Dishcloth Topic #3

Well now that Summer has OFFICIALLY begun.. what do you do to beat the heat? A nice tall glass of lemonade? Frozen Coffee? A dip in the pool? What's your favorite way to keep cool this summer as things heat up?

We love lemonade here. I have a great lemon tree. If we juice the lemons and freeze the juice, then we can drink lemonade year round from the tree. And this is the closest I'll get to a Friday Flower photo this week. I lucked out having this photo already on the computer. Probably one 6 took again, as he's always wandering the yard with my camera.


I sure wish I had a pool, even a community one. I miss getting into the water. I swam competitively in High School and even tried springboard diving in college. Now days, when I'm at the pool, I'm on surveillance duty making sure none of my 3 little ones drown. It's just not the same.

Hot Cocoa* Pals

My pal Carly sent my package to arrive on the 1st (the first day of swapping). My Critter was ready to mail, but I hadn't taken pictures yet. So, on Friday, the Pals took a trip to the park with my 3. Red and ____ hit it off right away. It's a good thing they were bundled up with a scarf and a vest. It was chilly at the park. (OK...I shouldn't complain...my boys were wearing shorts...but I was chilly and my knee stiffens up.)



They climbed up the structure, but none of the kids would take them on the slide and they were too afraid to go on their own.


____ likes to sail. Maybe he'll get out on a real boat with his new owner.


And after 3 hours chasing kids at the park, ____ needed to chill in my knitting chair. Red was still excited after his trip to CA from VA...so he was still hanging out with the kids. I think we all need some cocoa to warm up.

Red is a Thrifty Critter. ____ is a Purl Critter. I stuffed the arms and legs of the Purl Critter with cotton, but the body is full of rice. This makes him/her sort of heavy...but he/she could spend about 15seconds in the microwave and then would make a nice hand warmer. I tried it...he/she probably needs some lavander oil if this is going to happen...the wool is stinky. Oh, and remove the clothes before cooking. =0) Do you need a little critter in your life? My boys are asking for orange kitties.

Hot Cocoa* Buddy Arrives!

This is my last try. Then, I'll have to find some other way to post my photos. I've been at this for 2 hours this morning...and each time I upload and walk away...I come back to nothing. Blogger just doesn't like my photos. I, however, LOVED my blah buddy from my pal Carly.

OK...I'll have to come back and edit this to add photos. Red, buddy's new name, arrived on Thursday. Everyone was excited to see him. 6 loved the loop on his head the most and quickly tried to attach a carribener to him. I vetoed that. I don't want the loop to pull out on the first day...or ever really. I like the little loop better than the little wisp of hair...good call. 4 named him. 2 was a willing model at the park when Red went to have his photos taken. She squeezed him a bit tight and she had red pants on, so Red is a bit hard to see in the photos. Oh, right. You can't see the photos anyways. Trust me. They're cute.

I CO for a Clapotis and started with the sheepy markers. I decided to replace them with my favorite little markers (tiny hair rubberbands) because I wanted the sheep for something else...a and because when there's 30 little markers on there it migh get a little heavy. They're too cute. 2 thinks the sheepy stitch markers should be for her. I think I'll have to keep a close eye on those.

And, since I was planning on mailing my box on Monday, I had the opportunity to introduce Red to _____. I don't have a name for the buddy I'm mailing. But, I can tell you that he and Red had a lot of fun at the park. I think they'll want to watch the game together today before _____ gets wrapped in tissue paper for his airplane travels. He really wanted a seat on the plane, but I explained that a flat rate box was much cheaper.

I've never really had problems with blogger, so I couldn't understand why some people posted that they couldn't post photos. Well, now I know. I tried Friday night, yesterday, and this morning. So, Carly...I do love Red...and the mug is perfect springy happiness. The chocolate is gone...and sadly before the photos were taken. I think I will try some flowers with the wool. And...I'll try to add photos later. If not, I'll email you the little collage I made with images. Thanks for a fun swap. I'm looking forward to becoming bloggy friends.



ETA: ***This just in...blogger let me have one photo...after I posted. Whatever.***

Hot Cocoa* Week #4

I completely missed #3. There just wasn't time to blog. I am starting to catch up though. I packed up 3 large bags and M made a trip to the Goodwill. Another friend stopped by and I sent her home with 2 smaller bags.

