And the winner is.....

KnitPastis!! Congrats girlie! Little G pulled your name out of the hat and if you'll e-mail me your address, you'll be getting a Knitpicks gift certificate in the mail soon! :)
Here are a few pics of the baby kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting that I am preparing for a baby shower on Sunday. I have one arm finished, and I'm working ont the second.

Here is a closeup of the yarn. It's simply gorgeous. Springy, light, and great to work with.

Here's a close up of the stitches. I love this stuff.

I'm worried about running out of yarn honestly. But I guess if I do, I can call the shop where I bought it from and have some mailed out (I hope). For those interested, the yarn is Nashua Cilantro in Lime Sorbet. I worked it with Clover needles Size 7.
I also met a new friend from a decently close distance to where I live. I'm super excited because this is the first North LA knitblogger I've found. I don't think knitting is that popular in LA. This is evidenced by the lack of and LYS within 3 hours of my home. Anyway, I was glad to meet Allison and hope to get together with her soon.
Work has (hopefully) finally slowed down. These past two weeks have been the weeks from hell! I hope to really relax this weekend with the baby kimono and the baby shower. I bought some cute little baseball buttons for the kimono and the bib that I made for the shower. I hope they like them! :)
I'll be sure and show some shower pics on Monday!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Melissa

Gift Certificate Winner

The gift certificate from Knitpicks came in the mail yesterday. They are so fast! Tonight, LittleMan will pick the winner from the "hat". He was going to last night, but the poor little thing fell asleep before 6 pm (I had just gotten home from work) and slept until it was time to leave this morning. He was tired I gues! :) So, everyone get your fingers crossed and wishes made and we'll be picking the winner tonight. Good luck to everyone!!
Knitting has been going slowly but surely. I have been working with Suri Dream from Knitpicks to make a Prayer Shawl. Instead of following the original pattern on the Prayer Shawl website, I used one that was e-mailed to me that does a K1, YO, K2tog repeat. But it looks rather ribbing-like and although it looked GREAT on the blog that I saw it on, I'm not sure that I like it. Any other variations that you all use that look great?
I ordered the Knitpicks Memories to finish the toe of dad's Father's Day birthday socks and it should be in soon. I'm ready to get the first one off the needles!
I've also been a little sidetracked from knitting by work, which paid off well as I got a little salary bump this week, and by reading. I hadn't read anything in a while, mainly due to the fines I racked up at the library (oops!) so I bought three books at Books A Million's big sale on Saturday. The first one I have begun reading is Wicked. I don't really have an opinion either way on this one yet. I'm hoping it starts wrapping up one way or another for me. I'm about half-way through the book so far.
Hope you all are having a great week! Now that things at work have slightly slowed down, I'll be stopping by each of your blogs! :)
Melissa

The World is a very cold place, ya know

Well, I first of all want to offer up a HUGE Thank You to all of you who voted. You all proved, yet again, what a wonderful group of people knitters are. It is this great sense of community that I wanted to give a big Thank You, thus offering up a little gift certificate to thank you for taking the time to vote for Little G. Unfortunately, some people must think that I was offering up an unlimited supply of yarn to buy the votes of every person visiting my blog. This was evidenced by the e-mail that I received below:

From: ModernMom.com [mailto:feedback@modernmom.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2006 9:07 AM
To: XXXXX, Melissa
Subject: RE:

Hi Melissa,

It was brought to our attention that you are running a contest and offering a prize of your own in order to solicit votes for the June Toddler Photo Contest. Unfortunately, we cannot condone this behavior as it is unfair to the other entrants. We have adjusted Garrison's votes to reflect only those that did not come from the link on your blog.

We hope you understand our concern.

