A Sweetie, A Major Yarn Haul And Goat Lovin'

I went to Huntsville today with Cindy , Tonni and Jan, (who does not currently have a blog but will in the near future if we have our way as she is ONE Crafty Lady! LOL!!

Upon returning after an exhausting but fruitful day (and just how fruitful will be addressed below).....I came home to my Sweetie having picked me a bouquet of the wild flowers that grow in the woods around our house!! And like a little boy so proud of his "arrangment".......What a sweetheart he is.....especially since he is color blind and doesn't "see" this color.....but he remembered me mentioning how they were all in bloom and how pretty they are!!! Awwww......I love my DH......I've got the best guy in the world!!


YARN CRAWL:


As stated above, we left Trussville, early this morning heading for Laceys Springs, Alabama, to The Knitting Zone. After a beautiful drive through the country we reached our destination!

Oh MY......What words can I use to describe all of us when we stepped over the threashold and encountered not just a few colors of "some" manufacturers.....but what must surely be every single color of every single yarn made!! I'm sure the look on our faces was quite comical....ESPECIALLY at the sock wall.....yes...that's what I said...the SOCK WALL!!! Oh my heart!!!!

The picture is deceiving....this is a VERY LARGE shop....FILLED with yarn of every brand, weight, color and LOT'S of inventory! I think you would be hard pressed to have a project in mind and there not be enough yarn to complete your project. There was one entire wall dedicated to Koigu....of which I have NEVER seen!!


The owner, Mary, could NOT have been nicer!! She not only opened her shop for us but spent time with each of us answering MANY, MANY questions, and was so VERY kind and patient with us all!! She even called up her goats for us to pet!! Baby Ivey has been bottle fed by Mary and is as tame as a puppy!!

After a couple of hours and a few dollars lighter we headed for Huntsville for a bite to eat and a trip to Yarn Expressions. Not knowing what to expect, we didn't think it cosmically possible to find TWO fantastic shops in one day.....but OH MY.....were we in for a TREAT!!!

At Yarn Expressions we found Meg and her wonderful assistant.....again, all four with our different sets of questions, etc., all met with patience and valuable information!! I saw quite a few yarns that I have seen online but not seen in local shops!!! This was SUCH a treat for me to be able to see and touch so many of the yarns I have read about!! I very much appreciated the yarn info Meg supplied me with regarding a particular project I had in mind to make!!

After leaving Yarn Expressions we headed to the Chocolate Shop for a little fortification for the drive home and drove the "back way", through the country all the way back to Trussville....a GREAT drive on an absolutely gorgeous day with 3 of the best Gals a girl could go Yarn Crawling with!!!!!

We will DEFINITELY be returning to BOTH these shops......plans are already in the works for a trip in early Fall, when all the great Winter yarns will be out and the drive will be filled with all the beautiful Fall leaves!!

I can NOT say enough about BOTH these shops.....both with wonderful, kind owners that were quick to offer assistance, answer questions and share their expertise with us......yet both shops offer very different inventory and both worth checking out!!!!

There was however, one tense moment when I was feeling a bit bad about all that I had purchased....because when faced with so many wonderful choices....well....decisions were hard to come by......I was afraid I had bought too much......but the good friend that Cindy is quickly got me back on track deeming that it was ALL necessary purchases, even NEEDED purchases and that I would have NO regrets about it!!! I LOVE CINDY!!!!!





Stash Shot....which really doesn't look too bad in the bags.....I'll flash my portion of the stash later....after everyone is in bed asleep, when all is dark and no one can see I'll sneak my stash in the house.......and to my secret hiding place....NOT the place that my DH T.H.I.N.K.S. houses my yarn stash!!! LOL!!!

Bama Blogger Get Your Button

If you are an Alabama Blogger and are planning on going to the 2007 SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair), please feel free to take this button for your blog.

Tonni was most gracious to make a button for those of us Bama Bloggers that will be attending.

If you are not familiar with the SAFF you can check out their website here: http://www.saffsite.org/page.php?page=home.htm

I believe the website is supposed to be updated and finalized some time in April. FYI, I did email the president of the organization to inquire about payment options for purchases (and you KNOW you are going to purchase!). I was told that most all vendors will be set up to accept Debit/Credit cards, and there are plans in the works to have an ATM machine set up onsite to accomodate those that may find themselves in need of additional funds. Hmmmm.......sort of like an ATM machine at the race track????? MIGHTY TEMPTING!!! LOL!!!

