Where did the sun go?!?!

We saw the sun yesterday for a couple of hours, of course, this was after we got home and were inside again, LOL!! Now it seems like it will be another grey day. I went and got three pots of pansies, my favorite flower, before they were all gone. If you don't get out there and get them they dissapear quickly and since they are cold weather, Spring flowers, local places don't carry them again in the year. I am going to put them in a planter so that when it gets hot out I can move them to the shade and hopefully they will last longer.

I started The Firestarter socks yesterday ... though it was around 11PM so more like today, LOL! I had this yarn in my stash specifically for this pattern. I didn't really like the toe in the pattern, so instead I used Judy's Magic Cast On and the Standard Toe from New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Now I am going to check the length and the pattern info to make sure that this will work with the pattern. The yarn is J. Knits in colorway "Kansas".



I received my recent order from Knit Picks! I ordered More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I also ordered another 32" US 2 needle and a 40" US 3 needle, as well as US 2 Metal DPNs. Then I got a Go Knit Pouch to carry my sock knitting around and DPN WIP tubes to hold DPNs (I always poke holes in my plastic bags when I carry those around). And lastly some Knit Picks Essentials in Pumpkin to make some mittens for a friend and some Felici in Coney Island that I think I will use for some Jaywalkers.



The Wee Tiny Sock Swap was last weekend. I finished my sock and mailed it out to Tawana. I was curious to see how self striping yarn would turn out in such a tiny sock!



This is the sock I received in the mail from Laura. She made this sock out of a lovely merino/silk blend that she hand dyed herself and sent a mini skein as well. This yarn is super soft and the color is just lovely. Check out the link above for her Etsy shop!


I updated my sock yarn stash in Ravelry yesterday, whew, but it'll be nice to be able to see it while I am looking at patterns. I often forget what I have in my stash and miss matching yarns up with patterns because of that.

Another Day Gone By ...

I finished the sock for the Wee Tiny Sock Swap while I was at work last night. Sometimes knitting in the middle of the night doesn't work so well. I started the sock Friday night and couldn't figure out why the heel instructions were weird and there wasn't a heel flap, but appeared to be one in the photo on the pattern.

So I did only the turning instructions thinking maybe it was because the sock was so small the heel flap was skipped ... this didn't look right, so I ripped it out and tried again ... still didn't look right. So I left it alone for the day and went back to it last night at work. Well looking closer at the instructions, there was a heel flap, I just didn't see the instructions there ... duh!! So I ripped back again and did the heel flap and viola ... it looks like a normal sock now. I will post a photo of it once its received for the swap.

Since I finished the Magic Lace Rib Socks, I started working on the Seduction Socks by Ann Budd again. I hope to finish this pair by the end of April to be eligible for the Sock Knitters Anonymous drawing.

I really like this pattern and how it is working with this yarn.




I scored tickets to Iron Maiden on Friday. I think they will be sold out if they are not already. I could only get general admisison lawn seats, so let's hope it is not raining that day. The concert is in June, so the weather will be warmer anyway.

Dishcloth Swap Package

I received my package from Karin for the Defeat the Winter Doldrums dishcloth swap. She made a dishcloth in the perfect colors to match my kitchen :o) She sent me 2 skeins of Sugar 'N Cream Twists and 2 skeins of Sugar 'N Cream Stripes (which I have really wanted to try but can't find around here). She also sent some yummy smelling soaps, chocolate, Oolong tea (which I haven't tried before, but hear a lot of people like it), and some stitch markers and needle holders.

Thanks Karin!!

Hot Cocoa Swap Package!

I received my Hot Cocoa Swap package today from Heather. It even came in a purple box! Heather sent 2 sets of awesome stitch markers that she made, they definitely have a Spring feeling to them, I love the colors. I also received butterfly notecards, gummies, Lindt chocolate (who doesn't love that?!?!), Starbucks Hot Cocoa, can't wait to try that. Soy Wool Solids in the most lovely shade of purple, my favorite and its enough yardage for me to use in a class I am taking next week to make a hat, that worked out well!! And last, but certainly not least, the CUTEST crocheted butterfly in the most awesome bright colors!!!

