the Fredfoot (more on that later) while sitting on the “low” side of the garden, where the 6×6s are on the edge of a slope, so I can comfortably sit with my feet on the ground.   I wish the Knight had gone ahead with his plans for a new front porch and patio last fall, and I think after this crazy week is behind us, I’m going to ask him to get started!

You’ve seen my dogs at play before with toys, including several sizes and colors of this guy.  This nearly dead soldier was Mugsy’s Easter toy last year.  He loves ‘em to pieces - toting them and squeaking and licking until the thin fur gives way - and then tears the squeakers and the fluff out.  At that point, we allow him to take them outside if he chooses.  He put this guy in Fred’s garden, the morning after the dirt was put in.  It stayed there until Sissy came, and she retrieved it, and plays with it in the yard when she’s out on her tie-out.  You saw the giant versions they got for Valentine’s Day, so imagine their delight at the package below! 

I opened the box while they were outside, so I quickly snapped a photo before they came in.  The goodness is from Anita and I am touched to no end that she remembered that Sissy enjoyed playing with the tape measure I’d gotten from Anita’s Etsy shop and sent along actual dog toys to divert interest!

It’s at this point the dogs but not yarn folks might want to leave the room, so to speak. 

Anita included these beauties, with my socks (oh, I *DO* remember socks!) and lace love in mind.  They’re light and pretty, and they’ll be on needles soon.

She also sent along these guys, knowing I love roosters.  They’re just precious, and they’re my first pretty crochet markers!  Hmmm…  Maybe they’ll inspire me to get back to Sissy’s snuggle?  There was also a yummy soap in there, and one very sweet note.  I truly have the greatest friends, and I count Anita as a “real life” one, since we did meet unknowingly last year!  Thanks again, girl!

Now, there’s more to show with Fredfoot and Fred garden concerns, but MJ is rushing me out to the vet, so guess what?!  Another more than one post day is on the way…

Was it *MY* birthday?!

I had a great day yesterday with one of my dearest friends in the whole world.  Firefly  and I have been friends for forever and a day, as the saying goes.  Yesterday, we spent the day stomping around one of the two spots in the world I consider a hometown - Warrenton.  (The other spot is obviously home now…)  The yarn crawl was bookended by two great meals with her OH, starting with lunch at the comfy chic It’s About Thyme, and ending with supper at the very down-home Pig ‘n Steak.  (Sign of the times that each has a website, eh?)

We’ll get to the yarn crawl, but go grab a cuppa’ (I’m having chai this morning, with blueberry bread) and a snack, and tuck in for a long post.

Before we look at what moved south to my house, let’s check out what was waiting for me at home.  (Not the Knight; he was also out with friends when I returned, and y’all see enough of Mugsy and Sissy…)

The incredible yarn at the top is “Tulips” by NH Knitting Mama.   I got to help name it!  It reminds me of tulips, and I’m looking forward to seeing mine in another month or so.   The Knight actually planted some that should be the very blue of the yarn, and we debated over a funky purple that would be close to the kinda’ grey in the yarn too.  I’ll have to take photos when they bloom and we’ll compare notes.  Someone remind me, okay? 

So while I’m on the subject, pop over and check out her CONTEST, tell her I sent you, or head straight to her SHOP for some of her to DYE for yarn yourself.  Really folks, it’s incredibly soft, and the colors are soooo vivid… You really do need to see for yourself!

The rest of the photo is my Knitpicks order.  I couldn’t wait for Alison’s book to arrive!  As I predicted, I’m struggling to race through the rest of the Omega Wrap so I can get started on the Bigfoot shawl in there with my Fred yarn.  There are so many great shawls and scarves in there, and I truly adore the history of the inspiration for each one included within.  Each of you NEEDS this book.  Every pattern is rated from beginner to experienced, and the instructions are provided in “words” and charts, whichever you prefer.  Go on, order it, and while you’re waiting for it to arrive, check out the free patterns on her website, which also include the snippets of history behind their designs.

And yes, the cable is to replace the one Sissy ate.  She’s doing much better these days, and has trained me to put my knitting up when I leave the room.  I just wish Knitpicks would sell the silly little ”key” tool thingamabob by itself. 

Still with me?  Good.  Here we go…

First stop in quaint, downtown The Plains (and yes folks, *THE* is part of the name, thanks much), is Hunt Country Yarns.  Friendly and helpful, even with a full shop, they carry some truly primo yarns, which I enjoyed petting and left there.  I nearly bought so many things, but knowing Firefly’s favorite shop was yet to come, I paced myself.

That’s Cascade Sierra Quattro, probably for MJ’s pediwicks, but really, to “test drive” for my Clapotis.  I’ve decided that 800+ yards of cotton just SCREAMS “slog along” to me and would doom the project.  There’s also a sweet little Addi crochet hook, because Addi rocks, right?  I also finally settled on the I wonder what Sissy is doing now I miss her Panda Wool, which I’d not seen before.  (Socks for me, in case you were wondering.)

