herzeleid knits

OMG It's been over a year!

2009-04-17T15:20:00.003-04:00

Okay so it has been over a year since I have posted on this thing. I'm going to try to start keeping it up to date again. I spend enough time on the net - I might as well do something more useful than Twitter or Facebook. Oh and surfing youtube.

The project that I am currently working on is a stuffed animal for an ex-boyfriend's nephew. When I started the monkey the boyfriend wasn't an ex. This project should have been done a long time ago but between watching WAY too much Law & Order and messing with Facebook I have neglected my knitting. Hopefully, getting back into this blog will help me stick to my projects. I still have a TON of UFO's around my place and have to do a gift for a friend's baby that is already here (even though I knew I wanted to make something for it during the entire pregnancy.)

I am a knitting slacker.

And I need to start working out again too. :)

Blue Ribbons, Purple Ribbons, Green Socks and more

2008-02-24T02:25:00.004-05:00

BLUE and PURPLE RIBBONS

Hello all. I finally went and picked up my stuff from the Florida State Fair. My Jewels Cardigan won Best in Show for knitting and First Place in the "sweaters with pattern by different colors" category. And my "Elton" purse took first place also - however I cannot remember what category that was in.
There's some other exciting things going on with my Jewels Cardigan but I'm not going to post about it until everything is all 100% settled.

GREEN SOCKS

The socks are done. Whew! I really did not like working on this pattern at all. Not that it was difficult or anything. I just did not enjoy them. Luckily she does :) The yarn was Reynolds Soft Sea Wool. Yay for another FO!

MIA, FO's, and CPaAGG

2008-02-09T00:56:00.001-05:00

So I have been MIA on this thing for two months. I have tons of excuses but mostly it has been out of laziness. Do I really need this blog since I have Ravelry to keep up with everything? But, if you're not a member of Ravelry you cannot see my projects and such so I guess I'll keep this thing going for now.

Finished Objects!!

Yes I have actually finished a few things.

First off, Ber's Sidewinder socks are done! WOO HOO!!

These socks would not look so awesome if it wasn't for the beautiful Wollmeise yarn. It is my favorite yarn of all time.

I also completed some baby booties - one pair for a girl at work and another for Jen, the creator of CPaAGG on Ravelry.

The first ones were done in Regia sock yarn and the second were, of course, some more Wollmeise. Aren't they the cutest things ever?!?

So 2008 is off to a good start when it comes to finishing up projects.

CPaAGG

The Completely Pointless and Arbitrary Group Group is a group on Ravelry that has been the center of my online life lately. If you are a Ravelry member and have a wicked sense of humor, I suggest joining in the fun.

Recently we had a Secret GroundhogBunny Swap (to celebrate a bunch of holidays at once) which was, of course, completely pointless and arbitrary. Pictures of my haul are located here. I'm too lazy to post them all on here too.

I'd like to thanks DreadPirateKel for the wonderful goodies and scary horrors that were included in the package.

Update

2007-12-12T12:16:00.001-05:00

Hello! I know it's been about a month since I've posted anything. Here's a quick update:

Vegas was amazing! Eddie Izzard was wonderful and everyone should go see Zumanity.

I am now the proud owner of a drum carder!! Woot!! A used one came up for sale for a price I could not pass up. I haven't carded much because I'm waiting for a scale to weigh out fiber so that I can try to get close to 50/50 blends of husky fur and wool.

Both cats are fine and happy. Later this week we are going to be the happy recipients of a LITTER ROBOT. I will let you know how that goes.

I'm still planning on putting a lot of yarn up for sale on eBay. It's yet another thing that I just have to get around to doing.

Will post more soon with pics!

DRUM CARDER UPDATE

2007-11-14T00:13:00.000-05:00

I have found a Finest drum carder for HALF OFF!! *swoon* I am in talks with the owner and she will email me the shipping info tomorrow. OMG a Finest for only *gasp* $345 plus shipping. So, I'm going to take the "donate" button down. Thank you, dear sister, for your donation and I will eventually make you husky socks.

Also, I am leaving Thursday for a 5 day trip to Vegas where I will see Eddie Izzard live. This week is just getting better and better. And just to clear things up - NO, I'm not getting married by an Elvis impersonator (if one more person comes up with that smart ass comment.....)

See Ya'll when I get back

Christmas Drum Carder Fund

2007-10-30T00:09:00.000-04:00

Hey Folks,
There's a new button over on the right for donations to the Christmas Drum Carder Fund. Originally my younger sis was going to orchestrate getting monies together from family members and friends to go towards a drum carder for me as a Christmas gift; however, she is extremely busy with her college courses and has asked me to place this button on my blog. Personally, I now feel like I'm begging and I'm a little uncomfortable with it BUT this probably is the easiest way. Sometimes technology weirds me out.

For those who do not know what a drum carder is here ya go: it's a device to prepare fiber for spinning. Exciting, eh?!?

I know that most people have no clue what to get me as gifts so I'm helping everyone out...online...in front of the world. Seriously, I feel so stupid doing this. I'm not expecting to pay for a whole drum carder this way and I'm totally prepared to pay for at least half of it myself. I'm planning on a major yarn stash sale on eBay to help fund it. If anyone out there is a yarny...I'll announce on this blog when I finally post items. Any extra $$ from the destash/christmas fund will go towards a Charkha spinning wheel.

Okay, so that's about it. I feel totally lame.

Fricken Awesome Fricke and a few FO's

2007-10-23T13:03:00.000-04:00

I know I've been absent from blogging but I have been getting a lot of stuff done. AND....

My Fricken Awesome Fricke

I am now the proud owner of a Fricke Spinning Wheel. Woot!

When I first tried spinning at Yarn School I became very frustrated and almost gave up. I'm glad I didn't. Here is a pic of some yarn that I have spun with my new Fricke.

This picture does not do the colors justice at all. The wool I used was some of the "gift bag" stuff from Yarn School, handdyed by Sarah aka: Maisy Day Handspun

Besides spinning yarn I have also been busy finishing some of my knit projects.

Finished Objects

Woo hoo!! My sister's Malabrigo Clapotis is done (finally!) along with Perry's scarf and Farrell's hat. Below are pics of Farrell's hat. The pattern for it can be found here

Yarn School 2007 - Reader's Digest Version

2007-10-03T13:29:00.000-04:00

Here is a list of why Yarn School is so supercool:

The Harveyville Project is an old school building

Our bedrooms are in old classrooms

There's a water tower which makes it easy to find

Everyone is awesome - especially Nikol (center) who IS the Harveyville Project and Yarn School

Kansas sunrises

Swing sets

Fiber dyeing

Spinning wheels

Fiber

Alpacas

Even more alpacas

Even more fiber

Drum carding

Kafka the wonder dog

Angora bunnies

Pygora goats

A gymnasium filled with spinning madness

Did I mention there was lots of pretty fiber?

More Yarn School 2007 photos can be found here on our Flickr group. You know you wanna look. And for more information on the Harveyville Project go here.

