Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Where everybody knows your name...
I am back from a QUICK trip in Washington DC and had a BLAST!!
My day started out in Knit Happens, an adorable LYS in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
It has a Cheers feeling in there. Everyone is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Thank you Rossana, Stephanie, and Holly for making feel so welcome! I started yet another Wendy Johnson Toe Up with Neighborhood Fiber Co (a DC dyer) in Capitol Hill. People were not just customers in Knit Happens but friends hanging out sharing their personal lives with one another and knitting. I'm definitely going back for a visit!
A few hours later, Amy and I were enroute to the brand new DC Nationals' stadium for Stitch and Pitch. This was the first time I have EVER seen any political statements at a BASEBALL game...
The Tim Russert tribute during game was moving. Everyone stopped to wave hats and or needles.
I was really impressed with the amount of sock knitters in the vicinity. There were folks doing toe up and cuff down socks on both sides and behind me!
Guess who else was enjoying the game??? At about the 6th or 7th inning, I hear, "That's my yarn!" At the end of the row, is Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Co. She dyes fantastic colourways and names them after neighborhoods in DC. I could not pass on the oppurtunity of snapping a photo of sock in progress with the person who had dyed it! If you are not in DC/Alexandria area, don't fret. You too can get your hands on Karida's lovely creations SOON at the Loopy Ewe.
Speaking of the Loopy Ewe....someone please help me from buying something this week please!
My day started out in Knit Happens, an adorable LYS in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
It has a Cheers feeling in there. Everyone is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Thank you Rossana, Stephanie, and Holly for making feel so welcome! I started yet another Wendy Johnson Toe Up with Neighborhood Fiber Co (a DC dyer) in Capitol Hill. People were not just customers in Knit Happens but friends hanging out sharing their personal lives with one another and knitting. I'm definitely going back for a visit!
A few hours later, Amy and I were enroute to the brand new DC Nationals' stadium for Stitch and Pitch. This was the first time I have EVER seen any political statements at a BASEBALL game...
The Tim Russert tribute during game was moving. Everyone stopped to wave hats and or needles.
I was really impressed with the amount of sock knitters in the vicinity. There were folks doing toe up and cuff down socks on both sides and behind me!
Guess who else was enjoying the game??? At about the 6th or 7th inning, I hear, "That's my yarn!" At the end of the row, is Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Co. She dyes fantastic colourways and names them after neighborhoods in DC. I could not pass on the oppurtunity of snapping a photo of sock in progress with the person who had dyed it! If you are not in DC/Alexandria area, don't fret. You too can get your hands on Karida's lovely creations SOON at the Loopy Ewe.
Speaking of the Loopy Ewe....someone please help me from buying something this week please!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Meme
I don't usually do these things (I'm kind of shy) but it looked kind of fun. I was tagged by Amy (fellow Spring Flinger).
The rules:
Rules of the game are posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
A: I came home to the US to live and work.
2.What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order)?
A: Laundry, book my flight to DC, shower, start another pair of socks from my stash, read
3. Snacks I enjoy?
A: Grapes, celery, carrots, raisins, almonds, and sunflower seeds
4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire?
A: Nothing different from what I am doing now: traveling and knitting.
5. Places I have lived?
A: Houston, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Limeira, SP, Brazil, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil, Salvador, BA, Brazil
6. Jobs I've had?
A: I've waited tables, taught English, worked LOTS of retail and worked as an interpreter of Spanish and Portuguese.
7. Peeps I want to know more about?
A: Claire,Sarah, Lynda,Kellie, Carmen, Mo, Stacy
The rules:
Rules of the game are posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
A: I came home to the US to live and work.
2.What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order)?
A: Laundry, book my flight to DC, shower, start another pair of socks from my stash, read
3. Snacks I enjoy?
A: Grapes, celery, carrots, raisins, almonds, and sunflower seeds
4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire?
A: Nothing different from what I am doing now: traveling and knitting.
5. Places I have lived?
A: Houston, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Limeira, SP, Brazil, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil, Salvador, BA, Brazil
6. Jobs I've had?
A: I've waited tables, taught English, worked LOTS of retail and worked as an interpreter of Spanish and Portuguese.
