We're on a roll now.

I'm still working hard on the WIP list, although I have been busy knitting on the sample for Black Purl and have finished the back already. Here's the latest update on the WIP's.

The Vivian Hoxbro Sideways Shadow Jacket has 100% of the knitting completed. Now, I just need to graft the back seam together and knit the side seams. Although this seemed to take forever to knit, I love it. I love the yarn, the needles and the colors and the pattern was interesting, with the exception of knitting tiny rows of 340+ stitches.

(This is a picture of one side of the jacket)

I've also finally finished sewing all the bobbles for the Bobbles Everywhere bag. You knit them as round/rectangular swatches and then baste around the edges and cinch them into bobbles. Sounds fun, well it was 100+ bobbles ago. You then have to attach all the bobbles to the purse by tying them on (which fortunately doesn't take as long as you'd think). Then give the ends a haircut... and it's time for felting. I'll felt it later today as I'm taking the kids swimming for a little while so that I can pretend I'm an attentive mother who doesn't long for bedtime each night so that she can sit and knit on the deck 'til her fingers get pins and needles.


I've been reading an interesting group of books lately. (yes, I read lots of books at one time, just like I knit many WIP's). Easy pool and kids sport watching reading is "Devil Wears Prada" it's hilarious and want to see the movie because I love Meryl Streep and I can really picture nailing the role of "her". I've also been reading Leeway Cottage, by Beth Gutcheon, it's a relaxing summer reading book. I just picked up "Amagansett" by Mark Mills as that looked interesting also.

It's Alive!!!!

The computer is up and running. She is behaving beautifully and purring along happily as I type. This weekend was spent in busily updating and restoring files on the computer and spending time with the kids at the annual ChalkFest. Last year, Caleb and I participated in the Chalkfest that is held in downtown Wausau each summer. We worked on a piece together last year, and Caleb was feeling brave enough to step out on his own this year and be a solo artist. Declan decided he would like to participate too, on his own, so I got bored and chalked my own square. The committee hires an artist to come in and draw a magnificient picture each year and make sure we all know what lowly art skills we have, but it's a lot of fun. Over 200 people participated in chalking this year, with tons of spectators coming to watch the fun. It's a fun weekend in the town of Wausau as they also have the Balloon rally held the same time each year. It is a weekend that makes me feel warm and fuzzy about living in a small town that supports the arts and encourages family time. The boys were very excited as they were quoted on the front page of the Daily Herald and felt like stars. Well, here are the photos of the completed items that I've been promising for a week now.
(Left to Right) Reynolds Odyssey Ribbed Scarf for Steve Meg Swansen Unspun Icelandic Lace Shawl Misti Alpaca Sport weight Baby Hat - adapted from Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino pattern Felted cow pattern wool bag - was supposed to be a felted wool hat for Madison, but even though the gauge was right it didn't felt evenly, so we decided it made a perfect purse for Maddie with some dark wooden handles. Still trying to figure out how to attach wooden handles. Any suggestions?

(Left to Right) Deco Ribbon cropped cardi by Black Purl Purple Cascade 220 Felted Ballet Slippers from Felted Knits Pink Cascade 220 Felted Baby Mary Janes from Fiber Trends Reynolds Odyssey Tunic Sweater Pink Baby Rimini Baby Blanket Great Adirondack Fluff Scarf



Close up of the felted baby mary janes and felted ballet slippers. The pictures do not do them justice.

I have completed some other items that are not pictured yet as they need to be blocked. They are a Koigu Charlotte's Web Shawl and a Koigu Elizabeth I Lace Scarf. I'm in the process of attaching the bobbles to the Bobbles Everywhere bag and am weaving in ends on the Louisa Harding Beachcomber Bay Shawl. I also have been working hard on the Vivian Hoxbro Cardi and am on the right front edging (10 rows to go). Then I have to graft together 340 stitches (ahhhh!) and sew up the seams. I've also gotten a few rows done on the Philosopher's Wool sweater, but have quite a ways to go with that one.

I'm so glad that I finally got going on these projects, they were so ridicuously close to being finished and have freed up tons of knitting bags, so that I can add lots of projects from Stitches.