ModernMom.com Support

This greatly upset me and honestly made me feel like the worst mom in the world. Like I was being one of those horrible "stage mother" types that was all about wanting her child to win. This was sooo not the case. I didn't even know if he had won or not until my dad called me and said "He was leading when the contest closed...what happened?". In all honesty, whether or not he won was not important to me, but to be accused of "buying" votes was a slap in the face. I personally know that my kid is the cutest in the world, just like all mothers know that their kids are the cutest ever. I thought the photo contest would be fun and that the Knitpicks gift certificate would be a great way to say Thank You to all of you who not only voted, but visit my blog and comment on my knitting. I'm still fairly new at the knitting game and I know that my work isn't the best, not even close, but I'm learning and you guys have been so supportive of that.
So, I thought about it and here was my reply:

I understand your concern; however, I was not given nor was I aware of a list of rules of how votes may or may not have been “solicited”. The readers of my blog, who are also some of my friends, had been voting and giving such wonderful support to us in the contest, that I wanted a way to say Thank You. It is very common in the knitting blog world to offer up a randomly drawn gift certificate or ball of yarn to thank your commenters/friends for doing something nice such as naming a yarn or helping pick a pattern or color. These very nice people were voting before a “prize” (thank you) was being offered and would have continued to do so if one had never been mentioned. That’s what makes this group of people so wonderful.
I also find it to be rather strange that votes were obviously removed on Friday; however I was informed of this infraction of the “rules” on Saturday, when it was too late to try and remedy the situation. I would have gladly removed the “contest” had I been informed of the “rules infraction” and been asked to comply with those rules.
I understand that you must reply to complaints in the manner that you see fit; however, I think this situation could have been handled much differently.
I am not upset that my child did not win, we entered this contest for fun; however, to be treated as if we were knowingly cheating is a bit upsetting.
I’m sure that some of my friends who would have voted no matter what will be very disheartened to learn that their votes were not seen as sincere and that they were motivated by a prize.
Thank you,
Melissa XXXXX (This is my last name Xed out in case you were wondering!)

Busy, but boring, week

Well, nothing really to report on the knitting front. I've been working on the kimono, but have very little progress. I also cast on for a really simple shawl last night, but seriously, that's all I did...cast on, then I put it up.
I've been sick this week, and that just left me very little energy for knitting. I honestly felt like it would be too much effort to lift my hands to knit. I took off work Wednesday to get some medicine, and ended up actually working at home! I've been so super busy at work that it doesn't seem to ever end! So, I plan to do some relaxing this weekend.
So, if I wasn't knitting, what was I doing? I did a little light cleaning (I've been on that kick for some reason) and I did lots of TV watching. Keep in mind that lots for me is not probably what others would consider to be tons of TV time. I had some stuff on the DVR that I watched. I caught up on Footballer's Wives on BBCAmerica, Tuesday Night Book Club on CBS, the start of the new Big Brother All Stars on CBS, and caught some Dateline, Nightline, 20/20 type shows. I really wanted to read a few books that I was pretty sure I had stashed away, but when I went through my book cabinet, I didn't have any. It appears I lent them to my aunt. So, that sucked, but Books A Million is having a sale on Saturday, so I might have to get a few paperbacks.
Finally, Sunday is the last day for voting for LittleMan. I have really appreciated all the support thus far and it looks like we're doing pretty well! Thank you all so much. Don't forget to leave comments! I ordered the Knitpicks gift certificate yesterday, so it should be in sometime next week I guess and then will go to the lucky recipient!
Speaking of Knitpicks, I ordered some of their new DPNs and I can't wait to try them out. I wanted to get some more fingering weight Dye Your Own, but they are even further on backorder than they were before! So, I ordered the worsted weight (I think) and I plan to dye for a scarf I think. Maybe one for me and one for LittleMan. I'm not sure how much it will take for a decent sized scarf, so we'll see.
Hope you are all having a great week. I'll try to get around to the blogs today.
Melissa

Click here to vote!

Hurricane Questionnaire and Updates

Thanks again to everyone who has been voting. The voting ends this Sunday the 25th, and so far it looks like we're doing well. The little cutie in the hula skirt is doing pretty well herself! Don't forget to leave a comment and get entered for the Knitpicks gift certificate!

I am almost finished with Sock #1 for Father's Day my dad's birthday in September. I'm ahead of the game...see! :) Unfortunatley Knitpicks memories is about 10 yards short of the amount of yarn needed for a man's size 10 1/2 sock! So, I need to wind up the yarn intended for Sock #2 and finish Sock #1 and then order one more skein for Sock #2. I might wait for the new to come in and finish the toe with it and also finish Sock #2 with it so that if the dyelot on the third skein is drastically different, they'll still match. Anyway, here it is.....

A close up:

I also finished the baby bib. I don't really like the button, so I will probably get another one for it.

