Smitten with a Mitten

Well I swatched for these mittens



Using this yarn.


Houston we have a problem!
Could not get the gauge right I would have to use needles so large that the fabric would come out with holes. I don’t know about you but, I was wanting warm cozy mittens. So I stopped at my local yarn shop and found this


Yukon Print Plymouth Yarn. It is a Mohair / wool blend. It is working out great. Here is what the mitten looks like so far.



Of course I could not leave the yarn shop with just two balls of yarn. I also bought these.


6 balls of Filatura Di Crosa, Dolce Amore in color # 4. The color did not come out very well in the photo. It is a light pastel green color. I think I am in the mood for Spring. The yarn is a 2 ply lace weight. I am thinking of maybe a summer shawl.


Spiderman on the OC


Adam Brody from the OC

Anyone else watch the OC last week. I taped it and finally got to watch it yesterday. When Seth Cohan fell off the roof and was hanging by that rope upside down with his spiderman mask on. I busted out laughing. I thought NO they are not going to do that. Summer the love of his teenage life left the airport and her current boyfriend and was running back to him. She finds him hanging there. Of course it is raining. She tells him she came back for him and then pulls back the spiderman mask just far enough to expose his lips and plants one on him. 8) Only the writers on the OC would have the guts to use such a trademark kiss such as this. I Loved it. I am so glad they are back together. Of course Seth is my favorite. I have always liked the tall geeky guys. His Dad Sandy Cohen is not that bad either. Ok that’s all for my soap opera moment.


Oscar Night
Who do you want to win?

Morgan Freeman is up for Actor in a supporting Role. I hope he gets it. He was in Million Dollar Baby. I did not see the Movie but I think Morgan Freeman is one of the best actors of our time. He is awesome.

I did not see most of the movies that are nominated in the different categories. I did see Finding Neverland and any awards they receive they earned them. The movie was great. The movies that are nominated that I want to see are. The Aviator, Million Dollar Baby, Sideways, & Lemony Snicket’s a series of unfortunate events. I am hoping these will also pick up a couple of Oscars. Time will tell.

Homemade Stitch Markers

Here are my stitch markers that I made.


I used the shrinky dink method from Knit Powers to Peace. The photos are all pictures from my favorite animal photographer Rachael Hale. I love them all. The ones that came out the best were the ones that were lighter in color. I did lighten each photo using my photo editor I have on my computer. It still did not help the ones that were all dark colors. Here are two of the photos that did not come out due to being too dark.


This is Mochacino photograph by Rachael Hale


This is Henry photograph by Rachael Hale

Making these stitch markers was a ton of fun. The shrinky dink part only took me 10 minutes in the oven at 300 degree. The part that took the longest was the wire and beads. The photos I made each one the longest side only 2 inches. In the instructions it said 2 to 3 inches. I liked the smaller size. I think that this could become very addictive for me, especially the shrinky dink part.

If you would like to find the stitch marker instructions to make some of your own, go here.


Sock Problems

I was doing great with my first sock. I hit a few small snags, like when the pattern said something about tbl & wyf. I did not have my abbreviations with me so I had no idea what that was. When I got to work I looked them up and of course it was tbl=through back loop & wyf=with yarn in front. Silly me, I should have figured them out. Yea RIGHT!



Now for the worst part. First I must say I love this sock. Even though as I kept going the sock was turning out big enough for the jolly green giant. Still I went on and told myself these will be my large comfy house socks. One should always swatch before knitting an item one plans to wear. Yes I know , but I was too excited to get started. All this aside I still was planning on continuing with my large sock until. (horror music plays now) The turn Heel. I am trying to do the turn heel and I am transformed into Spok and the darn thing is too illogical for my brain to make it happen. I even tried to follow the pattern blindly and not to think about it to much. Still it is not turning out.

