Inside a Knitter's Mind

I am ashamed....

2009-08-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Wow has it really been 8 months since I last blogged. Holy Moly. I digress though, I have had a few girls keeping me busy like:

This girl would not let me even talk to my husband while I was on vacation. She currently lives with my mother and got jealous of everything and everybody that came around me.

This girl is not happy unless she is up my arse all. darn. day. Here she is insisting on watching the movie "Coraline" in 3-D with us because hey, she is the 4'th member of the family, right?

This girl right here, I am relishing the summer time I do have left with her. She starts first grade in less than two weeks. Half the time I look at her wondering where in the hell time went. Her Daddy told her if she spun in a circle 5 times while shouting "I want to be little!" she would shrink. How I wished that had worked.

Then there is this girl who's arrival we are all excitedly anticipating. She will *hopefully* be a Christmas or New Year's baby. Preparing for a new one is a lot of work. I have forgotten about that since my oldest will be days away from her 7'th birthday by the newest one's arrival.

So yes, forgive me. I am alive and well! Hopefully I will be able to blog again. If you want to hear from me though, I advice you to take away my sewing machine. I have a new found interest in quilting. It is making my knitting jealous.

**And let's not forget about the man of the house. He keeps me busy as well, but can take care of himself, no?

Better late than never

2008-12-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

I recieved my package from my HSKS6 spoiler last week. I was able to email Shelly and thank her with promises of pictures, but until now I haven't been able to sit down and take pictures.

She sent me 2 skeins of Essential sock yarn, some Jitterbug in a colorway I was hoping to snag in London but it had sold out already, and some Soft Sea Wool which I have been wanting to try. I got a new "take a long" bag as I like to call them and of course my handmade bag :) I like everything so much. Thank you~

Snow!

2008-11-23T02:05:00.000-08:00

I woke up to my Girl telling me that it was snowing. That was about a hour ago, not its sleeting. At least she got a little bit, right? What amuses me is I am originally from NC, and my family got some flurries before me! The cold here is "different" than in NC. It really gets in your bones, imo. No matter how cold it was back home, I never needed say, a hat. Here if my ears are uncovered they hurt from the cold. I really appreciate my hand knits here as I use them quite a bit and they are very useful.

I finished a pair of socks yesterday. They came in good timing as I am going to have to put my Monkeys away for good. I finished them on my birthday and yesterday I discovered two holes in one sock and one hole in the other. I'm currently looking to see if I can buy a darning egg, but I don't know if I have the patience for that. I wore those socks a lot.

Stats:
Pattern: Yarn Harlot's Basic Sock Recipe
Yarn: Trekking XXL in 81 colorway
Needles: 1.5 US
No mods.

I have a bigger ball left, more than I anticapated. Some is going into my sock yarn blanket.

And RIP my poor Monkeys:

Now the question is: To darn or not? Any ideas, horror stories??

ETA: After I posted this, the sleet turned back into snow. We have big, fluffy flakes coming down. Without further ado, here is Iris' first snow!

What is this stuff?

Does it taste good? She seriously kept trying to eat it, it was hilarious.

2008-11-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
b. 70

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

Look at what I got today!

2008-11-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

L to R:
Pfefferminz Prinz medium
Frosch harmonic
Pfauenauge dark

All are 80/20 Twin and from the 17.10 update.

I have been sitting down with another skein of Wollmeise and knitting another shawl. It's Evelyn Clark's Baltic Blossoms Lace Shawl. Today I have a day off so I've been tinkering with it on and off in between loads of laundry and dishes and such. I'm so glad that I have finally found the balance between work and home life and the generous sprinklings of my daughter's extracurricular acitivities. When I was first hired I was a little over whelmed but its starting to work out. My job is awesome :)

2008-11-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

more animals

Totally my type of cat. Long on hair on guys=blech.

When life gets in the way.

2008-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with my life. Last week I was hired by a store located on one of the bases and started this week. I volunteered 3 times in the Girl's class room. Tonight we went trick or treating. I spent all day F5ing for the Wollmeise update and got 1 laceweight and 2 of the newest colorways. So instead of hearing me fuss, want to look at some pretty spinning?

And for cuteness:

'Puff Quiz and a FO!

2008-10-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

1. Name of a male professor at Hogwarts Professor Flitwick
2. A subject at Hogwarts Potions
3. A prime number between 53 and 1000 Can some one remind me what a prime number is again? LOL
4. A professor at Hogwarts (either gender) Snape
5. A body part Leg
6. A verb Slept
7. Your character name Arae Hydra
8. Your favorite Quidditch team Chudley Cannons
9. Someone (or someones) you'd find in a portrait at Hogwarts Fat Lady
10. A number between 1 and 7 6
11. 20 minus your answer for #10 -14
12. A craft (noun) quilting
13. A Hogwarts House other than Hufflepuff Ravenclaw
14. Something they'd sell in Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes that makes a big mess, loud noise, lots of smoke, or general nuisance Anything! :)
15. The character name of another swapper in HSKS6 Emma Wigworthy
16. A subject at Hogwarts Ancient Runes

A recent project:

Stats:
Name: Garter Stitch Mitts by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Silver Springs handspun, held doubled to get a sport weight gauge
Needles: Knit Picks Options size US 5

They are for me even though the Girl is wearing them. I love them, don't you?

Quiddich Round 2

2008-10-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Just for the sake of being different we will skip the picture scavenger hunt this round. I will let you know the estimated time of release for the Snitch on Thursday. And, now without further adieu!

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
b. Frog

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
b. Gwenog Jones

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
c. 5

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
c. Hippogriff

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
b. Magenta

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
b. H.E.F.

Look at what I just finished!

2008-10-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Stats:
Pattern: Lamanaria-Knitty Spring '08
Wool: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 100% Superwash in Brombeere
Needle: Knit Picks Options size 7
Mods: I just changed the bind off to using only 1 strand of yarn, I didn't have enough yarn to double strand it.

I'm wearing it Sunday to the Knit and Stitch at London. Great pattern, I loved every stitch of it, all the ups and downs. I used nearly every drop of yarn, I have a small ball, smaller than a walnut.

'Puff quiz

2008-09-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Quiz...
1 Which is your favorite book in the series (and why)?
PoA, I like the way Harry was reunited with Sirius at the end.

2 If you were taking Owls, which class would you get an E in? Would you get any Ts?
I would probably get an E in potions. Potions to me is kind of like cooking which I love to do and you have your ups and downs, but I like measuring, mixing and stirring and seeing what comes out in the end. I would so totally get a T in Divinations, seriously, who says that class sounds like fun?

3 Who is your favorite character (or characters) in the Harry Potter series?
Neville, we're both clumsy and forgetful....I won't share the stories of things I have "lost" while they have been in my pocket, on my head, etc...
I like Dumbledore as well, but who doesn'?

4 If you had to pick 1 character for a roomate, who would you pick and why? Who'd be your least-favorite to have as a roomate?
To be honest, I really don't know on either accounts. I lived at home while in college and the only roommate I have ever had I married...

5 Hufflepuffs are a hardworking bunch, but also a bit mischevious. Which Hogwarts professor would you most like to prank, and how would you do it?
I think McGonagall needs to loosen up her bun a little, but I don't want to be the one getting in trouble for it!

6 Favorite DADA professor? (from the books, Lucius does NOT count :)
Lupin always.

7 Favorite magical creatures? (Also, if for example you like a certain creature in general, but not how they are represented in the HP canon, feel free to elaborate :)
Unicorn-purity at it's finest.