We got a little rain delayed at the Chalkfest on Saturday, so the boys and I stopped in to visit with Beth at the Black Purl. While we were there Beth and I came up with a couple of designs for sweaters for the boys, so I have started knitting the sample for Declan's. It's in a heavy worsted weight Merino and knits up very fast and is going to be beautiful.

Back to some knitting before I have to take kids to swimming lessons, soccer practice and golf lessons. Ahhh! I am a taxi cab, but may have some time in between to get a few rows in.

Rekindling lost love

By making myself buckle down and finish wip's, I've rediscovered how much I loved the Vivian Hoxbro shadow jacket kit I bought at stitches mw last year. I love how every 2 rows you switch colors... And the colors in the fall colorway are gorgeous that I find myself admiring the gradual changes of color. Tht yarn is a delight to knit with and sick and twisted as I am, I love the size 2 and 3 needles. It's so close to being finished and i'll savor these last few days of our relationship.

I'm still without a computer. The geek squad are coming at 8am to fix it. In the meantime, thanks everybody for your supportive comments and for helping me realize I'm not alone in my drowning in ufo's.

Illness

Apparently it's my computer's turn to have an illness. A virus! So i'm sending this post via my treo which isn't the easiest for anything other than quick posts.

I've completed 11, yes that is correct - 11 of the wip's. I even took pictures to post on the blog but that obviously isn't cooperating tonight. Seeing as yesterday was independence day, I decided to buckle down and finish those projects. It was ridiculous how close to being finished they were.

Hopefully i'll get the computer working tomorrow and you can view the finished goodies.

I can receive email but can't respond. So don't feel bad if I don't reply asap.

I have a problem!

No wise cracks! I have a serious problem. I thought that the Fibromyalgia was a serious illness, but apparently I have one far worse ... Unfinishitis, or it's more common name, starter-of-knitting-projects,-but-never-finishing-project disease. This diagnosis can be confirmed by the following evidence.

List of projects not finished...

1. Dale Sisik Sweater - 90% of body completed
2. Dale Agave in Tiur - 2 sleeves completed
3. Louisa harding Periwinkle Shawl from Beachcomber Bay book - 100% knitted, needs ends wove in and button attached
4. Mason-Dixon Knitting Dishcloth Baby Kimono - 80% completed
5. Fibertrends Felted Baby Mary Janes - 100% knitted - needs felting and buttons attached
6. Philosophers Wool Color Your Own Sweater - 2 sleeves completed, 33% of body completed
7. Reynolds Odyseey - 100% of knitting completed, sewn together - needs 5 row collar knitted
8. Meg Swanson Unspun Icelandic Shawl - 100% knitting completed - needs ends woven in
9. Black Purl Cropped Ribbon Cardi - 100% knitted and finished - needs button attached
10. Koigu Knit Picks Elizabeth 1 lace scarf - 100% knitting completed - needs ends wove in and blocked
11. Koigu Charlotte's Web Shawl - 100% knitting completed - needs ends wove in and blocked
12. Rowan Calmer Shrug Sweater - 100% knitted and sewn together - needs edging reknit and blocked
13. Plymouth Baby Rimini Baby Blanket - 100% knitted - needs ends wove in
14. Baby Mist Alpaca Hat - 100% knitted - needs ends wove in
15. Baby Cow felted Hat - 100% knitted - needs sewing, ends wove in and felting
16. Great Adironack Fluff Scarf - 100% knitted - needs ends wove in
17. Felted Purple Ballet slippers for Madison - 100% knitted and finished - needs felting
18. Vivian Hoxbro Shadow Knit Cardigan - 90% complete knitted
19. Debbie Bliss Cashmere Baby Cardigan - 100% knitted - needs finishing
20. Odyssey Reynolds Scarf for Steve - need to lengthen - knit one other ball - (66% complete)
21. Classic Elite Premiere Shrug (own design) - needs shoulder shaping reworked & finished
22. Bobbles Everywhere Bag - needs 192 bobbles sewn & attached to bag - bag needs felting
23. Trekking XXL Lacey Nancy Bush Vintage Sock - 1st sock complete - needs 2nd sock knitted

Obviously there is no denying my problem. Therefore, I have decided that I must complete a minimum of 10 of the above projects before attending Stitches. I think that should be very easy considering that more than half of them are 100% knitted and just need finishing. This goes to proove that I am definitely a process knitter and not a product knitter for those who wondered.

