Catknits

A Lesson Learned

As I was knitting away on another pair of no purl Monkeys, I realized that I was running out of yarn quickly.  Normally I always have plenty of yarn for a pair of socks that I didn't even check the label.

I had one more repeat and the toe to finish.  I had had the Claudia's Handpaint in the stash for a while so I wasn't confident that I could find the same colors.  In The Making carries the yarn so off I went in search of anything that would work.  I found a nice charcoal that matched very well and I don't anyone will even notice the darker repeat at the toe.  Since I was almost finished with the sock I decided that I was not frogging!  Disaster diverted.

Work has been crazy but now that Mother's Day is over hopefully things will slow down a little. We had an almost record day the Saturday before Mother's Day which is usually the one most busiest day of the year.  Now I can catch up on my planting jobs outside of the shop. 

My sister and I went to Montgomery to celebrate with the parents but I failed to take any pictures except of Dad's garden.  He said he wasn't sure if he was going to plant one this year because of the drought last year but we were glad to see he did indeed plant(we knew he would).

I have been knitting and have several FO's but since I don't have any pictures this one will have to do.  Three very tired kitties that haven't even gotten up this morning.

Please go buy and visit Darlene and Jesse who both have new wheels!  Also Bibby has been spinning away but is having surgery today so send her some healing vibes.

Here is a sneak peek of the latest project on the needles.  More later.

 

Wee Tiny Sock Has Landed

After Barb realized that the first Wee Tiny Sock she had made for me had not arrived, she sent me another one.  The sock is knit from Virginia Van Santen Painted yarn and is so cute.  She also included some tea which is greatly appreciated.  Thank you Barb!

The knitting has been finished for probably 2 years and just yesterday I finally seamed and blocked.  I don't know why I never finished the detail work except that I have to be a process knitter.  I now present the Mondo Cable Shell from  Chic Knits.   I don't have any details but I  do know the yarn is chunky cotton.

 

At knit night a couple of weeks ago, Suzanne mentioned that In The Making had received a shipment of Flat Feet Yarn which I had been thinking about ordering.  I left with thiy yarn and this cute sock bag from della Q to match.

Work has been so busy and I have been backed up on my outside of the shop work.  Everyone wants their the planters done before Mother's Day and the late cool spell has put me way behind.  Here is one of the planters.

Thursday DH's brother and SIL will be visiting from Dunedin, FL so we will be looking forward to seeing them.  I think that the Glorious Garden Tour might be on the agenda as well as a couple of knit shops.

Have a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

     

   

   

   

An Afternoon With the Harlot

After getting up extra early( an old clock that changed to day light savings time automatically) Bibby and I headed to Atlanta for a fun filled day.  We arrived at Knitck before they opened and waited with others from South Carolina who had also made the trip for the Harlot.  Knitch was such a fun shop and we found a few things we couldn't live without. 

We decided to take advantage of the special offered to knitters at the Atkins Park Restaurant since we were hungry.  We both had shrimp and grits which was very yummy.  After lunch we noticed that the line was already forming for entrance to the Hilan Theater so off we went and non other than Grace and the Evil Science Chick joined us in line.

Georgia's largest Knit-In commenced for the next 2 hours with prizes being drawn for the raffle tickets to benefit Knitters without Borders.  Bibby was so lucky and won 3 skeins of beautiful alpaca.  The Knit Witch of yarn bowl fame with her DH was also seen in the crowd

 

Stephanie was so entertaining and is a wonderful speaker.  After the talk we had out books signed( Things I Learned from Knitting, Whether I Wanted Too or Not) and had a chance to talk to her.  She was not in a hurry and spent time with everyone.  I will tell everyone to see her if she is in your area too.  Knitch put in a great event and everything went smoothly for a bunch of crazy knitters.

 

What a great day on a beautiful spring day!

The Wee Tiny Sock Swap

My Wee Tiny Sock will be winging its way to Sweden this morning.  This is the second year that Emily has hosted this fun swap and all you have to do is knit a tiny sock and mail it to your pal. 

Work has really been busy and with the weather seemingly warmer than usual everyone is planting earlier.  I hope we don't have a late frost but it has been known to happen.  I have finished a pair of plain vanilla socks that I started on my trip.  The yarn was nice to knit with and if I decided to keep them I am interested to see how the aloe and jojoba oil feel in the foot.