8 What is your favorite food in the HP universe? Which food or foods would you like to try in real life? Do you have any recipes to share with us ;)?
Treacle tart.

9 Broom, floo powder, portkey, or magic carpet?
Floo powder as long as I keep my eyes shut and try not to inhale too much ash! You will NEVER see me on a broom, I hate heights.

10 Since we're Hufflepuffs... Yellow or Black?
Black

Quiddich 1

2008-09-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11 p.m.

4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

Pictures
Post pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

Narcissa Malfoy

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Dumbledore

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!

2008-09-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Laminaria

2008-09-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

I recently posted how I was able to score some of the very coveted Wollmeise sock yarn from The Loopy Ewe. I wound my skein of Brombeere into a cake

and started knitting the shoulderette version of Laminaria. I'm done with the Start chart. See?

While deployed J bought a new camera, see how the yarn's colors just flow. Gorgeous. But as much as I hate to say it, that's one of the few things I like about Wollmeise right now. Don't get me wrong, its gorgeous stuff, but right now it feels so cottony...I am really hoping it softens up in the wash. I was able to get 4 skeins so I think until the craziness dies down, I'll be able to survive with just my 4 skeins.

An acquatinance of mine let me know that in October there will be a Knit and Stitching show in London. I signed up to go and am looking foward to a hubby and kiddo free day. I think it will be nice, something to look foward to as well. This also will be my first time in London! Eeek! But hopefully 2 more people sign up as if we don't have at least 4 people, the center will cancel it.

Hopefully this week I'll be able to post pictures of my most recent spinning...and I want to take new pictures of our new dinner table and our beautiful new bed that we acquired today.

Kids really do say the darndest things.

2008-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

I had to share this: Girl just told me her "boobie bones"** hurt.

**I'm going to guess this means her rib cage.

I had a good laugh.

HSKS 6 has started! Wheee.....

2008-09-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

Potter Name: Arae Hydra

Rav ID: smj0730--its in my info as well

I am allergic to: Nothing that I know of

Pets that I have: The attention grubbing whore...errr dog, Iris. I count my daughter as a pet sometimes as well, is that bad? LOL Only when she's bad!

My favorite yarn: For socks I like DIC or Colinette's Jitterbug (I just wish the latter were in bigger skeins). But I don't discriminate as long as it's all natural. I despise acrylic...cotton comes in second...after all I live in cold England!

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors?

My favorite flavor: Flavor? Mmmmm I like alot of flavors, I am a foodie. It really depends on what mood I am in. Or are you talking about smelly flavors i.e candles? If so, I like lavender and citrus.

My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas I absolutely adore Halloween, it's a big deal in my house.

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) Sock.

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I do not like bamboo needles, too sticky. Metal all the way, baby. I also prefer DPN's over circular needles, it's just too much hassle for me to use circulars. I like KP's dpns, and Prym/Inox needles...and I'm using Hiya Hiya for the first time for a sock and I like that as well.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: The only brand I have been dying to try I just recently acquired (Wollmeise). I am always up for a new brand, just go check out what I have in my stash and send me something new! I'll take SW or nonsuper wash...I hand wash everything anyways so it will not make a huge difference.

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) I participated in the last HSKS...I loved it!

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? No, I am a summer baby.

2008-09-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have posted the new HSKS 6 Logo on my sidebar. Where did my HSKS 5 logo go to though? Or am I the only one that can't see it.

On to some news: He's home, he got home Monday the 8th at 11pm. It's so good to have him home again. My girl started school on the 2nd. I cried, but she loves school, so it's all good :) So my knitting and spinning have been kind of lax. Still working on it, but not as much. I've got almost a year's worth of seperation that I have to make up in 2 weeks time for J....and the girl thinks I am chopped liver compared to Dad and her friends.

A tolerant girl

2008-08-31T13:49:00.001-07:00

Here she is, wearing my uncomplete Somewhat Cowl. Isn't she such a good girl? Sat there very pretty for me as well.

Quiet

2008-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's been quiet here, hasn't it? I have reasoning though!
1-My baby will be starting Kindergarten on the 2nd. I want to spend time with her before I have to give her up to the system.
2-He's coming home!!! I have been cleaning like a mad woman so my husband comes home to a super, super, super clean home.
3-My girl has met some friends, I spend my day with them running in and out of the house, walking around our bit of neighborhood at random times looking for said girl, and chit chatting with one girls friends Mamas.
And I have to brag...I have 4 skeins of Wollmeise coming to me. 3 are from the most recent sneak up at the Loopy Ewe, the 4th is coming from me from someone kind enough to sell it to me.
Blogging will presume once things settle down a little. I want to sign up for two swaps, and one I have to blog weekly.

Some recent spinning. It's what else? Enchanted Knoll Farm(duh)-Silver Springs

Just one or two and I'll be done.

2008-08-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

One or two of these:

What feels like the millionth care package I've sent out

My husband's birthday is Monday--he'll be 26. We've only spent one birthday of his together. But, he got brownies sent to him. His birthday presents stayed here in Engand with me because he will be home sometime next month. Thank the gods above.

My mom's birthday was the 3rd and this is what she got:

Stats as follow...
Pattern-Funky Sock Monkey from Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Yarn: Handspun
Needles: 3 US

Yea I failed to read the pattern and didn't double the yarn on his legs and arms, hence the reason why you can see a little of the stuffing. I also kept stuffing his mouth and no matter how much I stuffed, his mouth didn't pucker out fully. Mom still likes him though. She just glassed in her porch on the beach house and she said that he will be hanging out in a hammock there.

On the knitting front, I am still working on my pink jaywalkers and my green and purple socks. I started a new pair with this new handspun (one of my new favorites):

That is 420 yards of a 3ply sock weight yarn. I finished up early, early, early Thursday morning. By Thursday night, I was at the knitting circle casting on. I've found out that the craft store on base has a woman there that holds a knitting circle once a month at the store. I went Thursday. It was soo great to be able to go out and talk to someone who had the same interests as me, ya know? But she is pregnant and says that December will probaby be the last meeting. That stinks. We got here in March and the faces I see day in and out are my dog's and daughters. Its getting to the point where my daughter is getting a little snarky and I choose not to see her face at times. Speaking of DD, I need to get her to stop messing with my wheel...

A birthday present to me...

2008-07-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

finished socks!!

Stats:
Pattern-Monkey by Cookie A.
Needles: 2(US) Inox DPN's
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy and 'Deep Seaflower' colorway
Mods: There are only 5 repeats on the leg instead of six.

I took this picture yesterday to show everyone what my wpi's are. My green and purple socks have been languishing since March!! That is embarrassing.

My other birthday presents include a Namaste bag, some fiber, these:

...and the "Meet the Robinson's" DVD from my girl. My girl made a big deal on going out today and getting me a present depsite my insisting that she didn't need to get me anything. But she was persitant. We went to the BX on Lakenheath to get my present and she chose what she wanted for me. But, the DVD there was in blue ray and our VCR isn't blue ray capable and Hubby's PS3 is in a box and I don't know how to set it up. After I was finally able to get her to understand that we couldn't get a blue ray disc right now she got really upset.
this was what she wanted to get me and nothing else. So we went to the BXtra on Mildenhall and hopes of my birthday present. We looked around and couldn't see it so I suggested going around and looking for a vase for my overly huge boquet that J sent me and we'd come back after she though of things for a while. So we did and came back and she still couldn't find it. Right when we were about to leave I spotted it, led her to it and told her I'd turn around and she hid it behind her back. Isn't she cute? I know I don't talk about my little lady that often because I want to keep our lives private but she is such a Momma pleaser.

