Warning! Warning!

This is a long one. I've been trying to post since last week, so I've got a lot of catching up to do. I've had a pretty productive couple of weeks. The fi and I went to Hershey Park a couple of weekends ago. The place was packed. They kept closing down the rides and the wave pool. We weren't happy at all. Dorney Park was much better, plus they had a lot more water rides.

Since my last post I casted on for the Saarjte Bootees. They were my train project. You know, I only knit them on the train going to and from work. I finished them in 2 days. A bootee for each day. LOL. They are a great project if you have leftover yarn. Depending on how much you have left, you can probably knit quite a few. I barely used any yarn at all.




I also ripped out the baby blanket I started for one of my knitter friends. I was bored with the pattern so I found this doily pattern online and I'm trying it out. I like it so far and there's enough in the pattern to keep me motivated since I'm working in the round. I'll have pictures of it soon.


I casted on 2 Fridays ago for the Purl Bee Beret and finished it this past weekend. I love this beret, and the variegated pattern of the yarn. I used Trekking on size 3 needles. I'm thinking of making a scarf to match, but I'm decided, as I would have to use this yarn on the ends of whatever scarf I decide to make. I don't want it to scratch my neck, if you know what I mean.






















I also got a chance to work on my shaped lace tee. The back and front are complete and I'm finishing up the sleeves. I'm just about to bind off and put the whole thing together (yeah!!!!) I want to wear it to my dad's birthday next weekend.

Has anyone started their holiday knitting yet? I picked out yarn and a pattern for my mom for Christmas. It's #23(the shawl collar pullover by Adrienne Vittadini from Vogue Winter 2004/2005. I'll have pictures soon. I'm also thinking of knitting the fi something, but I haven't decided yet.

I also need to get back to my wedding knitting. I have 1.5 shawls to make, finish my mom's and my handbags. I found a pattern on ravelry for a knitted garter belt. My mom said she'd give me the something blue(ribbon) to weave into it. I'm also thinking about knitting the fishnet knee-his from Knitting Lingerie Style, but turning them into thigh-his and putting the lace edging from the basic sock pattern on the top of the fishnet socks. I don't know. Anyway, should I make anything for the guys? I figure it's the fi's job to take care of them. While I'm on that thought, does anyone know where I can get a hand blown beer meister (I know I'm spelling it wrong)? I sang at a wedding once where the groom gave them as presents to his grooms men. They were one of a kind blown glass that look almost like a hollowed out horn. Two of the guys in our bridal party are beer drinkers, and I know they'd like it.

Before I sign-off for today, I have to give a shout out to my Secret Pal for SP11. She got in contact with me last week and seems pretty cool. I can't wait for her to spoil me. Oh, and Amanda, I didn't forget. I'm thinking of candidates.

I'm going to leave you with this link today. It's different ways to treat your hair naturally. Has anyone ever tried any of these? The fabric softener one scares me. I have done the mayonnaise on the hair and that works. I also tried the baking soda tip(mixing a little in when you shampoo your hair to get rid of any build up in your hair. It works. My hair felt lighter afterward. Even the fi made comment when he saw me. You know, "Did you do something different with your hair? It looks nice. I like it". Anyway gotta go. Have a good one!!

Secret Pal 11 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love alpaca, silk, cotton, cashmere. Any yarns that are organic or natural. I’m allergic to wool, but since I started spinning I’ve been able to handle it a little better. I can handle organic wool that hasn’t been treated or superwash wool.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a needle case that a family friend made for me for the holidays, and a plastic bread container.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for 7 years. I learned at my local LYS. My skill level is between intermediate and advanced, but there is always something new to learn, and I love the challenge.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1GLC4WI60DLUD/

5. What's your favorite scent?

Anything that smell clean/fresh or like citrus

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really. I do like Swedish Fish, spearmint leaves and chocolate on occasion but I don’t crave them.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do spin (love it). I also sew, and make handmade cards. I just took a class on calligraphy the other day. I also just bought a kit from Sublime Stitching the other day to try my hand at embroidery.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love classic house music, disco, music from the 80s(because I grew up on it), smooth jazz, classic rock(Journey, Foreigner, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, etc…), R&B, Maroon 5, Corinne Bailey Rae, Brand New Heavies, Incognito. My computer can play mp3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Sky Blue, Burnt Orange, Blood Red (the dark one), Army Green, Black, Chocolate