Plain Vanilla Sock Pattern

Size 1 1/2 DPNs

Austermann Step #04

I received my blocking board so now I have no excuse for not blocking the CPH and finishing the front band and hood and sewing in the sleeves.  I have decided that I need to work on my UFOs(notice I didn't say finish) as I start new projects.  I  have so many that are almost finished and I am digging them out this week and deciding which ones to finish first.

Have a great week!

New York

Despite the cold and windy conditions we have had a wonderful time.  Thursday afternoon after we arrived we decided to  go to the Empire State Building since it was sunny and clear. Here is a view from the top.

   

That night we thought that we might fall asleep if we went to the theater so we had a nice dinner at Pigalle.  Friday morning we took the subway to Soho where a stop to Purl was necessary.  China town was next with a walk through Little Italy.  Katz's Delicatessen(a local landmark) was the lunch stop.

Oh, I almost forgot we had seen on the news that morning about the running of the brides at Filenes Basement.  Well  on our way to Chinatown, we stopped at Union Square to visit the Green Market and realized that Filenes was just across the street.  Yes it is just like on TV with rows and rows of bridal dresses and girls changing into them all over the store.  What a sight!

That night we went to see Curtains with David Hyde Pierce.  We enjoyed the show and didn't even n0d during the show.

Saturday we headed to Rockefeller Center , Fifth Avenue and Madison Ave. 

 

We decided to eat at Becco instead of going to a show.  The food was delicious and with a bottle of wine and pasta we were very happy!

Today the flea market on the upper east side was on the agenda.  We both bought a few things and I found a cone of 100% sport weight yarn for $15.  I just hope my suitcase is under the weight limit.  Also we made a stop at Zabar's which was packed with Sunday shoppers.

At Times Square the M&M store was lots of fun.  Lynne had to get scanned for her color mood.

   

Tonight we are going to see Chicago with John Schneider.  Later.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Tomorrow begins my annual winter trip to New York.  Since my SIL(my usual travel partner) is vacationing with her DH in Vietnam, I invited a friend who has never been to the city to go with me.  Of course she has a few places that she as a first time visitor wants to see and I am looking forward to being her tour guide.  I have already made reservations for tickets for the Empire State Building, which will keep us from standing in one extra line.  The Statue of Liberty is another place she wants to see and we will see what the weather holds to decide what day to visit.   We will also see what shows are at the half price ticket  booth and decide then. 

Of course shopping is on the itinerary and I'm sure she won't mind visiting a few knit shops.  There are a few I wouldn't miss and a few I wouldn't go back to.   My sock knitting is packed although I am not finished with the rest of the suitcase.   

I hope to post while I am on the road so see ya'll later.

Monday, Monday

I have been knitting and have the pictures to prove it!  I finished the Parallel Socks with the yarn that Darlene had given me.

Parallel Socks from Wildhorse Farm Designs

Sunshine Yarns in the Cherry Blossom colorway

Size 1 1/2 (2.5 mm) DPNs

Started in December and finished February 23.

I also finished the major pieces of the Central Park Hoodie.  I need to block everything and sew the fronts and back before I start the hood.  I decided I needed a blocking board since getting down on the floor is not so easy especially trying to measure out everything and also with 4 helpful kitties in the mix too.  The color is hard to capture and it is a deep purple heather Cascade 220

Another pair of plain vanilla socks was started using Austermann Step with aloe vera. I like to have a simple knitting project when I travel and more on that later.

I had a very slow and relaxing weekend.  My back started acting up so I played it safe and took it easy.  I tried to get into the Oscars but I hadn't seen any of the movies so I had a hard time.  The Red Carpet was fun though to be able to see the clothes, jewelry and hairstyles.  I do want to check out some of the movies nominated.

Have a great week!

Camporee 2008 in Pictures

 

A Valentine Surprise!

When I arrived home after a very long day this is what greeted me at the door.

Elizabeth sent me this beautiful cookie basket for taking her around Birmingham.  I can't wait to tear into the package and do a little taste tasting.  Thank you Elizabeth for a wonder surprise and being such a good friend!

