Gracie Knits

Change of Address!

2006-10-02T14:26:00.000-05:00

I've decided to move on up and switch over to Typepad! So, come on over and visit me HERE!

Please don't forget to change your bloglines and such - thanks yall!

A little Thursday (football) night knitting

2006-09-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

Last night Auburn played the University of South Carolina. And it was a game! Very very nervewracking to watch. It was a lot closer than what I thought it would be! Thankfully, we still won and are now 5-0. And, I am sure the great debate of whether we deserve to be ranked where we are will continue. And of course USC is much better than every other team in football and we just don't know why they aren't number one and every other football team is crap. Yes, I'm still a little bitter from a few years ago when we were 13-0. But, let's move on...

So, what was I knitting you ask?! I was working on my second Toasty Toes sock and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I've got a couple more inches to go on the leg of the sock and then they will be done done done! I've enjoyed knitting on them, but Socktoberfest is coming up and I would love to start it off with knitting a new pair of socks. And, it will be nice to have them done ahead of the deadline!

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

2006-09-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

In my theme of being a joiner, I joined Sockret pal. It should be great fun and we got our matches yesterday, so here is my questionnaire!

The basics:
How long have you been knitting? I've been knitting for about 3 years.
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I would guess and intermediate sock knitter. I've knit a lot of socks, but I know I'm not the queen of all sockdom.

The measurements:
While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. The ball of my foot is about 8 inches around and then length is about 9. I wear a 6.5 to size 7 shoe.

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? I love pink, but I'm pretty open to all colors.
Do you prefer solids or variegated? I like both.
What fibers do you most love to knit with? Most fibers, I'm not a huge fan of squeaky acrylic.
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? Brooklyn Handspun, Elann are two of my favs, I've bought a lot lately from my LYS because I now live somewhere with a LYS, otherwise, I just buy where ever has a good deal on what specific yarn I'm looking for
What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? I've been knitting a lot of baby stuff for the baby, and trying to get back into knitting some adult knits, I'm excited for fall knitting

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? NOt a huge fan of acrylic
What colors would you never wear? yellow, not the best with my skin tone

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? Depends on what I am doing, I'm in love with addis now
Circs or Straights? Circs
DPNs or Magic Loop? 2 needles
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I can't think of any, but there is always room for more and I always loose things!

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link! I have an amazon wish list, but it has been awhile since I've updated it
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) all of the above ;)
Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) nope
Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? lavender, rose, and vanilla
Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? china from the 1950s
When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) October 15th
Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? I'm learning how to spin on a spindle, I'm not very good at it yet. I've dyed my own yarn a couple of times, but not on a regular basis
Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... I listen to a lot of classical music, but I also love Jack Johnson, DMB, the Killers and James Blount.

A little fall cooking

2006-09-25T15:13:00.000-05:00

While it still feels like summer here, I know it is starting to be fall everywhere else. And, fall always makes me in the mood for certain foods. So, instead of knitting this afternoon, I baked some pumpkin bread and it is currently baking in the oven. It smells really good, and I can't wait for it to be done!

Prep: 10 min., Bake: 1 hr. This makes three loaves, so there are two to give away and one for you; they also freeze well.

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
4 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

Stir together flour and remaining ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Divide batter evenly among 3 greased and floured 9- x 5-inch loaf pans.
Bake at 350° for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until wooden pick inserted into center of each loaf comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire rack.

Yield: Makes 3 loaves

Mary McClure, Barboursville, West Virginia
Southern Living, OCTOBER 2005

I sometimes add, depending on my mood other things. I've added chocolate chips (which is really good) and pecans. It is a really great base recipe that you could add a variety of different things too. It reminds me a lot of a good banana bread, but with pumpkin.

I'm such a joiner

2006-09-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

I joined Beth's Handmade Christmas Gift Swap. It's a small swap, non-secret, and it should be great fun. So, head on over there and sign up! Can you believe it's almost Christmastime?!

Yarn Aboard!

2006-09-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

Olive and I had a very good mail day yesterday. The Yarn Aboard Christopher Columbus box came to Saraland to pay us a visit! It was from Jessica at Common Threads. Let's see what's inside.

Fabulous candies and tea! The Sour Patch Kids are of course already almost gone. And, as you can see Olive is really curious, afterall, she thinks it is all for her. Ha!

And, the most important part - yarn! Jessica sent 2 skeins of Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in the Ooops! colorway. It is so beautiful and soft! I can't wait to knit it up.

Thank you Jessica for making my day! Everything is lovely!

Third Time's A Charm!

2006-09-21T11:17:00.000-05:00

I've decided that I have Knitting ADD. Yes, I started another project. I needed to do something besides baby knitting and do something for myself. So, I started this shrug by Plymouth using Royal Bamboo.

It has been a bit of a frustrating start, but I finally got it right with the correct needles. I started with an 8, which was too loose and then ripped it out at Knit Night, and tried it with 7s. Well, I took that home and worked on it, and then went back to the Yarnhaus the next day and it was decided that it would be better to rip it out and try it on 6s. MUCH better! It will fit so much better because there is nothing worse than spending time on something to have it not work in the end.

Ha! Bamboo yarn on my bamboo floor!!

Victorian T-Shirt

2006-09-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Another baby FO! Excuse Olive, she was a little jealous that I wasn't taking a picture of her.

Pattern - Victorian T-shirt
Pattern Source - Oat Couture
Yarn - Plymouth Dreambaby DK
Recipient - Catherine Claire

I think this is one of my favorite things I have knit for her. It was super fast and easy, and the detail at the bottom is great. I think it took me a week total to knit it, but I wasn't working on it every day. I love this yarn as well. It is soft and even better it is inexpensive and washable! I knit it in the 6 month size and I am sure I will knit it in a larger size for next winter. I know it is going to be a really versatile part of her wardrobe. I will be making it for other babies.

I finished a grown up shrug this weekend and not happy with the way it looks. It looks good, just not on me. I'm going to block it and see how it goes, but it will probably go to my sister for her birthday.

I started Clapotis (not that I don't have enough to knit) as a break from the blasted baby blanket. I think I am probably the last knitter alive to knit this, but I am pleased so far with it. I'm using some of my yarn from Brooklyn Handspun that is fabulous and I think is going to be beautiful. There of course is a lace shrug at the Yarnhaus that I have been eyeing and I may start as well. I think I have project ADD and I just keep feeling the need to knit something for an adult. I think I've had so much baby stuff lately that I need a bit of a break.

Olive and I are off to the Post Office - I have discovered the joy of selling books through Amazon.

Off to the Lovliest Village on the Plains

2006-09-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

Philip and I are off to Auburn today for a fabulous weekend of football. We are playing Amanda's Mr. C's favorite team, LSU. Now, while I know that Mr. C is a lovely man, but I hope that we pound his football team into the ground and show no mercy. However, the sensible part of me thinks that we have the possibility of loosing because we are both pretty evenly matched. We are ranked 3rd and I'm not sure what they are, but it is high. Auburn fans don't like to be ranked to high because we think it jinxes us. However, I am hoping that we come back with a win, but as long as the game is good, all will be well. And, as long as we beat Alabama at the end of the season, life is good.

I finished the Victorian t-shirt last night for Katie Claire and it is so darn adorable. I'll take pictures this weekend. I've decided that the blanket and I need some time apart and I won't be bringing it with me. I'm sure some TT socks will be traveling and maybe a grown-up project.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!!

WAR EAGLE!

Need a little spinning help!

2006-09-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

I've been cleaning up closets and such these past few days and getting rid of various things. I've discovered the beauty of selling books on Amazon, and it is nice to be ushering some books out the door that I don't read anymore. So, I found where I packed my spindle and fleece and decided to give it a little spin (ha ha ha) yesterday afternoon. I now remembered why I got so frustrated with it, so I need a bit of help/advice!

This is my first attempt yesterday. I spun to smaller bits and then plied them together. I figured that I was not spinning the yarn tight enough because it came unraveled in a big mess that basically looked like I just pulled the fleece. Very frustrating.

So, after seaching on the internet a bit I figured out that I was indeed not spinning it tight enough and tried it again.

So, it is a bit better, but it still looks like it came unwound and I have thick parts that look like I basically just pulled the fleece into a tube. Here is a closeup of a single.

I had it a little tighter when I was spinning it, but it came unwound a little bit more. I'm afraid that if I spin any tighter it is just going to come unsnapped and be the thickness of sewing thread.

So help! How do I keep the twist in the yarn? I didn't wind the yarn into balls when I plied it together, and I don't know if that made a difference. I'm just so darn frustrated that i don't want to spin anymore. And, I know it takes practice and I'm competant enough to do it, but it is just frustrating when you end up with a big mess of fleece that resembles nothing like yarn. Unfortunately, we don't have any spinning resources down here so I can't just take it to someone. Grr....

So, any advice as to what I am doing wrong or what I could be doing better would be a great help! I know practice is going to help, but I feel like I am practicing wrong when it all ends up looking like it does.

Thanks yall!

Progress Photos of A Different Kind

2006-09-13T12:33:00.000-05:00

No knitting progress photos today. Although I am done with the back and almost through with the front of the Victorian t-shirt. Baby knits go by quickly when you don't have 5,280 color changes like the Debbie Bliss jacket. I'm hoping to finish it up in the next day or so, and then I have to finish her blanket.

So, I'm showing off a little bit of the progress on the nursery. We put up the shelves last weekend and it is so nice to have all of her books up off the floor. It is starting to look like a real room now!

This is the bedding that my mom has made. Can you tell there is a slight tiger theme? Hmmmm.....

So, last night at Knit Night. Kathleen and I decided that we would be Master Knitter Program buddies. Now, this may be a slight death wish for me because of how busy I will be with the baby in a few months/weeks (yikes!). However, I figured that I will just be knitting a bunch of swatches, and that is totally doable, right?! While I realize I just may be totally out of the realm of reality, just let me live in my own little land. ;) Afterall, there isn't a due date.

Toasty Toes

2006-09-11T12:26:00.000-05:00

One down one to go! I finished this one up a few days ago and started the toe of the next one last night.

I'm really pleased with them so far, especially once I figured out the pattern. It took awhile to make sense of the pattern. I attempted to try them on, but figured out that it was too hard to try them on because of Catherine Claire (plus they are going to someone else, and I felt bad putting my feet in someone else's sock). I am really enjoying knitting them toe up. The foot is my least favorite part of knitting the sock and it is nice to have it over with first. Although, for some reason I like turning the heel and I kind of miss that.

Have a great Monday everyone!

A little football knitting.....

2006-09-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

It has been one busy week at the Bell household! We ripped out carpet and had carpet installed this week. It looks so great and the cat smell is gone! The smell had started to come through and it is nice to have it gone!

But, I did manage to get a little knitting in this week to finish a sweater.

Pattern - Jacket from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits
Yarn - Dreambaby DK by Plymouth
Start Date - July 2006
End Date - Sept 2006
Recipient - Catherine Claire

I think this is one of my favorite things I have ever knit. It is just so darn cute. I still need to get a ribbon for the sweater to weave in and out. I knit a 12-18 month size, so I am sure she will get a lot of wear out of it. I'm still not totally sure of baby sizing yet, but I know I will have plenty of opportunities to learn.

I picked up this pattern at the Yarnhaus last weekend and started it last night. I have decided to knit it entirely continental to see if I like it better.

Here is the progress so far...

So far so good. It is a little slow going and I keep thinking that I could be much further if I knit my old way, but I figured that I'm not going to get any better if I don't make myself do it. I really like the knit stitch continentally, but I am struggling a bit with the purl stitch. So, my question to those who are more experienced, which finger do you move the yarn with on the purl stitch. I looked at the Knitting Help videos and she uses her middle finger and I am just not coordinated that way. So, I've been trying to move the yarn with my thumb or my pointer finger. I can't decide which way I am more comfortable with. I don't know which one would be more helpful when I have to rib or if it is six and one half dozen of the other. Any thoughts?!

Ok, back to the game! I hope that your team wins this weekend (except Bama, they are playing my undergrad alma mater, Vandy, and it would be nice for a Vandy win but I'm not holding my breath). War Eagle!

War Eagle!!

2006-09-02T07:46:00.000-05:00

I'm always amazed at how quickly the days fly by. I feel like I just posted a few days ago and it has been at least a week! My mom has been here sewing for Catherine Claire's room and it looks adorable! I know I need to take pictures. We've also been having some carpet issues, so I have been running around town for the past several days trying to find carpet at a reasonable price - ha! Hopefully we will have something installed in the next week or so.