In light of the need to finish projects, I have been sorting through the yarn stash and have come across some never started projects to be destashed. I will be the posting the following on Destash for Cash in a couple days, but first thought I'd give some (if there are any) of my blog readers a chance for first dibs.

Anny Blatt Rustique Yarn - 17 skeins - color Brume 064 (plus extra skein from swatching). Retail was $8.95 per skein so would have been $152+. I'll sell it for $90 OBO

Philosopher Wool Kilim Jacket Kit in Deep Sea colorway with clasps not buttons - retails for $142 so will sell for $90 OBO

(note: blogger isn't uploading pictures for some reason, so I have linked some pics from the web for you to see the yarns)

Anyone interested, let me know at my email - knittinbrit at charter dot net. The yarn comes from a smoke free and pet free home.

Now, I'm off to try and get some of those projects finished. I'll keep you updated.

Delayed Shout Out to Secret Pal's

They say "better late, than never!" Words I live by these days. I finally snapped some pics of the two most recent packages I had received. One from Karla, my Project ColorSwap partner for June and one from ?? my Secret Pal 8 partner.

The first is the colorswap package - Blue was June's color. What a lovely job Karla did when putting this package together. There is so much variety and lots to take in. The fun yarn, that my daugher wants a scart knit out of (we'll see) and then the mints (I consider mints a yarn bag staple), Note pad, Diary, lotions, Knitting booklet, so much more more. Thank you Karla for such a nicley thought out package. I can tell you really put a lot of effort into it.

My Secret Pal 8 partner, outdid herself again, with gorgeous yarn in one of favorite colors (brown) in a silk/kid mohair blend from ArtFibers (hint: she lives by ArtFiber - the Ms. Marple/Agatha Christie sleuth in me is itching to investigate and discover her true identity). There's so much yarn per ball - 515yds. I haven't swatched it yet to see what it wants to become. Any suggestions? Thank you. It is beautiful. I now need to research the company on the web and see what other delicious yarns they have to offer.

I received in the mail on Saturday my registration packet for Stitches along with all the homework. I am SOOOOO excited. I have decided in the meantime to work like a demon to get some projects finished up before I go to the show, and then I'll feel freer to purchase more (like anything stops me). I'm also looking forward to meeting Marji our Tudor Rose Host and the rest of you lingerers who might be in attendance. Let's meet up.

Thank you everyone for the kind words/thoughts on my illness. I'm trying to adjust to the new meds and live with the side effects. Hopefully this will pass soon. But I do appreciate your support in the knitting community. Mostly I appreciate the outlet to express myself and be accepted for who I am not what I am.

Aches and Pains

I'm frustrated! I suffer with Fibromyalgia and the pain has been pretty bad lately. I met with the Doctor on Monday to see what we could do to ease the pain and, as usual, it was throw as many medications at Kim and see which one sticks. I hate taking medicine. But even more, I hate the side effects. I feel like I trade one pain for another. The pain had been affecting (or is it effecting, I can never tell) my desire to knit. Well, not my desire, but my ability. Admitedly, the new medication is helping and the knitting has started back up again.

So, sorry to my Secret Pal 8 and Project Colorswap partner for not getting pics on the website yet of the wonderful packages they sent me. I promise I will get them on the blog tomorrow - no excuses. In the meantime, forgive me if I've not been commenting on my favorite blogs like normal. Hopefully, I'll be back in the swing of things soon.

Ramblings of Crazy Summer Days!

I've been running crazy this week and haven't had a chance to update the blog. I don't want to get on the "naughty list" with the SP8 gals, so I thought I'd post a quick update. Also, I've had quite the week for packages, so I want to thank my swap partners for a fun month of packages.