The Yarn Harlot is making another appearance in Atlanta in April.  I missed her last time and am planning on going this time especially since she is speaking on a Sunday afternoon.  The link is here if you want to reserve a spot.  Maybe we can get a group together and make a day of it.

I have been busy measuring ingredients and chopping to prepare for the major cooking event at the Camporee tonight.  I will have to leave work early to try to make it to Tannehill by 3:30 and prepare the first 6 pecan pies to go in the dutch ovens.  Next will be 6 coconut pies, 1 apple cake, 6 fudge pies, 2 almond skillet cakes, 1 bread pudding, 2 peach crisps and 2 cherry pies.  I think that is all! 

Have a great weekend!

Yes it is February!

Does the time fly by for everyone like it does for me? 

Last Monday I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth who along with her husband spent a couple of extra nights here just so we could get together.  I picked her up at the hotel and we headed out to visit the yarn shops here.  She found lots of pretty yarn for several projects.  I bought some Noro silk garden for the  Noro Scarf from Brooklyn Tweed and thought that I remembered that the pattern only called for 1 ball of 2 colors.  Elizabeth and I bought the same colors but after printing  the pattern , I realized the pattern took twice that amount and she generously gave me her yarn.  Here is the progress so far.

We then had lunch at a local cafe and tried for the 3rd shop which was closed.  That night Elizabeth her DH and I went to dinner(my DH was out of town) and had a wonderful time.   I enjoyed meeting her and hope we will be able to do it again!

I have been keeping up with the Secret of the Stole 2.  Clue # 4 came out Friday but I haven't been able to stick with my daily quota of rows.  Maybe I can catch up before Friday.

The Central Park Hoodie has also seen some time in the queue .  I have enjoyed knitting with the Cascade 220.  The color is not true in the picture even though I was outside in the cold this morning trying to get a truer color.  I am working on the right front and sleeve island is next.

Yesterday

Grace was the host for the local spinners group that first met at Elizabeth's house in January.  We had a great time spinning and tasting all of the goodies and wine that everyone brought.  Tonni

is having a contest to come up with a name for the group and you don't have to be in the group to participate.  Jessie was there but she was taking pictures too.

Tonni and Stacey

Carrie, Grace and Carrie

Bibby

This weekend I am helping with the Boy Scout Camporee at Tannehill.  My nephew and I are in charge of the Dutch Oven deserts Friday night for the adults at camp.  If anyone out there would like to help us cook just let me know.  We need all of the help we can get since we have to make 22 deserts (I kid you not).  You will even get an official Camporee patch!

Rainy Monday

Life has been busy and I am just now posting the 7 random things that Cindy tagged me with

7 Random Facts... now these are the rules;
Post these rules on your blog. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.

1.  I love to cook and especially bake.  Thanks to my MIL I really got into cooking and took cooking classes for at least 20 years.

2.  I love to travel and have been to almost all 50 states.  I have also been over the pond many times and look forward to many more trips.

3.  I don't like anyone to drive my car(DH included).

4.  I have been on the search for the perfect recipe for cheese straws but haven't found it yet.

5.  I have been knitting since I learned in Girl Scouts.  Then the yarn was only available in a  certain ladies basement.  I thank my Mom for driving me there and believing that I would actually finish a project. 

6.  I love rainy days but only if I can stay home and knit.

7.  I can't stand cold food especially if it is supposed to be hot.

Last week when I learned that Elizabeth was going to be in town for her DH's dental Reunion, I asked if she could meet for lunch.  Well she and John arranged to be here for 2 more nights so we can meet up today.  I have to go into work to check on things then I am picking her up for a fun day.  I only know Elizabeth through her blog and emails and she is the genius behind the Knit Bloggers Cookbook.

I will have knitting pictures later when I actually take pictures.  I am on Clue #3 on the Secret of the Stole 2 and I am almost finished with the left front on the CPH.  I had forgotten how much fun it is to knit a sweater.  I found the last one I knit which I finished the knitting but I have never put it together.  I know I should be ashamed and I am going to do something about it!

   

 

The House That Yarn Built

For the past 2 years Christy has hosted the Hurricane Swap Party but this year she has another idea.  With her permission I have copied her post about The House That Yarn Built.  Please think about donating an amount that you might spend on a swap and also pass this along.  Let's see if we can't get that house built!