There will be 100 plus vendors with everything from sheep to yarn and everything in between!! Going to be a fun trip!!!!

If you plan to attend let me know.....we are going to try to set up a time and place (possibly at the fiber fair) for everyone to meet "face to face"......hoping to meet up with some of my blogging buddies from other states!!!!!

I think the festival should make all attendees wear a badge with their blog name on it so we can identifiy each other!!! OR....maybe we should all see how creative we can be on our own!!!!!

Contest Gifts and other Goodies!!

The Post Woman came bearing gifts today!!! (Please disregard the book and jacket seen lying on the treadmill.....of COURSE I use my treadmill for walking!) LOL!!


FIRST package: From Lisa: Knitting By The Sea


I was one of the winners in a blog contest she was having!! It was a GREAT idea for a contest!! Participants were asked to tell the "craziest" thing they ever did....which made me realize that at forty-something-ish....I have lived a pretty quiet life....hmmm...may need to rethink things before I start on the 50-something-ish age bracket!! Thankfully the contest was a random drawing!! LOL!!




It started off with this pretty pink paper and a card which judging by the excellent quality and time that obviously went into making such a beautiful card.....was made by hand!!!

Beneath the Pink were Four Individually Wrapped Gifts (which I would have photographed but in my excitement managed to tear all the paper but one!)....

Oh..OH...OOOOHHHHHH!!! Opal sock yarn... I have NEVER had Opal sock yarn and I absolutely can NOT wait to get started knitting!!!! The colors are "MY" colors too!!!! I just can't tell you how absolutely tickled I am with this yarn....and if THAT wasn't enough.....there were Sticky Pads....another weird coincidence??? I use sticky notes for EVERYTHING.....I LOVE them....for everything....and ALWAYS the decorative ones!! But this is getting downright freaky....because I have been meaning to pick up the Chibi's but the last couple of times I have looked for them the LYS was out!!!!


AND.....to quote my nephew when he was a little boy...."Chocolate is my life"!!!! LOL!!! If you only KNEW what a chocoholic I am....but wait....maybe you did know since you knew everything else?????? LOL!!!

Considering Max's latest episode with the chocolate bunny it is deemed not safe to have chocolate around....anywhere.....so I should eat this chocolate....now....as in RIGHT NOW for lunch!!!! Besides.....chocolate is good for you....no REALLY....the more the better!!!!!!YUMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

Lisa, I absolutely can not thank you enough for such a gracious, exciting gift!! When your blog announced I had won sock yarn I had no idea I would receive so many wonderful gifts.....and everything is exactly what I have been wanting!!!! Many, Many THANKS!!!!

Second Package: Computer part for my hubby......BORING.....!!!!!

Third Package: KnitPicks!!



Fourth Package:



I have been wanting this book......best of all, purchased from Amazon, used, EXCELLENT condition .....and CHEAP!!! :)


I guess I better check the mailbox now......after all this goodness, I'm sure there is a box full of bills waiting to be picked up!

Ahhhhhh.......back to reality!!!

It's a MYSTERY I Tell Ya!!!

Oh My....Be still my Beating HEART!!!

It is (gulp).....STING!!! (Well, not Sting in the flesh, because if that were the case I wouldn't be in front of my computer right now!) LOL!!

It seems there is a sneaky person somewhere that knows I LUST....I mean....have the greatest appreciation for Sting's musical talent.....OH...WHO AM I FOOLING????? I LUV this MAN!! O.K. calming myself now............

Here's the mystery!

I received this package today....No Return address....the post mark is Birmingham, which doesn't narrow it down too much!! I CAN'T STAND IT.......WHO ARE YOU??????

I simply MUST KNOW.....so I can kiss your feet (a proper thank you when one receives the ONLY CD by Sting that is not in their much loved and frequently played collection).....which I have meant to buy this one for SOOO long but for one reason or another would forget (forgive me Sting)......to pick up while out shopping!

To my secret benefactor: Many, Many, MANY thanks for your gift!!!! But really, you are going to drive me nuts if you don't reveal yourself!!!

I am listening to my dream guy as I am posting......what soothing music!!! Oh, I just can't thank you enough!!!! I'm not worthy.....I'm not worth......I'm not worthy!!!

