First We Have Knitting Pics....

First we have my completed first sock done with the BFL hand dyed that my SP gave me from SP10. Really CJ, I promise there will be a 2nd sock! :) Next we have my oooohhh so diligent work on the Emeral Isle shawl. I am truly loving the way this is turning out, and am delighted that I am currently at row 167 of 213. In another 4 rows I will begin the decreasing process that will bring this lovely piece of lace to a point.
I really was going to thread a life line and take it off the needles so I could get a better pic, but alas I am too much of a chicken, and fear offending the knitting godess who might strike me down for my impatience. Hence I moved it to the very ends of my Addi Turbo Lace Needles and put it over a big throw pillow. Soon I hope, very soon, I will have the FO pic for every one to see.

Here we have my Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (DAAGBF) Lace Shawl, which was my first attempt at lace knitting, and has been in time-out for quite awhile now. Although, last night I got curious to see just how badly I had done with it, and found, that now that I am more adept at reading the pattern of this particular designer, and know how to fix my errors, and read the knitting itself. It really is not in that bad of shape. So I guess as soon as I finish EI, I will bring DAAGBF back into the fold and she will again get worked on.
Last but by no means least, my Mini Monkey's. the socks I am bound and determined to make out of 1 skein of Lorna's Laces. If it works and I really like them, I may then be able to justify the cost of said yarn for socks. Otherwise, I will just drool over it and pass it by. This was an orphan skein at my LYS when she was re-opening the shop and so it was my opportunity to try it.
So there you have it kids, my current knitting status. Complete in pics. I must say though that there is also the Gentleman's Sock for DH in the process but I have not worked on that for quite a bit, and then there is the concept of the sweater that said DH wants. Boy that one might just do me in.

Hope everyone is well and Keep on Knitting.

....and then Vacation Pics

This would be Sedona, land of the Red Rocks, and Blue Skies, and just so incredibly beautiful!!!
That would also explain why it is the place where Rick and I had our
formal wedding. The informal (1st wedding) was in my parents back yard at a Clam Bake, and was a total surprise to everyone.

This would be the exact place that we exchanged our vows (for the 2nd time) 6yrs ago on the 1st of September. We were blessed to have had the same weather for our trip this time, that we had for our wedding then. One of these days, I need to scan it some of our wedding photos so your can see the beauty of it all. It was so wonderful to go back there. Rick had not been back since our wedding in 01'

Click on any of the pics and you will get a better view of the scenery.

Can't wait to go back again soon.

I need a vacation.......

Yes, Yes, I know, I just got back from vacation. Somehow or another I seem to forget that after being gone for 2wks - the amount of work, mess, and catch-up required is exponential.

I don't have any pics yet, as I don't know where my Beloved put the camera. When I find it I will post them. We have some of Sedona, and me with my friends, and then there will also be some knitting pics.

Sedona was absolutely beautiful. Much like the year we got married there, it has been a relatively wet summer (as wet as it gets in the high desert), but the greens were wonderfully green, and the red rocks had been washed clean and were incredibly brilliant the day we were there. It is just so peaceful. It was nice for us to just get away and be with friends and tool around on our own to some of our old haunts from when we lived in Phoenix.

On the knitting front, I did make quite a bit of progress on the shawl for my friend Annie, but not enough to finish it. So I will keep plugging away at it. Although there are two new knitters in the world. My friend Jan had already started teaching herself to knit and was open to trying continental knitting on for size. Not sure if she will stick with it or not, but at least she is knitting. She really liked the dishcloths I took to her. Annie on the other hand was a brand newbie to knitting, so I started her out with continental. She really started to pick it up fairly quickly. Plus we found a yarn shop in Mesa that really impressed me with all that they have available. They teach and sell spinning (beautiful wheels), and they also do loom weaving. It looks as though they have 6 small floor looms and have classes going on them. Plus quite a selection of yarn. Interestingly enough the yarn was mostly "clothing" yarn as opposed to sock yarn. This surprised me, as wearing knitted clothing in the Phoenix area has a fairly short wearing season. Even for those who are acclimated.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well and by the way a big HELLO to my SP. I got a note from here and am looking forward to catching up more with her. My Spoilee is very close to my same situation and age, but she lives across the pond. That should be fun for spoiling.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and hopefully there will pics soon.

On Vacation

Hey All, sorry I have been so remiss, but life before and now during vacation has kept me hopping. The week before leaving was quite busy, and then on teh 9th we were off to PA. Mom & Dad's 50th Anniversary Gathering went wonderfully. They were so very happy to see their friends and family. A very good time was had by all.