7. Peeps I want to know more about?
A: Claire,Sarah, Lynda,Kellie, Carmen, Mo, Stacy
Really, is it June??
May was a busy, busy month. New Orleans was a GREAT time. As always, Stevie Wonder puts on a spectacular show.
Stevie and his daughter, Aisha before the show started...and it POURED...The rain did not stop me from dancing and singing along for the duration of the show!
The next day, I ran around the French Quarter for a cup of coffee and the Quarter Stitch. I can't just GO somewhere and NOT buy some fiber-goodness!
The Quarter Stitch is an adorable knitting store a block from Jackson Square. The ladies that own in are rather friendly and helpful.
Every purchase you make is wrapped in bright tissue and ribbon as such:
These are a couple skeins of worsted Malabrigo in violetas that I bought for my swap partner in Portugal. Hopefully, she likes it...
Because the flights were so full going to and from New Orleans, I chose to drive (actually be a passenger because I hate driving). So, I managed to finish one toe up-no purl Monkey.
Now, if only I can finish its partner...
At the end of the month, I went to St. Louis for Stitch and Pitch. I had planned to revisit Sheri at the Loopy Ewe and do a yarn crawl around St. Louis before the game.
Unfortunately, my buddy, Greg and I had a falling out of sorts. So, that left me on my own, carless. The falling out aside, I had a great time. My name was entered in a drawing to go on the field during batting practice and I WON!
This would be Tony LaRussa (the Cardinals' manager) and Mike Shannon interviewing him.
I started the mate of some toe ups by Wendy Johnson.
Knitters to left, knitters to the right...It was BLISS!
I was running up to grab a beer and ran into Jennifer (who used to frequent the Houston Stitch and Bitch and lives in St. Louis).
I finished the my toe ups a couple of weeks ago. I used a size 1, Duets' Sock Yarn Middy in Aubergine Willow
I started 2 more pairs of Wendy Johnson's plain toe up socks with gusset heel. Good ole stockinette is the best for watching movies, baseball, work....
This is Claudia Handpaints Purple Earth worked on a size 1.
This is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Jungle Stripe. Now, since I have a BUNCH (i.e. 3 skeins), I decided to make knee highs. We'll see how the shaping goes for the calf... Oh, the cute bag you see was acquired from SewBendy. Actually, I wound up with two of these adorable bags in a matter of two weeks. I love the fact that I can stand in line anywhere, knit, and not have to fiddle with yarn and notions falling out. Thanks Staci for the recommendation!
Tomorrow, I am off for Stitch and Pitch in Washington DC. Off to pack...
Stevie and his daughter, Aisha before the show started...and it POURED...The rain did not stop me from dancing and singing along for the duration of the show!
The next day, I ran around the French Quarter for a cup of coffee and the Quarter Stitch. I can't just GO somewhere and NOT buy some fiber-goodness!
The Quarter Stitch is an adorable knitting store a block from Jackson Square. The ladies that own in are rather friendly and helpful.
Every purchase you make is wrapped in bright tissue and ribbon as such:
These are a couple skeins of worsted Malabrigo in violetas that I bought for my swap partner in Portugal. Hopefully, she likes it...
Because the flights were so full going to and from New Orleans, I chose to drive (actually be a passenger because I hate driving). So, I managed to finish one toe up-no purl Monkey.
Now, if only I can finish its partner...
At the end of the month, I went to St. Louis for Stitch and Pitch. I had planned to revisit Sheri at the Loopy Ewe and do a yarn crawl around St. Louis before the game.
Unfortunately, my buddy, Greg and I had a falling out of sorts. So, that left me on my own, carless. The falling out aside, I had a great time. My name was entered in a drawing to go on the field during batting practice and I WON!
This would be Tony LaRussa (the Cardinals' manager) and Mike Shannon interviewing him.
I started the mate of some toe ups by Wendy Johnson.
Knitters to left, knitters to the right...It was BLISS!
I was running up to grab a beer and ran into Jennifer (who used to frequent the Houston Stitch and Bitch and lives in St. Louis).
I finished the my toe ups a couple of weeks ago. I used a size 1, Duets' Sock Yarn Middy in Aubergine Willow
I started 2 more pairs of Wendy Johnson's plain toe up socks with gusset heel. Good ole stockinette is the best for watching movies, baseball, work....