I'm Back

2007-10-03T00:17:00.001-04:00

Hello all! I'm back from Yarn School!! It was amazing! I really want to sit here and write about it all but I'm still too damn drained to do so. This is just a quick post to let everyone know I have made it home...safe and sound.

More soon w/ pictures I promise.

See You When I Get Back

2007-09-25T13:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, tons of stuff going on

I leave for YARN SCHOOL on Thursday morning. Eeeek! So much to do before then. I still cannot figure out which knitting project to take to work on during the flight and at the airport.

Last night I went to see the Henry Rollins "Provoked" spoken word show. He talked about not being in the experience but being beside it and observing what is going on so you can write about it later. I plan on totally being sucked in to Yarn School but I will try to remember enough to give a report when I get back.

And.... I'm going to see Eddie Izzard in Vegas in November!!! SQUEEEE!! This is turning out to be the the most amazing year ever!!

Shredded Tomatoes and LolPup

2007-09-18T00:41:00.001-04:00

Shredded Tomato

The Tomato sweater I was working on has gone 100% tits up. It hurts too much to type out the whole fiasco. Maybe one day...after lots of counselling...I may be able to talk about it. The end result is that I'm frogging the project, donating the yarn to djMars, and going to redo the sweater in a solid colored yarn.

djMars Confusion

Apparently there has been some confusion as to which djMars I am talking about in my blog. She is the one and only Ms. M. that is my coworker/enabler and the person who taught me how to knit. Everyone clear now?! Good.

A Farrel/Farrell Wonderland

2007-09-14T23:23:00.001-04:00

Long story short....my dad is friends with Perry Farrell's older bro, Farrel. Last night we went to the Satellite Party concert to celebrate Farrel's birthday.

This is the group of us. Note: me sitting at the end of the table with the "Yarrrrrn" t-shirt. This is the coolest shirt ever which was a gift from djMars.

Birthday boy Farrel and his bro Perry.

Farrel and his skully birthday cake. How cool is a skully cake??

And now the obligatory Perry pic:

Perry and my little sis, Ber

A great time was had by all. I want to thank Farrel for letting us tag along to the festivities and wish him a super special birthday! I highly suggest everyone go and see Satellite Party when they are in town. They play their own stuff, Porno for Pyros and Jane's Addiction tunes. Woot! Apparently they are supposed to do a make up date for the St. Pete show. Maybe I'll make Perry a scarf before then. I'm thinking something in Tilli Tomas "Rock Star" or "Disco Lights" in the Atmosphere colorway. Ooooh.

Also, if anyone is a biker or into super cool jewelry check out Custom Touch.

Action Photos

2007-09-13T14:02:00.000-04:00

Here are action photos of djMars Calorimetry

It's a head cozy! :)

This is our interpretation of the pic from knitty. See here.

And here is the final project with the supercool matching button that djMars found at Joann's.

Warped Hookers....Secrets Revealed!

2007-09-10T00:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, now that I have your attention. Hee hee. The title to this post is accurate - just not in the most obvious way.

WARPING BOARD

Construction of a warping board for me is now underway. It is being made so that I can wind up some skeins of yarn to dye in many colors. For more information on hand dyeing using this process click here . If you would like directions on how to make your own warping board click here. Pics will be posted of the uber awesome warping board when it is completed. Hopefully, this will *cough cough* be soon.

I'M A HOOKER

djMars has taught me how to do basic crochet - almost against my will. I want to learn it so that I can do a proper provisional cast-on and so that I can make hairpin lace. I might give up on my dream of hairpin lace but I have enough skill now to do the cast-on. I get a mean case of "crocheting tourette's" though. I don't think I will ever participate in this craft for fun but it is good to know.

SECRET PROJECTS REVEALED

The gifts have been given so now I can post.

I made some beer cozies. The pattern for which can be found here. Both of these were knit with yarn that I had previously hand dyed and couldn't figure out a project for. They were happily received and I should have taken some pics of them "in action." I have the feeling that I will be making many many more of these in the near future. They keep condensation away, the cables make nice "grips", and they really do keep the beer cold. Nifty.

While I was making these djMars was eyeing the "limeade" yarn so I knew I had to make her something out of it too. And since a beer cozy would not be her thing...I made her a Calorimetry head wrap. I don't have a picture of that "in action" either and I know the pic below isn't a great one. But if you click here you can see what one looks like while being worn AND get the handy dandy free pattern. Ooooh. Also, I know in this pic it is not "finished". I didn't weave in the stringy ends or put the button on. djMars has some extra buttons lying about from a sweater she made a I figured that she could use one of those on it. Okay, so it's a half-assed gift that she had to finish herself....I admit it. But she loved it anyway.

OPINIONS NEEDED

I recently added a music player to my blog. I need to know if I should leave it or not because I'm undecided. I have the same player on my myspace but I think it's normal to have that stuff there. I'm unsure as to whether or not it is annoying in this type of forum. Please leave comments on this matter and help me decide.

YARN SCHOOL

It's only a few weeks away!! SQUEEEE!!!!!

Outlaw Knitters and Secret Projects

2007-09-04T02:37:00.001-04:00

OUTLAW KNITTERS
Oh yeah...anyone with the motto "If you don't knit...you ain't sh*t" is a group I have to be part of. Outlaw Knitters is a "gang" that has been started by the wonderful Mrs. H aka: Mrs. Aych, who also has a pretty nifty blog too. It is my understanding that there will be a t-shirt, patches, matching tattoos, and secret handshake to follow. (Okay, so I might be exaggerating a bit.) If you are a knitter that would like to join go here.

SECRET PROJECT
My secret project is complete. It has also been field tested my moi and I must say...supercool!! More info after the recipient has received it. I'm just happy that I have completed something since I'm a chronic project starter.

YOU SAY TOMATO...I SAY TOMATO WITHOUT ALL THAT FAIR ISLE CRAP
Like I said, I'm a chronic project started. I have just started the "Tomato" sweater. However, I am doing mine with just a nice variegated yarn so I'm not doing the fair isle pattern on the chest. Yay to making a pattern even easier!!

Secret Pal, Dirty White Boy and Rock of Ages

2007-08-28T00:58:00.000-04:00

SUMMER CAMP SWAP 2007

Over on Ravelry a group of us decided to do a swap. The theme was sending packages to other knitters who are "away" at summer camp. We were supposed to send them yarn and goodies related to where the sender is from. My secret pal is BroadwayKnits from Memphis. Here is what she sent:

1) Cat treats for the cats

2) Reese's Elvis Peanut Butter and Banana Cups (get it...from Memphis)

3) BBQ Seasoning

4) Toys for the cats

5) Opal Rainforest II Sock Yarn in Hummel (Bumblebee)...awesome

6) A personalized LolDog from her dog, Tony, saying how he sent the treats and toys for the Quats

7) A skein of Socks That Rock Mediumweight Sock Yarn in the color Henpecked.

