I'm here, I'm here

It's been a while, hasn't it? I've come to the conclusion that if I don't have any good progress pictures, there's no point in posting. Afterall, how interesting can two dozen pictures of my Charlotte's Web or the same sock I'd been knitting for a week be? Yeah, I thought so.

Nonetheless, things have been going on.

Today we went to the beach. We saw. That's about it. Every parking lot we passed on PCH, (that's Pacific Coast Highway), was full. It took forever to get there and forever to get back. We saw the ocean. We felt the breeze. But it just wasn't the same. I'm hoping in a few weeks when the kids are back in school we can take another trip and find a parking spot.

On the way we home, we took the mountain scenic route:

Those are the Malibu Mountains. Pretty huh?

On to the knitting. I hit the 50% sale at the LYS this week and scored two skeins of Tofutsies for $18! (That's 2 for the price of 1!) Can't really beat that, can you? Didn't get much else since they had a dwindling supply of Koigu. Not that I need more. I've slowly sold bits and pieces on eBay, just to make room.

Anywhoo, I started my Sock It To Me socks for my pal. And I know she's going to ♥ them because they are pink. I'm doing the garter stitch rib. That's knit one round, then do a k2, p2 round. Pretty simple. I don't think I need to do an intricate pattern for this yarn.

And...I finished my second Charlotte's Web.

This one is supposed to be for my neighbor who moved, but I haven't heard from them yet. If I don't hear back from them, I'll probably sell this because I'm not too keen on purple. It's pretty though. And it knit much quicker this time around now that I've done the pattern once already.

This one took three skeins of Koigu KPPPM. I had about 2 yards leftover, (lucky huh?). You know, I was thinking an all black one would be pretty, especially if added some beads to it. Though beading yarn isn't in the future anytime soon.

What is in my future though is Rhiannon by Cookie A. I'd been eyeing this pattern since she opened her shop. Yes, it's ambitious. Yes, it will cause headaches. Yes, I know I said no more cables. But they are pretty socks and I think a pair in dark brown would be very nice for this winter.

By the way, I have been working on the Vogue Cabled Tunic. Not too much. But in the past two days I've gotten about 12 cable rows done. And a few rows of Wicked. I still need 3" on the body for Wicked and I've yet to figure out it I'll be able to do the long sleeves like I first wanted.

Speaking of Vogue. I got my 25th Anniversary magazine last week. I'm quite disappointed. Out of all the patterns there are (maybe) three that I would consider doing. I don't know about everyone else, but the last couple issues have disappointed me greatly. So many of the patterns are not something that I'd, (the average knitter), would consider making, let alone wearing. Is it just me? I am anticipating the new issue of the IK. I have been quite happy with their new format and the fact the Eunny Jang is working with them, well it seems that IK has become the front runner in my favorite magazine.

And in the beading world, I've been working on more stitch markers and a new charm bracelet made with pearls and jump rings. Tell me what you think, I've already added it to my Etsy shop.

All in All

It's been a fairly good week. The weather has calmed down, a bit. The pool was re-opened yesterday. I've been working on socks and knitting stitch markers. I've joined a couple KAL's.

Yes, all in all, things have been pretty good.

Nothing really special to report since I'm in the middle of projects, but I thought I'd give you a "teaser" for the new socks I'm working on:

It's Socks That Rock in Pink Granite, lightweight. And yes, another pair for myself. These won't be anklets though. I actually finished the other one the other day, and I know many of you will say WOW, but don't get too impressed. While life is busy, I'm not drowning in so many fancy and exciting things to do. Knitting is it.

I'm also still working on Wicked, though I have already separated the sleeves and am now just doing the mindless stockinette stitch for the body until I get to the shaping. I have yet to decide on short or long sleeves. I've seen a lot of short sleeved ones on Craftster. They are all very nice and very pretty. But I'm thinking long sleeve might be the way to go. Especially since it's made in Cashmerino and it would be a great sweater to wear on those cool fall/winter nights when school starts. (Not too long to go, you know? I'll be whizzing my way through French and Yoga!)

