Rip it up

Remember my Tubey Sweater? Yeah well I just took it off the needle to try it on and the thing is huge! Yep fits me like a sack.I made the sleeves a little too long and if I had boobs the sweater would fit great.I hate to do it But I think I will rip it out and use the yarn for another sweater. My gauge is right on so I'm not really sure what the deal is. Oh well live and learn. no sense finishing the thing if I can't wear it. I have done up my first colorway for my forth coming Esty shop. It is drying now and I really love it. Up next a hand painted called Crunchy Leaves. I am going to try a new method so we will See how it goes.

Ravelry is really a time sucker. I could spend all day looking at patterns and projects. I am so inspired.
Now to my knitting...Hubby took the kids to the zoo so I could have some quite time. Gotta love that guy.

What a day!

Look what I got today! After the 2nd day of the public warehouse sale I came home to find a parcel from Germany! My SP11 sent me a great package. The little bag is a great size for a small project and inside were all types of goodies. There was Chocolate (the MK's got the little umbrella shaped ones before I could get the picture) a cute little note pad, a sock blocker key chain, a very nice smelling sachet from Scouts Swag, and a little pot of jam ( I think it is jam I can't read German) but the best part was the yarn and the scarf!. She knit me My So Called Scarf in Wollmeise Lammdoehwolle in Koralle im Meer. I love it!!! The colors are great. I don't have anything like it. I have it on right now. I love to wear a scarf in the chilly weather. The yarn is beautiful sock yarn. I can't read the label because of the not speaking German thing but I think its cool to have a yarn I clearly can not get here in the Heartland. The label reads:

Tausendschon

Handgefarbte Sockenwolle ( I am pretty sure this means Hand Dyed Sock Wool)

The color is just gorgeous! I love it love it love it! It is a 60/20/20 blend and I can not wait to knit with it! Thank you so much SP11 You made my day! could you help me out with the translation?

Right after opening the goodies I went to check my email and I got my Ravelry invite! I am sandyknits. I just had time to poke around a little I can feel myself getting sucked in already! I need to set up a flicka account and get started.

The public warehouse sale has been a festival of weirdness. Every junk collector in town has been in and gone a little nuts. People are pretty overwellmed by the things I have, Most of the stuff there you won't see anywhere else. I sold $4000.00 worth of stuff today alone. I wonder what tomorrow holds... VP#2 is handling things tomorrow and I have the day off. He said he did not want help and I am to stay home as I have worked 3 weekends this month already. I got one of the other managers to "drop by" and help him out anyway. He is going to need it cuz all the folks that came the last 2 days will be back looking for a deal. Yeah he'll need help. I expect my phone to ring many times.

As for work, my co workers are coming to terms with the fact that I am leaving and the Boss now think they may need to hire 2 people to do all the things they had me doing.( I could have told them this and have in fact many times) When the boss asked me to list all the things I do he was shocked. He then asked me how much they were paying me (boss does not keep track of that stuff VP#1 does) He said he was sorry. Gee I should have told them I was going to quit a lot sooner! Oh well I am at peace with my choice. I will miss some of the people there but I will not miss the grind or 50 hour work weeks.

and now I am off to find the perfect pattern for my new Sockenwolle in Ravelry land

Tomten and comments

Well here is MB in his Tomten isn't he cute? too bad the thing is pretty much too small now!

The yarn is Jo Sharp Silkraod DK Tweed 4 balls of color#411 Granary and 1 ball of color 405 Emporio. Knit on a size 6 needle. I guess I should have used a 7.Oh well he can wear it this fall. Maybe I can block it out a little more.

Thank you for your comments on the Notes on life post. I love that knitting bloggers support each other not just with the knitting but in real life too! and Thanks to Beth for reminding me I am a good Mom! Sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else.

I have had to turn comment moderation on because someone named Adam whose blogger profile left some crap comment about an ab burning website. Anyone who knows me knows I do not need crap like that. So if you are here to just spam me please go away. Now can someone tell me how I can remove a comment? I really don't want to advertise for these folks.

Well thats done

Well I did it. I quit my job. Starting a week from Monday I will be home with my kids and selling hand dyed yarns on Esty. I will also be doing other at home work (more on that later). First order of business is to get the house clean and pick up the yard.
The MK's are over the moon about it. MG is ready for Mom to walk to school with her everyday and maybe come to the school for lunch once in a while. I am so happy!

VP#2 understands my reason for leaving and is fine with that. He says he will call me if he needs anything. Pres and VP#1 both said they are sorry to see me go but understand. I know my clients will be well taken care of. I am sure I will still get lots of calls on the cell from folks in the local theatre community. I have been the answer girl for them for 5 years and it might be a hard habit for them to break. I have already had one offer to Stage Manage a show but turned it down. I had very little interest in the piece and life is way too short to do bad Theatre for no $$.