I love you and thank you.....whoever you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not just for the CD.....but because you are obviously a very caring, generous person!!!!!! MWAH!!! Kisses to you!!!!!!!!

Bye Bye Bunny

Is he HANDSOME or what????


Picked up Max from the groomers (which is quite traumatic for him.....he has health issues so ANY trip to the vet is cause for panic).


Brought him home, lot's of love and praises, gave him an extra biscuit and all was well.......UNTIL.....




THIS Happened!!!!















This USED to be a VERY CUTE Dove Fairy Bunny.....purchased for my Sister for Easter! She was SUCH a cute bunny.....had these little purple/pink colored fairy wings, the box had a sweet little story on the back about magic brooks in little fairy woods, etc.

(After an unfortunate incident involving a pecan log and Max I decided to be SURE there was no chance of recurrence so I placed said Bunny in a tote bag....hanging in my closet to INSURE that in the event that I didn't close my closet door securely that he was not able to get the Bunny......so WE didn't have to go through the rather "gross" process of what one does after one's dog actually eats an ENTIRE pecan log)!

WELL.......apparently the lure of chocolate was more than he could resist, I have door handles, not traditional knobs.....so I imagine he was able to reach his little paw up, hit the handle and open the door, I further hypothesize that Max was able to leap, grasping the tote off the hook and secure his treasure.

Gory details involving turkey basters, bolus administration of hydrogen peroxide, resulting in multiple expulsions of said Bunny ensued.

Note to Self: Stop thinking of others when it comes to enabling others with their special sweet treats!



















Fortunately, Max is fine, just has a tummy ache, not unlike when a kid eats too much junk according to our six figure income vet (compliments of Max, thank you very much).

He is one pitiful Max......not sure if it is because he didn't get to finish the rabbit or because we "tortured" him! LOL!!'

Oh.....and does anyone know how to get Chocolate out of OFF WHITE CARPET????????

Cherry Blossoms and Socks on a Tree

My Yoshino Cherry Tree FINALLY has a few blooms on it!! This is the first year that it has bloomed, hopefully next year it will be loaded down!!

Perhaps the reason for so few blooms is THIS!!

SOCKS ON A TREE!!!!!

Baby Cable Rib Pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks.

Yarn: Purchased from an Ebay vendor: Oldfield Creek Sock & Yarn, no color name. PLENTY of left over yarn!!

Knit on two size 1 circulars.

A Wee Tiny Surprise

A Wee Tiny Sock surprise from Laura!! I LOVE how the yarn magically changes colors for each part of the sock!!

Thanks SOO much for thinking of me!!

Knitting Update: I will finish the second St. Paddy's day sock tonight and hopefully have time to get my second Bloomin Fleet sock casted on and a few rows knitted!

I'll post pics tomorrow!

It's OFFICIAL!!!!

It's Officially The First Day Of SPRING!!!! YIPPEE!!!!

It's also Tonni's BIRTHDAY today!!! Not sure how old she is.....just that she is YOUNGER than I am.....but I won't hold that against her!! LOL!! If you get a chance hop over to her site and leave her a Birthday wish!

Also, while you are traveling....how about stopping by Cindy's Blog. We are slowly getting her blog up and running so please tag it to check back often as it will be changing all along. Cindy is working on her first pair of socks (I saw them yesterday and they are FLAWLESS)!!

Also, I have another friend that we are going to get her blog set up this week and I'll be posting her link when it is up and running.

Knitting: I am half way finished on my second St. Patrick's Day sock, will post a pic tomorrow. As soon as I finish this sock I'll get started on my second Bloomin Feet sock!!

Wee Tiny Sock Arrives!

I was out running errands when my BF phoned to tell me she had received her Wee Tiny Sock!! I couldn't wait to get home and check my mailbox.

Sure enough, there was an envelope waiting in the mailbox. Enclosed was THIS.....thoughtfully wrapped....further prolonging the mystery of what my Wee Tiny Sock might look like!! And who doesn't just LOVE opening presents????

Talk about a ray of sunshine on a MONDAY!!! Isn't this the most happy, cheerfull color???

I LOVE IT!!!

I was so tickled when I saw WHO my secret pal is!! It is GREAT GRAN!!! (O.K., well, she is actually Emily's

Great Gran)......but I think anyone that reads Emily's blog feels the wonderful sense of family that comes through and feel like I know Great Gran as I do Emily!!!

I am SOOO going to come down and meet you both one of these days!!!!