I've also updated my shop tonight. I have been a little discouraged. I have a number of views, but no buys yet. I guess it's one of those word of mouth things. So go do it people! *smile*

This was a set of glass beads in aquamarine and black that I just added. I ♥ black onyx. It's very pretty indeed. I've also added a few sets of freshwater pearl markers.

In other news, well things are fine. I've been reading up on beading and started looking into classes. I decided to do Year Two of the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I originally hadn't intended on it, but I had fun and decided why not? I also joined Secret Pal 11 for the third time. This last round was fun. And I hope Katie is loving every moment of her new baby! She made this round very special for me, all the while being pregnant. Thanks again Katie! Let's see, I also joined another round of Sock a Month 4. Since joining at the end of February I have knit 7 pair of socks. This KAL really gets me going because while I love to knit socks, I love seeing what everyone has created and getting a chance to see more patterns and yarns. Knitters are quite resourceful.

Everything on the homefront is good. Jem is more than ready for school to start, and I can't say that I don't blame him. He's driving me N.U.T.S. "Bored" has taken on a new meaning in our house. Scout is great. She's sitting up on her own and had a chance to swim in the pool today. She was bouncing up and down and drinking water, (ewww), and just having a great time.

So that's it for now.

Oh So Soft

Shawn and I had a date night last night and it was wonderful. I swear that I forgot what it was like to have someone else make, and serve, me a delicious dinner. (Not that I don't appreciate Shawn's attempts with grilled cheese sandwiches/soup or spaghetti, but it's nice to have something that you don't normally have on a daily basis, ya know?) We went to Buca di Beppo in Valencia and had a very yummy dinner. Shawn ordered spaghetti and (1/2 lb. each) meatballs, (there were 2!!!), and brought home about 3/4 of it. (Their portions are HUGE.) I ordered the baked shells with spicy sausage. Yum. We also ordered a tiramisu, (again, HUGE), but I have to say, I ♥, (so does Shawn), the sweet type of tiramisu. This one tasted 100% like rum. Not like the cream pudding or the chocolate. But rum. Either way, it was worth the night out and we will definitely be returning, (after having gone over the menu after dinner thinking about what we might order next time).

Afterwards, we went to Borders books and I picked up my copy of Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowen-Michael, who was featured in the Interweave Knits Spring 2007 Issue. Don't worry, I'm not turning my sock knitting addiction into a thong knitting addiction. But there are some lovely items in the book and definitely worth the $29.95. Go. Buy. It.

When we came home I worked on my Hogwarts Socks. I got the heel done and then I didn't like it, so I ripped it out today and restarted it. I'm hoping it will knit up better. I like Lorna's Laces but I have to say after working with Koigu and STR yarns, it just doesn't knit the same. I'll have some weaving to do too, after I finishing with the striping. What was I thinking with stripes? All the same they are looking nice and I hope my pal will like them. I already have her stitch markers, (which I will eventually show you guys, after I send them off), and today I got her some DPN's.

Today we drove down to Santa Monica and visited Wildfiber and, (for the first time), A Mano Yarn. Wildfiber used to be a fave of mine, but the past few times I've been there I've been a little put off. They have a phenomenal array of yarns. I bought a skein of Koigu to finish my Charlotte's Web, (not seen below because it's in the knitting bag in the car), and a skein of 2 ply Mongolian Cashmere by Jade Sapphire (which is the caked greyish/green yarn on the right). Both gorgeous yarns. What was I put off by? Customer Service! When I asked the lady to cake my yarn, (which she had just done for the customer who spent $30 more than I did before I got to the register), she rolled her eyes and said, "We'll see." I explained that I did not want to go home to wind 400 yards of 2 ply 100% cashmere by hand. She did cake it for me. After complaining about how thin it was and how she didn't think it would work. Needless to say I will return. But only for the yarn. It really makes me mad that someone who shares the craft can be such a * * * * *, (choose your choice expletive).

