A Quick In and Out

I just wanted to publicly let my secret pal know I received my package. Don't know if I'll have time later to pictorially share the loot, but I will say he/she got me in all my weak spots. Games! Chocolate! Alpaca!

Woo Hoo!

Blindsided

I was all prepared to talk about what a great weekend we had. The Boy Child’s team played in San Diego this weekend--took 3rd place, and a generally good time was had by all. I knitted, I ate, I slept, and I came home not too exhausted.

After we got home and all settled in, I did what we all do. Popped on line to what had been happening in Blogland while I was incommunicado. But first, I checked my email. And found the message that totally turned my weekend upside down.

A friend was emailing to tell us that a mutual friend had died this morning. What? Not Cookie! The Hubster and I have known Dave and Cookie for close to a decade. They are some of our soccer buds. We lived more than 2 hours apart, so getting together didn’t happen often. Not at all since they moved up North. But, when we did get together it was old home week. We’d just pick up where we left off. You know, that kind of friends.

Cookie was an amazing lady. An incredible artist--it didn’t matter the medium. Whatever she did was beautiful. 4-5 years ago she decided to try hand painting silk scarves. And, like everything else, what she did was spectacular. I wish I could capture the true beauty of this scarf. I can’t.

When I was going through my first chemo hairlessness, Cookie sent me 4 of her scarves. I chose to wear wigs while I was at work, but the second I got home, off came the wig and on went one of the scarves. Such comfort.


She was smart, funny, sassy. While Dave is big and loud, Cookie would “gotcha” quietly and with great wit. Whatever she did, she did well. One of those people you'd like to hate because they had it so together, but just couldn't because they were so genuine. Even though it meant we didn’t get to see her and Dave as often, I’m glad they moved up North so she got a few years to to be with her family on a day-to-day basis. The world is a little “less” without her in it.

Do me a favor. When you’re finished playing around out there in Blogland, take a minute (or 2 or 10), and get in touch with your “Cookie”. You’ll be glad you did.

Close But No Ceegar

In amongst other things last night, I tried my hand at dyeing my Dye-O-Rama pal's yarn. She specifically said she didn't want striping yarn, so I'm looking toward more of a Koigu/Socks that Rock kind of coloring.

I used Paas Easter egg dyes. The blue took wonderfully and I love that color. But, I had visions of a purple/blue mottled yarn. Unfortunately, the purple didn't seem to like the yarn so much and has a definite faded reddish/pink hue to it. Wierd.

Plan B is to go get some Wilton's cake dye in purples and work that into something hopefully useable.

No dyeing this weekend, however, because Boy Child has another tournament. This one's in San Diego, meaning an overnight stay in a hotel. I know for those uninitiated in sports parenting, that probably sounds o.k. But those in the know know that what it actually means is listening to uncorraled children (not our team's as they are now 17-19, and too cool to run amok through the hotel) running up and down hallways until all hours. Sigh.

Thanks to those who complemented the socks and blankie. In response to Ann's question, the stripe is a cinnamon-y brown. Love it! Also, if you haven't seen the Mason Dixon Knitting book, you have got to check it out. I won't buy a book unless it has at least 3 patterns that I know I'll do--even more if the book is a hardback. Well, there might be 3 patterns that I won't do out of this book.

I have other news, and I'm very, very jazzed about it. My friend Nancy at Designer Hand Knits (sorry, no website--I'm working on her on that) asked me to teach some classes for her this summer! Lace and socks (but not together). Yea, baby!

I have taught a lot of things over the years--flute; piano; tutored in reading, german and algebra; in soccer I've taught coaches, referees and players; and of course, as a stupervisor at work, I train the newbies. But I've never taught knitting on more than a one-on-one basis. Fortunately, Nancy limits the class size to 7, so that makes it easier. But still, I'm already going into hyper-drive and setting up lesson plans, planning on what examples I need to make up, and what other visual aids I'm going to need. Oh, did I ever tell you I'm a little obsessive/compulsive about stuff like this? Teaching, yes. Knitting, yes. Housework, uh, no.