Not pictured, only because I was thinking Oh cool!! and took it out and put it aside so it wouldn't get lost in the fray of me opening my package - a tea cup stamp. I love rubber stamping, so this is a nice touch.

I am also amazed at how often I find something in a swap that is sent to me that is something I've wanted to try, but didn't actually mention that anywhere. Soy Wool by Patons has been on my list, but I haven't had an opportunity or project to use it for. So it is always cool to find something you wanted and in your favorite color in a swap package!!

Check out Heather's stitch markers, they are lovely and really well constructed. I can't wait to use mine!!

Thank you Heather!!!

Dishcloth Swap Topic #2

There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

I am actually surprised that the person who seems to appreciate hand knit items the most and is amazed that I "make" these things is my friend Dave ... yes a man - even better yet, a man who is a mechanic ... though maybe that fosters his appreciation that I can "build" something out of yarn and needles, LOL!! Dave has a son who is turning one next month. Because he's got a wee one, its quite easy for me to find excuses to make tiny little items and since I don't have kiddos, they go to him!

On the other end of the spectrum, I recently made socks for a co-worker ... granted it took me about 6 months to finish them ... only because I was so NOT motivated to do it. When I took a sock knitting class last July I was chit chatting with her and she mentioned that she loved when her mom made knit socks for them ... her mother passed away long ago ... so before thinking I said, "Oh I'll knit you a pair" duh! Not even thinking I had several other projects, deadlines and had signed up for other classes that would take up my knitting time. I finally finished them the end of December - I was determined not to bring them into 2008! I gave them to her and it took a week or two before she even tried them on ... she did wear them to work that day though ... but if I got socks I would try them on immediately!!

Dishcloth Swap Topic #1

Weekly Topic: Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?

Well I must say I would be a little put off by the name "rag" on something I hand knit, LOL!! I usually call them dishcloths. Personally if it were a facecloth I would prefer something softer than the usual 100% cotton used for dishcloths. Something like Cotton Ease would be good for the face. Technically I would say that dishcloths and facecloths are the same thing knit wise, however I would never use one on a dish and then on my face (whether it had gone through the washer already or not), LOL!

Hot Cocoa Swap Topic #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

My knitting doesn't change too much, I knit a lot of socks and small items, however, I get ideas for cold weather items - like I could have really used a pair of mittens while I was shoveling off the shed the other day, however, by the time I get to knit myself a pair it'll probably be the middle of summer! At the moment I am knitting a cotton/acrylic blend for a sweater that I hope to finish by February, this way it can also be worn in Spring and get some use out of it (1 year old size).

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?

Both.

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?

Bamboo.

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?

I usually use Sugar 'N Cream or Peaches 'N Cream because they are readily available and inexpensive. I have really wanted to try Stripes colors, but can't find any in my local stores. I also like Cotton Ease by Lion. I would love to try Rowan Handknit Cotton, none of my local stores carry it.

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?

My kitchen is country blue, navy blue and yellow. My bathroom is yucky brown panelling and robin's egg blue for the fixtures ... yeah who thought that looked good back in the 70s?? So I spice it up with a tropical sea theme.

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?

I really like anything for dishcloths.

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?

I count the days until it ends. I don't mind temperatures in the 40s and 50s but freezing cold and snow I could do without. And the darkness really bums me out.

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?

Knit! I also like to read books and magazines, rubber stamp and watch movies. I also

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?

Ice cream ... yeah I know it doesn't go so well with winter! Chocolate is my other favorite.

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?

All of the above.

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?

Ireland, I have ancestors that came from there and I would love to see the countryside and some old castles.

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?

Nope.

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

Check out the next edition of the Dishcloth Swap, this one takes place during the bleakest part of winter to defeat those winter doldrums!

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?

