The Guide part 2

Big Bang Burger Bar

The Big Bang Burger is the restaurant at the beginning of the Universe.Thus the name Big Bang.

Milliway's

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "The Universe as we know it has now been in existence for over one hundred and seventy thousand million billion years and will be ending in a little over half an hour. So, welcome one and all to Milliway's, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe!"

from:"The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" Douglas Adams

Birthday Shop Promo

In honor of my birthday I will be having a promotion in the shop. Each order will come with a free custom knitting bag id tag! Just leave your info in the note box if you want something other than your address on it. Each order will also come with one of Bunky's all natural lip balms. So 2 little gifts for you to celebrate my birthday. This offer is good from today (04/29/08) through May 4th. So go check out the yarns and get a little something extra.

Lookie what I got!

The Lovely MS.B of Bockstark Knits was kind enough to pick me up some Wollmeise sock yarn. It arrived today from Germany. Isn't it pretty? I had been trying to order some every since SP11 when Ms. B gifted me some. It sells out very fast so I never had any luck. Then Ms. B said she would pick it up for me. I love it! Thank you so much!

Weekend update

Well I have had a cold all weekend. The up and down with the weather always does this to me. I would guess that 2 trips to the park yesterday didn't help me much. I did get the kids up and out to sign up for swimming lessons. They start the first week of June. Their last lesson will be the day we leave for Colorado. The pool at the condo is heated so I told them they could swim while I knit socks by the pool everyday we are out there. I know poor me stuck poolside in the mountains for a week with nothing to do but knit socks. I will try to endure it hehehe.

Today I hope to get out to Home Depot and pick out paint for the family room. I want to get it done. The way it looks now is really starting to bug me. We plan to pick the colors and pay for it with GWB's "try to make you feel better cuz I screwed up the country bad"$$ after that the rest will pay the last of the winter heating bills so I get to give it right back to him. Nice.

I did finish a sock yesterday. I have to graft the toe.

My birthday is next weekend. So to celebrate I am going to have a sale in the shop starting Tuesday See tomorrow's post for details.

The Guide

Hurling Frootmig

Founder of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Babel Fish


"The Babel fish is small, yellow and leech-like, and probably the oddest thing in the Universe. It feeds on brainwave energy received not from its own carrier but from those around it. It absorbs all unconscious mental frequencies from this brainwave energy to nourish itself with. It then excretes into the mind of its carrier a telepathic matrix formed by combining the conscious thought frequencies with nerve signals picked up from the speech centres of the brain which has supplied them. The practical upshot of all this is that if you stick a Babel fish in your ear you can instantly understand anything said to you in any form of language."--Douglas Adams

Vogon Poetry

Know as the third worst in the Galaxy

More to come.

and if you are going out this weekend: don't forget your towel.

Don't Panic!

So have you guessed what the new yarns are based on? I love to read and have many books that I read over and over again. One of these is The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. I love Adams story telling and well... it's pretty funny. So I have based all the new colorways on people, places and things from the Hitchhikers Guide series. Fun right? New colorways to come include: The Guide, Vogon poetry,Bable fish, and Zaphods other head. I am doing the new colors on sock yarn but all of these will be repeatable so if you want dk,sport or worsted let me know. I love to do special orders for people!

There will be some pictures later today after I have rewound everything. Stay tuned!

Meet Arthur Dent

Here is the BMFA Rainforest Jasper sock. The color is beautiful. I hope Les likes them. I have finished the gusset.

sorry about the bad photo of the new yarn. I need to get a new battery for the good one(I think, it just would not turn on today)

This colorway is called Arthur Dent. You see where I'm going with this? I have "The Guide" in the pot now. Care to guess what I based the new line on?

This and that

I tried to match the Sweeney Todd colorway yesterday. It did not happen, I think I have the wrong color brown and the red was not really blood red more like wine. I do like the new colorway though and think I will keep it. Pictures later today when it is dry. I listed the Stonehenge lace weight yesterday as one lot (1700+ yards). It is so pretty. I hope someone buys it and knits a beautiful shawl or something. I am not much of a lace knitter myself, But I know this color would make pretty lace. I will also be listing 2 skeins of merino sock yarn in this color!

It is so nice here today. MB and I were out all morning and are going to the park it a little bit. I think he is allergic to the same spring pollen type thing that gets me. He has a runny nose but everything else is fine. I hate the thought of putting him through all those test to determine just what it is he is allergic to. He does not seem to care much. He just wipes his nose and off he goes again. Ah to be a kid...

In knitting news the first Rainforest Jasper sock is working up fast. I got the heel done last night during Idol and should get most of the foot done tonight. I am making these for Les. (shh GAL don't tell. they are for Christmas). I will have a picture later today. The color reminds me of a Jasper pendant my Mom has. The red sweater is on hold for now. Now that it is warm out I have no desire to knit a heavy sweater. I am hoping to knit up most of my Christmas gifts this summer so I can knit whatever I live next fall. I don't really like to leave the gift knitting to the fall, I never get it done. I was smart this year and have started or finished gifts for folks who did not get hand knits last year.