First, let me say a big thank you to my Dye-O-Rama pal - Karen G. She sent such a lovely skein of yarn that she dyed personally. I think the colors are perfect for a fun summer sock knitting project. She also included some chocolate, you will note that there is no evidence of said chocolate in the photo, as it was promptly eaten. I've told you before, I have chocolate issues. It was delicious - chocolate pigs - mmmm... are you trying to imply something here Karen, if you are - you're right when it comes to choco. She also included some handpainted soap which was very nice, but I forgot to photo it, as my daughter has taken off with it already - claiming it to be hers. Thank you again, Karen. You did a great job. You'll have to walk me through your dye job, so that I do a better job next time.

Next up, my package from my One Skein Secret Pal Partner, who sent me some lovely Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk in my favorite color. It's delicious and I'm trying to decide on projects - any suggestions knitters? Also included was some scrumptious Godiva chocolate - which deceivingly looks in tact in this picture, but the truffles were already gone. This yarn is heavenly and I keep fondling it and picturing different projects in it.

This past week, I took Steve's hummer to Appleton to get it serviced (driving 100 miles for an oil change - does that seem a little crazy to you?) but besides being a kind hearted and giving wife, I had alterior motives. I went to Iris, formerly known as Jane's Knitting Hutch. If you are ever in the Appleton, WI area I would strongly suggest you go there. It is divine. Tons of yarn, beautifully displayed, herbal tea for the drinking, friendly and knowledgable staff. My kids were delighted to be reckonized from their patterns for Black Purl and behaved well, so that I could grab some Rowan Classic knitting books I wanted and some Rowan Soft Baby in pink and blue for some baby gifts. (I know 8 people who are having children during Sept/Oct- apparently it was a cold winter).

When I was in Utah, I had stopped at Piper's Quilts and grabbed 10 balls of Rowan CashSoft DK in pale mauve and 10 balls of Rowan CashCotton 4ply in sea blue. It's delightful and I've fallen hook line and sinker. I'll post pics another time as I'm rushing to get ready for a wedding I'm attending early this afternoon.

The kids made the mistake of looking bored the other day, so I got them to work on a project, tearing out the bricks on the back path that leads to the deck. 25+ ft of pavers later, some new edging and liner installed and I'm still putting the bricks back. I'm sick of it, but am using Marji's method of 10 rows a day per knitting project and applying it to the path. 10 bricks a day, at least and then I can knit 10 rows. I'm 2/3 of the way completed with the path and am 7/8 of the way finished on a baby sweater in Rowan Baby Soft.

Steve took the two older boys and went to Hummer Homecoming this past week (the sturgis of hummer events) in South Bend, IN and had a blast. They took the camera so I couldn't snap any new pics of yarn and projects. I had thought with them gone I would have gotten tons of knitting done, but friends came to visit and the baby sweater is the extent of my knitting completed.

There's the update, it's rather disjointed and not the most thought out post, but it'll serve it's purpose. I'm going to try to take pics of new stash enhancement and project updates. Sadly, Eliz has made zero progress this week.

Goodies on the Doorstep!

We arrived back from vacation very early Tuesday morning and look at the fun package I had waiting for me from Marji, my Colorswap partner.



Let me explain what is was in the photo, plus what is not.

(clockwise from center top): Green purse, that Marji picked up while on vacation - I love this purse! It looks great with one of my favorite summer outfits and I feel like a chic Parisian carrying it (where really I'm just a Anglo/Wisconsinite and certainly not chic)
Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate squares - I have them hidden from the family and have been secretly snacking on them and definitely not sharing.
Tazo Zen Tea - This appeals completely to my British heritage but with a modern zenlike twist.
A pin cushion with thread - my husband loved this gift as he claims he can never find the thread. He wants this kept in the closet, for quick and handy repairs. I believe the amazingly talented seamtress, Marji, made this and I love the fabric.
Lindt Orange Chocolate - what more can I say but I started eating it right away and I know I should have savored it, but next thing I knew - it was gone. Don't worry, I found it, it's on my butt.
Beach read - I devour books, so this will be perfect for basking in the rays (??in Wisconsin) and relaxing.
2 cards - Marji made up for me having misplaced the card to go in her package.
Delicious recipe, that I will make this weekend.
Mountain Colors barefoot yarn - I love this yarn. This is one of my favorite yarns, and I absolutely love the deep colors. Excellent choice.
Blue Mohair/Silk - Don't you love the rich color? and it's so soft. I'm trying to decide what project this will become - any suggestions, Marji? In the meantime, I've been enjoying fondling it.
(Center) An apron - I love aprons as I love to cook, and like to look the part.
(not pictured) Fresh herbs - basil - too die for, I used it today with some fresh pasta, roma tomatoes and fresh parmesan. Marji, plant one on your talented husband for growing such beautiful herbs.