I prefer creamy cocoa made with milk. Dunkin' Donuts has a great hot chocolate, but its high octane so I don't get it too often.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

Whipped Cream.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?

Oh decisions, decisions, there are just so many to choose from! Let's start with colors, I prefer deep, rich colors. Pretty much anything goes. I like wool, alpaca, cotton and blends of any of those. I have not tried Noro or Lamb's Pride yarns, so those would be something new for me.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?

I can do both, but prefer knitting.

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?

It depends on the project and the yarn whether I prefer bamboo or metal. I have not tried Brittany or Lantern Moon.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?

I could use an open end cable stitch holder, I have many other types of cable needles, but for certain patterns this would be easier. Or bent tip yarn needles, I only have one of the bent tip and I'm not even sure I know where it is, LOL!

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?

A WPI Tool and Knit-Kard or The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)

I don't really have a quick one. I like hats and socks, they are smaller so feel like I am getting more accomplished in less time. Socks I can break into pieces, cuff, leg, heel, etc. so I feel gratification when I finish a part.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?

Knit and watch movies (I don't like the cold outside or snow).

2. What is your favorite animal?

Hummingbirds and butterflies.

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?

Oh yes. Especially when we don't see the sun for a few weeks at a time. Luckily at this point there have only been a few days like that before the sun breaks though the clouds so far this season.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?

I put on lots of lights in the house to brighten things up and sometimes work on a project related to spring or summer - knitting or rubber stamping.

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?

Seeing flowers popping up, I love pansies and those are a spring flower.

6. What are your favorite treat?

Chocolate.

7. What is your favorite board game?

I haven't played one in so long! I would have to pick Sorry or Monopoly. I remember playing those when I was a kid. As an adult I love UNO, but that's more of a card game.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?

Furry - a dog and cats.

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?

Nope.

A good Saturday for me :o)

While I would love to post pictures here detailing my post, my boyfriend has my camera with him and he said its not working so well anyway so I'm not even sure it'll work when he gets home ... so I'll try and find links for the yarns I am describing :o)

I accomplished all that I wanted to today, my plan was to put air in the one tire I couldn't yesterday because of the way cars were parked at the service station I stopped at on Friday to add air to my tires, go to the yarn shop and spend my points and a gift card I received, stop at Jo Ann's with a gift card and see what I fancied, stop at CVS and pick up laundry detergent and the cat's medication, all done!

At the yarn store I sat for a while with the ladies and chatted and knitted. Then I got down and dirty shopping. I wanted to pick up sock yarn for my boyfriend's mom, she always comments on the self striping yarns and how cool they are. I saw Berroco Sox in a colorway similar to what I was looking for that I thought would suit her #1476. And of course I had to pick out a funky one for myself, so I chose #1474 (it was a real toss up between that and 1473).

Then the instructor/clerk there that I hang out with when I go there helped me pick out colors for a Faux Dr. Who Scarf for my boyfriend. I found a cool pattern in Odd Ball Knitting for "Ted's Scarf". I liked this more than any I've seen that are like Dr. Who Scarves because of the pattern stitch.

The parttern calls for Mission Falls 1824 and while I do LOVE that yarn I didn't want to spend $80 on a scarf. So instead I substituted Encore DK that I already had on hand, bought more Encore DK today along with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light and Jo Sharp to make up enough colors.

The Plymouth Encore DK are colors: 1415, 1444, 389, 517, 999, 670, 658 (which I now realize looks a lot like 670 that I just bought, LOL) and 355. I also have two other Jo Sharp here that I might subsitute instead since 658 is so similar to another color! Jo Sharp I have Ruby #326, Tangerine #003, and Glade #908. The Ultra Alpaca Light is #4294 and 4275. Now I just have to make sure to assign letters so them so that I can follow the pattern with my substitutions!

I also picked up Knit Simple Winter 2007/08 and a sock pattern Monet's Twist Socks by Julia Sprague. Anita's Stitch Markers were pictured in this issue of Knit Simple! Check out her Etsy shop.