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Harumph

Can't think of a decent title, so that's what you get.

I haven't been able to post. We're temporarily down to one vehicle (I don't want to talk about it), so having to drop off and pick up the Hubster from work means less time around home to get the necessary things done, much less the fun stuff. That doesn't mean I'm not knitting. See, see?

Job #1-Mama's socks all done. She and I are very pleased with the result. And I can't believe the compliments I've received while I'm KIP'ing. I need to find some more of this yarn. It's Sockotta Fair Isle (#6673?). I've seen it in oranges and blue/purples, but I want to make me a pair with this colorway. After I'm off my yarn diet in July, I'll start looking in earnest.


Exhibit #2-The Moderne Baby Blanket from the famous MDK book. On the blog, Ann (Kay?) talked about not wanting to knit the blanket in beach ball colors. Well, that's exactly what I'm going for. A big bright beach ball. The pattern also calls for only 4 colors, but I'm doing 5. After the purple section, I'm adding orange. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it's has grown on me big time.

I've also cast on for the Spring Feet socks. I'm trying to knit these 2 at a time on circulars, but you're NOT interested in a picture of 2 socks about 6 rounds in. Boring! There is also no good way to picture my progress on Amelie. Unless you're titillated by pictures of green, long, skinny rectangles. I didn't think so.


And I'm way, way slow in posting this, but I leave you with the pretty card (yes, it's a card) my SP8 pal sent me. Looks like a hydrangea (lilac?) nosegay. Very nice. Thank you SP8. St. Louis huh? Too bad I don't have time to go blog surfing.

Tuckered Out

I'm really, really tired. The boy child had a tournament this weekend--they took 2nd place--but it meant that I got very little rest. Not that I'm complaining (too much). These tournaments always give us a chance to connect with some really great people (read referees)that we never seem to spend any time with but at the soccer fields or a quick dinner after.

I was able to get a surprising amount of knitting done over the weekend, all things considered. The baby blanket is well on its way. I didn't get anything done on Amelie this weekend (I know I called it Allina before). Like a dork, I left the pattern book at work. Ech! And I didn't even touch Mama's sock. Time to suck it up.

In fact, I'm feeling a little stressed right now because of all the deadlines. I am, and have always been, a list-maker. So here, in an order to get myself together is my To Do list--and yes, it is in order of priority.

1. Mama's sock
2. Spring feet socks
3. Get my Dye-O-Rama yarn dyed
4. Hubster's F.D. socks
5. Nephew's baby blanket
6. SP8's somthin' somthin'
7. Etch some wine glasses for co-worker's wedding

Now, those are all the gifts, and I still want to be doing some things for me, so I guess I'd better get busy, eh?

And of couse, I have no pictures of anything right now. Turn in tomorrow when I'm more rested. I've got plenty to share.

Mission Accomplished

I got the word that my pal got her socks. Since she knew my blog, I couldn't post until I was sure she had them. So, without any further ado:

I give you the Purl Lace Socks from the Socks, Socks, Socks book which was gifted to me by my SP7 pal. The yarn is Lorna's Laces in Lilac, and these were done on size 1 dpn's. I modified the pattern in that I didn't carry the design down the foot. I didn't think it'd be very comfortable in a shoe.

If you'd like to see them gracing her footies, check out Monique's blog.

Spending the day yesterday at COH, I was able to get the heel turned and the gusset just about finished on Mama's sock #2. But I needed a little break from socks. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) In truth, in between my CT scan and Dr.'s appointment, I decided to go check out Skein in Pasadena. Bad idea. Lots of yummy yarns that my LYS's don't carry. Including Jaeger Trinity. It's a silk/cotton/polymide (btw, what animal does a polymide come from? ;D) blend. I picked up color 431, which is a great lettuce-y green. And a pattern book to make Allina (sp?) (It's the green sleeveless top to the lower right.) And it just magically cast on, all by itself. Now if only it would just magically knit itself up.

