I need a break!

I have probably only knit 2 rows all week. We have been so busy with the new house that we are home late almost every night. We have spent more hours at Home Depot than I care to count. We decided to remodel a bit before moving in so all we have been doing is going to the house and making our lists. Hopefully we will be done with the work and all moved in before the end of September. Since this is our first house we have never had to pick out all the little details. Just the paint alone is hard. There are so many choices. This is only part of what we have looked at so far:

The two rows of knitting that I did get to last night were on the Dream Swatch. It was dug up out of the WIP drawer and I don’t know why I ever put it away. I forgot how much I loved this yarn! It is Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport in the Jeans colorway. Again it was from The Loopy Ewe.


Isn’t it pretty? I love how soft the yarn is!

So I hope to get some real knitting time in this weekend. I have only a couple of things to get done. We are kind of on hold until inspections can be done on the house on Tuesday so it seems to be pretty laid back for us. Probably some furniture shopping and more hours spent at Home Depot. Ah, the life of the homeowner… it’s expensive!

Have a good weekend!!

-Michele-

Rough Week

Well the past 5 days have been rough to say the least. I think that the hubby and I have been trough the whole range of emotions and back again. It has been exciting and full of worry. We have learned some hard truths (some I didn’t want to admit) and learned how much we are loved. Finally after all of this we have come to a decision…WE ARE BUYING OUR FIRST HOUSE!! Is it this hard for everyone the first time?? It was definitely a tough decision but we feel it’s the right one for us.

I am happy to say that the Big Bad Baby Blanket is done!!! I am *so* relieved to have that off the needles. Do you ever get that feeling when something has been taking too long to knit? I felt like I needed to finish it. Now that it’s done I really want to cast on for a new sock…But I feel like I have to at least finish the first Purple Eater sock first, or else I would never finish it. Well If I turn the heel soon, it shouldn’t take me that long to finish it. I envy the people that finish a pair a week…

Yarn: Baby Acrylic (I wanted it to be washable…)

Needles: 5.0 mm Bamboo Circulars

Pattern: Big Bad Baby Blanket from “Stitch ‘N Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook” by Debbie Stoller

Pattern Designer: Lisa Shobhana Mason

Date Finished: 8/26/2007


Overall I liked how that blanket turned out. The design is pretty but it is *really* boring to knit. I mean really boring. I thought that the seed stitch border and switching from knit to purl half way across would keep me from just falling asleep, but no. I think the yarn is ok…I could have probably used some superwash wool so it could be washed but at the time I was just learning to knit and I didn’t know if I would even finish it. I didn’t want to buy all that wool and not finish it. I do like the colors a lot too. Would I knit it again? Not on my life.

I may have some more baby knits in the near future…And no they are not for me. I just found out that my cousin is pregnant. Yay!! Now I can fit in some more easy baby knits.

Wish us luck!!

-Michele-

Drama...Ugh...

Why does having family have to include drama? I love my family but I would be a lot happier (and less worried) if everyone was settled, happy and taken care of. I won’t get into all the details now but it just ruined my day…

I don’t have ay progress on the Big Bad Baby Blanket. I have not touched it since the last post. I WILL have it done by Monday though. That’s a promise. I like it but I want it done now! I am about to start the border tonight so I can definitely have it done.

Since I have no progress on the blanket I will update you on the never-ending Scrappy Hat. Instead of 65% done I am now back to 50% done. I stopped measuring it in the hopes that it would grow faster that way. I have been knitting on it when I don’t feel like taking a sock with me. The blanket has not gotten too big for car knitting so it’s either the hat of the sock. I measured it this morning since it looks to have grown a bit. It is officially 11 inches. I thought that I have to be close to being done. Nope.

The pattern says 21 inches…I am halfway again. I am starting to not like this hat. I am seriously thinking of frogging it…but the thought of all the time I put into it. I have 2 skeins of the Kona Bay Wool that I am using. I really don’t want to break into the other skein though. I was hoping to use it for Calorimetry for a friend of mine. What to do…What to do… The top picture is the last progress picture I took and the bottom is from this morning. It’s hard to tell unless you look at them together. :- )

What would you do??

We still have nothing planned for the weekend…Good! I want to knit a lot, sew a little and maybe bake. Well maybe not bake, I wouldn’t want the hubby to roast in the August heat.