But thank you every one who has wished me a happy birthday today!

I got my package today!

2008-07-19T07:47:00.001-07:00

Lookie at what I have!

Aurora's package got here yesterday and she did such a good job. I got a bag with a matching circular needle case. I think she'll do a good job in her Divinations class because I was just saying how I wish I had a case for all of my circulars! She also made me a beautiful scarf. I got some beautiful yarn and a pattern to go with and a little knome who looks after my stash and keeps me company in my hobby room and I have a little wooden faerie that I stuck in my house plant in the kitchen. Thank you so much Aurora!

2008-07-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Quidditch ~ Round Three
1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Padma Patil
Hannah Abott
Percy
DA
Cedric Diggory
(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?)
Is it supposed to be Robert Pattinson? Because all of the Robert Patterson's on wikipedia are dead and/or war heros. But Pattinon will be in the movie "Twilight"

2008-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

So I am stalking Farm Witch's Etsy Shop and I decided since I'm sitting on the computer anyways, why not update?

I sent my HSKS5 package out last week. Woo hoo! I had such fun making that package up and I hope Agatha likes it! I'm excited to get my own from Aurora especially since she has emailed me asking if I had this or that...so I think my own package is going to be wonderful.

I am participating in Tour de Fleece (Ravelry link) and am part of team Enchanted Knoll Farm. Last week I recieved three new batts: Gold Dust Woman, Hathor's Robes and Gypsy. Gypsy is being spun up currently:

Laid out flat, so pretty.

Ready to go

Lace weight singles in progress

2 oz all spun up

I just recently did this as well:

It's 3-ply fingering weight (woo hoo!!) yarn. It's Gale's Art black BFL from The Loopy Ewe in Cherry Blossom. The roving to me was "meh" but I do like the yarn spun up. I have been trying to go out of my way to get non "me" colors.

That's it for now, folks. I have to get the girl in to bed in a few.

Happy Independence Day, USA

2008-07-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

So, blogger won't let me upload any of my images. Those who've read my blog before know it'll be something patriotic anyways. I give a big thank you to my Man, my family and everybody else who is selfless enough to keep us safe.

2008-06-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

2-ply heavy lace weight from "Lichen" roving from Louet. One of the smaller skeins is Navajo plied.

Worsted weight spun from "Jester" batts from Enchanted Knoll Farm on Etsy.

2-ply heavy lace weight from the "Raven" batts from EKF.

3-ply sportweight sock yarn, from Wooly Treasures on Etsy. Iris has GOT to be up my arse at all times, so I put her to work.

2-ply fingering weight from "In Bloom" batts from WT.

Current knitting: Goddess Mystery Shawl in "Purple Myster" Malabrigo Lace. Yes, she's tolerant of my ways.

Any other details can be seen at my Ravelry page, my id's on my side bar.

Hufflepuff House Quiz #5
Hello Hufflepuffs! This week's house quiz is in Transfiguration. Transfigure the following quote from Order of the Phoenix back into English and post it to your blog by noon (est) on Tuesday, July 1st.

'PSX JBST TRHF?' YSB WXYWXYZE, CSSJDBV SGZY HF FRZ QHY TDFR ZBFRXIDHIW. 'TZ MSXCE SYEZY HBPFRDBV TZ CDJZE DB RZYZ. D QZF FRHF QCSJZ TSXCE IZCC XI HBPFRDBV, RZ TSXCEB'F MHYZ. D'GZ HCTHPI THBFZE FS FYP KDYZTRDIJP -'

'You know what?' Ron murmured, looking over at the bar with enthusiasm. 'We could order anything we liked in here. I bet that bloke would sell us anything, he wouldn't care. I've always wanted to try firewhisky -'

2008-06-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

1. The 'puff quiz is currently being worked on. I'm having to actually work my brain and I'm not used to that! ;)
2. I have almost 10 skeins of handspun to show off, but you'll have to wait. The last bit is being dried at the moment.
3. I wish I could take credit for this recipe. But, alas, I can't. Anybody who bakes, and has the time to nuture a sourdough starter, I HIGHLY suggest you try it. I started it yesterday, it rose all night last night in a cold oven and it was baked this morning. I got two loaves out of the recipe and I froze one and already half of the other one is gone. It is yummy.

Quiddich Round 2

2008-06-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?

b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?

c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?

c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?

d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?

Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?

c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?

d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?

Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?

b. 8

Picture Scavenger

Kingsley Shacklebolt:

Bellatrix Lestrange:

Tonks:

Remus Lupin:

Fibery Goodness

2008-06-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

This isn't my most recent handspun, but my first skein that I was gloating about not too long ago:

Isn't it purty? It's got black, burgundy, dark pink, purple, green and teal in it.

I just got done spinning, plying, and washing some of the softest superwash merino ever. But since it's still drying, pictures will wait.

Want to see what is on my wheel right now?

In batt form

I got this from the seller Wooly Treasures on Etsy. The whole shebang is around 3.5 oz but she cut it up into 6 mini batts, which is really helpful. This batt is called "In Bloom" and consists of BFL, silk, and glitz. Pretty huh?

And for you Brigitte:

'Puff Quiz 3

2008-06-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins have been taking Care of Magical Creatures together this year, so this assignment is for both Houses to complete.

Professor Hagrid has asked for 6 inches of parchment (say 200 words) about a personal experience you've had with a magical creature (outside of Hogwarts), or about the magical creature you'd most like to have as a pet. Of course if you chose the latter option, you should write about why you'd like to have such a creature as a pet, but also the potential problems of domesticating that magical creature.

A listing of Magical Creatures can be found in your textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Good luck!

I have had alot of experiences with knarls. Up until recently, I didn't know I could simply offer them something, such as a saucer of milk for them to leave my garden alone. In my experience, knarls are sneaky creatures who like to reack havock on my garden when my back is turned. I take pride in having a nice looking yard and a wonderful vegetable garden. Last year knarls didn't leave me a single tomato to eat. I went beyond what I knew and was advised, but still they had a thing for my heirlooms. They stunted the growth of two of my elephant ears as well so I know my front yard look awfully funny when I had one plant larger than me and the other two were 3 feet at best. Even with a move to a new country, they have followed me here! Unfortunately, I am unable to have my vegetable garden this year. This year though, I planted pansies in the front yard. The knarls here took to digging up my pansies every night and finally in the end, they won. My pansies just went into the compost heap recently, all of them dead. I dare them though, to touch my rose bushes that have replaced them. I am hoping that the border I put around my dahlias on the side of the house will keep them at bay as well...

Gray skies go away...

2008-06-03T04:17:00.001-07:00

I have some newly spun yarn that I'd love to show everybody. But the gray skies outside make the yarn look black, which it's not. I'm so proud of myself :)

Quiddich

2008-05-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?

A. Tibbles
B. Tufty
C. Mr. Paws
D. Sylvester

A. Mr. Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names

A. Ignatius
B. Percival
C. Brian
D. Wulfric

A. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts

A. 22
B. 25
C. 24
D. 23

D. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?

A. Dean Thomas
B. Neville Longbottom
C. Parvati Patil
D. Lavender Brown

A, B and D came in all at the same time after Harry, Hermione and Ron.

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

A. Angelina Johnson
B. Montague
C. Alicia Spinnet
D. Warrington

A. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?

