S.E.X. with Ewe

The Loopy Ewe, that is...Baby in Pansy Golightly

Starry in Green Lantern

Smooshy in Malibu Sail

Drum Roll Please...

I promised I'd draw a winner today for the Namaste Clutch and I did. artfulstarfish dat be u!!!

A huge thanks to Robyn for helping me figure out how to post my little photo from random.org. I swear I shouldn't be allowed near technology these days.

And last but not least, I'd like to wish my daddy a very happy 61st birthday today! Even though he drives me crazy some days, he still lets the sun out every morning and hangs the moon every night.

Movie Night

I took the girls to see Sex and the City 2 last night. Dan's girlfriend couldn't wait to see it, Darcie didn't want to see it but went because she likes Dan's girlfriend, and I was just excited to get out of the house. Verdict? We all loved it and are really hoping there will be a SATC3. If you get the chance...go see it!

Cables in Cotton

We're having a heat wave. The air conditioning doesn't seem to be able to keep up. The pool isn't opened yet. I barely want to knit but I have managed a little work on the Cable-Eight. And maybe a sock or two. How much longer until fall?

Clubbin'

March Sock Yarn from The Loopy Ewe

May Sock Yarn from The Loopy Ewe

Sock Lite Yarn from The Loopy Ewe

I scored the March and May sock yarn kits from The Loopy Ewe on Ravelry and I'm so glad I did. I already filed the patterns and took care of the goodies so I didn't get to photo them but they are great!

The Sock Lite kit was the consolation package for those of us who wanted to join the sock club but weren't chosen. While I'm still a little sad for not making it in, I am thrilled to have gotten the chance at this kit. It is amazing! String Theory Caper. Yum!

Oh My...

Madelinetosh Tosh Sock.

From top to bottom: Stovepipe, Vermillion, and Celadon.

Excuse me while I wipe up the drool.

Fishy Fishy Fishy Foo

This is Goldie. She belongs to Dailaesse. She swims back and forth like this begging to be fed as soon as someone walks in to Dailaesse's room. Bran thinks he has her trained but Dailaesse and I know it's the other way around. She begged for an hour straight last night and Bran fed her off and on the entire time. Who do you think is smarter, Bran or Goldie?

Jay Walking

This first sock was done weeks ago and the other is half way there. I really love this pattern and yarn! The yarn is Online Holiday Color 1002. I'm not sure if it's something that's still available or not. A quick search didn't turn up any stores that had it. Sue did have it at the store about 3 years ago. Yes, that's how long ago I started these. About time I finished them, don't you think?

Today's English Lesson

Dan came home sometime last week and told me he had learned a new acronym.

I was quite impressed when he told me what an acronym was and couldn't wait to hear what it was.

FINALS

F*ck
I
Never
Learned
Sh*t

Obviously not. He was quite disappointed when I asked where the A was.

I'm so glad he graduates this year.

That Was Random

Dailaesse: Mama, you smell good like turkey.

Me: ???

Dailaesse: I love corned beef!

Me: ???

It's a slipper! It's a sock! It's a slipper sock!

Back over the winter a sweet little old lady came in to Sue's looking for some bed socks. She wanted them to be wool and was hoping she would find some already made at the store. When she didn't find them she wondered if we might know someone who would knit her some. I went searching through Ravelry and came up with something somewhat close to what she described and started knitting. She loved them! If you're interested, you can find the details here.

Wanna Win?

I have a Namaste Mini Clutch (photo straight from their site) that's been hanging around the house for some time now. I ordered it thinking I could use it as a wallet. The problem is that I keep way too much stuff in my wallet because I don't typically carry bags. Well, I carry my knitting bags but I don't like to drag them through the stores with me when I'm shopping. So this was just a little too small for what I needed. It's brand new. Never used. If you'd like to have this awesome clutch just drop me a note in the comments for this post and tell me so. Be sure to leave me a way to contact you on Tuesday, June 1st when I draw a winner.

We Have A Winner

Dailaesse and I took a little stroll over to Random.org this afternoon to plug in some numbers so we could get a winner for the buddy and yarn. I have no idea how everyone else manages to get the picture from their screen into their blog posts. I couldn't make it happen. The best I can do is to copy the info from the PDF I created from the page and past it below. Some days I just can't win.

