No More Humdrum Mittens Swap Three Questionnaire

I just signed up for this mitten swap. If you are interested just skip over to MittenSwapThree and sign up!
Questionnaire:
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I have been knitting for about 34 years.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I would consider myself a little more advanced than intermediate.
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
My favorite colors are pink, purple and blue...okay all colors except orange. I really like brown and cream together for accessories sometimes.
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
I love them...I haven't tried to knit any so all the patterns are so beautiful to me. I love the animals and florals.
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
Oh for me....cause I love them.
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
7 1/2 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
7 3/4 inches
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
I love knitting socks, scarves and shawls.
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
I like them all. It depends on what I have available when I get ready to knit something. I am partial to the wooden needles...circulars when a bigger project.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
Latvian mittens and socks.
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I have worked with many different types.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to quilt. There are times when I can't decide if I want to knit or quilt.
Do you spin? Not Yet Sew? Yes Garden? Not really but love to try herbs. Cook? I live alone so for cooking I have to be in the mood.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Fabric, pincushions, and teacups
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty?
I love butter cookies. Okay I love chocolate...dark....but I am really trying to stay away from all of this. For salty....I love beef jerky...
Anything you hate or are allergic to?
Nothing I know of...I hate to smell cigarette smoke.
Do you have any kids? I have a grown daughter who is 34.
Pets? No
What is your favorite part of Winter? I love to knit on cold mornings. I love the smell of the crisp, clean air. I love fresh fallen snow and drinking a hot cup of coffee with a fresh bagel or pastry in the morning. I would love to say snuggling with my honey, but alas I have no one in my life at the moment. Sad face.....
What is your least favorite part of Winter?
The day after a snow fall. The snow is so messy and I have to go back to work. Okay we really don't get that much snow but I love when we do.

Well...that is me in a nutshell.

House Guests

For the last week and a half I have had two very good friends from High School staying with me. It has been so much fun. We have talked and talked. They have gone to visit family and friends in the area and when I have gotten home my house is clean and laundry is done. Wow how great is that. Now you ask...why haven't I blogged more with time on my hands. LOL....well...the talking part has just kept me run down. I have stayed up way too late and have had to go to work .....getting older just sucks! I wish I could do those all nighters like we did in HS but alas....no my mind says yes ...the body says...what the heck!?!? It has been fun though. I will put some of my adventures on the blog later....for now I need to rest...LOL...or at least try!

Swap 12 question #3

What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

Something very manageable. More isn't always better. I think a large tub is just fine. I have that and I want to keep it manageable to just that. Sounds stupid doesn't it but I have so much clutter from quilting and knitting I am trying to keep things in perspective. I want to enjoy all my things and not drown in them....Okay I didn't say what size large tub. I mean the ones that are about 72inches by 36inches and at least two feet high....and have it crammed so full the lid won't stay on...bet you thought what a doofy lady having a manageable stash....okay I am really trying here!

Secret Pal Question #2

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

I think I look mostly just not going to school. But I looked forward to warm days and as a kid I love to do projects. I learned to sew at a very early age and I would sew and sew all summer. I created a great deal...more of a mess when I was younger but I still wore those outfits. Didn't care what others thought. LOL

I guess the next thing was relatives would come. We lived just right outside of Washington DC and that meant we could go site seeing with all the relatives...it was fun! I walked my legs off in the hot sun and saw it all! Then we would go back and mom would have a great lunch or dinner made when we got home. Everything seems to fall into place....remember...this was the era when there were no cell phones nor blackberries.....you saw phone booths on the corner. No metro either. Wow....those were the good old times....am I dating myself?

Secret Pal 12 Contest - My favorite Summer drink

We were asked by our hostess what our favorite summer drink is. I would have to say my favorite summer drink is iced tea followed by fresh lemonade. I love fresh brewed tea with lots of ice and a touch of lemon. I don' t like my tea sweetened but occasionally I will sweeten it ever so lightly with raw sugar. I also love fresh lemonade, squeezed and with the lemon rings in the pitcher. I am a Southern gal through and through!