A pericsign bush
B. A hydrangea bush
C. A willow bush
D. A desendio bush

B. a hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?

A. He was a cross dresser
B. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.
C. He though he was going to a fancy dress party.
D. He wanted to make people laugh.

B. He was banned from the Hog's Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?

A. Golden cherubs and red confetti
B. Silver cherubs and pink confetti
C. Golden cherubs and pink confetti
D. Silver cherubs and red confetti

C. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

A. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham
B. 37 and number 4 Laburnum Grove Clapham
C. 39 and number 3 Laburnum Gardens Clapham
D. 38 and number 5 Laburnum Grove Clapham

A. 38 and No. 2 Laburnun Gardens, Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

A. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.
B. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the fifth floor.
C. Pushed him into the lake for the giant squid to play with.
D. Forced him down a toilet in the girl’s bathroom on the fourth floor.

B. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the fifth floor.

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Pictures may either be posted to your site OR you can hyper-link to the pictures location, BUT when I visit your site I MUST be able to see or get to the pictures in some way by seeing or clicking. Simply having the words of what the picture is will not work.

Fred and George Weasley (Together)

Hog’s Head Pub

Sirius Black

Draco Malfoy

Mr. Weasley and Harry together

Happy Memorial Day

2008-05-26T04:25:00.001-07:00

Remember those who payed the ultimate price for your freedom. No matter where you are.

2008-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked 4 weeks since the husband deployed. Even though there were days that never seemed to end and tears have been shed from both of us girls, I hope the other 3.5 months go as fast. We're sending out another care package tomorrow. I swear by the time he is back I'll never want to see another cookie or brownie again! I have been baking and shipping off for all of his shop, which is upwards of 40 + people. I have started knitting my HP swap partners gift. I have also starting another pair of socks with my Anne yarn. And of course, spinning. I love spinning. I have spun enough for a sweater so far :) I dyed it a deep pinky-red with acid dyes. I love it. But I am off to cook some dinner for myself.

'Puff Quiz No. 2

2008-05-22T03:46:00.000-07:00

Unscramble the names of the potions ingredients listed below and post the list on your blogs. Then create your own word scrambles for the final 3 questions, and see if your fellow students can learn a bit more about you. There will be a drawing for a prize from my LYS.

To make it a bit easier for you, all the potions ingredients can be found here. Good luck!

Potions Ingredients
1. colimamhe
chamomile

2. hianeaecc
echinacea

3. lgveoa
lovage

4. nsaie
anise

5. itlhhawcez (2 words)
witch hazel

6. ladeevrn
lavender

7. oynranlype
pennyroyal

8. iwelnrepki
periwinkle

9. aavvakka (2 words)
kava kava

10. waoalhmlsrm (2 words)
marsh mallow

11. gseginn
gensing

12. uwgtrmo
mugwort

13. What is your favorite thing to do besides knit and crochet?
Cook, play with the Girl and Dog, spend time with the husband while he is home and surf the net

14. Do you collect anything? (yes and no are invalid answers)
Yarn ;) Books, can't collect too much when you're husband is active duty and has a new assignment every three years.

15. What is your favorite flower?
Cymbidium Orchid

Huzzah Hufflepuff! Let's get 100% blogging this week so we can keep the lead for the house cup.

More reasons to finish

2008-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am offically being a good knitter and finishing my hoodie. I am currently knitting the hoodie. All that is left is seaming and sewing in the sleeves, and the button bands. We have a cold front coming through right now and it's the reason why I am pushing through to finish this up once and for all. Last week I ordered one of Cookie A's designs, stricken. I am excited to cast on, but only after I finish my hoodie. I am using some stashed Dream in Color smooshy. Should be nice, eh? I need to finish up my monkeys and my duet socks as well. All in good time. Spinning is going nicely. I have been trying to work on it a little bit each night after the Girl and Dog go to bed. I'm thinking that all of my wonky hand spun could become a granny square lap blanket. I really don't care about how it will be wonky looking and all, it'll be a reminder of what happened when I first learned to spin. I have had a thing for blankets lately, well wanting to knit them anyways. The hubs bought me the Great American Aran pattern booklet. Last night he let me spend 155 USD on the yarn for it. Well it wasn't just yarn, there was a jumbo bobbin and half a pound of wool to spin. But I got some cascade 220 from webs because it was on sale in a deep heathery blue. It's going to be gorgeous. I am supposed to be on a yarn diet but the yarn is on sale and hubs said buy it now while it's on sale. I am so spoiled, I know. And I want to die some of my fisherman's wool with the acid dyes I have and make an EZ blanket from the Knitters Almanac. And while we are still on the subject of blankets I have been using up my sock left overs for THE blankie from Shelly Kang. I have alot of projects on the needles, don't I?

'Puff Quiz

2008-05-14T04:03:00.000-07:00

1. Is from a muggle family and the first to attend Hogwarts?
Penelope Willow

2. When knitting socks you use dpn's, 2 circ, 1 circ 1 sock, 1 circ 2 socks?
DPN's. Occasionally 2 socks magic loop style.

3. Their owls name is Owlbert?
Eleanor Wigworthy

4. Beat Agatey Mirrofold in a contest?
Lily Clearwater

5. Your favorite non 'puff color?
Lavender, greys, black.

6. They learned to knit for a school play?
Emma Kettleburn

7. They got engaged last week?
Selena Starfire

8. One sentence/statement you would use to describe your stash?
It's nice!

9. Their best class is Divination?
Daisy Chang

10. Last term everyone thought you were your sibling?
Antonio dela Weasley

11. When not going to Hogwarts your favorite thing to do is?
Cook, spin, knit, play the Girl and Dog and have my husband home.

12. You have read the books, watched the movie or both?
Both.

13. Your family includes?
One husband, one daughter, one border collie and one cat who currently lives with my mother.

14. They have frogs in their room?
Clidonia Acromantula

15. Has a dog named Kluane?
Ursula Longbottom

16. My favorite thing to knit is.
Sheesh just one thing? I have a sweater and sock fetish. I'd love to start knitting shawls soon.

And my favorite character:

Tagged

2008-05-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Brigitte tagged me.

The rules: Posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer. Play nice, children.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? Well I was 11...finished up my first year of middle school. Was captain of a dance team, cheerleader. Wow have I changed.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today: Well it's night time now so I'll tell you what was on my list. Vacuum my dirty, dirty floors, clean up in general, walk the pup, finish the sleeve to my hoodie, and keep my sanity!

3. Snacks I enjoy: I have a nice big sweet tooth. Fruit snacks, cheese fries with ranch, and yogurt with raspberries and granola.

4. Places I've lived: NC and currently in the eastern UK. This list will expand as long as hubby is in the military, promise.

5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Pay off my school loans, Girl's college fund, buy a house and make sure hubby doesn't have to work so hard.

6. Peeps I want to know more about: I am continuing the bad girl thing and not tagging any one. Mwahahahahah.

A Bad Knitter

2008-05-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

That smell! Mom what is this?

Oh I love the smell of cardboard. Maybe I can sneak some when Mom isn't looking.

Shortly after this she had to be put in her crate, poor thing. She has an obsession with cardboard to boot. The fact that wheel part where spread all over the floor at her disposal was a little unsettling as well.

And here is my new wheel, a Ashford Traveller. Single drive, scotch tension. I rubbed tung oil in her and called it a day. She's now dry. Want to see what I have spun so far?

I do hope I get better. *Sigh*. I have 2 lbs of corriedale that I am learning on.

The reason why I am a bad knitter is because I have completely shoved my CPH aside for two things. The aforementioned wheel and new spinning and this:

I fought the urge to start socks so hard while I was knitting that lonely sleeve. But, I gave in. Oh well.

