Brrr..it's getting chilly.

Ahhh, it's that time of the year for hot chocolate, warm cider, and warm comfy clothes. I find Christmas carols are finding their way into my head. Two of my favorites are The Nutcracker Suite, and Charlie Browns Christmas. It's time to go down to my favorite Christmas shoppe. The best part is in less then a week it's going to be November. What does that mean you ask? That's when I bring out all my Christmas things and start decorating. Much to the complaining of my dear hubby, who thinks it's too early to decorate. I'd leave it up all year if he didn't complain so much. the cold weather is also making me want to knit some knee high socks. Oh boy, not another project.....

Obama Vs McCain

Last night I watched the last debate. It was the only debate I have ever watched in its entirety. I'm not into politics and frankly I have no idea what the hell they are talking about half the time. If they said things like, we have to raise the knitting to level out the purling.... well then I'd know what they were saying. But anyways, I watched it, and sat there finding myself growling at McCain. I had not up to that point picked a candidate. I just found him unprofessional if you will. It seemed as if all he wanted to do was spit out negative remarks about Obama and his plan. And always had to talk over Obama when he was speaking. Obama let him say what he had to without interrupting, and I rarely if ever heard anything negative come from Obama. It seemed all McCain wanted to do was spit out "Obama wants to raise taxes" and "spread the wealth" in every sentence. Just get over it already I'm tired of hearing it!! McCain just reminded me too much of Bush. And at the moment I hate Bush. I did vote for him last time, but I can't stand the man now. I suppose what I am saying is I'm going for Obama. McCain just rubbed me the wrong way last night. I was one of those people that was undecided and the last debate helped. Sorry McCain, you came off as unprofessional to me, and just wanted to bash Obama every chance you had. Do I believe Obama has a better plan? Well who really knows? They are going to say what they think you want to hear to get your vote and then once they are in, everything changes. I believe we are screwed either way. I don't think that we as Americans are going to take much more of the crap they are pulling in Washington, so no matter who wins, I believe if they screw up the poor sap is going to have his rump handed to him. We impeached Clinton, we can do it again.

As for my knitting adventures, I finished my Woolly hat for my little man. I had some issues with it. I ripped it back twice, and started over. I started on DPN's and found that the joinings weren't tight enough, so I switched to a circ. That helped a bit. Then I happen to look down to see that oh 10 or so rows back I had a hole the size of my pinky. Ugh. So I just finished the thing and that was that. It could be better, but it was after all my first attempt at a hat. I'll make another.

My wrap that I was making was coming along nicely. I have about 20 or so inches of the 60 done. Was just going along, la la lala, then I look at it, and I screwed up about 6 inches back. I did the same row twice. IDIOT!!! I was so mad, and still am. I put the thing on the shelf. Everybody is getting a dishcloth basket for Christmas this year. That's that. I don't seem to screw them up. I am on my way to making a basket for 5 people. Nothing else but dishcloths from now till Christmas. Oh except for Woolly's Mystery Beret. Heehee....

Knitting, Nascar and the NFL

It's that time of the year when I can't decide what sport to watch. Running from room to room in our house is keeping me fit at least.

I grew up in Jersey. Not New Jersey, we just call it Jersey. South Jersey to be exact. I lived just 30 or so minutes from Philadelphia, PA. Everyone I knew, my neighbors, kids at school, family are all Philadelphia Eagles fans. Everyone except my Father that is. He had to be a Redskins fan. Needless to say, Sundays and maybe the occasional Monday Night, there would be a hoot and a hollering across our yards as the entire neighborhood watched the Eagles while I sat with dad watching the Skins. As a little kid I had no clue about football. I remember asking my dad what the name of the team was that was playing, he said the Bears, and well I'm a kid, bears are cute, so I declared myself a Bears fan. I even drew a picture of a football field with Bears on it. Fast forward to my teenage years, when I actually pay attention to football, and well, I too joined the rest of the family and chose the Eagles. It was all great really. Now my hubby is a huge Giants fan, so game day around our house is quite fun. He really wants me to be a Giants fan with him and I say yea okay sure honey, but secretly I'm still routing for the Eagles.

Then there's Nascar. I must watch my Nascar. I have to admit though, I tend to not watch so much during the Chase. The broadcasters usually only focus on the top three or so guys the entire race so if your guy isn't up there it's gets pretty annoying. I thought if I had to hear anymore about Kyle Busch this year I'd barf. Now the poor thing is having a boat load of problems, and I think it's hilarious. That's what you get for blabbing your mouth, thinking your bigger than God himself. Ha Ha Ha. I still route for my guy, Stewart, no matter what. He hasn't been doing well this year, but I still picked him for my fantasy team, even knowing that I didn't have a shot in hell. Sure he won yesterday, check that off the list of tracks, but look at the controversy surrounding it. Nothing came easy for him this year. I was beginning to think I was jinxing him. Seemed every time I watched the race and he was up there, he crashed. When I didn't get to watch he did alright. That was my reasoning anyways.

