OK -- I am am fully recovered from Stitches. I would have been ready for a report sooner, but with all the yarn I brought home, a cold decided to hop a ride as well.

It was reported to be the largest Knitting Event so far and we even made Channel 5 news and the cover of the San Jose Mercury News. Knitting has hit the big time!

Well I agree it was BIG! There were over 250 vendors and the quality of yarn was better than last year – in my opinion. I don’t recall a long line last year to get in to the Marketplace on Thursday night, but there was…but we did get a sample of Tofutsie while we were waiting.

Everyone was headed one of two places: Raverly, where I got this cute t-shirt

and Blue Moon Fibers Arts. I decide to wait on Blue Moon because I really didn't want to stand in the very long line and if I didn't look right away, I wouldn't know what I had missed. Later I was able to get 3 hanks of Socks that Rock Silkie and was very happy!

This colorway is Puck's Mischief and it so soft. It's 81% superwash merino and 19% silk in their medium weight. Sorry about the photo below. This colorway, Rook-y, was hard to capture. It's from their Raven series and has wonderful highlights.

This is from Blue Moon's site, so you get an idea of the colors.

I pick up my Raverly passport and went around to the various vendors to have it “stamped”. It was a great idea, as I was able to see some great yarn and meet great vendors like Article Pract. I got this neat blocking system there and now I can block my afghan squares.

I took 3 classes: Chart Reading and Writing with JC Briar and her Get Twisted class the same afternoon. She is a great instructor and I got a lot out of her 2 classes. Then Saturday I took Lucy Neatby’s advanced sock class all day. I learned so much, but I have only been knitting 3 years,so it was a little overwhelming. She is amazing and I really enjoyed it.

I did buy more yarn -- 2 more types of sock yarn and 2 hanks for scarves that I'll tell you about them on some other Friday. I actually have been knitting some yarn as well and I am almost finished with some socks that I'll post those this weekend.

Fiber Friday Week 3 (late)

Not ready to post about Stitches yet, but here's something to tide you over!

How great it is to buy gorgeous sock yarn and support a charity as well. This is what I did by purchasing Madelinetosh yarn in Umoja colorway. It is SW Merino - 395 yards. It is spun like Koigu and feels wonderful! The colorway name comes from a Women's Group in Kenya that advocates for, and enables women's empowerment via HIV/Aids health education, children's education, political participation and community action.
Here is the link on Woolgirl where I heard about the charity. or you can directly to here to go directly to the group itself. Isn't it pretty!?

Today Is National Chocolate Mint Day

I am going to Stitches West on Thursday and will be gone through Sunday. Expect a full report when I get back and lots of fiber for Fridays!

Here's a yummy way to celebrate!

Fudgy Minty Brownies

3/4 cup Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
2/3 cup Oil
1/2 cup Water, boiling
2 cups Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/2 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Mint flavoring
1/4 teaspoon Salt
20 Mint patties

Directions:

Stir cocoa and baking soda in mixing bowl, blend in half of the oil, add boiling water; stir until mixture thickens. Stir in sugar, eggs, remaining oil, stir until smooth. Add flour, mintflavoring and salt, blend very well together.

Pour into lightly greased 13 X 9 inch baking pan or two 8 inch sqare pans. Bake at 350 degress F for 35 to 40 minutes for big pan, about 30-32 minutes for two small pans.

While the brownies are still hot, arrange the cream-filled mint patties on top, bake another 3 minutes then spread all evenly around. Let cool, cut into squares.

This recipe from CDKitchen for Fudgy Minty Brownies serves/makes 3 dozen

Fiber Friday Week2

Isn't this delicious? It's called Sugar from Dyelicious Additions in Australia.
It is 75% Superwash Wool and 25% Nylon 4 ply and 187m

Those of you who know me, maybe surprised by this color choice. Maybe Valentine's Day to got me. Now I may make this or this, or this
and I got a little Valentine treat as well -- thanks Kelly!

Fiber Friday Week One

OK -- everyone is oooohing and ahhhhhing over Wollmeise. I have tired to order it during the Loopy Ewe sneak-ups, but have never snagged a skein. I just happend to be on the Wollmeise site when they were updating and managed to order 2 skeins. Look how it comes in the mail all the way from Germany!

Under the sticker they had a mini skein hidden -- adorable. Its "Red Hot Chili ."
Now onto the skeins! I had no idea what I ordered, as everytime I added something to my cart it was "stolen" from me so I just kept adding items and checked out with whatever was remaining. Talk about a crap shoot! I was lucky to get one skein of Sockenwole 80/20 in Suzanne . Its a very generous 510 yards of superwash merino.
This is the same yarn in Vincent colorway. They wash the yarn is something that smells wonderful too......soooo soft.
And they included a little sweet treat and translation of German knitting terms.