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am engaged. We are getting married in 2008. I have 2 dogs (14 almost 15 year old beagle and a 3 year old schnauzer/poodle) My fiance has a Lovebird, so I count him too.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all 4. =)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like to knit everything. Right now I’m in a sweater mood though.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I am starting to work on a couple of ideas for 2 new original designs I’m also working on the Shaped Lace Tee from Knitting Lingerie Style, and today I’m finishing up knitting the Saartje’s Bootees I started yesterday. They are so cute and a great project for leftover yarn.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Oh yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

It depends. I love circular needles. I prefer addi turbos or inox needles. I only like to use bamboo double pointed needles. I also like plastic needles for traveling.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes to both. The fiance (I call him the fi) gave them to me for my birthday this year.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I don’t like to answer this question because I’m ashamed, but I have a sweater that I never finished and it’s about 6-7 years old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Buttons. I started my collection last year when I cut the bottons off of some old coats that I had to throw away.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription to Vogue Knitting. I’m thinking about getting one for Interweave Knits. I would like to try my hand at a Japanese pattern. I have a wish list on Amazon.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I’m sure there are. I’ll have to think about that one.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes I am. I wear a size 9.5 shoe

23. When is your birthday?

May 30th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes I am. Andrea670

Apple of Our Eye Pattern

Apple Of Our Eye
Designed by Andrea Jennifer


Finished Measurements

14, [16, 18, 20] inches

Materials:

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran: 1 red, 1 brown, 1 green

#6 circular needle 16 inches, and #6 double pointed needles, #8 double point needles (for leafs only), 1 stitch marker

Gauge: 5 sts to the inch on #6 needle.

Definitions

co – cast on

bo – bind off

k – knit

p – purl

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together

2 x 2 ribbing – knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches

ssk – slip one stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, insert left needle into the fronts of both stitches and knit them together

yo - wrap yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front counterclockwise before knitting the next stitch

sl1 – slip one stitch

psso – pass slip stitch over stitch you just knit

Directions:

CO 66[76, 88, 98] stitches in red. Place stitch marker and join to work in the round. Work in 2x2 ribbing (K2, P2) for one inch. Inc. 0[1, 0, 1] st at beginning of next row. Work in knit stitch until work measures 4.5[4.5, 5, 5] inches.

Hat shaping (Decrease rows) *Please note that somewhere in this next section as the stitches get harder to work, switch to double pointed needles.

*K9, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K8, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K7, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K6, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K5, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K4, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K3, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K2, K2tog repeat from * to end.

*K1, K2tog repeat from * to end.

At this point keep knitting 2tog until you have 4 stitches left. Switch to brown yarn and make and i-cord for 6 rows. BO.

Leaf pattern (Compliments of Nicky Epstein’s Knitting On The Edge. Thank you Nicky.)

Leaf with stem (Make 1)

CO 3 stitches with #8 needles.

Work i-cord for 5 rows. On next row inc a stitch each end. Purl back. 5 sts.

Row 1: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2

Row 2 and all even rows are Purl

Row 3: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3

Row 5: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4

Row 7: SSK, K7, K2tog

Row 9: SSK, K5, K2tog

Row 11: SSK, K3, K2tog

Row 13: SSK, K1, K2tog

Row 14: Purl

Row 15: SL1, K2tog, PSSO

Leaf: ( Make 3)

CO 5 stitches with #8 needles

Row 1: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2

Row 2 and all even rows are Purl

Row 3: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3

Row 5: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4

Row 7: SSK, K7, K2tog

Row 9: SSK, K5, K2tog

Row 11: SSK, K3, K2tog

Row 13: SSK, K1, K2tog

Row 14: Purl

Row 15: SL1, K2tog, PSSO

Place two leaves. together wrong sides showing and sew them together leaving and opening to turn inside out on to right sides. Complete sewing together. Do the same thing to the remaining two leaf pieces. Embellish hat with leaves by attaching stem part of leave to hat. Then attach other leaf to the edge of the stem part of the leaf you just attached. Enjoy!!