Needless to say, this is Auburn's first home game and Philip and I are venturing up to Auburn today to go and cheer on the Tigers. He is like a kid on Christmas Day - way too excited for his own good. And, at 7:00 in the morning, it is a little annoying. I am sure it will be a fun day!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and that their football team wins (except Alabama ;)).

War Eagle!

A little busy....

2006-08-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Things have been a little busy around here getting ready for Catherine Claire and doing other things around the house. Much progress has been made on her room.

If you recall before, clothes and other baby paraphanalia were scattered all around the room. Well, it now looks like this ~

Still not completely finished, but it is well on its way. Mom is sewing the baby bedding so that has to wait a bit, and I need to find a bookshelf and a rocker. I've got to scope that out around town. I put her big girl clothes in boxes under the crib which will be hidden by the dust ruffle. And, the rest of her clothes are in here -

My beloved pink (now white) dresser. I still need to get some nobs for the drawers so I can actually close them!

And yesterday I found her changing table for a whopping $65! I found it at Kids Wearhouse a children's consignment store. I got really lucky because as I was paying for it, some other woman wanted to buy it. Ha! We would have had to wrestle to the ground for it because it was a really good deal.

I went to SNB at the Yarnhaus last night and it was nice to see everyone since I had not been in forever! And, the fabulous Kathleen made Catherine Claire a cute little dress.

Is that not so darn cute?! It is from Debbie Bliss' Baby Knits for Beginners. I love it and I can't wait to see her in it. I think I might have the best dressed baby in Mobile (but then I'm a little biased!).

I got some work done on her jacket and then worked on it a bit this morning. It is a nice change of pace from her blanket.

I'm up to dividing for the front and back. Yippee! I really like how quickly baby knits go, but it will be nice to work on some big people clothes after awhile.

Back to the land of the living

2006-08-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

So, I'm starting to feel like my normal self again so I can get caught up on all of the things from last week that I didn't get done! Olive on the otherhand really liked having a lazy week last week. But, there are squirrels to be chased out of the yard, and she is glad to get back to that important duty.

So, you know you don't feel well when you don't feel like knitting. But, here is the total of my knitting last week.

I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for the blue one and some pink fuzzy from my One Skein pal for the pink one. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. There is supposed to be an i-cord around the base of the hat, but I"m trying to conserve yarn for booties, so I thought I would get a contrasting ribbon. They are pretty darn cute.

Hurrah! I'm in my 3rd Trimester! I can't believe how fast things have gone by! So, here is an updated bump shot. Sorry it's not the most fab picture!

And, Olive was insisting that she was not written about nearly as much as Chappy. Here she is looking as cute as can be.

2006-08-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! I've been a little under the weather because of a cold so it has taken me a couple of days to sit down and download pictures. I'm trying to take one for the team and not take any meds, but it is making getting over it a little longer than what I would like. I go and see my midwife tomorrow, so I'll ask her what I should do then. So, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things and getting caught up on blog reading. But, without further ado, pictures!

We flew in Wednesday afternoon and hung out around Old Pasadena, so no pictures from that. I think I fell asleep in the hotel at around 8:00. I was def tired.

Our first stop was Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.

The gardens were beautiful even though it was really hot.

I don't know if yall recognize this, but a scene from the Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez was shot here in the sculpture garden. The big fountain is at the other end.

Us!

We also went to the Gamble House which is famous for its Greene and Greene architecture. We couldn't take any photos inside, but it was beautiful.

On Friday we went to Venice Beach and the Art Museum, and we didn't take pictures at either place. We did have a good time. The Art Museum was fabulous.

Here is a crappy picture of us at Ghiradelli's after we had sushi with friends.

I think I was def tired!!

Saturday was filled with Wedding stuff but we did make it to Chinatown for a bit.

There isn't too much exciting stuff there. A lot of tourist shops and some resteraunts. We didn't eat lunch there, but the food is supposed to be good at some of the hole in the wall places.

Here are a couple of us before the wedding. I didn't get any during the wedding, I'll post a few when the pro pics come out.

I really liked my dress. My mom was supposed to make me one but didn't get a chance to, so we got this one at Nordstrom. It was actually a non-maternity dress. Which is great cause I'll be able to wear it after.

Sunday we had dim sum with some of Philip's college friends. I had never been before and it was good. It was def an experience to be in a place where I didn't speak the language!

We then drove down Highway 1 to San Diego. We went to the beach. Philip got in but I didn't. The water was freezing! Much colder than it is here.

We spent the whole next day at the San Diego Zoo. It is the best zoo I've been too. I don't think you can really cover it in one day, but we did our best. Philip took a ton of pictures, most of which weren't too great. But, we of course had to get a picture of the tigers.

It was nice to see Aubie's relative all the way out in California.

And, I thought the panda bears were adorable as well.

Isn't he the cutest?!

We saw a bunch of other great animals and had a fun time walking around the park.

The next day we flew back to NOLA and then drove home. It was nice to be back in the South!

Well, I'm off to nap and maybe work on some baby knits! Have a great day everyone!

LA and San Diego Pictures!

2006-08-09T10:52:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I've gotten a cold, so I've been taking it easy for the past few days. I'm trying to take one for the team and not take any meds and it has made getting over it a little more difficult. Olive and I have been taking it easy and been making baby hats. However, let's move on to pictures...

We flew in Wednesday afternoon and hung out around Old Pasadena, so no pictures from that. I think I fell asleep in the hotel at around 8:00. I was def tired.

Our first stop was Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.

The gardens were beautiful even though it was really hot.

I don't know if yall recognize this, but a scene from the Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez was shot here in the sculpture garden. The big fountain is at the other end.

Us!

We also went to the Gamble House which is famous for its Greene and Greene architecture. We couldn't take any photos inside, but it was beautiful.

On Friday we went to Venice Beach and the Art Museum, and we didn't take pictures at either place. We did have a good time. The Art Museum was fabulous.

Here is a crappy picture of us at Ghiradelli's after we had sushi with friends.

I think I was def tired!!

Saturday was filled with Wedding stuff but we did make it to Chinatown for a bit.

There isn't too much exciting stuff there. A lot of tourist shops and some resteraunts. We didn't eat lunch there, but the food is supposed to be good at some of the hole in the wall places.

Here are a couple of us before the wedding. I didn't get any during the wedding, I'll post a few when the pro pics come out.

I really liked my dress. My mom was supposed to make me one but didn't get a chance to, so we got this one at Nordstrom. It was actually a non-maternity dress. Which is great cause I'll be able to wear it after Catherine Claire is here.

Sunday we had dim sum with some of Philip's college friends. I had never been before and it was good. It was def an experience to be in a place where I didn't speak the language!

We then drove down Highway 1 to San Diego. We went to the beach. Philip got in but I didn't. The water was freezing! Much colder than it is here.

We spent the whole next day at the San Diego Zoo. It is the best zoo I've been too. I don't think you can really cover it in one day, but we did our best. Philip took a ton of pictures, most of which weren't too great. But, we of course had to get a picture of the tigers.

It was nice to see Aubie's relative all the way out in California.

And, I thought the panda bears were adorable as well.
Sunday we had dim sum with some of Philip's college friends. I had never been before and it was good. It was def an experience to be in a place where I didn't speak the language!

We then drove down Highway 1 to San Diego. We went to the beach. Philip got in but I didn't. The water was freezing! Much colder than it is here.

We spent the whole next day at the San Diego Zoo. It is the best zoo I've been too. I don't think you can really cover it in one day, but we did our best. Philip took a ton of pictures, most of which weren't too great. But, we of course had to get a picture of the tigers.

It was nice to see Aubie's relative all the way out in California.

And, I thought the panda bears were adorable as well.

Isn't he the cutest?!

We saw a bunch of other great animals and had a fun time walking around the park.

The next day we flew back to NOLA and then drove home. It was nice to be back in the South!

That is the trip in a nutshell!! I'm off to nap! I hope that everyone has a great day!

Home Sweet Home!

2006-08-06T18:58:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just a really quick post, I just got home a little bit ago!

We had a fabulous trip to California and it was nice to go home after for a couple days when I was picking up Olive. I spent this past weekend in Auburn with friends and it was great to see them too!

I now get to do the fun cleaning the house after you get back and all the nice post vacay laundry!!

I'll upload pics tomorrow when I get some new batteries in the computer!!

2006-07-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, besides the famous blanket, I've got a couple of other projects in the works. I started a baby jacket from Special Knits by Debbie Bliss. So far, it is turning out pretty darn cute! Although, Debbie Bliss occaisionally smokes crack and her pattern hasn't made complete sense, but with the collective minds at SNB, I've done pretty well with it. It is my Tuesday night project because it is easy to work on and chat at the same time.

I modified the colors a little bit because I'm not using the Cashmerino. So far, so good and unfortunately no pink will be on the jacket. However, there are a ton of other cute things in the book that I am feeling pink for!

And, we also have progress on my Toasty Toes socks. I've finished the body of the foot and started on the gusset decreases. It is my first toe up sock and I am so proud of it. I'm really enjoying doing socks this way!

I'll be MIA for the next week and a half. I'm going to Atlanta for a baby shower my mom is hosting for me this weekend and to drop Olive off and then it is off to California for a wedding! We are going to be in LA and then to San Diego (cause I wanna go to the zoo) and enjoying our last vacay as just the two of us!

Have a fabulous day everyone!

Blankets and Bellies

2006-07-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

I finally feel like I am making progress on Catherine Claire's baby blanket. So far, I've got 17 inches - yay! It is supposed to be 32 inches, which means that I technically have about 15 more to go. I don't think I'm going to make it another 15 inches. I'm thinking about stopping around 24-26ish. What do yall think? I know blankets come in all different sizes, but do we think that 24ish is enough? I'll suck it up and take one for the team and go to 32 but, for some reason it seems a bit big to me. And, I'm also just ready to be done with it. Next time, I use a much bigger yarn. But, I'm really pleased with it so far. Here is a closeup of the lace...

I've had a couple of little mistakes here and there, but nothing worth frogging. I think it is going to be really pretty when I finally get it off the needles.

And, as requested by Yantis, belly shots. These are 24 week shots - I can't believe how time flies. Please excuse the crappiness of how I look in them, it has been clean house and do laundry day!

My Daughter

2006-07-12T15:06:00.000-05:00

No knitting progress photos today, but instead of not posting, I thought I would post a picture or two of Catherine Claire. These are from last Thursday when I went to see my midwife. I'm just so darn pleased she is still a girl and everything is going well!

I've been trying to work on her blanket, and getting discouraged. It is just taking four forevers to do because the gauge is so small. I think I am going to make it much smaller than it is supposed to be. I think will end up being a good thing so she can carry it around much easier than a larger blanket. Progress photos of that tomorrow.

I also started a Debbie Bliss checked jacket for her last night at SNB. It is going to be two shades of adorable. It ended up being blue and purple instead of pink like I wanted to. There are 7, yes, I said 7 colors and pink just didn't work out. The next item will be pink!

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Cause Every Baby Girl Needs Pink Booties

2006-07-10T10:35:00.000-05:00

Honest to goodness, I know I am biased, but is this not the cutest thing? It is from Zoe Mellor's 50 Knitted Booties. I used some extra Rowan Cotton Glace that I had from my Peppermint Twist sweater. It took a bit longer than booties would normally take, mostly because it is two colors. I need to block them and get a little ribbon. I'm trying to steer away from knitting all pink, but I couldn't help myself with these. Afterall, she needs to learn how to embrace pink and not feel overwhelmed.

Head on over to Amanda's blog and go and sign up for Yarn Aboard. Signups end tonight, July 10th at 8 PM. Go and sign up, it's lots of fun!!

She's Still A Girl!

2006-07-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

I had a midwife appointment yesterday, and all is well. They also did another u/s because the tech couldn't see everything because of the way she was sitting. She was apparently being stubborn. So, they took me back yesterday for another one to check and make sure everything still looks good. And, it does! She has all of her fingers and toes! Most importantly, she didn't have a sex change! She is def a girl! She was bouncing and moving around a lot yesterday, so it was a good day for a u/s. Everytime I told someone that it was a girl, Philip would always say, but they aren't completely sure.... Ha! I'm still right! I think he was holding out a small bit of hope for a boy, but he will love a girl nonetheless.

I finished up my Noni bag and she is blocking on the porch. I'm really pleased with it! I've just got to find handles and sew in the lining.

Have a great Friday!

Jaywalking Along

2006-07-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

Pattern - Jaywalker from Magknits by Grumperina
Yarn - Lorna's Laces in Tidal Wave
Completion date - July 4, 2006
Recipient - my mom

Yipee! Finally a completed pair of socks! It took a whole lot less time to do these than the ones for my sockapalooza pal, but I guess I can contribute it to morning sickness! I really enjoyed this pattern, I know why everyone was working on it before. It goes really quickly and looks really great. And, the pattern is memorizable.