Have a Good Weekend!

-Michele-

Stupid Measuring Tape...

I finally got my pal’s info for SP11. It was hiding all this time in my spam folder. She sounds lovely and we have a lot in common. I can’t wait to start the spoiling.

I have been knitting on the Big Bad Baby Blanket the past few days and I am really close to finishing it. I guess I am a little late because the baby it was originally for was born in March. It’s ok, I will keep it for us. I just have a few more rows until I start the border.

I am almost done but I was ready to throw it against the wall last night. I measured it to see if I was ready to start the border and the bottom square was 11”. The top square was at 10.5” so I only needed 1/2” more to go. After knitting all night I measures again and the bottom was 11.5” and the top was still 10.5” How does that work?? I just gave up for the night so hopefully it will cooperate and I can start the border tonight.

I am excited to say that we don’t have a thing planned yet for this weekend. All I want to do is relax with my knitting and a cold glass of cucumber water. If you have not tried that you should. I read about it on a blog somewhere, I guess they serve it in spas. Just put a few cucumber slices in your ice water. Yum! It definitely gets me drinking more water. Geez, it’s only Wednesday and I a already dreaming of the weekend.

Well back to work for me…

-Michele-

Wow, What a Weekend!

It felt so nice to be back sleeping in my bed after what seemed like forever. We had not been home since the 11th.

Stitch N Pitch was awesome!! We had all the muggles saying “Why are there so many people knitting??” Maybe they should have looked at the big screen that said that tonight is Stitch N Pitch night. Duh…It was a blast. I met a few really nice people and got to finally meet Patti. I have been reading her blog forever so it was great to finally get to say hi. She gave me a Ravelry button too. We also got to get our picture taken. It will appear in the SNP gallery here when they get it up. The lady taking our picture asked where the hubby’s knitting was. It took me all of 2 seconds to whip out another project and have him hold it. It was great. He had to be one of the only Indians fans in our section…He said if he caught a Rays homerun ball he’d throw it back… whatever, I just came to knit!

We also got an awesome bag, perfect for knitting projects on the go. It had a copy of Interweave Knits, and Knit.1, some Susan bates dpn’s, a weird two sided crochet hook (Anyone know what that’s for??), and some fun fur yarn. Pretty cool stuff…if you like fun fur. It was great. And the Indians won so the hubby was happy. If you would like to see more pictures you can view my flickr set here.

I worked on my sock during the game and I really got far. I am almost ready to turn the heel now. I got a few comments about the yarn when we were at the game. It is Zen String Lotus Toes in Purple Eater and I got it from The Loopy Ewe. It is so soft but the twist isn’t very tight so It starts to unwind while I am knitting. I still love it.

I also finished the baby hat on Friday. It turned out so cute! I think I will knit up some booties to go with it. I don’t care if it’s done with cheap Acrylic, it still looks good and is soft. At least it’s machine washable.

Yarn: Baby Acrylic in Baby Blue
Pattern: Rolled Brim Hat with Top Knot
Pattern Designer: Laurie Longinotti from KnitList
Date Finished: 8/17/07

Well that’s all for now. This was supposed to get posted yesterday but I have been super busy at work. I guess I should be actually working at work than posting. :-)

-Michele-

Did Someone Say Yarn??

Oh Yea, I got yarn for you.

I finally got my yarn from Knit Picks yesterday. I ordered more of the Memories sock yarn that was on sale. It is 100% Merino Wool and it is nice! The one on the left is Cape Cod and on the right is Rocky Mountain Dusk. I love these colors!

I loved how that yarn knitted up in my Memories Socks.

I also got some Peaches & Cream cotton yarn. I plan on making some Ballband Dishcloths as soon as I get my hands on a copy of Mason Dixon Knitting. The colors are Orange Sherbert and Shades of Green. I don’t really like orange but I love this light shade with the yellow. Yum! (I love how it looks like I got a ton of yarn but I really didn’t spend that much money!)