I think my problem is that I should have started with an easier sock pattern. Once completing an easier sock I will know how it is suppose to go and would be able to make harder socks and my brain will have some data to refer to. So as I wipe my tears I am ripping out the sock and looking for a simple sock pattern for beginners. I am still excited about socks and still plan to make many of them in my future.

Knitting Plans
This weekend I hope to cast on for a couple of small items. Also I would like to figure out what my next large item will be. I am very tempted to buy the Colinette Absolutely Fabulous throw kit. Siow Chin over at Little Purl of the Orient finished hers in the French Vanilla Color Way. It is gorgeous. Go check it out here. The kit is a little pricey. Does any one know of a blanket or throw kit that is a little easier on the wallet?

Lunatics

I was watching our Sunday morning News show when this story came on.



The WB channel is revamping the original Looney Tunes characters and making a kids action hero cartoon named the Lunatics.
Here is the New Buzz Bunny modeled after the original Bugs Bunny.



As I sat there on my couch with a nice calm cup of tea the thought WHAT THE #$%*! Came to mind, as my jaw dropped to the floor. No! not Bugs.
They were doing the voice of Buzz Bunny and it sounded real creepy, and raspy. Here is a picture of the new characters.



All pictures are Warner Bros animation
The show is due to come out next fall. My first reaction is shock. I truly love Looney Tunes and have so many favorite characters. The original characters have such great personalities. I am not sure why they did not just make brand new characters instead of messing with the old ones. Who knows maybe given some time to let it soak in I might really like the new make over. For now I am sticking with the original.

Looney Toones has a website that you can find cool things for your computer, like screensavers, Icons, & wallpapers. WARNING, if you are at work turn the sound off because the sight makes noise. Your co-workers might be wondering what you are up to. Here is a wallpaper I got off the sight I am using now.



The site is here.


Secret Pal 4

My Amazon order arrived. I used my gift card from my cool Secret Pal. Of course I did not stick to the amount allotted. What is it about gift cards that make me think that means I can spend twice as much? I could not stop myself. I ventured off my original Amazon wish list and continued to find more things I wanted.
Here is my Loot.



Easy Knitted Accessories by Jeanette Trotman
Folk Mittens by Lewandowski
Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy Bush
World of Knitted Toys by Kath Dalmeny
Teddy Bears by Debbie Bliss

Books, Books, Glorious Books. THANK YOU SECRET PAL!

I am hooked on the Folk Knitting books. They are very cool how they go into the history of folk knitting before they get to the super cool patterns. The toys and the teddy bear book should be lots of fun. Plus I think there is a Teddy Bear along I might join. The knitted accessories book is OK. It has a couple of cute things in it.


Crafty Project
Today I plan to make some stitch markers. I have been using a different color yarn tied in a circle as my stitch marker. After seeing other bloggers and their cool homemade Stitch markers, I just have to make some for myself. I will post them when they are finished.

Dancing Blue Footed Boobies

This photo was one of the photos of the day on the Webshots home page. I think the picture explains how I feel this moment due to the fact it is FRIDAY! Feel free to dance along with me and these cute guys.


Sock Progress

First I want to thank all of you that posted comments. Thank you so much for your encouragement and helpful tips. You are the BEST!



I am really loving this sock. I absolutely love that mulberry color. This sock is the one thing that has gotten me out of bed this week to go to work. Knowing that I could work on this sock on the drive to work each morning literally was the only thing that helped me out of bed when the alarm went off. Anyone else start their knitting at 6:30am?

I have gotten the hang of the dpns. I am even starting to like them. I also made an accomplishment this week. I have done a SSK. Yes! I can officially add the slip, slip, Knit, stitch to my knitting knowledge. I went on and on to my husband about it as we were driving to work. Telling him all about how this will open a whole new world of more complicated patterns for me. He replied “that is nice dear”. I don’t think he fully comprehended what I was telling him so I had to switch to something he could relate to. I told him the more different stitches I learn the closer I will get to become a Jedi knitter. I am only a Padawan at the level I am knitting at right now. OOooooo! Now he gets it. 8)


I Have Been Tagged

I was tagged by the lovely and talented General Ginger for the music questionnaire. Her blog is one of my favorites. Go see the giant spider she made. It is one of the coolest things I have seen.