Secret Pal 12 Questionnare

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural fibers. No acrylics please. I love to try new yarns so surprise me.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Right now I have a glass container I put them in. But then again most are in projects...does need to finish words I should shout?

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting on and off for about 33 years. I was self taught, but also took lessons at the comminity center years ago.

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

5. What's your favorite scent?
I love floral or powder scents. I have been using Cashmire mist lately...but I would never expect anyone to get that.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love dark chocolate...but I am trying to loose weight, so bare minimum please.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin...want to learn how though. I quilt when I am not knitting. I am not only a yarn-a-holic but I am a fabric-holic.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love all types but don't have much time to listen. I do have an MP3 player.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colors. Browns and oranges are not my favorite though. I am really liking the muted solids now. The ones that look solid but have subtle color through out.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live alone and I do not have any pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Love scarves and mittens and socks. Don't care for hats or ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, Socks and more socks. And anything lace.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Two Lace shawls and5 pairs of socks

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes..it shows the true heart of someone.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I love both circular and straight needles. I have bamboo, wood and some aluminum..I like the wooden needles and Addis Lace Needles.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 years...it's acrylic...yucky

18. What is your favorite holiday?
My birthday...okay it is rarely celebrated because it is 4 days after Christmas. But I love Christmas, Easter, 4th of July...okay...I love them all!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Pincushions and teacups. Okay yarn and fabric! LOL

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have Interweave Knits subscription. I love all books, yarn and I am will to be bold and try anything new.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am really facinated by the lace patterns out there. I am enjoying the challenge.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Length: 9 1/2 inches Width around instep: 91/2 inches. I wear a size 10 show and my foot it med

23. When is your birthday?
December 29th

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

Oh...too much times escapes me!

I have planned for weeks to get pictures taken and more blogging done....where does the time go? For me right now it is commuting to work and working late and getting home in time to eat dinner and go to bed and then start all over the next day. (Okay too many ands" in that sentence!)

My knees are so bad right now. Weeks ago I fell on the "good" one and now the only way I can describe how I walk is "I walk like a penguin"!!!!! I have an appointment for an MRI for both knees and then I go to the orthopedist...believe it or not I can't wait. I am in pain sometimes and I am too young to be having all these knee problems. I lost 20lbs so far and go figure...the knees are worse!

Anyway...I am doing more knitting....trying to get all my swaps out.....maybe I will get some pictures taken and posted....I can only hope!

Happy knitting everyone!

I am so Hooked on the Stephanie Plum series!

Have anyone of you read the Janet Evanovich books with the bounty hunter Stephanie Plum? I have laughed and laughed till I cry. They are so worth reading. They take you mind off of things and you want to just read and read. They are a quick read and you don't have to think but they are a hoot. There are 12 out in paperback and the 13th is out in hardcover. Her newest one (14th) is due in June. If you want fun reading, check them out......okay this is why I haven't been blogging or knitting much. Well....I also just finished a class for my degree that I thought I would die from. I now need fun reading. I have slipped in knitting though. I have 2 pairs of socks almost completed for 2 swaps I am in. And I am starting on a scarf for a swap. So of course ....priorities first...LOL....warmer weather is around the corner and I have planned some lazy afternoons to do fun things.
Later..............

I have Spring Fever but the Weather is Not Co-operating!

It is cold and damp and the weather is not warm....okay that is typical of Virginia weather but I want it to be a little warmer....

Okay on to a better note. I have lost 16 lbs. in my heathy eating quest. I am feeling better and am proud of what I have accomplished so far. Okay the organizational thing is not up to par yet. I still have to photo my newest and older swap goodies. I am so far behind in photos...but I had to take a new one of myself. What do you think?

Well...will have to post more later. I have a project due for school and I haven't finished the research yet. Back to work and the grind tomorrow so I am headed to bed and will knit for a few minutes before I really have to go to sleep.