As for the knitting, still working on the wrap. Haven't started the beret yet for my niece. I still don't have a color. I have started a little hat for my lil guy, thanks to Woolly. I just couldn't resist doing one of her new hats. I've ripped it out twice, thinking I dropped a bunch of stitches because I had a ton of "holes" in it, only to get 14 rows in to find I have the same problem again. I know I haven't dropped any stitches - I stuck point protectors on all the needles to prevent that problem. I just don't know. Woolly is doing a Mystery Beret KAL starting in November I plan on doing that hat as well. I'm not going to stress over it. If I finish all this in time for Christmas that's great, if not, oh well. Knitting should be fun not stressful.

So as for this coming Sunday I will be watching Nascar and the NFL. One thing is on in the living room, the other in the bedroom, and I'll be knitting one thing or another.

It's all Woolly's fault.

Just when I have all the projects sorted out, and plenty to do, Woolly just has to come out with a new book. As if I don't already have enough to do. Of course it's not just any book, it has to be one for cute baby head toppers. I just had to have it. Just had to. All the patterns were just too darn cute to pass up. So I got it. It's all printed out, I've got each page carefully in a protective sleeve, in a binder. Now for the hard part, which one to do first!! But what current project do I sacrifice to make way for a hat? Ugh. Such decisions should not have to be made. Not that any of these adorable hats will take all that much time to make. You can't just make one though. Kinda like socks, you knit a pair and before you know it, you've got a basket full of yarn and half dozen pairs going at the same time.

Part of this problem is the fact that I can't stay off Ravelry for more then a couple hours. I always have to be checking the finished objects, and the favorites. You always end up finding something that you like. Before you know it, you're digging through your stash to see what yarn you have to make the darn thing.

Getting back to the beret I'm making for my niece, she still hasn't got back to me on a color, so I will just choose one and go with it. I don't think she'll mind what color I make it. I'll just go with a color that goes with anything and everything.

On that note, I'm off to decide which project to put to the side, and what cute baby hat to start.

Long Time, No Blog

I'm not used to this blogging thing, so it's been a long time. So long that I had no idea what my password was to sign in. I had to get a new one!!

I've kept myself busy atleast. I've started I don't know how many projects, finished a few, and frogged others. I have, happily completed my very first pair of socks. Really they are just ankle socks, but hey they are socks!! I wasn't crazy about the yarn used. Since I'd never done the sock craze I just order the yarn that I thought was reasonably priced. Not knowing how much I would need, well I bought too much. I used Patons Kroy Sock, and it's horrible IMO. It's so itchy and rough. Haven't worn the darn things since I made them. It was just a challenge brought on by the girls at Ravelry ya see. Ravelympics2008. Challenge yourself to a project of your choice. Was allowed to start said project during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, and had to finish by the closing ceremonies. These socks were my challenge. I'm proud that I did it in the time frame allowed. We won't discuss what things did not get done around the house during this time.

I'm still doing my dishcloths of course. You can't resist a fun little knit project or two. I especailly like the swaps. They are just too much fun! We do have quite a variety of dishcloths in our kitchen now. Hubby thought I was insane in the beginning. Now they are the only thing he uses when he's in the kitchen. I believe I've heard him admit that he likes them better then the store bought, cheap, rather ugly - I must say - dishcloths.

I've been working on some Christmas knitting. I decided that rather then buying presents for a few relatives I would make them something. My MIL for one is always saying she wants something. Problem with that is, I really don't think anything I make her she would use. I'm making her a shawl - or rather a wrap - anyways. I'll be making two of them actually. I'm not sure if I'm making both of them the same or not, but will be making two none-the-less. I'm also going to make my niece a hat, http://www.purlbee.com/beret-purl/ , for her present. At the moment I am waiting for her to choose a color. I've told her I'm making it for me, and would like her to help me choose the color because I can't decide. Won't she be surprised when she opens it on Christmas. I may also make her a purse as well. This is the plan anyway, time may not be in my favor.

My dear friend Monica just had her first child on Sept 18th. I think I was more excited then she was!! I was just excited about being able to make a cute baby afghan. Aren't baby afghans just the cutest thing around? I love making them. They don't require much in the way of yarn, they aren't very time consuming, and they aren't heavy. Now I'm just excited again, for a girl I work with has informed me she is 4 months pregnant. Oh joy, I get to do another!! I've already got the pattern picked out and everything. I've told her she must have a girl, because I want to do a pretty girl one. Ya know, pinks, purples, etc...She finds out Monday. So that will be added to the list.

I would love to start another pair of socks, and have them be full length socks, not just ankle socks. I'd like to try the Socks That Rock yarn that I see so many using, but I think I have a bit too many projects on my plate at the moment. Have I mentioned the Tee-Pee I wanna make for my son? I have half the materials to do it. I'll save that for another day!!

I'm knitting wrong??!!!