Then, ventured to My Favorite Yarn Shop, tucked away on a Warrenton side street I hadn’t been on in over 20 years.  It’s not to be missed.  Firefly was sorry I’d missed the owners, but the daughter of one owner holding down the fort was sweet and friendly.  They have the complete line of Bryspuns, which I’ve only seen in such quantities at Knitting Addiction, and just a great variety of yarns of all sorts.  If you’re on Rt 29 anywhere near Warrenton, swing in. 

After fondling just about every yarn in the place, I finally settled on what would come home with me.  It was also here, after carrying around some Ty-Dy for the majority of my visit, that I decided I needed to trust my gut and admit that I didn’t want to knit 800 yards of cotton, much less a dropped stitch pattern.  With that decision behind me, I went a little crazy.

Note the notions.  I’d just finished telling Firefly on the way to The Plains that I try to pick up my notions at Ben Franklin’s or JoAnn’s, because they’re cheaper.  Sigh.  Couldn’t help it.  Y’all know I needed “crochet” stitch markers, and those little rubber disks are my favorites, and I didn’t have the pink and blue set.  I also didn’t have any #10 straights, so now I have ‘em in my favorite straight brand.  That’s Morning Moon wool in the happy, spring colors, and I love the colors so much I very nearly bought two more skeins for the Clapotis, but reminded myself it’s supposed to be my spring/summer wrap…  I couldn’t leave Ocean Breezes there once I had it in my hands, and it was only with some fiscal restraint that Victorian Lace Today stayed behind.  (The patterns within are rather advanced.  I’d need a few more basic lace items under my belt first!)  However, the Ella Rae Palermo was irresistible, so home it came.  I also couldn’t resist more Wick for more pediwicks, and that was all the yarn library enhancements I made. 

Thank you for sticking with me through the whole post.  As a reward, I’ll whisper that yesterday was indeed Firefly’s birthday.  She doesn’t like to make a big deal out of such things for herself, but if you’re inclined to stop in and wish her a good year or something…  It’s not like I did my normal birthday bit of putting her photo up and titling the post accordingly, right?!  Now, I must go hold Sissy and try to knit around her.  I still hope to finish the Omega Wrap tonight!

Basset Things

Another photo-heavy post, but y’all know I love to share a great package!

There’s nothing like having an Etsy-seller friend send you a message and tell you she’s holding something she thinks you’ll want.  That’s just what my Ravelry Group Basset Cases co-moderator Piddleloop did about ten days ago.  I’d been eyeing her bags (well, she and her sister are a team) for a while, and this batch of bags was the last of this fabric.  It’s the Sissy-Fred bag, and I’ll be hard-pressed to use anything else for small projects. 

 (The inside.)

 Treats for the pups.

All the other goodies that came with it, and a gratuitous shot of the Prince’s rear… ehm…  Mugsy sure seems to be shoving his way into photos of late.

The precious tin seen above.  How cute it that!?  Pink and hounds!  Sigh…

The goodies came in Hello Kitty bags.  They’re too cute not to recycle.  I know someone out there loves Hello Kitty, but I can’t recall whom…  Is it you, Anners?

I love a fun package with extra treats.  Thanks again, Piddleloop!  I hope to be sending out a few surprises of my own later this week.  I’d hoped to do it today, but Sissy and Mugsy were loathe to get out of the bed this morning, and then Sissy insisted upon taking care of business at home before we could leave…

Then, Paula tagged me with a meme:

4 Things About MEME

4 Jobs I’ve Had:
Payroll specialist, firefighter, dispatcher, accounts receivable clerk

4 Movies Watched Over and Over:
Sound of Music, Men of Honor, A Few Good Men, Days of Thunder

4 Places I Have Lived: Keswick, Warrenton, DC, Charlottesville (not very diverse, but such is life!)

4 Shows I Watch: House, House re-runs, Mythbusters, whatever the Knight is watching

4 Places I Have Been: OBX, Nashville, Chicago, Phoenix

4 Favorite Things To Eat: Dark chocolate, pesto, cranberries, pasta

4 Places I Would Rather Be: OBX, at home, anywhere one of my pals is, in a nice yarn shop

4 Things I Look Forward To This year: My next trip to OBX, my next yarn crawl, getting the cookbook approved, meeting some of my blogging friends in person

Thanks Paula!  Now, I’m not going to tag anyone in particular, but if you’d like to join in, consider yourself tagged!

The Rules of Haddon Wood

I’ve spoken about the great musical Camelot before.  Well, today I think I’ll make my own list of the way things oughta’ be.  I’m not in a rhyming mood, so I’m just making a list.

If it’s below 35 degrees and precipitation happens, it should be snow.  No sleet nor freezing rain allowed, ever.

A sunny, cold, damp afternoon is not appreciated.  No foul weather may fall till after sundown.  By seven AM the morning fog shall disappear.  (See?!  I’m more reasonable than Arthur.)

A dry perimeter must be maintained around the house.  About a half-acre will do.  You see, the dogs don’t care for going out in the wet, and I don’t care for their wet footprints.