A Mano Yarn was totally different. Small shop. GREAT yarns. And the woman who was working there was the nice woman who used to work at Wildfiber a few years back that I really liked. She was willing to help you out. Very nice. I bought the Malabrigo Baby Merino Wool Lace yarn for my Secret Pal. I hope she likes it. It's incredibly soft. And she likes green! The middle yarn is for me! It is Rio De La Plata 100% Pure New Wool in a blue/brown/green/grey colorway. Yummy!

So that was my yarn pron for the weekend!

Today we went swimming, since it was way hotter here than down by the beach. Scout tried out her new bathing suit and little canopy boat. She's a little fish. She liked sucking on the water that got the front of the boat wet.

And don't tell Grandma that I put this on here, she'll kick my butt! Scout and her grammy.

Happy Weekend.

Wouldn't you know?

I'd say that I've been busy, that would be my excuse. And to some extent it's been true. But the real reason I haven't posted, (or knit much for that matter), is that I've been extremely tired. This whole week has been draining. But this weekend was excellent and here's why:

After finishing the Little Bunny Foo Foo socks, (which I have to say thanks to all of you for your nice comments, I appreciate them), Shawn requested another pair. So I cast on for his socks and lo and behold, the pattern from Charlene Schurch's "More Sensational Knitted Socks" was, dare I say, wrong! The picture didn't match the stitch pattern. Instead, Shawn asked that I make them plain. As in Stockinette Stitch. Sounds good to me.

I had to use Scout's Dino for a model. I couldn't find anything else. We are going to call these Shawn's Snake Socks. The Koigu reminds me of a snake. Thus, Snake Socks. I have no complaints about these socks, except that I may have cast on 6 sts too many, but I found a way around having to rip them out and start over. Stay tuned for that!

I started Scout's Diamond Sweater from one of my many Debbie Bliss books. I'm using the Lana Grossa Elastico that I got from the 50% off sale that I got last week. I love this pattern. It's the third time I've knit it and it's never gotten old.

And a close up to show the texture.

And I bet you wouldn't believe it if I didn't have a picture huh?

Yup, that's Shawn knitting!

You see, we kind of made this deal about him racing his r/c's every Saturday night and me going knitting once a week for a few hours, (at night). Well after reading, "Babyproofing your Marriage", I realized we really needed to make more attempts at spending more time together, rather than apart for our own hobbies. So yesterday, I went to see him race at 5:30. We stayed til about 8:30. And then today, he said he wanted me to teach him to knit. Now mind you, he's not interested in knit/purl/dec/inc...he is just doing garter stitch. He says he'll make me a scarf. I said I'd wear it. I'm really proud of him for a.) asking me to teach him and b.) that he took to it so well. Are you jealous? LOL.

This afternoon I made some cupcakes, (which would later turn my craving into my demise), for May: Yeah, I brought out the piping tips and all. I felt creative. Unfortunately, eating a cupcake caused my TMJ to flare up. My right jaw is extremely sore after having it locked up for about a half hour. The biggest problem is that the dentist really can't do anything. They can send me to an oral surgeon, but short of surgery all I can do is take Tylenol and wear a mouth guard at night, (which I'm doing anyway). Surgery isn't in the cards at the moment. Cold compress it is for the time being. *sigh* Were the cupcakes worth it, you ask? Yes. They were.

On the homefront, Jem is doing his State Testing this week. He also has his Psych Evaluation this Wednesday. It's looking more and more like ADD/ADHD. We'll find out the details on Wednesday and go from there. I must say, he's been a pretty good kid the past couple of days. After he got called out on the attitude though. *boys*

Scout is doing well, as always. She's eating cereal and baby food now. She ♥ Sweet Potatoes and Bananas.

She also ♥ her toys. She loves to suck on them.

As you can see.