The Socks Have Left the Building

Finished, blocked and mailed the SockapalOOOza socks. Will post a picture, probably Wednesday. Cause, you know, I haven’t left Mo in enough suspense.

It was a lovely Mother’s Day. The kidalas brought me flowers and the obligatory goofy card. Very sweet. Then the Mama and I went to the L.A. County Arboretum. We were going to go to Descanso Gardens but traffic was so hideous, we decided to cut the trip short and stopped at the arboretum instead. And it turned out really great.

On the grounds is the Queen Anne Cottage that I bet many of you have seen before and don’t even realize it. Remember Fantasy Island? (Da plane! Da plane!) Well Tatu stood in the bell tower of the cottage for that shot.

Most days it’s closed and the best you can hope to do is press your lil’ face up to the windows and peek in. But twice a year they open it up and you can walk through it. It’s a tiny house, but it’s very, very cool to see how homes were built in the early 1880’s. You can read more about it here.

We didn’t take in all the grounds, but we saw plenty. Here's a tiny portion:



It was a warm, humid day, and we pooped out pretty quickly. After a restorative Starbuck's Blackberry Green Tea Frappaccino (you’ve GOT to try one), we headed home.

I only finished one of Mama’s socks, but she was very pleased that I was making her some socks. She was quite tickled that I only had one done. She’s anxiously awaiting the 2nd, so I guess I’d better get busy!

More Catch Up

I suddenly realized that I hadn't posted by answers to the Dye-O-Rama questions. I actually am not too picky--other than no pink!--so I don't know how much this will help/hinder. But it gets it off my to do list.

Your favorite colors? Already answered this to her, but for anyone else who hasn't heard this (several times): GREEN--all flavors.

Preferred yarn weight (Fingering, Sport, DK, maybe even Worsted)? I tend to prefer the lighter weight yarns, but will occasionally go for a project in the heavier weights.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? Depends on the project.

If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn? No preference.

Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)? No preference.

Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it? Earth Song.

What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along? Trying something new.

General yarn/fiber questions:

Have you dyed yarn/fiber before? Just a few times. But I want to do more, more, more!

If so, what’s your favorite dye and method? I'm not experienced enough to have a preference.

Do you spin? I'm going to. Soon. (See previous post of 5/14.)

Have you knit socks before? Yup.

Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too? If it fits the pattern, anything goes.

What are some of your favorite yarns? No strong preference.

What yarn do you totally covet? Anything with Alpaca. Not really applicable for this swap, I know.

Next 4 deleted as I got nuttin' to say.

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Chocolate.

What’s your favorite animal? Other than my dogs/cats?

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? Dogs: Candy-12/Cocker mix; Daisy-2/Beaglador (Beagle/Lab mix); Eowyn-1/Great Pyrenees. Cats: Nubbs-5; Mac-3; Inky-3; Felicity-2 1/2; L.B.- 1 1/2. All but Eowyn are rescues.

If you were a color what color would you be? My favorite color.

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s). Huh?.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? My favorite place (at least up until now): Limekiln State Park.

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. My current favorite: Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.

Do you have a wishlist? Only in my head.

Darn Near Perfect

I woke up yesterday with a great feeling of anticipation. And the day was totally everything I had hoped for and more.


My friend Nancy is celebrating her 3rd anniversary as owner of Designer Hand Knits, and yesterday was her big sale/party. She asked me if I could come help her out. Like I needed to be asked to, as the Hubster put it, “Go play in the yarn.” Got there early, helped, along with several others, her set up, not only in the store, but out into the courtyard of the building that houses her store.
And then the people started coming. And coming. And coming. It was a very busy day, but it totally convinced me that in my next life I want to own a yarn store. Oh, and a spinning store. Definitely, a spinning store.

