Whiskers On Wednesday And Off The Needles

Whiskers On Wednesday:


Bella....who REALLY enjoys her naps to the fullest extent!!





FINALLY.....Off the needles and blocking...



The Bellini Shawl, knit with 3 skeins of Knitpicks Gloss Fingering Weight Yarn, 70% Merino, 30% Silk. This is a gift knit....I doubt I will knit this pattern again, although mindless, I have discovered that I do NOT like the whole blocking process!! UGH!!






AND.....








UPDATED Mystery Knitting!!! Coming right along......I would guestimate this project is 80-85% finished!!!







But I fear that "finishing" is sort of like "blocking".....I don't like it!!!! Sort of like gauge swatching!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!

Whiskers On Wednesday

Submitted for your Whiskers on Wednesday Furry Perusal:

Heidi....loving her KnitPicks box!!

And Bella, supervising the cleaning of the porch, out of harms way of any dirty particles that might muss her highness's royal fur.

Summer Of Socks and Other Knitting

Well, Summer Of Socks 2008, is off to a rather slow start for me.

I had a terrible headache all weekend long and didn't get a single stitch cast on! UGH!! I will most DEFINITELY get something on the needles today!!! I'm with Wendy in that I most definitely won't be winning the award for the most socks....but I am looking forward to participating and seeing all the beautiful socks everyone knits!!!

Other Knitting News: Back on May 11th I posted a "secret" knitting pic........here is an updated picture of said "secret" knitting......Hmmmmm.........Stay tuned as I am SURE it will be quite entertaining!! LOL!!

Isn't this GORGEOUS???

"Last Mango In Paris"

Dyed and Spun by Jessi and destined to be THIS:

Can't WAIT to get started!! I think this pattern will look GREAT with the colors!!

AND.....last but not least....I have cast on for yet another Belinni shawl....this time the pressure is on as this is requested knitting by my Mother-In-Law!!! (GULP)

Whiskers On Wednesday

Is it Whiskers on Wednesday already???? Goodness!!!

This is Bella, a rather sedate, very shy, delicate, keep to herself kinda gal.

When it is time for her "Yum-Yums" she will love on you and let you love on her, but only for the required abount of time that it takes to place her food before her....but not so much at other times. I had hoped for a lap kitty but Bella will have none of that.

I think she was not socialized as a kitten as her behavior after 2 years is still very reserved with us and she prefers to be left to herself.

Bella was a rescue kitty that we adopted about 2 years ago. She had a recently broken back leg, with a pronounced limp....we were afraid no one would adopt her for fear of large vet bills and decided to take her home that very day.

She will play by herself with her toys, she doesn't bother Max at all......as a matter of fact, in passing they will often rub noses....but it is almost as if she doesn't know exactly what Max is....so she isn't afraid of him at all....rather nonchalant in fact.

With Heidi.....well......that is another story!! LOL!!

Heidi wants to have a playmate....she has tried and tried to engage Bella in playtime....but Bella, she is a delicate, dainty little thing....I believe she looks at Heidi as a "heathen" as she will gallop around the house, will go ANYWHERE.....drinks from the faucet for heavens sake, AND (shudder).....sticks her ENTIRE face in the food bowl, scattering food like a little pig, noisily chomping away....while Bella will daintly sit by her bowl, tail wrapped around her legs, all prim and proper and after a moment or two, ever so delicately and daintily take her paw and remove 2-3 pieces of food onto the mat for her dining enjoyment.

Two TOTALLY different kitties!!!

First Whiskers On Wednesdays Post!!

This is one of Heidi's favorite spots to reside. She also loves to drink from the faucet and has NO problem getting her fur wet!!

It's a perfect fit...don't you think?

Isn't this a CUTE idea???? (And who can resist such a sweet little button)!

Whiskers on Wednesday!!!!

Ahhhhh, just a darn cute idea.....Whiskers On Wednesday, check it out and sign up today!!!

All The Way From Scotland!!

Woo Hoo!!! Look what came in the mail today......all the way from Scotland!!!!

I ordered the Brambler scarf pattern from Knitspot last month and just HAD to use the yarn used for the pattern picture......by Old Maiden Aunt in the Bramble color way!!

I had to get up early (time difference) in order to place my order when the batch went on-line for sale...but I GOT IT!!! YIPPEE!!