Of course, I started another sock. The ones for the Toasty Toes swap! Aren't we all impressed by the ahead of the gameness that I am?! I wanted to get them done since there may be a new baby living in our house around the time of the due date. I know I'll be a little more relaxed about getting these done than Mom's really really belated Mother's Day socks. I think they will be a nice alternative to a baby blanket.

I'm using the Oriel pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. It is a fabulous fabulous book, I think a must in every sock knitter's library, IMHO. This is the first time I'm doing them toe up and I really like it. It will be nice to be done with the foot first thing. The lace pattern was a bit challenging at first. You have to YO before you purl, and that was a bit tricky to get a handle of since the YO tend to slip out of place a bit or get to tight. How does the pattern look to yall? It looks pretty good to me, but I know I have been looking at it alot! And, I know it can be a bit hard to see.

Happy 4th of July!!

2006-07-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Olive wishes everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Yarn Aboard!

2006-06-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

This arrived at my house yesterday.

Let's see what's inside....

I was the lucky recipient of the Drill Box from Alison from my hometown of Atlanta! She spoiled me so! 2 balls of Fixation, 2 balls of Fortissma, some soap, cute little baby socks, some tea, and the orange in the back is one of her fab diaper holders complete with wipes and hand sanitizer. If that isn't enough, she sent a pattern for some men's socks (I guess I really should now make some socks for DH since I now have yarn and a pattern) and for some cute baby socks. Thank you Alison!! I will be assembling some goodies for the box now and send it on its way in the next few days!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Toasty Toes

2006-06-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

The fabulous Amanda is hostessing another small sock swap. I missed Blooming Feet, so I am very glad that I got in on this one! We got our matches today and I am really excited to get started. I am planning on finishing Mom's Mother's Day Socks (one down, one to go!) before starting on socks for my pal. However, I've picked out the yarn I want to use from my stash.

This is Tropical Punch from Brooklyn Handspun Yarn. I bought it on a whim and have been excited about trying it out. My pal doesn't have any color preferences, so I thought it would be fun to use it. As for a pattern, I'm not ahead of the game that much.

Pictures Galore!

2006-06-28T11:19:00.000-05:00

I had a fabulous weekend in Auburn. It was so great to be able to spend time with my friends, and Catherine Claire and I are incredibly spoiled. I ended up spending an extra day until Monday because the weather was so horrible. It was nice to catch up with my friend and hang out.

This is what we got from both showers. There are a ton of clothes underneith the Feldman Brothers dress. We got a bunch of books, blankets, hats and a few toys and a couple of things of diapers (one of the best presents!). We are very spoiled.

This is what my mom made for us. The toule (sp?) is still on the outside. I can't wait to see her in it!

The inside

We surprisingly didn't get anything Auburn related, so mom and I of course had to go to J&M and purchase some stuff. How cute is all of that?!

On to the knitting progress....

Mom's mother's day socks -

I think I'm about halfway done with the sock. It is coming out a little big and I did a bit of shaping on the bottom. I really really like the Jaywalker pattern. It is nice and easy to memorize! And, isn't the bag lovely? It was made by the fabulous Leah. Go and check out her fab sock bags, much better than a ziploc!

I also joined the Noni Knitalong, and started a baguette. It is a great quick project, I just casted on last night at SNB at the Yarnhaus.

I got this in the mail from my One Skein Swap partner. I think it may become a baby hat and booties.

Have a great Wednesday!

I heart the mailwoman

2006-06-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Mail call!! I was the lucky 1000th comment on Wendy's blog and won a prize. Well, the lovely mailwoman came and brought it to my house today - did you know that they had to wear latex gloves? At least they do here even though I have no idea why someone would do something to someone around here, after all it is little Saraland, AL. But, I digress. Check out what lucky girls Catherine Claire and I are.

A fabulous knitting bag that is going to be great for going to SNB, 2 balls of pink Regia (and who would have thought that me, the pink lover that I am doesn't even have pink socks for herself yet?!), and the cutest little onsie.

I apologize the shadow of my big fat head. But, is that not the cutest?! I squealed when I saw it. Olive thought I was a little nuts. I can't wait to see her in it!!

Thank you so so so much Wendy! You have spoiled me so and are wonderfully generous. Thank you for making my day!

And, in a little bit of knitting news, I made one of the flower washcloths from Weekend Knitting. I've got 2 showers this weekend in Auburn and I am making them for her godmothers. They are adorable. I want to get the other one finished this afternoon and then I'll take pics. They are a nice easy project, I think they have taken right around 3 hours to do.

Mental Health Monday

2006-06-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

So, after our busy week and weekend, Olive and I took a mental health day on Monday. So, we were pretty lazy and we slept and knitted. Ok, so Olive mostly slept.

But, we had a really great weekend with my friends. We hung out, talked and went to the beach.

My friend Laura and I.

My friends were so sweet and gave me a surprise shower. They were so proud that they pulled off a shower in my own house.

My gifts from the shower. The little book is so cute, you put pictures of people who love the baby. I know it is going to get pretty full fast. Olive already said that she wanted to be on the first page.

I've started feeling my knitting mojo come back a little. You know how I can tell? I started 2 projects this weekend and abandoned some of the other ones temporarily.

May I present, the Jaywalker socks. I'm so far behind the times, I'm just now knitting these. I'm also really really behind because these are my mom's Mother's Day socks for this year. I think I'm going to keep them pretty short and start turning the heel sometime today. I really like the pattern, it is fun, goes pretty quickly and easy to memorize!

It doesn't look like much, but eventually it will look like the Lacy Ribbon Tie Cardigan from Knitting For Two. I'm hoping to have it done by our trip to LA in July. The bottom is stretchy so it should stretch over my belly as it gets bigger, and I should be able to wear it after the baby is born. It is nice to be able to knit something for myself. I was feeling down about it because I know my body is changing that I didn't see the point in knitting anything. But, thank goodness for ribbing! I'm hoping to get the socks whipped out in the next few weeks, so all I have to concentrate on is the baby stuff and my sweater.

Drive by post....

2006-06-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Just a really quick post, I'm cleaning and cooking like a mad woman! 5 of my Auburn friends are coming down this weekend! It has been about a year since we've all spent time together and it is going to be so great to see everyone!

I finished the sweater I was working on that I designed myself. It is really cute if I do say so myself. I'll take a pic and post it soon. I started a cute little cardi using the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino that Caitlyn sent me - it is divine! I want to make myself something from it. I'm being really good and not letting myself buy anything pink until I have used all of my baby stuff up. Who wants to take bets on how long that lasts?!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!!

A little home improvement, and a little bit of Olive....

2006-06-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

So, no knitting pictures, but I've been working on a sweater that I am designing myself. So far it is super cute. I've finished the fronts and the back, and I am working on the sleeves. But, this is what we have been working on for the past few weeks.

Catherine Claire's Room

It looks a bit better now than the picture, I've put some stuff away. But, check out the bamboo floors! Don't they look great?! I was really proud of Philip and my Dad. It is so nice not to have ugly carpet there anymore! I discovered that we have a lot of tiger stuffed animals. At least they aren't elephants!!

The pool room!

The new thing is the tile floor that Philip and I laid. It took us 5 long days, but it is so worth it. There was ugly carpet down there too. We do have to paint the walls though. The room also looks a wee bit different, the pool table was installed yesterday. Philip was happier than a kid in a candy store. I'm not a pool person, so I def wasn't as excited as he was. But, it is nice that the room has a purpose now and once we get it a little more fixed up it will be nice. There are 2 french doors that lead out to the pool, so it will be really nice for parties.

And, finally, Olive!

I have never been so mad at her as I was last week. We came home from our Bradley childbirth class to find yarn strung all over the house. She had gotten into some of my yarn (that she didn't used to do) and had fun with it all over the house. I was LIVID. Philip quickly removed her before I blew a gasket. I haven't rewound it yet, but she has been leaving my yarn alone since then.

Meet Catherine Claire

2006-06-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

We had our 2nd u/s on Tuesday and I finally got the pictures scanned into the computer! Everything looks great, and she is right on track! They aren't 100% sure she is a girl because of the way that she was sitting, but the u/s tech was pretty sure that it was a girl! I'm really excited! I have to go back for another one because the tech wasn't able to see everything she could because of the way that she was sitting. So, hopefully she will stay a girl!

The big round part in the middle with the dot is her tummy. How cute is that?!

I'll post of my knitting adventures tomorrow.....

Hi My Name is Gracie, and I'm a Bad Blogger

2006-05-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted!! I'm such a bad person! We have been so busy and I keep thinking I've posted and I haven't.

But, first things first, the baby is doing well. I had an appointment last Friday and everything is great. He/she is starting to move a decent bit, not all the time, but if I'm able to be still, at least once a day. I'm starting to feel a lot more pregnant these days. Which is good, because I'm tired of the "she looks chunky" phase. We scheduled our big u/s for the 15th of June. Which I am so excited for! I can't wait to find out if it is a boy or girl.

16.5 week pictures - I'm 17 weeks and 3 days today, so pretty close.

Also, a FO!

I really enjoyed this little sweater, once I finally sat down to work on it it didn't take too long! I've been trying to work on some baby blankets so those have taken precedence to clothes lately.

As of the past few weeks, we have 4 new floors in our house. Yes, 4 out of the 7 are completely different. We tiled the pool room downstairs so Philip can finally get his pool table. And, my Dad and Philip put bamboo floors in our bedroom, the office/guest room, and the baby's room this past weekend. All we have left is the baseboards and I have to touch up paint. So, our house is a small disaster area! But, they look so fabulous! Whenever I find the camera again (I think it is somewhere in the baby's room) I'll take pictures.

Oh, and a special thank you to Caitlyn for my RAOK! She sent me 3 balls of Debbie Bliss for the baby! It was so so sweet. When I find the camera again, I'll take a picture.

Off to paint! Have a fabulous day everyone!

I think I've lost....

2006-05-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

.... some of my knitting mojo. I haven't knit in over a week, which is why I really haven't posted because I've got nothing to show for it! I've been so tired lately, that I haven't really felt like knitting. How sad is that? But, now that the first trimester is finally over with (yay!), I am hoping I will get back in the swing of things. I also think I'm a little overwhelmed by what I want to knit for the baby that I don't feel like I can get it all done. And, all the cute summer patterns are coming out and I can't knit any of them because I'll be too big! However, the new IK has a maternity top that I think I am going to make whenever it comes out.

Despite the non-knitting progress, we have made a little bit of progress on the house. I have 29 boxes of bamboo floor slats sitting on the landing upstairs. My dad is coming Memorial Day weekend and going to help Philip lay floors upstairs. I'm so excited. We also got the office/guest room painted this weekend as well. It is no longer an ugly shade of sparkle purple, but a creamy white color. Much better!

Ok, I'm off to clean the house for a bit and then I think I'll try and sit down and knit!

My Bump....

2006-04-26T14:14:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are belly shots. I'm 12 weeks 4 days (at least that is what my ticker tells me) today.

I feel like I am starting to look prego. If you put me in my old Danceline uniform, I would def loog pregnant. I just look thicker than I normally am. I can see my waist fading away, it's a little sad. I know in the next few months the changes will be a bit more dramatic.

Front view, not much difference.

I've been working on one of the baby blankets I have planned today. The weather has been gross, so I haven't gotten out, so excuse the ensemble! I'll have pics of the blankets tomorrow, and hopefully some sock progress!

So, I have not been the best blogger.....

2006-04-25T14:48:00.000-05:00

So, I've been here, but haven't had much pictureworthy and posts are more exciting with pictures. I really need to get new batteries for the camera! But, I got a package from my FSP!

Tiffany was my FSP and she was the best!

A baby themed package!! A book from Rowan Yarns, 3 balls of Rowan, a baby monitor (yay!), and a foot spa kit. There was some chocolate in there as well, but it is of course all gone by now! Thank you so much Tiffany!!

I've been doing some knitting. I made a couple of squares for Warming Grace and I need to get those in the mail. I also need to get on my Sockapaloooza pal socks if I am going to come close to the deadline. Why do I always do this?! I guess I like the procrastination!

Oh, and here is the latest picture of Olive. She wanted her picture taken. She has been a little under the weather since her surgury (she got spayed) but she is getting back to being her old, obnoxious puppy self!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Back Again!

2006-04-19T14:51:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful week last week and a great Easter weekend! I got back Sunday night and I have felt like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off these past few days. Apparently, men are not capable of cleaning while you are gone. Silly me! Dirt just multiplies even faster when you are gone!