I am almost done with the baby hat. I moved it on to dpn’s so I can start the decreases. I guess it’s good that I started in blue because I just found out that the mom-to-be is having a boy. Great! I should have it done this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend…What projects to bring!? We are going to the grandparents tomorrow morning so I have to bring a lot of WIP’s to show off, Grandma Bea is crafty too. Then what do I want to knit at the game? I think I am bringing my Scrappy Hat (it’s been sitting in the bottom of the drawer way too long) and the Purple Eater Sock. Oh, and we found out that Grandpa is having a hip replacement surgery in 2 weeks. Not good since he loves to golf several times a week. Hopefully this will make him golf with less pain in the future. The hubby will get to golf with him on Sunday because he probably won’t be golfing for a while.



We are almost done dog/house sitting and it sure was fun. Their little dog Rusty is so funny! He follows me around everywhere. I mean if I get up to go in the next room he’s there, go back to the den, he’s there. He’s so needy, but I love him! As soon as we get in bed he digs to get under the covers too. The bigger dog is Bailey. She is older, but she still tries to follow me too. (only for her it’s for food) I’m gonna miss these guys!






Well I hope everyone has a great weekend!! BTW, I still haven't got the name of my Pal for SP11. Anyone else have that problem?? My Pal already emailed me...

-Michele-

Baby Love

I am so excited for the Stitch N’ Pitch game this weekend. I am looking forward to meeting some of the people I only know by blog. I am hoping that I will get my SP11 pal today too! I am too excited!

I have been working on nothing but the baby hat since Sunday. I am starting to get my knitting mojo back though. Maybe its because I am really close to finishing this little hat. I love baby knits, they are so quick and easy. Nothing gets me going like a FO.

I miss my little girl since we haven’t been home for a while. At least the hubby goes by to feed her and love on her. I need my kitty kisses.


That’s all for now. Hopefully I will have pictures of new yarn soon!! I have been waiting *forever* And I am so not thrilled about this. Even though it will not come near us, it seems like the season is moving now…

-Michele-

Adventures in Fishing

Wow…that needed to be a 3 day weekend. I am pooped. The hubby and I are watching a friend's dogs for the week while they are out of town. Oh and a perk is that we get to stay here:











Beautiful house! (worth about 1.25 million, but who's counting?) Last night we were fishing off of the dock with some live shrimp and I caught a fish.

This is a big deal for me because fishing for me consisted of me handing the pole to my dad to bait it and when I caught something it went back to dad to deal with the fish. So me and my non-fisherman hubby are sitting there trying to bait a hook with live shrimp (Did you know they jump!?) and get it into the water. Hilarious. As soon as my bait hit the water I got a bite. I screamed for him to go get the camera while I reeled it in.


My hook was barley on the fish so as soon as it was out of the water it came off and fell on the grass. Now he’s trying to get a picture and I am trying to get the fish back in the water and the fish is flipping around. I can only imagine what the neighbors across the canal thought of this… At least we had a friend with us. This was the heron that wanted our shrimp. He was getting a little too close. Even though it was kinda icky, we had a blast.

I did a bit of knitting and a bit of sewing over the weekend. I made a couple more drawstring bags on Saturday. I just love these for on the go knitting and they are so quick and easy.

I also started a baby hat to test out the Knit Picks Circular Needles. I knew that I would love them! This is just in some baby acrylic that I had lying around. You know, the stash from before you knew there was better yarn out there. : -) I have a lot of that. The pattern is for a rolled brim baby hat with a topknot. If it turns out ok it will go to someone my mom knows that is expecting

That’s all for now. I haven’t been knitting nearly as much as I have wanted to lately. Life is too busy sometimes…: -)

-Michele-

Upcoming Events

I get so excited when I get new yarn. This is Knit Picks Memories in Yukon. I liked knitting with this on the Memories Socks and they had it on sale. In fact I just ordered some more. Can’t beat $3 a skein!

I have been really busy lately so I have not been getting much done in the way of knitting. I have been working on the Purple Eater and noticed that I haven’t posted on my progress lately. It’s just going to be a simple toe-up sock though, nothing special.


It seems like there are a ton of fiber related events happening in central Florida soon. I have been trying to keep track of it all so I will list it here.