True Random Number
Generator
Min: 1
Max: 3
Generate
Result:
2

Anywho, we went from the first entry to the last and Leslie was numero dos. It's already posted and I hope she enjoys it! :-) Stay tuned because soon I'll be posting a contest for a Namaste Small Clutch. And this one is brandy dandy new!

Knit Along With Me

I'm hosting a knit along with Adirondack Yarns for a super cute linen cardigan. The yarn is Maggi's Linen and it has the nicest drape. Perfect for summer knitting! The pattern will be a mystery but if you prefer to see it before committing to the purchase please let me know and I'll send a link to you. You just have to promise to keep it a secret for all those who love the thrill of a good mystery! ;-)

We have a thread on Ravelry if you are a member there. If not, here are the specs:

SIZES: XS(S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Chest: 33(37, 40, 44, 48, 51, 55) inches Length: 18(18, 18, 20, 20, 23, 23) inches

PRICES (includes priority shipping in the US):
XS & S - $48
M & L - $64
1X & 2X - $72
3X - $88

COLORS:

You can reach Sue by calling 518-523-9230 or by emailing her to order.

Suggested needle size is a 24” or longer US 8 (5.00mm) circular.

Start date? How about the first clue (which will include gauge info) will go out next Friday, 5/21?

Snug Like A Shrug

Dailaesse was bored one night and started looking through patterns. She saw this one and asked if I could knit it for her. She picked out a skein of Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool (if you've never knit with this you should really try it, great yarn at a great price!) at Adirondack Yarns and we were off to the races.

I decided if I was going to put my time and effort in to a hand knit that I was going to make it worth my while. So I lengthened the sleeves as well as the lace portion of the bottom. And it still only took one skein. I know she doesn't looked completely thrilled with it (this picture was taken just before heading out to church one evening when she would have rather stayed home to play) but trust me, she is. She really loves it since she chose the pattern and the yarn. It's gotten lots of wear which makes me quite happy too.

One Mitten, Two Mitten

Pink Mitten, Blue MittenAnd a Thorpe. Just as she requested. She didn't want to put them away at the end of winter. I worked the set in Lamb's Pride Worsted. Thorpe was worked double stranded throughout.

Topping Supreme

This is the beginning of my Cable-Eight Top. I'm working it in Universal Supreme Cotton. I love this pattern! It's so easy to memorize and there isn't even any shaping to deal with although I think I will alter the neck some as I don't like anything tight against my neck. I will probably just make a slight v. We'll see when I get there. This is the back so I still have time to think. Not as much time as it looks though because that little bit of progress up there was what I accomplished Saturday evening just before bed. I knocked out a couple more repeats yesterday so it has more than doubled. July 1st shouldn't be any problem at all.

I love the feel of the yarn. It's so soft and really doesn't feel much like cotton at all. Do you feel the but coming? BUT, I've found so far (and since you hold 2 strands together throughout I can't say for sure if it's just one skein or both) 8 spots where just several plies of the yarn have been knotted together as well as 1 full-fledged knot. I can't even begin to tell you how much that annoys me. I'm hoping it's just one skein and the rest will be better to work with.

Mother's Day

Wishing every mom a day filled with love, laughter, and lots of knitting in your underwear! ;-)

Wow Wow Webs

Webs is having an anniversary sale this month and Cascade 220 is only $4.99 a hank. How can a knitter resist? I ordered enough for 3 sweaters, 2 for me and 1 for Dailaesse. The magenta will become a Yankee Knitter Aran Cardigan for Dailaesse. The Atlantic and the Chocolate Heather? I honestly can't remember now which patterns I had in mind when I ordered but it will be lots of fun looking through patterns again to figure it out. :-)

Talia With A Twist

Back towards the end of the year we had a KAL at the LYS for this great little vest.

I knit this one for the store using Fleece Artist BFL Aran. I am so totally going to knit one for me too. Sue has gotten some new colors that are amazing. Of course it's Fleece Artist so the colors can't be anything but amazing. I'm telling you, this yarn is to dye for! It is so nice to knit with and it blocks like nobodies business. The day I delivered it to the store I replaced my shawl pin with a nice wooden button. I keep meaning to get a picture of it but I always forget to bring my camera. I made a few modifications to the pattern for our KAL just to be a little different. This pattern is SO well written and so easy to follow. If you knit one, or have knit one, leave me a link in the comments so I can see it!

