Yes...I’m talking how all you fabulous Bloggers out there have not forgotten about me. I just wanted to say thank you for thinking about me & wondering if I’m doing ok since I hurt my back. I am extremely touched with how concerned you all have been regarding my health & absence. Thank you!!! You are all wonderful people.

I have so many things that I need to post that it is overwhelming...so I’m going to break it up in segments. There is Md Sheep & Wool, Hawaii (lots of photos) & other stuff.

To start with, I am going to post my knitting updates…

Both of the fronts are finished on the Jo Sharp Wrap Cardigan. The back as of now measures 45cm & I need to knit to 70cm & then bind off. I am really looking forward to this sweater being finished. Have I told you how I LOVE knitting cables without a cable needle? It looks like this sweater will be done by late summer or fall as I have other things that I’m doing also. Such as these…

These beautiful Norwegian Stockings are from Folk Socks by Nancy Bush. I have been eyeing these babies for awhile but did not know how to knit Fair Isle. Then I saw Eunny’s & Fig and Plums stockings, fell in love & knew I had to learn this technique. Heather & I took a private lesson at Cloverhill Yarn I am so glad I did. It is so interesting how a garment with an intricate pattern can evolve using only 2 colored yarns in each row knitted. I do need to practice a lot more, though my technique is already improving from what I have knit on these stockings. I tried different ways of holding the yarn (both stands in one hand on the index finger, both strands in one hand with the main color on the index finger & the contrast color on the middle finger. What works best for me though is holding the background color in my right hand & the contrast color in my left. I’m getting more proficient at it the more I knit this sock. I absolutely love seeing the pattern unfold in front of my very eyes. It is so hard to put this project down. I’m using Dalegarn Baby Ull in Black (#0090), Cream (#0020) & Burgundy (#4227). It is very nice yarn to knit with & as a bonus, is machine washable.

Woohoo...A Finished object…

This cute little thing is for Leeba (half distant cousin...that is the closest thing I can think of that she could be) This is my first baby sweater & I love how quick they knit up! I used Scoobido from All About Yarn I through out the yarn band, so I don’t even know if that is spelled right. Sorry!

Next time I will post about Stitches & more photos from Hawaii. For now though I leave you with just a couple pics…



These photos are all from Hawaii. It is so beautiful there that you can not take a bad picture!

*****I totally forgot to post my new obsession*****

This Cross Stitch beauty is called Emerald Mermaid. This one is from Mirabilia. When I saw Sherry’s I decided I needed to try this.  She has done quite a few pieces & they are stunning. That’s when I decided I have to learn how to Cross Stitch...then along comes my Cross Stitch teacher...Donna. Thanks Donna for getting me hooked (I mean stitched)! One that Sherry did is called the Feather Fairy. It is so gorgeous, that it is already in my bag to cross stitch when I"m done this one! Here is what I have done so far…

It is so hard to put this piece down...kind of like my Fair Isle...as you can see it come together with each stitch. I think that is all for now.

Have a fantabulous evening!! 

Aloha to all my knit blogging friends!!! I have not posted as I am on a nice long vacation. We were in Las Vegas for a business convention, then headed out to Kona, Hawaii with 3 other couples for lots of sun & fun! We haven’t had much luck with the sun...it has not come out except for a tiny bit one day & we have been here for almost a week. It is pouring buckets now & looks like I wil not get any color on this white body! We are still having FUN though!

I am having withdrawel symtoms from not knitting & I am looking forward to getting back to my normal knitting & eating routine...though I have to admit...the fish is fabulous here.

I will post some photos of our trip upon our return.

I leave you with a beautiful photo from Hawaii…

Aloha!!

Here’s a photo of me wearing Marina…

It is the only picture that I thought was decent...must be PMS. Thank you for all of your opinions regarding the buttons. I really love the brown buttons...and beautiful brown buttons they are.

Posie...A New Project…

This is the left front. I know I said I was going to knit this in the color Licorice. I decided against that color as I could not see the stitches very well & I always check gauge often. This is Jo SharpSilkroad Aran Tweed in the color Posie #127.

A close up. I am LOVING knitting this sweater. First of all...it is a pretty quick knit. I absolutely love the color red. It is a little faded so it looks like is has been washed & worn a few times. I love that about this color. Oh and did I mention that this yarn issoooo soft & cosy? At first I thought I would want this sweater in a neutral color, but after I started knitting it in this shade...I fell in love. Lets just say...this sweater will probably make a statement! Donna is also knitting this lovely wrap cardi...go check hers out. It is gorgeous!
PS...I did all the cables without a cable needle. I will NEVER use one again! I love it this way!