In knitting news I think I will be on Ravelry within the week!
Tomten is done! I will get a picture of it on MB tonight.

Notes on life

I realized the other day that the babysitter spends more time with Monster boy than I do. He would eat things for her that he won't touch for me...he even quotes her rules at our dinner table. don't get me wrong I'm all for "no elbows on the table" but I want to teach him that stuff... Also Monster Girl wants to take dance lessons and I can't get her there because of work. I need more time with them...
So what to do about this? Well I've talked it over with Hubby and I think I might quit my job. I know there are ways to make money from home and we would save a huge amount of cash just by not paying the babysitter. I would also have to quit smoking and drink less Mountain Dew(both things I need to do anyway and do more of at work than at home) Plus all the $$ I'll save on gas. We could get rid of the second car(hubby drives a company truck) We would eat out less because I would be home to get dinner ready before 7:30 pm.
It is sort of scary to think about at first but it really seems to make the most sense. I could walk MG to and from school everyday and be here when the kids need me. I could get them to dance lessons and keep up with the house work.
I have already applied for a few work from home type jobs. We would have to tighten the belt a little but I think we could do it. The key is making $$ from home. I am thinking of selling some of my hand dyed yarns on Esty as well as the other work.

I just keep thinking this is the only chance I have to raise my kids and I can't really do that very well from my office. I do like my job most days (although the BS factor has gotten pretty high) But I love my kids and really need to be a good Mom. Hubby thinks if I can bring in some money I should do it. Mom is behind me too. What to do? What to do? I am pretty sure they will try to talk me out of it but I am not sure I care. This is my shot to do right for my kids. I really don't think they will be able to talk me out of it.

Wow!

Ravelry is really speeding things up! At this rate I should be in soon!

Found you!
You signed up on July 20, 2007
You are #19153 on the list.
3005 people are ahead of you in line.
15622 people are behind you in line.
46% of the list has been invited so far

Knitting news: The Tomten got a light blocking last night and will get seamed up today (I hope). Then I will show you a picture. I am waiting for a needle cable to start Hubbys sweater, so I have been working on swaps so no pictures of FO's but there have been some. I have also been looking at charts for the guitar strap. I can't seem to choose which way to go with it, very traditional patterns or something a little more pop culture...truth is he could use 1/2 a dozen guitar straps so I could be knitting these forever!. I have decided that I will knit a tube and fit a plain strap inside to hold most of the weight. It should be about the width of a sock...the rounds will be short so it should go pretty fast right?

To block or not to block?

I have finished knitting the Tomten sleeves. This leaves seaming and button bands. What I don't know is do I block it then seam it up or do I seam then block? Anyone?
This means I can start a new project! I have the yarn for the Cobblestone pullover but not the right needle cable so I need to order that.
I am thinking of a color work project for Hubby and MG. I am going to try and design a fair isle guitar strap. I am thinking a felted one for MG and a finer gauge one for Hubby. He has several guitars without straps and it is small enough I might be able to keep it a secret from him.
I also have a stealth project going for a swap pal... is it you? hehehe

By the way...
This is the 100th post! Yeah me!

Poncho update

I have sent MG's poncho off to GAH for her turn, then she will send it off to GAL. When GAL is done with it she will send it back to me for a good bath(the yarn still smells a little from the vinegar) and blocking. The good part is MG has forgotten all about this item and will be surprised to see it Christmas morning.

My current knitting is going well. I am half way done with the Tomten sleeve. This will leave just button bands and seaming. With a little luck I will have it done soon. I have not touched the socks in a while, the 2nd heel is turned but thats about it.

Time to go interview a new babysitter, more on that later...

Notes on Harmony

I was asked about my new Harmony Needles so I thought I would add a few notes on the subject now that I have given them a test drive. I got 1 set of Options tips (size8) and one set of DPN's (size5) I love them both. The options set is great anyway and the join on these is the same as the metal ones. They are smooth all the way the the threads and that connection gives me no problem what so ever. My only problem with them is I need a longer cable ( i have only a 24"). Guess I will have to shop...
The DPN's are great. I like the nice sharp points. Most wood DPN's that I could afford have stubby points (yes even my Britney's). I don't like stubby points unless all I need to do is a knit stitch. The finish on the needle is wonderful. Very smooth. The color is so much fun.
I got the tips for Hubbys sweater and the dpn's just cause I wanted them. I would love a set of Rosewood dpn's but can't see spending upwards of $20.00 on a set. The Harmony's are a fine sub for me and I can get 2 or 3 sets for the price of the Rosewood. just to be fair I have never knit with the RW I just love the color of the wood.