How freakin cool is all of this?? The cats have gone ballistic for the toys and treats. The yarn is awesome. My first skein of STR...woo hoo!! And in mediumweight so that the sock making will go quickly...super cool!

As you can see, Quirk wanted the picture taking to be finished with so she could play with the toys that were sent to her. She can be so demanding (um...I have no clue where she gets that from.)

I only hope that my Secret Pal that I'm sending to will be as happy with his/her gift.

ROCKING IN THE RAIN:

Last Friday my friend Tonia and I went to the Styx, Foreigner, and Def Leppard concert at the Tampa Bay Amphitheatre. It was pouring rain so the mile hike from the parking lot to the venue was quite interesting. I wish I was exaggerating but it is a well known fact that the parking for this venue is ridiculous. Parking at one end of the Florida State Fairgrounds...and the amphitheatre is at the other end. RIDICULOUS. At least our seats were out of the rain...but we were pretty soaked by the time we got there. We missed most of Styx...which is fine by me. Actually, we could hear "Sail Away" when we were standing in the merchandise line. Tonia got a Def Leppard t-shirt and I got a hoodie. Woot!! Def Leppard hoodie!! We did, however, make it to our seats in time for Foreigner. I admit it...I wasn't expecting too much. They were freakin AWESOME! All of the hits...one after another....except..... Dirty White Boy. Gah. I actually didn't miss it until later but it would have been cool. And then....DEF LEPPARD!! I used to have a huge thing for them "back in the day." As soon as they were on the stage...I remembered why. They were amazing! It was basically a 20,000 person sing along the whole night. Sweet.

Crocs and Super Secret Projects

2007-08-21T12:29:00.001-04:00

WHO LET THE CROCS OUT???

I innocently visited the Crocs website yesterday and OMG...I have found my complete wishlist for Christmas. Yarn schmarn...I want SHOES! I will lovingly add links to all the ones I want onto "My Wishlist" and I'll delete them from the wishlist as I buy them for myself (which I know will happen to a few of them). Here's a sample:

Although those are not necessarily the colors I want. It's a good representation.

SUPER SECRET PROJECTS:
Last night I finally figured out something quick, small, easy, and nifty that I can make for a few different people in my life. I live in Florida so it's not like I can just make scarves for everyone. I have to get with djmars about the yarn requirements for it. I think I may be able to switch out one yarn for another. Squeeee....I'm so excited. Then again...if I start making 10 of these things - I might be less excited about it in the future.

YARN SCHOOL:
Woo hoo...it's only a few weeks away! Now I just have to figure out what all I'm taking and prepare the husky fiber. I'm not sure how much I have collected so far. Hopefully I'll get some more later this week. I know I have to wash it sometime soon and let it dry so that I can take it with me. The carding and the rest I'll leave for yarn school. (Damn you people who keep outbidding me on hand carders on eBay.)

Hey Battah Battah Battah

2007-08-19T18:59:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday , Ms. M (djmars) and I attended the Tampa Bay Stitch N Pitch. A good time was had by all....except for maybe the true Rays fans because they lost big time. Not only was it the Stitch N Pitch night...but also their "disco" night and Barry Williams (Greg Brady) threw out the first pitch. Hello....how much cooler could it get??

Here is a pic of the tote bag and goodies that we received for attending:

There was also a Vogue Knit1 magazine that somehow did not make it into the picture. Although I'm not a big fan of the yarn...I'm sure it will end up in a good home. I'll probably make it to the Sunday knitting group at Barnes N Noble next week so it'll be up for grabs there.

There were also tables set up where people were selling some yarn and other goods. I came home with this:

Crayons Lite from Rainbow Mills...100% hand dyed cotton. A mere $20....retail is $60 something. I'm not sure what it will end up being. I'm thinking about the Tomato sweater but without the fair isle design? I have looked on Ravelry and no one really has any projects posted in this yarn. :( I was hoping to find some inspiration there. Still, it was a good deal that could not be passed up.

Speaking of Ravelry, we got free Ravelry pins at the Stitch N Pitch too. How cool is that?

The highlight of the event for me (besides making major progress on my Malabrigo clapotis) was the couple sitting behind us, Lynn (?) and Tim. Apparently they have only been dating for 2 weeks yet he's already learning how to knit. AND went to a yarn store of his own free will. WOW!! Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera with me to the Stitch N Pitch so I have no proof of this BUT Ms. M. (djmars) was there to witness the events as well.

STASH UPDATE:

I just realized that there is a TON of stuff that I have purchased and have not included on here....such as Reynolds Sea Sock, Tofutsies (the August special one and others), the new Kaffe Fassett sock yarn....etc etc. I will take a pic and post soon. This is mostly to help me keep track of everything. Yes, I also need to update my stash on Ravelry too. Geesh.

KITTEH UPDATE:

Both of the furballs have been sick recently with upper respiratory infections. Tons of sneezing and kitty boogers. I even tried to help Queue blow his nose once during a drunken game of Trivial Pursuit (after he sneezed kitty boogers all over the board). Oh, but just so it's clear....I wasn't playing against the cats in Trivial Pursuit...there was another human involved. I wasn't THAT drunk! :) Anyway, the kitties are both doing better and tomorrow morning I have to take them both to the vet for their check up. I'm not looking forward to the group trip. Chaos awaits!

Yarn and puppy pr0n

2007-08-06T21:51:00.001-04:00

Wollmeise:
Okay, I have finally uploaded pics of my new Wollmeise:

Versuchskaninchen#1

Mitternacht

Versuchskaninchen #2

The pics do not even begin to do the colors justice.

Other yarn purchases:
I have also purchased 2 balls of Regia's new Kaffe Fassett line of sock yarn. I'm not too impressed with the Landscape colors but the Mirage patterns are supercool looking. Like I needed any more sock yarn!
I also am expecting my August ball of sock yarn from the Tofutsies sock club. I previewed the color way on the yahoo group and it looks like it is going to be very bright. I'm a little disappointed that I have not received it yet but I'm trying not to be all Cranky Ms. Twistypants about it.

WIP's:
I have not been knitting too much. Bad knitter....no cookie. Blame the unusual amount of social events, new boyfriend, the boyfriend's cable and dvr (omg...it's so addicting), OR a little bit of all of the above. However, I have managed to finish the Dream Swatch Headwrap for my sis. Currently I am working on the Malabrigo Clapotis and Wollmeise Sidewinder socks.

Stitch n Pitch
Just 2 more weeks until the Tampa Bay Stitch n Pitch!! Woot! I am looking forward to the goodie bags. I plan on taking the clapotis with me to work on.

Yarn School
Only a month & 1/2 until Yarn School! Squeeee! I must keep repeating to myself "I will not smuggle back a wheel...I will not smuggle back a wheel"

PUPPIES
The little ankle biting 5 week old huskies, Odin and Freya, are growing fast. And I do mean the whole ankle biting thing literally. Although it will be a while until their fur can be "harvested" for yarn purposes....I HAVE to include pics of them here.....because of their undeniable cuteness.