And on a final note. I'd really like to know what you all think about swaps. I'm a bit disappointed in the Sockret Pal Swap. Not in the person who spoiled me. But in the person I spoiled. I sent off the first package, no problem. The second and third, I put into one box and had Shawn mail off for me. Stupid me for not having him get a delivery confirmation. Apparently the box hasn't gotten there yet, and it's been weeks. Now, I understand her disappointment BUT she's posted about how she's been "jilted" (mind you she doesn't post my name), even after I offered to knit her another pair of socks and replace the things that I bought her. But I'm irked. It really bothers me that some people can't be grateful for the things they do get. I tried my best. In fact, in my first package alone I went above and beyond the "minimum", not to mention I constantly emailed without many responses.

I suppose my expectations of swaps are a bit more than the "post a blog twice a month, contact your pal on the 1st and 15th", kind of thing. I do a lot for my pals and now I feel like I am being outted because the lousy Post Office lost her package. *sigh* So anyway, I just want to know how you feel about swaps? Do you join them or stay away? What have your experiences been like?

What a weekend!

We've had a pretty good week since my last blog update.

Thursday and Friday, Shawn and I rented a couple movies and stayed home and cozied up on the couch to watch them. First we saw Turistas, which has made me pretty adamant that I will never, (ever), travel to Brazil, and then we saw Black Christmas, which convinced me that sororities really are evil. Both movies were cheesy, but good. Not the explicit gore and guts you'd get from an old "Halloween" or "Friday the Thirteenth", (which by the way, this Friday is Friday the Thirteenth, so beware).

Saturday we drove up to the zoo around noon and guess what the signs said: Parking Lots Full. We ended up having to drive back home. Normally the LA Zoo has a week of Easter activities around spring break. This year they only did the Easter stuff Friday-Sunday. So it was a no go. We are going this Saturday instead.

Since we didn't make the zoo, I headed over to the LYS earlier than expected so I could work on this:

That's right! They are Shawn's Stormy Socks. I finished the first one last night and cast on for the second one this morning. I still don't know what's up with the striping, but I am hoping I can get the second sock to stripe just as well. We shall see. But all in all, they are cool. Shawn tried it on and absolutely loves them. He was quite upset that there weren't two already. Talk about impatience! I swear!

Easter was really fun as well. I made some bunny cupcakes for Jem and the neighbor kids, (not that Shawn and I didn't eat like a dozen on our own or anything!):

Easter morning Jem went searching for his eggs. Out of 14 plastic filled eggs, he found 12. He needed help with 2. One of them got knocked over by Dalton's tail when he was laying on the couch. Jem made out like a bandit. He got a helicoptor set, froggy squirt toys, a load of candy, money, two pairs of jean shorts, and more I'm sure. Shawn got a 1/2 lb. box of his favorites chocolates from See's Candies and a card. Scout got a new dress and a blue and green musical dinosaur that she absolutely loves. She really loves music. My mom gave her a pink piggy bank and we both put some money in it for her as well. Me? Shawn said I could order some sock yarn, so I'm a happy woman! (Who wouldn't be?) But, I haven't decided on what I want yet. Maybe some Koigu? Or Socks that Rock? Or Lorna's Laces? I'd ♥ to order some yarn from Yarn Pirate but last week when she updated, she sold out as I was looking at the colors she had available. Literally sold out in like 5 minutes!

Anywhoo, we also took a few pictures, though I have to say I look pretty crappy after running in and out of the kitchen to make a turkey, (which my mom pretty much took over), and all the fixins. But I love this picture of us either way:

But my favorite is this one of Scout:

(You can check my flickr pictures for more pictures of Scout and the color version of this if you want to see the actual dress.)

In other news, I followed Abigail, (who is a GREAT secret pal, by the way), and joined the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I ♥ Harry Potter, though I will admit that I still haven't finished the last book. I'm maybe a 1/4 into it. (It's not my fault really, a friend of mine kinda ruined the story for me, so now I'm not as motivated to read it you know?) Anyway, I am in the Ravenclaw group and decided to post my swap questionnaire as well:

1.What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Ravenclaw

2. Shoe size? 9-9 1/2

3. Foot Length? 9 1/2

4. Foot Circumference? 9 1/2 (high instep)

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length: I mainly work with Clover bamboos, usually size 2 or 3.