But, Olive and I had a great trip to Atlanta. It was nice to see the fam. We did a little bit of shopping and my mom was busy making some maternity cloths for me. Olive loved playing with my parent's 5 dogs, and she is a little depressed. She also was spayed yesterday, so that is also making her a little depressed as well. It went well, she just needs to take it easy and let things heal.

I'm about a third of the way through one of the baby blankets I have planned. Yippee! i want to get through them first before I really start working on baby cloths, but I know I need to get going.

Got to run and check on Olive and find food! I'll post pictures when I can find the camera!! Have a great Wednesday!

Warming Grace

2006-04-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week, the camera isn't functioning (aka Gracie needs to go and get batteries) so I haven't had too many pictures and posting isn't as fun without pictures. But, I've been working on a baby blanket and I also decided to start a different pair of socks for my sock pal. Yes, I'm starting over with a month left. I really stopped liking the Wildfoote yarn. It didn't end up being soft enough and parts of the yarn were really thin. So, I started over with some Austermann yarn that has aloe in it, it is super soft. I'm doing a basic cheveron patern, and I am much more pleased with the results, which is what is important!

Oh and go and check out Amanda's blog for details on Warming Grace. She is a little girl who is undergoing chemo who loves pink - a girl after my own heart! The squares are 5*5, so not too big!

I am off to the big ATL for a week, so I should be back around Easter. This time I won't disappear too long because I've got a horticulture class that I am taking at South Alabama. Should be fun!

Have a fabulous weekend and great week everyone!!

Baby Bell's First Picture

2006-04-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

That is what I did yesterday! I had my first ultrasound and it was probably one of the neatest experiences I have ever had. I was a little nervous at first that something would be wrong, but everything is going along smoothly. She/he is measuring 9 weeks instead of 10 like we thought I was. So, I am now due November 4th, but we all know the likelyhood of that happening. But, I got to see the baby move a bit and hear the heartbeat (167 bpm, pretty darn good!. You can't tell that much from the picture, she/he def looks like a blob. (The little circle is the yolk sac.) On the screen I could see the little arm and leg buds and the brain. Very very exciting. It feels a lot more real now, and it is even nicer to know that everything is ok and moving along well.

But, no new knitting news. I did get the Yarn Harlot's new book this week as well as the Mason-Dixon Knitting book. They are both pretty great. I haven't got too much of a chance to read them yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping to get some baby knitting done this weekend.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone! It is beautiful here and I'm hoping it will warm up enough today to go swim in our pool.

A Wee Little Hat

2006-03-29T12:59:00.000-06:00

How cute is that?! It is the first baby hat I have made for Baby Bell. It is also the second test knit item for Figheadh. I started it last night and finished it up this morning. I think it is pretty darned cute. The pattern was pretty easy to follow and it would be a great first project for working on cables, and using the cabling without the cable technique really helped it go a lot faster! It is with Cascade 220 Superwash, which is FABULOUS! I haven't washed it yet, but it is really great to work with. It's super soft and doesn't really split at all.

I'm planning on starting the baby bonnet tonight and it should be equally as cute! Go check Jen's stuff out!

I'm totally in love...

2006-03-28T14:06:00.000-06:00

.... with Lorna's Laces. Why I haven't tried this before, I have no idea! Let's just call it pure stupidity. I'm taking a sock class at the YarnHaus to learn how to do 2 socks toe up on one needle.

Here is the progress so far...

I'm using LL's Uptown and the colors are so fun. Heidi suggested that I just do a simple pattern for this first pair on one circular, so I thought this would be a fun color without a pattern. I really like doing socks this way. it feels a little slow, but I know it is going to be such a great feeling to have them both done at the same time. The only thing I know I'm not going to like about it is that it is a little less portable than doing one sock at a time. So, I think I'll just have to have 2 different pairs of socks on the needles. I've decided that since my body is going to be changing dramatically the next 7 months, that I need to nix the idea of making sweaters for myself. Although, I'm still going to finish Sitcom Chic. So, I figured I'll be making myself a ton of socks as well as lots of baby knitting.

Oh, and I must have been hiding under a rock, but I didn't know that Lucy Neatby made sock yarn. The YarnHaus had some so of course I had to pick some up.

It is the Aqarius colorway. How fun is that?! It is so super soft. I thought it would be great for Project Spectrum.

I also got a FABULOUS package from my Felted SP. It came on Saturday and totally made my day!

She wrapped each individual piece in different pink wrapping paper - she knows me so well! Inside were 2 skeins of Sierra Quatro, a skein of Naturally Nazareth, a cute card and Pursonalities. I saw it at the bookstore and was totally coveting it, but I didn't end up buying it! Thank you SP! I love it!!

Other than that, things around here are pretty darn boring. All I seem to do is sleep! I'll take that over vomiting any day, but it makes it a little hard to get things done during the day. I can get things done in the middle of the day, but by about 4:00, my day is over. How sad is that? I'm just really lucky that I don't have another child to take care of as well - just a husband. I know the next baby won't be quite as easy!

Lorna's Loveliness

2006-03-24T08:59:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to everyone for all of y'all's well wishes about the baby. We are really excited. I know if I wasn't feeling so first trimester prego, I would prob be even more excited! I've just been really tired, which in comparison to how I could be feeling, is prob a lot better than some alternatives. I've also stopped being able to eat meat. How wierd is that? I can eat it in non-identifiable forms, like chicken salad, lasagna, etc, but I can't seem to make myself eat a piece of chicken or fish. I'm hoping this passes soon because I know I need the protein. I see a lot peanut butter in my future.

I went and took a finishing class at the Yarnhaus on Wednesday. It was really really helpful. I hope that she offers some more finishing classes in the future. And, she had just gotten in a ton of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Of course, I had to buy some. I couldn't resist.

Uptown is on the left and Layette is on the right.

I'm so in love with this stuff - it is so wonderfully soft! I'm taking a one needle sock class from her tomorrow, and I am going to use Uptown - I'm excited to start working with it.

No baby knitting to show yet, I've got to get my stuff together and I'll take some pictures to post since I finally found the camera. But, here is a picture of the nursury so far. The walls are Pumpkin Chiffon and the sky is Cumulus (both colors by Pratt and Lambertt). It isn't a very stellar picture, but I have discovered that it is hard to get a good picture of a room. I love the chandalier (sp?). We are going with the sophisticated baby theme. Mom is sewing curtains, baby bumpers, etc. (Yes, she is thrilled). I'm excited to see how it all comes together!

Have a great Friday!

I'm Back!

2006-03-21T11:41:00.000-06:00

Pictureless post because I can't find the camera, but still exciting nonetheless.

Betcha thought I went missing, huh? I ended up spending 2 weeks at home in Atlanta and it was so nice. I love being home and spending time with my mom. It's tax season, so I didn't see too much of my dad since he lives at the office this time of year. We did a ton of shopping and hung around the house with the dogs. Olive enjoyed having 5 other playmates, but now that we are home she is glad to be an only dog again. Mom is getting the kitchen redone, so it was nice to watch all of the kitchen progress. They are actually coming up on the end of things, and she is so excited and ready to have it done!

On to the exciting news! We are having a baby! We had been talking about having kids for awhile and it happened. We are both really excited as is the rest of the family. I'm about 2 months and Baby Bell is due October 27th (or that is the date now until I have my ultrasound next week).

So, for the next several months my little corner of the blog world will be filled with a bunch of baby stuff, there is so much knitting to be done! I know I am going to have to set goals for myself otherwise I'm going to have knitting ADD and have sweaters for myself and the baby on the needles. At least baby sweaters are quick, blankets however are not. I've already started 2 and I can't decide which one I like better!

I hope that everyone has a fabulous day! I'll have some photos next time when I try and find the blasted camera! I'm off to find something to eat!

Project Spectrum - Dying Experiment One

2006-03-04T09:13:00.000-06:00

First off, I have to say that this was so much fun. I really enjoyed playing with the colors and seeing how they came out. I learned a lot and I know it will come in handy after dying the other yarns in months to come. I present a photodocumentary of my first big girl dying experience.....
The Setup

Yarns to Dye For was a really really helpful book, I def reccomend it. I chose to use Rit dye for the first pair, mostly because I didn't have to order it. I chose to do two similar colors a dark and a light form of pink (they are Fushia and Pink) to try and get more of a mottled effect in the finished product.

The first skein.

It was too hard to take pictures mid dye, so here is the first complete skein. I discovered that it was much better to paint in big swatches than do little stripes. I discovered this once the yarn was heat set, it ended up blending in parts a little more than what I thought it would. I heat set it in microwave, I think if I could hae heat set it in a steamer, I could have kept the sections a little bit more separated. I also discovered that plastic wrap does not microwave well.

The practice skein drying.

I was so surprised at how much more vibrant the dye turned out. I don't know what I am going to do with this little skein, probably keep it for posterity.

All wound up!

Ta da! Here they are all wound up! I am pretty darn pleased with how they turned out. I let them hang dry on hangers outside on the porch, it was a really really nice day outside. They didn't take long to dry at all.

A sock is born!

And, this is how the yarn looks all knitted up. I am really really pleased. I am using the Go with the Flow pattern from IK a while back. I think they are going to look fab and it is so fun to say that I dyed the yarn.

It is going to be great to see how they turn out as well as to try different techniques in the coming months.

I will be MIA for the next week. Olive and I are taking alittle road trip up to Auburn and then up to Atlanta to see my family for the week. My mom and I will also be going to the Atlanta Sewing and Quilting Expo. She is looking forward to seeing all of the new sewing stuff and they supposedly have some yarn/fiber vendors which I am super excited about! Have a wonderful week everyone!

And, may I present the dog that loves yarn. I def think she is mine!

Happy Mardi Gras!

2006-02-28T10:27:00.000-06:00

It is a beautiful day here and Olive is full of herself! Thank goodness for a fenced in backyard! Philip is off for the day and is downtown with some friends enjoying the parades. I'll head downtown later this afternoon/evening and meet them for dinner and the night parade.

The Olympic Knitting is complete!

I think it is possibly one of the cutest things I have knit. It was a great way to do a little bit of cabling in a small area, and the 14 inches of stockinette was great for watching the Olympics. Love the pattern and I will probably make another one again!

And, a LONG overdue FO.

Yes my friends, this is my last bit of completed Christmas knitting. With the move and other projects on the needles, this one took a bit of time. They are to be given to my MIL (which is another reason why I probably didn't want to finish them either). But, they will soon be in the mail and out of my life! I knit them with Koigu and really loved the yarn, I am going to have to get some for myself. I ued the Gull Wings pattern from Socks, Socks, Socks. It is a really easy pattern to memorize and is nice and lacy without being too lacy.

Have a wonderful Mardi Gras everyone!!

Drive by post....

2006-02-24T20:15:00.000-06:00

No pictures to show, but the baby bunting is coming along nicely! I've finished the back (after knitting 14 inches) and I have to do the front and the sleeves. I think I can make it! It has been a sluggish week around here at Casa Del Bell, and I haven't felt like knitting too much. I'm hoping my knitting mojo will come back soon.

I got my yarn and Yarn to Dye For from Knitpicks, and I am so super excited about it! I'm looking forward to getting started on Wednesday. I thought I would try Rit dye this first time (the box says it works on wool), and then I figured I would experiment with others next time.

Have a great Friday night everyone!

New Project - Buy More Yarn!

2006-02-18T09:48:00.000-06:00

I've joined Lolly's Project Spectrum, and I finally decided what I am going to do! I am slightly copycating several others and I am going to knit socks. However, I decided to add a slight twist and dye my own sock yarn. Since the whole purpose of the project is to explore color, what better way than through dying! I was going to try and branch out into other forms of craftyness (if that can be a word!), but with the house being a disaster, I figured sticking to knitting would be a good safe bet. I've ordered some merino dye your own sock yarn as well as Yarns to Dye For. Now, I just have to find some dye! What are some of your favorite dyes to use? I want to use something more permanent than Kool-Aid, although I may play with that as well.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Knitting Olympics Report - 11 inches of the body down!! Yipee!

The Olympic Report

2006-02-16T13:56:00.000-06:00

In Knitting Olympic News, I've got 8 inches in the bottom half, so I am over halfway there! I am really enjoying working on it so far, it is a nice easy knit while I am watching TV. Although, I am anxious for the cables and to see it all done. I'm going to have to hunt down a baby to try it on!