Thank you, thank you , thank you. It was a joy being your partner for May and I'm really looking forward to meeting you at Stitches MidWest.

Vacation update
The travel was very long and tedious, but was much more pleasant than anticipated as the munchkins were ridiculously well behaved - The secret for 1400+ hours of driving - lots of DVD's. I suggested to Caleb that we play the license plate game and explained the rules to him. I told him how I used to play that game on road trips as a child. He then looked at me like I was off my rocker and said "Why on earth would you play that when you can watch movies?" Obviously, road trips are a little different from when I was a child.

Blogging on treo on vacation

It's early thursday morning in Park City UT and it looks like a beautiful day is ahead.

Note: this post is being sent via my treo as I'm on vacation, so please forgive the errors.

We're here to attend a wedding and then have a mini family vacation in PC. Our townhome/condo is a good size for the 6 of us, but the service hadn't put the air on before we got here and it was stifling. It really cool down until the nightime evening breeze kicked in. I miss the mountains and enjoy catching a glimpse of them as I walk past the window.

I don't know how people travel without knitting to entertain them along the way. I usually get my knitting bag ready first and then worry about packing clothes in what space is left. I've managed to getsome work done on eliz and knitted a sock, so vacations can be productive.

I need to run and get everyone up and ready for the wedding... But first I need to put a list of LYS's to hopefully visit.

Here are the pics!

Sorry about that - we're having computer problems today.

I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille!

Finally, I have a pic of the progress on Eliz. I'm enjoying this pattern, but have been trying to finish up a couple of other items in the WIP.

Here is the finished shawl from the class I took at Midwest Masters with Meg Swansen. It's knit with Unspun Icelandic and was easy but interesting fiber to work with. It only used 1 1/2 wheels of the yarn, so was extremely cheap also ($7 per wheel). I'm not sure who will be the recipient of it, as I enjoy knitting shawls but rarely wear them. Probably my mum, or MIL.

My computer is on the blitz today, so I have put the remainder of the pics I uploaded on Flickr, so check them out. http://www.flickr.com/photos/80288420@N00/

Yet another proud mum moment!

It was Madison's turn to make me cry and feel like the proud mum. It was her Preschool Graduation on Friday. We spent a lovely warm day on the top of Rib Mt. playing, grilling and watching the ceremony.



The orange cap in the pics doesn't match her dress, but they were their official graduation hats that they made in class. She did such a nice job and made us so proud. I'll admit I'm not sure that I want her to start school this fall, but she is determined to. I know better than to mess with a strong-willed woman.

On the knitting front - I did cast on for the Tudor KAL on Eliz I. Unfortunately I haven't gotten very far with it, as we have been so busy with activities the past few days. I have also whipped out the bag part of the Noni Bobbles Everywhere bag and am planning on whipping out the 192 bobbles .... yes, I did say 192 ... and will felt it this week.

Seeing as we don't have family within 1,300+ miles we decided we would go and stay at a Waterpark/Hotel so that the kids could have some fun. Personally, as usual, I wanted to go to Chicago, but the kids won the vote. The Dells would seem like the obvious choice, but seeing as half of the MidWest was heading there, we thought we'd stay a little closer to home. We stayed here. Not my usual class of hotel, so I tried not to complain about the room. Despite my reservations we had a blast. Steve and I took turns playing with the younger two in the kiddie play pools and racing down the slides with the older boys. We went out to eat and had fun being a family.