When I wasn’t helping with other’s knitting and the yarn shopping, I was drooling over this:

The lady with the apron is Patty, and she’s my new guru. I pestered her with a ton of questions about spinning. And she’s going to teach me how to spin! Yeah!!!!!!!

And I am inordinately proud of this:
My first, very crappily spun yarn. But that’s o.k. It’s a start, and I didn’t suck too badly. So I have a spindle and a little bit of roving, and I’m going to work on that, and Patty’s going to teach me how to work a spinning wheel. She only has 30 or so wheels.

The energy flagged about 3:00, so I headed home for a nap. But the day wasn’t over yet. Nosiree. We had tickets to a concert. And what a concert. Country music this time out. Josh Turner, who’s voice can melt butter. (The Hubster threatened to bring a drool cloth along.) His set was too short for my taste, but he’s only released 2 albums so I knew we weren’t going to hear a lot of him.

A short break, and then Sara Evans took the stage. Goodness, that lady has a set of pipes. My fav. female singer for years has been Martina McBride, but I’ve got to say that Sara now takes a close second.

Another short break, and then Brad Paisley. Now, I have to say that up till now I have not been overly enthused with by Mr. Paisley. I mean, he’s had some good songs but he’s never been on my must-see list. Well, y’all, he is now. What an entertainer! And can someone please tell me how I have been oblivious to the fact that the man can wail on a guitar?

Overall, a totally great combination. Total music time was well over 2 ½ hours. And we had great seatmates. Lots of fun all around. The only downside? And these are obviously paltry, I hesitate to mention them. We’ve been to so many concerts lately where flash photography isn’t allowed, I purposely left my camera at home. And second, it took us almost an hour to get out of the parking lot. If you’re in Southern California and want to go to a concert in Hyundai Pavillion at Glen Helen, be prepared to wait in the parking lot. The sound system, stage and seating make it a really great venue, it’s just that ingress and egress is only on 1 small road, so the cars really back up.

Other than that, a totally great day. And the greatness promises to continue through today. Mama is coming over after church, and we are headed to Descanso Gardens near where we will have a little one-on-one time with some fantastic flowers. And the SockapalOOOza socks will be finished by tonight. Provided they dry by morning (which is not really an issue, as warm as it is today), they will be outta’ here!

So I will just say a quick Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there, and I’ll see you later.

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh

Look what I found when I got home last night. A return address I didn’t recognize. Could it be?

It didn’t take long to rip the box open and peruse the contents. No pictures of the stuff inside the box as I was too busy investigating everything.

Postcards. Yes plural. My wonderful pal lives in far off Japan, but was born and raised in Missouri. Quite the difference in locales there. Some lovely dark chocolate with mint that had to be immediately sampled. Yum. The little cake was intriguing. The labels, front and back, are ALL in Japanese. Not even a hint as to what it might be. Sniff, sniff. No clue there. Fortunately, her letter, on the lovely stationery with a picture of Mt. Fuji on it, says it’s “green tea soap.” Oh goody! Can’t wait to give that a try.

But the piece de resistance (aren’t I bi-lingual are these days).

Socks in Broncos colors! For when I’m watching my beloved Broncos play next winter. Her letter provided quite a chuckle. She writes, “As a life-long KC Chiefs fan, I hope you appreciate the sacrifice involved in making Broncos socks!” Sacrifice recognized and appreciated. For the uninitiated, the Chiefs and the Broncos are in the same division and, as a result, play each other 2 times a season. Quite the rivalry. The only team the Broncos like less than the Chiefs are the Raiders--and nobody likes them. But that’s for another post.

My pal is Rachele, and I feel very, very lucky. Her plate is very full these days and I'm amazed she was able to crank these babies out. I’m really looking forward to spending some time getting to know her. Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachele. Job well done.