So, during my Valentine's errands the other day, I stopped in everyone's favorite bookseller, Barnes and Noble. My sister who works for Books A Million is horrified that I like B&N better, but as long as I don't buy anything in the coffee shop, I am ok. (The coffee shop is her area of BAM). And, since you can't leave a bookstore without purchasing something, I bought this -
.

The Lion Brand Vintage Styles book and Knit Lit 3. I haven't seen the Vintage Style book before, but I was pleasantly surprised. It had a lot of great basics in it.

I really liked this coat, but I'm not sure if I would ever knit it for myself.
And, I loved this wrap.

I am going to be adding it to my need to knit list. It seems like it would stay on really well.

The Tiger was a Valentine's gift from Philip, along with some roses. He said he found a stuffed elephant, but he knew I wouldn't enjoy that one....

Amanda tagged me with this meme, so here it goes!

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

We're on Top by The Killers. I adore this whole CD, it is great to work out to and drive to. I whole heartedly reccomend it.

Adagio on Strings by Barber. I love love this piece of music. To me, it is so beautiful it hurts (if that is possible).

Number 43 by Dave Matthews Band. It always reminds me of a road trip with my sister. It is the kind of music that you just want to have blaring out the windows of your car on a really nice day.

Magnificat by Chanticleer. It is just a nice pieceful piece of music. I'm really interested in the Blessed Mother, and have several books on her (Mary by Leslie Hazelton is facsinating), so it has special meaning to me.

Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorsky. My mother and I saw this at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and it was wonderful. I have been listening to it ever since.

Melissa by the Alman Brothers Band. I grew up listening to the Alman Brothers and they were the first concert I went to when I was young, it was great fun.

Sleepers Awake by Bach. Love the symphony piece and the hymn.

I'm tagging anyone who wants to answer!

Happy St Valentines Day!

2006-02-14T15:29:00.000-06:00

I hope that everyone is having a great Valentines!

I took a brief hiatus last night/this morning from knitting on Mairead (it's a little longer than it was a few days ago, I'm loving the Cascade). To work on these...

Which after some felting looked a little like this...

They are the fun, felted fortune cookies by Tanya. They are Philip's Valentine for the day. I used Noro Kureyon (sp?). The colors are just plain fun. I found the takeout boxes at a scrapbook store in town, but they are made by a company called Basic Grey. I thought they were precious.

We had a productive weekend here at the house. We did this!

We tiled our bathroom countertop and put in a new sink and faucet. It was mucho ugly before, and it looks so much better! And, it was not quite as difficult as I thought it was going to be.

I've got to run and get some last minute Valentines errands before Philip gets home from work! Have a wonderful rest of the day everyone!!

And the torch is lit.....

2006-02-12T10:59:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I didn't exactly start my Olympic knitting on time. But, this fact was slightly under control given that the printer refused to cooperate. And, I also can't help it that my yarn from Knitpicks and the Latvian Mitten book came in the mail. So, during the Opening Ceremonites, I started on this...

The progress is SLOW going. I never would have imagined myself knitting on toothpicks/size 1 needles. I am enjoying watching the pattern develop, but it is a little frustrating because the yarn twists so much. Does anyone know how to help this or am I just SOL? The only other Fair Isle I've done just worked 2 colors at a time and I used bobbins, so I didn't carry the yarn as much.

But, on the official first day of competition, I started Mairead that I am test knitting for Figheadh Yarnworks.

Not too much visually exciting progress, but the Cascade Superwash is really nice to work with, and bigger needles are always a nice change! I am working on the baby bunting first, which is worked from the bottom up. So, I've got 14 inches of stockinette before the bodice of the bunting. I think it is going to be so adorable, it is going to be hard to wait to start on the bodice and the cables. But, since it needs to be functional, I need to suck it up and take one for the team and knit the 14 inches.

A special thanks to my Felted SP for the lovely books I got in the mail this past week (sorry I haven't posted about it before).

Felted Knits and Knit One, Felt Too. I adore both of them and I can't wait to work on some of the projects!

And because we all know you are dying to see cute Olive, here she is...

She has a skin condition and she has to go to the vet for a bath every week for the next several weeks, so she comes back with a cute little bandana. I'm trying to keep up with pictures of her every week so we have some of her baby pictures. I think she just wants to be a model, she likes having her picture taken.

Have a fabulous Sunday afternoon, and stay warm to all of those who are stuck in the snow. It is a good excuse to stay in and knit!

In Which Gracie Discovers the Value of The Right Yarn for the Right Project

2006-02-07T10:23:00.000-06:00

So, do we all remember that lovely coral sweater that I was working on? Well, it no longer exists. It ended up looking like this...

It is hard to tell here, but that could wrap around my body twice. I learned that this particular yarn has an issue with stretching sideways even if you get the right gauge in a small swatch. I then reduced the stitches by close to half and preceded to start again. Then I got to thinking that I am going to have to adjust the sweater from now on. Which leads me into more math than I wanted to do for this sweater. Now, I like the sweater and all, but not that much. And, I figured the yarn might not be the best given its extrodinary stretching ability. And, the very next day is when I came upon the fabulous yarn sale. So, I started this....

Sitcom Chic in the Brown Sheep Cotton. So far so good. I think it is going to be a great versatile sweater for down here.

I also started working on my Sockapaloooza Pal's socks. Now, I had quite a dilemma in figuring out the best yarn to use after my recent sock stash additions. My pal gave me carte blanc so any yarn was in the running. But, I decided to go for the Wildfoote because I had the most of it, and I figured I wanted to make them a decent length and I would stress out with the CTH.

I'm using the Embossed Leaves pattern from IK several issues ago. I'm pretty pleased with it so far, I think the subtle pattern in the yarn works well with the leaves so you actually see them pretty well. This is my first time making socks using dpns. I've got another pair on my circulars, so I thought I would give this way a try. So far, so good. However, I can see how loosing that other dpn can/will become an issue.

Have a great day everyone!!

Pee In Your Pants Excited

2006-02-02T18:15:00.000-06:00

Today, February 2, 2006, I came across the best thing to ever happen to a knitter. As knitters and yarn hoarders, we rarely ever get this lucky. Perhaps, it never happens. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a 50% off everything in stock sale. Yes, 50% off! Olive and I drove over to Fairhope (a cute little town) on the other side of the bay to pick up a purse my sister had made for her. I looked up to see what yarn stores there were in the area and came across Debi's Little Yarn Shop. Well, I couldn't find it and eventually called and found out that it was in a studio behind this woman's house. When I got their her husband let me in and said they were shutting the business down. I said that I was sorry to hear that and asked if any of the yarn was on sale. That my friends is when he told me that the whole store was 50% off. I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I went and got Olive and we spent awhile in the store shopping around. Here is the haul....

I didn't get as much as I should have (I think I may have to go back) but I got a lot of stuff for babies, I've got several friends having them, and I needed some yarn. I got the cotton for me to make Sitcom Chic, 1 of the Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn is for my Sockapaloooza pal, and the other is for me or my Yarn Aboard Pal. And most of the rest is for baby stuff. All of that was $80 when it normally would have been $160. She didn't have as much sweater stuff, but a good bit of Cascade 220. It was so great. I still may go back......

I've gotten a good bit done on my coral cardi, I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.

Have a fabulous evening everyone!

Happy Valentine Month and other randomness

2006-02-01T12:51:00.000-06:00

So, that was the most creative title I could come up with! Here at the La Casa del Bell, Valentines Day lasts 2 weeks. It all started with my mom sending me tacky valentines for 2 weeks when I was in college, and I have carried this over to my house. I make Philip a tacky valentine for every day up until Valentines Day. Philip of course doesn't do the same for me (silly man!), however, he does always follow through with the flowers and Godiva chocolate.

I saw this on Lolly's and Wendy's blog - how fun! Here is the link in case you wanna make one for yourself and you haven't found it - here.

I decided that my do something new thing for 2006 would be to work on more Fair Isle and colorwork. So, I bought this today from Knit Picks

I've just done a little bit of Fair Isle and such on a hat and Philip's Chrismas stocking and I would like to do more, but there are only so many hats and stockings you can make, and I don't want to do a whole sweater in Fair Isle. So, I took the plunge and I decided that I am going to learn how to do mittens. It is going to be an adventure.

I have a question - does anyone know how to expand the part you type in on Blogger? I can't figure it out and I would like the main body a wee bit wider.

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone!

L is for Landfill

2006-01-31T10:26:00.000-06:00

Which is exactly where the pattern to my Union Square Market Sweater is. I was trying to be so good and keep my magazines and patterns organized by ripping out patterns that I may want to knit/like a little. I kept the full IK with the USMS so I wouldn't get the pattern mixed up. Bad idea. I threw the magazine out. It is nowhere in our disaster of and office. So, I will be placing an order with the lovely Interweave people to get another magazine.

In the meantime, I had nothing to knit. So what did I do? Three guesses.

Of course, I went out and bought more yarn because apparently I didn't have enough! Ok, so I have a lot of yarn, just not enough for a sweater. And, I just felt the need to start another sweater even though I have a bunch of other things I could have knit.

I apparently have a cardigan fetish lately, and I went to the store with the intention of purchasing Cotton Ease for the Sitcome Chic cardi. I've also discovered that it will get darn hot down here in the summer so to be able to wear things longer, cardis are going to be more versatile. I had a momentary brain lapse and I forgot they discontinued it. So, I found some Microspun. I'm normally not a huge fan of Lion Brand, but this stuff is so darn soft that I thought it was worth a shot. And, at $3 a ball, you really can't beat it. I also picked up the new issue of Creative Knitting (something I also normally don't do) because I really liked the cover sweater.

I decided to knit this instead of Sitcom Chic. However, I'm going to make some minor changes. I'm not going to make the arms quite as bulky. And, I'm also not going to do the flower details on the shoulder. I want to make it more of a basic sweater, and I think I will be able to wear it as a shirt as well.

Here is the progress so far. The yarn does split apart some, but it is so soft that it is nice to work with. I think I will be making baby cloths out of this because it is so soft, cheap and you can wash it in the washing machine. It is a nice easy knit compared to the cables - I needed a brain break.

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Yarn Aboard!!

Head on over to Amanda's blog and sign up for Yarn Aboard! It is a traveling box gift exchage thingy (yes, that is a technical term). The box will travel around the world (yes, the same box). You will receive the box with sock yarn and a few other small goodies, put some sock yarn and a few other little goodies in and then ship the box off to the next person. You will get the preferences of the other person, so you aren't just putting out random yarn. And, it is a one time deal! Sounds fun? Go sign up!!
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Last but not least, another picture of Olive.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

Amazing Grace

2006-01-27T09:28:00.000-06:00

It was so nice that Debbie Bliss named a sweater after me! Ok, so she really didn't because my name isn't really Grace, but a girl can dream. But, at approximately 10:00 PM last night, I finished Grace.

The front.

The back.

Pattern - Grace by Debbie Bliss
Yarn - Sierra Aran by Elann
Start Date - November 8, 2005 (the only reason I remember is because that was the day I defended)
End date - Jan 26

The not very good model shot. I couldn't figure out how to do the timer and Philip wasn't home to take my picture and I knew this was the only time today I would have to post. I look afright so that is why you don't see my head!

But, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It is def going to be one of my favorite sweaters. When I finished it last night I was so excited and I had no one to show it to. Olive was impressed, but she really wanted to chew it. Philip was asleep and I didn't want to wake him up to show it to him then. He was impressed with it this morning, or at least he said he was.

I was thinking about putting buttons in, but I don't think I will. I think it would look as good. I haven't blocked it yet because I have been wearing it around the house, but I will soon.

But, it has been a wonderful project and I would recommend it!!!

Finally off the island!

2006-01-26T15:29:00.000-06:00

So, last night after Project Runway (loved the show!), I finally finished the sleeves to Grace!

I think I may have to add a bit to the bottom, but I'm going to see once I block it. I may just add an inch or so of ribbing to the bottom. I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out, but sleeves always seem to take forever. Of course since it wasn't that late, I seamed the body of the sweater together and started on the collar.
I am not sure if I am doing it correctly, but it is so far working out ok. Seaming was a bit easier than I expected because that clever Debbie Bliss made the cables line up exactly. However, I think if I were to do it again, I may do either the front or the back upside down to have a consistant cable because it breaks up a bit at the shoulder.
I'm hoping to finish it tonight (ok, prob this weekend!).

I've also been busy putting up crown molding in our bedroom.
I'm pretty pleased with how it looks and I have been painting it. It is such pain in the butt to get in between the pieces of the dental molding. It was actually pretty easy to put up, but it also helps having a husband who is good at math and hammering. It is out of that plastic composite, so it is super light and easy to hammer. The best part is that they make premade corners. I love shortcuts!!

And, finally, the Olive picture of the week...