What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

Growing up, my Dad's parents lived in North Texas and we lived in L.A. Every summer, we'd make the drive that has been made famous by the movie CARS. It was 24 hours driving time. My parents would leave here at 8pm so that we could make it through the hottest part of the desert in the dark. A/C just wasn't what it is today. We'd sleep while Dad drove. I loved watching the lightning storms in the middle of NewMexico/Arizona. When the I-40 is pretty much the only thing, you can see forever, and the lightning lights up the whole sky. I think that with in car DVD's today's kids miss all the beauty God created that's just outside the window. I can't wait to take a big road trip with my little ones. (And we won't have a DVD player in our car. Audio books are great for family listening. And right now, my kids are thrilled with Paws N' Tales. As they grow, we'll start to explore Adventures in Odyssey.) So far, my kids make the trip to No.Cal. -7hours- without a complaint. They love the trucks on the highway, hawks, cows...it's amazing what they see that my eyes would skip over.

Hot Cocoa* Week #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, super wash or heavier cottons?

I didn't really think about that until this question. Last summer I was knitting in cotton for babies...and this winter, so far I've been working on hats. I'm not much of a planner, so what I'm making is usually what we need right now.

In other news...I did submit some marshmallow critters to the contest. Thanks Lesley for the great idea. That turned into a fun activity for the kids. I served them Hot Cocoa, and I just happened to find a great book at the library; Cocoa Beans and Daisies: How Swiss Chocolate is Made. It was fun, the left page takes you step by step through the Cocoa harvest in Africa. The right page talks about the Swiss Cows that eat daisies...and the part that milk plays in Swiss Chocolate. In the 2nd part of the book, the ingredients combine. The next day we made a chocolate "fondue" from scratch...using the unsweetened Cocoa powder (they tasted that too). Then they were dipping the marshmallows in Chocolate. I've noticed there are other HS moms in the swap. I hope I get a chance to find you all and check out your blogs.

Hot Cocoa* Questionaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? In a big mug. With my kids. I don’t really care how it’s made, but I treat the kids to cocoa with mom and it’s the best time of our day. We really should do this more often.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Both.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet:
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Right now my favorite has to be Araucania. I bought a few skeins of Nature Wool in Chunky Multy. Wow…the colors! All of them. Nothing NEON though. I'm addicted to felting, so wool is always good. I've tried silk, and alpaca, and bamboo, and soy. I'm game to try something new. Just not tofutsies. See the allergy questions.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? KNIT
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I do have addi’s and bamboo and plain metal needles. I like them all for different purposes. I always like to try something new.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Probably not. I only have one CUTE set of stitch markers. And my kids must eat darning needles because I can't find them when I need them.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? An organizer for my circular needles.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)? A hat. Just recently I’ve made 2 Sideways Shortrow Watchcaps.

Miscellaneous:
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? We don’t really have “WINTER” in Southern California. But, I love to curl up with a fire in the fireplace and my knitting.
2. What is your favorite animal? A sheep. My Gram collected them. And 2’s name means lamb. Or a Dala horse. I remember them from my childhood, but I don’t have one of my own yet.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? YES! It’s a good thing I don’t live where there are more gloomy days. My mood is definitely affected by the hours of sunshine.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Color. I got a new PotteryBarn Catalogue in the mail this week and it’s already full of spring colors. I want to add bright blooms and images and pillows to my home. It’s a great way to cheer things up. Of course, my budget doesn’t allow me to redecorate my home on a whim…so, what can I knit up that will bring happy. (Can you tell that it’s gloomy and rainy as I type this?)
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Flowers blooming.
6. What are your favorite treats? Dried Fruit and Nuts. Chocolate.
7. What is your favorite board game? We have this great game we bought a few years back…What were you thinking? It’s so fun. Especially with a large group.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? Boy 6, Boy 4, Girl 2!
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Shellfish: that means no Tofutsies for me.


I'm so excited for this swap. I'm already knitting an extra for my pal's box.

Hot Cocoa Swap and the end of another week.