Now I wonder what I actually spent on the scarf, LOL!! Not counting the yarn I had at home, I spent $31 today and $25 of that was a redemption of loyalty points, so really I spent $6 ... what a bargain!! I intentionally waited until I had accumulated points to get the yarn for this scarf ... yeah let's not discuss how much I spent to accumulate points, hahaha! We knitters don't think that way!

Another cool thing that happened today was a woman stopped in and dropped off loads of old knitting magazines that she wanted to be rid of but didn't want to just throw away. So we got to go through them and take whatever we wanted. I grabbed several issues of Knit Simple and Creative Knitting from 2004 and 2005. Some of the mags were just too old, yellowed and the patterns really out of date. But I did get a few good ones with things I will actually knit in them.

Once I made all of my purchases and signed up for two classes - Continental Knitting and Seaming & Finishes, I was on my way to Jo Ann's. When I parked in the lot I looked over to get my purse and noticed I parked next to a woman who attends Stamp Club with me, LOL!! She owns a landscaping business so her business name is on the side of her SUV. As I was wondering what store she was in I hear "Angela!!!" and there she was. So we stopped for a hug and short chat. Speaking of which I better finish the challenge we had since Stamp Club is this coming Wednesday!

Off into Jo Ann's I picked up some wire and beads to make more stitch markers. I picked up letter beads to make sock stitch markers to follow Cat Bordhi's new book "New Pathways for Sock Knitters" and I also found some cool examples of stitch markers recently using alphabet beads like "WTF" "OOPS" "I -heart- KNITTING" etc. I also picked up bent nose pliers, I have a combo tool to make markers with but its difficult to bend the wire around the bottom of the loop so I think these will work better.

I finished my stitch markers for the Winter Exchange and will be mailing them out next week. Since I don't have my camera here I figured I would try scanning them and found it much easier than trying to photograph them!

And last, but definitely not least. I received my Winter Wonderland Swap package when I got home from my adventures today! Unfotunatley because I don't have a camera I cannot photo all the goodies, but I could get the yarn in my scanner, LOL!! And its was a fantastic choice, Christmasy for sure and I have been wanting to try Crystal Palace Panda Cotton, so its even cooler!

Kim also sent Seatle's Best in Hazelnut Cream (hazelnut is one of my favs!), Hot Cocoa Mix, a mug with Christmas lights pictures on in and wrapped in a knitted cozy, a knitted Christmas ball that looks like one I'd seen in a recent magazine using recycled plastic bags to fill it, an adorable cocoa mug ornament and really pretty green and red stitch markers. Thanks Kim!

Coffee Swap Topic #7

Please post what would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would rather you head to the beach, to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains. You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.

I would much rather head out for warmer weather. I do not enjoy snow activities at all. I don't like being cold and wet or having the inside of my nose freeze. I don't mind it being cold out, but I don't like to stay outside for any length of time other than to get from point A to point B. I would not mind being in the mountains, I am sure they are lovely, but you would find me wrapped in a blanket by the fireplace, LOL!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic #6

For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??

I am not a big fan of winter or really cold temperatures, however, there are some seasonal or HOT foods that I really enjoy. I love soup, especially chowder, and who wants to eat soup when its 90 degrees outside?! So far I have had soup twice this week and its only Tuesday, LOL! I also love hot apple cider, think I am averaging a 1/2 gallon a week right now. Hot chocolate is another one of my favorite beverages. So, though I don't enjoy being outside for winter activities, I'll use any excuse related to the chill outside that I can to eat or drink seasonal, hot things!

Nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow ...

... will stop me from getting to the post office ... and I wasn't the only one, LOL! It was quite busy there today, tis the season. I did my Christmas cards this weekend and ran out of stamps, so I had to get to the post office to get more, also wanted to mail out the ornament to my friend so that she would get it by Christmas. We had very slippery conditions here this morning, but by the time I left work and ventured to the post office it wasn't too bad.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic
Cheryl and I had a convo about short row heels and socks and I’ve been back to visit her since and see what she’s up to :o)

I found this great Article on Jogless Traveling Stripes - there have been a few projects, some socks that I have not tried tackling because I do not like the way the stripes line up with each other. Also I have found loose joins, etc to be a problem.