I wasn't able to get as crisp a picture as I would like...the macro mode on my camera resulted in a subtle washed out color, so I used my long range zoom to get this.....too lazy to pull out my tripod...so it is a bit fuzzy...BUT.....you can see all the many, many, VERY subtle variations in the color!!

I can't WAIT to get this scarf started!!!

The yarn content is 55% silk and 45%Cashmere....

Oh such decadence I have NEVER knit with....much less for ME!!!!!

Busted for Jaywalking....Lizards On The Prowl!

Paula suggested to get over the "Lace Fiasco" that I should knit socks.......Oh Great Sock Knitter Inspiration of mine....you were RIGHT!!!

Socks....AHHH........I feel all better now!! I dont' need no stinking LACE!! LOL!!

First Jaywalker.....knit with Opal yarn I received from Lisa in March of 2007!! I LOVE the colors!! At the time I received the yarn I knew I wanted to knit something other than a plain sock......WELL worth the wait!!

Of course I couldn't wait to see if another yarn would look just as good when knit using the Jaywalker pattern so I cast on for a second one at Knit Night last week!!

Oh....I do love knitting Jaywalkers!! I can see why everyone was so crazy about them when the pattern came out initially!!

I am still working on Christy's purple roving.....but had to free up a bobbin by finishing off this roving that Jessi dyed.

BFL....SUCH a joy to spin!!!

I am going to use this to knit a Fair Isle tam.....or as I like to call it...my Damn Tam (hee, hee, that's for you Suzanne). The first tam was going GREAT......until I realized that I had dropped a stitch....WAY too far back to pick up....SECOND attempt I had to rip out because I failed to change to a larger size needle at the appropriate place in the pattern!!

In retrospect, I think the Tam was just waiting for me to use a prettier yarn....and THIS is it!!!!!!!!

I can now proceed with finishing the last bobbin of purple roving and plying!!

There seems to be an EXPLOSION of Lizard "flirting" going on recently!!! These things are on EVERY window seal!!

Heidi says the entire lizard situation is disgusting and she is going to take a nap now!!

Lace Fiasco

Sooooo......I decided to try a little lace knitting and chose this pretty pattern. The Bellini Lace Shawl.....the model picture looks so pretty, very light and airy, nothing complicated, perfect compliment to a summer outfit....right?

Not so for me......I used the size needle required, knit according to the pattern and I'm not sure if the model shown is on a mans shirt or WHAT........because I am not a tiny, petite little gal and this thing was HUGE!!!! (Not to mention the color I chose looks TERRIBLE on me)!! A grape color that is very pretty......just not on me.

I had the BRIGHT idea to frog and re-knit......with scissors in hand, ball winder ready to go...I snipped....pulled, hmmm.....snipped again, pulled......repeat, repeat, repeat.....hmmmm....maybe lace knitting (even super simple) doesn't frog?????

Oh well, I did make one final close up of the pattern before I pitched it in the trash!! Not a good experience for my first knitting project. I know, I know, the pattern has all the info....but I was fooled by the LOOK of the shawl, not taking into account that the model shown on the pattern was knit for an AMAZON woman...or man.


So here it is.....or was.......


Belinni Lace Shawl......

I'll try again.....just not today. I'll have to do some serious "figuring" regarding how many stitches to cast on for the next one.......if there is a next one.

Lesson learned....look at DIMENSIONS.....not model picture for size reference!!! LOL!!! Oh...the things I get myself into!! LOL!!!




I am half way finished with the purple roving I am working on for Christy.......I hoped to have it finished over the Memorial Day weekend but that didn't work out.....but at least it is going GREAT......even if the lace knitting didn't turn out as I had hoped!! (Sniff, Sniff)

Happy Memorial Day!!

Happy Memorial Day!!!!

I GOT It!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday morning while checking in on one of my favorite blogs I saw THIS luscious scarf!!!

I went IMMEDIATELY to the Knitspot site, purchased the pattern and started researching yarn.

I R.E.A.L.L.Y like the yarn used for the sample knit, which was purchased from Old Maiden Aunt.

Lucky me, I received an EM from Lilith of The Old Maiden Aunt site, letting me know that more yarn would be available for sale today and I was able to snag a skein.....albeit an expensive skein!