I think the timing of this will be perfect. We can all use a pick me up after the flurry of holidays. The Hot Cocoa Swap sign ups start December 16th. Check it out. Leave a comment there that I sent you, and I get an extra entry in their contest (Dec 1-15). Sign up on the 16th, and it could be me sending yummies to your home.

And to add some sunshine to the day (it's raining here)... A sunflower from my friend's yard. I took this last week when we were playing in their backyard.

I guess I don't get this because it's not often like this. But in other places where it's really winter...do you have to leave the lights on all day just so you don't feel like you're in the dark? I feel like every light in the house is on...and that just makes me think of an old country song. Do you know which one I'm talking about. It always makes me laugh. M and I have an inside joke with this song, because a neighbor got carried away with those solar yard lights...and now their "front walk looks like runway lights" =0).

It's funny how I know the words to that song...even though it's been years since I listened to Country all day long. Just after I got married, I was convicted about what I was putting into my head. Since then, it's pretty much been all CCM when I get to choose, and I'm even more careful about the kids. I can still sing "Don't give up...don't give in...don't step aside...don't run and hide, You've got to just hold on...and Keep your eyes on HIM." And that was from a musical when I was in probably in 3rd grade. My current kid favorites are Steve Green and Hermie and Wormie. I love that when these songs are in their heads...they're memorizing scripture. We also really love this CD from CEF. I don't think that it's ironic that I have a better day when my disc changer is loaded with these CD's. I think I need to order more for stockings.

Knitwise: I knit away on my fingerless garter mitts last night. I have less than 10 rows on the 2nd mitt and I'm starting to worry that I may run out of yarn. This can not begin to be a trend for me. I just can't live with one skein projects taking me too much yarn. And these mitts are in KPPPM. There's no way I'm getting more of the same yarn. I don't even know if I still have the ball band.

On Morestripes, I've finished the front and back!!! =0) Now I have to sew and cut the steek. I'm excited more than scared, but I need another adult in the house if I'm going to pull out the sewing machine. Then all I have to do is sew up the sides and put on the ribbing at the neck and arm bands. I hope to be wearing this soon.

I bought this pattern. And I think I already have yarn that will work. I hope to start this just after Christmas...and then I'll have a white sweater for spring. When I'm always looking for a little something to wear with a sundress or just over a tee.

Thank You Ursula

Ursula was my upstream partner in the FFBE. I had a great time emailing her...and look forward to getting to know her better now that I can read her blog too. I love the bag she made me. You should check it out on Ravelry. I finally get a new camera, and I don't want to head outside because of the ash in the air. So, the best daylight I could do was close to the windows.

I love the "flower theme" that I was spoiled with. Hmmm...maybe as there are fewer flowers in the yard I'll try to include knitted flowers for Friday Flowers. I'll definitely have plenty I can knit up...There's the Nickey Epstein book, a tulip kit, and a daffodil pattern. I just got the Holiday IK and I think the Nashua will be the Koolhaas Hat, it's worsted...so I'll just have to see if I get gauge. I like the photos on Brooklyn Tweed's page better than the ones in the magazine. And, I'm definitely a sucker for architecture inspired knits. I may have to come up with a few of my own one day.

And just look at how cute these flower kits are. I saw them online, but I'd never seen one in a store.
And the hat...it will be hard to decide if I should knit a hat for 2 or for myself first. I'm definitely a hat girl. And we don't really need them for warmth here...so it's all about fashion.

And I love the fireflies in the jar on the card. I haven't caught any of those since I was 10 and visiting family in the South.

The City Bag

It appears that I have problems following a pattern. Let's be optimistic and say that it's the designer within me. I started off with this Moda Dea pattern. But instead of the listed yarn, I wanted to use Patons SWS. Then looking at the pattern I didn't want to sew and fold in the corners, so I knit a bottom to the bag. And after 3" or so I realized that this wouldn't be big enough at 90 stitches like the pattern called for, so I frogged and added stitches. I don't know if I could say that this even bears resemblance to the start point.

With US 11 24" circ. CO 78. Join Round. Knit 1 round, Purl 1 round.

Round 3: *Increase in next 3 stitches by knitting in front and back, K 36, Repeat from * ...84 stitches.

Round 4: Knit one round.

Round 5: Increase Round: *(K1, Knit Front & Back) 3 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...90 stitches.