As everyone will remember, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005 and devestated not only Louisiana, but also Mississippi. One of the hardest hit areas in New Orleans was the Lower 9th Ward which was flooded when the levees broke due to faulty engineering. Over two years later, New Orleans and what happened there has largely been relegated to the back pages of newspapers, or only mentioned when politicians are trying to get elected. Many of you may have seen interviews with Brad Pitt and his foundation, Make it Right whose goal is to build 150 homes in the Lower 9th. The Lower 9th had the highest percentage of homeowners in New Orleans, and when Katrina happened, many of these homeowners lost everything. These homes will be raised to withstand flooding and will be environmentally friendly. Make It Right is asking for donations to build these homes. Each home costs $150,000 to build. Homeowners will then receive a need based finanacing package insuring that they are able to afford the home. People are not just given a home and it’s “see you later, good luck making the payments.”

Where am I going with this? Well, for the last two years, I have hosted the Hurricane Sock Party, which is a swap where participants knit one sock, and send it and a ‘hurricane survival package’ to their partner. This year, I’d like to do something to make a difference. Many of us have yarn stashes that can keep us in yarn for years without ever having to darken the door of the local LYS or point and click on our favorite online shop. Many of us have declared 2008, the year of the yarn diet. I know that I can certainly knit all year at least with the stuff in my stash. For HSP 2008, I’d like for everyone to donate money to Make it Right. I figure that an average skein of sock yarn runs about $20.00 and that if 7,800 knitters would donate the equivalent of one skein of sock yarn, a family in New Orleans might just be able to get their lives back on track. I’m not saying that the donation should be $20, any amount is appreciated, I just used that number, because it was a nice round number! I cannot comprehend what it would be like to lose absolutly everything I own, and then as I try to rebuild meet roadblock after roadblock. I would love for knitters, who have proven that we are a generous bunch–look at The Harlot’s amazing Knitters without Borders–to say that yarn built a house in New Orleans. Within the next week, I’ll have a dedicated website up and running so we can track our progress. I have already contacted the Make it Right foundation and they have put us up on the Team Page so we can see the progess of the  donations. I have it set it up so you donate directly to the foundation–that way, the donations don’t go through me, and you have a tax record. On their exisiting Team Sponsored Home page, The  Ellen Degeneres Show is raising money for house #2.  I know she has millions of viewers, but I think knitters can build a house, and therefore I’m calling this project, The House That Yarn Built.  If should decide to donate, you can click on the big pink house in the header, then as you donate, you can choose from the drop down menu of the team sponsored homes and have your donations added to our house.  When you donate  PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHOOSE THE HOUSE THAT YARN BUILT AS YOUR TEAM. I’m also hoping to be able to give out door prizes at the end of this, so if you are a business who wants to donate things to give away,  please contact me at christy@thehousethatyarnbuilt.com or christy@misplacedsouthernbelle.com.  Once you’ve donated, you can send me your name to put in the drawing, and when we reach certain levels, I’ll do a drawing. Let’s shoot for the first $10,000 and we’ll have the first drawing! The first site won’t be up and running until the this weekend, but the email should work. If not, please use the other one.  What do ya’ll think? Can knitters build a house? I think we can! For more detailed information on the Make it Right Foundation, you can visit www.makeitrightnola.org .

PS, I’d love it if everyone who reads  this can get the word out. That would help so so much!

Let it Snow!

Pictures are worth a thousand words!!

 

Already January 16th?

I am back from market but I haven't recovered yet.  The house is a wreck and I haven't knitted a lot either.  I spent a little time at the wheel just so I wouldn't forget what I have learned so far. 

I received a surprise from Chris and have to share it with you.  Just look at the cute Sheepy Pez as well as the sheep ornament which I had been wanting.  I have always wanted to try the Dicentra Designs yarn and now I have my very own which is beautiful.  Also notice the Everybody Wants To Be A Cat CD that Chris made.  The socks with the black cats, the tape measure and the black cat card that I think Chaos and May had a little help picking out are so cute.  Thanks again Chris!

I do have socks on the needles kniting with 

Sunshine Yarns that Darlene sent me.  The colorway is Cherry Blossoms which reminds me that spring will be here soon.  I am using the Parallel Socks pattern from Wildhorse Farm designs.  I have enjoyed knitting several of their patterns as the designs aren't too complicated but show up well on hand painted yarn.

