Stitch Along Wednesday: Week 5

Good evening folks!  So I have actually done some crafting this week.....let's see what I have pictures of, shall we?

I worked a bit on my Multnomah....

Added a few more rounds to these socks.....

I also started another "hat" not pink, it is actually red, white and blue and I'm probably going to felt it a bit, as it's a bit big.....and added a few more rounds to the sleeve on my sweater...

That's it for me...how about you?

Stash Acquistion Saturday

So I do have a few pretties to add

I showed this one the other day...it is the first month of HerStory in Folding Chairs...inpired by Shirley Chisolm.  I'm a bit farther along

The last month of the Mad Color Supernatural Club is Castiel...along with the Jessalu bag....

I am taking a break from this club for the next three months...it is Sherlock themed and while I like Sherlock, it's not a major fandom and I got it the last time around and still have to use those yarns...

The January BAMF made me tear up....

Admiral Organa...enough said.....

I did do a bit of etsy shopping this week and am expecting a gradient set, an Irish self stripe...a pinky self stripe (Valentine's Day) and then a worsted self stripe in pink and green...plus I have the next two months of HerStory before I re-up and the Roald Dahl skeins should be arriving any day now....oh and I ordered a bunch of Brown Sheep for my throwback poncho that I need to pick up, as it came into my LYS....yeah!

Spam Comments

Man, have I been hit with a ton of spam comments in the past couple of weeks....gotta love it when they compliment you and then WHAM!

"Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!"

Really?  Well at least they are not trying to sell me Viagra....

New Obsession

So I would catch an episode or two on PBS every once in awhile....so when I saw the series box set on Sunday, I knew I had to get it....I'm obsessed!  All I want to do is watch it.....Why are BBC shows so engaging?  I will admit a few times I can't figure out what they are talking about...but I love these two.....

Oh and I tried Netflix...not available and I had to pay per episode on On demand....so yeah me!

(PS - I also bought the first season of Poldark because I was only able to catch episode 1)

What are some of your tv obsessions?  (PPS: Yes I watch This Is Us too....)

Stitch Along Wednesday: Week 4

Good evening!  Can't believe I haven't posted in a week.....same ole', same ole'...I did do some things, and thought about posting, but just never made it to the computer....sigh...but here I am and I do have a new WIP....

On Saturday, I took the Fasttrac to Hartford and participated in the Women's Rally, wasn't a march here, but a rally...and I decided to cast on a sock in my new yarn....

Folding Chairs...in honor of Shirley Chisholm...Knitted Wit has created a sock yarn club this year entitled HerStory...I signed up for the first three months..you can sign up in 3, 6 or 12 month runs....She is a new to me dyer...but it's off to a strong start.  I wouldn't have picked this yarn up for myself...but I'm actually loving it....

That's about all I've worked on this week....how about you?  Pull up a chair and tell us about it....

Stitch Along Wednesday: Week 3

Good evening my friends....I am spending my evening watching C-SPAN and the hearing of Betsy Devos for Education Secretary...obviously that will have an impact on my life...

I have not spent much time crafting this week....I did finish a crochet p_ssyhat...but that is about all....

So I will leave it to you all to share....have a great week....

Martin Luther King Jr.

So many wonderful quotes, it's hard to pick just one....I've had the privilege of visiting the place of this great man's birth and also the place of his death....

My niece, Allison and I visited his home several years ago.  He was actually born in this house.  The church where his father preached and later he preached, was within walking distance, as was his grave.

Then about three years ago, when my father passed away, a friend offered her house to us on our way home.  She lives in Memphis, and took us to the Lorraine Hotel...it was twilight, so a bit difficult for pictures and they were renovating.

I wonder what he would say today?