Round 6: Purl

Round 7: Increase Round: *(K2, KFB) 3 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...96 stitches.

Round 8: Knit

Round 9: Increase Round: *(K1, KFB) 6 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...108 stitches.

Round 10: Purl

Knit for 18". For me, that was 72 rows.

Switch to US 10 24" circ. and knit in garter stitch for 6 rounds (when knitting in the round, that's knit one row, purl one row). Bind off Purlwise. This is what I took from the original pattern. I really love the way the smaller needle tightens up the top of the bag without decreases. I LOVE the Purlwise BO.

I wanted a firmer handle, so the 4 stitch I-cord is knit with a double strand of the SWS. Knit 2 handles, 34" each. I wove the handles into the bag and knotted the ends. Here's a look of the felted bag stretched onto a box of glad trash bags.

I love the concentric pattern on the bottom.


And the finished bag...

I called this "The City Bag" because it reminds me of a paper shopping bag with longer handles. I love using Brighton bags to carry my knitting in because the handles are longer. And anyone who lives in Northern California knows that San Francisco is "THE CITY"! This bag arrived at it's new home yesterday. I know Allison is enjoying it. =0)

***ETA :: Mary, I never could figure out how to put the tabs on for the scarf/belt option. I finally gave up.

Candles

In the spring, I made this candle for my SFBE pal and the ladies at my MOPS table. These are so easy. A Spega yogurt jar, a few vellum stickers, and a bow. I use a little candle adhesive to hold the clear votive in place. (I looked for a link for the yogurt, and couldn't find one. I buy this at Trader Joes.)

I decided to make a fall version for my FFBE pal. I should have made one for myself, but this time I just made one.

If anyone decides to make one of these...please leave me a comment so I can see what stickers you choose. (Use vellum stickers, because the light shines through them)

FFBE Weekly Topic (1)

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

Usually for me, it's FOOTBALL! But, no...I'm not a part of the Football-a-long this year. In high school, I went to EVERY football game. Even when I didn't "have to". And by "have to" I mean that I was always involved, so the cheerleaders have to be at all the games. Except, freshman cheerleaders weren't required to be at some away varsity games because of the travel involved. I still went. My freshman year our team won CIF. That game was SO COLD. It was played at a college stadium in Bakersfield. It was so foggy, that we couldn't see the stands on the other side of the field. My friend and I had each brought a sleeping bag to sit in...and small pocket heaters that backpackers use. I've never been so cold....or had so much fun. There was another COLD game during playoffs in my senior year. We were up in Kern County. The guys needed oxygen along with the water during timeouts. And for one game, we loaded into my friend's RV during half-time. No amount of jumping around could warm us up. What is it with December games...I mean...we live in Southern California.

Even after going away to college, I'd try to make it home weekends for games. My brother was on the team after I went to college. He was a lineman. And while I love football...I hope my kids choose something with less injuries.

I've been taking my kids to the J.V. games at my alma mater. They are usually in the afternoon...and they're free...so it's a fun time for the kids to run around. 2 loves to watch the cheerleaders. And the boys favorite part of last season was when the quarterback broke his arm and the local fire chief had to check him out. (It's great for the fire chief...he had a son on the team...but he could be at all the games because this was 'work')

Now if I could just find some sock yarn in our school's colors.

FFBE Contest #2

1. Post on your blog, and give us SOME kind of secret "Bag in Progress" photo. You could share your yarn before you started, or a close up of your knitting, or the patterns you pondered when you began, or what you're still pondering! I alread did this here. I planned on using this Moda Dea pattern, but since I wasn't using the required yarn, I added more stitches. I knew that the SWS would felt small from my Sidekick experience. Anyways, now I'm not sure about the tabs for the scarf. I liked that you could swap the scarf out...and change the style of the purse. I especially thought that a child's belt would look cute in there. So...comments please. Should I continue with the tabs? Or is a that basic shape in a striped yarn too much with the tabs? I'm working on the i-cord handles...but then I'm ready to either add the tabs or felt.

2. Post a link to the blog of one other swapper that you 'met' and have continued to read through the 3-2-1 contact post! I've added Mommy + Knitter to my bloglines. She's a mom to 3 like me.