Of yarn and huskies

2007-07-26T18:34:00.000-04:00

Since Ms. M. has now received her "surprise" I can finally let loose that I had ordered and have received some incredible Wollmeise yarn. It is an addiction. For myself I purchased one skein of each of the "guinea pigs" Versuchskaninchen and Mitternacht, all of which are part of her seasonal yarn colors. They are available for purchase but not listed on her normal website. You have to visit her blog to see them. I'm hoping to put pictures up of them soon.

However, I do have some pics of some of my new little obsessions. They are not mine but hopefully their undercoats will be (insert maniacal laugh here). 7...count them....7 huskies ranging in ages from 3 weeks to 6 years are currently somewhat at my disposal. I am researching on how to spin their fur into yarn. Woot! Actually, it will be a while until the littlest ones will be groomed....but they're so damn cute I had to include their pics.

Almighty Odin

Little girl Freya

The Pack

Yarny surprises

2007-07-20T19:25:00.001-04:00

So I just received a package of yarny goodness and I cannot post on here what it is. Oh it is just killing me!!! Part of the package is a surprise for Ms. M. so until she knows what it is....mum is the word. ACK!!

Speaking of yarny surprises - I have found the coolest site EVER!! http://yarngiftbouquets.com/
They send YARN BOUQUETS!! Holy moly!! The prices really aren't that extravagant if you take into consideration: #1) The price of a good skein of sock yarn #2) The price of flower bouquets.
Think about it...which would you rather have.... flowers that die or sock yarn. Yeah, that's what I thought....SOCK YARN!

Naked knitting and other bits

2007-07-13T00:35:00.000-04:00

I know....it has been a while since I have posted. I highly doubt that anyone has been sitting on the edge of their seat though.

Yarn School:
The airline tickets are booked and it's a total green light. I'm so excited!! I hope I don't get addicted to spinning because I can't imagine my cats letting me spin in peace.

Sidewinders:
One sock done and the other in progress. They should be completed in time to give to my sister next week. These socks are so awesome! Updated pics will be up soon.

Ravelry:
The coolest website. EVER. And my addiction to it is probably part of the reason why I have been updating on here like I should. There are only so many hours in the day!

Book Sale:
Holy discount batman!! KnitPicks has 40% all of their books. SWEET!! I have picked up a bunch for Ms. M. to use as some of the gifts for our "True Yarn Diet". She already knows about it so I'm not ruining the surprise by posting here.

Yarn Diet:
So the working out schedule is not yet working for me BUT I have been eating much healthier and have already lost 7 lbs. WOOT!! I should be receiving my first "gift" soon. Besides the books mentioned above - I have also made a "surprise" order to use as gifts. I cannot wait to be able to 1) give it to Ms. M. 2) post the info here.

Cats:
I know I wrote on here about Quirk having some skin issues. All appears to be well and both cats are healthy, happy, and spoiled.

Day Two and One Sidewinder Sock

2007-07-02T10:01:00.001-04:00

Day Two:
So far so good.... I've worked out both yesterday and today and I'm eating totally healthy again. Woo hoo....

One Sidewinder Sock:
I have one of the socks done except for the grafting it together which I plan to do tonight. Pics when it is finished.

Cat-tastrophies
Quirk has something wrong on her belly....like a rashy type thing. Off to the vets....yet again.

THE TRUE YARN DIET

2007-07-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

THE TRUE YARN DIET

One of my coworkers/enabler, Ms. M., is also an avid knitter and wishes to lose weight. I myself have some extra fluff to lose. So her and I are going to do a TRUE YARN DIET.

Rules:
#1) Stop buying yarn *gasp* and find a buddy

#2) Do an inital weigh in and set your final goal

#3) Set a gift $$$$ limit with your buddy

#4) Make a wish list of yummy yarns (including color and amount of skeins/balls needed) or knitting books/patterns.

#5) Every time your buddy loses a certain amount of weight (5 lbs in our case) you buy her/him a gift from a "wish list" up to the set $$ amount....and your buddy does the same for you.

#6) If weight is gained...you then have to go 5 lbs below your lowest weight to get another gift. (Example: Drop to 145...go up to 148..no gift until 140).

Why this will work: I know a lot of people say that they're going to reward themselves...but we all know that we just end up buying whatever for ourselves anyway. Getting gifts from someone else, however, makes it feel super special. AND feeling like someone is in it with you helps tons too. I know many knitters go on "yarn diets" to quit buying yarn. Well why not combine the two and get healthy along the way?

Obligatory Caturday Lolcat

2007-06-30T09:33:00.000-04:00

Completed Socks and Spoiled Cats

2007-06-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

The first pair of socks I have made for myself are done. WOOT!

Yarn: Trekking XXL (which was brought back from Germany for me) in the color Candy 157

Pattern: Diamante

And, as is pretty well known, my cats are super spoiled. First there was the kitty drinking fountain, then came the raw meat diet (except that Quirk refuses to eat anything but kibble...Queue, however, total carnivore), and now......

KITTY TOWNHOME!

Queue is especially fond of climbing all the way to the top and jumping off.

Sideways!!

2007-06-26T23:41:00.001-04:00

My First Sidewinder
Originally uploaded by herzeleidknits

I am working on my first "Sidewinder, A Perpensockular Sock" and I love this pattern. These socks shall be for my sis - since they are made out of the wonderful Wollmeise she brought back from Yarnmany for me.
Almost 1/2 done on the first sock. WOOT!

Yarn Pr0ny Pics

2007-06-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

Today was the annual sale at Knit n Knibble in Tampa. Here is my haul...

I didn't go apeshite crazy for a change. 1 ball of Austermann Step (hello 20% off), 2 skeins of Malabrigo (15% off), and 8 balls of Brilla for the drop stitch T-shirt I want to make (40% off). I believe I am set in the yarn dept for quite a while. Seriously, I think it's more that I'm totally spoiled by the Wollmeise colors... so now I find most other stuff kinda boring. I'm sure this yarn snobbery will pass.

Here is the pic I promised of the limited edition Tofutsies colorway

And a pic of my current favorite WIP - Diamante Socks using the Trekking my sis brought back from Germany (with cameo/pic hogging by Queue).

Yarn school and other goodies

2007-06-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

Okay so I'm not posting on a regular basis and I need to fix that. I'm going to try to quickly update some stuff now and hopefully write more and post some pics later tonight.

YARN SCHOOL
It is official that me and Ms. M. are going to Yarn School in September. WOO HOOO!! I'm so excited. However, learning how to spin might be quite dangerous for the ol' checking account. :)

TOFUTSIES LIMITED EDITION
SWTC is putting out limited edition colors of their Tofutsies yarn every other month. I was able to snag a ball of the June color which is a nifty pink and black. It also comes along with a exclusive pattern. Super cool!! Pics will be posted later of the colorway. I purchased mine from The Yarn Grove and they will let you preorder the future colorways. There is also a sock club yahoo group which is open to all lovers of the Tofutsies yarn. You can click to join the yahoo group from here.

