1870 pearl

Inquiring minds want to know....

Knitting Hawkeye wants to know 7 interesting things about me and I have learned that it is pointless to confer with my family about these things. They flee at the moment I ask. So I am left to ponder it and make the pathetic attempt to amuse you all by myself. I fear that I shall fail again.

1. I eat my scrambled eggs with a spoon.

2. I joined the Navy at the age of 23.

3. I picked up my husband in a bar. We've been married for 16 years. "Nuff" said.

4. Our son was born 4 days after my 30th birthday. He likes to tell people that he is exactly 30 years younger than me. I wish he wouldn't do that.

5. When my husband presented me with a cell phone as a Christmas gift I was terribly disappointed and tried not to show it. Fortunately, my son programmed the silly thing and taught me how to use it. I find these contraptions annoying and disruptive.

6. I have not had a sock on the needles in 3 weeks. I'm sorry. Are you o.k.? I did not intend to cause you harm.

7. I dislike cake and ice cream. I would rather supp on fruit pies and sorbets.

There you have it. Am I interesting? I think not.

In other news. We have now formulated an action plan and my husband has turned in his letter of resignation. His last day is June 29th. If all goes well, we hope to have the house SOLD and our belongings packed and headed east just after the 4th of July. We need a quick sale at a good price so please pray for us. This weekend will be consumed with a good home cleaning and yard work in a valiant attempt to encourage someone to buy it next week.

Today is my last day at work. At 4:00 P.M. I will say goodbye to all my co-workers and leave the school for the last time. It will be a bitter-sweet farewell but I am ready. Hubby and I decided that I will go back to SAHM-dom again (Stay at home Mom). Yeah! More time to care for him, our teenager, the home and of course knit. God is good my friends.

The yarn for the Hogwarts Sock Swap came last night and I found a pattern. I do hope I can find some knitting time this weekend. Fingers crossed.

For your viewing pleasure I give you Joe Cool - the tolerant one.

Cheers, Abigail

Letter of Acceptance

I received my much anticipated letter of acceptance to Hogworts Sock Swap, yesterday! And I was deemed "Well suited" for the house of Ravenclaw.

What a relief. I kept whispering "Not Slytherin, not Slytherin, over and over again! Well, it worked for Harry.

Just as Hogworts bestows house points, the sock swap hostess is awarding house points as well. Since I am a great team-player I shall post my questions so Ravenclaw can continue the quest for the most points gained. Go Ravenclaw!

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Ravenclaw!

2. Shoe size?  Womens size small about a US size 6

3. Foot Length? 8.5 inches

4. Foot Circumference? 8.5 inches, does that make me square?

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.

Susan Bates metal sock needles - zeros and ones, about 7 inches long

Clover bamboo sock needles - zeros and ones, about 7 inches long.

Lantern Moon wood needles - zeros and ones, about 7 inches long.

6. Would you like to try a new needle brand? Oh yes. Knit Picks Options dpns. Sizes US zero and 1's. I prefer sets of 5 needles.

7. If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? I like both colors schemes.

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Yes, Its all about making new friends and strengthening foreign relations.

Should you be so inclined to join the Swap you have until April 30th to sign up.

Cheers, Abigail

Am I Weird?

It looks as if I have been tagged with the "Weird Things" meme that's been weaving it's way through blog land. So here goes something weird - thanks Linda B:D

1. Being true to my contrary self I like gray rainy days. I get more than enough blue skies around here and frankly I've had my fill. A little more rain around here would suit me just fine.

2. I only wear solid colored clothes with the exception of my hand knit socks. I go crazy here.

3. I carry the packaging from my hair dye and vacuum cleaner bags in my purse. I always forget what color or size I need.

4. I clean my bathroom at 6:00 a.m every day before I leave for work. Just the toilet and sink. I believe everyone should have a clean throne on a daily basis.

5. "Be Prepared" is my motto so I always carry acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sinus medicine, tissues, eye-drops, lip gloss, a toothbrush and paste, my knitting, an extra car key and cell phone in my purse at all times.

6. I use Old Spice men's deodorant. It compliments my favorite perfumes - Tabu and Obsession.   

Now tell me am I weird? Do I do something that you do? Let me know:D

TTFN, Abigail

My Sock History

Our most delightful Lolly posed these questions in honor of Socktoberfest. I decided that you might enjoy learning a thing or two about me and my sock-making history.

When did you start making socks?

August 2005

Did you teach yourself or where you taught by a friend or a class?

My only teacher was the Internet. I took my mothers keen advice: "If you could read you can do anything." to heart and did thusly. 