This is Claudia Handpaints Purple Earth worked on a size 1.
This is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Jungle Stripe. Now, since I have a BUNCH (i.e. 3 skeins), I decided to make knee highs. We'll see how the shaping goes for the calf... Oh, the cute bag you see was acquired from SewBendy. Actually, I wound up with two of these adorable bags in a matter of two weeks. I love the fact that I can stand in line anywhere, knit, and not have to fiddle with yarn and notions falling out. Thanks Staci for the recommendation!
Tomorrow, I am off for Stitch and Pitch in Washington DC. Off to pack...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Spring Fling
What a weekend! I have never made 60+ instant friends in one weekend. The Loopy Ewe Spring Fling was truly lots of fun and SO well organized! Sheri and her elves REALLY out did themselves. I was truly impressed and happy how the weekend went. I still can't believe it is over.
Upon checking in Thursday, we were given a lovely Loopy goodie bag with fabulous contents: a skein of the infamous Wollmeise (BTW,Claudia came all the way from Germany for this event!), a Cookie A pattern, a Wendy Knits pattern, a RED Loopy Ewe coffee mug, Everything Balm, and a couple of sampler skeins and pattern from Claudia Handpaints and Cherry Tree Hill.
My Friday consisted of a class in the morning with Wendy. I learned how to cast on using Judy's Magic Cast On. Prior to taking this class, I have been averse to toe up socks because I found the toe a tad messy looking (I used the figure 8 method). But now....WOW! I am totally a toe up convert! Thanks Wendy! After lunch, I took a class from Cookie A. She taught us how to go about designing a sock. After taking her class, it isn't that difficult, really.
Friday afternoon, I finished my garter rib socks.
A closeup shot on the detail. These were a quick knit. I'm contemplating doing these toe up!
With the newly acquired knowledge of Judy's Magic Cast On, I started a pair of toe up, no purl Monkey's in Cherry Tree Hill's Monet. I'm loving how I can try it on whenever I want to check for fit!
Saturday, I visited Loopy Central. Wow, Loopy Central has grown since it was in Sheri's basement!
Ahem, more additions to my stash.
Saturday night consisted of more knitting and a lovely tour all the floors of the hotel where we were staying. Ah yes...I forgot to mention the other events taking place in addition to the Spring Fling: a mini-liquor convention and a children's beauty pagent. Surprisingly enough, the liquor convention attendees were tame. Now, the parents of the children's beauty pagent...Well, let's just say, it was very,very,very sad, disturbing, and seemed to me, borderline child exploitation. These folks decorated the outside of their doors at the hotel. Some doors actually had BASKETS of candy for other hotel patrons.
I don't know which was worse: actually SEEING these scantily clad two year olds with caked on makeup for the swimsuit competition or photos of these kids. Either way it gave me the heebies.
Sunday afternoon, I caught a Cardninals/Astros baseball game with Amy. The Cards won 5-1!
I have been home for a couple of days and am running around trying to get everything done before I leave tomorrow morning for New Orleans. Please don't let it RAIN!!
Swaps...I am involved in more swaps than I can shake a stick at! I received some lovely goodies from Keri at the Spring Fling. Upon arrival from St. Louis, I had a box waiting for me from Jessi (Caffeine addicts group on Ravelry). I will post more photos and details when I get back. Off to pack my bags for NOLA!
Upon checking in Thursday, we were given a lovely Loopy goodie bag with fabulous contents: a skein of the infamous Wollmeise (BTW,Claudia came all the way from Germany for this event!), a Cookie A pattern, a Wendy Knits pattern, a RED Loopy Ewe coffee mug, Everything Balm, and a couple of sampler skeins and pattern from Claudia Handpaints and Cherry Tree Hill.
My Friday consisted of a class in the morning with Wendy. I learned how to cast on using Judy's Magic Cast On. Prior to taking this class, I have been averse to toe up socks because I found the toe a tad messy looking (I used the figure 8 method). But now....WOW! I am totally a toe up convert! Thanks Wendy! After lunch, I took a class from Cookie A. She taught us how to go about designing a sock. After taking her class, it isn't that difficult, really.