2008-05-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

I signed up for a New Swap
This should be fun, I love Harry Potter! I am currently rereading the books. I have lost count of how many times I have read the books. But to spice things up I am going down. I had only read Deathly Hallows once so I figured it could go first.

Half way there...

2008-05-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

I started a sleeve tonight. I'm hoping by the weekend it's done.

2008-05-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

So how about I finished up the right front of my CPH and I was like OK! Lets move on to the next side to finish. See, I started both sides at the same time but got tired of my yarns tangling together and it was taking me alot longer than usual. So I put my left side down and got to work on my right front. Bound off and picked up the left and then wait a minute, the cables I'm doing on this side where the same as the right front. I had to rip out like 8 plus inches on the right side and start over. Sigh...silly me.

Goals

2008-04-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

My husband left this past weekend for a 4.5 month deployment. I told him while he was gone I would go on a yarn diet. Now, I don't have a stash as big as some I've seen. But, I have a fairly decent amount of yarn. I want to go through as much as possible while he was gone. So while he is gone, I have set some goals for myself.

1. Finish Monkey socks.
2. Finish Duet Yarn socks.
3. Make doily for coffee table. I have the crochet thread, dpns and longer needle. My size 0 24" needle should be here by this weekend. I'm leaning heavily towards Alita. My husband likes it as well.
4. Make self atleast 3 pairs of socks.
5. Finish up my central park hoodie. I don't even have that much...so get to it!
6. Start on Tomato and Elfin Bride.
7. Learn how to spin on wheel once it arrives. Husband and I agreed that fiber doesn't fall under the "yarn" category...after some minor, uber silly squabbles :)
8. Use whatever sock yarn left overs to add to the sock yarn blanket that Shelly Kang made me want in a bad way.
9. Finish up Kiri and possible start another small, easy lace shawl.

Does that sound unreasonable?

No knitting content

2008-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see the lovely face who won't let me knit unless she's asleep?

Hi there!

Meet Iris. She is a nearly 8 week old tri color border collie. I'm in love.

2008-04-18T04:19:00.001-07:00

I managed to finish the swizzle vest, it's bleh. Very. Once I find a better zipper and some soft pocket fabric I can possibly gift it. I tried it on for the husband and I was like well I didn't want it to be tight, nor did I expect it to be...but it's big. So it's hanging up in the corner of the closet. I recently got some kauni yarn from webs. It's the purple, gray and black colorway and I luuuurve it. I like the idea of a kauni cardigan. I found a picture of the damask chart on flickr and so I printed it off. Picot hem, twisted stitch button bands, maybe? I don't know it'll take me awhile anyways. I have a present coming my way. I have been spinning on a drop spindle for quite some time now, and have been drooling over a spinning wheel. Every time I went to the LYS back home, the Tail Spinner, the owner always invited me to watch the spinning classes if she was having one that day. But the husband got me a spinning wheel. An Ashford Traveller, and I'm super excited. I ordered it from a place in Scotland, and some fiber as well. I don't know how the Brits do their shipping, but I sent the check and order form out and the next day a guy calling me that I was getting the wheel directly from the factory. And then yesterday I got my fiber. I sent the order form out Monday. Quick stuff, I tell you. It's awesome. But anyways I need to go clean...we have a surprise for B tomorrow coming. A new puppy...that I wanted LOL. She's a red and white border collie. So I need to puppy proof the house. Yikes.

An (almost) Finished Object

2008-04-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

The swizzle vest from the book Domiknitrix. It was an ok knit. There is alot of errata in that book. Currently the zipper is being sewn in. And B is giving me gray hairs because she accidently ripped some of my basting stitches out.

blocking

Haitus...

2008-04-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

But guess where I am now!

We're 2ish hours from Ipswich for reference.

We got here almost 2 months ago. I stopped blogging I didn't always have access to a computer, being a pta mom at the preschool and then trying to figure out why the hell tricare is covering us in a diffent country took alot of my time up as well :) It is just as beautiful as they say it is here. It's quiet and peaceful, and there's no litter on the side of the roads, which is nice. I have yet to make it to a lys here, but they are few and far between. To make up for it though, I am going to this
. So maybe I can ask around there. I hope I can start reading up on everybody again, after the computers where packed up I completely lost all my blog stuff, yech.

2007-12-30T18:43:00.000-08:00

My mom got a new memory card for her camera for Christmas. Hopefully I'll be able to post some fo's (Cobblestone and Hemlock Ring Blanket) and some wip's (Endpaper Mitts, Juno Regina, Seamless Hybrid for J) up here. After all this is a knitting blog. I have to admit though that I haven't been just knitting. I ordered the stuff for this:

Just the necklace though, my ears are to stretched for those earrings without tunnel plugs, which I have none of.

2007-12-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

The elusive blogger is back. I don't have much to write about though. My husband is gone, he's now in England. He has a house, a car, and has prepared everything for mine and B's arrival. However, I don't know when we'll get there due to some issues with her real father. This has been hard on all three of us. Bailey has been raised knowing J as her dad, simply because he was the one that wanted to be there. It has been difficult for both of us to explain to her why we aren't there with Daddy and why Mommy always says soon we'll be there. It's hard lying to my little girl, you know? She's nearly 5, so she understands some and she's not stupid. My grandparents sent us Christmas money, double the usual amount. B's Christmas has already been taken care of, save a few things, so J encouraged me to go on a 200 dollar yarn shopping spree, to make me feel better I bet. I am so lucky. I went to a store that I have never been to, it's called the Tail Spinner and it's in Richlands, NC. It took less than a hour to get there. There were very few yarn brands I actually recognized in there. It's a good shop, don't get me wrong, but it's tailored more for spinners. I'm starting to gather learning things for spinning, so I was able to grab quite a few things for the future. I also got a Nostepine and two balls of Trekking, and it's lovely stuff. I've already casted on and have around 3 inches of a sock done. I still need to grab some size 0's for my Endpaper Mitts. I have the yarn and the needles for my hand, but no needles to cast on. That is frustrating. Where I live in NC the weather is still acting funny. Last weekend at the parade, we froze our butts off, today it was 70 F. Weird, huh? But if what I hear is true, I'll need warm stuff till May time in England. I can't wait though. We picked out a house and already I've heard about the numerous sheep that have been spotted. Hopefully I'll be able to get a wheel there and all.

From the Hubby:

2007-11-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Shay: i'm looking at ravelry again and it's amazing to know how many wips or ufos there really are and you tease me for having 3 at a time
Josh: haha well babe sometimes the house looks like you have 17 wips and ufos and rgbs and kgbs and any other acronym you can come up with

LOL.

Veteran's Day

2007-11-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am in love with ...

2007-11-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

It's the Clover Wrap Jacket from Anthropologie

I am like nearing completion with hubby's Cobblestone. Like I have a sleeve and the yolk left. He's going to look like such a yuppy. I have been looking at sweaters to knit for my kid and it's pretty sweet. I went to the store for some more winter clothes and came back with long sleeve shirts only. The only selection of sweater's I see now a days disgust me and I'm like dude, I can so totally make that. I'm so bad, I go to the clothes store and end up looking at the cabling, stitches, etc so I can remember for later use. I have even taken pictures of sweaters I like for future use. I'm bad.

Hello from Illinois!