Socks on Board

Well, I'd love to show you the lovely package that I discovered upon my arrival home today, but &$^#* Blogger isn't letting me upload any pictures. Suffice it to say, my sock pal did great. As soon as I can get some pictures up on this &$(%) blog, I'll share.

Now, no time to waste, I'm coming down the homestretch on my pal's socks. See you at the finish line!

Catching Up

Too much time has passed since we had the Relay for Life. But I wanted to get this out there.

My family and friends were quickly on board when I first signed up for the Relay as team captain. Little did I realize that when I signed up in February, months of planning and fundraising had already been going on. So our team had a little bit of a late start. But I'm quite proud of my crew. With just a few people doing the funraising, and in less than 2 months' time, our little team raised over $2,100. Such a small sum in the fight against cancer, but adding our little bits to other people's little bits make for a lot of bits.

It's hard to believe after today's temperatures in the low 90's that 2 weeks ago we were walking in cold and rain. We got there about 7:00 a.m. to set up camp (one of the pictures I can't seem to upload). Our team's theme was Hope on a Butterfly's Wings, and our shelter was covered with butterflies.
Each one of the little butterflies has the name of friends and family or family and friends of friends who have had cancer. Too many butterflies.

The camera batteries died just as the opening ceremonies started (of course), so I don't have any pictures. The ceremonies were very moving, even if they did start late. They started with the usual thanks for coming and participating speeches. Then they had the survivors' lap which I walked. It was very moving. Then the Relay began. There were a number of high school teams. During the opening hours of the Relay, they were very energetic and high spirited. It was kind of fun to watch them poop out as the day and night progressed.

Our team had 18 walkers all total. Unfortunately, they weren't all together at one time to get a group picture. But I want to thank Jody, Donn, Jackie, Chris, Vanessa, Nick, Bill, Gabriel, Ted, Ruby, Jimmy, Amy, Mary, Mama, the Niecelet, Girl Child, Boy Child and of course the Hubster for participating. Many thanks too, to those of you in Blogland who contributed.

The Niecelet spent the majority of her walking time like this (cell phone connected to ear).

I spent the majority of the time like this (knitting).


At dusk, they lit 100's of luminaria surrounding the track. Each of the luminari had the name of someone with cancer. Too many. They also had luminaria up in the stands. The whole thing was beautiful. It rained during the night, making walking a bit miserable (although we had plenty of umbrellas and rain ponchos). Morning dawned bright and beautiful--hardly a cloud in the sky. Too bad the relay couldn't have been a day later.

Even though I felt crappy from fighting my stoopid infection and the weather was less than ideal, the family was already thinking hard on ideas for next year's Relay. Because, of course, what we are all working toward is a

Another Contest

I saw this on The Knitted Purl. Oh my, have you seen the Gracie & Co. Needles. Gorgeous!

Here goes:

I would love a set of Gracie & Co. needles because one of the big reasons I knit is the wonderful feeling I get from the natural fibers sliding through my fingers. By extension, I use mostly all wood and bamboo needles for the wonderful organic feel of them in my hands. You just can't get that from a metal or plastic needle.

And there you have it. Short and sweet.

Big Tease

I know I keep promising a big update, and I will. No, really. I've just run into some difficulty with my Sock pal socks, which will be amusing (in about 30-40 years), but I'm having to redo sock #2. I was really sure I'd be done by now, but somehow, while sock #2 was sitting in my car while I was in the hospital, there was some weird chemical change to the yarn that lightened it substantially. I'd say it was sun damage, but it was inside a plastic bag under a jacket. Heat maybe? I don't know. All I do know is I've had to start from square 1. But no worries, Mo. I will have them to as like I promised. Your patience is soooooo appreciated.

Although I haven't received my socks yet (not complaining, mind you, just using this by way of introduction), the postman has been busy making deliveries to my domicile.
Exhibit A:

2 of the hottest knitting books out there. Amazon was offering a package deal for the 2 of them together. How could I resist. I've only been able to skim through them. They look as great as all the talk out in Blogland says they are.