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Sure, maybe Lantern Moon or Blue Sky Alpacas. Small size like 0's or 1's. Length doesn't matter.

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? Doesn't matter a whole lot to me!

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Yes

So that's about it. I'm happily knitting along and enjoying the change in seasons. And excited for another knit night this Friday night.

Didn't think I'd do it, did ya?

We had a really great weekend. A really great and ambitious weekend.

It all started with an idea. (Don't they always?) If you knew me in person, you'd know that I like color. White walls are too boring. And because I don't tend to hang a lot of pictures, our walls were really looking bare. So we went from this:

To this:

I wanted to paint the kids' room for a while, but didn't know what I wanted to do. A trip to Target on Friday gave me oodles of ideas, (for our room too). Shawn said that if I wanted to redecorate I could, as long as I was the one doing it. He will pay for it, he said. (I could go crazy, but I won't...yet.) So I had him take Scout's Pooh Bear baby blanket and have them do a color match for the paint. A spring green is what we got. Sunday morning at about 10 a.m. I started and we were done by 3 p.m. I will take the pats on the back, though, because I was the one who did mostly all of it. Shawn did the trim near the ceiling for me and worked on the wall with the window.

I still have things to do for the room though. I am going to buy some lined baskets for Scout's crib, (especially all of her handknits). And a wall hanging to measure how tall the kids are. And a new lamp, (I gave Jem my old one, but he lets it get so close to his plastic toys that they melt...fire hazard, anyone?). Plus, I am going to get some wood letters from Michael's in the kids names and paint them. The color theme is going to be the spring green, chocolate brown and sky blue. I'm excited. New projects always excite me. (And I suppose it makes me happy that I can do this for Scout because I couldn't do it for Jem when he was a baby.)

I also went and had a pedicure done and a set of pink/whites because I started biting my nails this past week again, (I've been experiencing a bit of anxiety). After that I went to the LYS for about an hour and had a chance to work on my Dalton socks and chit chat.

But it doesn't stop there. There is some sadness to this weekend though. Saturday I decided I would tackle the short row heel on the Dalton Socks. Afterall, I was at the ankle bone. Shawn and I rented The Illusionist, (which by the way, if you haven't seen it-you should). I started the short row heel. Then it came to the reverse short rows, (you know, the pick up the double wraps, blah, blah, blah). And I did it! But then I realized I didn't have 70 sts. I had 63! How in the hell did that happen?!?! So rip I go, and then...And then I realize on needle one, (the instep), I was on the PSSO row and that I really should have only 63 sts! I realized that once I did Row 2 in the pattern I would have 70 sts. *sigh*

Needless to say, I was angry, upset, pissed off, mad as hell, (you get the idea)...

So last night I say to myself, "Let's try this again". And since I knew what I was doing the second time, I actually understood it enough that I didn't have to keep looking back and the pattern and asking myself why I chose the Toe Up sock.

And with that, I got this:

Purty, ain't she? (And I don't mean the tattoo, LOL.) The sock fits perfectly and it's so comfortable I can't even believe it. The yarn is a dream. (I should say that this is the medium weight STR because Jillian had posted that she had some issues with the heavyweight STR, and anyone who hasn't tried this should start with the mediumweight or the lightweight.) I have decided I'm going to make ankle socks. And I have a feeling I will be wearing these on a daily basis.

Obligatory shot of the much feared short row heel:

I'm very proud of myself. I feel like I can do anything! Socks! They are amazing!

And so is Scout.