2007-10-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

We are visiting my in-laws and we went to St. Louis yesterday. We went to Knitorious, in St. Louis, MO. and I was in heaven. I got this :)

22 balls of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4-ply for this:

It is a tiny, tiny knit. I'm knitting it on 1's. Ow. But the shop experience was awesome. I have to drive 2 hours to get to a yarn store, and it's not a very good one. It's nice to have someone to talk to and all. It was great. But I guess I can show a boo boo, too.

This is supposed to be the Somewhat Cowl from Wendy Bernard. Can ya tell I have never knit a sweater from the top down? LOL. If anybody has any tips on how to
knit a top down sweater, please do share!

The Elusive Blogger is Back!

2007-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

For a brief time, that is. My hubby bought a lap top to treat our I-can't-do-without-a-computer disease. We're leaving tomorrow to see his family in Illinois. I have already looked up yarn stores and there's 10...swoon. That's a lot for a gir who would have to drive 2 or more hours to get to a yarn store. They live close to St. Louis, Illinois, so we're going to Missouri as well to look. I sent so much yarn over to England and I'm already accumalating a stash here. I just ordered yarn for Wendy Bernard's Somewhat Cowl and that's going swimmingly. I'm taking it up north with me as well. This week will be the longest I leave my girl at home, she's staying with my mom so she doesn't miss school. Her fifth birthday is in 2 months. Holy cow. The man of the house has said he wants to start trying for another, and well, I'm over the moon excited. I've been wanting another kiddo for a while, but knew it'd be better to wait. He said that he hears the first year of marriage is the worse, but it it's like it has been then great :) But for now I hope everybody is doing good.

Oh My Gosh--knitting content!

2007-09-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

My progress on the BSJ for our unborn niece, Emily. I got too much into the groove though, and I have to rip back because I added too many stitches. But isn't it cute? I was trying to situate it yesterday for pictures and all Josh could do was look at it and say "That's so tiny." It is, but cute.

And since I know I have a few kitty lovers that read me:

It's the background to my Zune now. I forgot the name of the artist that does it...so looking up his info based on "Lost Balloon" I found this. It's called "Ratapult" by Banksy.

I'm married!

2007-09-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know my presence here has been a rare occurance, but I'm alive! I have just been trying to juggle the wedding, family and packing for a move to the UK. How about I got my Ravelry invite the day before my wedding. Not fair. I'm smj0730 if anybody would like to add me, but I'll probably leave that alone until Dec. or so. If I still remember then. My stash is about to be packed up for two plus months. Another Boo. All I am doing now is a BSJ for a niece that will be here sometime in Nov. Other than that, everything is good, and sorry for being such a bad commenter!

2007-09-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Tori doing her thang. J put my needles in her hands to make it look she's knitting. Isn't she cute?

This is a knitting blog, right?

2007-09-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Although I have been pressed for time, I have managed to crank out one FO and start on something else. Everybody, meet Tori:

She is blurry because a 4 year old took the picture. She's nekkid because sport yarn doesn't cover her heiney very well.

I also have a bunch of this:

To make the Cobblestone Pullover from this season's Interweave Knits. It's going great as well, but I don't have any good pictures of the sweater in progress. Damn lighting issues.

2007-09-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have not been around much and to those who read, I apologize. My sweetie is home, crunch time for the wedding is one (17 days, kids), just getting ready to have an onslaught of family down, packing, deciding on what needs to be packed/thrown away/etc. It has been a bit chaotic around here. B is in school so for those few precious hours alone I have been able to do what needs to be down without having to worry about her. I have been knitting, I am knitting her a dolly. She has already picked the name Tori out. I don't know if my love of Tori Amos influenced her in any way. But I have photos to publish as well. Sometime...

Oh Monkey...how I love thee

2007-08-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

I started these tonight. The cuff and one repeat of the lace pattern is done. Dream in Color Smooshy sock yarn in Deep Seaflower colorway. Love the pattern, love the yarn, but I don't think the casein needles I recently aquired aren't as good as they're cracked up to be.

I am done with the body of my Diagonal Stich Coat and have started a sleeve:

On totally unrelated news: my baby started preschool this week. Boo.

2007-08-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

*1 more week until Josh comes home

*1 more month and I'll be Mrs. H

*2 more months and Josh and I will be celebrating our other anniversary

:)

I got a phone call today and was told that I have a bridal shower to go to and it's next week. Oh my. I fear the embarrassment that my Mom might cook up for me.
We met Miz B's preschool teacher yesterday and she's a sweet lady. They're doing staggered entry, she'll go Monday and then start for good next Friday. My little girl is growing up *sniff*.

On other news...I'll be done with my brother's We Call Them Pirates hat tonight, it took me roughly three days if I can finish it tonight. I love this pattern and will do it again for some one else. I want to finish so I can start on socks down at the beach this weekend.

*Edit...the hat is done! Yay! I am going down to Cape Carteret this weekend, enjoy the beach and start on a pair of socks. I guess I'll get pictures...soon? My brother doesn't have the hat yet, but Josh won't get home from being TDY until Wed.

Look at how freaking young I look!

2007-08-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

That was 3 years ago, freshman year at ECU. I miss my hair like that now a days...now my brother's hair is longer than mine! My arm looks so naked without the greek.

They taste like old man's mouth.

And since everybody has asked here are my Horcrux's. They are a bit big on my sz 7 feet, but I love them nonetheless:

I started a "We Call Them Pirates" hat from Hello Yarn today. Using Paton's Classic Wool in black and grey. I am in love. On row 12 so far. I am knitting one for myself afterwards in some funky colors. I have been working on my diagonal stitch coat as well and am like 15 or so inches into the back. I am in love with that as well.

2007-08-16T08:54:00.001-07:00

$5225.00

Mingle² - Dating Site

Last night I got bored and I ordered two pairs of casein dpns, size 1 and 2.5. And there is an etsy seller who sells yarn based on my favorite movies!! I ordered a skein of "Mayor of Halloweentown" sock yarn. Hell yea. Sock yarn inspired from my favorite movie is awesome...and my brother just bought a Corpse Bride t-shirt so right now I am trying to figure a way to steal it from him. He said that he doesn't want me washing it lol :)

...And the computer desk just fell on me.

2007-08-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ouch. Got my wedding dress today (!!) and I picked flowers out...orchids and roses. I am bored with J gone so if anybody is interested my AIM is billyxthexkidd and just for kicks my myspace is www.myspace.com/thisreallysucks.

And we're still baking...

2007-08-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Heat index was up to 124 F. Ouch. It rained like hell tonight and I even got a video, and it was a bad storm. I thought I heard a transformer pop, but I guess it was lightening or something. It's *supposed* to cool down though in the coming week and I really hope it does. J is going TDY to Vegas for 3 weeks and I will be going back in forth between my Mom's I guess. I gave him some money so we can put it in pay pal and I am able to buy something to bid my time while he is gone. While I will miss him tremendously...I don't have to clean up after him YAY! I love the guy dearly, but he has gotten so used to me being here to pick up after him and half the time I don't think he realizes that he left his coffee cup in the bathroom or I DO NOT know where he put all of his work t's and that's why they are not washed. He has some super good hiding places. I had to rip out aforementioned toe up sock and do it again. I am using Wendy's toe up version that you can find on Knitty and it called for 60 stitches for a yarn that had 8 spi, and that was too big for my foot. I do have a med. sized foot, but I guess it's a bit more narrower than I thought. So, I did it for 50 st on US 2's and I'll see how it goes. I started on it while watching Crash. This is my second pair of socks, my first being Horcrux socks, and while I do like them, they are also too big and as a result, pool. But they're comfy house socks. I started cleaning out all my yarn and all since we'll be moving soon and I need to start packing. Alot of it (acrylic i.e caron, bernat, etc) will probably go on freecycle, where it never lasts too long. J got me an Options set for my birthday so all my extra needles will be going to a friend's little girl who has expressed interest in learning how to crochet and knit. Her mama has, as well, so I'll be able to dump everything like that on them and they won't mind a bit.