I also began a chartreuse baby kimono and it's looking quite well, but not enough progress to take a picture, ya know?

The following is my questionaire for the Hurricane Sock Party. I can't wait to begin shopping for my pal!
1. Repeat after me "no hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes" . Okay we just had to get that one out of the way first. We needed to created a bit of "good weather karma"! GRIN

2. If your pet(s) wrote a paragraph about you to describe you to us what would they say? (If you have no pets then just pretend you husband or best friend wrote it! This is a 3rd person writing exercise that is always fun.) Layla would probably tell you that I knit too much and get really scary when she lunges at my ball of yarn. She would probably also tell you that as hard as she tries, I let Little G run the house and not her. And, that she's spoiled. Really badly.

3. What is your favorite hurricane supplies snack? Probably regular Pringles or chocolate, but chocolate melts in the summer :(

4. Do do sock patterns normally fit you "as written" or do you usually modify them for size in any way? (other than foot length) I usually go "as written"

5. What one city abroad would you visit and why if money was no object? (and terrorism was non-existant) Warning-I'm very boring! Philadelphia

6. Do you wear socks all year round or just during the winter? Do you prefer them tall or short or regular height? Mostly just in the winter, but some in the summer (depending on my shoes for work) I like them any height.

7. The last time the power was out during hurricane season (or bad weather of any kind) did you knit by lantern or were you lucky enough to knit to the humm of a generator? Or did you knit at all? I didn't knit. I didn't know how yet.

8. Make a wish for your favorite sock yarn that you've already used once. What would it be? ? Dont be shy about listing an exact colorway or two if you'd like. Well, I've only knit 3 pair or so. But I liked Scout's yarn and I like the Knitpicks memories. I bought some Lorna's Laces, but haven't knitted with it yet, but it feels awesome!

9. What is it about sock knitting that keeps you wanting to knit more and more socks? It's easy, quick, and fun. People are also way more amazed by socks than scarves, blankets, and shawls.

10. Make a wish for a sock yarn that you are dying to try but haven't bought for yourself yet. (be specific,even colorway if you'd like) Honestly, I don't know. I hear great things about Kiogu (sp?) but anything is great. I love Scout's colorways too.

11. What size needles do you knit socks for YOURSELF with the most? Are they circular or bamboo needles? What brand? Size 2. I've been using metal because that's all that is for sale around here. I bought some Crystal Palace needles while on vacation and the cleaning people at my office threw them away (long story), but I just got some bamboo ones in the mail yesterday. I've never knit on circulars before.

12. If you could only take 3 yarn related books and one previously knitted project that you love with you when you evacuated what would they be? Stitch and Bitch; Sensational Knitted Socks; Mason Dixon Knitting, and my socks made from Scout's Tarzhay yarn.

13. What knitting notion do you wish you had that you just keep putting off getting for yourself? I really can't think of one.

14. What is your favorite tv show? Grey's in the regular season, Big Brother in the summemr

15. Do you want a lacey sock or a "solid fabric" sock from your hurricane sister? Anything is great. But I've only knit 2 sets that weren't plain stockinette, so don't make it anything too hard!

16. It's midnight and the power has been off for two days, its hot, and you have a craving for something sweet! What would it be? (This is a FOOD related question ladies! LOL) probably TCBY or chocolate (but it would all be melted.)

17. Tell us a story about any of your hurricane weather related experiences. I've never had anything too drastic. Lots of debris and loss of power mostly. Our town gets a lot of evacuees from South LA every year and I have fun volunteering with that.

18. What was the one thing you wish you had remembered to get last year for hurricane supplies that you swore you wouldn't forget this year? Cute PJ bottoms!

19. What color sock would you like to recieve from your sock sister? (if you don't have a pref just say so otherwise give us a hint!) I love anything honestly, except for maybe red.

20. You mean you read all the way down to here? Congrats #15 really isn't a question. It's a THANK YOU for filling out this questionnaire! Don't forget to send (in a private email to Christy your snail Mail address so she can pass it on to your hurricane sister!) Now post your answers to the questionnaire on your blog! Fun fun!

Melissa

Hurricane Questionnaire and Updates

Thanks again to everyone who has been voting. The voting ends this Sunday the 25th, and so far it looks like we're doing well. The little cutie in the hula skirt is doing pretty well herself! Don't forget to leave a comment and get entered for the Knitpicks gift certificate!