Rockin Birthday!

Today is MG's 7th birthday. Her Daddy got her a real grown up Daisy Rock Guitar. He tells e these are hand made for girls. She loves it. It has a great sound. She and Daddy can Rock all day long now. She has a tiny little amp and a pink case. She also got a new outfit, new dolls, some books and a hat.

We had a party today.

It was very loud. All the kids went home happy and we are going to enjoy a nice quite evening of movie watching.

Happy Birthday Rockin Monster Girl! I love you. I can't believe how you have grown!

The warehouse sale

So far I have not sold any of the items seen here. Jimmy, dragon, and the motorcycles are all still there... but all is not lost.. i sold about $10,000 worth of crap this week! Yes that is ten thousand! Yeah me!I had lots of help from 2 guys from work. The Talker and Dreadlocks worked their butts off for me and I love them for it. Also Dreads is the Owners son,20 years old and pretty cute. The Talker never stops talking so he sold tons of stuff for me. One guy left after spending almost $3000.00. I still have enough stuff for a swap meet. This was not a public sale. We invented 350 clients. I will now have to open it up to the public at large. That is going to be nuts. The ads will go up next week.
In knitting news I got the yarn for Hubby's sweater today. I really want to cast it on but I should finish MB's 2 sleeve first. I got one of the new Harmony wood needle tips from Knit Picks. I love them. They are so pretty and the finish is perfect. They have a nice sharp point I really want the whole set... Well Christmas is coming.

HSKS3

Gotta do this quick: Here goes


1. Who is the Hogwarts teacher that Voldermort performed the Avada Kedavra curse on in Deathly Hallows?
b. Charity Burbage

Who replaces the Muggles studies teacher in Deathly Hallows?
Alecto Carrowd.

When Harry meets Mr. Olivander for the first time, which wand law is introduced?

The wand chooses the wizard.

4. According to Mr. Ollivander, what is not necessary to take true possession of another wizard's wand?
a. to kill the owner

5. If you know anything about Harry Potter, you will know that Harry's Patronus is a stag. But what is his best friend Ron Weasley's Patronus?


c. Weasel

6. Now for the third member of the trio. What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?
a. Otter
7. What did Mrs. Wealey make to eat the first night that Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place?
a. Stew
8. In book 5, at the start of term feast, what is Ron eating when trying to talk to Nearly Headless Nick?
a. Treacle tart
9. A half-giant called Rubeus Hagrid takes you to Diagon Alley for the first time. To get there, you go into the courtyard of a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. There, Hagrid taps a certain brick on the courtyard wall three times with his pink umbrella, revealing the entrance to Diagon Alley. As he decides which brick to tap, he mutters instructions to himself. What instructions does he mutter?b. ‘Three up... two across

10. The first place you go in Diagon Alley is Gringotts bank, where you can withdraw money from your vault and Hagrid can withdraw a top-secret package from Vault No. 713 on Dumbledore’s orders. On the second set of doors leading into the bank you notice a poem written. These are the first two lines:Enter, stranger, but take heedOf what awaits the sin of greed,What is the next line?
So if you seek beneath our floors

Picture Scavenger HuntYou may either post these pictures on your blog OR simply link to them.Rolanda HoochFirenzeArgus FilchMoaning MyrtleColin Creavey
Posted by Jenean at 5:58 PM 1 comments
Labels: Quidditch

Notes on Tomten

Someone asked in the comments about the pattern for the Tomten. This is an Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern. I think it is just delightful. It is all garter stitch. You start at the bottom and knit back and both fronts in one flat piece. You divide the stitches for the side fronts, back and bind off at the arm hole. Then the back and sides are joined up and the hood knit. After that just pick up for the sleeves and sew in a zipper or knit on button bands. I was a little worried when I read the pattern because it is a little on the lean side but once I started knitting I found EZ had really given me all I needed to know to knit the sweater. If you have not read her books you should. Trust me you'll like them.

Tomten progress

Here is what I have so far. I am a little afraid that it will be too small but EZ says " the sweater will grow with the wearer..." I hope she is right. This one can not be for Christmas he will have to wear it right away. I love this little sweater, the pattern is easy and the tweed yarn is perfect. I hope to start the 2nd sleeve tonight. I am thinking I will knit on button bands and maybe add a little of the contrast color to the bottom edge. MB is asking for it everyday so I had better get it done.

I have placed the order for the yarn for Hubby's Cobblestone pullover. That will be the next big project.