I also got my Knitpicks order. It came really fast too. 3 skeins of Dye Your Own Wool for Dye-O-Rama, together with a book on dyeing yarn, and some goodies to spoil my SP8 pal. And, the Fair Isle sock pattern. And, uh, some sock yarn for the Fair Isle sock pattern.

I completely fell off the wagon (all on 1 day though), and got some Opal Prisma yarn in green and Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn in the Birches colorway. Both were on sale, and just jumped in my bag. What can I say?

Pictures of all the yarn-y goodness will be forthcoming. No, really.

In Lieu Of . . .

In lieu of a post with substantive content, I give you the meme that I've seen several places:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open it to page 161.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence along with these instructions.
5. Don’t search around and look for the coolest book you can find. Do what’s actually next to you.

The east coast comprises a labyrinth of straggling peninsulas, with hidden coves between plunging headlands.

From The Rough Guide to New Zealand describing the Northland province of New Zealand's North Island.

What can I say, I've been keeping this and another travelogue close by while preparing for our trip.

I have lots to update, but as I've been spending a little more time at work everyday, I have also been spending a little more time in bed sleeping. It was a good weekend, if too short. Mama really liked the shawlette I made her, as well as all the attention she got from la familia. And, she liked all the birthday wishes from blogland. Thank you!

A really good post soon, I promise!

Sing Along

Knit a little, clean a little, knit a little, clean a little, rest, rest, rest, knit a lot, clean a little more.

Sung to the melody of Pick a Little, Talk a Little, from the musical The Music Man

I know, it’s probably way before your time for most of you, but that basically sums up my weekend. My stamina is not improving at a pace I’d like, but since I don’t want a relapse either, I’m trying to be prudent and mot push too hard. But since the rest of my family seems to be able to live in filth up to their eyeballs, it’s not easy.

Yesterday was my Mama’s birthday. This remarkable lady is a force of nature. You would hard pressed to guess her age. I have been hugely blessed to have her as a mother. She is a big reason I am the woman I am today. She will drop everything at a moment’s notice to aid those she holds near and dear. Everyone she ever meets immediately falls in love with her. And, don’t bother to shake her hand, she’s a hugger. (She even hugged the teenager to rear ended her and totaled her car.) But don’t get on her bad side. She can be scary I tell ya. (Something else I got from her.) I absolutely adore this woman. Here’s hoping for many, many more!




In other news, the SockapalOOOza socks are progressing, although not so much yesterday as we were busy with birthday celebrations. But since my pal discovered my blog (Hi Mo!), I’m going to prolong her agony by not showing any pictures. Yet.

Moving on--I get Berroco’s Knitbits by e-mail, and I have to say most of the patterns are something I would NEVER in a million years do. But just about the time I think I should unsubscribe, some little goodie comes along like this:


I know, it’s a silly little keychain, but I have loved this colorway of Suede. I just couldn’t figure out what to do with it. And, it’s quick. Like 10 minutes. (O.k. 15. It takes way longer to cut the yarn than twist it up.)

Suede is not my ONLY yarn purchase. Nope, I bought these:

To make a mitred square baby blanket for my nephew. Too bright? I don't care. I love these colors. But are you listening SYAC people? No sock yarn purchases for over 6 weeks now. Oh yeah!

And because I have been so text heavy lately, here’s a gratuitous kitty picture. I normally will have 1 or 2 cats perched close by when I’m on the couch, but since I got home the hospital, we’ve been having nightly fights over who sits on mommy’s lap. Here were last night’s winners: Inky (White/Brown), L.B. (Grey tabby), and Mac (black).

Well, back to it. (Knit a little, clean a little . . . .)

Look Ma--2 Hands

This totally crappy picture is to show that I am sooooo happy to have 2 usable hands once again. As usual, things didn't go quite as I hoped and I didn't get cut free until this morning. But! I don't care! I'm. Free!