Music Questions:

1. Total amount of music files on your computer?

I was afraid of being tagged specifically because of this question. I am embarrassed to say I have less than 20 music files. Although if I ever get a cool IPod I am sure I would have lots.
I am one of those people that still like to buy the CD. I am also in the group of the dorky people that buy the CD hoping that the artist included the words to the songs in the CD jacket. Yes I am not ashamed to say I will whip out the words and sing along with the songs.


2. The CD you last bought is:

The last CDs I bought were at Bestbuy. Hubby went in for some new technology and I tagged along. I usually head right for the music. I bought Tina Turners two discs “All the Best Tina” & Celine Dion’s “Celine All the Way..A decade of songs”. Tina Rocks. Yes I have been listening to Tina since the 80’s with her hit songs “Better be good to Me” & “What’s Love got to do with it”. I think I was about 12years old using my curling iron as a fake microphone and belting out Tina Turner lyrics. Those were the days.


3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
I am still hooked on that Rachael Yamagata CD and I have it playing right now the song “Worn Me Down”. LOVE THAT SONG!


4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.

“Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones. This song always reminds me of my lost cat Pusskins. We were very close and one day he never came home. The lyrics are very fitting.

“Just a Girl” by No Doubt. This is one of my favorite work out songs. It is fast paced and I love the lyrics. It always pushes me harder. I feel the song is very empowering to all us girls out there.

“I’m Free” by The Soup Dragons. This is pretty much my theme song. Any time I quit a job I did not like or finished a term in college. The first thing I did after walking out the door was start singing this song. This song Rocks!

“Pocket Full of Rainbows” by Elvis. I love Elvis at least the young Elvis. I also love Oldies. The songs were simple short and sweet. This song is me. I always know I will be OK, because I have got a pocket full of rainbows.

“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. It would be very easy for me to list a ton of favorite songs by Phil Collins or the group he use to be in named Genesis. This song in particular brings me back to my youth. The lyrics don’t mean much to me but I love the way the song sounds. How many times have we faked playing the drums through the drum sequence in this song? Too many times to count. Plus Phil Collins wrote songs for Movies. That is always a plus in my book. Lets not forget “Against All Odds” When that song plays at the end of that movie. Talk about feeling the moment. Gotta Love Phil!


5. Who are you going to pass this to? (3 persons) and why?
I am going to leave this up for grabs. Anyone not been tagged that would like to give it a go, TAG YOUR TURN. Let me know if you take me up on it so I can read yours also.


Secret Pal News
I recently spent my amazon giftcard from my Secret Pal. I will post about it when I get my delivery. I am tracking my package. It is in Texas right now. Should be here soon.

Happy Valentines Day

The door bell rang. Chris yells “Honey can you answer the door”. Grumble, Grumble, OK! I opened the door to this:


For Me? Ahwww, Shucks Honey you shouldn’t have, but I am sure glad you did.
Every time I walk by them I burry my nose in a bloom and take it all in. They smell wonderful.


New WIP
I cast on for a new project. I decided to try socks. This is the pattern I am using from the book Folk Socks.



Double pointed needles are scary. The first row was nearly impossible to get it working right. I felt like I was working with some kind of alien contraption. The more I did the better it got. Here is my progress so far.


I hope you have a real SWEET WEEK!

Hello Kitty Handbag

I have finished my Hello Kitty Handbag.


I really like how it came out. Love the cable running along the edges. I embroidered the flower using variegated yarn I had in my stash.


Here is the bag inside out to show the Hello Kitty fabric lining I used. It is real silky. I found the fabric at Joann’s fabric. My husband commented the lining looks so good I could use the bag inside out also.