Thanks Emily so much for a wonderful swap, and a very special thank you to Great Gran for such a cheerfull Wee Tiny Sock! I will think of you both every time I look at it!!!

Wee Tiny Sock and Others

Ta DA!!! My Wee Tiny Sock......destined to go on a LONG trip today......all the way to ICELAND, from Alabama.....hmmm....wonder how long THAT trip will take!! LOL!!

SUCH a cute idea this was and Kudos to Emily for such a great swap!

Here are a couple of socks I am currently working on: The green sock is in a mock cable stitch the other sock is a K3, P1 rib. I will finish the green sock tonight, put the other sock on hold and cast on for my Bloomin Sock Pal's second sock. The green yarn was purchased on Ebay, vendor is Oldfield Creek Sock and Yarn. This is VERY nice, soft yarn and VERY reasonable. $ 14.95 for 440 yards, 80% Merino, 20% Nylon. He has a lot of really nice yarn listed on Ebay right now. I'll have to hunt up the info on the other sock and will post when I have another sock update.

Wee Tiny Sock Pal Assigned

Emily has assigned all the "Wee Tiny Sock" pals....and I have mine in hand!! Hmmm.....guess I'll plunder through my left over sock yarn to see what I can find for my Wee Tiny Sock! PRESSURE....must finish the sock and put in the mail this coming Friday!

Great times and Sock Yarn For All!!

WOW.....what a day!!! Tonni and I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to meet Laura today and what a day we had!!!

We met at P.F. Changs for lunch, barely placed our order and we were all chatting away like three old friends!! Isn't it wonderful when you can meet someone new and feel so comfortable around them that you can truly be....YOU?!!

THEN we hit the yarn stores!!!! (Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy).

First in line was In The Making where many lively discussions were had regarding the wonderful selection of yarn, lot's of "ooooohing and ahhhhhhing" could be heard!! Seems we have the same taste......as all three of us chose the very same sock yarn!!! (I believe a challenge was thrown out for all to make socks and meet up at a later date to compare said socks)!

Next stop was Knit Nouveau....where believe it or not......MORE sock yarn was acquired!! (Gotta love a fellow knitter who will tell you all the reasons you NEED more yarn!!) LOL!!!

A mere 4 hours later we were ready to head to Tonni's for an evening of good conversation and knitting!!

What a PRECIOUS person Laura is and how lucky we are that she was able to spend a bit of extra time in Birmingham.......just wishing she lived closer!!!

After what seemed an incredibly short time I had to leave! Laura is Tonni's guest for the evening and considering what a sweetie Tonni is I know Laura will be in for a treat!! Of course, I am terribly jealous that they will have all night to knit together.......but I see a get together in the not so distant future for the three of us!!!

Isn't it wonderful when three folks who previously never knew the others existed could meet through a blog, become friends and that wonderful friendship carry over to meeting in person!!

Already looking forward to next time!!!!!!!!!

Wee Tiny Sock Swap....DO IT!!!

HOW FUN IS THIS??????

Check out Emily's Blog for the details.....but in a nutshell: Do you have scrap sock yarn? Got a 39 cent stamp? Got an envelope? THAT'S ALL YOU NEED!! Emily even has the wee tiny sock pattern on her site!!

This is a NO STRESS sock swap!!! Check it out and sign up today, Friday is the deadline to sign up!!

Blue Moon Sock Club...FINALLY!

I received my Blue Moon Rockin Sock Club kit today and I must admit, I am a bit underwhelmed....maybe the anticipation for so long caused me to have visions of grandeur that no one could possibly provide!?! George Clooney showing up at my door to present a box so heavy with free yarn that even he could barely hold up??? Rountrip airfair to the Blue Moon facility??? Oh the possibilities!! LOL!! (visions of grandeur here I'm tellin ya!!).

When I was contacted by BMFA to sign up for the second time, following their bank debacle, I was told there would be a very nice gift enclosed with the first shipment....their way of compensating everyone for all the trouble they went through. For some reason I was dreaming of yarn (reference above visions of grandeur)......but the 10% discount coupon will come in handy when I get ready to place another order....which will be soon I am sure!! (who am I kidding.....I'm already making my list!!) LOL!!

The pattern is one I will have to work/study on....a toe up pattern, but, I have been wanting to learn to do the toe up socks so this may be the nudge that I needed to get going on learning something new.