• August 18, 1007 Stitch N’ Pitch @ Tampa Devil Rays Game

• September 14-16, 2007 Florida Fiber-In in @ Hampton Inn/Courtyard Cocoa Beach

• November 16-17, 2007 Orlando Needlework Show @ Orange County Convention Center

• February 21-23, 2008 Sewing and Quilt Expo @ Tampa Convention Center

As of now I have tickets to the Stitch N’ Pitch and I am going to the Fiber-In and Needleworks show. We’ll see if I can go to the Sewing Expo. I really want my mom and aunt to go too!

Let me know if you are going to any of these. There are already little groups meeting up at most of them.

Time to go home! Have a great afternoon!

-Michele-

SP 11 Questionaire

It’s almost time for SP11. I filled out the questionnaire for my pal. I haven’t got my pal yet and I can’t wait! I will give you fair warning, there is no knitting content ahead. I was super busy this weekend and got maybe 2 rows in. Well, enjoy! And feel free to email me if you have any questions!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

**I like to knit with Claudia Handpainted for socks. After only a couple of pairs I like it the best. I also like Knit Picks Shine and Swish Superwash. I haven’t tried very many yarns yet. I love the soft merino’s for socks. I haven’t met a fiber I don’t like, except maybe Acrylic. But it always has its place!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

**I have all my straight’s in a vase on my bookshelf but I store the ones I am using in a drawstring bag with the project.

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 crochet when I was little but it never caught on. I learned to knit about a year ago and it has become my obsession. I wanted to learn but it just wasn’t working until my hubby’s aunt showed me. Then it all clicked. I think I am intermediate, I have a lot to learn!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

**Yes, I love to read! You can find it here.

5. What's your favorite scent?

**I like to wear body sprays from Bath & Body Works like Warm Vanilla Sugar and I love Victoria's Secret perfumes.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

**I like dark chocolate and sour candy. Either that or desserts. I love to bake or cook.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

**I don’t spin but I want to learn. I also like to sew, and cook and I used to scrapbook.

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 all kinds. I mostly listed to Today’s Hits, Classic Rock, and 80’s. Any type of file works for me.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

**Really anything as long as they look good together. I love purple and green, especially together. I don’t really like orange though, unless its in a good color combo.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

**I am married but no kids yet. I have one cat, Jessie and a rabbit, Lenny.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

**I do wear scarves, mittens/gloves. I like poncho’s but I have never owned one. Hats? Well, it would have to be kind of big to fit me, I have very thick hair!

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

**I love to knit socks. Other than that I knit a little bit of everything. I have knit purses, gloves, scarves, a baby blanket. I am now starting to get into sweaters and tops.

13. What are you knitting right now?

** I always have socks to take with me. Other than that same as above. There is a WIP section on the side bar with progress pictures of what’s on the needles now.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

**Of course! I love to think that someone spent all that time and care just for me.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

**I usually use Bamboo straights, but I like the Knit Picks Circulars.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

**Nope. I wind by hand : -)

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

**9 months, not too bad!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

**My fave holiday would have to be Christmas. Everyone is so cheery! As for my fave time of year, that’s Spring. I always feel so refreshed.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

**I guess I’m starting to collect sock yarn! I also have every book by Nicholas Sparks. He’s my fave author.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

**Well, where do I start! I have my book list at amazon here. I have been dying to try Duet Sock Yarn, Yarn Pirate, Yarntini and Wollmiese. I set my hopes high huh! I want to get a set of Knit Picks Options needles and I really want to try Nancy Bush sock patterns. I don’t have subscriptions to any mags but I pick up Knit Simple fairly often.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

** I am dying to learn Magic Loop and try 2 socks on 2 circulars. I also want to try my hand at lace.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

**Why yes I am. My foot is a whopping 9 in around, and 9.5 in long. I wear a size 9 shoe : -)

23. When is your birthday?

**My birthday is October 8

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

**Yup I’m in! My ID is Micjones

I hope this gives you a clue to who I am. Have a good day!!

-Michele-

Rock On!!

Apparently I rock. Angie over at Stomping Through Mudpuddles nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. I am flattered! I have only had a blog for a couple of months and someone thinks I'm cool!! Now I have to nominate 5 more people.

There are so many blogs that I read so it's hard to choose!

1. Angie- I don't know if this is cheating but girl you rock! Even though we did just meet a few weeks ago I feel like we have been friends forever. You are an amazing woman, mother and wife! I can't wait to tear up the town with you, knitting needles in hand!!


