I'M ON VACATION!

Yippeee! Since 5:18 p.m. this evening, I am officially on vacation! Goin' down south to catch some sun and R & R. I love to be on vacation. The only thing wrong with it, is that it is never enough time. Time to get my wish list accomplished. The first week is great! But I need another week to get more stuff done, catch up on that stuff that needs to be done at least once a year. Oh well, this begger is surely not going to be choosey. I'll take my camera in hopes to get some nice shots. Hopefully on the ride down south I'll FINALLY finish that Florida Wrap!
I'M ON VACATION!!!!! :)

MY FAVORITE KNITTING ACCESSORY

My SP10 host has asked that we blog about our favorite knitting accessory. (There could be a prize involved too!) For me, the stitch marker would be my favorite accessory for two reasons. Stitch markers are the jewelry for knitting and are an essential tool for a knitter’s bag. I haven’t been knitting long. My pattern tastes are along the advanced level knitter however my skill level is still in the easy/beginner range. It’s kind of like shopping. I have expensive taste on a sow’s ear purse. Anyway, the items I’ve knitted rarely require the use of a stitch marker. But, I find uses for them on my own such as placing a particular number of stitches between the markers to eliminate the repetitive counting that sometimes has to be done to maintain a pattern. I have a tendency to not trust my stitching and count stitches even though they are marked. But having those shiny bobbles dangling or peeping from my stitches looks really nice on my potential garment. Hopefully it gives the illusion to others that I am knitting some elaborate piece that needs the stunning sparkle to keep me straight on where and what I am doing in the pattern or that it may give the appearance that I am a more accomplished knitter than I actually am. I like that. The only problem with stitch markers are that they tend to disappear. When I clean my house, I find them everywhere, under the couch cushions, under the couch, in my bed, laying on my nightstand, in my car and sometimes in my pockets. So you see they don’t stay around long. I was given a pair of very nice handmade markers in a swap and have already lost one. I was saddened because it was hand made with pretty beads and given to me as a gift, and it was one of a pair. They reminded me of pretty, dangly earrings, or those pretty wine glass markers that are so popular hence the jewelry of knitting. As a tool, they are handy to have for use. Whatever that use may be, the marker is one of the essential tools in a knitter’s bag. I hear men tell of the fascination of their tools….and drool when they speak of tools….well, I drool when I speak of my favorite tools for my hobby, stitch markers.

WARM & FUZZY

I know, signs of spring are coming. Tiny buds are peeking from branches of trees and crocus, daffodils and hyacinth are poking through the ground. But I had to knit up a few more scarves. I finished the Misti Alpaca Ribs & Ruffles and gave it to my mom. My niece, was there when I gave it to her. She liked it and expressed an interest in having one. So, I ran home and found the pretty Nobo yarn with pink hues in my stash. She stated emphatically that pink was her favorite color. The small scarf is knitted with ruffles on each end. Very simple and only took about two hours to knit, including interruptions.

The pretty blue scarf, Ribs and Ruffle pattern, was knitted in about a week or less. As soon as I found out that a previous co-worker was leaving her post, I immediately wanted to knit something nice for her to take with her. The blue reminded me of her warm personality and pretty, sparkly blue eyes. Yes, it's almost spring but it's warm and fuzzy, like her. Who knows, maybe she'll take up knitting and knit pretties for her grandbabies.

SECRET PAL 10 QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Not real excited about some acrylics, some are fine.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I keep them in their original packaging, which is becoming ratty, and then I store them in a pocket in my knitting bag.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Knitting for about a year and my skill level is beginner to intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No. But I have my eye on the book One Skein.

5. What's your favorite scent? I like harvest type scents, pumpkin, spices (I am allergic to fragrance.)

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Sinful sweet tooth! Favorite candy? Chocolate! Not crazy about hard candy.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Sew Do you spin? No

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

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Harvest type colors; pumpkin, greens, greys, yellows, browns, blues. Any colors you just can't stand? Don't care for red but I do like coral type colors.

10. What is your family situation? Married with 2 teenage girls. Do you have any pets? Have an outside golden retriever.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves, don't have any of the others, yet!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Purses/bags, hats, scarves.

13. What are you knitting right now? On the needles I have a baby kimono sweater, an adult sweater, Booga Bag and a wrap.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circulars are my fav. I use the Knit Picks needles and I like the bamboo needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Thanks to my hubby, I own a winder.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? I started a project back in September 2006 and am trying to finished before March 12.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Pictures and dust! :) Seriously, skeins of yarn and patterns. HA!

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 am currently using some Misti Alpaca for a Ribs & Ruffles scarf. I wouldn't mind having more in other colors; red or the blue. Thanks to RaggedAroundTheEdges (as a birthday gift), I now receive Interweave Knits.

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

22. Are you a sock knitter? Not yet! But I hope to be by the end of the year. What are your foot measurements? I wear a size 8.5 shoe, medium or B width.

23. When is your birthday? January 5th