Year of Projects: Week 3

So I whipped up a quick cowl on Wednesday night to wear on Thursday...it was two skeins of Mirasol K'acha that I had wound awhile ago to make a hat....the yarn was the perfect color yellow to match the leggings I was going to wear...so I hooked it up while watching Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds

I've put a couple rounds on a few other things, but really...I've lost that mojo thing again....part of it, is just feeling so crappy....I taught on Thursday and Friday, although I had no voice....I was very creative....I have a smart board and I'd type out the directions for the students and they'd read them outloud...or a student near me would tell everyone what I said...I actually tried giving a math lesson...that didn't go well, so we ended up playing telling time BINGO.....and we watched a video on Martin Luther King and they answered questions about the events...

I've always had sinus/ear infections, but this year they are out of control....and they start with my allergies....I'm allergic to dust mites....so there is no seasonal reprieve from those...and now with the auto-immune diagnosis...well it is what it is...and I've just had to slow things down....but I did have a week without a lot of pain and I am starting water physical therapy on Tuesday...so that is something to look forward to...not being in a bathing suit...but the therapy....and I like swimming....

I have pulled out a few skeins of yarn thinking I'll work on something new to kick start that mojo...but alas...nothing...maybe next week....

2017 Finishes:
1/7/2016 P_ssyhat for donation
1/11/17 Quick Yellow Crochet Cowl


Works In Progress:         
WIPS: Crochet:
Round Ripple: (Started 2006 (?) Aiden)-not sure he'd want this anymore, being a high school freshman and all, but I think I'll finish it for him.
Around the World Afghan: (April 2010): about ¼ done - I looked at this recently and I'm still liking it, so I'll keep it...maybe make it a baby blanket instead.

Sunrise Sunset Afghan: this has been hibernating awhile, 6 squares done. I still love the look of this.
Tabard Tunic (NW Diss 2/1/14) - Haven't made a final decision on this yet.

 
Knit:
Learn to Knit Afghan: (started 2010): 3 squares done, I put this in the giveaway yarn bags..not thrilled with colors....will use squares at school for water bottles..
Shark in the Woods (11/27/14)- I really love this, but it's a lot of cabling and I'm not a fan..about 1/2 done. 
Vanilla fingerless mitts (12/25/15) - Think I'm going to frog and do different mitts or crochet them.
Zombie Vixen mitts (10/17/15)- why I may crochet the others...have these and still working on them, again cabling
Garter Path Shawlette (5/30/16)- I have frogged this a couple of times...
Swinging with Winkle (6/4/16)- I love this so much!  Just need to finish it!

Meandering Top (5/20/16) - Totally forgot about this...could get it done to wear in spring...I think I was debating whether to do the bottom ruffle...it's not a good placement for me...

Multnomah (8/21/16)- hmm, love the pattern and color will match just about anything...
Warm Neck (8/2/16)- almost done...this was my go-to mindless project, so need to get back to it..

Bulky Cowl - this hurts my hands to work on...think I need slippery needles...
Slopes Sweater- (1/1/17) 

Socks:
Kai-Mei: (April 2012) - has not changed, did not take new picture
Johnny's Socks (Jan 2013) - I've tried making these...too much for me...think I'll frog and use the Zauberball for something else...

Carlos and Arne socks (July 3 2015)- using a 9" needle...keep losing stitches.

Espalier Socks (Jan 10, 2016) - started and stopped...

Live Long and Prosper (4/14/16) - have to finish!

Spring is in the Air (2/16/16)- I love these, need to finish them!

Autumn Zombie- closest sock project to finish..

Vermont Zaubers - want to work on these

 
Scarves/Shawls:
Splashy Flowers: (May 2011) - add a motif scarf, don't see that being finished soon...
Light in Shadows (1/14/14) - I love this so much...need to start the new direction, so need to sit down and figure it out..

Willow Fields (9/6/14) - ran out of yarn, waiting on yarn 
My Shelly Valentine (2/10/16) - should finish for this year's Valentine's Day

 
Bags:
Beach Bag: (started May 2010)  Just needs lining sewn in, I used it this year without the lining...so may just call it a day on this....