I am almost finished with Sock #1 for Father's Day my dad's birthday in September. I'm ahead of the game...see! :) Unfortunatley Knitpicks memories is about 10 yards short of the amount of yarn needed for a man's size 10 1/2 sock! So, I need to wind up the yarn intended for Sock #2 and finish Sock #1 and then order one more skein for Sock #2. I might wait for the new to come in and finish the toe with it and also finish Sock #2 with it so that if the dyelot on the third skein is drastically different, they'll still match. Anyway, here it is.....

A close up:

I also finished the baby bib. I don't really like the button, so I will probably get another one for it.

I also began a chartreuse baby kimono and it's looking quite well, but not enough progress to take a picture, ya know?

The following is my questionaire for the Hurricane Sock Party. I can't wait to begin shopping for my pal!
1. Repeat after me "no hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes" . Okay we just had to get that one out of the way first. We needed to created a bit of "good weather karma"! GRIN

2. If your pet(s) wrote a paragraph about you to describe you to us what would they say? (If you have no pets then just pretend you husband or best friend wrote it! This is a 3rd person writing exercise that is always fun.) Layla would probably tell you that I knit too much and get really scary when she lunges at my ball of yarn. She would probably also tell you that as hard as she tries, I let Little G run the house and not her. And, that she's spoiled. Really badly.

3. What is your favorite hurricane supplies snack? Probably regular Pringles or chocolate, but chocolate melts in the summer :(

4. Do do sock patterns normally fit you "as written" or do you usually modify them for size in any way? (other than foot length) I usually go "as written"

5. What one city abroad would you visit and why if money was no object? (and terrorism was non-existant) Warning-I'm very boring! Philadelphia

6. Do you wear socks all year round or just during the winter? Do you prefer them tall or short or regular height? Mostly just in the winter, but some in the summer (depending on my shoes for work) I like them any height.

7. The last time the power was out during hurricane season (or bad weather of any kind) did you knit by lantern or were you lucky enough to knit to the humm of a generator? Or did you knit at all? I didn't knit. I didn't know how yet.

8. Make a wish for your favorite sock yarn that you've already used once. What would it be? ? Dont be shy about listing an exact colorway or two if you'd like. Well, I've only knit 3 pair or so. But I liked Scout's yarn and I like the Knitpicks memories. I bought some Lorna's Laces, but haven't knitted with it yet, but it feels awesome!

9. What is it about sock knitting that keeps you wanting to knit more and more socks? It's easy, quick, and fun. People are also way more amazed by socks than scarves, blankets, and shawls.

10. Make a wish for a sock yarn that you are dying to try but haven't bought for yourself yet. (be specific,even colorway if you'd like) Honestly, I don't know. I hear great things about Kiogu (sp?) but anything is great. I love Scout's colorways too.

11. What size needles do you knit socks for YOURSELF with the most? Are they circular or bamboo needles? What brand? Size 2. I've been using metal because that's all that is for sale around here. I bought some Crystal Palace needles while on vacation and the cleaning people at my office threw them away (long story), but I just got some bamboo ones in the mail yesterday. I've never knit on circulars before.

12. If you could only take 3 yarn related books and one previously knitted project that you love with you when you evacuated what would they be? Stitch and Bitch; Sensational Knitted Socks; Mason Dixon Knitting, and my socks made from Scout's Tarzhay yarn.

13. What knitting notion do you wish you had that you just keep putting off getting for yourself? I really can't think of one.

14. What is your favorite tv show? Grey's in the regular season, Big Brother in the summemr

15. Do you want a lacey sock or a "solid fabric" sock from your hurricane sister? Anything is great. But I've only knit 2 sets that weren't plain stockinette, so don't make it anything too hard!

16. It's midnight and the power has been off for two days, its hot, and you have a craving for something sweet! What would it be? (This is a FOOD related question ladies! LOL) probably TCBY or chocolate (but it would all be melted.)

17. Tell us a story about any of your hurricane weather related experiences. I've never had anything too drastic. Lots of debris and loss of power mostly. Our town gets a lot of evacuees from South LA every year and I have fun volunteering with that.

18. What was the one thing you wish you had remembered to get last year for hurricane supplies that you swore you wouldn't forget this year? Cute PJ bottoms!