That is one of my Vanderbilt jersey blankets that she has adopted as her own. She has doubled in size the past week, she is now 9 pounds (we were at the vet today, not her favorite place).

Have a wonderful Thursday yall!

Lots of Fibery Goodness!

2006-01-23T14:35:00.000-06:00

I have been so super busy these past few days, that I finally found a moment to load some pictures and post! My mom was here last week and we painted up a storm, but we made some great progress on the house! But, 2 fabulous packages arrived for me today....

My last package from KRSP3! My pal was Kelly. Thank you so much!! I love everything in the package and it was such a great surprise to get today!!

I also got this!

Cascade Superwash for a baby bunting that I am test knitting for Jen at Figheadh. I'm so excited to work on it. I've decided to make this my Knitting Olympics project. I think the biggest challenge for me will be to stick with it and finish it in the 2 weeks and not get distracted by other projects or the house.

Oh, and yes, sleeve island and I are still BFF. We've got 13 inches, which means 5 more to go - thank goodness!!!! I would love to finish it and wear it as I cast on during the Olympics.

Have a wonderful day everyone and Olive says hello (or bark in her language)!

Meet Olive

2006-01-13T09:30:00.000-06:00

We have a new addition of the furry kind living at our house....

This is Olive. We got her Sunday afternoon. Some people were selling her and I felt so bad for her that she came home with us. I didn't want her to have to go back and live with them.

Needless to say, it has been a busy past few days at the Bell household! I think getting used to a new puppy is like getting used to a new baby. She is starting to settle in and cry a lot less at night. I adore puppies, but I'm ready for her to be older and more of a dog. I do think she is going to be pretty darn big! She is a mix of dogs, so we will have to see what she grows out like!

Meanwhile, I'm still stranded on sleeve island. I've got about 12 inches on the sleeves so far, and I know I'm in the home stretch. It just feels like it is going to take forever! I'm hoping to have them finished soon!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

A little lost..... on cable sleeve island

2006-01-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

So, I'm stuck on sleeve island for another 15 or so inches.....

I've discovered there is a wee mistake in the pattern, and least I think there is, but I may be reading it wrong. On the sleeves, there is the large cable in the middle that when you are not cabling, you have to knit across 8 sts. Well, in the pattern there was no mention of the cables at all. And, using my logical skills, I figured that you had to cable to get the cable up the middle of the sleeve. So, I cabled. Just a friendly little warning Amanda and Leah - unless I'm way wrong, but it looks right! The nice part about the sleeves is that it is just a smaller repeat of what the body of the sweater is, so once I have gotten the first row done, I don't really have to rely on the book to follow along.

The good news is, that this means I finished the second half of the front.

So, I've got the sleeves, collar and to seam it all up! Whew! Sounds a lot easier than it is!

And, smack me on the head and call me silly because it took until the very end of the second front to figure out that I should have learned how to cable without a cable needle a LONG time ago. It is slightly scary having 2 sts off the needle, but it is SO much faster. Silly me for not learning how to do this earlier!

Have a great Friday everyone!

The First FOs of 2006

2006-01-03T18:20:00.000-06:00

So, I finally finished the Christmas knitting. Yep, I'm a little late. Ladies and gentlemen here is what a flat flamingo looks like...
And, this is what a stuffed and eyed flamingo looks like ....

Pattern - Fiber Trends Pink Flamingo
Yarn - Cascade 220 in Flamingo Pink (2 skeins) and Black
Recipient - my sister

I am really pleased with it once I finally sat down to work on it. The only thing I'm not too happy with is the fact that it doesn't sit very well on its own, but that may be a function of my assemblage of the flamingo and not the pattern itself. It also turned out a bit bigger than I expected. I think it would be cute to adapt them to make it a bit more wee.

Oh, and that lovely scarf that is around her neck? That would be the completed Branching Out for my mom.

Pattern - Branching Out from Knitty
Yarn - Cotton Fine from Brown Sheep (I don't remember the colorway).

I really enjoyed knitting this. But, it was a royal PITA whenever I got off chart or forgot which row I was on. I ripped it back several inches several times. The next time I knit this, I will def be much better about keeping track of where I am in the pattern.

Have a lovely night everyone! ~ Skipping off with glee to make a cup of tea (ooo.. that rhymed!) and to work on Grace!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T10:34:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year y'all! I hope that everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve and is enjoying the day!

I finally have some pictures to post. I finally found the computer cord! That was a small victory for the day.

First, here is the new Doctor that now lives in my house.

Philip's advisor is on the right. It was nice to see him be hooded, but the ceremony was LONG! Watching those undergraduates was almost painful. Not that I'm not happy for them but there were around 5,000. Way too many!

This is the sumtotal of my knitting the past 2 weeks. Oh yes, it looks impressive, but I have only done a little bitty bit. This is what a deconstructed pink flamingo looks like. I'm hoping to finish it up ASAP to give it to my sister when she visits this coming weekend. (Yes, it's a Xmas present. And I know it is late. We will just claim that I get it to her in one of the days of Chanukah and we will be ok.)

Instead, this is what I have been working on -
Unpacking and painting! I finished painting our room this week. The room is not at all finished. I still need some art on the walls and the headboard and footboard fixed and in place and such, but it is a good start. My dad is coming back after tax season is over with and is going to help us install wood floors upstairs. I'm way excited for that!! The color is a little hard to see, it is a greenish/blueish/grey called Scrim by Martha Stewart Paints. God Bless Martha. She has made the paint picking out process pretty idiot proof.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!!

Watch out - the 2006 Knitting Related List will be next! I need to find my 2005 one, I wonder if any of it got done?!

We're living out of boxes!!

2005-12-27T09:38:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

I know it has been four forevers since I have posted, but I'm still here!! Philip graduated, they came and packed us and we are moved in to our new to us house! I finally got DSL working thanks to the nice little Bell South man who just left moments ago. We have been without the internet for awile and I am glad to be back to the land of the living!

We have a lot of the boxes unpacked, and I am hoping to start painting either today or tomorrow!

I really haven't done much knitting during the move but I am going to make myself sit down today and work on Grace for a bit along with some of the Christmas gifts that are going to end up being post-Christmas gifts!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! I will try and catch up on everyone's blogs soon!

Back to the boxes!!

How time flies!

2005-12-12T23:14:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted! Life has been really crazy for us these past few weeks and I know it won't stop!

Moving stuff is going well, I can't believe we are really leaving. I'm so ready just to have the whole process over with. Auburn has become my home and it is going to be really really difficult to leave. I was so looking forward to moving, and now I'm not so much any more. I wish we could stay longer, but Philip is done and we must go. The guinea pigs, however, are excited. At least I think that is what "squeak, squeak" means!

We went and moved some of my inherited furniture down this past weekend, and it was great fun to spend the night in the house!

I've been knitting a bunch on Christmas presents, but the camera is not fixed! I'll hopefully have a FO to show in a day or so!

Have a great night everyone!

16 more days....

2005-12-03T10:05:00.000-06:00

~Sorry this is a pictureless post, the camera is not working!~

We sufficiently signed our lives away and are up to our ears in debt! But, the house is officially ours! The family that lives there now has to be out by Monday, but that is just a small detail. We are moving down there full time on the 20th, but we may be back and forth moving some furniture from Atlanta. We thankfully have packers and movers, so hopefully it won't be as bad as I think it will.

I've had to take a self imposed break from Grace to work on some Christmas gifts. I need to have socks for Philip's mom done by the 16th, so I am trying to get those done. I've got one almost done, and I am hoping to start the other one today.

I got a fabulous package yesterday from my KRSP - 3 skeins of Knit Picks Shadow and the Sweet Mary Jane pattern to knit, 2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden (I've never had any before and it is fabulous!), a chibi, sweater needle holders, and a photo holder. Thank you so much KRSP!!

Does anyone have any suggestions for the Noro Silk Garden?

Ok, off to start my day! Have a great weekend everyone!

How time flies...

2005-11-28T21:08:00.000-06:00

2 years ago from tomorrow on November 29th, I got to wear a pretty pink dress and get a sparkly new ring on my finger.
Isn't it amazing how fast time flies?

We will be spending our anniversary driving to our new home in Mobile to close on our house on Wednesday! I'm really excited about it and I am hoping that all goes smoothly. We move in in 22/21 (depending on how you count it!) and I am getting anxious. I am really sad about leaving Auburn, but now that it is so close, I am just ready to move and be done with it. I'm thrilled about leaving our apt, a house will be so nice. I am actually most excited about owning a washer and dryer - who knew that would be so exciting?!

We had a great Thanksgiving with my family. We had crustacians for Thanksgiving - my parents are renovating their kitchen and my mom didn't want to cook now that they are going to be destructing it in a few days. So, we feasted on crab legs and shrimp - fab - I may do it every year!!

Mom sewed and I knitted and my sister watched. I finished the left front of Grace and I am about 8 inches up the right front. I'm pretty proud of how it is moving right along! I must sit down and work on some Xmas presents before it passes us by. I'll have pictures in a few days when I remember to take them!

Have a wonderful night everyone!

The Incredible Shrinking Scarf

2005-11-23T09:36:00.000-06:00

I decided that I should take a momentary break from Grace and work on some Christmas presents because I can't bring them home to Atlanta. This is my progress on Branching Out so far...

Does it look about the same as last time? Well, yes it does, here is where the rest of it went..
It went write back around the ball of yarn. I ended up messing up to the largest degree! There is a long row of knits that runs down the center of the scarf and that got ALL off. It was way way to noticible to ignore and move on. It created a bit of a wavy line. So, I tried to rip it back and move up which made things even worse. So, several inches ripped out, and by the grace of God, I figured out what line I was on and life is much better.

But, I have not forgotten Grace.
This is the left front. I'm really pleased with it so far, but it has shrunk more than what I expected it to. I am sure it is because of the cables and the ribbing. So, it will be a little more close fitting than originally expected, but that is ok!

We are heading up to Atlanta tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving with my family, so we should be back on Monday. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Be safe to all of those who travel!

4 of a kind

2005-11-21T13:05:00.000-06:00

Gotta love that score! This is the 4th year in a row that we have beat Bama so we have a whole year of bragging rights. The game was so much fun, it's my favorite one of the whole year.

I also finished the back of the Grace.

I'm pretty pleased with it. But it is LONG!! I haven't made that many longer sweaters so this one feels really long. I really enjoy seeing how the cables develop. I've cast on for the left front and got a whopping two rows on it. I should get a bit more done at SNB tonight.

That is about all of the excitement at la casa del Bell! Have a great day everyone!!

Edited to add - Philip and I went to see Harry Potter yesterday and it was really good. I think one of my favorites so far. I was a little disappointed that they left out some of my favorite parts of the book, but it was 2.5 hours and they did the best they could with the time they had. I really liked some of the Weasley boys knits.

WAR EAGLE!! IRON BOWL 2005!!!

2005-11-18T20:09:00.000-06:00

That seems to be the theme of the posts lately. But, tomorrow is the high holy feast day of the Auburn football season - the Auburn - Alabama game. I am so so excited and hoping that we win. Wendy and Magnolia Mom and I will all be screaming War Eagle!

Paula Deen was fabulous! I so adore her. She signed my cookbook and it is currently on a shelf never to be used and staying in pristine condition for all of eternity.

I need to run and fix food for tomorrow - but I'm hoping to finish up the back of Grace this weekend.

Have a wonderful night everyone!!

WAR EAGLE!!

2005-11-12T08:22:00.000-06:00

Auburn plays a big game against Georgia today, and we are all a little nervous around here. Wendy and I will both be crossing our collective fingers and toes that we win. Next week is the high holy day of the Auburn football season, when we play that other school up the road that will not be mentioned by name on this blog. That is the game that I am nervous about. But, let's hope that they get beaten by LSU today.

I forgot to post something last night - a gift from my KRSP. She sent a cute little notebook (thats in my desk at work) and some key tags (also in my desk keeping work keys straight), but she sent some great sock yarn. I'm looking forward to knitting it up, thanks KRSP!!

Have a great Saturday everyone!! WAR EAGLE!

It's such a thrill...

2005-11-11T20:59:00.000-06:00

.... to be able to come home and not have to work on my thesis. I've decided that I am going to get so much more done now that I don't have to worry about it. I am so proud of myself and please that it is finally over. It's like no other feeling. Speaking of knitting.....

I finished my Socktober socks.

I used Knit Picks Sock Garden in Stargazer Lily and I used the Feather and Fan pattern from Socks, Socks, Socks. It was a really fast knit even though it took awhile to get them done.