THE YARN GROVE
The customer service at this online yarn shop is AMAZING! With every order (I have placed 2 so far) I have received personalized notes and a small gift along with my shipment. This kind of service will make me continue to be a customer and to let others know that they should shop there too. Oh, and free shipping....woot!!

'Vog On KAL

2007-06-15T00:23:00.000-04:00

On Ravelry a 'Vog On Knit-a-long has been started for the 'Vog On sock pattern from the new Knitty. Then I decided to start a group blog for everyone participating. WOO HOO! Now I just have to finish the socks I'm working on before starting these. I'm still figuring out what yarn I'm going to use for the Vog's ....which for me should actually be called "Croc Ons".

2007-06-11T19:41:00.001-04:00

Showing Knits in Public and Random Run-Ins

2007-06-10T19:43:00.000-04:00

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Yesterday was WWKIP day and I did make it out to Citrus Park Mall in Tampa to knit with some ladies. Unfortunately, I'm horrible with names so I cannot remember who all was there but a good time was had by all. There was a "Daddy Dance Off" contest being held in the same food court which was quite entertaining. What I learned: Once you are a parent you do not mind making a fool out of yourself in public. You actually do it with pride.

Fiber Arts

After the knitting yesterday, Ms. M. and I went to Fiber Arts which has moved but is still close to Odessa, FL. Since they're in the process of moving there were bags of yarn everywhere but do yarn people really care if they have to look around a bit? I know I don't. Lots of pretty yarn and somehow a ball of Trekking ended up coming home with me.

Knit N Knibble

After Fiber Arts, Ms. M and I decided to leave my car @ Fiber Arts and carpool over to Knit N Knibble over in Tampa. It was quite busy yesterday. I don't know if it's because people were out knitting for WWKIP day or if that is how it is every Saturday. I found a beautiful color of Malabrigo I fell in love with but there was only one skein left. I chose to believe that it was fate saying "do not buy more yarn now." Left empty handed.

Random Run-In

Ms. M. then had to take me back to my car at Fiber Arts, which is located in the same strip of stores as a restaurant, G. Peppers. Ms. M. noted that there was a car show going on at G. Peppers and joked that maybe my dad was there. I called his cell phone and he was! So we wandered down and said "hi." Quite a random run in since we were both not anywhere near our homes.

Yarn Metering

After all of this we went to Ms. M's and played with her new yarn meter. Boston, the superdog, helped and even wandered over and nosed some yarn back into place when it caught on the swift. I told you he is a superdog. I now have enough Zephyr separated from the cone to make a drop stitch tee that I've been eyeing. News on that once it is on the needles. We also split some of my Wollmeise so I can start playing with that soon too.

Ravelry and clapotis (hey, I rhyme)

2007-06-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

RAVELRY

Oh Ravelry, how I am becoming addicted to you. First it was the forums...now I have sworn to friend everyone with a cat avatar (not really a long story...but not an interesting one so I'll spare you.) It is such a joy to look not only at other people's wonderful triumphs but to feel the camaraderie of the knitting disasters that everyone shares.

CLAPOTIS

Oh Clapotis, how I am bored to tears by your repetitive pattern. Luckily I am using malabrigo so the softness of the fabric makes up for the constant k1, ktbl, k3, ktbl. However, dropping stitches with malabrigo is a time consuming business. I'm almost 1/4 of the way done with it...so it shouldn't be too much longer. I know it will be beautiful when it's done.

KNIT IT PUBLIC DAY

Tomorrow is World Wide Knit In Public Day and apparently all of the other local knitters took this to mean "let's meet up super early in the morning and knit." So, I may not make it to any of the "planned" events but I will be knitting in public at some time within that 24 hour period. I hope to see others out there knitting too.

YARN SCHOOL

It's a possibility that I will be attending "Yarn School" in September. Supercool! I'm crossing my fingers that Ms. M says "let book it." WOOT.

Yarn Pr0n Pics including GERMAN YARN

2007-06-07T23:23:00.000-04:00

Here is a bunch of yarny goodness..... yay

The Orange bag from Germany contained all of this inside. 5 skeins of Wollmeise, 2 Gedifra (which my sis bought for me), 1 skein of Trekking (which I already played with...as you can see), and a mini skein Wollmeise included w/ my order. AND 2 sets of Addi Lace Needles. WOOT
Now for some close ups. These pics do not do justice to the wonderful colors.

Well I'd write more now but my cat has decided to take up residence on the keyboard

Project COMPLETE and German Yarn Haul

2007-06-06T09:26:00.000-04:00

It has been done since last Thursday, 5/31, but I have been busy doing other stuff.....so finally - I'm here to announce....

THE PROJECT IS DONE!!!

Woo hoo!

And, because my camera battery was dying I only have ONE picture to prove that both sleeves were completed and attached. And it's only of the front. However, the back doesn't change with the second sleeve attached so....there are pics of that in my previous post.

German Yarn Haul

My sister is back from her travels in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. WOOT! I am now the very happy owner of lots of Wollmeise, some Trekking, some Addi Lace Needles and two balls of purple yarn my sis picked out for me. The camera battery is charging.... I will take pictures and post later tonight.

Ravelry

Like I needed another online addiction. I am now on Ravelry - user name Herzeleid, if anyone wants to "friend" me. It's like mySpace for knitters and crocheters. Totally addictive.

WWKIP Day

This Saturday is World Wide Knit in Public Day. I believe there is a group meeting up in the Tampa area at Citrus Park Mall. Ms M. and I will be there....showing our knits in public.

Stitch N Pitch

The tickets have arrived. Looking forward to meeting other local stitchers and the goodie bag.

lolCats

My other new online addiction is ICanHasCheezburger. I didn't know there was a whole collection of hilarious cat pics out there but now that I do...I have to check for updates daily.

"Project" UPDATE

2007-05-28T21:22:00.001-04:00

Photo heavy post. The "Project" is nearing completion. One sleeve is attached and I'm halfway through knitting the second sleeve. Then I just have to seam it up, attach it, and figure out the pesky underarm area on both. Here's pics of the current state of things:

The finished side

Front

Back

Tagged....your it

2007-05-25T08:52:00.000-04:00

Okay okay...I get it. Geesh. I have been tagged or blagged by two different people: Susanne and Theresa.

So here's the deal...(I got this disclaimer idea from Theresa)...I am going to play along but please do not tag/blag me again for at least 3 months. Danke!

And the rules:

Each player starts with eight random facts or habits about his or her self.
These blagged/tagged chosen ones are to write posts on their own blog about these eight facts.
They are also to post these rules.
At the end of their blog they will list eight people they have chosen to blag by listing their name and a link to their blog.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged, and to read your blog.

Here's my random facts:

1) I learned to knit on Mother's Day weekend 2006 (and haven't stopped since.)

2) I was a member of the Dixie Style Cloggers and won the Florida State Championships in 1985. I haven't clogged much since then.