Salina...Another New Project…


This is the start of Salina...from Rowan Vintage Style. I didn’t have any yarn to start my Cable cardi, so I started this sweater because I can’t stand not having something going on.. I am obsessed just like all of you. I’m using Rowan Felted Tweed in color #145. It is a dark brownish eggplant. It’s a rather gorgeous color yarn with a beautiful shade of blue & gold scattered throughout . I love it!

Knit Night Update…
I haven’t been posting many photos of our very fun knit nights...so here are a few from the last Thursday…
Lauren, Heather, Donna &moi.




Heather & her daughter Jenna moved last week to their very own place. Her new place is very cool. We ate dinner at Mama Rosas & then back to her place for some wine, knitting & laughs. We always have a great time together.

Well Jordan is in Japan right now. I got an email from him from the airport in Osaka, Japan. I can’t wait to hear from him again, to see how everything is going. I’m so happy & excited for him.

I will leave you with these photos…


Is this cool or what. I can pick a color & only that color will show up in the photo.

Have a great night!!

I know it has been a looooog time since I last posted...I am still alive and well. I’d like to present to you not just one...but 2 finished knits. Presenting Rick & his Wall Street Cable vest...


A close up of the neck...

He likes it...he really likes it. He has already worn it twice. This is the first time I have knit a V-neck & picked up stitches. It is amazing how it is done with a nice finished look to the V.

Next up...Marina...

The only problem is I do not have enough yarn to finish the collar. I just ordered one more skein today from Jimmy Beans Wool I really like their web site & they are quick to ship. I couldn’t find the right dye lot...but oh well. Hopefully it willblend enough. I have 4 inches done on the collar & the pattern calls for a 7 inch collar. I’d be happy with 6 inches though. So...when I get the collar all finished, I will take another photo of me modeling her. I decided to go with the brown buttonsbecause I needed to break up the blue color. I love blue & brown together. Let me know what you think. Here is a close up of the button…

I think it is different & I do think it works...after all, it is my sweater & I can do anything I want!!! Right?

P.S. If you look in my gallery (Been there Done that)...all the information regarding the finished project is posted there.

New Project Update...
I decided to knit this beautiful cable sweater next…

This is from Jo Sharp’s Contemporary Knitting...the 2nd book. Donna is going to knit this sweater with me...actually she showed my the sweater. I’m such a copy cat! Actually we both knit our last sweater together also. Hers is called Magenta & she looks fabulous wearing her. Go check it out.
I’m going to use Jo Sharp Silkroad Ara Tweed in the color Licorice #119. I decided that if I was going to knit a long bulky cable sweater, I’d better use a soft comfy yarn & one that is also a pretty neutral color that will go with a lot in my wardrobe. The tweed in this color is very subtle. It has a little burgundy & a few different shades of grey speckled throughout. I have been craving a black sweater & now I will have one.

A close up of the yarn. Here is a photo of the full sweater…

I will leave you (not as long as last time) with some sunset photos…


Oh my...the sky was ever more gorgeous in person.

Hope everyone had a fabulous New Year!!
Have a fantabulous evening!!!

Hope all of you have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Stay safe!

I will return to the regularly scheduled blogging program on Monday January 2, 2006

Hugs to all and to all a good night. 

P.S. I finished Wall Street Cables. My darling husband will be wearing it tonight. I will post photos on Monday.

When you are young...time drifts slowly by. As you get older...time starts flying by so fast that you just can’t keep up with it. I guess that’s the case with me. I have been a busy girl lately, as I’m sure everyone is. I have been trying to get flights together for Jordan (son) for aforeign exchange program in Japan. Kansai Gaidai University to be exact. He has been obsessed with going there for a long time. Well his dream just came true. He is leaving in January for LA to visit some friends & is then heading off to Osaka, Japan for 4 months. I’m so excited for him. Then there is lots of Holiday shopping, plans for getting our Holiday party together, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah…

On the Knitting Front…
I have slowly been working on Wall Street. I have 4 inches to go on the front and then I start the V-neck separation. I can’t wait to finish this handsome vest. It is the only present that my DH desires and I HAVE to get it done for Christmas to put under the tree. He is a hard one to get any gift ideas out of.
I also knit up a Chemo cap for a friends relative…

I used Patons 100% Merino wool.
I have not worked at all on Marina since Wall Street has to get done. This is the only gift I’m knitting for X-mas this year.

Workout News…
There is not much to tell you on this front. My back is still hurting enough that I really can’t work out like I was...yet. I have walked a few times...very slow...on the treadmill. That’s about it! I feel so out of shape. I can’t wait till I can start doing my usual workouts.