Friday afternoon, I finished my garter rib socks.
A closeup shot on the detail. These were a quick knit. I'm contemplating doing these toe up!
With the newly acquired knowledge of Judy's Magic Cast On, I started a pair of toe up, no purl Monkey's in Cherry Tree Hill's Monet. I'm loving how I can try it on whenever I want to check for fit!
Saturday, I visited Loopy Central. Wow, Loopy Central has grown since it was in Sheri's basement!
Ahem, more additions to my stash.
Saturday night consisted of more knitting and a lovely tour all the floors of the hotel where we were staying. Ah yes...I forgot to mention the other events taking place in addition to the Spring Fling: a mini-liquor convention and a children's beauty pagent. Surprisingly enough, the liquor convention attendees were tame. Now, the parents of the children's beauty pagent...Well, let's just say, it was very,very,very sad, disturbing, and seemed to me, borderline child exploitation. These folks decorated the outside of their doors at the hotel. Some doors actually had BASKETS of candy for other hotel patrons.
I don't know which was worse: actually SEEING these scantily clad two year olds with caked on makeup for the swimsuit competition or photos of these kids. Either way it gave me the heebies.
Sunday afternoon, I caught a Cardninals/Astros baseball game with Amy. The Cards won 5-1!
I have been home for a couple of days and am running around trying to get everything done before I leave tomorrow morning for New Orleans. Please don't let it RAIN!!
Swaps...I am involved in more swaps than I can shake a stick at! I received some lovely goodies from Keri at the Spring Fling. Upon arrival from St. Louis, I had a box waiting for me from Jessi (Caffeine addicts group on Ravelry). I will post more photos and details when I get back. Off to pack my bags for NOLA!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Itchy feet
Staying in town for too long almost ALWAYS gets me into trouble whether I'm trying/like it or not...(i.e. car accidents, sick people, crappy work stuff, etc).
So, my response to trouble: leave town. I'm leaving for St. Louis next week for the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling Retreat. A weekend of knitting, HOORAY! I can hardly wait!
The following weekend, I will be grooving at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. It's been 8 years since I had the oppurtunity to go and this year Stevie Wonder will be there (I adore Stevie's music)!
Since I last blogged, I have been working on all sorts of stuff. The only completed item is this lonely pair of plain ole socks.
These plain ole socks were made on 1s with Austermann Step on 1s. I must say I was skeptical about the hype, regarding the softness and etc. After knitting a pair of socks, washing and wearing them, I must say: YUM.
I started yet another pair of socks a couple of weeks ago.
These are a garter rib, on 1s, and Online Supersock. I'm working on the gusset on this bad boy's mate. I'm trying to venture out from my normal green/purple sock phase with BRIGHT and loud colours...
And last but not least:
Somehow, I was suckered into making this Forest Canopy Shawl for my coworker's mother. Actually, this is a quick knit and the pattern is EASY to memorize. I'm using 4s and ONE (that's right,one) skein of Malabrigo Lace.
Since, I have a ways to go and this requires some serious blocking, this is the best detail I'm able to show (unfortunately).
So, my response to trouble: leave town. I'm leaving for St. Louis next week for the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling Retreat. A weekend of knitting, HOORAY! I can hardly wait!
The following weekend, I will be grooving at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. It's been 8 years since I had the oppurtunity to go and this year Stevie Wonder will be there (I adore Stevie's music)!
Since I last blogged, I have been working on all sorts of stuff. The only completed item is this lonely pair of plain ole socks.
These plain ole socks were made on 1s with Austermann Step on 1s. I must say I was skeptical about the hype, regarding the softness and etc. After knitting a pair of socks, washing and wearing them, I must say: YUM.
I started yet another pair of socks a couple of weeks ago.
These are a garter rib, on 1s, and Online Supersock. I'm working on the gusset on this bad boy's mate. I'm trying to venture out from my normal green/purple sock phase with BRIGHT and loud colours...
And last but not least:
Somehow, I was suckered into making this Forest Canopy Shawl for my coworker's mother. Actually, this is a quick knit and the pattern is EASY to memorize. I'm using 4s and ONE (that's right,one) skein of Malabrigo Lace.