3) One day, besides having the 2 cats I currently own, I would like to have 2 corgis. A Pembroke named Jordie and a Cardigan named Max. (Yes, I have already named my fantasy pets. I mean, a corgi named Jordie just cracks me up.)

4) I believe that skyr is as close as you can get to food perfection.

5) I am convinced that a "haberdasher" is a hat maker and no matter how much proof there is that I am wrong....I secretly believe that I am right.

6) I don't eat pork except for bacon. I know that in the grand scheme of things this does not make sense but in my world it does.

7) I used to keep my cd collection in order not only by artist but then by release date order of each of the artists albums.

8) It's difficult for me to come up with a list of 8 things about me....even though I can ramble endlessly about tons of different things.

Okay...now the 8 people/victims that I'm going to tag are:

Octavio - http://octaviodiaz.blogspot.com/

That Grrl http://thatgrrlca.blogspot.com/

Mrs. H. (who has already been tagged so I feel a little bad doing it again but I love her blog) http://ilikeyarn.blogspot.com/

Beaman - who has also already been tagged but I'm hoping to get a reply from one of the cats http://beamansworld.blogspot.com/

Lavender Sheep - http://lavendersheep.blogspot.com/

The wonderful Julian's blog o bloggy goodness http://www.julianbennett.blogspot.com

and I'll add more later...geesh this is work.

And now back to your regularly scheduled program...

2007-05-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

The "Project"
The deadline is fast approaching but it's finally looking like a finished object! WOoT! Now I just need to finish the sleeves and put them on.

The front

and the back.

Trust me, this thing looks much better in person. I should have pictures of it on a human being soon.

Lime N Violet Sleepover
Um...I don't think it's going to happen. Or....I don't think I'll be there. We'll see but as things look now...I don't think so. Ms. M. has the brilliant idea of saving up to go to Rhinebeck instead. OMG that would be so awesome.

Stitch N Pitch
I purchased the tix for the Stitch N Pitch. My only complaint is that we're out in an area where the seats don't have backs. Grrrrr..... But I'm looking forward to the goodie bag!

German Goodies
My sister is in Germany right now. She called a week ago from Austria and said she bought me some yarn there...yay! I also have some wonderful Wollmeise and Addi Lace needles being sent to her hotel. Okay, so I didn't get to forewarn her about the needle purchase....but they're small...I'm sure she'll find room in her luggage for them. Here is the awesome store I worked with to get the lace needles. Super customer service. And Claudia (Wollmeise) is super duper wonderful too. Highly recommend both.

Cats
Both of the cats, shecat Quirk and hecat Queue, are doing fine. I am totally addicted to lolcats right now and I'm trying to get mine onto the Icanhascheezburger site. Maybe one day they'll be internet stars!

Yarn Goodies
I have purchased and received some wonderful yarns while I have been away from the blog. Pics and reviews coming soon...aka...after the "project" is done.

Knits Finished
A big shout out to Knits Finished!! Rene is the most awesome person in the world!

Bad blogger

2007-05-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't been updating.....it's coming close to the deadline for the "project" so I have been and am currently knitting like a madwoman to finish it up. More soon......

Overloading, Frogging and Queue update

2007-05-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

Lime N Violet Southeast Sympathy Sleepover:

It seems that Ms. M. and I are not going to make the trek out to Omaha to participate in the official Lime N Violet sleepover. However, we are not alone in this and sympathy sleepovers are popping up all over the globe. Seriously...the GLOBE. There is one planned for Britain. A group of people have mentioned interest in having one for the southeast US and since no one was really taking control of the situation...I have somehow stepped up to be unofficial team leader in getting it all together. I have created a survey to find out where, when, etc...for what works out best for people. Right now, Nashville is the front runner and if that remains the case, I think that there is someone local up there that I can pass on the unofficial leader hat to so she can make all of the hotel arrangements and such. Ms. M. came up with the idea of a "white elephant" sock yarn exchange which is quite popular with everyone - now we just need to come up with some rules for it.
If anyone reading this is interested in attending the Southeast Lime N Violet Sympathy Knitting Sleepover please fill out the survey.

RIBBIT...RIP IT

Ah, the frog pond. The bane of a knitters existence (that and weaving in ends.) I have to rip out some of what I did yesterday on the "project" after realizing that I counted wrong. I think it ends up being about 450 stitches I have to take out. Grrrr. However, I'm going to weave in a "safety line" and rip it back to there so it shouldn't be TOO time consuming and no stitches should be dropped. Hopefully.

QUEUE BOY UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who has asked how Mr. Queue cat is doing. His eye is 100% better...but of course, on the same day that the eye all clears up he starts sneezing. He hasn't sneezed at all today and he's eating fine so I'm not going to be concerned about it.

ODDS AND ENDS

My black Crocs Mary Jane shoes have arrived and are awesome! I found out that Sports Authority online has free shipping on shoes right now and if you sign up for Google Checkout you get $10 off...so I ordered another pair in brown for $19.99 total. Awesome! Now my "stinky shoes" can be retired. Mary Jane crocs are a perfect way to show off hand knitted socks!

I have been in contact with Wollmeise, who is the nicest person, and we're working on my order of wonderful German sockengarne. WOOT! It will be delivered to my sister's hotel in Germany without problem.

Speaking of sis.... she leaves for her European studies trip this Sunday, after which she will hang around Germany for the Treffen festival in Leipzig. I am so proud of her!! Way to go Ber. (Okay, so I'm envious too.)

Silence

2007-04-30T00:50:00.000-04:00

http://www.onedayblogsilence.com

Yarn Scare and Why Art Directors Are Awesome

2007-04-26T19:10:00.000-04:00

Okay, so here's what happened. I ordered 2 skeins from the fabulous Lime N Violet etsy store last week: Pinhead and Zeek. Today, in my mailbox, was Pinhead and Leisel. Um......wrong! So I emailed the wonderful Mz. Violet to alert her to the situation. In the meantime, the talented Mr. Julian (aka Just JoOlian) made the wanted poster shown above. Is it not awesome?? People, let me tell ya, art directors/illustrators come in handy!!

I have since received a reply from Mz. Violet stating she knew SOMEONE was missing Zeek and that there was a mix up. She is going to send Zeek out to me ASAP, along with a SASE so Leisel can go to her rightful home.

"Project" Update & Bond Villains

2007-04-26T00:49:00.000-04:00

"Project" Update:

I am in total freak out mode - which is like Depeche Mode but whinier. The deadline is fast approaching and I'm probably at where I should have been a month ago. Damn it. I have redesigned the entire front so that it will be quicker to knit but...OMG....there just are not enough hours in the day. Here's a pic of the completed back and sleeve. Trust me - this thing looks MUCH better in person - the pics make it look hideous. Oh, and I'm now convinced that the sleeve is too short. I can't even think about it all without my brain just going *zoink*.

