But Wait - There's More...

I didn't take pictures, but as I was having another really good look at my swap package, I discovered that there was MORE! Hiding in the side pockets there were teabags and hot chocolate!!! I was so amazed with everything that I managed to miss them. Considering the series of co-incidences, I don't think that I could have been any luckier. I was truly blessed with an amazing swap partner!

Spectacular Swap Package Received

Way back at the end of December or the beginning of January, I joined the Townsend Sock KAL. I found it in a most convoluted way that I'm sure I couldn't explain, so I won't even try! Much to my delight, there was a swap about to happen - yippee! Much to my dismay, I discovered that I had *just* missed the deadline, but as I said earlier, this swap seems to have been all about timing. There was another orphan, so we became each other's partners. I must say that I has been a terrific experience. I really enjoyed getting to know someone new who shares my passion for knitting, and I had a whole lot of fun putting together her package. In typical "Miss Me" fashion, it didn't all go as planned, but in the end, I was very pleased with the package. At the other end, there were also some delays, but then no one knows better than myself how life has a nasty habit of getting in the way of fun stuff, and even once the box coming this way was sent, it seemed to find the scenic route... But - when the notice arrived in my mailbox Tuesday that there was a package for me, it could not have chosen a better time to arrive!
Now I'm not really sure that I can explain the whole series of events, but my Tuesday involved a minor meltdown. I think that the mounting pressure of French (3 weeks to go!!!), Husband being very busy and travelling a lot, 2 boys, a significant commute, bad weather for driving, and a whole host of other things all converged on Tuesday. It wasn't fun. Sobbing was involved. Sobbing in front of other people was involved. Not crying, not sniffling, not being tearful, we're talking full on sobbing... Coming home to an amazing box packed full of goodies was so incredible for me - it was exactly what I needed!

In the package there were two bags - one a tote bag, perfect for carrying a knitting project, which my partner made for me! The other is the co-ordinating smaller bag, which can be cleverly buttoned onto the bag while your working away on your project, and then unbuttoned and placed back inside. Inside the small bag, as you can see, there were all sorts of knitting goodies - basting pins, a spiffy tape measure, needle holders, stitch/row markers, point protectors and a yarn cutter pendant. In the tote bag there was a sweet little bear (who is also colour co-ordinated!), a coffee/tea cozy, Udderly Smooth handcream, a ball of Fortissima sock yarn (cotton blend and YUMMY colours) and 2 balls of Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride Superwash in a lovely green shade. And there were edible treats - seasoned peanuts (yum!), Goo-goo Chocolate bars (double yum - those things are great) and a Hershey bar (CLASSIC). Even my kids weren't forgotten - Wooly Willy and a Cracker Barrel game.

Finally, there was the Sensational Knitted Socks book, which I have been coveting, a variety of patterns and some information about the area where my partner lives. Now I'm sure that I've forgotten things, but then there was so much in that box that it would be hard to include it all!

Finished Objects

March has been a fairly productive month! These are my "Crazy Eights" socks. I'm not sure that I exactly followed Dr. Laura's instructions about having a harmonious colour theme, but I am very pleased with how they turned out. It was a pleasure to knit them, and an excellent way to use up some bits and pieces of leftover sock yarns. And you'll notice my little friend in the background... It's a good thing that he is cute, although hopefully his "operation" will take some of the starch out of him - one week to go!





























Also making the FO list in good time are the "Walking Away" socks. I didn't notice it until well into the second sock that the colour repeat was VERY long! I had planned that they would be "identical" twins, but as you can see, they still ended up "fraternal"! They are pictured on the feet of their new owner, Mrs. M. Mrs. M. is perfecting her French with me, and since her husband overseas serving our country, I figured that she was more than deserving of a "parce que" gift that would keep her feet warm, since that is definitely high on a husband's list of important duties.
Last night was the regular meeting of FKG. Now I'm quite certain that we don't have nearly as much fun as KOL in Halifax, but I certainly had fun! This was my first meeting this calendar year, and I'm always surprised at how much I miss it. The lovely and talented CanKNITian was there, working with some bee-yoo-tee-full Lorna's Laces yarn... Sigh... I think that I need to do some serious shopping!

On another fun front, I received a FABULOUS swap package from ScappyHappy this week! It arrived on Tuesday, after having had a bit of an adventure with Canada Post I think, but considering that I had a bit of a meltdown on Tuesday, it was perfect timing, but then this swap experience seems to have all about timing... It has been a great experience! I've taken pictures, but you'll have to wait to see all my goodies - son the younger is demanding some Mom time!