Note***This hat can be made in yellow (Lemon Hat), orange (Orange Hat), and green (Lime Hat).

© 2006 Designed by Andrea Jennifer. All rights reserved. No portion of this pattern may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization.

Apple of Our Eye

I designed this pattern at the end of last year for one of my church members that was having her first baby. Since everyone is gearing up and getting in the mood to knit some winter knits, I thought I'd add the pattern to my Sidebar. The pattern is pretty easy and knits up in no time. Hopefully I'll have it up by this evening.

Apple of Our Eye

Sizes: 14[16, 18, 20]

Materials

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran: 1 red, 1 brown, 1 green

Yarn Substitution: Any Aran weight yarn that gives you 5 sts to the inch in St st gauge.

Needles: US 6 circular needle 16 inches
US 6 double pointed needles
US 8 double pointed needles (for leafs only

Supplies: 1 stitch marker

Gauge: 5 sts to the inch on #6 needle in St st

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

I'll make a slight correction

to my last post. I said I wasn't impressed with the new issue of Vogue Knitting, the 25th Anniversary. I love the interviews, and no, I haven't read them all yet. I guess what I wasn't too crazy about was the pattern section. I thought there could have been more. The issues this past year have been fantastic, and compared to them, I was a little let down. I will admit, there were 1 or 2 I did like. The big sweaters I'm really not crazy about. I know they are getting ready to make a big come back, but let me tell you, they are not flattering in any way.

I know 2 in 1 day?

I just had to come back on and ask this question. Has anyone seen the new issue of Vogue Knitting (25th Anniversary Issue)? I received mine this week. I haven't read it yet, but at first glance, I'm not sure I'm impressed. Let me know your thoughts.

Happy Friday!!

Well, it's been a while. I've been spending most of my time on Ravelry, listening to podcasts (they're great to listen to while knitting), and finishing up my sample knit for KnitPicks.

Ravelry is lots of fun. There is so much to do and it is very time consuming. I still have not put my stash on it yet. I keep freaking out about all the pictures I have to take. It's definitely a work in progress.

I don't know about anyone else, but I love listening to podcasts. A lot of them are very informative and entertaining. There are things from teaching different and new techniques, book reviews, yarn reviews and designer interview, just to name a few. There is always something new that I've never heard of. Case in point, I was listening to Episode 12 of Knit Picks and they were teaching the technique of Steeking. I was like what's that? Here it is, it's the art of knitting a sweater in the round and instead of doing the decreases for your armholes, you just knit your garment straight up, (knit a tube) and then cut your armholes out with scissors after sewing in a few stitches with your sewing machine to protect yourself against those live stitches. It's a useful technique to learn and can be used in many different ways.

Say for instance you have a pullover that you weren't too crazy about. Pull out your sewing machine. Stitch down the front of the pullover 2 times and then cut down the center in between the 2 stitches. Fold back the area or pick up the lives stitches and either knit or crochet a border down the 2 front pieces on the edge and you now have a cardigan.

A co-worker of mine had asked me to knit a few caplets for her grand daughters a while back. She gave me their measurements fully aware that they were much larger than the sizes the girls actually were. She wanted them to be able to get a couple of seasons out of them. When they put the caplets on, the girls were floating in them. I didn't want to knit the caplets over, so I pulled out my sewing machine, sewed a couple of lines where their arms could come through, added an extra button at the neckline and the caplets were salvaged. Eunny gives a good tutorial on her blog on steeking as well as Knitty and Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Around.

Anyway, I'm just about finished my project for Knit Picks. Here's a sneak peek.



I'm shipping it off on Monday. Yippee!!!! I can get back to my shaped lace tee from Knitting Lingerie Style. I want to wear it while I'm in Florida at the end of the month.

I also just signed up for another Knitalong, hosted by Robin of course. She's great!!! This time it's for Teva Durham's book Loop-d-Loop, and Loop-d-Loop Crochet. I don't own the crochet book, but it's on my list. I can't wait to cast on, but I guess it would help if I picked out a project first.

I'm also trying to decide between these next 2 crochet projects. Let me know which one you like better. They are both very similar, just the backs are a little different. The first one is More Than an Apron and the second is Tunic. I first saw Tunic on Carrie's blog which I found through Ravelry. Thanks Carrie. Anyway, let me know which one you like better.