Yes, I'm partial. But I don't care. Scout is a beautiful, mellow, funny baby. She wakes up happy. She laughs all day long. She loves people. She makes life wonderful. She's been talking so much the past few days. And if you laugh, she laughs with you. As the song goes, "Scout is my sunshine, my only sunshine, she makes me happy when skies are grey..." (She loves when I sing that to her!)

My yarn buy for the month, (yes, I've decided to curb the spending since I already have enough sock yarn for at least 6 pairs, not to mention what I have for sweaters and all that):

It's Little Bunny Foo Foo from Socks That Rock. I love pink and brown together. Almost as much as I love brown and blue together! I'm thinking if they did a yellow and brown that would make my day!

Aside from that, life has calmed down a bit. I'm not constantly busy going back and forth to appointments, which is nice. I sent out my Sockret Pal package and my other swap package. So right now, I am in two swaps: Secret Pal 10 and the Knitterly Letter Swap hosted by Domestic Cat which is basically a pen pal swap where you actually write letters! I tell you, I miss writing letters. I miss receiving letters. Technology has gotten the better of us I believe.

This week: Jem has to have a tooth pulled today. *sigh* Later we are going to mall. I have some lotion and bubble bath to pick up from Bath and Body Works. He's on spring break, so we are going to try and go to the bowling alley. Saturday we are hitting the LA Zoo for their Easter festivities. Easter I will be making our traditional dinner and have an Egg Hunt here. And knitting. There shall be knitting this week!

I am Quite impressed!

Fawn. Cream. Brown. Blue.

Those are the colors of the Cat.

Quite coincidental that I just happened to email Cindy and asked if she could combine the colors of the Cat and make me some sock yarn.

However, while these are, (almost), the colors of the Cat. They seem to be, (conveniently), the colors of her cat.

The colorway is the name of her cat.

Lucky duck.

I should say, Lucky cat.

If you are looking for the same yarn because you have a cat that inspires you to knit socks, (yup, you heard me right folks, socks), then you should check this place out, because I just might buy every ounce they make of these colors. They are pretty much my favorites. Maybe that's why I like Siamese cats so much.

And while this impresses me, it doesn't impress me quite as much as my nifty little sidebars and the 3 hours it took for me to figure out how to post those buttons that made me want to switch over to Typepad. (The fact that I realized I didn't want to pay $5 a month for a blog that I could get for free settled in too. I mean $5 x 12 months= $60 yarn. Nuff said!) Figure it out I did. And so for anyone who can't figure out this new version of blogger, shoot me a line. I might be able to help you out. Might is the operative word.

I've also joined another KAL. Actually, one KAL and two swaps. I know I should swap less, but I really wanted to give the Secret Pal 10 round a chance. Maybe the person I spoil won't be such an ass. Yup, I said it. I'm sorry but it really ruffles my feathers that I spent the time, effort and money, (I had an International pal), and didn't get a thank you for nearly two months and only got one because the host had to email her, (after a number of my emails went unanswered). It's a shame. And I know it happens to a lot of people. All the same, I really hope that the next round goes a bit smoother.

I also joined the Sock of the Month 3 KAL because I'm hoping to get some incentive in actually knitting the sock yarn that I've been slowly adding to my stash. And lastly, I joined the Favorite Color Swap 2. I suppose in retrospect I am joining these swaps/KAL's/groups because while I love being a stay at home mom now, I need new friends. Ever since moving from the Valley and being in a relationship with Shawn, I've really learned who my friends are. (They aren't the ones who sat on their butts when Shawn and I, being 6 months pregnant, moved a one bedroom apartment in a small pickup truck, 50 miles roundtrip at least 7 times.) And I haven't met many women, (or men), who knit in this area. Needless to say I'm a bit lonely. (Shawn tries to understand my obsessiveness, but he really doesn't get it. Hell, I don't really get it some days either.)

So I'm jumping on the band wagon and hope to have a little fun. Maybe in the midst I'll get some knitting done too! In the meantime I'm gonna order some of that yummy stuff up above and some of this down below:

It's called Black Forest Fudge. Fudge. Yum.