Cool Hello Kitty stuff for the Home

I found this stuff at Dream Kitty


HK Toaster


HK Lunch Bag


HK Rice Bowl

They had over 40 pages of HK merchandise to decorate your home. I thought some of the stuff was pretty cool. I was scared of the HK toilet seat cover. That might be a little to much. 8)
You can see all these things and more at the Dream Kitty website.


Lastly a Hello Kitty Quiz



I'm Hello Kitty Flower Fairy!

Three Things....

Winding the Skein by Lord Frederic Leighton


Three things...
I found this on some of the blogs I read and thought it would be fun.

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Tami
2. Terminator (nickname in grade school)
3. Honey, Sweety, Babe, Hey You

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. Zippy
2. Crafty Merryweather
3. Catsaway

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Positive outlook
2. Stopping to smell the flowers
3. Problem Solver

THREE THINGS YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. short legs
2. Hobbit Feet
3. I don’t floss as much as I should

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. German
2. Polish
3. Farmers

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Fear of choking
2. Dying before I have done everything I wanted to do
3. Big ugly spiders

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. moisturizer
2. warm beverage (coffee, tea, or cocoa)
3. deodorant

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. slippers
2. jogging pants (I call them house pants)
3. sweatshirt

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS (at the moment):
1. Maroon 5
2. Rahael Yamagata
3. Yo Yo Ma

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS (at the moment):
1. Pocket Full of Rainbows by Elvis
2. Worn Me Down by Rachael Yamagata
3. Since You Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Yarn Overs & SSK
2. Spinning yarn with a drop spindle
3. Dying yarn

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. Kindness
2. Understanding
3. Laughter

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE:
1. It bothers me when my magazines come in the mail wrinkled
2. I like to watch plants grow
3. My house is Clean

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX (or same) THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. A smile
2. beautiful eyes
3. Height (I like them tall)

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN’T DO:
1. Eat anything gross like on Fear factor
2. Paint
3. live with out pets

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Knitting
2. watching movies
3. gardening

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Go see what the animals are into
2. check to see if anyone posted a comment on my blog
3. Make some hot tea

THREE CAREERS YOU’RE CONSIDERING:
1. Psychologist
2. Novelist
3. Homemaker

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Italy
2. Hawaii
3. Alaska

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Learn how to Tap Dance
2. Learn how to play the Cello
3. Learn to speak Italian

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY:
1. I can kick ass (if provoked)
2. I like to get my hands dirty
3. I have a dirty mind

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A CHICK:
1. I love the color pink
2. I like to wear skirts and dresses and get all dolled up
3. I like romantic movies

Chinese New Year

The Year of the Rooster

The Chinese New Year begins February 9, 2005. It is the beginning of The Year of the Rooster. If you were born in 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, or 1993 your Chinese Zodiac sign is the Rooster. My husband Chris is a Rooster.


image found at sinopaperart

Here is a description of the Rooster I found at Newsguy.com

The Rooster, or Chicken as he is called, is the Don Quixote of the Chinese cycle. The dauntless hero who must look to the earth to survive, he is the most misunderstood and eccentric of all the signs. outwardly, he is the epitome of self-assurance and aggression, but at heart he could be conservative and old-fashioned.

The Rooster-born, especially the men, will be attractive, even dashingly handsome. The princely fowl is radiant and proud of his fine feathers and has an impressive carriage. You don't find any roosters slouching; they strut about with dignity. Even the shyest member of the Rooster family will cut a neat, trim figure and maintain a special bearing wherever he goes.

There are two distinct type of Roosters. The rapid-firing, extremely talkative ones and the deadly solemn observer types with the X-ray vision. both are equally hard to deal with. The Rooster has many outstanding qualities to crow about. He is sharp, neat, precise, organized, decisive, upright, alert, and most direct. He can also be critical to the point of brutality. Don't ever ask him his frank, candid opinion--you may never recover from his comments.

He loves to argue and debate, showing how knowledgeable and smart he is, some- times with little regard of the feelings of others. But when his feathers are ruffled in return, he is insufferable. He isn't cut out to be a diplomat. Situations regarding tact, delicacy and discretion will cramp his style. His way is to go about trying to convert everyone to his way of thinking with a missionary zeal.