Toodles!!

Ravelry and Sample Knitting

Hi Everyone!!! I hope everyone had a nice holiday. I know I did. The Fi had me running around with him and a buddy of his that was in town. I had loads of fun and ate at a few really good privately owned restaurants. What more could a girl ask for.

First of all I want to thank all of you for the lovely comments you have left me. I haven't gotten around to emailing everyone back, but I wanted to say thank you anyway. I haven't blogged about anything lately, because I've been a little busy. 2 Thursdays ago I received 2 nice surprises in my email. I finally received my invitation to RAVELRY. Yeah!!!!!!!. If you haven't signed up yet, you need to. The site is amazing. There is so much that I need to do to get fully functional on that site. I love it!!!! I'm hoping to start some time this weekend, depending on how much work I get done on my other surprise I received, which actually came in the mail last Monday.

My second surprise was an email from Knit Picks letting me know that I was excepted as a sample knitter for them. I received my package as I said before (The yarns are beautiful and nice to work with!!) in the mail on Monday, and it's due back by August 9th. I have casted on and I'm moving along nicely. I don't have a sneak peak for you yet, but I know it's for the October Issue. Hopefully I'll have a little taste for you soon. This also means that yes, all my other knitting has stopped temporarily while I'm working on this. I'm pretty excited, and you never know what else can happen in the future.

I did start working on the Shaped Lace Tee from Knitting Lingerie Style. I have the back done, and I casted on for the front. I don't have any pictures yet, but it looks great, and it's a quick knit. I can't wait to finish it, as I would like to wear it for my father's birthday next month.

Anyway, that it for now, I'll try to have pics up real soon. I did decide to go with buttons for the baby hoodie I'm working on. I found these adorable wooden baseball buttons. I'll be sewing those on this week and handing it over to it's proud new owner hopefully by the end of the weekend.

Update on FOs and WIP with Pics

I finally finished Rusted Root last Saturday. Here it is:

I love how the variegation of the yarn turned out.

I also finished the baby hooded jacket I've been working on this morning. I only have to sew in a #10 separated zipper. Let me tell you. They aren't easy to find. None of the fabric stores carry that size zipper in brown. I think I finally found a company in New York, but I need to give them a call. They weren't open today, so I'll try on Monday. In the meantime, here is what the jacket looks like so far. I'm very pleased with it.

This weekend is the start of 2 KALs that I am in. The first one is for Knitting Lingerie Style. Can I just say that I love Joan McGowan Michael. I think I want to knit everything in this book. I knit the Angelina Jacket last year. And just love it. Here it is.

I am going to start with the Shaped Lace Tee first. I have had some Cascade Sierra in my stash in like a canary yellow color for the past two years. I figure I ought to use it. I'm destashing and that's a good thing. I have a ton of yarn I need to use up.

I also want to knit the Surplice Bodice Camisole and the Basic Stockings. I have some King Tut Yarn in black that I'm thinking of using for the camisole. I also have an idea for the lacy part at the bottom but I'm not sure if it's going to work yet. We'll see.

I started working on a new design that I would like to submit but I'm not sure I'll be finished in time for a winter submission. Wish me luck.

The second KAL I have joined is Socksational July at Rosie's Yarn Cellar, through their Knitting Circle. There is a free sock pattern every week to knit. I have to go through my stash tonight to see what yarn I want to use. I have quite a bit of sock yarn. I'm sure I'll find something I can use.

I'm still working on my lace nightie from Interweave Knits. It's slowly coming along. I hope to have pictures up soon. I haven't done much on the pinwheel blanket I started a couple of weeks ago. I might try to put some time on it this week.

I'm going to leave you with some pictures from my gig last weekend that the Fi took and birdie our bird getting his exercise. Fi has this thing about letting him get exercise at least once a day. It use to freak me out, but I've gotten use to it. I know one family member who's not crazy about it. Here he is watching him. I think Jack definitely wanted a taste. Can't you see the excitement?
Toodles!!

Playing Catchup!!

I hope everyone had a lovely father's day!! Mine was productive. I sang with my band Saturday night, and me and the fi got a lot of yard work done over at my mom's yesterday. She was happy. I don't have any finished projects, but I do have a lot of WIP's. Here are a couple of pictures. I hope to have more up this week. First up is Rusted Root.
Next is a new project. The pinwheel blanket.


