$3.96 ...seriously.

$3.96 was my total out of pocket expense for this order from Alpaca Direct. I received 4 skeins of Cascade Sassy Stripes in the Fey colorway for a Clapotis project and 4 skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn in the colorways of Lakeview and Tickled Pink. Pretty cool, huh? I took advantage of the opportunity to buy yarn on Amazon.com using a $50 giftcode courtesy of MyPoints. This was such an easy transaction that I would buy from Amazon/Alpaca Direct again in a heartbeat -- I'm already planning my next purchase as they have a great selection of Cascade Fixation.

If you would like a referral link to MyPoints Send me an
email with "MyPoints" in the subject line :)

I've caught STARTITIS

So far I have three WIPs: the Austermann Step socks, a LB Suede Shrug, and a Booga inspired felted bag utilizing some of my stash. You would think that this would be enough to keep me occupied but NO! I am itching to start a crochet project. I have a new Amigurumi book I haven't done anything with yet, plus I have a nice stash of crochet thread and I am just itching to make a table runner for my dining room table. Then there is this great big hook I've never used and I'm thinking it would be nice to bust out a little blanket or lapghan to use up some of my remaining RH. Plus, I have a shipment coming from Alpaca Direct (I'll post more about it when it arrives) and I've been debating between a Drop Scarf inspired by the Clapotis or an actual Clapotis for a KAL. Since I am not a stole or shawl person really, I think the Drop Scarf will ultimately win out, but we'll see...

Here's my theory, when my stress level (not from anything bad, just busy) goes up, my project ADD or STARTITIS increases... I wonder if this is true of other knitters too...

Finished!

The second of the Christmas Sweaters finally has a brand new neck band. I had started last night while at a group knit meeting and realized too late that I had the stitches going the wrong direction. So I frogged it at home and started over... but now it is done and it fits my toddler just fine :)

(More pictures on Ravelry...)

Knowing when to say "ENOUGH"

So I have this crochet blanket (not from a pattern, just alternating rows of single and double crochet) that was started sometime late 2002 using Lion Brand Pound of Love. I've used nearly 2 pounds and it is approximately wide enough for a twin bed and so twin bed size was my original target for length. However, I just don't think I want to crochet the last pound of yarn so I think I will stop it after the current skein runs out. My 5 year old daughter loves the blanket just as it is now and it is certainly big enough to snuggle with on the couch :)

Coming to this decision has lifted a big yarn monkey off my back! And so, I have great hopes for a productive 2008... Looking back on 2007, I am thankful for all of the KIP opportunities the local knitting group has provided -- without their encouragement I never would have started knitting socks!

Back to Business

Ok, I've frogged it, cast on again, and I am now well on my way to my first sock for myself :) The yarn, a Christmas gift from my dear friend Jo, is Austermann Step in pretty pinks and purples.

A little whine...

I'm feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. I'm currently in the middle of a stressful week with doctor appointments, meetings at school regarding our soon-to-be kindergarten student, a spelling bee for my second grader (who refuses to study because its "easy" stuff), and another book review deadline. So long story short, I've had little knitting time. Add to that, I had to frog the sock I was working on at our last knit group meeting and go down a needle size. Plus, I just experienced my first Ravelry snub... Ok, I'm done.

What progress?

Admittedly I haven't been knitting as much as I usually do and as you can see, I haven't even posted my 2007 year in review yet. Well, a huge stack of review books and sick children have kept me pretty busy... but I have been catching up on podcasts and after several attempts, have finally given up on the idea of making my mom a hat from LB Suede to match the scarf I gave her for Christmas. While I may attempt a sampler shrug in the LB Suede, it is more likely that my stash will be transformed into scarves and given as teacher gifts for Christmas 2008. I hope to start a pair of socks soon just to save my sanity!