Ever wonder what those symbols on yarn bands are for? Some are self explanatory, but others not so much. I found a great link with pictures of the pictures (that make no sense to me on the yarn ball bands) and descriptions of what they mean! http://www.worldknit.com/howto/yarncare.html

Weird thought for the day, ever seen a "glitch in the matrix" in real life?? I mean when a car goes by at a stop light and the SAME EXACT make and model and color is right behind it?!? Talk about Deja Vu ... this freaks me out and makes me think about that scene in the movie where there is a glitch in the matrix ... makes you think doens't it?!?!

TGIF!

It sure is TGIF this Friday! I was super busy at work this week, with one person out and I am the only other on our shift qualified to complete certain jobs. So I am glad this week is over!! I am ready for some rest and relaxation and KNITTING! I also have to get my Christmas cards done this weekend, I had hoped I would be done by December 1st, but that date has come and gone.


Here's some of what I have been working on:

I am making some men's size house socks for my boyfriend in Patons Classic Wool, color Forest. I am using the Magic Loop method and the pattern that comes in the booklet from Fiber Trends.

Here's the progress on the socks I am making for a co-worker, one down and I started the second one. I got the cuff done and started the leg. I would really like to have these done by Christmas. I bought the yarn (which she paid for) back in July ... I didn't realize it was so long ago!! I took a few classes since then so I was busy knitting projects for those and put these on hold. Well I am sure she would like to enjoy her socks while it is still winter!

I would also really like to finish up the November Mystery Socks by December so that I can qualify for the prize drawing for the group on Ravelry. So far I have one sock past the heel and working on the gusset decreases. I am hoping the second goes much quicker now that I am familiar with the pattern.

I got one more ornament done so far. I was hoping to do several, they don't take too long, only about 4-5 hours each, in the knitting world that's not long at all! But with everything else I am trying to finish I'm not sure I will be able to get all the ones done that I wanted. This one is going to my friend in England who I chat with via email a few times a week:

To answer Charity's question, so it doesn't get lost in the comments:

"So here's a conversation starter - lets say you signed up for a swap and it didnt go well or what arrived in the swap was pretty BLAH "wwad" - what would Angela do?"

WWAD, LOL!!! That's a good topic for discussion. I have been pretty successful with swaps so far. Generally I would not hold a blah package or something I didn't care for against the swap itself, that's the individual who sent it and everyone has different tastes and likes. I would probably do the swap again if I liked the theme itself and the contests and such related to the swap.

Generally I am not displeased with anything that is a gift, unless it was something completely opposite or something I specifically mentioned I did not like on my blog, then that's just careless for the person sending stuff, they are not paying attention. I try really hard myself to read questionnaires and the person's blog itself for a few days of posts and make notes to keep in my purse when I am shopping so that I avoid unwanted stuff and keep to the things they like.

However, if the "not going well" part was due to the organization or lack thereof from the hosts, then I would not participate in that swap in the future. I know life gets in the way of these things sometimes, but if it happens more than once and/or there is no explanation or heads up, then I would steer clear of things involving those same people in the future.

And here's a question for you - I saw on your blog you were an extra in Young Guns ... I loved that movie. Was it the original in 1988 or the second movie? How did you get to be an extra? Details please!!

Upcoming Swap: "Mmmmm ... Hot Cocoa"

I found a new swap, just in time for the winter blahs and well after all of my other swap commitments and into a new budget! And it includes two of my favorite things, yarn and hot chocolate!! The swap will take place from January 1st to February 28th. Check out the link above to sign up and get more info!!

Swap Goodies!!