New Socks OTN

Wow! I love this Lorna's Laces sock yarn. It is the 3rd of my many new sock yarn purchases. You have already seen my Zen Heart Socks, the sKnitches Syncopation yarn, and this is Lorna's "Edgewater" colorway. Purchased at the Loopy Ewe.

I had a pattern all picked out and I ripped it back to just let the yarn do the talking. Its my usual technique -- nothin' fancy.

I also got some Duet yarn at the Loopy Ewe and some Regia from Raverly "itchyfingers." My Dyelicious Yarn (Sugar) has not come from Australia yet, nor has my Woolmeise from Germany. I also ordered this other fantastic yarn from the Woolgirl. It will have its own blog entry as its something special!

I am going to start a feature called "Fiber Fridays" where I will post some of my new yarns

I can't stop myself!

They are Finished!

These were OTN waaaaay too long. Now that I am in SAM5 (sock-a-month 5), it gave me the push I needed to get them finished.

I got the yarn at Stonebarnfibers.com. The colorway is Blackberry Bramble and it feels like Koigu!


The pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks, called "Baby Cable Rib". I don't have a fancy camera, so I hope this photo does justice to the stitches. They were a toe-up Magic Loop sock, with the afterthought heel.

January SAM5 Socks

I am trying to use up my sock stash, but so far this year I have added 6 to it! You have seen 2 and I got 2 more today and I will post their loveliness soon!

I was glad to finish the Chewy Spaghetti Holiday Club and this is the final shipment called Wintery 2007. You can buy her yarn at http://theloopyewe.com/ -- it is sport weight and knits up fast. This is a basic 2x2 rib, toe-up with the after-thought heel.

Today is National Blueberry Pancake Day

Use fresh or frozen blueberries in this pancake recipe.

INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teasooon salt
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup fresh or frozen thawed blueberries, rinsed

PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff; set aside.In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Beat egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl; add milk and melted butter. Stir egg mixture into dry ingredients; mix until batter is smooth and stir in blueberries. Fold in beaten egg whites. Bake on hot greased griddle. Makes 12 pancakes.

ENJOY!

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Exchange

Topic for Week #2

"There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!"

I knit these bed socks for a friend and I was so proud of them! I had only been knitting for about 1 year and it was really a struggle. Upon opening them she replied (not in a good way) "Great, so now every gift I get from you will be knitted." Now that her daughter has learned to knit she doesn't feel that way.......BTW, they were too small - LOL!

Yarn Pron (as L&V would say)

Well 2 new yarns arrived today. The first is from Simply Sock Co. It is sKNITches Syncopation sock yarn -- colorway is Rugby. It is lovely yarn and soft and squishy. I just happened to log on at the right time because its GONE now!

This yarn below is an early Valentine's present from my hubby so I can have it for V-Day. Our last name is Love and I collect hearts, so these socks are perfect. I haven't done anything like this so it should be interesting.... This is from Woolgirl . Check out the darling heel!

New Dishcloth

I have not knit a dishcloth in a while, and I thought I'd whip one up for my Defeat the Winter Doldrums Swap.

I belong to the Monthly Dishcloth KAL and genius Janet Nogle contributed the pattern.

Dishcloth Exchange Topic 1

Weekly Topic: Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth.

When I am working on mine, it's a dishcloth. When its ratty and old then it a dishrag. Its a face cloth if I am giving it with soap, or made in my bathroom colors for washcloths. Its' all good!

Beat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Exchange Questionaire

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Knit only
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? 7mm 10" straights
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? P and C and S and C
Is there any that you've been wanting to try? Not really
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? Kitchen is black, tan and olive green, bath is blue and purple
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Brights Least favorite? Baby colors
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? I live in Californis, so we don''t really get it too bad
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? Eat chocolate! and knit!
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? I like pinwheel cookies, and Lindor truffles in the red wrapper
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? Both but not green tea
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? I would go back to Italy adnd tour the entire country!
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? No walnuts, mugs or cig smoke

First FO of 2008

MY KLEE SCARF IS DONE!
It took me way to long to finish this thing! It is gorgeous yarn to knit with and its cashmere and so it feels wonderful around my next. Now I am off as I have a fingerless glove to finish.

New Socks OTN

I have joined a new KAL http://sockamonthkal5.blogspot.com/ which will hopefully inspire me to knit a pair of socks a month.

Above is my progress using my last Chewy Spaghetti club yarn, Wintery 2007. This will be a basic stockinette pattern with the afterthought heel. MAgic Loop technique and toe-up (such a rebel!)