I haven't worked on my interweave Knits Nightie in about a week. I'm hoping to have some time this week, if not next week.

In sewing news: It started out like this:


and I finished this last week. I definitely need to iron this.

I love it, and it fits perfectly. I used a discontinued pattern from McCall's #4454. I had it in my stash, and some fabric that I recently purchased from JoAnn's. I will be making more of these, maybe in a different version with jersey fabric. I haven't decided yet. I also want to try my hand at some embroidery to refashion a few tops I have. That's all I have for now.

I hope you like the music.

Toodles!!

Pictures & Stuff

Here is my newest project Rusted Root from ZephyrStyle. The yarn I'm using is Ty-Dy from Knit One Crochet Too. It's 100% cotton and works up nicely. I can't wait to see the full pattern of the yarn. So far I like it.




My Interweave Knits Nightie is coming along.


I'm on ball #2 and have bind-off the back stitches. I haven't decided if I want to wear it as a nightie only, or over t-shirts also. Maybe I'll do both.

Here's my next sewing project, that I just pulled out from my stash. I'm going to try and cut it out during the week. I love the pattern of the fabric. It's so me. Here's a close-up, it's music notes. Gotta love it.



I have to tell you about these stitch markers I got a while ago. They're made by Boye. I love them. The way they are made is that they can open and close. So if you forget to put them on, you don't have to work around to the spot, just slide it right on and snap into place. I also like them because they're big enough to add a charm if you want.

You also might want to check out Amazon. The prices on the knitting books are great right now. The book Knit2Together is only $5.50. Is that not crazy!!! Gotta love it!!

Wardrobe Refashion!!!

I, Andrea Jennifer pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 4 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings!
Signed: Andrea Jennifer

Birthday Party Still Going Strong!!!

I had a wonderful birthday on Wednesday, and we are still going strong. The festivities are still going strong. Who Knew!! I'd have to say it was one of my best birthdays ever. (P.S. It's also why you have heard from me in the last couple of days. My mother gave me the most beautiful card, and what she wrote was even better. The fi's card was also beautiful. I thought he handcrafted it at first. I got the usual money and jewelry and these.




The first hank I spun on my swift and ball winder. Let me tell you, it's great not having to go to the lys to do this.

More stuff is coming as i placed an order today for books I wanted. So I spent my b-day sewing. I made Simplicity 3742, and wore it that night out to dinner at Casanova Grill. The food is fantastic, and what makes it nicer is that we know the people that own it. So we had a great time, great food, and we supported someone that we actually know. Anyway, here is the dress.


I did my own variation as I liked different things from each view that they gave you on the pattern. I didn't like the idea of cording for the waist and I also didn't feel like spending anymore money, so I used the idea of the belt from view B instead. I also liked the idea of the tie from the top so instead connecting the tie, I made it a little longer and left it open to tie into a bow or knot. This pattern was very easy to work with and to do. I'd definitely make it again. Wardrobe refashion has reopened its doors. I'm contemplating signing up. I'm not seeing anything in the stores I like. The majority of what I've seen can be made and the quality isn't that great especially for the price. It would be a great challenge for me. I just wondering, once I join, can I still buy fabric while on this challenge, my stash isn't that large in the line of fabric.

The Fi took me to see The Brand New Heavies at World Cafe Live Friday night. It was my first time there. It was really nice inside. The band was Great. N'dea Davenport was in top form. She looked fabulous. The band was phenomenal. Loved it!!!!!!!



Yesterday, he and I went to Dorney Park to indulge in the water park. One busted inner lip later from the Aqu Racer, which happened to be the first ride we did that day. Fun was had by all, and I think we conquer just about every water ride they had.

Today, we are just lazing about this morning. A little later we're going to head out and do some window shopping. We both need flower pots, and I want to go to JoAnn Fabrics to see what they have. We might even go to Border's. By the way, here's a picture of what I planted on Tuesday.

Holiday, Celebrate!!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was pretty quiet and uneventful. I took two extra days off because my birthday is Wednesday, so I'm still home and enjoying it. I mowed the lawn yesterday, and today I'm trimming the hedges and planting my new hydrangea bush and a flower mat that I purchased. I'll take pictures when I'm done. I want to see if this mat really works.