Heres a photo of our Birthday lunch at Cafe De Paris…

Moi, Heather &Lauren had a fabulous time. All our B-days are in November. Now if only Donna could have been there. She was out of town. We missed you D!

Here are some photos I’d like to share with you…

Our Thanksgiving dinner table...Better late than never

Just a tree in my yard

My gorgeous granddaughter’s...what hams they are.

Another orchid flower

New Orchid buds

A little bit of snow on a pine tree

Thats all folks...have a great night!

Oh...one more thing…
Thank you to all the caring bloggers out there. You take my breath away!

I’ll be wobbling over to the computer in the next day or two to post. Have a great one and enjoy all the fabulous Turkey Day food! 
YUM!!! 

Hello...remember me?
Here are some reasons why I haven’t posted…
1. Back hurt too bad.
2. Had to pack and get things done before my trip to Las Vegas.
3. Went to Las Vegas whether my back liked it or not. My back did NOT like the plane ride there, but liked the ride much better on the way back.
4. Unpacking from my fabulous trip.
5. Had to do laundry you know.
6. Food shopping...we do need to eat.
7. Busy with my Holiday party invitations (I printed them out on the computer...also the envelopes.)
8. My web site has been very strange. I could not post or anything.
9. Upgrading my web site so I can get on my blog again and post. (My web host upgraded their PHP to the newest version...don’t you think they should let us know about these things?)
10. It was my BIG birthday (50...no way) on November 9th and I celebrated for a full week with all my friends & family. I LOVE birthdays.
11. My fabulous husband gave me a wonderful surprise party on November 5. I was so shocked, I was crying. All my friends & family were there and it was a great time! None of my friends called me on that day as they were scared they would leak out the surprise party info. Bless them!
12. I have not knit very much at all and I think that’s all I have to say.

Wait...one more thing...I only have a couple photos from my trip. My friend Jeanne carried her camera & she doesn’t know how to email me the pictures. Sorry! I will post this weekend though (and go through the blogs)...with whatever I do have. I’ll have to find something interesting to tell all of you.

Have a fantastic night!

I’m proud to present to you a finished...Olive…


This is one casual and comfortable sweater. There is no itching going on here and this yarn is very soft against the skin. I must say that Karabella Aurura 8 is one fabulous yarn. I can’t wait to try the new Aurora 4. I’m so happy with how she came out. Remember when I thought she would be way too small...not at all. I used the recommended needle size (US 8) & I still could have gotten away with the US 7. I have been extremely pleased with my finished hand knits lately. Uh oh...I hope I didn’t speak too soon. All of the info regarding Olive will be updated in my Gallery (Been there done that)

Another One Skein Wonder…

And a close up of the lace pattern I used on the sleeves…

I used Karabella Aurora 8 in black. This one knit up totally different than the one I knit using the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. This is a much tighter fit and I used the same needle sizes. It goes to show that knitting a swatch is a necessity as even 2 aran weight yarns knit up so differently.

Marina’s progress…

I’m sad to say that I have to redo the entire back (which I did have done) as I didn’t like hoe the stitches looks. I thought I had gauge until I saw Donna’s (she is knitting the same cardi). Her stitches looked so much tighter than mine. I love her color...go take a peak. So I decided to do the fronts before redoing the back and she looks so much better. So I still have the back and the sleeves to knit.

Woohoo...I got some presents…

On the right are Circular Needle ID Tags that I got from Brenda. Thank you so much Brenda. That was very nice of you. The jealousy has eased up a little bit thanks to your generosity!! Everything else is from a little tiny rabbit that we all know and love. I LOVE everything. The cute little camisole fits perfectly. You will notice it peaking out of Olive in the photo above. In the round little case, there are 3 sections with 3 different colored beads. Becky...how did you know that I needed those beautiful red ones for my Liqueur KSH.  Thank you so very much Becky!!! Next time I’m coming with Brenda to visit you!

I will leave you with some nature photos…

Have a fantabulous day!!!

First, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who wished me well regarding my back. I will surely heal more quickly with all of your positve energy!!! I have my good days and not so good days...but at least I can knit now! Plus my DH has been wonderful! Gotta love that. It is pretty much all muscular and I have been getting spasms on and off...not fun. I’m still on a muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory. Since I really can’t drive on these...I can and have been knitting...a lot.
Here is my progress on Wall Street…

I just have to do the shoulder shaping & the neck bind off to be finished the back. Then it is on to the front. I figure I’ll give this to my DH for Christmas. The sizing looks good. I’m crossing my fingers though. I didn’t have my needles for Veer yet, so I have started a different project…

This cable sweater is from the Debbie Bliss Simple Living book. I just can not get enough of cardigans. I’m using Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK in color #986. This yarn knits up like a dream. It reminds me of Karabella Aurora 8, except in DK weight. That reminds me...I need to see if Karabella makes a DK weight yarn similar to their Aurora 8 for future reference. Most of my sweaters I have knit are in worsted and aran weight. I wanted to try something in a lighter weight yarn. It is too bad that Jaeger is not going to be around much longer. At least thats what I hear. Their yarns are fabulous. I just don’t get it!