You might be interested to know that the first time I discovered sock knitting on the web, I scoffed and mocked at the idea. My first impression was - why would anyone want knit socks? This is so idiotic. I can easily buy socks so why would anyone do such a silly thing. And the crazy Harlot would take pics of her socks all over the place. This was lunacy in my opinion. But the idea haunted me and intrigued me to the point that I started looking at patterns so I could understand the construction of this fascinating item. I read everything I could find about sock making. From top down and toe up. I learned a lot and was hooked.

What was your first pair? Have they "held up" over time?

I clumsily knit my first pair of socks in August 2005. I used worsted weight wool, because it was a test and a learning experiment. (Note I've learned to never use expensive yarn when you are on a learning curve.) So my first pair was rather pathetic but it was a basic sock, knit toe up with red cables. They have held up because they are bed socks. No wear on the sole and no you can't see a picture.

What would you have done differently?

Nothing. I had so much fun learning with my "Internet" teacher.

What yarns have your particularly enjoyed?

Lorna's Laces, Socks that Rock, Trekking and Cherry Tree Hill.

Do you like to crochet your socks? Or knit them on DPN's, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop Method?

Forget crochet. The fabric is really not suitable for sock making. I tried all the methods and finally settled on 5 DPN's.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (Flap? Short row?)

I like both. It really depends on what kind of yarn I am using. Variegated color-ways with sections of color that is 5 inches or more in length will pool when you knit a heel flap. So a short row heel prevents pooling. Short color lengths of a few inches will yield a dappled/mottled look and will not pool on the standard heel flap. Choose your priorities and consider your victim.

How many pairs have you made?

15 pairs were made from August through December of 2005. 21 pairs this year. I have found my niche in the knitting community. However, I created a sock monster in the form of many immediate family members. I'm ok. with that. It's the cheapest form of therapy and entertainment I know.

I think pictures posts are dull so I will flash a fabby swap box from Cecily. It was the last gift from Project Color-swap.

TTFN, Abigail

A meme of sorts

My sockret pal did not get the email I sent her so here goes the Q&A for my Sockret Pal "Cat of Willem".

I've been knitting for 2 years.

I have been knitting socks for a 1 year. Totally addicted. I found my niche - can you tell by my blog? :D

My foot is a women's size small -  US size 6 -  8.5 inches in length and 8.5 inches around.

I like jewel tones and super-wash is the only kind of wool I use. No cotton. I like self stripping, solids variegated and heathers. I also like chocolate, battleship gray and cream. Lorna's Laces, Socks that Rock, Opal, Cherry Tree Hill are some of my favorites. I prefer sport weight yarn. Fingering not so much, but I do use it.

I knit dishcloths, hats and scarfs. I'm a small project kind of gal.

I strongly dislike mohair, and cotton with the exception of dishcloth cotton. I am a fiber snob.

Fun, funky or acrylic yarns are gross.

Colors that I never wear are:  neon colors, orange and yellow.

I usually wear navy, cardinal red, olive, cream, rich plum, chocolate, charcoal gray, black and wine. For socks I will wear just about any color. I don't even care if they don't match my outfit! I'm quirky like that. But I am a preppy girl. Classic all the way.

My tools of the trade are metal dpn's, though I do use bamboo on occasion. It depends on the yarn that I'm using. I don't knit large projects very often and my Denise Knits needles are all I need.

Stitch markers, Chibis and mini Katcha Katcha's are welcome here.

I don't have a wish list but I can work on that.

I do have all of the Harlot's book with the exception of the newest book that she is working on.

Elizabeth Zimmerman books are also wanted, with the exception of Knitting without tears. I have this one. 

For sweets I like chocolate but dislike dark chocolate. Salty pretzels are great. Lately, I have been enjoying candied coated peanuts. Yum.

No allergies.

Favorite scents are: I prefer spicy and earthy. Cinnamon is heavenly. I like the scent of Old Spice:D

Lavender and citrus scents are great too.

I dislike vanilla, coconut and roses.

I collect cobalt blue glass votive holders, vases, candy dishes etc.

I'm not very crafty. Knitting is the only thing I do well.

I do not spin or dye yarn. It cuts into my limited knitting time.

My birthday - just past, August 14th.

Favorite places are Europe. I love cold, wet climates.

Favorite authors, Ellis Peters, Margret Frazier, Sherlock Holmes mysteries and Laurie R. King - she writes the Mary Russel series which is a wonderful complement to Sherlock Holmes. I like stories about dragons too.