Monkey Sock Swap Four Questionnaire

Monkey Sock Four is out and last time proved to be so much fun I decided to do it again. I love Cookie A. sock patterns. They always turn out nicely.

Monkey Sock Questionnaire

Shoe Size: Size 10 in US
Foot Length in inches: 9 1/2 inches
Circumference: 9 1/2 inches

Yarn Preferences

What are your favorite colors? I love pink, blue, purple, and really any color except orange. I am happy with anything chosen!

What colors clash with your wardrobe? Orange
Do you prefer solids or varigated yarns? Not picky. I don’t have any solids yet.
What are your favorite brand sock yarns? Again, not picky. I do like soft yarn. I love to experiment.
Any new sock yarn you would like to try? Surprise me! I really love all the yarns I have tried and I am willing to try new ones!

Cookie A Patterns
List the pattern you do not have and would like to receive. I have Thelonious and Fliker. Any of her patterns are fine with me. I love them all.

Allergies
Do you have any allergies your pal needs to know about? I have a hard time when things are exposed to smoke.
Will your knitting be exposed to animals? No
Will your knitting be exposed to cigarette smoke? No

Shipping
What country do you live in? United States
Are you willing to ship outside your country? Yes

How do you ladies do it?

I am at a loss how so many of you accomplish so much. I seem to get further behind and I just don't get enough knitting in. I know that I work 50 miles from home and this takes at least 2 1/2 hours out of my day. Lately I have been coming home and just collapsing. I guess maybe I burn the candle at both ends too much and I am not that young anymore. Okay, I am not that old either. I need to post pictures and get things out to the post office. I also am frantically knitting socks for my SITMT partner and a kazillion other things. My buzz work lately has been...FOCUS...FOCUS Iva FOCUS!!!!! Think it will help????

On a happier note...I have lost 10lbs. My healthier eating style is making me feel better, but I just wish the energy level would rise. Okay...I have gobs more weight to loose and this might just take time for the energy level to come up to par. But I am focused on that. I have been 10 weeks without a diet coke...I went cold turkey and the only time I really crave one it when I have a burger, a healthy one on whole grain bun with lots veggies. I drink tea or water instead. But other than that I am really enjoying this.

I promise I will publish pictures. I have received some very nice packages in the mail and my poor swap partners have had to ask me if I have received them. I am so ashamed! I will hold the suspense until this weekend when I finally take the pictures and post them!

I am at work doing this and I need to get some work done.....so until this weekend ...let me hear those knitting needles click!

Oooops...forgot one of my gifts!

I participated in a Swap-Bot swap and I received this wonderful package from Scotland. I absolutely love the vintage lace and tray cloth. I love the yarn. I have gotten into so much color lately, it is nice to receive some neutral yarn. The mints are long gone....yum!

I thought I would also include pictures of my little bear I bought myself. I keep him near my computer and pose him when I am down....I haven't named him yet....hmmmm, maybe a contest is in the works....stay tuned!

New Pictures...Finally!

Well this is the last week of February and I am doing well on my healthier eating plan. I have to say it has been trying at times but I have become determined and am doing well. I have been 6 weeks without diet cola. A feat in itself. I have lost about 10lbs. in the last 5 weeks. I have lots to go and no I won't do one of those counters. I am doing this for myself ...to feel healthier and bring my blood pressure under control. So enough of that.

I went to my LYS and of course had to add to my stash. Actually some of this is headed to some of my secret pals I have ....but it will be a secret until they receive it!

I have in the last few days recieved some wonderful gifts from secret pals and it has lifted my spirits. I have been down in the dumps about my job. I have decided not to really talk about it but pull up my bootstraps and prove my old supervisor wrong. Just a little background....She is and will always be, I am sure, a mean and vindictive "B". She lied on my apprasial and well ...she created problems for me. Needless to say she has been demoted to a job way in the corner of a room that is dreary and sad.....LOL....and thank goodness I have no reason to have contact with her. Enough of her....on to my wonderful gifts!

From my secret pal, Sock it To Me Twice, I received the cutest sock bag, beautiful yarn, and the cutest stitch holder and card.