Defeat the Winter Doldrums SWAP

As you all know, I love SWAPs and here is the link to one of my favorites. The commitment is not overwhelming and what could be better than a handmade item, yarn and soap! Check it out!
http://dishclothexchange.blogspot.com/

So you all know how it goes...Your friend wants you to go to the LYS with her. Now, you don't really need anything but some how you find something your have to make . Here is mine!

The shop was offering a free pattern with purchase -- Araucania Copihue yarn, colorway 910. It is yummy super-fine alpaca. I had to modify the original pattern to fit my hand and the photo reflects the third try.

It is a gift for me!

Noro Hat is Finished

Thank goodnesss this was a gift for someone with a bigger head than mine. When I make it for my head (yes I had guage) I will use 6 and 7 needles instead of 7 and 8 needles. I even made it 4 rows shorter and I almost ran out of yarn.....


This is from the first One-Skein Wonder book -- "Ela's Favorite Hat". The yarn is Noro's Silk Garden in colorway 251 --I hope my friend likes it!

Thankful 2007 Complete

I have finished my Chewy Spaghetti Thankful 2007 socks as of the 7th and just positng. This pattern is from Sensational Kniited Socks:

Row 1: K2 P2
Row 2: K all

Klee Scarf Update

Joan in Canada asked for an update of my Klee scarf I have had OTN too long. Here you go Joan!

One Down, One to Go

OK -- One down and one to go before I get my Christmas shipment. I have been trying to keep up with my sock clubs and not get too much stash!
I think this "Thankful 2007" colorway by Chewy Spaghetti is growing on me --I like how it knitted up. I already have the toe finished on the second sock and working my way to the heel. I hope to get in finished this week!
I have also really been working on my Klee scarf and gaining a lot of ground. It should be 102 inches long, so I still have quite a ways to go........

Yarn Pron

On the left is my Yarn Booty from the Yarn Pirate --"Soltice"

In the middle is my purchase from The Loopy Ewe from Chewy Spaghetti is a sport weight in colorway "Debonair"

On the right is from the Yarn Chef in "Starry Night" with a cute little star stitch marker and recipe!

New Socks OTN!

New Socks OTN -- My second installment of the Chewy Spaghetti Holiday Sock Club. (remember the Spooky Socks?)


This colorway is called Thankful 2007 and the colors a very East-Coast fall. Reminds me actually of the 4th of July.....


Doing a Basic Broken Rib pattern , toe-up, and probabaly an after-thought heel.

Misti Alpaca Chunky Scarf

Finished! This was such a fun easy project!

This would make a great gift. I may do this for my sons' girlfriends!

I meet a couple of friends on Saturday mornings to knit for a few hours at a local coffee shop.

Yesterday my friend Carol brought this gorgeous scarf she was working on. It was so pretty and soft and so guess where I went after coffee? I proceeded to my LYS and bought the skein of Misti Alpaca Chunky to make it.

Here's the link for the pattern "Misti Chunky Ribs and Ruffles Scarf: http://www.mistialpaca.com/index.php?menu=14&page=0

Spooky Socks

I don't think I would have chosen the colorway, but its part of a Holiday Sock Club and these are for Halloween. I will get another shipment for Thanksgiving and Christmas too!

They were quick to knit up and its lovely yarn from Chewy Spaghetti on Etsy, Colorway "Spooky"

New Socks

OK -- a pair finished last night.

Love this Regia Stretch Stripes in colors #82 that I got from my Dog Days of Summer Partner, Pat.

Fall Into Autum Swap Partner

Linh is the best. Check out my project bag with socks from my blog! How cute is that?!! Plus sock yarn and 2 cloths, skeletons (my fav) sock yarn, and mug candle, and 2 leaf votive holders, soap, and a sock key chain. Darling --- thanks so much!

Topic of the Week 3

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

Well the heat dies down and althought mid-day is warmer, the mornings and evenings are cool and crsip. I also like flannel sheets and jammies, sweater and socks. We have fires and football!

Fingerless Gloves

No fingers, but I thumb. My first thumb gusset. This is the first glove I did and the second one came out better. I am contemplating ripping out the first thumb and redoing it.....

This is Artyarns Supermerino color 123.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK 2

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

I use my Bryspun #7 straights. They have a great point to pick up cotton yarn with. I love Sugar and Cream and Peaches and Cream and I have a ton of it! Peaches and Cream has better colorways I feel so I guess that would be my fav!

Went to the Stitch and Pitch yesterday and here's my awesome goodie!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK 1

Topic
Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?