Spinning?... Yeah well I have not spent much time with it for the last week or so. I really need help with my drafting. I am taking Zaphod to Knit Night this week to show some of the gals and I'm gonna get a few pointers while I'm at it.

And just a bit about Idol... Andrew Loydd Weber?!?! anyway that aside why did most of these people pick the worst songs ever! Jason I'm looking at you! and Brooke dear I like you but I think it may be you tonight Honey. Sorry. I liked Carly, You Rock Girl! And David Cook. It was cool to see him just sing something, and the idea of him playing that role is interesting. I would like to see someone do that role in a new way. For the record as of right now Hubby and I pick David A to win. He's young,sweet and can sing anything. He fits the mold too.

Have you been watching this new reality show called the Democratic Primary? Boy it just keeps getting better and better. The pundits are running out of ways to ask the same questions over and over. I find it highly entertaining. I keep thinking Obama is going to close it up but it just doesn't happen. I hope Bill can keep his smart mouth in check and help Hillary win. But truth be told I have no idea how this ones gonna end. Either way and people are going to be unhappy. On the other hand I don't see how John McCain can win the general because he is offering 4 more years of Bush and what sane person wants that?

Well I think I have babbled on enough for one day...To the park!

Mostly Harmless

Here is one of the test skeins for the new line. The base yarn here is 100% merino 412 yards fingering weight. Colorway to be named later. The sun washes it our a little. The color goes from deep royal purple to a rich wine color. I am changing my sock yarn base to a wool/nylon blend. It has not come in yet so it may take some time. I hope it comes in soon. In the mean time I have a pound of merino left I plan to do up in the Sweeney Todd colorway. I am using new dyes so it is always hard to match, but I intend to try. I want one for myself. I also have a 1500 yard hank of the laceweight I did up in Stonehenge to put up. I just have not had the will to rehank it yet. I am thinking of selling it as one lot so someone could make a nice shawl or something.

So why is the title of this post Mostly Harmless? A little clue as to whats coming...

Weekend Round Up

With all the bad weather last week this weekend was a blessing. Sunny and warm both days. The dogs got some much needed play time outside and so did the MK's. MB got a new bike. He is doing pretty well. He needs practice. I have the body of the red sweater done. This baby is not going to be for me. It is too big. I do know who it will fit though so no worries. hehehehe.

My tax $$ splurge was 2 skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. I am knitting the Rainforest Jasper now. I am getting stripes. I love that. The black is Rauen. It is hard to get the color of this one. Black with reds and rusts. I want to make that one into a scarf to go with my leather jacket.

oh and I had my hair cut. Just up to my chin.

Dear Mother Nature Part 2

Thank You so much for the nice weekend. The MK's and dogs are very happy to be outside. I am off to enjoy the sunshine.

Dear Mother Nature...

Please stop raining. My yard is one big mud pit, the MK's are stuck in the house and the dogs would really like to lay in the sunshine. Please? We had one good day and I got a little yard work done but I have lots more to do. Monster Boy wants to help me get the garden cleaned out so maybe we can plant some veggies. I am trying to be Eco friendly for you maybe you could help me out a little?
Thank You

Stuff

The new dyes arrived today! I hope to get started in the morning.
I have somehow been talked into being the VP of the PTO at MG's school. They had no one else and all but begged me to do it. I wonder what I am in for...

The EZ sweater is coming along. Nothing to show really, about 8" of body so far. I have picked up the Monkey socks again and will knit on those tonight. Maybe I can get the first foot done while I wait to see who gets the boot from Idol.

As for other shop news... I sent Mom some lip balm to see how she likes it. If it goes over well I am going to add it to my shop. Also stay tuned for details of the sale I am going to have for my birthday. Sale yarn and maybe a contest!

Too much time on my hands?

See what I will do with a little time on my hands? I ordered a kit to make my own all natural lip balm. It has a hint of peppermint. I have been using it for a few days now and I really like it. I am thinking of putting some up in the shop. If you order some yarn you may find one in your package.

In case you want to know.

Ingredients: Beeswax, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil

Back to life

Well everyone is home now. The dogs went a little nuts when Hubby came in but all is well. The MK's are all tan and wishing it was warm here. MG was walking around last night in her pj's and new cowgirl boots. MIL got me a pair of boots too! She knows I love boots so she and Hubby picked out a nice light brown pair for me.

Hubby said MIL and Sfil were so happy that Hubby brought the kids to visit her. She won't be able to make the long drive by herself this summer and Sfil was afraid she would never see her grandkids. I think we will have to make this trip every spring for a while. I feel better knowing she is not driving cross country to see us.

As to my knitting... I cast on a sweater yesterday. I am using EZ Raglan pattern. I got 2 inches of body so far.

In BunkyBoBo's news... I ordered my new dyes and some base yarns so I should have new repeatable colorways by May. I can't wait to get started.