Queue is a Bond Villain:

You know how all Bond villains have some kind of physical deformity....at least, I think they do. I haven't been a big fan o' the 007 until Daniel Craig. Anyway, I know that in the films "Q" was the person who made all of the gadgets or whatever. My Queue, however, has turned into Le Chiffre, the guy that cried blood in Casino Royale. (Thankfully, Queue is not crying blood ).

They even have the same cheekbones!

Comments welcome! I feel like I'm talking to myself.

The Great Craft Destash, Cat Eye Forecast, and More

2007-04-25T01:54:00.000-04:00

Destash...destash
Okay, so apparently I'm a hoarder. I think it's genetic. Actually, I KNOW it is. The other day my dad was talking about how when he goes to the grocery store he buys all this food he doesn't need because it's a good deal. Granted, he's used to having a house full of people and now it's just him and the dog. Maybe I'll be stopping by more often and become the recipient of many foody gifts....hmmmm......

Anyway..... taking a gander at my craft stash I realized I'm totally SABLE (stash accumulated beyond life expectancy) and have stuff that I'm just not that into anymore SO it's destashing time on eBay. WOOT.

If anyone is interested - you can check out the listings through my Auctiva store thingy.
http://store.auctiva.com/herzeleid_knits

Queue-boy's Eye Forecast
Partly cloudy with a slight chance of owner bloodshed.
Queue is not happy with the routine of getting medicine squirted down his throat and stuff shoved in his eye twice daily. I have the scratches to prove it.

Lime & Violet Slumber Party
In this weeks podcast, Lime and Violet continued to taunt me with the upcoming yarny slumber party in Omaha. Dates are now set in stone for June 15-17. I'm still tempted to go. Is it crazy to drive from Florida to Nebraska just to hang out in PJ's and play with pointy sticks and wool?? Seriously.

Stitch N Pitch
The annual Stitch N Pitch for Tampa is scheduled for the Devil Rays game on August 18th. I'm not a big fan o' baseball but who could resist knitting at a baseball game (and getting the nifty gift bag)?? Plus the tix are only $8. Sweet! BTW Stitch N Pitch events are held throughout the U.S. - check the website for dates. Oh, and it's not just for knitters. And I quote from their site "This event is for ANYONE who has an interest in the perfect double play — NeedleArts and Baseball; beginners, intermediate and experts are all welcome. "

Sleeve McQueen and Cat-tastrophies

2007-04-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

BEHOLD THE POWER OF SLEEVE!
As you can see...one sleeve of the never ending "project" is done. Actually, it's been done for some time but I couldn't locate my camera to take pics of it. If the cats had thumbs I would totally blame them for stealing the aforementioned camera. I still wouldn't put it past them. Below is a pic of the cuff - which I'm thinking might be too short but my plan is to finish the rest of the darn "project" before re-doing the cuff. The sleeve took almost an entire skein of yarn to do....so I had to re-order, yet again, more yarn.

OTHER KNITTING RELATED NEWS:
Lime and Violet are bizarre yarn pushers. Their etsy site was updated and I was FORCED to purchase 2 skeins. I rationalized this by #1) the scarcity of the yarn #2) Ms. M has been accepted into law school so I'm gifting one skein to her #3) It's just so darn pretty.
Okay, so I didn't even know about #2 until AFTER the purchase but...whatever....

Lime and Violet are also planning a knitting slumber party in Omaha (it's only a 20 something hour drive from here).....Ms. M and I were planning on making it a road trip as we were fueled by sugar and the thoughts of a yarn related road trip....BUT reality struck and I don't think it will happen. Actually, the below-mentioned Cat-tastrophy happened and between that and the $$ I want to spend on German sockengarne....the $$ just isn't there for the road trip. We will be there in spirit!! I hope all the L&V'ers have fun.

German sockengarne update - I've PayPal'd my sis the $$ for the legendary German sock yarn HOWEVER.....the likelihood of the sis actually visiting a yarn shop during her trip is probably quite small. (Sis, if you're reading this...even Dad doubts you would make it to bring me back something.) SO....a brilliant L&V'er from the message boards Nadine, came up with the idea of me ordering the yarn and having it shipped to the Sis's hotel!!! Genius!! Therefore the yarn will come to her and I will then get not only yarn...but the yarn I want. Now, I just have to restrain myself so Sis and her BF don't have to lug back 15 kilos of sockengarne. I am definitely getting some Wollmeise sent to her hotel. I'm torn between the Sonne and Rosenrot colors just due to the names alone (hello...Rammstein) and I also love the Krauterbeet (forgot how to make an umlaut) and Poison No. 5. Poison reminds me of the Beborn Beton song of the same name. Damn it...now I really want that one too. Grrrr.....must find way to get more income to support yarn habit. Maybe I'll just order the Wollmeise to be delivered to my sis and then, in a few months, order a large order from the wonderful Marens Socken-Wolle and just pay the super-high shipping.

KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY - This year it's June 9th. I momentarily thought of organizing an event for this area but then realized it would be work to do so. Ms M. and I are thinking of just popping by a local place on our own to do some public knitting. Right now the Pier in St. Pete looks like it's in the running to be the spot of choice.

Cat-tastrophy part 1

The Quats had a bout of worms...ewww......$$ spent on meds and flea prevention/control

CAT-TASTROPHY PART 2....this time it's personal!!

This little bugger, Queue, has something wrong with his right eye. (Not in this pic though.) I came home last night and he was squinting and had all sorts o' eye snot going on. Today the eye is noticeably cloudy and red. $140 later......(this is with pet insurance, thank god) we don't know WHY it's screwy (except that it's not a scratch) but we do have meds that will hopefully fix it.

If the Quats keep this up I'm going to have to spin their fur into yarn to knit. Or, they'll have to get jobs.

Wooly madness!

2007-04-17T01:05:00.000-04:00

eBay LISTING
Okay, the local Joann's is closing and I got an UNBELIEVABLE deal...so I felt (ha) like passing it on. I have listed my haul on eBay for slightly more than I paid (to make up for listing fees etc...). I am hoping that people see the value of the deal and bid on it. To see the listing click here

"The Project"
As far as "the project" goes - instead of working on the piece I thought I was going to I decided to start the sleeves and get them done. After spending quite a few hours knitting, frogging, cursing etc...I realized my math was wrong. It was a totally stupid mistake! So now I'm about halfway through the first sleeve. I have to get this done. I'm thinking of taking a comp day at work so I can just focus on getting this thing done. Oh, I did finally get the two skeins I needed - there was a backorder at the store.

German Yarn!
My sister has received a grant from her school to go to Germany and...um...make a documentary or something. I'm not too sure about the details. What I DO know is Germany = sock yarn. I have paypal'd her some funds and I'm hoping that she will return victorious with a bunch o' the glorious German sock yarn. Unfortunatly, it's not a super long trip and her schedule isn't super open so it's not like I can send her to the Opal factory or anything (damn it). Too bad Leipzig isn't located near the Tutto factory in Hechingen. :(

Goodbye Kurt and Forgotten Wool

2007-04-12T11:14:00.000-04:00

Kurt Vonnegut, one of my favorite writers, has passed away. You can find more info here :(

Okay, back to knitting....