To date, I have only knit the most basic of socks and this pattern is going to require practice on my part before attempting to use my designated yarn. A lot of knitting terms that I haven't used in the past....but I am ready for a sock challenge!!!

I love the little emergency sock yarn keychain!!! Too cute! Mine needs a bit of work on it (loose yarn tucked underneath)...but maybe in doing a bit of repair work, I can figure out how to make them and use my scrap yarn to make matching keychains for all the future sock kits!!

In closing, IF George Clooney couldn't PERSONALLY deliver my Blue Moon Sock Kit......then I guess that is O.K. I'm glad to get my first kit and already looking forward to the next one!!!

Ode 'To Peeps and A Bloomin Sock!!

Ode To Peeps

Oh, how I love your smooshy, gooshy goodness.
How you glisten, all lined up in a row!

In perfect attention....just waiting....
for me to bite your little heads off before devouring your smooshy, gooshy little bodies!

(What could be better than your mom sending you home from a day of visiting with a THREE pack of PEEPS!!!!) Ahhhh........

AND.....ONE BLOOMIN SOCK IS COMPLETED!! Well....I am having a bit of difficulty with getting the toe finished....I seem to have a tiny bump on one end......I have left a long tail of yarn attached and will work on getting this issue resolved. Worse comes to worse, I'll tink the Kitchner and close the toe with a drawstring toe.....but I like the look and feel of the kitchner toe.

21 Years Ago Today!!

21 years ago today I married the greatest guy in the world!!

After our first date, I knew we would be together forever. Not that I decided to "rope him in" mind you, but just an incredible peace in my soul that I didn't need to worry....that he was the one...... that we would be together forever!!

21 years is a long time, but it has FLOWN by and it makes me incredibly sad that it has gone by so fast!!! I want to go back and do it all again......and ANOTHER 21 years to boot!!

DH took off from work today......we were planning a day....but weather is bad, so we will enjoy a day together doing nothing here at home, part of which I am sure will be spent in the basement listening to the weather radio.....but that's o.k. too....just being together is enough for me!!

I'm one lucky lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you and Knitting Content

Sometimes, the thoughtfulness of others brings me to tears!!

From time to time someone will send me an EM asking about Gracie...... I don't post very often about her...(she didn't like her picture taken at ALL)! I felt the need to post yesterday.....to let folks know and for myself as well.

Later in the day I received these most BEAUTIFUL flowers and the sweetest card from Tonni!!!

Anyone that has ever lost a pet knows it is such a helpless feeling and Tonni knew just what I needed yesterday! Thank you my dear friend!!

Thank you so much for all your kind comments.....I received so many emails and calls!! What a wonderful group of friends that I have....both far and wide!!!

I did finish a pair of socks for my sister for her Birthday on Sunday. I told her to "strike a pose" and model. (I told her not to quit her day job as I don't think Milan is going to come calling for her anytime soon)! LOL!! These socks were knit with 100% Alpaca, VERY soft, plain knit stitch with a K2,P2 rib at the top. I think she was pleased with them. We both love socks!!

Again, many thanks for all the thoughtful comments, emails and phone calls!!!!! I am blessed with friends WAY beyond what I deserve!!!

Gracie Kitty

Gracie was a unique kitty no doubt, she had her "ways" about her! She was full of odd thoughts and ideas, a plethora of idiosyncrasies.

She was not a "normal" cat if there is such a thing....she was frightened of most things.....yet pawed at the door to go out in the midst of storms and would get downright nasty if you didn't do as she requested. She loved anything sparkly.....I have several single earrings that can attest to that fact.....all I had to do was say the words "sparkly ball" and she would come running...as she loved nothing better than batting around a tinsel ball around the floor.

She cared for none but me....and not even me unless it was at a time that she chose....but when she came close, she was very loving, she didn't purr until the last year or two.....but when she could get into that mood she enjoyed being loved on.

Generally, she enjoyed a bit of quality bird watching time first thing in the morning but yesterday morning there were dogs loose in the neighborhood. I got to her within moments.....rushed her to the vet, but her injuries were too severe. She died in a morhpine induced haze, hopefully chasing little moles in her mind.

She wasn't your typical cat.....she was crazy to a large degree.....but she was my crazy cat and I loved her.

Tete-A Tete Daffodils and YARN!!

On The Way to the mail box to retrieve THIS:













I saw THIS!!! Aren't they pretty? The yarn AND the flowers of course!!! I am SOOOO ready for Spring to "officially" start!!!