I really needed the good time with the family as I had some very sad news on Wednesday. My Uncle Peter (well, not really my uncle, but I still called him that) died of Bone Cancer. We knew it was coming, but was still a shock. The bigger shock for me was that his ex-wife (who he still desperately loved) was trying to get back to visit with him before he died from California. On Monday he told my dad, his best friend, that he was ready to go, but wanted to see "his" Pauline one last time. She quickly tried to change tickets to get there sooner and was in the air, 4 hours from landing, when he passed. This was so upsetting to me, as my family lives in England and my dad is not in the best of health, and I am afraid that I wouldn't get back in time if something were to happen to him or Mum. I almost flew home on Friday, but decided to wait until July or later this summer for a better planned visit. I loved Uncle Peter. He was an amazing man and will be deeply missed.

Proud Mum Moment

Yesterday was Piano Recital Day for the boys and so not alot of knitting was accomplished. Don't they look so handsome. It's interesting to see the different personalities in these boys. Declan (#2 child) was very nervous beforehand, but played beautifully, not missing one note, everything perfect. Which is exactly how Declan likes things - he's our perfectionist. Caleb sauntered up to the stage, no fear at all. He was very confident and did a lovely job. Although he doesn't enjoy practicing piano, he has such a beautiful sound and doesn't hit but squeezes the piano keys. I'm done bragging for the moment.

(Left to right, Caleb, Mrs. Dix - piano teacher, and Declan)

Now, to the knitting. Today is the official launch of Tudor Rose KAL. I'm very excited to start Eliz I today in deep red Silky Wool. Unfortunately there is some (5+) loads of laundry to be done. Which is beyond me, because as of Friday afternoon the laundry was completely up to date. I guess that's what you get for having 4 kids. Not to worry, I'm still in proud mum stage so I don't mind.

Last night, as I was trying to behave and not start Eliz a day early, I had a serious case of Cast-on-itis. I did dig into the stash and start a Mason Dixon Knitting Log Cabin with some GGH Bali yarn. It will be a fun mindless project to have on the side.

It's a beautiful day for a Cast-On!

Secret Pal 8 - The Real Photos

Here are the real pics of the goodies my Secret Pal 8 sent to me. I hooked up the printer dock and it appears that Best Buy managed to fix it (they did however manage to break something on the camera, but who's keeping score).

Don't the pics look lovely! Now you can see the lovely colors of the yarn. As you can see, I had to taste the chocolate before taking the picture. It was delicious! I have absolutely no will power.

I'm really not shallow

Steve came home early from work this afternoon and gave me a belated birthday card, it was lovely and I instantly forgave him for the delay. Then he and Madison dashed off to Appleton to pick up his Hummer from the dealer (it has practically a new engine although only 5 months old - don't ask - long story). He just returned and had stopped off at the specialty store. He handed me a huge bag of yummy english sweets (candy) and biscuits (cookies). As a dentist he can obviously easily identify a sweet tooth and soft spot.


All is forgiven!

I'm not really shallow - I'm multi-layered. Funnily enough, so is the candy bar.

Who needs a birthday card?

Yesterday was my birthday. Steve was nice enough to buy me a beautiful new phone/pda that I wanted/needed and planned (well, I arranged the sitter) to take me to a movie and dinner this weekend. He also had helped the kids pick out 4 bouquets of flowers and cards for Mother's Day. Yet, he couldn't understand that although I appreciate the gifts etc. - that I wanted a birthday card (or handwritten note would be fine). He didn't believe me when I said that the card was more important to me than the gift. In fact, he may have chuckled at this point and made some "yeah right" comment.

It's amazing - how when he rolls his eyes or makes smartass comments, how I want to beat the snot out of him, but I'm not an abusive wife or prone to outbursts of violence. In other words, I called him an arse and walked away.

A few minutes later he asked me if I would please let him know (writing down would be preferable) what my expectations were for birthdays/mothers day etc. Apparently, 14+ years of marriage haven't taught him anything. I, of course, told him that I shouldn't have to tell him what I want. His immediate response was "Dr. Phil says that you're supposed to ask for what you want and not assume the other person can read your mind." What??? Now this is a man who laughs at people who watch Dr. Phil, so I was a little thrown off base. After a moment of stunned silence I saw the mischievous twinkle in his eye and we both started laughing. Steve then shared with me that his patients all like to watch Dr. Phil while they have their teeth worked on, so he can't help but pick up tidbits of wisdom every now and then.