It seems I am indeed knitting "wrong". But not totally. While eatting breakfast this morn, I was perusing Knittinghelp.com and discovered I'm not doing the knit stitch the way she is. Hmmm.. So I carefully watch her and learn that I am knitting the "Combined Method". Which isn't really wrong, it just takes a few more steps to do other things like k2tog. So I pick up my dishcloth and I do the next row using the "right"way to knit. Suddenly I'm all thumbs again. Now I can purl better then knit. Sigh. I'm knitting looser then I was before. If I had only discovered this weeks ago. But since I have now figured out the whole slip 1 purlwise. Knitting the way I was, and then slipping one purlwise always seemed way wrong, and even looked wrong on the RS of whatever I was working on. Knitting the "right" way has cleared that up for me. Don't know how, or if it even makes sense, but hey, whatever.

And the beading is done...

I set a deadline, and for once I succeeded. I finished the Beaded Poncho on Saturday night. Just a few short hours before the deadline of Sunday that I gave myself. I had planned on making another one for my niece for a Christmas present, but I've changed my mind. She'll be getting a beanie or a hat of some sort. I can't take anymore of those beads. Slows down the crocheting process. I do love it. It could have been bigger. Since I'm just a "little thing" as my husband says, I made the smaller size. I should have made the medium. I'll still be using it though.

So with that project done, I've begun a couple more. Can't just have one going at a time. Oh no, need more. I've started a baby afghan for a friend, and another Haekelbeutel (bag), for the summer. Something with some sunflowers! Exciting. Of course there's the weekly dishcloths. Do I dare say what the other project is? I'll just leave it at "something naughty".

Pain And Frustration

Two words I'm not liking much these past few weeks.

The pain being from the extensive dental work I'm having done. Every week. I so dislike the dentist at this point. The work must be done though, and when it is all over I will be able to eat without pain. So a little more pain to relieve the pain. Next week shall be the worse one, for I need surgery to remove part of my gum line and a "small" part of bone. That does not sound exciting at all.

The frustration being from knitting. Being new to this I'm still learning how to hold needles, and the yarn, and the differnt stistches. Purling for one is a thorn in my side. I can cast-on and knit like the devil. Forget Purling. Arrrggg. But I manage. Fingers are sore. I believe I am going to switch to bamboo needles. I am currently using the aluminum ones and I think part of my problem is the yarn just sliding all over them. I'll try bamboo and see if it helps any. Although my fingers my end up hurting even more then. I'll give it a whirl.

I did receive my yarn I had ordered to finish my poncho, along with some sock yarn. Still searching for the best and easiest sock pattern. Quite intimidating, socks are. I'm so excited about starting a pair and at the same time, scared to death. Scared of the frustration I am sure to encounter, and the sense that I won't be able to do it. Won't know till I try right? I was thinking of maybe trying a hat before the socks. Still deciding on that. I am hoping to finish my poncho by Sunday. I'm giving myself a deadline. I've been working on the thing since February and it's time for a new bigger project. And plus, I want to wear it!!

I have found out that out my four girlfriends who are all pregnant, just one is having a girl. Just one!! My next "big" project is being blankies for the little ones. Of course I was hoping to be able to play with a little more pink, but oh well. I'll come up with something.

Well I was right.

I have indeed ran out of yarn for the poncho. I was hoping I could finish it since it's been in the works since February. Just about done though. As soon as the yarn comes in I will finish it in no time. Providing I can stop doing other projects and just work on that.

I did go and order some Patons Kroy Sock yarn. Since I had to pay shipping anyways. Just need to find a nice easy first time sock pattern.

At the moment I am in a bit of pain. Had a root canal done yesterday and I swear it feels like someone has beat me in the face with a baseball bat. Don't remember feeling this way with the last root canal. So for the rest of the day I will be taking some aspirin, and knitting some more dishcloths. Dishcloths are so fun!!!

So little time.

Ever wonder where the day has went? It's April lready!! And half over at that. Where has all the time gone? My days off I think I shall just spend crocheting, or trying to knit, all day. Nothing else. Don't ask to eat, kitchen is closed. And after what seems to be just a few rows the day is gone. Ugh. Need more hours.

I currently have a couple WIP's going. A few dozen more swirling around in my head. I'm seeing all the things I could make for Christmas presents, baby shower gifts (since four - yes four) friends are expecting, all the socks I want to attempt to knit, blankets, dishcloths....just way to many things to list.

My most current and just about finished WIP is a beaded poncho. Which I have to say was a bit more expensive then I would have liked. Bought the book at a local A.C Moore. Could not find the yarn that was listed in the book or the beads used in any of the area shops. So I searched the net. A month later I had spent nearly $60 to get the supplies. Even paid more in shipping costs then the price of the material. Which is ridiculous. So just about done and I believe I am going to run out of yarn!!! After 5 skeins! I checked my gauge and it's correct. I am so mad.

What to do? Well order one more skein. And well who really orders just one? And to pay all the shipping? I'll be buying other yarn as well, make it worth my while. Maybe some yummy sock yarn for those socks....