19. What color sock would you like to recieve from your sock sister? (if you don't have a pref just say so otherwise give us a hint!) I love anything honestly, except for maybe red.

20. You mean you read all the way down to here? Congrats #15 really isn't a question. It's a THANK YOU for filling out this questionnaire! Don't forget to send (in a private email to Christy your snail Mail address so she can pass it on to your hurricane sister!) Now post your answers to the questionnaire on your blog! Fun fun!

Melissa

Pictures (finally!) and a meme

First of all, here's a cool meme I got over at Amanda's blog. Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word about you.
I also want to again, say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has left comments that they've been voting. I've been writing the names down for Little G to draw a name at the end. So, keep leaving those comments!
And, finally, here are the Secret Pal pics. My Secret Pal is seriously awesome!
The box:

The card


The yummy, yummy yarn

Assorted goodies


The chocolate

The Wizard of Oz tin and stitch marker

and my most favorite, the clutch!!

My SP said that the clutch gave a clue to her identity. Well, it had a pearl loop handle/bracelet thing so, maybe that's a spin on the Pearl/Purl thing? Also, and I seriously don't think this is the clue, but the ribbon on the bag says something like (can't remember exactly) "I just got my chest last month/year" or something like that, So...maybe that's the clue? Honestly, I don't think it is, but that cracked me up.
I still have some chocolate left and I'm enjoying every bit of it and I am, well, honestly enjoying the package as a whole. The Wizard of Oz tin, the Airheads (well G likes that too!), the lip balm, the yarn...all of it. You honestly did a GREAT job!

You seriously have to read this story!

Melissa

Click here to vote.

THANK YOU!!!

I have a ton of Thank Yous to issue this morning. First of all, thank you to everyone who voted! You have no idea how much I appreicate this! I tried to respond to comments left, but if your e-mail isn't enabled on your blogger account, I can't e-mail you back. So, if you didn't get an e-mail, I wasn't being rude, I just wasn't sure how to e-mail you back. But, I do appreciate each and every one of you. We are planning a trip to Pennsylvania in March and the portable DVD player will definitely come in handy (that's the prize for the contest). Thanks again! Voting is still open until June 25th!

My second Thank you is to my secret pal (pictures to be added when work isn't so crazy and blogger isn't being an ass!). I got the most amazing box in the mail yesterday! After the terrible week last week and Monday with the sick child, the gift was definitely a great surprise! The box was packed with lots of blue tissue paper. Blue seemed to be the theme of the box and I loved it! There was some AWESOME blue wool (trust me, when you see the pics, you'll be envious!), an amazing blue bag (which Hooker tried unsuccessfully to steal), a cute little Wizard of Oz tin with a gorgeous stitch marker, blue insence (I know I didn't spell that right!), a blue AirHead (G says thanks!), some Swiss chocolate, lip balm, and the cutest lock and key thing from the Gap (why can I not think of the proper name?).
I can't remember if I said that the Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie or not, but it is, so the tin was perfect. Also, I became addicted to Swiss chocolate in college when hubby's (then boyfriend's) cousin lived in Switzerland and sent massive amounts about 4 times per year. I'm telling y'all, the Swiss have the most amazing chocolate creations ever! Anyway, Hooker, myself, LittleMan (or G as you all now know), my aunt Sarah, and my cousin Taylor enjoyed the chocolate. I shared a little with them and ate a little myself, but I still have 1/2 the bar left! :) This is the smoothest, creamiest chocolate ever. (And I've kinda been on a diet lately, so it was a very welcome treat!)
I plan to add pictures soon. Work is crazy today!
Oh, and today is my fourth wedding anniversary, so hubby and I will be going out to eat tonight (and probably brining LittleMan along, but no big deal)! I can't wait! I stopped at the store where Hooker works this morning for gas and a bottled water, and got a couple of scratch off Lottery tickets. After scratching them, I'm $20 ahead and still have to cash in a free ticket I won. YIPPEE!!
Again, thank y'all so much! Y'all rock!
Melissa

Grab a button and join in!!!

Grab a button and join in the fun!!

The contest link is here!

Thanks again! Thanks to Karen (who rocks!) for the button. Need new graphics, banner, button, or a total blog overhaul? Contact her...she's great!