That’s him all right. The funniest part of this is that my Chinese Zodiac Sign is the Rat.


picture of a Rat named Spanky from getpetsonline

My worst case scenario to be partnered with is the Rooster or the Horse. Well that figures.

Here is what it says about our marriage combination on member.newsguy.com

Rooster Husband and Rat Wife
He is analytical and a perfectionist; she is stimulating, practical and quite brainy in her own right. He is bossy and dogmatic and prone to giving lectures. She is balky about criticism and can be sharp and petty when offended. He lacks the sensitivity and warmth she seeks in mate. Her resourcefulness and competence make her unwilling to follow his orders blindly. Not a promising match for either party. They tend to agitate each other unnecessarily.

Chris and I will have been together 12 years this coming Spring. It has not been smooth sailing all the way but I would not change a thing. I will keep my Rooster.
To read all about people that are rats like me go here. I would say the profile fits me and the life I have lead pretty accurate.

To find what Chinese zodiac sign you are go here.

Of course there are so many more things to know about the Chinese New Year. So much more to learn about including traditions, crafts, foods, & celebrations.

You can find out more about the Chinese New Year at this educational site.
You can find fun stuff at theholidayspot.
Also there is some crafts and activities for the celebration at enchantedlearnings.

Home Fits Me Like a Glove

Or shall I say a comfortable sandal

This picture is so cute. I just had to share it. I received it in an e-mail with a bunch of other adorable animal photos


Secret Pal Glee

First I received this awesome e-card from my Secret Pal.

OOHH LA LA

Then while checking my e-mail today I found this cute guy.

Attached was an Amazon gift card in the amount of $20. Followed by me and the dogs dancing around the floor doing some of our famous dance moves. Well maybe not famous due to the fact the moves only take place behind closed doors. But let me tell you if it ever got video taped and released to the media. Look out because me and the four legged girls would have our names in LIGHTS. The great thing about the dogs is they don’t care what all the happiness is for they are just glad to participate. 8)

Thank You so MUCH Secret Pal. YOU ROCK!


Hello Kitty Update


Finished the front and back, just need to add the flower next to Hello Kitties left ear. I am still working on the cabled strip. I plan to use it to attach the sides together. It is going to be one big loop. It will give me a wider hand bag then the original pattern. I have about 11 more repeats of the cable until it is long enough. I think I should be able to finish it by next weekend. Including sewing a lining in the bag.


Stash Enhancement

Yesterday I went to my local yarn shop. That place is really picking up business. There seating area for KIP was filled. Not one seat left. There was also some kind of contest going on. People were walking around judging some of the knitted items displayed around the room. I had my print out of what I was looking for and tried to stay focused. Also I planned on picking up a couple of goodies for my Secret Pal.

Here is what I picked up for my Secret Pal

Webshots photo

Of course I can not show you silly, it is a secret.


I can show you what I got for myself


I got two skeins of Plymouth Encore DK in color 146

I thought I could use these for this pattern

Arm Warmers from Rebecca #28


I also picked up these

2 skeins of Tahiki Shannon 100% wool in color 14

I thought I could use these for this pattern

Mittens from the book Weekend Knitting


DRUM ROLL PLEASE!


I also picked up a skein of Mountain Colors in color “Wild Raspberry”
I picked this up and put it down several times while I was walking around the shop. I of course have no pattern or plan for it. But I just love the colors. I new I could not leave the store with out it.

Some people stock up on emergency supplies in case of a disaster. I on the other hand have stocked up on stash. I feel safe now that I have plenty of stash and patterns lined up just incase there is a disaster and I am stuck in my house for several months.

OK got to go pick my spot in the living room to do some knitting and watch the SUPER BOWL!
I don’t have a favorite at this point. I usually wait till after first quarter to decide which team I like best. I am most likely to root for the underdogs.