A few weeks ago I had one of those "pick crap up from the post office" postcards in my mailbox. This ticked me off because my mailman usually puts packages and such in the convenient locked parcel boxes located directly next to the mailboxes. I couldn't think of anything I had ordered and was looking to be delivered so I kept finding reasons for not picking up the mystery package. Finally, I got off my lazy butt two days ago and picked up this:

Extremely beautiful wool from Uruguay that I totally forgot about ordering. This is two skeins of super bulky hand dyed woolly wonder that was only $6.99 per skein from Southwool. I cannot wait to get this on some needles!! Of course, it has to wait until "the project" is done.

Speaking of which.....the "project" keeps on keepin on. I spent ALL of last Saturday working on it until my hands were sore. I have completed one portion of it and have started the next. I'm hoping to have this new section done by next Tuesday (which is probably an impossible goal.) I would have a pic of the completed section but, apparently, it is a cat magnet. The second pic is of the beginning of the second section.

Oooh....super exciting!

I guess that is all for now. I really should be at the needles instead of at the computer right now or refereeing the kitty wars currently taking place in my abode.

Get down with da sickness

2007-04-04T21:49:00.000-04:00

For the past few days I have been so far under the weather that I might just be in another hemisphere right now. Wait...I don't even know if that makes sense. Ugh. Due to the sickness I have not been knitting at all. I'm hoping to get a bunch done this weekend to make up for lost time and have dedicated the entire day of Saturday to "project" time. Geesh, I remember when I used to look forward to clubbing or such on weekends and now it's knitting. OMG I AM getting old!!

In good news: On Monday (when I still felt human) I went to the JoAnn's right near my apartment. They lost their lease so EVERYTHING in the store is at least 40% off. I got a ton (not a metric ton...but close) of felt-able wool yarn for 60% off. It was so awesome! While there I found these cute little glass votive candle holders that were normally 12 for $7 but they were 40% off of that so I grabbed them thinking that I'll do something with them....not sure what. Well, here is what I've done with two of them:

I pulled out some of my old polymer clay supplies and viola...bizarro votives! (Yes, I do realize that "votives" is not actually a word.) It's been a long time since I played with the clay so I wouldn't classify these as a fantastic effort but they could be worse. I'll probably do some more when I feel better and see if those are an improvement over these.

Okay...I'm off to go drink some hot tea and watch my cats chase each other around.

Anyone who has an opinion of my votives or anything else...feel free to leave comments.

Nifty J's and Polymer Clay

2007-04-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

Well - I now know what is going on with the yarn I ordered and I should be receiving it next week. Woot!! I have plenty to keep me busy until then.

Ms. M - who taught me how to knit and is my yarn enabler - made me a superduper pair of jaywalker socks which I need to get a picture of and post. She was actually knitting them for herself out of the groovy Trekking XXL in color 180 (which I think is one of the most difficult damn colors to find). Anyhow, they didn't fit her so I inherited them. Here is a pic o' da yarn. Oooh.

<---The elusive 180

I did buy Ms. M a ball of Tofutsies - which is the coolest damn sock yarn ever - so I think the jaywalker socks are an even trade. Tofutsies has Chitin in it (made from shrimp and crab shells) which is naturally antibacterial. Nifty! Antibacterial socks!! Yay! Eventually, after all 19,000 other projects I have planned, I will get around to making myself some socks from Tofutsies too. I still have to finish the second Sassy Stripes sock for my sister and the pair of "two at one time" toe-up socks that I started for myself. Whew!

In other news, I have an idea of how to create some knitted and felted toys AND have some thoughts on opening up a cafepress shop with some knit inspired designs BUT who knows if and when any of those things will happen. Also, I got to thinking about the fact that I'm going to need some buttons for my "project" and have decided to try to make them myself out of polymer clay. Like I really need to get involved in ANOTHER craft. :rolls eyes:

Actually, I have made polymer clay beads before. I used them on hemp keychains I made and gave them out as gifts to other walkers during the 2001 Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. (Yes, I was one of those people who walked from Boca Raton to Miami and I have the screwed up toe to prove it!) Maybe I can find my keychain from that and put a pic of it up here....because after all....I am a bloggin' dork!!

Ooh ooh, speaking of that walk....my friend Robin, who I met during that walk, just emailed me the other day about my blog....so "Hi Robin!!" Actually, I didn't really meet him while walking....but in the emergency room getting treated for dehydration and calcium deficiency halfway through the walk. So...my PSA for this entry is "DRINK WATER!"

Knit on, Garth

Grrr Arrgh

2007-03-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

You know what they say about everything that can happen will.....grrrr

I haven't had time to knit over the past few days, therefore, the project is not moving forward. I only have 2 more months to complete it!! I know it seems like a lot of time but I'm starting to worry.

AND last Friday I ordered 2 skeins of yarn for the project that I desperately need to move on to the next part and they have still not arrived. I know...I know...it has only been a week but they are being shipped from within the state. I could have driven over and picked them up quicker than this is taking.

Overall I'm just in an irritated mood. Blech! But I have the cat hi-jinks which keep me laughing and I get to see the one and only TOM JONES next week. Woot. So, as with everything in life, there are always positive things to look forward to.

Now....if I could only teach the cats to help me knit this darn thing (or clean the apartment).....

The Project UFO

2007-03-26T11:36:00.000-04:00

People that have talked to me over the last month have heard about "the project". There are even times when I do the air quotes when talking about "the project". It is my obsession and nemesis and shall be (probably) named "Caffeine" in reference to the substance that has made it possible.

Here it is in all of it's UFO glory. Looking at it in pictures makes me realize I have a LONG way to go.

And a close up...oooooh

And Queue's version of helping take pictures

BTW for the uninitiated....UFO = unfinished object

A Sheep in Sheep's Clothing

2007-03-26T02:04:00.001-04:00

If I was a lamb I would do the same thing.

Greetings and blau blau blau

2007-03-25T17:05:00.000-04:00

I have decided to jump into the blogspot fray. I guess I am one of those Internet bandwagon people. I have had a livejournal and myspace and now that I'm done with those...well I guess it's time to "grow up" and be a blogger. Not that I'm truly narcissistic enough to believe that anyone would want to read my dribble BUT it is a wacky world we live in and you never now. Better safe than sorry.

This blog will probably be rambling about the sheepy goodness that is wool and the (mis)adventures in knitting that come from the sheepy goodness. There will most likely be a smattering of odd references to things Icelandic (give me skyr or die), German (Heino), or whatever strange thing happened to come out of my cats butt that day. Exciting, eh?!

So I guess that's all for now - but before I go I have one very important announcement:

Dear Phil Stacey, please do NOT try to shake your bon bon!

I know this seems quite random but if you are an American Idol voyeur I hope you concur. That man should not try to dance - especially if it involves hip shaking. It is quite disturbing and I'm pretty sure that my next therapist visit will be comprised of me explaining all of the nightmares this image has given me.