There was a snafu with Paypal and the amount I paid was correct, but it was in U.S. Dollars......which when converted to the Euro ended up being more than I anticipated...I knew the exchange rate wasn't great....but goodness......over double what the Euro is?!

Oh well......this is going to be a scarf for me......so I guess I am worth a $30 scarf!!!??!!

Also on the needles but no photos yet: Bellini shawl, Jaywalkers, No Purl Monkeys, Garter Rib Stitch Noro Socks (which I am SOOOO not loving the Noro Sock yarn despite my love of all other Noro yarns), another pair of socks that I can't seem to remember the name of right at this moment, mystery garment knitting.

AND.....spinning along!! This is a BEAUTIFUL, rich, royal purple color from Christy!!

Christy gave me this ONE POUND ball of fiber awhile back.....I am just now back spinning after a hiatus and hoping to get this finished over the long weekend, POSSIBLY plied....(keeping fingers crossed).

Also hope to have time to cast on for a knitted cupcake tonight!!!!! I have wanted to make one of these 4-EVER!!!!

Summer Of Socks 2008

Summer of Socks 2008......

Starts on June 21st and ends on September 1st. During the course of the two month along, you can knit as many or as few socks as you like. No pattern requirements, no yarn requirements, do as much or as little as you want! The whole point is to have fun and relax while knitting along with others. The ways in which you choose to participate are completely up to you! But there are some fun ways that can help you make the most of your two months.

Now I ask you...........what could be better than a stress free sock KAL??

Sign up ends TODAY......go here to sign up.......HURRY!!!!

Magic Ball And A Few Tears!

Isn't this BEAUTIFUL???? Even more so in real life!!!

This is Sophie's Toes Enchanted Forest Magic Ball, hand dyed by the phenomenal Wendy and gifted to me!!

I have been a HUGE fan of Sophie's Toes Sock yarn for over a year now.....just PHENOMENAL colors!!

But this isn't the beautiful part! The beauty of this Ball-O-Lovelinessis is the reason behind this gift and the gift giver herself!!

Last week when Sophie's Toes was having one of her always anticipated yarn updates, I was emailing Jessi as I knew she was online shopping too! I missed out on this Magic Ball.....(and I thought I was being really fast this time on the mouse)!!! LOL!!

Long story short.......it isn't so much that Jessi knew I wanted this color and missed out (she is WAYYY younger than me and her reflexes are better)! LOL!! It is the REASON behind the gift that touches my heart so!!

With the knowledge that at some point, I may be spending several days out of state, not knowing what those days will hold, Jessi knew that knitting would be what I needed most to help comfort and pass the time.

There is something so soothing and "centering" about knitting, it is reassuring, controllable....just the feel of the fiber as it slips through your fingers, the gentle, rhythmic "click-swish" of yarn passing over needles seems to slow you down and soothe your nerves like nothing else can!!!

My heart is so touched by such thoughtfullness!!!!! I felt tears and hugs were quite insufficient as a thank-you!!

I am so very, very blessed to have so many phenomenal women in my life and I am glad to know that Jessi is one of them!!!!!!!! How in the world would we get through life without friends????

My New Kromski!!!

It dawned on me today that I haven't posted any pics of my wheel!!! I can't BELIEVE I didn't post this!!!!





Kromski Minstrel, Double Drive.....LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the fact that it is historically correct, lightweight, once you set it up, that's it....no adjusting, no fiddling, NOTHING......no matter how full the bobbin or what weight yarn I spin!!

I am VERY pleased with this wheel!!!

If you are interested in purchasing a wheel PLEASE contact Bob of Winderwood Farms, 877-287-2501. You will be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable or nicer person to discuss wheels/spinning/fiber/life in general!!! The type person you LOVE doing business with!!!

If you do phone Bob, please tell him that Darlene in Alabama sent you!!


Oh.......... and someone else has a new wheel.....keep checking her blog for a post...TODAY!!
I'm so jealous!!!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day, Sister Luv And A Bit Of Knitting.

Happy Mother's Day to My Mom!!

(This picture was actually made on her birthday a couple of years ago....we made a picture for Mother's Day but i can't seem to get it to upload).

I love you!!!!!!!!!!