 KAL/CALs:
Fire and Blood (5/4/14) - not anytime soon

Outlander MKAL (8/8/14)  - possibility of finishing this..the yarn is so yummy

 
Misc:
Sunflower: (August 2012) Need a back and to felt 

Stitch Along Wednesday: Week 2

Good morning!  I totally forgot and don't have much time this morning....

I worked a bit more on the Slopes sleeve

A little bit of this and a little bit of  that....

How about you?

Year of Projects: Week 2

So I finished a second P_ssyhat, this one I will be donating to the march. 

The darker, smaller one is for me and made for my head....

 I have started my Slopes sweater, which was always going to be a WIP this year....it may be my Rhinebeck sweater for the fall....as it'll probably take me that long...

The yarn is a very hardy yarn from Bartlett Yarns...I'm not sure which kind it is...as they don't have labels and it's hard to tell by the website.  The yellow has shots of color throughout.  This is the first sleeve.

I did get some metal needles for the bulky cowl and have added a few more rows....

I also got to the fourth color on my Warm Neck cowl...my mindless knit...

I will be adding WIPs throughout the year, as there are several things I have the yarn to make...or ordered...cough...cough..my "throwback poncho," but I do want to #Wipthewipsin2017...I am trying really hard NOT to fall into the Find My Fade rabbit hole....I do not do well with KAL/CALs and I don't need to start another shawl...but I want to join and be one of the COOL KIDS!!!!!

But, most of you have seen my previous WIPs in Mind list....and well, I really do not need to add another shawl to it....but there is some MadTosh that keeps calling my name about it!...sigh...

If anyone would like to join in...here is the Ravelry group

2017 Finishes:
1/7/2016 P_ssyhat for donation


Works In Progress:         
WIPS: Crochet:
Round Ripple: (Started 2006 (?) Aiden)-not sure he'd want this anymore, being a high school freshman and all, but I think I'll finish it for him.

Around the World Afghan: (April 2010): about ¼ done - I looked at this recently and I'm still liking it, so I'll keep it...maybe make it a baby blanket instead.
Sunrise Sunset Afghan: this has been hibernating awhile, 6 squares done. I still love the look of this.
Tabard Tunic (NW Diss 2/1/14) - Haven't made a final decision on this yet.

 
Knit:
Learn to Knit Afghan: (started 2010): 3 squares done, I put this in the giveaway yarn bags..not thrilled with colors....will use squares at school for water bottles..
Shark in the Woods (11/27/14)- I really love this, but it's a lot of cabling and I'm not a fan..about 1/2 done. 
Vanilla fingerless mitts (12/25/15) - Think I'm going to frog and do different mitts or crochet them.

Zombie Vixen mitts (10/17/15)- why I may crochet the others...have these and still working on them, again cabling
Garter Path Shawlette (5/30/16)- I have frogged this a couple of times...

Swinging with Winkle (6/4/16)- I love this so much!  Just need to finish it!

Meandering Top (5/20/16) - Totally forgot about this...could get it done to wear in spring...I think I was debating whether to do the bottom ruffle...it's not a good placement for me...

Multnomah (8/21/16)- hmm, love the pattern and color will match just about anything...
Warm Neck (8/2/16)- almost done...this was my go-to mindless project, so need to get back to it..

Bulky Cowl - this hurts my hands to work on...think I need slippery needles...
Slopes Sweater- (1/1/17) 

Socks:
Kai-Mei: (April 2012) - has not changed, did not take new picture
Johnny's Socks (Jan 2013) - I've tried making these...too much for me...think I'll frog and use the Zauberball for something else...

Carlos and Arne socks (July 3 2015)- using a 9" needle...keep losing stitches.

Espalier Socks (Jan 10, 2016) - started and stopped...

Live Long and Prosper (4/14/16) - have to finish!

Spring is in the Air (2/16/16)- I love these, need to finish them!