Branching out is coming along pretty well. It moves pretty quickly and I think I am def going to be able to get it done for my mom for Christmas. I'm thinking about making her a wee one more like a fabric scarf that she can use with oxford collar shirts and such. We will have to see if I've got enough yarn for one though.

A closeup of the pattern, I think it is going to be even better blocked.

And, for the current knitting obsession - Grace. I was so good and proud of myself that I waited until I defended on Tuesday to start. Philip took me here for dinner and drinks. I then came home and cast on! It is simple ribbing for 4 inches, so I discovered I can knit a little buzzed (always a good thing to figure out).

That is the progress that I have now and it is growing steadily as the evening passes. I would love to have a bunch of the back knitted by the end of the weekend.
A closeup of the cables. This is my first big cable project and it is so much easier than I thought! Go check out Amanda's progress, isn't her's a fab color?

Oh, and in non-knitting but equally exciting news, I get to meet Paula Deen!!!!!! I am so so so excited. She is giving a cooking demonstration in Birmingham next Thursday and I got a ticket to go and watch her and get her new book. I'm really hoping that she will get to sign it. The benefit of having a sister that works for a book company. But, she is cooking with the proceeds benefitting Kings Ranch. So, if you are in the Bham area next Thursday check it out at www.kingsranch.org.

Ok, so a short novel later, and I'm off to do some cableing!

Have a great night!

YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!

2005-11-08T21:57:00.000-06:00

Stick a fork in me, I'm done!! Thank you to everyone who sent emails or other blogging good wishes for me today. It was so nice to know that I had the support of friends far and wide. I'm not completely done, I've got a couple of little things to do on it, but I've got plenty of time for that. The hard part is all over with!!

But, the exciting news is that I can finally start Grace. I've had a wee bit too much wine to cast on tonight, but I will be working on it tomorrow! I figured I would take a break from the thesis for a few days before I get the final changes in place!

Have a fabulous, fabulous evening everyone!!!

We will be back to our regularly scheduled program...

2005-11-06T20:16:00.000-06:00

.... when I finish my defense on Tuesday. The power point presentation is done. The poundcake is cooking (and smells divine), and the other food is awaiting preparation for tomorrow evening.

All I have to do it practice my presentation 5,280 (not really) times. Thankfully, I can knit on a sock while I practice some!

Have a great Sunday night everyone!

Yarn makes me happy!

2005-11-01T21:57:00.000-06:00

So guess what came yesterday and today?! That would be yarn and the pattern for Grace! I'm really excited about it and I can't wait to cast on for it.

I'm using Elann's undyed Peruvian Collection Sierra Aran undyed yarn. I contemplated having a little dying adventure, but I decided just to leave it a natural color. I figured it would look great with a lot of stuff in my wardrobe. It is so super soft and I am looking forward to working with it. Thank the Lord for swifts - I've got 19 skeins to wind!

I've also joined the Branching Out KAL. I decided to make Branching Out for my mom for Christmas. I started out making her the crochet beaded wrap from Lily Chin's Knitting and Crocheting with Beads. I have since discovered that I HATE mohair. I know that hate is a strong word, and I don't like to use with yarn, but mohair is no fun to work with. Even if I mess up, I can't rip it out without getting a giant knot. Hence the new decision to work on Branching Out.

Thus the progress so far. I've had to frog it once and switch to bigger needles, but I'm pleased with it now. I'm using Brown Sheep Company's Cotton Fine that I had in my stash (I'm so proud - a stashbuster and Christmas project!).

That is about the excitement here! The guineas and I enjoying a few ESPN days while Philip is gone.

A small forest of trees....

2005-10-30T21:25:00.000-06:00

A small forest of trees later and I have 3 copies and 1 for myself of my thesis for my committee. I printed it off this morning at school and took them all to be spiral bound this afternoon. I can't believe it is almost over with. I never thought it would come. I'm greatly relieved, but nervous for my upcoming defense. I've got a week to get ready and then it will be done!!

I also went to Books A Million (my sister who works in corporate for them was very proud) and picked up 4 magazines for some non-thesis reading! We have the holiday VK, Cast On, Spin Off, and FCEK. Quite exciting. I have only flipped through the VK, and it is fab. Definately some things I want to knit, and there are several different pillow designs as well. I may be knitting a few for our new house!

I've got a non-moi FO to show. I participated in a scarf swap, and I got my scarf last week and I forgot to show it!

But, I am husbandless this week so I am going to enjoy knitting and having time to myself! Besides getting ready for my presentation!!

WAR EAGLE!

2005-10-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

It was game day today in Auburn, and we all know what that means!! Football fun! We won today, 27-3, against Ole Miss, so it was a great day!

Philip and I in the stands with about 85,000 of our closest friends. It wasn't sold out as compared previous games, but it was Ole Miss.

The best part of the game - Spirit - our Golden Eagle. She is in the top right corner. She circles the stadium. The eagles were sick for a year, and it is so nice to have them back.

Auburn's other favorite mascot, Aubie. We are so special that we get 2! Vote for him as the best mascot for the Capital One Mascot Challenge!

The good ole Auburn band.

Its been a busy day of theses and dissertations for the rest of the day, but I will have knitting progress pics tomorrow!!

So, I married a Doctor...

2005-10-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

As of Monday evening, we offically became Dr. and Mrs. Bell. Philip defended his dissertation on Monday! I am so excited and proud of him.

No pictures this morning, but I had a few minutes to post, so I thought I would take advantage of it.

I've mostly been working on socks, but Amanda was thoughtful and took a picture of the scarf I made for her. Go check it out! I really liked the way it turned out.

I've also decided to knit Grace after seeing it on Amanda's blog. I've decided to wait and start it on November 8th after I defend my thesis. It will be my motivating factor!!

I'm off to work!! I am braving the cold today, but I have a cute Ribby Cardi to wear to keep me warm!!

8 loads later...

2005-10-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

Eight loads of laundry later, and we are finally a cleaner household. I have been such a bad wife and cleaning and laundry have fallen by the wasteside. However, I think buying a house and a little thesis are good excuses. And, I have a wonderful husband that helps me do laundry (given it was mostly his).

But the great news of the day is that I have a thesis defense date! Yep, on November 8th at 1:00, I will officially be defending and wanting to run away screaming. I'm trying not to be too nervous about it (yet!).

I am off to Atlanta this weekend for a much needed haircut. I still go to the same person I did when I was 8. She was even at my wedding. I have no idea what I am going to do when we move. I think 5 hours every 6-8 weeks for a cut and color is probably a bit much. And Mom and I are going to do some furniture and appliance shopping for the house as well. There will be a little of the Symphony and a new fiber store as well.

Let's hope that Wendy's and my team wins! Although I think Amanda would disagree. But, as long as that other school that is up the road from Auburn that will not be named loses, all will be right with the world.

Sorry it is a pictureless post, but I'll have some progress pics soon!

WAR EAGLE!!

Back to our regularly scheduled program.....

2005-10-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

So, I can't believe it has been forever since I have posted!! But, in exciting news....

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!

Yep! We were down in Mobile last week and looked at a bunch of houses (the market is going quickly) and made an offer. They accepted it last week. So, as long as the inspection, appraisal and loan goes through smoothly, it is all ours! Some pictures...

The front of the house.

The backyard. There is a lot of yard on the left of the pool, we just couldn't get a good picture.

Kitchen! I am loving all of the space I will have!

Living and dining room.

Master bedroom.

It is 2300 square feet with 4 bedrooms. 3 are really usable and then there are 2 more rooms downstairs that we will use for a den and possibly a pool table. So, let's all keep our fingers crossed that it goes well! I am trying not to get too excited until we close.

I have been knitting a bunch as well. I finished my pal's socks...

I also finished my scarf swap pal's scarf, but I forgot to take a pic before I sealed it up! But, I am going to make one like it for myself, so I will have a picture of it sooner or later!

I also joined the fabulous Lolly's Socktoberfest! Here is my first sock so far -

I'm working on the other sock, and I will hopefully have it finished up soon!

I started on my mom's Christmas present wrap and it is looking really good. I'll take pictures of that soon as well.

Ok, I am off! Have a wonderful night everyone!!

A little buggy!

2005-10-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for your well wishes after the accident. I am feeling like my normal self again.

They totaled out my car and I got much more than I thought for it. I went by today to get out the rest of my stuff. I was walking away from the car and the car guy said that I looked like I was going to cry. I nodded and walked on. It is amazing at how attached you get to things. I love driving and the freedom it brings. I loved that Jeep.

But, this is what came to live at my house!

It is so so cute! It is not my Jeep, but I really like it. I am trying to get used to a small car. It was my cousin's car, she loved it so much and wanted a convertible. Philip and I went and picked it up yesterday.

I've been knitting a decent bit, and I finished the back of my USMS. I'll have pictures of it tomorrow if I can!!

Have a wonderful Saturday night!

A little sore....

2005-09-30T20:27:00.000-05:00

I had a grand adventure last night! I was rearended after coming back from dance class. I was stopped about to turn into our complex and a Cadillac rammed into me at about 35 mph. Long story short, I am ok (a lot sore though!), but the car is not. But, a car is a car and it could have been much worse. The important thing is that I am ok!

But, in exciting news... we are approved for a home loan!

I am sure that a lot of knitting will be happening in the next few days, so I know I will have a lot of progress to report!!

Have a wonderful night everyone!

I promise I'm still here!

2005-09-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy - I haven't realized how long it has been since I have posted. Nothing too much in knitting news, but I'm plugging along on my sock pal's sock (yes, I'm late, and still no sign of the lost yarn) and on my scarf swap pal's scarf. It is turning out very nicely, and I will have pics soon! And, I just ordered the fabulous Mama Bear swift from The Oregon Woodworker. I'm so excited! I helped a friend cater a party this past weekend, and decided to do this with some of my earnings. I can't wait to use it!

But, we have been keeping busy getting preapproved for our home loan, and my final draft of my thesis is in to my major professor! We are meeting on Friday, and hopefully I can get it formatted this weekend and have it out to my committee soon! Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Have a wonderful night and great Tuesday everyone!

Secret Pal 6 Questions

2005-09-17T21:18:00.000-05:00

Here they are SP! I know yall have all been seeing alot of these lately in blogland!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I'm as much of a yarn snob as I can be on a grad student budget.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I am starting to learn how to spin (my thesis takes away practice time!), and I do crochet some.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Nope!
4. How long have you been knitting?
About 2 years!
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wishlist!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Roses, vanilla, anything fresh and clean.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes! Lately I have been craving Sour Patch Kids - I have no idea why!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Nothing to much else, but we are going to buy a house, so I am sure I will take up a few things!
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)I like a little bit of everything. I've been listening to a lot of classical lately, and then there is always Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, etc.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I adore pink, but I am pretty open to a lot of things.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I've been married for almost 2 years, and we have 2 guinea pigs - Lynard and Hendrix.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To finish my thesis!
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything soft. I don't really have a preference other than that - I like to try a little of everything.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic or anything that squeaks.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Hmmm.... socks as always, and I think my next big project (after I finish the Union Square Market Sweater) is Josephine from Knitty. I want to do something with cables.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks!
17. What are you knitting right now?
I just finished Lucky, but I'm working on the Union Square Market Sweater and some socks.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I've made one, but I don't really have plans for another.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circular
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I love addis, but I like bamboo or aluminum.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes!
22. How did you learn to knit?
From Stitch and Bitch and some other books.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I finished Peppermint Twist which was a year old, but my latest ones are only a couple of months.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Hmmm... I don't really have one, but Finding Nemo is my favorite animated movie.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas!
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Milk Glass (the white stuff)from the 1940's and 1950's.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have any, but I regularly pick up IK and VK.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Hmmmm... I can't think of any that I must have, but some I would like to on my Amazon list.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Hmmm.... I've been thinking about getting Hopeful and the new one from Chic Knits.

Happy Feet!

2005-09-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

Check out what came to live at my house this week!

Diane of Clementine's Shoes was my sock pal! Thank you so much Diane - they are perfect.

Yes, I'm still working on mine to send to my pal.... they should be done this weekend.

It has been pretty low key this weekend at La Casa Del Bell. Philip is at the Auburn football game (I was at a wedding shower this morning), and hopefully the Tigers will keep it up and win! But, in exciting news, my alma mater - Vanderbilt actually won another game! So, we are 3-0! Why could we have not done this while I was suffering through all of those football games on the Danceline?! Oh well!! I'll take it!

I was in the grocery store, and guess what I found?! This!

How cute is that?! Dyed in the Wool?! Yes, I got it just cause it had a sheep.

We will be drinking this tonight!