If you have any questions please send me an email. I would be glad to help you spoil me:D

My blue world

KS KS Answers

What are your favorite colors? I like all colors from rich clear jewel tones and dusty colors. Light, medium and dark colors are all welcome here. Simply put. Anything that is not neon, yellow or orange.

Are you a new sock knitter? Fairly new. 

How long have you been knitting socks? Less than a year, but I’ve knit 30 pairs of socks to this date.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? Solids and variegated yarns are welcome. But I’m really into to self-patterning yarns right now. I’m an equal opportunity knitter!

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? Super Wash wool only. This prevents sadness when TBC or RB blesses me by doing the laundry:D Mohair makes me itch. 

Where do you usually knit socks?  In my knitting spot. The living room sofa.

How do you usually carry/store small projects?  I have a Travel Bag that is perfect for vacations and a nifty bag that I got from Trek. I use this one for small road trips. Do check out her inventory.

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? Like I said before I’m an equal opportunity knitter so I knit all kinds of patterns. For example: Cables, lace and textured patterns.

What is your favorite sock knitting techniques? Knitting socks from the toe up. But I can convert any pattern to toe up:D

What new techniques would you like to try? I will have to think about that one.

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? 5 dpns. My favorite set is Susan Bates.

What are some of your favorite yarns? Lorna’s Laces, Trekking and Wild Foote

What yarn do you totally covet? Socks that Rock and Koigu. I’ve never tried them.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? No specific pattern but I would really like to make a pair of knee-high socks in lace.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Susan Bates, but I like bamboo too.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Super wash Marino

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? I really enjoy chocolate. But it’s too hot to ship it here. But I like cookies. Shortbread, ginger snaps, jelly filled and chocolate cookies are yummy with tea. Salty treats are great. Honey roasted peanuts, nuts of any kind, pretzels, Gardetto’s etc.

What’s your favorite animal? Cats.

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages?

Winston aka knit dog. He sits in my lap when I knit. He’s a Boston terrier and is 10 years old. Shasta is our other dog. He is a honey colored German Shepard and is 3 years old. We call him Sir Barks-A-Lot! Do children count, cause I have one of them:D

If you were a color what color would you be? This is hard.  I suppose if I really had to choose I would pick a rich jewel tone color. My three top choices would be blue, green, and purple

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s). What does this have to do with sock knitting? In the winter I like ribbed Turtlenecks and in the summer I wear fitted T-Shirts.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? Anything ocean related and the stars above. Nothing cutesy please. Think elegant and classic. Paisley fabrics are really pretty too.

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read.

“If you can read you can do anything”. My Mom, she is truly a wise woman.

Do you have a wish list? No

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?

Yes, if you are a Arizona Knitter, please drop me an email for obvious reasons.

Triple Shot!

This week flew by so quick that I had no time to post. So I'm giving you a triple shot. Just pretend you are reading 3 separate posts.

1. A meme!

I found this meme at Wendy's blog, who found it at 6.5 stitches. I thought it would be fun to do this, so here is my pangram. I prefer felt tip pens in blue. In the military, all original documents are signed in blue. This identifies it as the original document.  I'll let you decide what my handwriting says about me:D

2. Unexpected Pleasures!

TBC went down to Phoenix on business and before he returned home he went to my favorite yarn store. The Fiber Factory was having a sale on Wildfoote sock yarn, at 5.75 a skein! The regular price is 8.75 per skein. He bought 8 skeins. When I came home from work he was waiting for me with a big old grin on his face and said he had a present for me. Then he gave me this yummy gift.

When I asked why, TBC said "just because I was thinking of you". (You just have to love a man who goes willingly into a yarn store to buy yarn for his wife.)  I was thrilled when he showed me the yarn. He picked all of my favorite colors. The colors are Pine Tree, Vinca Minor (purple), Blue Blood Red and a variegated color in deep reds, blues and greens call Blue Grass. As an added bonus he also bought another set of my favorite sock needles, Silvalume! He was the one who bought me my first set of sock needles when I was just learning how to knit socks. He makes my heart go pitter-pat! FYI, I did not beg him to do this, it was a complete surprise. (Girl Scout Promise) He came up with it all by himself! He is a man after my heart! I think I'll keep him:D

3. These are some of my favorite things!

The other day I was skipping through blog land I found this really fun swap. I signed up asap. I always enjoy a nice cup of black tea with cream and brown sugar while I knit. Truly, it is a perfect idea. Thank you, Suzi!