We returned late Monday afternoon and in less than 24hrs were back out the door and in the air to Phoenix, AZ (which is where we are now). Loving the sunshine and big blue skies. Yep, it is definitely hot, but the humidity is very bearable for Rick and I. We have been tooling about in some of our old neighborhoods and visiting with friends. We will be heading out to Sedona shortly to revisit the incredible setting of our formal wedding 6yrs ago. DH has not been back since the wedding (I have when out visiting friends before).

Will try to have pics to post after vacation. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!

Yep!! I got my invite to Ravelry and I am very excited, a bit over-whelmed, and definitely almost bummed.
The first two comments I am sure any of you who have made your way on to the site can identify with... the third comment is related to the fact that I have worked all weekend, will work Mon, Tues, Wed, and then my Private Duty Job Wed Night (10p-7a) and then we leave for vaction to PA as soon as I get home Thurs morning until Monday evening. Then upon returning to VA Beach with the boys and dogs in tow, we do a quick turn around and Rick and I will be leaving for Phoenix on Tues. It was originally suppose to be related to a court date but that has now been settled out of court and so it will now be a vacation for us to visit friends and places we have not been to in a while.

So, needless to say, I won't have much time to really play at Ravelry until after vacation... :( but alas, all things for a reason.

I am making good progress on my Lace Shawl and will try to post one more set of pics before I go. I finished one BFL sock, and am just about to start the heel flap on my Mini Monkey's.

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward posting after vacation.
Tootles

SP 11 Questionaire

Although it has not yet been called for I figured I would get a jump on things -

1.What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
-So far I cannot say I have a 'favorite' yarn so I guess any and all are good for me. I have found that I am not really into the ribbon yarn type fibers and the foo foo yarns. I love hand dyed sock yarns.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
-A Burt's Bees Demo Bag (sock needles), and original packaging, tucked in a zippable plastic bag, for all others
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
-I learned to knit Christmas of 05' and was taught by my dear friend in Germany (so yes I am a picker or continental style knitter) and I would consider myself intermediate. I have taught myself lace knitting, and enjoy doing all kinds of socks. Have not yet tackled cables.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
-I think I have an Amazon wish list and you can find it under my name.
5. What's your favorite scent?
-Fresh Lavender and Vanilla, I also like very earthy scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
-OH BOY do I!!! My favorite candy is European Dark Chocolate especially Ritter Sport Halb-bitter and Dunkel Voll-Nuss. In a pinch Dove Dark Chocolate is a good stand in.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
-I do counted cross stitch but not cutesy things usually more involved projects.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
-I like New Age type music, Classical, Country, and Celtic. My computer can play CD's but not sure about MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
-I like blues, purples, colors of Sedona Red Rocks, and mauves - the can't stands would have to be neons, primarys, and especially orange and green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
-I am married to my Beloved and we have 3 sons that live with their mom (actually 2 are now in college). We have two 4-legged daughters Misty and Naya.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
-I do like scarves, but more accessory type than warmth type (due to where I live) not so much mitten, and no hats. Ponchos if they are light in weight might be nice. 12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
-Socks and Shawls (right now), but am finding I like the challenge of sweaters and tops as well.
13. What are you knitting right now?
-I have 2 pairs of socks on needles and a lace shawl, and am planning a cardigan for my DH.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
-Oh yes, as I know the love and care that goes into them.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
-I like both straight and circular needles and both bamboo and aluminum but not plastic.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
-Yes to both and am very willing to share its use with anyone.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
-I would say the one shawl that I started last year and is currently in time out on the needles.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
-Christmas as I am a Santa collector - anything neat or unusual
19. Is there anything that you collect?
-Santa's and unique ornaments, and of course sock yarn
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
-No subscriptions, (trying to keep the clutter at bay), books - any of the Yarn Harlot's would be lovely (except her most recent as I have that one), and Alton Brown's I am just here for more food.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
-I would like to be able to get better at what I am doing and learn cabling.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
-Yes to being a sock knitter and my measurements Leg Length 3.5-5inches; Heel to toe 7inches; Toe length 2.25inches; Heel flap length 2.25inches; Foot circumference 9inches. I wear a size 8-8.5 shoe (US) or a 39 (European)
23. When is your birthday?
-May 20th - by the way Emerald Green is the only color green I like, but only in small quantitites.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
-Yes, I just recently made it onto Ravelry my ID is knitstx

I believe that should cover it all.