Frosty Paws

We picked up a new treat for the dogs last time we were shopping at Wal-Mart. It is called Frosty Paws. It is marketed as Ice-cream for dogs. After taking the girls to the vet to get there badly needed nails clipped, we decided to treat them with a little ice-cream snack.



It was pretty funny to watch. They kept licking the frozen ice-cream like two little girls with ice-cream cones. They both enjoyed their new treat.



Save the Drama for your Momma


Here is a picture of Brandy that depicts how I feel this weekend. I just want to crawl under the blankets and forget about this past week.

You would not believe the drama that is going on in the majority of my employee’s home lives. We had a pretty good work week it is just the personal stuff going on that was overwhelming. Some of the things that these people are going through are:
Court date during the week, death in the family, eviction, & pregnancy out of wedlock.

I am hoping next week will be a little less drama. I am afraid now of any employee that comes to my office and mutters the words “I need to talk to you about something.” I told Chris the other day as we were driving home that I wanted to find that sign that reads “Save the Drama for Your Momma” and hang it up in my office. He laughed.

Treating Myself to Some Stash Enhancement

Today I plan to stop by my local yarn shop. This time I have written up a project list on the computer. I listed all the patterns I would like to make and their yarn requirements. I also wrote up a list of all the needle sizes I have, that way if there is a size I need for an upcoming project I can get one.

I am making good progress on the Hello Kitty handbag. I will post photos in my next post. I decided that I would add the flower in Hello Kitty’s hair after I finished the knitting. Maybe embroider one on with ribbon. I have not decided yet. I thought it would look nice to add it afterward to make it more dimensional and pop out more.

Split Pea Soup with Sausage and Potato

This is a real simple recipe I got from Epicurious.com News letter.

Ingredients
5 sausage Links (I used Kielbasa)
1 12-ounce russet potato, peeled, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 ¼ cups green split peas, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth

Directions
Saute’ sausages in heavy large pot over medium-high heat about 4 mins. Add Potato, onion, and rosemary. Saute’ until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Mix in split peas, then broth. Bring Soup to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 ½ hours. Ladle into bowls.

I topped the bowls of soup with garlic & herb crumbled feta cheese, and served the soup with bread & butter

The soup turned out great. I will probably make this again.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

I know this is a little early but this is something I am looking forward to. Disney is currently in production making the movie “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”. It is due to release Christmas of 2005.


wallpaper by bluegeckoarts

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in a series called “The Chronicles of Narnia” by author C.S. Lewis.



C.S. Lewis wrote The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and it was first published back in 1950. Although it is the second book in the series of 7. It is the first one he wrote. After writing the 2nd 3rd, 4th , 5th and 6th, C.S. Lewis went back and wrote the first of the series titled “ The Magicians Nephew”. Then he went on to write the last book in the series titled “ The Last Battle”. Most people start the series with “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”. It is the most popular of the seven.

I purchased the paper back box set of the entire series last year. I found mine at a local used book store. I had to be put on a waiting list because the series is so popular. I got a call back about two months later and a box set came in and I was next on the list. The set was a paperback set that looked brand new, and the books had not been read you could tell no one had opened them. I bought it for $7.50. Here is a picture of one of the illustrations on my box set.



My paperback box set was published by Harper Collins Publishers in 1994. Illustrations on the covers of all seven books were done by Leo and Diane Dillon and the art work is copyrighted in 1994. There are so many different published versions of the books. Since 1950 the books keep coming back. Now with the Movie due out in December of 2005, It looks like new publication is due out in May of 2005 and I am sure another one will be due out the time of the movie with the movie artwork on the book jackets.


I am going to start reading the series now, starting with “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”. I plan to read them in the order they were written.



Artwork released to media advertising the movie

Here are a couple of cool links to find out more about the Movie and the Books

The One Ring Net Visits Narnia

Welcome to Narnia

Narnia Fans

Narnia Web

Virtual Narnia