3. Post a link here telling me you entered! Done.

4. Do this no later than September 23rd! Done.

FFBE - My Pal's Bag

I'm making good progress on my pal's bag. I'm using SWS...I really liked the way it felted on my Sidekick. Here's a picture of the striping...but her bag isn't yellows, greens, and grays. I did a little photoshop in case she happened across my blog...and saw her favorite colors. I'm so happy with this bag...it will be perfect for fall. I may have to make one for myself...oh wait, I'm getting a new bag in the mail soon. This is so fun. I can't wait. I wonder what my bag will look like.

Pray for me...

I'm working on the handle of my Sidekick...and I may run out of yarn!!! If I do run out, I'm hoping that what I buy will match enough to finish the tab that closes the purse. I'll work on it later today. But last night...when I went to bed, I was worried. I'm anxious to get this bag in the washer. Because I need those #11 needles...and because I think my pal will be getting a SWS purse. There's a colorway that fits her likes perfectly.

***ETA*** The yarn is not enough. If I squeeze...it will make the handle, or maybe just close. But, there's no way I'll have enough for the flap. So, do I rip back the handle...and knit the flap with this skein of yarn. Then use the new yarn for the handle. Or do I rip back to where I cast off for the handle and the flap and start a new skein there. Either way, I won't make any more progress until I make it to Michael's.

FFBE Contest #1

1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why? I love Cascade 220! There's such a color selection at my LYS.

2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog. Kaili S. is from Estonia

3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog. Vicki S. has 2 dogs- Bart and Duchess

4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog. Heather J. is a mom of 3 (like me).

5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why! (Yea, I know part of September and November are technically fall, but for this question, only October and November matter!) This one is easy. November. My first baby was born in November!

It's not Friday?!?!

Last week I thought it was Friday on Thursday. And this week, when I sat down to post, I looked at the date in the bottom corner of the computer. FRIDAY! So I left the computer, and took the camera outside for a few bloom shots. The rest of the day was a whirlwind. So, here's my Friday flowers...and I'll just pretend it's still Friday. Two years ago, when M re-landscaped the front yard, it was because we had to. The sprinklers didn't provide adequate coverage and there were always dead spots in the lawn. And the only other plant in the yard was this shrub with thorns long enough to skewer a child. Since M was doing all the digging...and there was a lot...he picked most of the plants. This pampas grass is his favorite (but I keep thinking he has lots of favorites...I guess I do too). On the plant tag, it said this would be dwarf. I'm not sure if we just got the wrong plant, or if the grass liked the topsoil fill we used to shape the planting area too much. But this thing is at least 10' tall. On the plus side, it makes a great visual barrier. Look it hides most of my neighbor's house. I do love it when it blooms, but that's only once a year. These blooms will look good until it rains...then they loose their fluffiness.

Oh, there was one other growing thing in the yard. A liquid amber. It was lifting our driveway (who's idea was it to plant the thing too close to the driveway and the foundation of the house). So last year we had that removed. (If you want a real story...read this I found when looking for an image...don't you love google) I really will miss the gorgeous RED/ORANGE/YELLOW leaves right out my kitchen window this fall. We'll eventually plant another tree, but we'll be careful in our choice.

Knitwise: I was going to add a photo of my first finished sock...but blogger won't let me add the image. I'll just publish this post and try again later.

Exchange: Our swap partners are out. I'm waiting to hear from my upstream...I've already sent an email to my downstream. I can't wait to get started filling her box.

FFBE Questionnaire

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom?
I originally learned to knit and crochet when I was 12 and spent several weeks at my Gram & Gramp's house during the summer. I picked up knitting at a Weight Watcher's meeting. I was loosing weight after baby #2 (almost 4 years ago). A friend I'd met at the meetings brought in this scarf knit with cream homespun and cream fun fur on size 19's. I just had to have one. (Now I giggle a bit when I think of all that fur...at least it got me knitting.) She told me what to buy...and then next week after weigh in...it took me about 15 min to re-learn how to knit. I finished that scarf in about 4 hours...and I was hooked. I wouldn't see the friend for another week. So, I called my Gram and she taught me how to bind off over the phone.