Buyer Beware!!

Please allow me a moment to share my thoughts regarding Best Buy. No Knitting content on this post.

If you are contemplating purchasing a desk top computer (and/or possibly a laptop).....you might want to consider buying directly from the manufacturer and NOT Best Buy!

We purchased 2 Gateway desk top computers a year ago this month from Best Buy. These computers had the most current operating system, dual large monitors, the works!! Fast forward to one year and 8 DAYS past the date of purchase and the mother board goes out on one of the systems.

I phoned Gateway tech support to see about purchasing a part and was informed that Gateway contracts with Best Buy to sell "end of life" computers with current software. These computers ARE new computers, NOT rebuilt.....but the "guts" of the system if you will is "end of life" which means Gateway no longer supports, nor does the manufacturer of the internal components.....this is NOT a software issue, but rather an issue of the unit itself.

We did not purchase an extended warranty as when put to the wall, Best Buy admitted that they do not service their own extended warranties.....but it is marketed out to a third party company.....out of state and would require us sending in our entire tower (which contains all of our work info and we were not willing to let strangers have access to sensitive account information). It is amazing what you learn when you push the sales person to "show you in writing"!!!

While I do realize that technology changes almost daily it seems like, but the physical components of a unit (i.e. boards, etc.) are not ditched and new parts manufactured daily....remember, we are not talking about the software.

I was sick to know that the SEVERAL THOUSAND dollars we spent on computers was for systems that no one supports!!! The manufacturer no longer makes parts for these computers.....remember, these were purchased one year and 8 DAYS ago!!

In our business we do not sell "end of life" equipment as the manufacturer can no longer supply parts! Gateway should not sell "end of life" equipment unless they have some kind of disclaimer alerting the customer.....but then again, I don't imagine someone would actually purchase these computers if they knew they were end of life. In my line of work we do have a lot of 3rd party companies that manufacture parts for equipment....."generic" parts if you will, at a considerable savings over the manufacturers parts, so I researched and discovered that Gateway has their units configured so that the "generic" motherboard will not fit their units.....so they "have you" more ways than one.

I do not know if all Gateway computers sold at Best Buy are end of life, just desk top models, etc.

The tech support department at Gateway actually suggested that I complain to the corporate office as this was a procedure that he personally did not agree with!!

In closing, I would like to strongly urge you to consider buying a computer direct from the manufacturer. I don't know if there is a price difference, you may end up paying a bit more.....but the small amount saved purchasing retail from an "authorized" dealer.....is NOT worth it. The fact that you can walk into a store and actually see what you are purchasing definitely has it's good points over ordering "sight unseen" but still not worth the risk in my opinion. Had we of been informed that this was the case with Best Buy we most CERTAINLY would not have purchased these computers! I don't believe that the sales staff at Best Buy is aware of this issue. When I spoke with the service manager at Best Buy, he was not aware of the issue with the parts no longer being manufactured.....but upon investigation admitted that I was correct.

Please feel free to pass this info along to anyone you choose. I would like to let other unsuspecting consumers to be privy to this information.

Bloomin Feet Update & Surprise!!

Know how some folks are just so thoughtful and kind that it makes you want to do more for others???


I present you with Exhibit A:


How cute is this?????










I was checking out the Bloomin Feet Bloggers last week and saw a post that contained a Brie Baker! I thought I had every single kitchen "gadget" known to man.....but somehow I manged to miss this:














I LOVE Brie cheese!!! I think this is absolutely the cutest piece of pottery I have ever seen.....and I have a lot of pottery!!!


Wendy, you are so very thoughtful!! I know you are incredibly busy, yet you took the time to spread the sunshine my way and I can't thank you enough!!! I had a co-worker once tell me that sometimes I just need to say "thank-you" and let it go......but this time I can't do that......so I have a little something that will be on it's way to you shortly!!! (Besides, after this weekend you deserve a little something more than your newest badge!) LOL!!!


I also have an update on my Bloomin Feet Sock!!!
I HAVE been working on a sock!!!


I'm disappointed that the yarn is virtually solid....I spent a lot of time looking for "just the right" yarn for my sock mate. While the yarn is nice quality, the color is very dark with little variation in the color way. The website showcased a yarn that had several different shades from light to dark.