I love how me makes me smile. There's hope for him yet.

One-Skein Secret Pal Questionnaire

1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)?
Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool in #24 a claret. Because its colors is warm and fiesty, yet appealing. It has the coolness and luxury of silk and the down to earth side of wool.

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?
I love Red, or greys or creams.

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?
Yes, I have mixed results with it. I prefer subtle variations, but did knit a jacket in Manos Lava 105 and loved it.

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?
Natural fibers. I am not a superwash fan unless on occasion in sock yarn.

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?
Center-pull.

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?
Manos Del Uruguay is an organic yarn. I have had mixed success. I had purchased some Araucania nature cotton and was very disappointed with it. I'm up for trying anything.

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?
Too many to list, but here's the tip of the iceberg. Lace Elizabeth I scarf from Knit picks in Douceur et Soie, Merino Angora capelet for sample for Tess yarns, top sample for tess yarns, 5+ pairs of socks in everything from socks that rock to koigu, charlotte's web shawl in koigu, dale agave, philosophers wool color your own, baby sweaters, scarfs, dale in sisik, there are at least 20+ other projects.

8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year?
Yes. I usually end up giving my lace away. I always knit a gift for my mother-in-law and often my children's teachers, gifts for babies and children.

9. What is your favorite one skein project?
Labyrinth Rug or Petal Bib. I love the rug because it could use up a lot of stash and who can resist a cute baby bib, there is always a baby being born to someone you know and a great way to whip up a finished project fast and use the stash.

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?
5+ large storage boxes. I have it sorted by project and then loose skeins by color and type. I also have skeins of yarn in a bronze vase as decoration in my living and tons of yarn and projects stashed throughout the house.

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?
No. There is a project for everything and you can always buy more.

12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer?
No. I knit year round with whatever strikes me or is in reach. I like to knit sweaters during the summer so that I have something new for fall. Living in the northwoods, our summer is very short, and winter/fall weather most of the year so I have to knit year round to keep up.

13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?
Tudor Rose Knitalong, WIP Wipeout, local knitting group at LYS

Dye-O-Rama Questionnaire

Specific to this swap:
Your favorite colors?
Red, green, gold, browns, generally deeper autumnal colors/tones. Although I do like sage green and blues.

Preferred yarn weight (Fingering, Sport, DK, maybe even Worsted)?
No real preference here as it depends on the project.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
I do like solid yarn the best, but like tonal solids and multicolored also.

If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn?
I'm up for anything.

Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)?
Certain blends are more appealing than others. I'm not a fan of acrylic this generally feels plasticy. I love silk (who doesn't) and alpaca.

Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it?
Autumn's Glory

What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along?
The opportunity to try something new and get to know other fiber addicts.

General yarn/fiber questions:
Have you dyed yarn/fiber before?
Once. I used kool-aid dye for a hat for the kids.

If so, whatÂ’s your favorite dye and method?
Seeing as that is the only type of dying I have done, I can't really state a preference.

Do you spin?
No. Would like to, but haven't dared to yet.

Have you knit socks before?
Yes. I love knitting socks, and always have a pair on the needles and in the purse.

Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too?
I have used sock yarn for baby sweaters in self-patterning yarn. In fact, my youngest son was a model for a sample I knit for Black Purl Designs in self-patterning sock yarn. It was one of the hits of Stitches Midwest 2005

What are some of your favorite yarns?
Cascade 220 is a classic and always good to have on hand. I do like Dale and absolutely love Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino. Silky Wool is anotherfavoritee. There really are too many to mention.

What yarn do you totally covet?
Silk blends. Although I'm never entirely sure what to do with them.

Favorite patterns?
I have to say Dale and Baby Dale, Black Purl Designs (I'm biased), Alice Starmore.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
A collection of the Alice Starmore patterns.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
Lantern Moon straights and Bamboo Addi circulars.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
Cultivated Silk by Tess Designer Yarns. It sounds good, but to be honest it would probably be a karabella yarn.