It's so damn hot...

2007-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

In my friend Jessica's words...It's hot as balls out there. 103 today, supposed to be that way tomorrow as well. The heat index...well yesterday it was like at 111 degrees. Today weather.com said it felt like 114 and it did. It's so hot that even knitting makes me miserable, my projects all drape across my lap and yeck. I did however start up a toe up sock and I'm in love with that. It's small and it doesn't bring my temp up any more. I now have a sock addiction...yowza :) I want to get some more needles, size 1 or any size for that matter. And I am currently scouting a pattern good enough for the Smooshy sock yarn that Hattie sent my way...but off to knit, and watch Courage...

We have a family o' possoms under us...

2007-08-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Because I found another one last night. We went to Books A Million twice this weekend and last night I was so excited because I got The Last Tsar and The Great Mortality (sorry I can't post the links--I don't really know how to). All I wanted to do is go home, hunker down with a cup of tea and read. Then one was lurking near the sugar container. So instead, I packed up my knitting and we went out to one of J's buddy's house and he played beer pong and I hung out with the pregnant wives and watched the Breakfast Club.

I got the 25th anniversary issue of Vogue knitting and started the Diagonal Stitch Coat last night. It's pretty:

The flash kind of messed it up, and you can't see the cables that well, but it's a simple pattern. It's made out of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick. I had a bulky yarn in the stash and enough to make it, so why not?

Look at what the cat dragged in...

2007-08-01T14:23:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce one of my dogs:

This is Alton Brown, peoples. On Monday AB decided it'd be cool if he ran away from home. This was also the day that we found a possom in our house, so I was wee bit annoyed with nature that day. But anyways, AB decided to wander off behind my back. He went under the house and despite my attempts to lure him inside many times, he would always go back under, in front of me. No worries, any other time he goes under there, or gets off his tether, he comes to the back door and barks. Or even the front door. Not Monday though. He wandered off and two nights in a row I left food out for him. AB is deaf, isn't used to cars (we live next to two busy streets and no one follows the speed limit here so he's always out back), etc. He's never been off a tether/leash unless it's when he's out back because he never goes anywhere. Today I called the animal shelter and started describing him, that PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you see him, etc call me. Then I hear "Ma'am, I think I am looking at your dog." The animal control guy found him on our street none the less, and even brought him home. Stupid dog acts like he did nothing wrong, I am just happy to have him home. I am a worry-er.

What's this Mom?

Penny's so cool she inspires me. I'm taking a que from her colors. I have an idea, but don't want to say for fear of losing interest. It may be the way she's laying, but doesn't she look uber chunky?

Happy Freakin' Birthday to Me

2007-07-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

This morning at oh around 2 or so, Penny found a POSSOM in our house. Luckily she "found" it, and didn't investigate further. It was GROWLING at her, and that's how I found out that she found it. Although her shots are all up to date, he could've seriously hurt her. Long story short, I hollared at Josh to wake up like a crazy woman and he killed it. We reckon he climbed up in our dryer vent...We don't have a dryer, we had one when we moved in the house, but it had since broke and right when we were about to go shopping for one, he got orders to Lakenheath and since we'll be supplied with appliances over there, we figured that I could just hang up the clothes anyways, since that was my habit and prefered choice. But since he was so small he was able to squeeze in the bit that our storage shelves didn't cover. It freaked me out, he could've hurt the cat, Bailey who prefers to sleep in her carebear couch rather than her bed, possibly the dogs...But luckily our kitty found him and then when I held on to her so she couldn't go look I think she understood because she didn't wiggle or anything. Blah, I can't wait till we can move! Other than that, this day has been fantastic.

I got my package today from Hattie!

2007-07-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you so, so, so, so much! I love everything in the package. Although there is one thing missing...the bath fizzy she sent Bailey (she thanks you too)

2007-07-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

I sent out my SSS package this morning. I meant to send it out Saturday but to my surprise the post office near me isn't open on Saturdays. So it got sent out this morning. I hope she likes everything. And I can't wait to get mine!

I know what one of my presents is....

2007-07-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

For about a week now J has been telling me when he gets home that we need to sit together and order one of my presents. Yarn? Only one could wish, right? I have been saving up bits here and there for a interchangable needle system, but after he recieved orders I thought money towards being able to take our Heathen Kitty with us was more important. He ordered me a Knit-Picks options set Wednesday. I'm so excited.

Who wouldn't want to take her with you?

Our heathen kitty/wench also known as Penny Lane.

I'm finished!

2007-07-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

It's finished! It's adorable, but very big on her. I joke that she'll be wearing it until she's 10! Haha. I love her buttons she chose, they are blue heart shaped, but they wouldn't photograph well for me. But onto other things now...

I have sadly neglected this thing.

2007-07-08T16:57:00.001-07:00

Good thing that I am the only one that really comes here and reads, huh? LOL. Life is good, hectic, but good. I signed up for ms3 and am still on the first clue, due the fact that I signed up on this past Wednesday and then I have other duties to tend to. But I have been working at it. The chart makes me go woozy sometimes, my eyes cross, etc. So I pick up something else and knit that for a while before looking at the chart again. It's getting to the point where J comes home and tells B to tell me, "Put that down Mom!" We went to Wal-Mart yesterday and I was browsing the craft section and they had one of those little pattern booklets tucked away on the shelves. I only liked one of the patterns, but since it was so cheap I got it anyways. I'm using my acylic/apalca blend yarn on it.

On another note...J will be home for dinner this week and I look foward to it. I get to cook...yay!

I am so spoiled.

2007-07-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am. I ordered some Debbie Bliss Saturday night, then turn around and ordered some Kidsilk Haze off of eBay. I am beside myself because I am usually forced to work with only yarn from the local Michael's and Wal-Mart. So yay me! So I am spoiling myself, and then my sweetie is spoiling me. He does it too much and now he's asking what I want for my birthday (July 30). I hope he doesn't go all out because I just got a special ring for a certain finger. But apparently he has done some shopping and/or has ideas. I have been shopping for him as well, his birthday is Aug. 11. He'll be my old man...he's nearly four years older than me. And then...on top of that I signed up for the summer stash swap and I am so excited to see who my partner is. This is my first swap and I already have pulled out some yarn and already have more ideas. I haven't seen who my partner is yet, but since I signed up and filled out my questionnaire the day of the deadline I don't think I'll be able to find out for another day or two. But I keep checking my email and I guess since my excitement is built up so much that my impatience is starting to build up as well.

SQUUEEEE!

2007-06-30T20:07:00.001-07:00

I just ordered some Debbie Bliss cashmerino chunky and addi's for this:

I am so excited :) Now to find some buttons...