Autumn Zombie- closest sock project to finish..

Vermont Zaubers - want to work on these

 
Scarves/Shawls:
Splashy Flowers: (May 2011) - add a motif scarf, don't see that being finished soon...
Light in Shadows (1/14/14) - I love this so much...need to start the new direction, so need to sit down and figure it out..

Willow Fields (9/6/14) - ran out of yarn, waiting on yarn 
My Shelly Valentine (2/10/16) - should finish for this year's Valentine's Day

 
Bags:
Beach Bag: (started May 2010)  Just needs lining sewn in, I used it this year without the lining...so may just call it a day on this....

 KAL/CALs:
Fire and Blood (5/4/14) - not anytime soon

Outlander MKAL (8/8/14)  - possibility of finishing this..the yarn is so yummy

 
Misc:
Sunflower: (August 2012) Need a back and to felt 

Stash Acquistion Saturday: The New Year!

So my new header for a new year....not sure if I'm happy with it....It's hard doing cursive with a mouse...I redid it several times....think I'd just like the print a bit bigger, otherwise I'm happy with it...

I received this stash enhancement on the last day of 2016.  It is the third month of the Roald Dahl Blanket Club.....

Bright colors for sure!

My Nerd Girl Random Fandom is Star Spangled Avenger...it's on Brainy, an Aran weight...I'm thinking a hat for my friend's daughter...

I won this as a doorprize!  It would be perfect for another P_ssyhat....we'll see...it's Haymarket, which is 100% BFL in Byrne...

Playing around with the figures on my desk...the plunger keeps falling of the Dalek, so I stuck it on top of 11th's head...

I'm down to three clubs right now...the Roald Dahl, Nerd Girl Random Fandom and MadColor BAMF...other than that...my goal is to only buy yarn for specific projects until at least April, that is when the Connecticut Sheep and Wool is held.  I'm choosing not to go to Vogue Knitting Live this year (next week)...I've gone a couple of times....and just decided I didn't need to this year....

So do you have any stash acquisitions for the new year?

Stitch Along Wednesday: Week 1

So I created a new banner, using my latest WIP...this will be a months long sweater project...it is the Slopes Pullover that was featured in Knitscene, Winter 2016.  I am making it with Bartlett Yarn...a very hardy yarn...I bought the yarn at Rhinebeck knowing I wanted a sweater's worth of yarn, but didn't have a pattern yet.  I knew I wanted a basic pullover...this one just has a little extra something...the main color is a light mustardy yellow with flecks of those blues....At Rhinebeck I was on the lookout for mustardy yellow and my friend Maureen was looking for "diarrhea green."  Yep we had specifics in mind...hahahaha.

I am making the sleeves with the two tealish blue colors....this is going to be such a lovely bang around sweater....now that I've made two, I'm so ready to make more....

I am also working on another p_ssyhat that I will be donating to the march.  Those are my two latest cast-ons, in addition to the Year of Project list I posted with my WIPs on Sunday.  I am also itching to make a 70's throwback crochet poncho, big and colorful...I have enough Brown Sheep to use, except for a main color....I want it to be a white/cream/aran color....I also want a big cowl on it.....

Tuesday we were back to school, a rainy, cold, grey day.....and I came home and promptly fell asleep for over an hour....

I try every year to complete a reading challenge...here are my picks for this year...reading challenge
The Hubs bought me two memoirs for Christmas....Anna Kendricks and Lauren Graham...he also recently bought Mara Wilson's memoir (little girl from Matilda)...I also want to read/finish the MANY books I have started, including The Man in the High Castle.  It's just with limited time after school (depending on naps and correcting of work/lesson planing) I never know what I want to do...as I also got three new coloring books for Christmas too!

Oh and the color of the year?  Right up my alley!!!!

So what things have you been stitching on this first week of the new year?

Year of Projects: Week 1

So I am starting my fifth year of "A Year of Projects" I couldn't find a graphic I liked, so I made this one out of the pile of my WIPs.....