Are YOU Up For A Challenge?

I am! Sheri over at The Loopy Ewe has put out a mini 6 week challenge for us knitters to knit a short-sleeved or sleeveless summer sweater/tank by July 1st. You can knit from stash but if you want/need to buy yarn Sheri is giving a 20% discount on the yarn you order for your project. I love me a good excuse to buy new yarn! Plus, there's nothing like a KAL to keep a knitter focused. If you want to take advantage of this generous offer just add a note to your order after you place it to let Sheri and the elves know which yarn it is you're using for the challenge and they'll apply the discount and adjust your total charge. I've ordered some cotton for the Cable-Eight Top that's been on my must-knit-list for years. I can't wait to get knitting on it! I think my yarn should be here Monday at the latest. Of course I'm hoping it will be here sooner. ;-)

Anyone? Anyone?

In all fairness to Dexter, I should tell you that he didn't completely destroy my Buddy Case. But he did put his stupid teeth on it. Which made me really upset. Upset enough to not be able to look at my Buddy without wanting to find a new home for Dexter. So I bought a new Buddy.



See the teeth marks on the right in the picture above?

And there on the left side in this picture? Beast. I am showing you this to be fair to my little black bear pup, but I am also showing you this because I just can't throw it away. I finally moved the contents from the old to the new and when I walked to the garbage can I couldn't do it. Honestly, Buddy has a lot of life left to give. Just not to me because it makes me want to take Dexter's. So if you'd like a slightly bitten Buddy of your very own, leave me a comment and tell me why. I'll draw a name at random next Friday, May 14th and send it off to the lucky winner. And to make up for the teeth marks I'll even throw in the skein of Gedifra Fiorista shown below. It would make a great Calorimetry for summer!

The Things I Do For Love

I am not a fan of the Steelers. But hubby is. He's lucky I love him because despite how much I absolutely LOVED this yarn (it's the fingering, btw) I HATED knitting every single stitch of these socks. And what's worse is that I agreed to knit another pair for a friend he works with. The yarn for the second pair has been sitting on top of the computer desk snickering at me for weeks. I guess I should cast on for them soon. At least one pair will be leaving the house.

Birthday Loot

So a couple weeks ago I turned 38. The boys got together and decided to surprise me with something they were positive I would love.



I love it all and I was totally surprised! There are 2 skeins of Cascade 220 2413 Red for legwarmers for Dailaesse, Dream In Color Smooshy Malibu Sail which was wound yesterday for some mystery socks I plan to cast on really soon, Dream in Color Smooshy Still Spruce, Sweet Georgia Superwash Sock Fondant, Cascade Heritage 5601 Black for ankle socks for Darcie, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Avondale, and last but not least is a gorgeous skein of Spirit Trail Fiberworks Sunna Falcon's Eye which will become a pair of socks for my dad. Now I can't wait for my next birthday!

Smells Like Aliens and Hookers

A few little funnies from the road trip to Boston:

1) Not too long after we get on the Northway there is a spot where Border Patrol normally has a road block. There was much controversy over this in years past as there have been many accidents because it sits just around a bend in the road. In an effort to eliminate this problem, the state laid down several sets of rumble strips and put up big flashing signs indicating there may be traffic stopped ahead. As we drove over the rumble strips Darcie (now remember, this is my 14 year old) asks from the back what exactly the rumble strips are. So I tell her they are to get your attention. She then proceeds to tell me that she thought they were to help get rid of illegal immigrants. I responded by saying that in a roundabout way they are and go on to explain the whole road block/accident issue. And she says??? Oh, I thought they were to shake them off the cars if they were hiding underneath.

2) A very excited Dailaesse needed almost constant entertainment on the way to Boston, aka The Hotel with The Pool. One of the games we played was Spelling Bee. Dailaesse and I had been playing alone for some time. Darcie decided she wanted to participate again and asked me for a word. Before I could give her one, Dailaesse shouted out...PROSTITUTE!

3) As we neared Boston Dailaesse wrinkled her nose and asked what smelled. I told her it was big business. We passed through the stench and a few minutes later Dailaesse was trying to ask us about something she had seen. In trying to explain where she had seen it she told us it was just after the air started smelling like farts.