I'm a nervous wreck about knitting a sock that will fit a foot that is MANY miles from my knitting basket....my socks to date have all been made for those close enough that they can try on periodically and I can adjust as needed.

The pattern is a fairly simple pattern.....from Charlene Schurch, hopefully with enough stretch that it will make up for my lack of knitting skills!!!!

I WON!!!!!

I WON.....and I NEVER win ANYTHING!!!

Aren't these absolutely BEAUTIFUL??? The pic of the bracelet does NOT do it justice as these are Austrian Crystals......and MAN do they S.P.A.R.K.L.E.!!!!! Best of all the bracelet is completely waterproof, has a magnetic closure and can be worn in the shower as a reminder to "check yer boobies" monthly!! The stitch marker set is definitely going to be put to good use!!! They are just the right size to use while knitting socks and the colors are so very pretty!!!

Several weeks ago I was checking out some blogs looking for socks and stumbled across Deb's Blog . What a great blog......sock knitter and dog lover....good combo!!! Deb was featuring a contest so I threw my name in the hat. I never win ANYTHING so you an imagine my surprise when I received an email stating I won second prize!!!

Deb went WAY out of her way to send a second pkg. to me when the first one never showed up.....but I'm thinking considering how the second one arrived that someone in the post office somewhere between here and the Great Frozen North is enjoying the first pkg. Check THIS out!!!

When you get a chance check out Deb's blog, start at the beginning....she has some great socks to share.....oh....and send some warm thoughts her way.....she lives in Minnesota......a bit colder than here in Alabama!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!




The day is off to it's usual start for Valentine's Day.

I hid ALL my DH undies and left a single pair available.....RED....with WHITE hearts on them!! (....all those early childhood warnings of wearing clean underwear in case you are in an accident has carried over to).......But honey, what if I'm in an accident and have to go to the ER.....what kind of care will a man with valentine's boxers receive? My standard answer: Why dear, you'll receive the attention of ALL the nurses!! LOL!!!

I will make it up to him with his favorite meal, grilled steak and steamed shrimp, fluffy baked potato, salad, and for dessert I think this year I am going simple with a hot fudge brownies.


My Sweetie started off my day with this:



Hastily arranged by me!



YUM Ferrero Rocher candies!!!!






AND......just in time for Valentine's Day I received THIS:



Chocolate Covered Cherries from Yarn Ahoy!!! Best of all.....NO Fat and NO Calories!!

Bloomin Feet Update!

FINALLY.....I have made my decision on which yarn to use for my Bloomin Feet mate!!

I was so excited when I found the Sweet Georgia Yarn site (click on link and scroll to see the Viola yarn).......but quite disapointed when I actually received the Viola as it is N.O.T.H.I.N.G.
like the picture posted on their website. What I received has VERY little variation in the color, pretty much solid and VERY dark....although still pretty! I was planning on knitting a simple K2,P2 pattern and was counting on the quality of the yarn in addition to the beautiful variations of color making up for my basic stitch pattern.

The Wildflower is pretty, but with so many different colors I'm not sure how "busy" it might look. The Wisteria is pretty also but very, very light.

SOOOOO......having looked at all the options I have decided to go with the Viola by Sweet Georgia Yarn. The quality of this yarn is very nice....reminds me very much of Blue Moon Fibers, I am even contemplating a pattern that is NOT my usual K2,P2 pattern!! I'll be going over patterns tonight and will have a decision made later on. I haven't knitted any patterns other than straight knit stitch or K2,P2, so this will be a challenge!!!!

(I would have posted pics of the above mentioned yarns but "new and improved" blogger wouldn't allow me to post any of my saved photos, yet allowed the Bloomin Feet Logo.....don't you just LOVE the New and Improved Blogger??)

Bloomin Feet Update!!

The pic is a tad blurry for some reason but don't these colors make anxious for Spring?

Sunshine Yarns is a vendor that I found on Etsy and if I'm not mistaken was one that was recommended by Lime & Violet. I have ordered one other yarn from this shop but haven't had time to knit it just yet!

This yarn is SOOO soft......you just can't help but pick it up and "pet" it!! LOL!!!

This is the second yarn I have purchased in anticipation of making socks for my Bloomin Feet secret pal. I do have one other skein of yarn in mind that I am going to order today. I have read several blogs and there are quite a few of you out there that have already completed your pair or at least one.....and here I am still ordering yarn!!! I will have my decision made this weekend and get something on my needles in the next few days!!!