In other knitting news. My socks are coming along well. I am just about to turn the heel of sock #2. I am also working on a bag for HSKS3 and a little something for my SP11 upcoming birthday

There are 7250 people in line ahead of me for Raverly, sigh

wtf

Our little Monster Girl is planing her 7th birthday party. We are going to make cupcakes, watch a movie and play games. She has invited 6 girls and 4 boys.

When I tucked her in to bed tonight she asked me if they could play "Spin the Bottle"... Yeah its been that kind of day.

Someone knit for me!

See this pretty thing? My Mom knit it for me while she was here. The yarn is a super yummy Misti Alpaca hand dye, color Spanish Rose. It is soft and comfy to wear. I gotta tell ya I love this yarn. I would love to knit a sweater out of it but at $20.00 per skein (220 Yards) I think not. Thank You Mom I love my scarf and will wear it often.

In other Knitting news... MB's sweater is coming along. He asks about a hundred times a day when it will be done. The lesson here is never tell the 3 year old monster that you are knitting them a sweater.

Mom got the first third of MG's poncho knit. I will send it off to GAH as soon as GAL forwards her e-mail address (hint hint)

Hey look a finished object!

Here it is! In all it's glory! Hubby's WCEP hat.(sorry for the bad picture) The yarn is Knit Picks Telemark (I don't remember the color names) 1 ball each color and part of 1 ball of Knit Picks Shine Sport in cream for the lining. The liner turned out very soft and comfy. I used a Knit Picks 16" circ size 4. I need to get a bamboo or wood one for color work. The KP ones are a little slick for this. I love the way it came out. This is the most advanced color work thing I have knit. I can't wait to try more! Have you seen the Autumn Rose Sweater? so beautiful. Don't think I'm up for that just yet.

Now that this is off the WIP pile I can add to it! I need to get at the gift knitting or it will never get done. My supervisor at work VP#2 is pretty good for me and has asked me for a very warm hat with ear flaps. I need to look at some patterns for that. I also want to order the yarn for the Cobblestone Pullover from Fall Interweave Knits. I love the simple design of this sweater and Hubby seems to like the idea. I am thinking it will be a great sweater to take to the Rockies. I hope to have it under the tree. He is bound to see me knitting it but oh well. I can't wait to get started.

MB Tomten is coming along. The hood is a bit short so I will have to add some to it but so far the fit seems good for this fall. I am working on the first sleeve.

Hubby is in a new play at one of the Local theatres. It is a dark and creepy Halloween show The Duchess of Malfie (sp?) Hubby is very good at the creepy roles. Scary good. Can't take the MK's to this one. The show opens the first week in October so if I get the yarn soon enough, maybe he won't see the sweater after all

GAL visit recap

So here is GAL and Future. See MG hiding behind the chair?

We had a really nice visit. There was time for knitting and we shared some patterns.

We played with the doggies. I think Future was pretty tired by the time they went home. MB is a little over enthusiastic in his hugs sometimes. She and Winston get along great. We even saw some kissing going on.

Although her visit was too short we got to spend most of it just hanging out together and talking. We talked about planing a grown up girls weekend for sometime next year. I can't wait!

We miss you GAL come and see us again soon!

HSKS3 Q&A

See post here all is the same! This is a fun swap so far with games and prizes even. I am putting together a kit for a first time sock knitter. I have yarn and some goodies already to go I just need to get the bag going. I have some time.

I am a happy knitter!

Gal is here and for my birthday she got me a ball winder and a swift! Does she know how to make a knitter happy or what? We have been busy sharing patterns and going to yarn shops to pet the yarn. I am sending her home with a large box of yarn for her Charity knitting as well as a book or 2 to barrow.I think she is planing a Log Cabin blanket from MDK to use up her leftover baby yarns. I don't lend out my books often but GAL is special. She is my Mothers twin and a great aunt. I have many fond memories of Gal from growing up and it makes me happy to see her with my Monsters. She and MG have been exercising together. MG just like to be where GAL is. I am glad my little girl has such great women in her life. She is a well loved monster.
MG is also very fond of her GAL 's 4 legged pal Future. Future is a retired guide dog (Mom's first, Yellow Lab with a little pink on her nose) She is a sweet girl and getting on in years. MG knows this and has spent much of the visit tilling MB to be gentle with the old girl. They lay on the floor together and MG whispers in her ear "I love you Future...You are a good girl" It is really rather cute. The MK's are doing their best to be cute love able monsters rather than the crazy naughty kind so its all good.
There will be pictures of GAL's visit( and Future Too) in the next post as well as my answers for HSKS3.