If you're wondering what I'm talking about, see the post below. THANKS!

Melissa

A Nice Surprise after a Horrible Monday

Well, LittleMan got better this weekend. Then on Sunday night, he got a really high fever and we spent yesterday cuddled up on the couch and downing Motrin, Tylenol, and popsicles.
Anyway, I got a little progress on my Father's Day sock, but I don't have pictures, and Blogger is looking like somehting from caveman times right now anyway.
When I got to work this morning, I had an e-mail letting me know that a picture of LittleMan is a finalist in a cutest toddler contest. So, if you have time, click the link below and click on the picture of LittleMan (whose name you will now know...lol as Garrison). You can vote once per day (don't worry, I'll remind you until you hate me).
So, all you knitters out there help me out! And, if you have a lack of content for your blog, you could always add this...lol
Here you go!
http://www.modernmom.com/site/polls.php?poll_id=7
Oh, and I haven't had a chance to stop by everyone's blogs in the past couple of days, but I'm getting there slowly but surely.
Thanks!
Melissa
Edited to add: I have an idea....leave me a comment telling me you voted (once per day if you want) and at the end of voting, I'll randomly draw a name for a Knitpicks gift certificate!!!! If you e-mailed me already, I'll put your name in. THANKS!.....(I should get a Knitters supporting Little G button for y'all....LOL!)

Thank God it's Friday!!

Blogger has been so crazy this week and this week has been crazy enough anyway! So, I have been visiting all of your blogs, but I couldn't always leave you a comment.
I've joined some new stuff lately.....
Scout is organizing a Knit Sock Kit Swap along with Bev. I'm kinda on the fence about whether or not I'm going to join, but it sounds fun.
I have signed up for this....

and for this....

and this...

In other news, Scout has opened a storefront.

I know most of you know this, but for those who don't, go see her now!!!!
I am so ready for the weekend! I was able to catch up on sleep a little bit last night because my wonderful husband took baby duty last night. I slept like a rock! That poor kid is pitiful. I hope he gets better soon.
I thought about taking him to see Cars this weekend...his first trip to the theater. But, if Scuba Steve can't go with us (LuckyHusband is working), then we might wait and go some other time. Our house is a DISASTER because LH working evenings + sick child + crazy dog = frozen dinners and a messy house. So, house cleaning might be on the agenda this weekend.
And, so will knitting. The Knitting World Cup starts today or tomorrow (can't remember which) so I will be starting my projects. What are they you ask? Baby bibs and kimonos. And maybe some hats? We'll see.
Have a great weekend!
Melissa

General Ramblings of A Really Tired Mom who Sometimes Knits

Tuesday I brought some beautiful sock yarn from Knitpicks (Memories Smores) to work, with my brand new Crystal Palace dpns and another skein of gorgeous yarn. I had them in a paper bag under my desk and couldn't wait to get into them at lunch time. Well, my dad (who was keeping the LittleMan) called at around 10 and said that LittleMan was sick, so I made a dr. appointment and worked a little at lunch so that I could leave early to go to the doctor. So, Wednesday, I anticipated working on them at lunch, and took a better offer (the BEST burger and fried pickles EVER), so when I got ready to leave work, I thought I'd get it all together and take it home. Yeah, right. Our cleaning people decided that was trash and had thrown it out. Can you BELIEVE that!? And our office manager acted like it was just a pity, but not a big deal. I am PISSED!!! I have re-ordered the Smores yarn, but the other can wait (I guess) and I need to reorder needles. I tried to order some bamboo DPNs from Knitpicks, but they didn't carry a size US 2.5. Can I just re-iterate how pissed I am??!!!??
That on top of no sleep because of the sick child has put a dent in my knitting. I did start a gauge swatch for my dad's socks (which may or may not be done by Father's Day). The tossing of the Smores colorway did make me decide on the other colorway that I was debating between for dad's socks though. See, sunshine on a cloudy day...haha. Today is Knitting Lunch at work and Knitting Group at church, so maybe I can make some progress. LittleMan and I will be sleeping on the couch tonight as to *hopefully* get some better sleep!
I also won a contest over at Aija's blog. I got some Kona superwash and some Easter egg dyes! I am probably going to make these into a little surprise, so their pics won't be shown on the blog.
Also, a few weeks back, I placed an order at Wool2Dye4. I can't say enough nice things about these people. The order was a little late getting out, but no biggie. They e-mailed and let me know, so I wasn't that concerned. When I got the package, I had a cute Wool2Dye4 magnet and a beautiful button as a Thank You. I was so excited! They rock! I will definitely be re-ordering from them soon.
Hopefully I'll get a real start on the socks today. Oh, and I also started a little brown bib for Hooker's new nephew who will make an appearance in August. We're all so excited. (except LittleMan who takes every opportunity to tell that she's HIS Hooker, not Cooper's).
I also joined this yesterday...the Knitting World Cup (in case the link doesn't work right). I can't get blogger to upload pics and I'm too lazy to use photobucket today. I think I'm going to make it my goal to make 2 baby kimonos and bibs. Should be do-able. I should have said Father's Day socks, but oh, well.
Thanks for all the positive comment on the coffee thing. It's going quite well. I've become quite the caffiene addict with the last few sleepless nights.
Melisa