Since, I have a ways to go and this requires some serious blocking, this is the best detail I'm able to show (unfortunately).
Friday, March 7, 2008
Earthquakes and snow don't get me down!
Earthquake rocks Athens
All co-workers are safe and accounted for in Athens, Greece (ATH) after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake lasting 15 seconds struck the area around noon today. BBC News reported no apparent casualties or damage (an excerpt from my companies' daily news update)
Yes, apparently this earthquake happened while I was on a plane from London to Athens. Actually, I did not find out about the earthquake until I got home and was skimming through my company emails..
It also turns out that the last time it snowed in Athens was FOUR years ago. Yes, FOUR years ago...Two days after I arrived, it snowed and snowed... Mind you, I came prepared for cold weather but definitely not snow and ice. Trust me, the snow and ice did not stop me from running around Athens at all (my black and purple bum will attest to that)!
This is Greece telling me to come back in the fall. ALL of the sites of ruins were closed due to snow and ice.
As close as I got to the Acropolis...
I did indeed run across SEVERAL yarn stores. I was a bit disappointed at first because all I kept finding was Italian yarn. I adore Italian yarn, but I was procuring Greek yarn. Finally, after the 5th attempt, I found Greek yarn...
Delfino is a brand of cotton and wool. Unfortunately, I will not be keeping any of these new acquistions...Yes, they are soon to be gifted...
The owners of these 2 stores were SO kind and helpful. For anyone with plans for Greece, I will be MORE than happy to give you the addresses for these two lovely yarn stores.
I did not get a lot of knitting done on this trip...It turns out knitting needles (addis, knit picks, any metal needles) are prohibited in your carry on luggage out of the UK, Greece, and Belgium.
Here is the Pee-Pee Boy, also known as the Mannekin Pis in Brussels. I was hoping that he would be dressed up in a costume but it was not a holiday.
Yes, Belgium...Let's talk about Brussels....I simply adored Brussels and plan to run back the next chance I get. The cafes, beer, chocolate, mussels, and ABUNDANCE of yarn stores, oh my....
And really, I had plans to go to Germany after Greece but the flights were SUPER full.
Off to catch up on my MANY UFOs..
All co-workers are safe and accounted for in Athens, Greece (ATH) after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake lasting 15 seconds struck the area around noon today. BBC News reported no apparent casualties or damage (an excerpt from my companies' daily news update)
Yes, apparently this earthquake happened while I was on a plane from London to Athens. Actually, I did not find out about the earthquake until I got home and was skimming through my company emails..
It also turns out that the last time it snowed in Athens was FOUR years ago. Yes, FOUR years ago...Two days after I arrived, it snowed and snowed... Mind you, I came prepared for cold weather but definitely not snow and ice. Trust me, the snow and ice did not stop me from running around Athens at all (my black and purple bum will attest to that)!
This is Greece telling me to come back in the fall. ALL of the sites of ruins were closed due to snow and ice.
As close as I got to the Acropolis...
I did indeed run across SEVERAL yarn stores. I was a bit disappointed at first because all I kept finding was Italian yarn. I adore Italian yarn, but I was procuring Greek yarn. Finally, after the 5th attempt, I found Greek yarn...
Delfino is a brand of cotton and wool. Unfortunately, I will not be keeping any of these new acquistions...Yes, they are soon to be gifted...
The owners of these 2 stores were SO kind and helpful. For anyone with plans for Greece, I will be MORE than happy to give you the addresses for these two lovely yarn stores.
I did not get a lot of knitting done on this trip...It turns out knitting needles (addis, knit picks, any metal needles) are prohibited in your carry on luggage out of the UK, Greece, and Belgium.
Here is the Pee-Pee Boy, also known as the Mannekin Pis in Brussels. I was hoping that he would be dressed up in a costume but it was not a holiday.
Yes, Belgium...Let's talk about Brussels....I simply adored Brussels and plan to run back the next chance I get. The cafes, beer, chocolate, mussels, and ABUNDANCE of yarn stores, oh my....
And really, I had plans to go to Germany after Greece but the flights were SUPER full.
Off to catch up on my MANY UFOs..
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