Hotel Room - $155/night
Room Service - $90/day
Entertainment - Priceless

Yarn Crawl v2010.1

We arrived home at 2am this morning from a wonderful trip to Boston. It was short and quick but there was still room for greatness.

Where to start? I guess the beginning would be good. We loaded up the van Wednesday afternoon for our trip. Our first yarny stop was in Lake Placid at my LYS. I'm working on a (secret, sorry folks, it's killing me not to be able to post about it yet too) project and knew I was going to need another ball of yarn. Sue was just back from Stitches South and was heading out the door so I didn't get to visit but a minute but it was still so nice to see her!

Back in the van I continued on my project. I had grabbed a 24" needle for it because my 40" was already occupied. It was working but after a few rounds my hand was so cramped it was ridiculous. Half way between Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs I had to put the project down because it hurt so bad. Queue the perfect excuse to stop at Common Thread, formerly known as Saratoga Needle Arts. I was really excited to see the new store! We found it with the help of Lola (the navigation in the van) and I barely waited for the van to stop moving before I jumped out and ran up to the store. To my horror, it was closed! I hung my head and got back in the van.

Bran, being the kind hubby he is, suggested that there must be another knit shop in the area. I pulled out the trusty CrackBerry and found the Stitchin' Post just a mile or so away. It was 4:45pm so we called before heading over to see if they were open and if they had the needle I needed. Bingo! Off we went. Not only did I find my needle, I also found these beauties:

From left to right we have Berroco Sox Metallic 1369, Kertzer On Your Toes 857, Fibra Natura Yummy 41354, Opal 2067, Opal 2105 (it's 805 in this photo), and Knit One Crochet Too Crock-O-Dye 746.

On Thursday, I finally got to meet Leslie! Leslie drove all the way to our hotel to pick the girls and I up for some yarn crawling. She was sweet enough to research yarn stores in the area and printed out directions for 4 that sounded quite amazing. Sounds great, right? Care to guess how many stores we visited? Zero. Care to guess why we didn't visit any of the stores? It's really quite simple. Leslie left me to navigate. Yes, we had Google directions. Yes, we had a map. Unfortunately, for me maps are about as handy as tits on a bull. My name is Kerry and I'm map-challenged. And let us not bring up the fact that I have navigation on the CrackBerry but didn't think of it until we were already lost. And by the time I finally did remember I had it? The battery was almost dead. And the charger was in the van. With Bran. 7 miles away. At an address unknown by me. Then there was the potty incident. Me, not one of the girls. Folks, you just can't buy memories like these. So we drove around in circles for some time before poor Leslie had to head home. She dumped my sorry, non-map-reading ass off and squealed the tires as the girls and I watched her speed out of the hotel parking lot. Ok, she didn't really leave us standing in a cloud of dust even though she probably should have. She was a real peach about the entire day and still insisted she had a lovely time even though there was no yarn fondling involved. Me? Best. Day. Ever!!! I got to spend time with an incredible lady who means a great deal to me. Hopefully she'll answer the phone next time we're in town.

Friday morning was spent packing up all of our crap and finding ways to kill time while waiting for Bran to get done class. With the help of Lola, I found Knit Purl. Very nice little shop with a great selection of yarns and needles. I may or may not have bought this:

40" 2.5mm Turbo for the new socks I intended to begin on the way home and some Regia 01805.

When Bran was finished class I patiently tagged along with he and the girls as they insisted they had to eat and shop before we started our trek home. You see, I was promised a stopover at Webs!!! We got there with just a little over a half hour of shopping time before they closed the store. OMG!!! If you've never been before you really should. It's as impressive as everyone says it is. Totally overwhelming too. And I wish I had actually taken time to make a list of yarns I wanted for specific projects I had in mind. I've heard that's a must and it truly is. I wish we had more time to browse because there were tons of yarns and needles I wanted to look at. And buy. I made it out with this little haul:

Starting at the top left and working around clockwise we have Galway 604, Cascade 220 Superwash 1919, Madelinetosh Prairie Baltic, Regia 1802, and a new Buddy Case in eggplant because Dexter ate my other one. Damn that dog and his teeth!