I did not do a wrap-up post of 2016, as I was sick and didn't feel like sitting at the computer.  

I decided for this year, I'm only going to post about my ongoing projects and not keep the list of my "Projects in Mind"  They are all on Ravelry, either in my queue or in my library....

So taking a hard look at what WIPs I will be starting the year with..it is dark here now..so forgive the pictures..

Works In Progress:         
WIPS: Crochet:
Round Ripple: (Started 2006 (?) Aiden)-not sure he'd want this anymore, being a high school freshman and all, but I think I'll finish it for him.

Around the World Afghan: (April 2010): about ¼ done - I looked at this recently and I'm still liking it, so I'll keep it...maybe make it a baby blanket instead.
Sunrise Sunset Afghan: this has been hibernating awhile, 6 squares done. I still love the look of this.
Tabard Tunic (NW Diss 2/1/14)

So I was going to frog this, but I think I'll finish it...yes it's acrylic, but it's soft..I have one sleeve and the belt left to do and then put it together.  I'm not making the sleeves as long...they'll just catch on everything.
 
Knit:
Learn to Knit Afghan: (started 2010): 3 squares done, I put this in the giveaway yarn bags..not thrilled with colors....will use squares at school for water bottles..
Shark in the Woods (11/27/14)- I really love this, but it's a lot of cabling and I'm not a fan..about 1/2 done.

 
Vanilla fingerless mitts (12/25/15) - Think I'm going to frog and do different mitts or crochet them.

Zombie Vixen mitts (10/17/15)- why I may crochet the others...have these and still working on them, again cabling

 
Garter Path Shawlette (5/30/16)- I have frogged this a couple of times...

  Swinging with Winkle (6/4/16)- I love this so much!  Just need to finish it!

   Meandering Top (5/20/16) - Totally forgot about this...could get it done to wear in spring...I think I was debating whether to do the bottom ruffle...it's not a good placement for me...

 Multnomah (8/21/16)- hmm, love the pattern and color will match just about anything...

Warm Neck (8/2/16)- almost done...this was my go-to mindless project, so need to get back to it..

   Bulky Cowl - this hurts my hands to work on...think I need slippery needles...

Socks:
Kai-Mei: (April 2012) - has not changed, did not take new picture
Johnny's Socks (Jan 2013) - I've tried making these...too much for me...think I'll frog and use the Zauberball for something else...

 Carlos and Arne socks (July 3 2015)- using a 9" needle...keep losing stitches.

 Espalier Socks (Jan 10, 2016) - started and stopped...

 Live Long and Prosper (4/14/16) - have to finish!

 Spring is in the Air (2/16/16)- I love these, need to finish them!

 Autumn Zombie- closest sock project to finish..

  Vermont Zaubers - want to work on these

 Scarves/Shawls:
Splashy Flowers: (May 2011) - add a motif scarf, don't see that being finished soon...
Light in Shadows (1/14/14) - I love this so much...need to start the new direction, so need to sit down and figure it out..

 Willow Fields (9/6/14) - ran out of yarn, waiting on yarn
My Shelly Valentine (2/10/16) - should finish for this year's Valentine's Day

 
Bags:
Beach Bag: (started May 2010)  Just needs lining sewn in, I used it this year without the lining...so may just call it a day on this....

 KAL/CALs:
Fire and Blood (5/4/14) - not anytime soon

Outlander MKAL (8/8/14)  - possibility of finishing this..the yarn is so yummy

 
  Misc:
Sunflower: (August 2012) Need a back and to felt  

Do I have more than this?  yes, I do....a scarf for a child....a couple things I couldn't dig out....I have several projects wound and ready to go, but I need to finish a few first or commit and frog them....I got bored with socks, but am still addicted to self-striping yarn!

I have a few things I want to try this year too....brioche knitting is one...but we'll see how the year goes...