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday for the "Guess Which Pair Contest?" Happy Knitting, Abigail

Just the Facts

I had so much fun with Project Colorswap that I signed up for a second round. Last month my pal was Meg and I really enjoyed shopping for her. She sent me a lovely skein of sock yarn that is so deliciously soft and looks like orange sorbet! It looks good enough to eat. I can't wait to start knitting another pair of socks with it. Lynne sent me an email with my new pal the other day and again, I can hardly wait to go shopping for her. I need some fiber therapy. It's not easy being the club leader of the SYAC club. I do have to set a good example:0) So now I can buy yarn and get away with it, 'cause it's not for me! Yippee!

I listed a questionnaire at the Project Colorswap blog, in hopes that it will aid our pals in shopping for us. So new pal, I think the following will make shopping easy for you.

Are you crafty? No, but I can knit and crochet.

Would you enjoy things like:  Buttons, ribbons and embellishments? Ribbons are always welcome.

Do you dye your own wool? No, it cuts into my knitting time:0)

Do you like to scrapbook or make homemade cards? I can't cut a straight line with a ruler and a rotary cutter.  Please, don't ask.

What are your favorite scents? Fresh clean citrus scents!

Do you like stationary and cards? Yes.

Do you like to sew or embroider items? No proficiency.

Do you like beads? Yes.

What kind of candy do you like? Hard sour candy and of course chocolate:)

Do you like hand lotions or soaps? Yes, it's very arid here and lotion is a precious commodity.

Do you like to wear costume jewelry? Necklace, earrings, bracelets etc. No.

Do you like to make/or use stitch markers? Absolutely, yes!

Do you collect anything? Glass votive candle holders.

Do you have any allergies? Smoke, food, fiber, pets. Nope! Just allergic to Arizona! Ooops I forgot, Mohair makes me itch!

Do you have any hobbies? Knitting and crocheting

Do you like scented or unscented candles? Yes, to both.

Are you a fiber snob? Definitely yes. Cheap acrylic has no use for me. But I do love superwash yarn. Sock knitting is my passion. I made 15 pairs last year and finished 10 pairs this year.   

Do you like to play cards or board games? I love to play cards.

Do you like neon colors, pastel, light or medium ranges in the color of the month? I detest neon colors. I prefer rich clear colors. Pastels are not something I would pick for myself.

Do you like kitchen magnets or key rings? No

Do you like picture frames? I like small picture frames.

I hope this helps. Have fun shopping!

Since I dislike picture-less blog posts, I will show you a pic of The Salt River near Phoenix Arizona. Wow! RB and GG love to play there.

2 for the price of 1

I got tagged by 2 people yesterday. So here's 2 meme's

The first is from Cynthia, my new blogger friend. I just wish she didn't live so far away. But it is cool to have a friend in Canada.

Seven thing to do before I die:

1. Go to Nova Scotia.

2. Take a cruise to Alaska.

3. Move back to the east coast. The sooner the better, I miss the ocean.

4. See my son get married and have lots of children just like him!

5. Be less judgmental about others.

6. Love my family more.

7. Knit my stash!

Seven things I can not do:

1. Give up Jesus and my KJV Bible

2. Give up chocolate

3. Give up my family

4. Stop knitting especially socks

5. Lie

6. Give up exercise, I really like Leslie Sansone

7. Give up TBC's Harley Davidson motorcycle

Seven things that attract me to my mate:

1. He's sexy and make me weak in the knees.

2. He protects me.

3. He loves me no matter what!

4. He's a tough but fair.

5. He's willingly lived with me for 14 years and that's a lot of insanity, my friends!

6. He's smart. It's like living with Bill Nye the Science Guy.

7. He spoils me. I said to him one day "You spoil me rotten and you will never get rid of me at the rate your going." He said "That's the point!" I love his humor too!

Seven books I love:

1. King James version of the Bible.

2. Anything from Debbie MacComber.

3. Eargon  Dragon stories are my favorite.

4. Anything from Elizabeth George.

5. Reader's Digest Knitting Handbook.

6. Knitting from the top.

7. Sweater Design in Plain English.

Seven things I say:

1. I love you to TBC, RB, GG and my mom!

2. I'm not going down that road:)

3. I'm sorry and I mean it.

4. Do you want anything... from the kitchen, store, etc.?

5. RB, clean up your room, pick up the Legos and feed the dogs!

6. Is it 4:00 p.m. yet?

7. Is is Friday yet?

Seven movies I love:

1. Lord of the Rings

2. John Wayne war movies

3. Random Harvest

4. Battle Cry

5. Old black and white movies

6. Cheesy Sci-fi movies

7. Babe I love the story and the musical score is awesome!

Meme number 2. Ariane tagged me with this meme: The Knitting Spot. Where do you knit?

Here's where I knit in the living room!

I won't tag anyone. If you want to play along be my guest!