My other 2 choices are: Wisteria

And Viola

Sheep To Shawl

If you live anywhere close to Montevallo, Alabama, I HIGHLY recommend visiting this shop!! Elizabeth of Trailing Yarn had a post on her blog (Janury 24th entry) about her visit to Sheep To Shawl.

I had not heard of this shop and decided I had to get myself to Montevallo ASAP!!! I picked up my dear friend Cindy on Saturday morning and met up with Tonni to check it out. (Check out Tonni's blog for some additional pictures).

I could NOT have been more impressed!!! The owner and her daughter were both as kind as they could be to us.....letting us ask a lot of questions yet gave us all the space we needed to browse without feeling any pressure!!

There was a table set up with four different felted sheep.....I didn't think to take my camera but they were SOOO cute!!! This was the only duplicate so the owner allowed me to buy it, otherwise you can place an order for one. In addition to the brown she also offers white, black and gray!!

The owner's daughter has the job of assigning a name for all the sheep, so she took this little fella into the back for a moment of quiet to see what name came to her and low and behold.....BROWNIE it was!!! I couldn't have chosen a better name myself!!

The shop has a lot of roving, raw fibers and yarn that you don't see at other yarn stores, which was so nice to see yarnsI had never seen before, as well as some favorites such as Trekking and Step sock yarn to name just a couple. (And Thank-You Tonni for giving up the Trekking.....was it the drooling part that got you to hand it over or the fact that I couldn't keep my hands off it!!) LOL!!!

WE all three fell in love with a scarf that the owner had on display so much so that we all left with enough yarn to make the scarf and hope to have some free time to get together in the near future to work on this project!! The owner designed the scarf and was gracious enough to jot the pattern down for us!!

The owner also has a lot of her pottery on display and it is absolutely beautiful!!!!

If you make it to the shop be sure and save time to stop in at the local coffee house/bar/restaurant/hang out spot......named the Eclipse. Right on main street, can't miss it! Lunch was outstanding!!!!

Birmingham News did a great article on this shop:


Montevallo mom, daughter have learned to spin a yarn
Wednesday, January 17, 2007

NANCY WILSTACHNews staff writer

Fingers figured prominently in Rae Jean Flatt's switch from clay to yarn, because the Montevallo woman cannot abide hers being idle.
Stripping off a white cotton glove from her right hand, Flatt displayed her puckered fingertips. "It is hydrosis," she said, "from too much water."
When doctors told her to lay off making pottery for at least six months because contact with wet clay exacerbated the condition, Flatt took up another interest - fibers. Now she's spinning, weaving, knitting and crocheting hats, vests, scarves, socks, placemats, belts, purses and shawls.

It all happens at Sheep-to-Shawl, the store Flatt has opened on Main Street in Montevallo.

Baskets and bins:

Stepping into the little shop is like entering a kaleidoscope. Baskets and bins of yarn in all colors and textures line the walls, interspersed with baskets of, yes, unreconstructed sheep's wool. There also are spinning wheels, looms in various sizes and a bouquet of completed garments.

Flatt is particularly tickled with her "felting" projects. "This came from across the street," she said, referring to the Twice As Nice Thrift Store. She held up a white hat adorned with Impressionist-fuzzy flowers. The hat once was a stretchy wool toboggan cap until someone put it in the washer.

Now it's a thick, solid white with a texture similar to felt. Flatt fashioned the suggestion of a garland of flowers from colorful yarns and affixed them to the hat with a felting tool. The result is a designer original from a 25-cent, thrift-store find.

Flatt's sidekick in this woolly business is her 28-year-old daughter. Marissa Flatt is almost blind and suffers from neurofibromytosis, a disease that has caused fibrous tumors to grow on various parts of her body, including her brain. A series of brain surgeries when she was a little girl left the young woman with the symptoms of traumatic brain injury.

Although she has a high-normal intelligence, she has trouble with short-term memory. However, her mother has taught her to spin. Marissa saves hair from her angora rabbit that she spins into heavenly soft yarn.

She is working in the shop with her mother and delights in showing customers the funny sheep, llama and coyote puppets that are part of the decor.

For Rae Jean Flatt, the store not only feeds her own need to stay busy, it provides her daughter with a measure of independence and a downtown social network.

Sheep-to-Shawl offers an array of classes in beginning and advanced knitting, weaving, felting and spinning.

Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For information