Workout news…
NIL...I can’t wait to start doing something. I hate not being able to do anything!!!

Here are some answers to a few of my emails…

Brandy...I printed out Cabling without a needle from Wendy’s archive. These are great directions. Good luck!

Diane...My Wall Street Cable vest is from ‘The Best of Knitters Arans & Celtics’

Donna...Regarding Eloise. I think if I used one size smaller needles than I did, she would have worked...but I like a fitted sweater. Eloise wasn’t way too large, just more roomy than I would have liked.

Have a great one and hopefully I will be all better next time I post!

Here is Wall Streets progress so far…

I feel like this is the neverending vest. I have 4 inches to go on the armholes & then I start the shoulder shaping. I love not using a cable needle for the the cables. I have gotten really good at doing it this way. It is much faster without a cable needle. Now I need to unravel the first attempt at this vest to reuse the yarn.

My DH and I played golf last Saturday. We walked the course. Feeling really good about this, we were on hole #18 (last hole) and I totally messed up my lower back on the tee with my drive. Sunday, I couldn’t even move. I called the Doc & he called in a muscle relaxer and an anti inflamatory. I slept & cryed all day & night. Because of all the meds...Monday morning I was feeling about 30% better. I could at least get up & go to the bathroom. I couldn’t even read or knit. Damn it...it would at least be better if we could knit when we hurt ourselves! I will not be exercising for at least 2 weeks. I want top make sure I heal all the way. Lesson learned...never put off what you can & want to do today...as tomorrow you may not be able to do it. Never take anything for granted...ever!

New Purchase…

Why it’s a new Offhand designs knitting bag. It is the Moss Crewel Zelda knitting tote. I love these bags! All their bags are made with vintage velvets and fabrics. I also have the Zelda Grande! They are very well made with lots of packets & pouches. I was looking for this at Stitches East and Dreamweaver yarns went out of their way to find one for me. Not only did they find this bag for me...they gave me the show discount and did not charge me tax or shipping. That’s what I call fabulous service!!!

The inside has 3 big pouches on one side andv5 pockets on the other side.

Open the Crewel front and there are 5 more pockets, plus the whole front. I LOVE it!!!

Have a great day!

I have been craving to knit one of these after seeing all the very cute ones out there in blogland. I finally broke down.

I used about 1 1/2 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in color #300102.


I know...my head is slightly chopped off!

I decided that I wanted to add a pretty stitch to the arm edging. This is called the Bead stitch and is from the fabulous book ’Knitting on the Edge‘
The fact is that I really needed to knit something easy and quick as I’m waiting for Donna to return from her cruise. We are going to have a cast on party (a little wine, some cheese & crackers, olives) next week for Veer

Remember this…

And a close up…

I held up what I had knit of Wall Street Cables on my DH & it was way too large. I was making the small (41 1/2 in. chest) The ribbing was way too wide and he likes it to fit a little snug at the hips. So...I just restarted the whole thing. I was pretty aggravated after all that cable work. You know you LOVE knitting when you end up redoing what you have already done, all out of love for the hubby. I’m now knitting the extra small and going down a needle size. All I can say is that it better fit him! I would rather it be fitted that way too big.

I saw this on Heather’s blog and I LOVE it…

Lets see...Kidsilk Haze, lace, a cari...a perfect sweater! I have to knit this one! I can’t wait to get the new Holiday Vogue Knitting.

Well...got to go knit Wall Street to catch up to at least where I was. Have a fabulous evening!

I’d like to present Smooch…

I started Smooch about a year ago and sadly put her down to rest for awhile. With the guilt of not finishing her, I decided to pick her up again and finally finish her. I’m glad I did. I love the way she fits. My only problem is how cotton stretches. I loved working with Rowan All Seasons Cotton though. Next time I will use a wool/cotton blend like the one from Rowan.