I am off to a wedding shower brunch with MG today for my Step Sister in law ( hubbys Dads step daughter) boy that's a mouthful. I made her some soap and a knit facecloth. I also got her an all natural lip balm and some other bath goodies. MG is very excited to go with me. We are going to find her some jeans after the brunch. Yeah for Mommy time! On Monday I will take MB out to lunch so he gets some too. Little guy has hardly let me go since he's been home.
Vacation and time away from the kids was nice and all but I am glad to have my little family backtogether. I think last night was the first night Winston has slept well...curled up with MG...its good to be home...

I finished something

Here is the Fire Cowl. I like it. Toasty and warm.

I liked it so much I started another one for Mom. Not gonna show you. Sorry Mom...

The yarn here is Jitterbug, colorway Fire. The yardage is a little short for socks I thought but this worked out great. I love the Eye of the Partridge. It breaks up the color of the yarn just a bit. The color here is not the best. We have had no sun for 3 days now.

MK's and Hubby are on the road and due home late tonight. I got all the beds cleaned and remade and now it is on to the bathroom.

Sweet Home Chicago

Well Toph and I made it home late Wednesday night ahead of the rain. We had a great time with Mom and Dad. I spent about 1/3 of my time wiping up pee but that is a tale for another day. Mom got some cute dog pictures I will share later.

It was a pretty mellow trip. I got to see my friend Amy, who I had not really talked to in a year. It was good to reconnect to her. We understand each other in a way long friendship builds.

I had Lunch with my friend Troll from my camp days. I had not seen her for about 17 years. It is funny how some things are unchanged by time. We had a great time talking about all sorts of things over lunch. We were so busy yakking I forgot to ask her what she was knitting. She and her Husband are expecting a baby late this summer. I am feeling the urge to knit something tiny.

I did not but any yarn or even look at much while I was there. I was just enjoying being with my folks and hanging out. I like when we can just be together. Good for the soul.

The MK's and Hubby are having a great time in TX. From what I can tell everything is going well. They are due home tomorrow night.

The dogs are very happy to be back together. Mom and Dad will be happy to know she has only pee'd in the house once, right when Winston came home.

Today I am going to return my rental car and clean the house. I filled my first bobbin last night so tonight I will start a new one. I hope to get the whole bobbin spun up before everyone gets home.

Regular blogging will resume tomorrow. I have an FO!

Odds and ends

I ordered yarn for the new line last night at Miss V's. I always have the best time out there. So funny. I ache from laughing by the time I get home.

The Hitchhiker and I are making friends now. I think I will call him Zaphod. Seem to fit. I have pretty much filled the first bobbin. When I bought the wheel I got a gift cert for some fiber. So I ordered 8oz of really pretty Merino top that came yesterday. It is so pretty I am almost afraid to try to spin it. I am trying to get good pictures of it.

I am super excited to get to Chicago land and see my family and friends. There will be yarn shopping I am sure. I have been knitting up sock yarn lately and need to add to the stash. I am also on the hunt for yarn for a sweater for MG and for myself. We shall see.

I am not sure if there will be remote blogging from Moms or not. If not post will be a little thin around here next week.

Happy Spring Break to all!

Packing part 2

"No Monster Boy you do not need to pack the sheets from your bed and 4 bath towels. Mamaw has sheets and towels"

" But Mom, I want my duckie sheets!" Stomps around the room chanting "Duckie sheets, Duckie Sheets!"

" Monster Boy" says Mom (trying hard to remember that we do not in fact eat our young...)
"why don't you take your Duckie pillow in the car instead?"
MB is jumping up and down chanting " Pillow, Pillow!"

Five minutes after this I find one of MB's stuffed dogs in my bag. "So you don"t miss me so bad" says MB
Gotta love that kid

Packing

As I pack stuff for Hubby and the MK's trip Hubby keeps asking me "do we need that?" Yes dear you need that. Trust me when you are at hour 5 of the 16 hour drive and MB spills his bottle of water all over himself you will be glad I packed a towel and extra water in the car. Yes you will need sunscreen, swim suits, pool shoes and floaties because the kids will want to swim as soon as they get out of the car.
Trust me when I tell you, you need the paper,markers,books and games I've packed it is a 16 hour drive. Oh and Honey... I packed you some Tylenol. You know just in case.

Wound up

As you can see I have over spun my single just a little. I have not gotten the tension quite right again. It has to be reset every time I move the wheel. I gave the whole thing a good oiling so maybe he will settle down now. I am having great fun with it when I can keep Toph from trying to attack it. The fiber I'm using came from Miss V's stash sale. I believe it to be bfl but I could be wrong. There are a good many dog hairs spun in to but I have been told this reinforces the yarn.

As for knitting... Well I started another pair of socks. The Dream in Color was just screaming to be knit. I am doing Embossed St from More SKS. Very pretty. I am also working on a cowl in sock yarn. Another KISS project, eye of partridge stitch in the round with a little rolled edge. Very pretty in the Fire colorway. (yarn is Jitterbug) The slipped stitches keep the color from pooling too much. I will be nice and warm for someone next winter. I saw a shawl in this pattern online some where that was knit flat but I am lazy so I'm doing mine in the round. Pretty no?

wtf

I woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground. April Fool indeed...