From Swap-bot pal I received this wonderful yarn, pattern, and beads with needle to feed the beads onto the yarn. Oh and another wondeful yarn bag. This one is made from reproduction vintage fabric...love it! The pattern is from knitty and I find it a very interesting yarn. It will go on my do list for later....I can't wait...I have been so blessed! Oh my I almost forgot about the dark chocolate bar! I absolutely love dark chocolate and it is so much better for us. Now this is tough....I have to only eat small pieces at a time but it so worth savoring! Hmmmm....yummy!

This is my yarn I purchased at my LYS yesterday....Yummy....hmmmm......Oh and I couldn't resist this book and a set of needles to try knitting two socks at one time. Always need to try something new! The yarn is Plymouth Happy Feet. One of the ladies at the shop was knitting with it and she loves it. It is very soft and the colors were so beautiful! Hard to make a decision. The colors are richer than I could photograph.

(I have blocked comments from this post because some wonderful spammer has let a message and if you accidently open it, it will run somesort of spyware. So if you would like to comment just leave it on the later post. Thanks)

A Contest -Woo-Hooo!!!

Make sure you go to Nancy's blog and read about her contest. She has posted 300 times! Can you believe it? What an inspiration! Her rules are so easy and her blog is fun to read! Make sure you mention to Nancy I sent you!

My knitting tip: I always keep a mechanical pencil with all my projects...when I find an area that needs to be changed in a pattern or an area I might have changed I immediately have my pencil there to jot my notes on my pattern. I also make several copies of the pattern instead of using my original book or pattern. Then I will be able to transfer the changes to the original. I always have a project to go and I don't always want to take the book or pattern with me.

The person I get so much of my information from is Miss Me. Check out her blog. It is such a joy to read and she is such an accomplished knitter!

Until another time..keep the knitting needles clicking!

My Goddess Doll Swap

I recently did a Goddess Doll Swap and this is the lovely one I recieved the other day. I still and working on mine and will post a picture before I send it to my swap parnter.

I am also adding a picture of a mug that was given to me at Christmas.....I just love it. Several of us have a running joke about the "Talk like a Pirate Day" and we have had so much fun with it. I have a big bag of pirate men that came from the dollar store and they will appear in peoples coat pockets or hidden somewhere on their desk. Surprises are always around the corner...It has been so much fun! I have just ordered pirate magnet dolls. You can dress them and add different clothes and shoes and such....more fun!

My Mystery Shawl

I have joined a KAL for a mystery shawl. It is my first lace pattern and it truely is a challenge for me. I have learned the fine art of frogging plus an emense amount of determination. I can't have much noise around and I have had to count over and over again to make sure I have completed each row correctly. I am so far behind....they have hint #4 already out and I just finished hint #1. The color isn't quite right in the picture. It is acutally a beautiful coral color.

Where I can I buy more time?

The new year is here and I seem to need more time than ever. I am still burning the candle at both ends trying to complete my degree and work full time. I just can't seem to budget my time well and this completely frustrates me. I fantasize about knitting all day with out a care in the world...now wouldn't that be nice. I think getting all of this work done to my house and with everything else I am just mentally drained. And for some reason ...people in general are just getting on my nerves. Think I need another vacation? I feel I am on the coaster to happy land and it forgot to stop and let me off. I know once the weather warms up and all this work is done and I can finish putting things in order in my home I will once again feel better.

I need to post pictures...have taken so many but have not posted.....okay I really....I lost the cable to attach my computer to my camera and I just found it! YEAH! Once again....I need order in my house! It's coming but not fast enough for me!

Is there anyone out there that can send me a sanity lifeline? Just kidding.....but still had to ask.....LOL

Oh My..How Time Has Flown By!