2. Alyson- Girl, you sure do keep me entertained! From your crazy pets to your knitting husband, you have it all. We have never met before but maybe we will someday! You even got to meet the Yarn Harlot! Too cool!


3. Sheri- The Yarn Connoisseur. I can't believe how fast The Loopy Ewe has become a worldwide addiction! You are awesome and take such good care of all of your Loopy Groupies! Happy one year anniversary!


4. Patti- Your blog was the first that I ever read, before I even had a blog. I would enjoy reading about all the places you would go since you are in the same area as I am. It was so nice to see another knitter in Florida. You really inspired me to get out there and find the other knitters.


5. Kris- I just recently added your blog to my blogroll and I love it! Again it's nice to see another knitter in my area. Thanks so much for helping me answer my knitting questions!

Now I'm off to a friends for a BBQ. Its been a busy week. At least the hubby got to relax and golf this morning. He scored an 88, his lowest ever!! I am so proud of him!

-Michele-

A Tropical Paradise Awaits Me

Thanks for the well wishes. You guys really cheered me up! I am in a much better mood today. After reading my last post I decided to do something about my funk, so I got up and cleaned the house up and even baked a cheesecake. We were going to a friend’s house for dinner and I can’t show up empty handed! I’m sure my better mood also has something to do with us going to The Keys in Oct.

Um…Yea that definitely helps!! We were at my Boss’s house last night and they let me in on what the “details” of my job include. They have to go to a wedding there in Oct and wanted to know if the hubby and I can come along and help keep an eye on their 3 month old. He’s a sweetheart and I’m totally not worried about that. So cool!! We are so excited. We will be staying in a beach house in Islamorada. We have never been there but have been planning to go.

So I finally got my email for Secret Pal 11 signups and I’m in! I can’t wait. There is also a contest going on to design a button. I have never made a button before but I decided to give it a shot. What do you think?













I happen to like the one on the bottom. In the backround of the first button is Alice’s Garden from White Willow. The button on the bottom features my first Jaywalker sock. Love those colors!

I have not touched my knitting since the last post. I have been busy. I will probably work some more on the Big Bad Baby Blanket and Purple Eater sock this weekend. I don't know if I want to continue with the Horcrux Socks. I haven't decided if I like worsted weight socks yet.

And to leave you with a smile on your face I have a picture of Jessie.

She was trying to sleep and I was trying to take her picture.

Have a great weekend!!

-Michele-

Funky Cole Medina

Ugh. I am in a funk.

I don't usually complain but this has been going on for close to a month and it's not like me. I usually try to keep myself in some type of a schedule. If I don't have a designated day for things, they seem to pile up on me. I usually clean and do laundry on the weekends and try to cook every night. Seeing as we don't have any kids this is not hard to keep up with. But lately I haven't wanted to do anything. I haven't really cleaned the house in over 3 weeks. My house is not a pig sty, we clean up but I haven't really cleaned. Saturday comes around and the laundry doesn't get done. I end up doing just what we need for Monday. I still have been cooking most nights but it's really hard to think of something to make. And I love to cook. Even my knitting's lagging. I am still knitting but I just don't feel like it as much as I used to. I also dread going to work. Well, it's not that bad, I do love my job. It just seems so hard to get anything done while I'm there. I feel bad that I am there all day and have been pushing things to the side on my desk. All I have been wanting to do is read. I still love to lay in a warm bed all morning and read a good book. But what to read...

Now I am not going to bore you with my complaints any more. I started the Horcrux Sock again. I got the ribbing done and am on the pattern part again.


I don't seem to have any problem buying anything lately though ;-) My newest acquisition would be the Knit Picks Circulars that I got today. I wanted to try them out to see if I like them. I have heard so any good things about them. I can't wait until I can get my hands on a set of Knit Picks Options needles.


Oh, I almost forgot. I think I have an alligator nest in my backyard. We have heard them the last few nights and they are loud. They have a cry that sounds kind of like a squeak but deeper. I am freaking out! We don't live on the water with a dock and all that but we do live on a canal. The canal is at the end of our backyard. I am worried and wonder if I should call animal control. If there are babies there is a mama near by...


Well I hope everyone else is having a better day than me!


-Michele-