What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting?
My first felted object was this lime purse. A friend was going to take a class at my LYS. Back then I didn't know there even was a LYS. I only knew about Michael's. I went with her...and the instructor said I didn't really need to take the class...it was beginning knitting...and helped me pick out the Pursenalities book and yarn to complete the Vintage Bubble Bag.

What are your favorite colors? Any you hate?
That's a hard question...I love all colors. But, I wouldn't want to carry an orange bag. And even though I love pink, I wouldn't want a hot pink bag...because I already have this one. I wouldn't want a lime bag either...because that's the one I made myself. I also have this sunset tote waiting to be felted. Maybe something chocolate brown...that seems good for fall. And I love Chocolate! Here's some of my favorite colors these days...

What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!)
I need to be able to put the purse over my shoulder. With little ones all around me...I rarely have a free hand. And I'd like the bag to close somehow. I'm realizing I like my Coco bag better than my lime bag because of the magnetic closure. I don't want to say too much, because I want to be surprised...but I like this one. A button or a flap like in the messenger style would be ok, or even a magnet or zipper...just not totally open. Not too big...it gets too heavy. Not too small...my wallet is kind of big.

What handbag or bag are you carrying today?
M bought me this for my birthday. It’s my basic everyday bag. I swap out for fun colors, but this is practical.

Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting?
My travel knitting is in my Coco Bag =0) In it is a pair of fetching.

What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?
I'll try knitting anything. I love cables. I'm knitting Morestripes because I liked the vest...and because I could try steeking. I'm also trying my first pair of socks. I just don't think I have the patience for fair isle right now.

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
I think different needles for different projects. I like addies for felted bags...so the wool slips off and I can knit quickly. I love my bamboo dpn's...because they're sticky and with dpn's I need sticky.

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
I know this is 2...but they're both on my dream list. I'm dyeing to dye my own yarn. I keep seeing kool-aid dyed yarn in blogland...and I think that has got to be so much fun! And, I'd love to try a felted hat...like this one.

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I can't wait to try a denim yarn.

What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden?

• I drink coffee. What...you say that can't be a hobby?!? I spend lots of time with this hobby...okay...so really one of my favorite things is to visit cute coffee shops and sip away the morning.
• I Garden...or should I say M gardens. I used to be more involved. These days I knit...and oversee where the plantings go. He digs the large holes in the yard...to plant 5 or 15 gallon pots, I plant little 6-packs.
• I read. Although these days it's more children's books than anything.
• I used to Counted Cross Stitch. I'll probably pick that up again when I'm not so afraid of loosing a needle and having 2 step on it.
• I used to sew. My reverse button was broken for at least 2 years. I finally found a good repair shop...and we're back in business. I really need to get some linings in my felted bags.
  

Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Rocks. I have rocks from everyplace I've ever been. Some I bought...some I just picked up off the ground. They were beautiful in a jar...until the collection got too big. Many of them are house surrounding the bird bath.

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE! I don't like cherries in my chocolate. I don't like coconut. I'm totally open to try new things.
I'm allergic to Seafood of any kind ESPECIALLY SHELLFISH. Now, I wouldn't expect to find shrimp or lobster in my package...but these days it's sneaking into yarn. I have to beware of SWTC tofutsies.

Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!)
3 kids...5, 4, & 2...boy, boy, girl.

What kind of project best personifies you and why?
An afghan...I'm kind of a homebody...and unless it's small pieces like miters, an afghan isn't your travel project. I love being home with my family...and as fall crispens (if that's not a word, I'm making it up) the air...I love hot tea and sitting by the fire. I love to curl up on the couch and read to my kids. We like to play boardgames (well 5 & 4). Since it's still HOT as I'm writing this...our fires are in the backyard fire pit...and we are addicted to roasting marshmallows.

What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer!

I read on Miss Me's questionnaire, that she was married in the fall. Me too. October 9, 1999. We honeymooned in Boston. That trip was the perfect combination of all things I love about fall. During our stay in Boston, the Red Sox were in the play-offs...and the whole city came alive. We walked down to City Hall where there were jumbo TV's and at least 2500 people watching the game. There were all sorts of food vendors too. I love the fresh roasted nuts. We took a drive through New Hampshire...I love the changing colors of the leaves. I love soup! That may seem a little silly, but I love warm soup especially in a bread bowl. It's been too hot and humid around here to think of soup.

Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery.

• pay off our mortgage.
• finish all our home repairs and renovations.
• buy a place at the beach to enjoy with our extended family.

A Few of my Favorites...

Geranium's are some of my favorite flowers. I think because there were tons of pink ones around the house I grew up in. I remember picking my mom little bouquets that she would place in a crystal vase. Now, I find myself even putting weeds in a vase if a little one cuts them for me. This lavender one came from a I took a clipping from my friend's first house.

This salmon one I bought on a whim at Target last year. I love the variegated leaves on this one. And I love the grouping in our yard...this geranium, a dwarf flax, and our bird of paradise. I just wish there were more blooms on the geranium right now. And the bird of paradise really needs to be dead-headed. When all is in bloom...I love this grouping of oranges and salmons. Highlighted by the purple iris to the right, high society garlic to the left, and the purple in the bird of paradise.I also love the softness of a Crepe Myrtle. We planted a 15 gallon pot about 2 years ago. It's getting there...but it's not huge yet. We want to keep it shrub-like rather than trimmed as a standard tree.
Here the frilly pink is juxtaposed by under plantings of Mexican Feather Grass. The feather grass is beautiful when it glows with the sunset. Since I'm not doing the digging in our yard...we have a lot of grasses in our yard. Those are M's favorites. Our zebra grass and a dwarf pampas are about to bloom. Maybe they'll have bloomed enough to photograph for next week.

Knitwise:

• I'm a little past the 1/2 way point on the Dream Swatch. I'm hoping to be done by the weekend. I did email my photo and the link to the pdf pattern to my MIL so she could see it. She loved the way it looked in Wendy's hair. She's excited to see the one I'm knitting.
• I finished the bottom of the Sidekick bag and picked up stitches all the way around. I love the SWS...except that like mohair...I find little fluffs in my eyelashes. And don't wear light colors then knit with navy...I end up looking linty. Other than that...it's a dream. Soft, fun to watch color changes, knits up quick. I'll have a purse in no time.
• I bought some cheap sock yarn for a practice run. I know, I shouldn't knit with 100%acrylic...but for $3.50 a sock...I could always give them away. I bought Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in Vintage. I've been looking at this colorway every time I'm Michael's for wool. If you look at the Vintage link and then click on the feet...there's a free pattern to download. I really wanted something this basic for my first try. If any sock knitters see me headed for disaster before I cast on, let me know. I'm just guessing that I make the M and hope for the best. If these don't work out, then I'll pay $35 for the sock class at my LYS. And while I'm thinking about it...I'm not sure if I'll really wear socks. Except for Karen Neuberger socks, and white socks for when I walk in the evening...I've maybe worn socks 5x in the last year. Or maybe this is a whole new start for me.

Exchangewise:

I signed up for the FALL FELTED BAG EXCHANGE. I'm not as fast as Miss Me (my upstream from the Spring Exchange) who already has her questionnaire up...but I'll be posting that this weekend. I'm so excited to have something for me to look forward to as we start school. As of this morning...there are already 28 signed up! I recognize about 1/2 the names...and there's a bunch of new ones I'll go look at. Now, how do I make the button on the sidebar link to the FFBE blog?

Yeah Prizes!

Yesterday, all this came in the mail. (I wrote the note!)

I won a prize at the end of the SFBE. And Anne sent such a wonderful prize. The candle came open during shipping...so everything smells like lilacs, YUM! And the notepad is already on my fridge waiting for notes. AND...I've been wanting to try Patons SWS, but I've not had a reason to buy any just yet. I'm really trying to knit with my stash. I was so excited to knit with this...
...I've already cast on for the Sidekick. I saw it here during the SFBE and wanted to make one. I know I'll enjoy knitting this. And tomorrow...the 15...sign ups start for the FFBE. Join the fun.

Fall Felted Bag Exchange!

I had so much fun participating in the Spring Felted Bag Exchange. It was my first exchange, and I LOVED the swap, but I know my limits. So for me...2 swaps a year is probably a good number. Ann and Chan who ran this spring swap did a fantastic job with fun little contests that helped me get to know the other bloggers. And the group of ladies in the swap were so fun. So...I can't wait for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. Sign ups are coming soon! August 15th! I'll post again about them here.