When a lady (namely, THIS ONE!) is getting coiffed, it may not rain or even be humid until she is safely in bed and sound asleep for the night.  (See rule #2.  This SHOULD go without saying.)

The Princess may not gallop through the house while perfecting her dulcet tones.  Galloping is for horses, and should only happen outside. 

If one leaves work under the pretense of going home, that is where he should go.  Spending FOUR hours at the firehouse doesn’t fall under the scope of “headed home now.”  (Ehm…)

And lastly, my gal pals must know I love them, even when well-intended thank you notes, blog posts, etc. don’t happen.  

So, without further ado, I have been remiss in sharing a few lovelies that came my way.  I mention Anita and Michelle  often enough, but Sissy, attempting to crochet, and my good intentions got in the way.

Anita sent me these with another purchase last week.  She always slips in a little something extra, and it always makes me smile.  She also knows me well enough to choose items that are CLEARLY meant just for me!  Thank you Anita, and I apologize for saying so sooner!

(Before we move to Michelle’s gifts, I *DID* email both ladies and thank them upon receipt.  That is the ONLY way to go, right?!)

It’s a Sissy zipper pull, in Sissy’s and Mugsy’s “colors”!  Now that I’ve blogged it, it will go onto the jacket I wear the most that has a zipper.  (I’m a button and overcoat kind of girl, except for my fleecies!)

Aren’t the tags cute?  Which reminds me…  I have a ton of card-making supplies that want to be used.  When does our scrap & stamp group meet?  I hope it’s not tonight…  The keyring will allow my poor old bone that the house keys live on to retire.  THIS is small enough it can go in my purse!  Thank you, dear, always thoughtful Michelle! 

Knitting is happening.  Crocheting isn’t.  I’m mad at the ridges project, because it’s wrong, and poor Mary has tried to explain BDDC vs. FDDC to me about a million times.  I might practice/try again tonight, since yesterday’s instructions did have a little light flicker in the back of my dark, DIM crochet mind.

You want to know about the knitting, don’t you?  Well, I’m not telling.  So there.  Nearly everything I’m knitting is a gift for someone who reads here.  Don’t get excited PiF pals; there are only three of you and a host of folks I’d wanted to knit for at Christmastime.  So, when I don’t think that the color or a few rows will hit the intended recipient over the head, I may share a photo or two.  Otherwise, as they’re gifted, you’ll get to see what’s going on!

Rainy day AND a Monday

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. 

Today was an exception.  As far as Mondays go, it wasn’t bad.  It wasn’t even particularly rainy… just a few drops, enough to run the wipers in the rental on intermittent low.  Luckily, the control is the same as the mega-cram-it-all-on-one thingee the Knight’s truck has, so I rather instinctively made it happen.  Not that I like my rental, because I don’t, but I’m grateful that my policy has it covered.  

I strongly suspected I’d have a couple of packages waiting on me when I got home.  Roger that, but not exactly as expected.  (My Carodan package is still out there.)  The second box from Mary was there, as predicted, but so was the third box, which I wasn’t expecting until later this week.  There was also a third box, but I’m saving that for tomorrow, because it deserves a post of its own.   

Everything below came from Blume’s Accessories.  Mary does great custom work, in case you doubt her.  I didn’t include individual photos of every bone and tree, but Mugsy’s dog pals are going to have very special Christmas gifts this year!

Don’t try to count the bones.  Even the Knight isn’t getting an accurate number.  Mugsy works every day, and I think Mary cut him a deal…  ;) 

No, Mugsy still hasn’t been cooperative with his new coat, but he was quite willing to sport his holiday wear.  I no longer care to excuse my lack of interest in learning to crochet; I have Mary.  Yes, the yarn is sparkling.  It’s festive wear, okay?  Mugsy kinda’ like the glitz.  The Knight rolled his eyes, but what does he know? 

(I HATE that bright light thingee, says the prince.)

You’ve gotta’ see the bones up close.  I wish I could show you each one, because they’re all unique in the combination of bows and accents.  This is the darker bone, with the dark red bows.  I’ve gotta’ sit down and figure out which doggy gets what once I wrap up this post. 

And here, the lighter bone with the gold bows.  Mary’s attention to detail makes these bones delightful!  They’re going to be big hits, I bet.  (I hope you can click on these and see close-ups.  If not, head to my flickr account and look at them.  I really love the hound on the bone in the center of this one.) 

I also got one of Mary’s bracelet row counters.  I love it!  I have one from elsewhere, but it is a “cuff” style, while Mary’s has a toggle clasp.  My photo doesn’t do the colors justice.  It’s beautiful!  Don’t let all the beads overwhelm you; they come with instructions, and you can always use it in whatever way suits you and/or the currect project!

Last, but hardly least, I need to include a little special something Mary dropped in, just because.  Too bad the box didn’t

arrive a few days earlier!  It’s a visor clip, and it will go into my vehicle as soon as I either get mine back all fixed up, or something new becomes mine.  

Thank you Mary, for your friendship, and for allowing me to help urge you into starting your own Etsy store.  You sure took care of a lot of my Christmas shopping!