I got this Nature Spun Sport yarn in my first SP 11 package and it was the same gauge for a pattern I saw for socks. I made these socks for a friend's boy that I will send with her Christmas Card. They are child size 2-4 years and he'll be 2 this January so I hope he gets a lot of use out of them :o)

I received my Hogwart's Scarf Kit Swap from Mary today! She sent some cool yarn, a nice tote that she made, Ravenclaw colored pom poms, needles, some Harry Potter Trading Cards, stitch markers in a case that'll be great for holding notions, and some Harry Potter themed pins. Thanks Mary!

I also received my last SP 11 package today (imagine my excitement when I saw three packages on my porch today - I ordered some xmas gifts and those came today too!). I opened the card first and saw it was from another party I took a photo of the stuff as received so my pal could see, it was nicely wrapped and packaged :o)

I received the most gorgeous sock yarn from Sunshine Yarns, which I actually have bookmarked for a future purchase, which means I really liked the yarn I saw to begin with, LOL!!! And also and an awesome needle roll in my favorite color.

Here's the inside of the needle roll, can't wait to put my needles in it, it will certainly come in handy and its so pretty too!

Thank you Secret Pal!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic #4

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

My favorite time to have coffee is Sat and Sunday morning (when I can actually sit and enjoy it). I usually get up, feed and let the dog out (while she's eating I start the coffee) then I sit with my mug in front of the computer browsing the internet with cartoons on in the background - usually Spongebob Squarepants ... yeah that's my mentality ... hey much better than depressing news!!

Now if I could I would prefer sitting on a porch with a mountain or ocean view with my boyfriend enjoying the scenery and wildlife ... but the only wildlife around here are my crazy and rude neighbors ... so only in my dreams do I get a real "ideal" cup!!

Cats and Christmas Trees

Cats love Christmas Trees, however, they do not appreciate a camera flash to the face, LOL!! Most of them won't look at the camera because of the flash or they make a nasty face because I am blinding them.

Each year we put the Christmas Tree up the day after Thanksgiving. We purchased a fake tree because of the cats, I thought they would be too enticed to climb a real one ... or try to climb it. Every time we bring the tree "guts" out they are fascinated by it.

They all come into the living room ... yeah like they weren't there with us already. They like to investigate the branches, run around, try and kill each other by ambush. Regular stuff.




The first year we got the tree Peanut (above) and Ollie (below) were so funny. They took turns hiding in the box and freaking the other one out by sticking their paws through the hand holds cut out of the box, it was so funny to watch. One would be in the box making scratching noises, so the other one would investigate and POW get wacked upside the head by the paw through the hole.


Nanuk is lazy and likes to just supervise :o) Either that or he is trying to figure out why the heck we are playing with a tree in the living room.

I ventured out on this Black Friday to do some shopping for my Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Pal (stuff not pictured here - all I have left is to pick out some coffee) and I couldn't help myself since I had a coupon and gift certificate, so I picked up this stuff. I had my eye on the Interweave Knits Holiday Issue since there are some sock patterns and a nice fingerless glove pattern in there, also I found a nice hat pattern that goes for about $8.00 online to purchase, well its in this mag and the magazine costs $7.99 so I thought it worth it just for that.

I also picked up some Patons Classic Wool, I want to make myself a pair of house socks too. I'm not even sure if I need two skeins since I usually do not do cuffs as long as patterns suggest, so if I only need one then I will use the other one to make a pair of socks as a gift for someone.

And believe it or not, I had a skein of Sassy Stripes in my stash for about a year with no mate ... I found the same dye lot at the store where I bought it today ... so I couldn't pass that up!! Now I can make a pair of socks with it.

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic #3

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!

I am thankful that I live with a wonderful man who puts up with me and my pets ... though he drives us crazy sometimes too, LOL!! I have a good job and really enjoy the people I work with. I have some wonderful fuzzy critters that make me smile every day. I am thankful that I can laugh at silly things that some people get upset by ... why waste the time getting mad?!?! I know there's a lot more, but that's what I can think of at the moment.