Living in California, we don't get the drastic change in the seasons but I tend to knit more with wool and things that make you want to sit by the fire and knit. I just brought out a sweater I had OTN as it was too hot to lay across my lap. I knitted socks this summer and now I get to wear them!

My new sock from my Dog Days of Summer Swap partner, Pat. This fun sock is Regia Stretch Color in color 82. Nothin' fancy, just a a plain knit sock, toe-up with a short-row heel. I didn't think it needed a pattern as the yarn itself is busy.

Fall into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it? A little over 2 years

2. Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? Yes, all of the above

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before? Like all cotton yarn so far – I like bright colors better than pastels.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I use all and everything!

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much? BRIGHTS!

6. What do you like best about Autumn? Smells, food, the cool crispness of the air, fires and hot cocoa snuggly blankets…..

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! NO PIES!

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? I couldn’t wait!

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap). Yes, but not a fan of candy corn – oh and I love skeletons!

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? York Peppermint Pattys, Biscotti, and chocolate of any kind.

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;) I have a cat and 2 teenage boys and yes a hubby too!

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Well according to that blog quiz going around, I am Merino!

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? Dishcloths

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) I love Thanksgiving. I even have Thanksgiving China – love lil turkeys and make my own cranberry relish. Being with family is the best!

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? Please no walnuts or cigarette smoke

Finished!

These are my socks form the Afterthought Heel Class I took last month. It was a lot of fun and I learned some new things. This is Sockotta yarn in a cotton blend.

Homestate SWAP Box Arrived!

Wow did I get spoiled! Nhel sent some awesome goodies, gummies, a tine of yummy mints, some Texas Death Sauce” (that my husband stole already), a candle, a darling notebook, “Don’t Mess With Texas” toothpick holder, 2 beautiful sock patterns,
A San Antonio spoon rest, handmade note cards, scissors, and a calendar with photos of her home state, size 4 DPNS, and then there’s the yarn!

I got some soft and squishy Patons, I hank of Mountain Colors, and 2 hanks of Jitterbug. Nhel, I was overwhelmed with your generosity. These are absolutely stunning, the colors perfect, and I love EVERYTHING! Thanks so much!

My Under Cover Club Prize

I have never won a blog contest until now. The Yarn Grove (www.theyarngrove.com)

has an Under Cover Club I am in, and they had a contest to the participants of the KAL, and my name was pulled.

This is gorgeous yarn from J. Knits - superwash Merino in "Reno".

I can't wait to cast it on!

Thanks so much Yarn Grove!!!

My Dog Days of Summer Package Came!

Thanks to my Dog Dogs of Summer partner PAT!

I got Regia sock yarn (which I have used and love), a Fiber Trends sock pattern, chocolate covered Altoids (yum), DPN needle holders, Bronnner's Lavender soap, and a dishcloth made with this cool yarn I have never seen called Kapple in cotton. It is soft and squishy...

I love your card you enclosed with your comments and description -- I have it on my desk to gaze at the lovely photograph!

I love everything -- you did such a great job!

Dog Days of Summer Contest Answers

I love my felted clogs I made. I wear them every day! It is a fiber trends pattern.

Check out this lovely canopy shawl on Melanie's blog. This would be fun to make.

http://theoneknitwonder.blog-city.com/

I am taking a new sock class. Toe-up with an after-thought heel. I already make my socks toe-up, but never with DPNS. I dont care for this toe, as you start with a stockinette rectangle and pick up stitches around all sides. Mine looks messy. Maybe it will get better with practice.

This is Sockotta #06

Another Pair Complete

Yep -- another pair finished and off my Summer Stash-Out list. This is Lang Super Soxx from www.ramswool.com/. It is done toe-up with Magic Loop. turkish cast-on.
The rib pattern for the leg is a k2, p2 one row and then k all for the second, alternating the 2 rows. Stitich pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks.


Very appropriate to finish wool socks when it's 90 degrees out!

Here's the latest Fun Dishcloth KAL. I like how it turned out and it was perfect with the color I chose in S & C.

Here is my first block for the "Under Cover Club" I love this pattern. It isn't blocked yet so it will look more even eventually.

I think this color is called willow and its lovely.

Under Cover Club

Here is my birthday present from my DH. It is the first of 7 installments of the "Under Cover" club. Like a sock club, you get great organic (super soft) wool, 2 patterns to knit 2 12x12 blocks, and a goodie. The patterns come in a folder with page protectors to keep them safe and clean. By the end of 7 months, you will have enough for a "cover". Check it out at www.yarngrove.com

BTW -- My birthday is not until the 15th! I can't wait that long to cast-on!