After seeing Grace's finished CPH I have joined the bandwagon and have ordered yarn and the pattern.  I do have a couple of unfinished sweaters on the needles but I didn't let that stop me.  I also noticed that Jessi must have the same idea that I did.

I am working at the Gardens today so gotta run.

The Market

Jamie and made it to Atlanta about noon yesterday for the market.  I wasn't expecting to go until Thursday so I had to rush around to get clothes ready, plans for the cats and etc.  We walked about 12floors just looking for new and fun things and only wrote 2 orders but it does help to look first in case something better comes along.

Gotta run and meet him to take the shuttle in.

Distaff Day

Sunday afternoon Elizabeth was a wonderful host for a total of 9 spinners in her lovely home for Distaff Day.  I will admit that I have had my wheel for over a year but really haven't used it or practiced spinning at all.  Grace found out about my secret and encouraged me to meet up with everyone yesterday and I am so glad I did.  I got lots of help from everyone and was even able to produce something that looked like yarn. I totally forgot my camera and since I like to be the one taking pictures and not the one in them I was upset that I don't have any evidence of the day but you can go to all of these ladies blogs and check out the fun time we all had.

I met Darlene, Jessi, Tonni, Bibby, Carrie and Cindy who all made me feel welcome and of course Elizabeth and Grace.  Grace debuted her just finished CPH and she did a great job.  Several had just gotten wheels but were spinning like pros already and hopefully with some practice I will be there too.  Here are some shots of my wheel and the progress I made that first day.

The wheel.

The first bobbin(I'm not sure what that yarn will do if I take it off since it looks pretty kinky).

This is what I have been working on after they said I should go with some color.  Of course I had roving in the stash and thought the Crown Mountain pencil roving might be easier to work with but I had never tried.  At least the yarn looks a little smoother but I am still not sure what will happen off the bobbin.  I am spinning a little in the morning and again at night so I won't forget what I learned.  Thank you ladies for helping me get started and I am looking forward to more get togethers.

On The Road Again

No sooner after we unloaded the car Wednesday after Christmas, we packed up again and headed for Gulf Shores for some much needed rest. We had to take Cisco to the vets since he is on twice a day medication and our nephew is picking him up today for us since we won't be home before they close.  Of course we have to be home tonight before the Auburn- Clemson game.

The weather has not been the greatest but we were able to make the best of it.

      

We decided to head to Fort Morgan yesterday morning even though the weather looked threatening.  Neither of us had been back to visit in years and the 20 mile drive down the coast line was surprisingly beautiful.  The area has not given way to the high rise condos and the houses that have been rebuilt are bright and colorful.  We enjoyed the small museum and walked a short distance to the fort before the rain started.

My brother, SIL and niece were also in the area at Perdido Key, FL so we met yesterday for lunch at Lulu's  (Jimmy Buffetts sister).  We had a fun time and I know this is a happening place during the warmer weather.

Actually I haven't been knitting that much but I do have the last FO of 2007 is show you.

Plain Vanilla Sock

Trekking XXL #135  Size 1 1/2 DPNs

DH is anxious to head home and we do have to make a quick stop at the outlet mall.

Have a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday.

The Day Before Cristmas

I can not believe that it is already Christmas Eve. We are up bright and early(actually it is not all that bright yet) to begin our trek to Atlanta to celebrate with my brother, SIL and niece but first we have to go through Montgomery to pick up my parents .  We will have a long day on the road but I do have sock knitting to keep me awake.  I started this plain vanilla sock the first of the season so I would have something easy to knit on.

Trekking XXL In color 135.  I love the colors especially knitting them in the winter.  I still have 1 mitten to finish for another branch of the family, but we are not exchanging gifts until after the new year because of travel conflicts.  Speaking of gifts, DH heard of a recall for one of the gifts for my nephew but we haven't checked further into it yet since we have time.

The kitties are looking to a little party time during our absence but we do have a sitter to take good care of them.

We had friends over Saturday night for our annual get together.  Now that their kids are grown and not living in town we have had a hard time finding everyone in town.  We had a great time visiting and Trent I am sorry the picture of you didn't turn out  well.

    

DH is loading the car so that is my cue to get moving! 

I wish for a wonderful holiday for everyone everywhere!