I have lots of plans for the next two days. Joann Fabrics had a 99 cent sale on patterns so I went a little crazy. These are for my mother.


These are for the Fi. I've never sewed for a guy before. This should be interesting.


These are for me.


I'm starting with these two first, Simplicity 3742, and Simplicity 3807. They look pretty simple, so I hope to have at least one done by the weekend, if not before.




In knitting news, I'm almost done with the baby blanket. I'll be glad when it's done. Then I can get on to more fun projects, and the customer who wanted it can stop calling me. I still can't believe she told the people she was suppose to be knitting it for, that she made it. Supposedly, she's a newbie knitter and she didn't like the yarn, so she asked the owner of my lys to do it for her, and she in turn asked me to do it. It's unreal what some people would do, and then take the credit in the end. I'm not crazy about the yarn, but she picked it out, and I made the best of it. The pattern is hard to see in this picture, but I did blocks of garter and stockinette. I embedded the roman numeral X into the blanket.

I also got a chance to work on the interweave knits lace nightie. This is what I have so far. All I can say is that it's beautiful. It's definitely a pattern you have to concentrate on, or else nothing lines up.



That's it for now. Today I want to leave you all with a little luck. My friends and I found a 5 leaf clover on Sunday, and I want to share it.

Updates & Knitalongs

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I know I did. It was awesome!! I had my first gig with my new band. It went really well. The people didn't want to go home. During the course of the night, one guy pulled me off stage to dance with him. A lot of fun was had by all.

I finished my fitted knits split-neckline tee a week ago Sunday. Here it is.


I did have to make a few adjustments to this piece. I had lost a few pounds while making this garment so, I did a few decreases on the sides. The keyhole ended up being too big for me so I had to do quite a few decrease to make it fit also. I wore it to work yesterday, and received quite a few compliments. The nicest one I received was from a woman in the park I usually sit in for lunch. I was just walking through, going back to work and she stopped me by saying "I saw you making that. I would have never thought that was what you were making. Wow!!" My mom has put her request in for one in green. I picked out the yarns for it, and hopefully will get started on it as soon as next week.


In other news, I'm doing a knitalong with my new knitting buddy Amanda. It's for the Lace Nightie from Interweave Knits. I made the button, which you can find over to your right side of my blog. Amanda set up the Interweave Lace Nightie knitalong at Crafters.org. If you are interested, come join us. I just casted on for it. If you are having trouble with the link, email me and I'll email you the location info.

On other news not knit related, I started working out again Friday night. I bought Turbo Jam, so I'm starting with that. The music is good and they start you out with 20 minute workouts. I got through it with no problem, and felt the workout the next day, so I guess it's working. I can't wait to see what I look like a month from now. Bathing suit weather is coming up, and I want to try and look a little decent this summer. I also picked up the Goddess workout from Yoga Booty at Walmart. I watched it and it looks really good. I'll be working that in to my workout by the end of the week.

I went to the bookstore at lunch today and found 3 books I want desperately. Since my birthday is next week, I'm hoping I get money so I can order them. The books are Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael ( I love her her designs)!!! Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim and InStitches by Amy Butler.

That's it for now. Happy knitting!!

I have been "8 Things Meme" tagged!!

I was tagged by new knitting friend Andrea. (Ain't that a riot! She's got my name =) So, loving it.

The rules:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are my 8 things:

1. I love to try different kinds of food from different countries/places.
2. My ultimate job would be to knit and sing full time making enough money to live off of.
3. I love to eat toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with hot chocolate.
4. I like getting my back scratched. Especially when the fi (fiance) does it.
5. In high school, I was on the Flag Squad with the marching band.
6. I love to dance and do hot yoga.
7. I try to stay away from drinking too much soda. I stick to water, juice and tea. No coffee, it messes up my stomach.
8. I use to play the piano. I was so good, I played for my junior high school choir. I quit after that. I guess I was burned out. Sometimes I feel like playing again.

Here are the 8 people I am tagging:

Amanda
Adrienne
Saun
Ysolda
Sheila
Nik
Ei Knit
Veronica

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful day!!