Happy knitting!

How I Spent My Weekend

Aside from the yarn revolt of yesterday, it has been a very quiet weekend here, in large part due to the sloppy weather. I was out for a bit yesterday, but even with AWD and studded tires, it wasn't fun driving on our slushy country lane.

Things I did this weekend:
1. Finished 2 pairs of socks. I'll post pictures later. One pair is the Crazy Eights that I started earlier this month, and the other pair is the Walking Away socks. The eights are for me since they're just leftovers, but the other pair are going to be a "just because" present for someone.
2. Slept late - both mornings! This is a big deal for me since I usually have to get up before 6am. Yesterday it was almost 10am (decadent!), and this morning it was 8:30am.
3. Made pancakes for breakfast. It was the tradeoff for the late morning yesterday.
4. Made Banana Bread. Gotta keep the monkeys well fed!
5. Changed all of the beds.
6. Did the laundry. Why is it that the laundry is never done?
7. Did the dishes. Same question...
8. Watched movies.
9. Watched television.
10. Shovelled snow.
11. Ran errands.
12. Knit.
13. Helped son the older with his homework.
14. Took the kids out for supper on Friday to celebrate report cards. Overall, they have both done well, although they both have areas that they can improve upon.
15. Talked to both my MIL and my mother. This doesn't sound like much, but trust me, it requires a significant investment of time.
16. Cleaned out the fridge. The time had come...
17. Blogged, but then you all knew that.

Things that I still have to do:
1. Clean out the kids backpacks for the start of a new school week.
2. Ironing and more laundry.
3. Grocery shopping.
4. My taxes... I shouldn't dread this since I know that I'm getting money back, but I always do.
5. Do the end of weekend tidyup. I'm not a neat freak, but I like to have things reasonably organized at the start of the week since they tend to detereorate during the week.
6. Change the cat's litter box. Eeeew....
7. Get the recycling together since this week is recycling week.
8. A million other things that I just do without even thinking about them since they are just part of the life of a working Mom. (This may explain "Mom Brain".)

Stash Management?

I think that I have finally lost control of the yarn stash... The sock yarn appears to be leading a revolt! It doesn't appear like the leaders of the coup have been able to convince all of the sock yarns to turn on me, but it is pretty close...

And since it is Saturday, that means that it is time to play a rousing game of LAUNDRY! But - how exactly do I wash this??? Do I need to add extra fabric softener?

Actually, the cat seems to really enjoy the dirty laundry... Eeeew!

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire

My swap partner Scappyhappy put me on to the Knitters Treat Exhange. It is a one time swap. I'm new to the whole swapping experience, but must say that I am enjoying it very much. The questionnaire was fun to do - it made me think about things that I don't normally give a second thought.

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire
1. What's your favourite type of yarn?
I have a strong preference for natural fibres. I don't mind a little bit of manmade as a blend, but I am a "fibre snob" when it comes to yarns that are completely manmade.
2. What's your least favourite type of yarn?
Aaaacccckrylic!
3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop?
I start by doing a full walk around. I need to survey the store as a whole before I start to have a more thorough look. In thinking about this, I realize that I almost always do this in a circular fashion - counterclockwise.
4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do?
I sew, cross stitch, a little bit of jewellery making. I'll try just about anything once!
5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?
Interweave Knits
6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting
Crochet / Other Craft (like beading!)
Fashion / Food
I've eliminated the other categories because I don't tend to either read or buy them.
7. What items do you like to knit / crochet?
Right now I tend to knit a lot of socks. I also do scarves and shawls. I haven't done much crocheting. As a lefty, I have trouble getting my head around it... I've only done a few scarves.
8. Are you allergic to anything?
Only penicillin.
9. What do you like to* smell of?(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of)
I love the smell of Jasmine. Unfortunately, scents are forbidden in my workplace, so I have to sneak... ssshhhh....
10. What's your favourite way to relax?
The rather obvious answer is knitting! In reality, I enjoy just about anything that involves fibres, but when I am really stressed, I find the repetitive action of knitting to be incredibly soothing.
11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first?
I start at the tea room.
12. What do you come out with?
A sense of contentment, having enjoyed a nice pot of Earl Grey with scones, clotted cream and jam.
13. Where do you go next?
This is a good question - I need to know what I'm having for dinner, since I'm probably going to buy something for dessert. Probably the bakery for something lovely and fiddly that I wouldn't make at home.
14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal?
I love this quote from Louise Erdrich "Love won't be tampered with, love won't go away. Push it to one side and it creeps to the other."