That's it. The end of the first yarn crawl of 2010. Not too shabby, eh?

bonjour

French Press Felted Slippers. I knit these in Lamb's Pride Worsted and found the great buttons at WalMart! I gifted them to a family friend who is ALWAYS there no matter what. And when I say no matter what, I truly mean no matter WHAT. They were awesome and I knit them up on evening watching Letterman. Yes, they really knit that quickly. So much fun! I really need a pair of these for me for this coming winter. Or maybe for today as it's cold and snowing. What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Root A Toot Toot

Multnomah by Kate Flagg

Again, knit by me. I totally loved this one too! I knit it with 2 balls of Jojoland Melody. I gifted it to our wonderful across the street neighbor. She's been such a huge help throughout the school year. She works at our public school and just happens to be the secretary in charge of all the homeschooling paperwork. I fill it out each quarter and run it across the road and she takes it to work with her. Such a time saver! She also gathered Darcie's work each day when she was out with the flu for a week and brought it home to me. So. Sweet. She seemed to really like it and I hope she gets lots of use out of it.

Now, I'll bet you're all wondering about the title of today's post. Something funny happened today while Dailaesse was doing her school work. We were sitting next to each other at the dining room table when she all of a sudden jumped off her chair and squatted in the corner. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what she was doing. Even though I should know better, I asked anyway. She said...I'm farting. Ok. Why are you squatting in the corner farting? (I know, you'd think I would learn.) She said...I have to poop and I thought if I let out some little farts I would be able to hold it longer. This kid is always thinking. Always. Needless to say, I sent her upstairs to the bathroom. I guess I should just be glad she loves phonics so much that she'd rather not leave it to go to the bathroom.

Heaven

198 Yards of HeavenA free pattern by Christy Verity.Knit by me in a really pretty green yarn I received in a swap. Love it. It's pretty, easy to memorize, and works up quickly in worsted weight and US 8 needles.

Yesterday

Yesterday we went here...Point au Roche. We searched for rocks.

And shells.

The weather was gorgeous and we had an amazing day hiking the trails, getting our feet wet, playing at the little park, and riding our trusty steeds (sticks we found while hiking through the cedar peppered woods). We enjoyed a grand feast at Taco Bell at the end of the day at the food court in the mall. And the little ones enjoyed a nap during the hour drive home. Amazing indeed.

Monkey(ing) Around

Not the greatest photo in the world, sorry. Trust me when I tell you they are awesome though! This is my first pair of Monkey Socks and they won't be my last. The pattern was so easy to memorize and I love the way the yarn worked out with the pattern. Speaking of yarn, I have no idea who gave this to me but I do remember that it was hand-dyed by a swap pal. It wasn't the greatest to work with as it was splitty but the colors??? OMG!!! And it knit in to the nicest, cushiest fabric. I love them!!! Now I'm off to finish some Jaywalking...

That's My Boy

On Monday, March 22, 2010 my son was among a group of 12 to be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. This is quite an honor on its own, but was made even more special as they are the first ever group of kids from our school to be inducted. Dan has maintained an average of no lower than 97 and hasn't missed one day of school for the past two years in his Building Trades class. It's amazing to see how easily he achieves greatness in the things he's truly interested in.

Way to go Dan! We're so very proud of you for working so hard! (Oh, and he even wore a tie! Without us asking or suggesting that he wear it. My little man is growing up. Sigh.)

Winning Feels Warm

Back a bit before Christmas Mary-Catharine had a contest on her blog. It was quite simple. Leave a comment and be entered for a chance to win some gorgeous yarn hand dyed by a friend of hers. Believe it or not, the random number generator chose me!

When the yarn arrived at the beginning of last week I was so excited that I immediately tore the package open. It was even more awesome in person than it had been on the blog. Since I had been looking at patterns since the day I found out I won, I knew I was going to cast on for a scarf. I couldn't wait. I wound that sucker up as soon as the kids were to bed and started knitting. I didn't like it but thought maybe it would look better if I knit a little more. Nope. It looked like a clown barfed all over it. Yuck. So I ripped it out and began to pout. Then my husband suggested I change my gauge. (It's so sexy when he talks knitting.) And I immediately thought about my favorite mitten pattern knit on size 4 needles. So I cast on for those.

Are these not the most gorgeous mittens you've ever seen in your life??? I am head over heels in love with them! They are colorful and cheerful and will totally brighten even the gloomiest winter day. And they are all mine. Thanks so much again Mary-Catharine!!!