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:
Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
European chocolate. Lindt, pure milk with hazelnuts. Blacklicoricee also racks up at the top of the list.

WhatÂ’s your favorite animal?
My kids. Oh, you meant a real animal. I'm not sure I have a favorite animal, but I am fascinated by sharks.

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages?
We have a house full of allergies, so only goldfish and to be honest I don't know their names.

If you were a color what color would you be?
Red. It's warm and appealing, yet fiesty.

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone elseÂ’s)..
Classic black t-shirts, and I have one Kenzie t-shirt that has some cool applique on it and funky ties.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
An iris. I have always loved the intense colors and interesting shape.

Tell me the best quote youÂ’ve ever heard or read.
I love quotes, here are a few of my favorites -
Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish. - Albert Einstein
It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required - Winston Churchill
It matters not what someone was born, but what they grow to be - J. K. Rowling

Do you have a wishlist?
No

Secret Pal 8 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love the classics - Wool, wool blends, merino, cotton, silk, silky wool and most other natural fibers. I also have enjoyed some novelty/acrylic yarns such as Louisa Hardings Fauve or suede, but generally prefer natural. I am not a big fan of superwash and acrylic yarns. No matter how expensive they always seem plasticy to me. The exception being suerpwash merino sock yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Needle Rolls that match my knitting bag by Betz Designs.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting since I was 5 years old and would definitely consider myself advanced, but there is always more to learn in knitting (unless you Elizabeth Zimmerman or Meg Swansen) so I enjoy taking classes to learn or improve on skills.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No. But I may try to get to that later this weekend.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Warm smells, like Fig or brown sugar vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I didn't know there was any other kind of tooth. I LOVE chocolate, but hate Hershey's. I grew up in England and so have never become accustomed to the waxy US brands. I also love licquorice (black).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do scrapbook, a little. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
James Blunt, Josh Grobin, INXS, Toby Keith, I not the biggest fan of R&B, but otherwise have pretty mixed tastes (if you can't tell yet).

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Red. I prefer deeper and warmer colors, autumnal tones, browns, greens, golds, reds. I'm not really a big pastel lover, but do like sage green.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married with four children, 3 boys - 10, 7, 16 mo's and 1 girl - 4. We only have goldfish and have family members in the home who are allergic to cats, and dogs.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
In the winter I do wear scarves, hats and mittens as we live in the Northwoods and it gets cold as heck here. I don't really wear ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Cabled sweaters. My first sweater was an aran when 5, and have enjoyed them ever since. I do also enjoy knitting lacey items, but enjoy the process much more than the finished garment as I'm not a real frilly chick. I tend to gift out these projects. I also enjoy knitting socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?
The question should be, what are you not knitting right now. Let's see, a lace shawl in meg swansens unspun icelandic yarn, 2 pairs of socks, 2 dale sweaters, 1 Philosopher wool sweater. I am preparing to knit a sweater from Alice Starmore's Tudor Rose with a KAL. This is all I am willing to 'fess up to publicly.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
It depends on the type of knitting, but never plastic needles. I am rather keen on the rosewood and other exoctic needles offered by Lantern Moon.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but it's on the list of items to get. I really do need to get one.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My Nanny Taylor (grandmother) taught me. She and my mum knit constantly, so it was second nature to me.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
5 years old, a hat for my daughter to felt. It would probably only take me an hour or so to finish knitting it, but at this point I think I'm over it. Otherwise, everything else is just a WIP, as I intend on picking it up again when the moment is right. There is a difference.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving (although Christmas runs a close second). Although I didn't grow up in the US I have thoroughly embraced this holiday. I love it and plan for weeks before what I'll make and love to organize big dinner parties for that day. It's always the start to the holiday season and I feel like a kid at Christmas eve.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Duh? Yarn! Oh, you mean anything non-obvious. Boots. I love boots. They are a complete weakness of mine. Plus knitting books.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Early rowan magazines. I have #20+. Vogue knitting stitch references or any stitch reference for that matter, you can never have too many. Some Alice Starmore. I have subscriptions to Knitters.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Brioche, better design techniques. I need to think on this one.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. Size 9 1/2.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
May 17.