My sweet little sister (knowing anything in a Williams Sonoma bag makes my heart beat fast)......gave me a Nordic Ware cupcake pan with cover and THE most luscious cupcake cookbook...which I have looked at several times in the past!!

Max (aka sister) gave me some Amazing Grace roll on perfume, perfect for my purse!!

How lucky am I???

On tap for today.....POUND Cake!! YUM!!!!

Secret knitting....which will remain secretive in my feeble attempt to retain a modicum of dignity in the event that it turns out hideously inadequate and not fit for ANY human body.....much less mine!! LOL!!!

AND.....a little something on the wheel for Princess Cupcake....who will be spending part of the weekend with me in two weeks and when asked what she would like to do.....told me without missing a beat.

Aunt Darlene, I want to make an apple pie....from SCRATCH!!!

Oh how I do love my Princess Cupcake!!! LOL!!!

2008 ABC Along The Letter I

While standing at the kitchen sink, watching the birds and struggling to come up with something to use for the Letter I entry THIS landed for a quick snack!!

The image quality isn't great....but for a split second, long distance zoom it will have to pass.

2008 ABC Along

The Letter I
Indigo Bunting

May Day ALREADY??????

I was thinking about my May Day pkg. and wondering what day next week it might arrive.....and got the overwhelming feeling to check my front porch......low and behold THERE IT WAS!!!!!!!! (I was gone yesterday and didn't think to check my mail)!

I snatched that box up so fast I got dizzy!! LOL!!!

AND....when I saw who it was from I was REALLY dizzy...because I had seen THE most gorgeous socks on her blog and I knew...KNEW they were inside this box....somewhere!!!!

First things First: A HUGE thank you to Karen for being my pal!!! I am so tickled to be the recipient of absolutely THE most beautiful, fanciest socks I have ever had the pleasure of slipping on these big feet of mine!!! They fit PERFECTLY....and I am just so tickled to have such beautifully stitched socks!!! I tend to stick with "sturdy" socks....and these are so "girly".......I just can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all the work that went into these socks!!

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite shade of blue!!!!!

Check out this detail!!!!!

Perfection I only HOPE to achieve someday!!!!

Be still my beating heart.....would you just LOOK at that?????

PERFECT stitches each and every one!!

But WAIT.......there's MORE!!!!!!!!

ROVING.....yep...uh huh....ROVING.....Spunky Eclectic roving (which I have not tried but have heard SOOOO much about)....in my second most favorite color....purple!!!

Oh but wait....there is MORE!!!!!!

Where to start??

The sock bag (and Karen, I haven't posted this so I'm not sure how you knew...but I am SUCH a sock bag person...I LOVE this bag...the colors are PERFECT for summer and to know that you actually MADE this makes it all the more special!! I seem to keep several socks going at any given time and I can promise this bag will get a good workout!!

NEXT.....there was chocolate....from Harry and David....DARK chocolate, RASPBERRY.....Ohhhh.....and let me tell you....it is excellent with my morning coffee.....heh...it's healthy...it's FRUIT!!!!!! LOL!!!

I am such a huge fan of home crafted soaps/lotions, etc. I bought books several years ago to learn about this but haven't gotten any further....I truly do appreciate it and the brown sugar lotion is going in my knitting bag as I ALWAYS have dry hands!!! The soap is wonderful and as soon as I come down from my sugar/caffeine high and hit the shower it is going with me!!!

Also in the box is a cute set of copper windchimes...which I LOVE and last, but not least, Shasta Daisey seeds which will be in the ground by the end of the day today!!!!

Karen, I can not thank you enough for such an AWESOME, AWESOME May Day package!!! You are a PHENOMENAL sock knitter....and I can't thank you enough for such thoughtful gifts!! I can't sew a stitch but I love all the sock bags I see on blogs and on Etsy....and I will think about you every time I use it....which believe me will be often!! LOL!!

I have admired your blog for quite some time......you are one crafty gal indeed! I have admired your spinning posts and have had your site bookmarked for quite sometime!! You are indeed one VERY talented knitter/spinner/crafter!!!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU again!!!

I think it is safe to say that Heidi is "out" and proud of it!!!

No more hiding in the bathtub for her!!!

She is the Stair Master!!

These stairs are HER's and no one gets by without her "permission".

O.K. no more Heidi pics for awhile......next post will be SPINNING WHEEL update!!!!