Much knitting is being done. I still don't have a lot of stamina, but I can definitely knit. I have to say, though, that I'm not sure what was better--being able to knit again or this morning's shower; the first in many days.

Another bit of exciting news: I've been wanting to learn to spin yarn (yeah, I know, like I need another obsess..., er, hobby). I've tried learning how to work a drop spindle on my own with limited success. I have, up until yesterday, had little success in making contact with anyone with the requisite knowledge. But at lunch time yesterday, I decided on the spur of the moment to drop into my LYS. As I walked in, one of the other regulars looks up and says, "You knit socks, don't you?" And she introduced me to my new friend. Who spins. And who wants to learn to knit socks. Sometime in the coming weeks, we'll be getting together to trade knowledge. It's a match made in heaven. Yeah!

Gotta go now. Must. Knit.

Yarn People Are Taking Over The World

O.k., so it's not knitted, but a guy who covers a car in yarn can't be all bad.

Check it out here.

Been a While

Despite my protestations about being bored spitless, I have not spent any time on my blog (although I've spent lots of time surfing). Doing things 1-handed doesn't twice as long, it's more like 4 times as long, so typing isn't real high on my list.

But because Secret Pal 8 is starting and I can cut and paste a lot of this, I'm posting today.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I'm an alpaca addict. I'm not much of one for novelty yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have 3 generations of needles/hooks, and so I keep them in a ginormous plastic divided case. Not pretty, but it keeps everything together.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I was originally taught when I was a kid, but have only really picked it up in the last 3 years. I would put my skill level at a beginning advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope--too lazy.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I am definitely a "spice girl" in this regard--vanilla, cinnamon and the like. Citrus is another favored scent

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I am a chocoholic from the word go--the darker the better.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Oh dear, I could use up a lot of bandwidth here. I sew, cross stitch, needlepoint, do stained glass, quilling, flower arranging, woodworking, and all kinds of home improvement projects around the house (heck, the house is just one big DIY project). I want to learn to spin, but that's on hold for now.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) It's easier to say that about the only kind of music I'm not wild about is rap and hip hop. Now I don't want to brag, but the Hubster and I have a huge CD collection, and I know there's several CD's in just about every category there is. The computer loves digital music.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? Love, love, love green. Also into turquoise, yellows and oranges lately. I am NOT a pinky pink person.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? As my profile states, I'm married with 2 adult (in age only) children. 5 cats, 3 dogs and 1 bird are my only pets. ;-)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Love scarves and mittens, not so much on the hats and ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace.

13. What are you knitting right now? Socks, socks and more socks (gifts), and baby things for my nephew's upcoming child.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? That's the best kind!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I'm an equal opportunity needler. It's more dependent on the project.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Both, and I wouldn't want to be without!

17. How did you learn to knit? My mother and both grandmothers all had a hand (pardon the pun) in my knitting education.

18. How old is your oldest UFO? Knitting--only about 1-1/2 years. Cross-stitch? My daughter is 20 and I started a Xmas stocking when she was 2 months old. You do the math.

19. What is your favorite holiday? Do I have to pick a favorite? Sorry, but I'm one of those "nuts" who has an article of clothing of Valentines, St. Patrick's, 4th of July, etc., and decorates accordingly

20. Is there anything that you collect? I didn't start the collection myself, but I've been given so many angels, especially since I was diagnosed with cancer, that now I'm hooked.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Nothing I'm particularly antsy to get. Some of the best ideas I've gotten are from other people, so I would enjoy trying a "whatever" that my SP thought was particularly enjoyable. Oh, and no subscriptions.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Knitting continental.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yup. My foot is 9 inches long, 8-3/4 inches in circumference.

24. When is your birthday? October 5.

Well, there you go. Only 30 hours (and you'd better believe I'm counting) until knitting freedom.