Book...Rowan All Seasons Cotton Collection
Yarn… Rowans All Season Cotton in Misty (#170)
Needles...Inox cirular US #5 & #7 (LOVE these needles...the coated ones)
Thanks to this rabbits helpful hints, it came out great and the design on the bottom lines up perfectly. I did have a problem with the front armhole & neck. I had to frog the right side 2 times. Following the directions, the right armhole was higher up than the left. I figured out how to make it work & now it is perfectly even. That is the thing I love about knitting...you learn to figure out things on your own when you have to. I also raised up the v-neck to start at the armhole shaping instaed of 17 rows below them. I love where the V lies now as it doesn’t show too much boobage. Overall...I love this sweater!

Stitches Purchases…

I bought enough of this beautiful Green Mountain Spinnery MOUTAIN MOHAIR (color~ Maritime) to knit up another long sleeve cardigan.

This is yummy Cashmere from Hunt Valley Cashmere to knit this fabulous scarfl.

Now who doesn’t love fingerless gloves. I know I do!

The yarn on the left is Jazz by Twisted Sisters. The color is Charcoal and is varigated. It is beautiful in person. I’m going to make a tank with this one. It is 100% Fine Merino Wool. On the right is Zephyr Wool-Silk in Basil. I love this green. This one will become a shawl of course.

The yarn...beautiful Suri Elegance in a variety of deep wine shades (color...#5011 Raku). The shawl...stunning.

My next project…

is going to be Veer from Rowan #32. I will be using white Kid Silk Haze. I already have the button and beads ready for decorating this very small gauge knit sweater. Donna and I will be knitting this one together. It’s fun when you have someone else knitting the same project.

Workout Update...
No...I did not work out at all while away (which adds up to almost 1 month). Bad girl! I am back on track now though. I got in 1 day of Pilate’s and 3 days of weights and cardio. I’m feeling more like myself again. I’m eating better also now that I am home and cooking once again. I still look forward to my cheat weekends where I eat whatever I want. Now that is really something to look forward to, don’t you think?

I will leave you all with this photo…

Did I hear you say Grasshopper?

Have a great weekend!!

My life is back in the slower lane now that I’ve returned form CA and Stitches. I am not used to over eating, over drinking, over shopping and too much fun all the time...like I said...return to normal...a good thing. I only had 2 days between my 2 trips. I unpacked just to pack all over again. I feel like I have been out of the loop forever. I didn’t knit at all or go on the internet while away. This is the longest break I have had from knitting...ever (It is hard to knit when you are partying...what do I think...I’m a teenager again?). I missed knitting more than I would have ever imagined. I have been knitting a little in the past few days. I’m almost finished Smooch. I had to frog the neck line a couple times. I’m done the right side of the V neck though and am ready to forge on to the left side. . No pictures though until I’m all finished.

WARNING...Lots of photos

San Diego…
I had a fabu time is SD and LA. I could easily move there. I LOVE the west coast and the lower humidity.

Jeanne and I in front of Mr. Chow’s in LA. Inside this fabulous Asian restaurant we saw...Eddy Murphy (much smaller in person then on the big screen) David Brenner (comedian) The daughter of Kiefer Sutherland on the show ‘24’. The food...fantastic!

We stayed at the Beverly Hills in LA. Everyone is so hospitable, especially Ron the bartender at the Polo Lounge in the hotel. He is such a nice man. Lots of people know us even from staying there only once a year. It’s like being at Cheers...you know?

It was not my birthday...but everyone at the table said it was. This is what I got…

Then they took this picture of the un birthday girl…

This is Glen. He is a big kook! He is a good friend of Jeanne and Steve’s.

Stitches East…
What can I say except that I love anything that deals with the knitting life. Donna, Heather and I got to AC at around 3:30pm...just in time to stop at my favorite chocolate shop...Jagielky’s in Ventnor. Their # is (609)823-6501 If you love fabulous homemade chocolates...call them...they ship!! We each bought a pound for ourselves and you can bet I’ll be ordering more. Stitches was smaller then it usually is. There were fewer venders there and the candy and nut booths that are usually in the convention hall were gone (they are always at the Convention hall) I really wanted that candy.

Happy hour in the Temple Bar at the Ceasers...where we stayed. We all shared a room. Donna brought a 2 bottles of wine, olive tepanade, cheese and crackers. I brought 2 bottles of wine, nuts and crackers. We had our own happy hour before going out on a few nights. We had a blast. I am already dreaming about next year which will be at the Convention Center in Baltimore...Woohoo!!!

Having fun, fun, fun!!!

The fabulous, funny, talented Harlot & me

Waiting very patiently (1 1/2 hr wait) for a fabulous Italian dinner at Angelo’s. Yum!!!
My next post, I’ll show you what I bought at Stitches and a finished Smooch.

I’ll leave you with some pretty photos of the Maderas golf course in San Diego…


This was our view as we sat outside for lunch. Gorgeous!

Have a great one!