The last two months have just flown by and I wish I could say they were memorable...well they were but not in a good way. I am finishing up my degree and the push is on. My classes are so packed with homework and to top it all off, I had to take a two week class for work which was over 65 miles from where I live! The trek alone did me in....I finished both my college class and class for work with flying colors...but I got sick...I mean down in the bed for week sick. I had the flu, along with what the doctor thought was pneumonia (thank goodness it wasn't) and my allergies all at once. I ran a high fever and just wanted to sleep forever....all of this one week before Christmas....needless to say...not shopping, no baking and no decorating took place at my house. I love Christmas and the joy of being with family and friends..but this year I can say I am glad it is over. I hope this next year proves to be a better year and I can get things more organized in my life. I need to post pictures of the wonderful things my swap partners have given me....plus some of the thoughtful gifts I received for Christmas.

I have started my quest to get organized. I have the battery charging for my camera (it has been dead for months) and I have finally put my address list in a file in my computer. I have been slowly putting things away in an organized manner and yes I can find them again when I need them...I think I might have turned over that new leaf. The weight issue...well one problem at a time. Will post pictures within the next few days....in the mean time....

I hope everyone will have a wonderful New Year as we embark upon this clean slate to our lives in the year 2008! May all your prayers be answered, your lives be enriched by your friends and family and your faith in God be the first priority this year.

God Bless Each and Everyone!

Sock It To Me Twice Swap!

I am participating in Sock It to Me Twice secret pal exchange! Below are my answers to the questions.
The Questions:
1.How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced?
I consider myself an intermediate knitter. Always room for improvement!

2.How long have you been knitting socks?
A little over a year. Knitted sweaters, afghans and such before

3.What are your favorite fibers to work with?
I am bit of a yarn snob. I love wool and other natural fibers.

4.What is your favorite color?
I love pink, purple, and blue.....but I love all colors except orange.

5.What are your current WIPs (works in progress)?
Oh...so many...several socks, a sweater and a lace shawl. The lace shaw is my newest venture. I actually have just gotten the yarn but it is so calling my name!

6.Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.).
Debbie Bliss, Jitterbug, Lornas lace, and well I am game for any yummy yarn that is a natural fiber.....I love to experiment!

7.What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from.
Acrylics...they feel so yucky....it is so hard to knit with them.

8.What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?)
I live alone..divorced, no pets and my daughter is grown (she is an avid knitter like her mom!)

9.Name some of your hobbies.
I love to quilt. There are times I can't decide which to do....knit or quilt! I am a fiber lover!

10.Name some of your favorite movies?
Driving Miss Daisey and Steel Magnolias....I am a true Southerner but with a modern outlook!

11.Do you like to read?
Yes..mysteries!

12.Do you collect anything?
I love any type of sewing gadgets, and I am a tote bag queen....I love little zippered pouches and such!

13.Do you own an iPod or mp3 player?
I have an iPod.

14.What are your favorite type of knitting needles?
Addis or wooden

15What knitting notion could you not live without?
My trusty tape measure, which I always seem to misplace but eventually find in the previous project bag!

16.Who are some of your favorite designers?
I like most..haven't picked a fav yet.

17.Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.)
No not yet...just keep looking at them....I am more of a book person.

18.When is your birthday?
December 29th...just around the corner..wink, wink!

19.Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)?
Working on one....but not yet...I seem to buy a book before I put it in my list.

20.Do you have a Ravelry ID?
Will post when I set it up...please check back.

21.If you had a sheep, what would you name it?
Scrappy

I Have Overwhelmed Myself Again

Right now at this moment I am trying to hold it together. I finally got out 3 packages of swap things. Yeah...one big task down. I still owe one more and I know she is furious with me. But my heart has not been in it. I am now trying to clean out 30 years of memories and make room for my new bedroom set. It is being delivered in 2 weeks. I also am having major work done to my home and oh my what a mess! They actually won't start until 6 weeks from now but guess what time frame that is???? Christmas. So..along with school and my other things ...well .... I am majorly over extended. My mom ..bless her...is down helping me throw out ...weed out...and put things away. It is a major undertaking and I am completely overwhelmed. So say a little prayer that I will be back close to normal when Christmas rolls around!!!

Well....I am off to dust ville!