Punishment

"No good deed goes unpunished." Now, under normal circumstances, I try not to be too cynical. Part of "Miss Me: version 2007" involves me trying to be more involved in my community. To that end, when an e-mail arrived last week looking for exam supervisors for my professional association, I agreed. I mean, really, how hard can it be to supervise a professional accounting exam? Accountants aren't typically unruly either before or during an exam. Afterwards? Sure - why not?
So I arrive at the appointed time and place and get things under way. No problem - I have 4 hours to knit! About half an hour into the exam, the door opens. It turns out that there was some sort of double booking issue with the room, but Security assured me that my association had it booked and all was well from their perspective. However, in getting to that assurance, I was bullied by a senior citizen! This man brought a whole new meaning to grumpy old man. Good thing that I'm not easily intimidated. The guy was seriously rude, obnoxious and out of line, but on top of that he consumed about half an hour of my knitting time. (And yes, I did feel very badly for the person who was writing the exam, but he seemed to be a good sport about it and laughed it off.)

Early Alzheimer's or Xtreme Blondeness?

The jury's out - it could go either way... I had to laugh when I re-read some of my past posts. Clearly I have a mind like a sieve! In my defense: I am naturally blonde (although it is "enhanced" these days, it really is blonde), I have "Mom Brain" (anyone with kids knows what I mean) and finally, the French course that I am taking has eaten my brain. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Actually, after tomorrow, I may be blonder... Now I know that most blondes aren't really dumb, but I love using it as an excuse. Somedays I can just use all the help that I can get!

After a very brrr week here, I'm looking forward to some warmer weather over the weekend. We're a long way from short weather, but I know it's coming... Giddyup Mother Nature!

Baby It's COLD Outside!

And it's not exactly warm inside either! Oh - the fun of living in an old house. Good thing that I have some nice warm socks... And sometimes I even do the laundry and pair them all up! And sometimes I finish a new pair...


I finished the "Falling in Love Socks" a couple of weeks ago (before Quebec actually), but this is the first chance that I've had to post the picture.

I started with the short row heel variation, but didn't like it. There wasn't nearly enough room for my fat heels and ankles, so I said "redo" and tried the gusset heel. Much better! They were fun to knit and the pattern made interesting enough that they seemed like a very quick knit. They are now living in "The Magic Bag" awaiting the decision - wear them or gift them? It depends on which come first - a "down" day or the need for a last minute gift!

I have the mohair shawl about half cast on... again! Also on the needles: Laura Andersson's "Crazy Eights Socks" (a great way to use up some of those leftovers!), Lucy Neatby's "Camelot Socks" (it's been a while for these) and Infiknit "Walking Away Socks" (the cable version), and far too many other sweaters to mention!

Stay warm!

The Mistake of the Day

I trusted the cat today... He normally spends his days bouncing off the kitchen walls, but today, I decided to trust him. I mean, look at him - he's so sweet (when he's sleeping!). I decided to start a mohair shawl yesterday... I've had the yarn for ages. I bought it on sale 2.5 years ago. It is a lovely red - just about perfect for spring. I am CONVINCED that it will be here soon.

I gave Tiger the run of the house today. He promised to be good - honest! I came home after running a few errands, since I'm alone for a few days. I start to go up the front stairs when I realized that there is a fine fuzzy red strand of something coming down the stairs.... I found the started shawl (completely off the needles) in the living room. He had it completely tangled around some furniture. I had to cut it off. With the mohair fuzz, it took more than two tries to get things straight yesterday, so I am not impressed.

Grumble...grumble...dratted puddy tat!!!

March Break Begins...!!!

Unfortunately, I don't get March Break - but the kids do and Dad has taken the guys to visit their Nana. I get three days of peace and quiet - oh, heaven! I'm on VACATION! Son the elder left the house this morning wearing his February socks. Spoilt child that he is (not really), he has an expectation of handknit socks... He really likes these ones because they look rather like the forbidden camoflauge that he would love to wear but Dad won't allow. Sneaky... He would have preferred the cuffs to be a little bit snugger, but he didn't tell me that until after I had grafted the toes. Live and learn! At 11, I am using an adult pattern for his socks. Egads! And in a pinch, I can toss on his jacket if it is the handiest at the back door. Where did my baby go?