2007-06-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

My priss pot's "secret sweater" is coming along great. A few (funny, if I do say so myself) bumps in the road though. The back is finished. I finished it in the middle of the week and presented it to her. She loves it, I wrapped it around her so we could see how well it fit her, and it'll be a big thing on her. It was so sweet, to see her get all giddy over her sweater. Then when she got upset, she wanted to be wrapped up in the back of her sweater! This weekend is a weekend to myself and sweetie, my dear Mom kidnapped B and they are off to the beach. So I took advantage of the quiet and went to work on the front. I had started on the left front Thursday and then thought it would be a good idea to cast on for the right side and work in a tandem so everything would be even. I thought it was a fantastic idea, the decreases would be even and if there were any problems, I could spot it immediately and fix it. I finished to front today. I thought I had anyways. Sweetie got home tonight and I was like LOOK! since I am all about my knitting projects and he has learned to fein an interest in them. Only when I held it up did I realize I knitted two right sides. Haha. So I have to frog it back and get things right now. I would be finished right now, but another thing had been in the works. Pictures to come hopefully soon.

Sweater is zipping along...

2007-06-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

...and it looks fabulous:

Of course it's too dark for true colors, but ya'll get the drift. I luuuurve working with cotton because you can see the stitches so nicely. And that is something I'm strangely obsessed with. This is day 2 right here. And I'm nearly half way done with the back. I pick it up when I can, but of course there's always something to be done. B comes by and critiques it, "Mom! I wanted blue right here." I've had to explain I'm following the pattern and we'll see how it turns out in the end and that keeps her happy. Blue is her favorite color if you hadn't guessed. Hell, I'm surprised that pink made its way into the sweater because she's such a tomboy. But she has said she wants blue buttons for the sweater.

Daughter's cardi, random things...

2007-06-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter is four and I suppose it's because I'm a sahm that she insists on going everywhere with me. We made a trip to Michael's, more out of boredom than anything. They had one of those free pattern slips for this:

She said she liked it, I asked her if she wanted me to make her one, and what colors. These are her colors:

I am making her a size 6 mainly for comfort, she doesn't like things to be tight on her body and so she can grow into it as well. But I think she did a great job at choosing. So now we'll have to go find some buttons...

On other things, I have been working on my hoodie, and I started on the gusset of the left sleeve the other night. Things are coming along nicely, but there's been a few times where I have to go find a reference to understand something.

Just bumbling along...

2007-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make so here we go. Hi, my name is Shannon and I have the worse habit of starting something and eventually I put it aside and let it stew while I start on something else. I do have a few projects going on and it makes me wonder why my brain isn't completely warped. I have a project in my fiance's car, that I work on when I am in there, I have a project that sits close to the love seat, and then another near the couch. And lets not forget about my hoodie, it has been making slow process. And then last night I went to Michael's which is sadly the only thing that closely resembles a lys for me. I got some Paton's Grace and Rumor. Grace is mercerized cotton and I got in a pretty green color. Then Rumor, which is an alpaca blend, with acrylic. Some people are like ewwww acrylic, but there are some acrylic yarns that I like a lot. I like Caron's simply soft, and I do like alot of Lion Brand's things. I'm a mom to a four year old who insists to everybody that it's odd that you buy this stuff when her Mommy can make it. But to make it easier on me, it's acrylic for her. One day when she gets older and less messy, I'll start buying her more expensive things. But anyways, I went off the beaten path. I went to Michael's for Grace and some size 6 circulars. I'll be starting (see!) on Honeymoon, which can be found on Knitty. Rumor came home with me because I absolutely loved the color and the way it felt. But I already have an idea for it. At first, I was thinking for an afghan, but in the end the expense would be too much, especially if I couldn't acquire it over in England, which we may be moving to in November. So it'll be come a sweater.

Nothing new really this time.

2007-06-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

I really don't post as much as I should, but some things have risen that have gotten my immediate attention. Shortly after my last post I was told some news by my *military* sweetie, we will be going to England in November. And now we're planning a September wedding. So with lots of news and now lots of planning I haven't really been able to work on ANYTHING. Except really late at night when my starts to wander and I cannot sleep. My knitting becomes my best friend then. I have put my hoodie aside for the time being simply because since late April/early May I have been working on something small for my momma. She was in the hospital around that time and I had actually found the yarn I bought for her promising to make her a pillow. The pillow never panned out, the yarn stayed in its box with some of its mates. I am halfway done with making her a white and blue stuffed bunny, for her team. So she will not only get to say, "My daughter made that for me", but as well as have something from me while her only daughter is over seas. And then for my brother, bless his heart he has taken all of this news as badly as our mother, his birthday is in early September. I have some Caron Simply Soft in my box in black, so I have begun to knit him an afghan. I'm using the skull pattern from the Domiknitrix book and I'm doing in texture rather than in intarsia and it won't be just black. I just hope an almost 18 year old will appreciate my hard work :)

Getting on with it....

2007-05-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got done with the body of the sweater. Would you like to know many times I had to redo the back shaping? Six. Yes, people, you read that right; six damn times. It got to the point where I was screaming and yarn would go across the room. Even Josh was saying, "Is this it?" No this isn't it because I didn't invest so much of my time doing this. I ended up having to rewrite the pattern for my size. I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, but always would end up with the measurements for an extra large, which I'm not. This medium is going to be too big for me. I'm doing the sleeves and it's like wow, these things are huge. But I am typically a medium and since this is cheap yarn, hey lets do something loose for those "I feel crappy days". But along with other things, I bought a new pattern book. Ok well Josh bought it for me, Greetings From Knit Cafe. It's a nice book, I'm doing the bikini. Same yarn and all, but different colors. I'll have pictures of it up sometime when I feel like it. But buying that I had to buy needles, and I bought Addi Turbo's, those things are really expensive...but I like them alot so they're worth it :)

I've Gotten Somewhere!

2007-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

What I've done so far. The middle is the back, upper part is the left front bust, bottom is the right bust part.

Right bust and neck part.
The left part of the front. Pattern totally confused me. If you can see it, the stuff in the square is actually purling in knitting :/. I actually like it, but since I don't know where I started and ended it, I'm tearing it out. If I knew, I'd redo the right in it.
I started on the back shaping today.

I am proud of myself, this is really the first *big* thing I've done, especially clothing. I've crocheted shrugs and all, but I've finally realized that knitting is one of my true loves. This is the Little Red Riding Hoodie from the Domiknitrix book. I'm using Lion Brand's "Homespun" acrylic yarn on size 8 needles.

Coming Along....Finally

2007-05-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have four inches of the bottom. So finally, I am again on a roll. While Josh was in Vegas I was always telling him about my knitting filled day. Like a sweetie, he listened, although he was *very* clueless. He always was saying he couldn't wait to see it, now I am able to show him what it looks like on my needles. I even got to show Melissa ( a close family friend, I'm watching her kidlings) today. She says, I want one! Haha, I'll knit her one as long as she foots the bill for the yarn. She has a thing for soft blankets, so for her birthday in September, I think I'll knit her a blankie. I was thinking something soft, like cashmere and I'm always finding neat patterns. Just an idea, but I do know that she'll be getting a handmade blanket from me, as well as a birthday cake that she's already requested :)

Frogging this thing for the umpteenth time.

2007-05-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

So I have been trying my damndest to knit a hoodie. The hoodie from the book Domiknitrix. Instead of buying some fabulous yarn, I have submitted myself to use acrylic. I'm using Lion Brand's Homespun. I don't know if it's the texture or what, but I am constantly screwing up. While Mom was in the hospital, I had a few good 5 or 6 inches going on, but that's too far back to remember what happened and why I had to start all over. So I've restarted, but everytime I do, something happens. Like tonight the new pup was laying right there in the middle of my yarn and I guess the kidling was playing with him and got what was on the needles off and truely messed it up. I had only a half of inch or so, so it didn't really hurt to have to tear it all up, but it sure did irritate me. None of my other projects I've had to do this with.