Weekend update and finished objects!

This weekend was very relaxing. We pretty much did nothing except go here and let LittleMan play in the shiner bucket while Lucky Husband fished...








Of course there was knitting to be done this weekend. I finished a Mason Dixon baby bib and sent it on to my sister-in-law and of course forgot to take a pic. But it was a plain blue Sugar N Creme version with a cute little fish button. I think LittleMan wanted to keep it even though he's too big for bibs.
And, since my feet got a little cold once the sun began to set at the lake,


I finished the socks!








I'm really happy with them and have them on today. (Although I'm freaking out that my shoes may be destroying them!)
I also have a couple of other new things I did this weekend. (Try to hold your laughter until the end!)
I decided to try to drink coffee this weekend. While, I know for some that may not be a big decision requiring quite the amount of time that I invested this weekend, I've never really been a coffee drinker, but since cutting out the Dr Pepper in my diet, I have to get a kick from somewhere (and Ding Dongs seemed a little counter-productive). So, I bought coffee, creamer, sugar, and a new coffee pot. Of course, show me a wall with 99 perfect condition coffee pots and one screwed up one and guess which one I choose? So, after getting home with coffee pot #2 (which actually worked) I started trying different amounts of sugar, creamer, and different coffees. I'm still undecided on whether or not I like this stuff, but it smells great brewing! :)
The second new thing I did this weekend was get slightly addicted to Footballer's Wives on BBC. I really like this show. I set the DVR for all episodes so that hopefully I can catch up on some back episodes and figure the whole thing out. It's good trashy-type mindless knitting TV though, so I'm in love!
Hope you all had a great weekend! :)
Melissa

Dyeing and Celeb Gossip

I'm thinking that I need to make the journey to this yarn store. Cause I mean if someone can find $13,000 in yarn they need that bad, this store must kick butt!
I worked a little more on my sock at our Knitter's Lunch today. I have more progress, but none that would be evident by posting pictures.
I did some dyeing last night. I dyed some yarn for some ankle socks that is going to be really cute. I just kinda dumped Kool Aid on yarn in water and nuked it. The result was an orangey/bright red mix that looks pretty darn good. The other yarn was going to be for a pair of really long socks. I started off with it being green and pink and white. I didn't like that the colors just weren't vibrant enough for my liking, so, I decided to go another route. This is where things got interesting. So...about 20 packets of Kool Aid later, I have a burgundy/wine red mixture that is really deep and honestly pretty cool. Except for a small amount of a strange green color. I might keep that in just to keep things interesting. So, I think I might try acid dyes. So, people, school me. Where should I get them? Do they make some kits with some basic colors to get started with?
I've also gotten pretty addicted to celebrity gossip lately. I am loving Pink is the New Blog. (Thanks CrazyAuntPurl for turning me into a Pink-lover) I'm also pretty addicted to WWTDD. Pretty funny stuff all the way around. Anyone else have any celeb gossip blogs you stalk?
I hope everyone is having a great day! I have Knitting Group tonight and I'm hoping I don't have any newbies because I'm starting to want to work on my own stuff, but I'm pretty sure I'll have newbies. I'm glad for that, but I really want to start on my shawl also. Ya know?
I was going to post more vacationo pics, but blogger sucks. Enough said.
Melissa