Thanks for all of the compliments on the flowers for ECVA. And, hi SP6! I'll answer those questions soon!

Have a great Saturday yall!!

Lucky Me!

2005-09-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Ta da!! It is done!! I am really pleased with the wrap. It is really nice to have it done!

And the model shot....

Project: Lucky Clover
Pattern Source: Stitch and Bitch Nation
Yarn: Rowan Cotton
Pattern Notes: It was a pretty easy knit, and the pattern went by quickly. If I knit it again, I would knit the sleeves a lot longer to make them long sleeves.

And, we have a finished sock!

With the missing yarn, I'm a bit behind. But, I was able to get some more, and we are ok. I'm pretty proud of the pattern. It is the Blueberry Waffle Sock pattern from the sock knitters list. I really hope that my pal likes it!

I have been so busy with work that I have been meeting myself coming and going! But, the good news is that I am getting close to defending. I am finding it really hard to do the last little bit. I am getting tired of looking at it!

And, on a final note, I had some artwork published! I have done flowers for church, and they were recently published in an online exhibit. It is great fun to see it up on the internet.

ECVA

No pictures, but I just wanted to share....

2005-09-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

.... that at approximately 10:30 PM on Sunday, September 11, I finally finished the Lucky Clover wrap.

And I am so proud of it! She looks so good. I am definately wearing it tomorrow to work!

I'll have pictures in the daylight!

I want to send out a search party

2005-09-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

... for some of my yarn. Don't you hate it when you hide yarn from your husband and you totally forget where you put it? I thought I put it in my yarn chest but I think it sprouted some legs and walked out! I finally finished one of my sock pal's socks (yes, I know I am running out of time!!) and it is now one big HUGE giant knot. I wanted to cut the yarn and start anew with a different ball, and I couldn't find it!! Grr.... so now I am just having to wrestle with the knot. I'll take a pic and post it next time.

But, I finished the sleeves of Lucky! It is presently blocking on our living room floor. I am presently knitting 6 feet (I kid you not) of the neckband and tie and I will hopefully have it done this weekend!! Yay!

Oh, and the new Knitty just came up!!! I'm definately thinking of knitting Josephine - it is a bit ambitious, but it would be so great to wear down here. I'll have to think about it.

Have a great night everyone!

We're not even going to talk about it.

2005-09-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

So, Saturday was not the most fun day here in Auburn.

It was sad, very sad.

I think my husband almost cried.

I almost cried.

The town was quiet and Toomer's Corner was not TPed.

I forgot what losing feels like, and it is no fun.

Yes, we take our football seriously here in Auburn.

But, it all will be well and other's lives are much more difficult than ours. So, in the grand scheme of life, loosing a football game is no big deal.

Check out the total on the Give a Little website! As of now, it is up to over 46,000 dollars! What an incredible amount!! Good job everyone!

WAR EAGLE!

2005-09-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

This is where I will be with 84,000 of my closest friends tomorrow. It is our first game against GA Tech!

Have a great Saturday!

Give a Little

2005-09-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

I know several of us have already posted about this, but I urge everyone to give a little to the Red Cross for Katrina. My heart breaks whenever I watch any of the news on TV, and let's all hope and pray that the situation improves soon. New Orleans is such a neat town, and I hope that one day it will be back to its vibrant self. But, let us also not forget that there were many other cities and towns that were affected as well.

So, just give a little.

Back with knitting, house pictures, and football news later.

Comment spammers?

2005-08-30T16:10:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know how to get rid of the comment spammers? I know I can just get rid of the anonymous comments, but I know some of yall don't have a blogger account, so that is not good!

Or, does anyone know how much it would be for me just to get my own site so I could put a comment verification on the bottom?

Thanks yall!

We're Moving!!

2005-08-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

Yep! We are!

This has been going on for the past several weeks, but I didn't want to say anything as not to jinx it! But, Philip interviewed with Ciba Specialty Chemicals a month or so ago, and at the beginning of the month, they offered him the job. He mailed his acceptance for the job today! So, we are moving even further south to Mobile, AL. We should be there for 3 or 4 years and then we would live overseas for a few years as well.

Despite the hurricane weather down there, I am so excited to be able to still be able to live in the south. We won't be too far from our families, and we still will be able to come up for Auburn football games for the next few years. But, I am really going to miss living in the area though.

We went down at the beginning of last week to look at houses and to check out the area. We have decided to buy a house, so that is going to be a challenge to find these next few months. We definately felt like grownups! The good news is that there is a pretty good yarn store down there (www.yarnhaus.com) that I am excited about. They seem to have good classes. I of course went to check it out, and got the Socks, Socks, Socks book from Knitting Universe. It looks pretty darn good with some great patterns.

Needless to say, it is going to be a busy few months with finishing my thesis, finding a job and moving!

As for knitting news, I'm plugging away at the sleeves to the Lucky Clover and I am going to start the arm decreases tonight! So, I am on my way!

Have a great night everyone and I'll have some pics of houses next post!

Oh yeah, and our AC finally got fixed as well! Thank goodness!

It's hot.....

2005-08-25T08:55:00.000-05:00

...... and our air conditioning is broken.

I'll be back to blogging with updates when it is a bit cooler.

And, the AC gets fixed.

I can't wait to move out of this apartment complex!

I think I shall turn into a duck....

2005-08-17T16:33:00.000-05:00

.... because it won't stop raining. It has rained here every day for the past week and won't be stopping for another week or so. My umbrella and I are going to get to be BFF over these next days. Thank goodness I work inside in an office!

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off lately (is that a Southern expression?). Unfortunately, it is not for my thesis! I've upped my hours in the lab from 20 to 30 and it makes a difference! I know I will be working more at a non-grad student job, but 30 with a thesis can be hectic! I've been training new grad students for the past couple of days and it amazes me how much I really have learned. It is funny to be a senior member of the staff and halfway in charge. But, when the thesis is done, life will be better! But on to more exciting things!

First, a package that is long overdue from my KRSP. I got it a few weeks ago, and I have been so busy that I keep forgetting to post a pic!

She sent some Plymouth Eros and a pattern (the tank top) to go with it, some gloves in a bottle (it's fab), some Burt's bees, a cute purse pattern and the fun felted vase pattern, some stitch holders. I love it!! Thank you so much KRSP! You spoil me so.

And, I got my final package from my SP5!! My pal was Yahaira from knitfix.blogspot.com. She has been the best!

I love the wool - I think there is over 900 or so yards (at least that is what Philip says, its 1000 meters). It is destined to become Clapotis. Yes, I'm behind and haven't made one yet. The pink is from Knitting Fever and I think it is going to be Branching Out. She also sent some fab pink and white yarn, a notebook a calculator, and a CD with some Jack Johnson, Sarah McLaughlin, and good old Dave. Thank you so much! I love all of it!!

I'm still stuck on sleeve island. I have about 9.5 inches so far. I think I am going to make it 16.5 long instead of 17.5. But, I am really pleased with how it is turning out!!

Ok, I am off to run some errands! Have a great Wednesday all!!

2005-08-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to
keep you close because you are so softhearted.
You love to be comfortable and warm from your
head to your toes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by

Lucky me!

2005-08-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

That I am making progress on Lucky! I have 2 completed front panels (along with the back)...

I've also started on the sleeves. So, I will be lost of sleeve island for awhile. I'm also not looking forward to knitting the mile of trim for around the neck. But, I am sure it will go faster than what I think.

Check out probably my favorite and cutest knitting item that I have. I got it off of the Rusty Zipper and it is so cute!

It is from the late 40's/early 50's.

I thought that was super cute - both casual and formal.

I think I may make this for myself to wear around this winter. I think I am going to have to make some modifications and make it a bit smaller. But, I thought it would be great for the semi-cold days we have down here. Especially if we move to someplace with a similar climate - I will have to wait a bit longer before I start it.

I thought this was so funny. It is a knitted dress! Wouldn't that take four forevers to make?!

Have a fabulous day everyone!!

I promise I still am here!

2005-08-09T19:40:00.000-05:00

I can not believe how busy we have been lately!! I feel like I haven't had a chance to catch my breath and blogging has gotten forgotten!!

We have become a thesis and dissertation factory here at Casa Del Bell. I am hoping to be done by the first week of September and Philip has to have his completed dissertation to his committee by the first week of September. So, we are a bit busy!!

I've been making a ton of progress on Lucky (aren't we impressed?!) I want to finish the leftfrom tonight and cast on for the sleeves. I really want to be able to wear it this summer/fall so it is on the top of my priority list. With how warm it can be down here, it can probably be a year round sweater. But, I'm really pleased with it so far!

I've got to get back to cooking! We are having fried chicken, mashed potatos, green beans and sweet tea for dinner and the chicken is about done! Am I a Southern wife or what?! I could have kicked myself for not making biscuits as well, but that didn't happen today... maybe for breakfast!

Have a great night yall!!

Whistle while you work....

2005-08-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately no photos today, but there has been some knitting. I finished the right front of the Lucky Clover wrap and I am working on the left side. I have temporarily abandoned the USMS. I figured that it is eventually (in several months) going to get cooler, and I am going to want to wear Lucky first. Therefore, I figured I should also get on it. Of course, I am working on it while the getting is good because I do not want it to have the same fate as the Peppermint Twist sweater. It is going along a lot faster and it has no stripes! Which means there are not 5,280 ends to weave in.

Nothing else too exciting has been going on down here. Philip has to have his dissertation to his committee in 2 weeks so he can have it to the grad school for a check on the 23rd of Sept. Needless to say, I'm going to have a very busy husband these next few weeks. I think our apt is going to turn into a thesis and dissertation factory.

I was in Atlanta this past weekend, and had a grand ole time. A snazzy new computer now lives in my house. Philip "broke" my other one by downloading a video driver and it was dying a slow and painful death. So, now I have a new one in which I can spend many hours writing. I have decided that I am officially a grad student nerd. I have bought a jump drive. I tried to resist it and be behind the times and use my 3.5 floppy disks. However, a normal disk wasn't cutting it anymore so I now I have a snazzy jump drive. I do have to say that it is pretty cool. But, my entire life is on there (and 7 other places), so it is going to be no fun if I loose it. But, I have decided that I will not wear it around my neck like other people in my department (unless it is on a solid gold and diamond necklace from Tiffany's but I don't think they do that).

Allright back to work!! Have a great night everyone!

We're Back!

2005-07-30T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! We made it back from LA and Vegas safe and sound! It was a great trip but I am so glad to be home. We did a little bit of everything while we were gone. I had never been to either before, so it was nice to see Philip's stomping grounds from college.

We went to Caltech, where he went to college. It is a BEAUTIFUL campus. They apparently get millions of dollars a year from a grant for campus beautification. So, there are gardens and fountains everywhere.

That is the Beckman Institute which is named after some really famous scientist. I have no idea who it is, but Philip assures me he was important enough to have a building named after him. They have a ton of Nobel prize winners that have taught or currently teach there, and most of the building there are named after them.

This is Philip in the front door of his house. The painting behind him is one that someone in the house painted. (The bottom says "Thank you for not sucking".) All of the walls in the houses are painted with various artwork. It is pretty neat, but some of them are a little wierd. They do the residental college thing out there, and you "rush" a house. Basically, they are a bunch of fratertities. I got the tour of most of the houses before they renovate a bunch of them.

We drove around LA and saw the sights. We saw Charlie in the Chocolate Factory in Groman's Chinese Theater. It was very very cool.

We also went to Santa Monica pier and saw the sun set.
And, we went and toured the Queen Mary, which was the sister ship of the Titanic. It was very cool.

Then we were off to Vegas! It was great fun. I think there were about 13 of us. Philip's friend from Caltech came for the weekend and then some Auburn friends were there Sunday-Tuesday. We walked around and saw the various casinos, ate, slept, saw a show, Philip played poker, and I shopped. The shopping there is fab! I could not afford to buy anything but it was great fun to see Escada, Chanel, Celene, Louis, etc. And, who knew Jimmy Choo had a store all to himself?! Such cute things.

The famous Bellagio fountains. I felt like George Clooney was standing right next to me.

Tigers at the Mirage.

Street Performers at the Paris.

Pink flamingos at the Flamingo.

Philip and I at the top of the stratosphere. He rode the scary roller coaster at the top, but I was safe and sound inside.

That is the quick version of our trip! I was able to get a bunch of knitting on the plane out there, but I didn't do much while we were there. I made a ton of progress on the USMS. I've started on the back armholes. And, I even picked up the Lucky Clover wrap last night (aren't we all impressed?!). I also came back to a lovely package from my KRSP. I love it! Thanks KRSP! I'll take a pic of all of the goodies when the camera finishes charging.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!