Finally it has happened to me

Two posts in one day! Can you stand the excitement? Just don't get too used to it, 'mkay?

Last night I met up with Vicki, my KSKS angel, for a little gifting and knitting. We had a blast! Check out the goods:



Isn't that just the cutest bag you ever did see? And don't miss those stitch markers hooked onto the front! But wait, what's inside?



Some yummy yummy Mountain Colors hand-painted yarn in Lodge Grass. I have gifted this yarn before, but I've never been lucky enough to have some of my very own. I can't wait to start knitting it up!

But wait, there's still more!



These are definately a few of my favorite things. From left to right, we have a package of these great little leathery guys that keep your dpns together (never even seen 'em before!), then we have a delicious warm vanilla sugar hand cream from Bath and Body Works, some delicious Truffles from Lindt (how did she know how much I love these?), Cadbury's chocolate, and Skittles. Seriously, I feel so completely and utterly spoiled. Thanks Vicki; you're the best!



Previous title: Men without Hats, "Safety Dance"

You can dance if you want to

It's my October socks, all finished up! It's also my first homemade Hannukah present of the year; well, at least the first one that will actually be gifted. After all, that multidirectional diagonal scarf was supposed to be a gift, but clearly I am keeping it.

These socks are for my college roommate, Lisa, who loves the song mentioned in this title. It might be the only song that she knows the real words to. Usually, she just makes up her own lyrics as she goes along (like the Beastie Boys classic "No Sleep Till Sunday," instead of "No Sleep Till Brooklyn"). There are other classics in Lisa's repertoire of invented lyrics, but that's all I can come up with for now. I hope she likes her dancing socks!



Specs:
Pattern: Elfine Socks from Amelia Raitte (click on "Fashion for Free")
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Periwinkle
Pattern Notes: I had a blast knitting these guys. They're just so delicate and sweet that I found myself wanting my own pair. The lace pattern is easy to follow but doesn't get repetitive, plus it has that nice in-between row where you just knit straight through - always a bonus. I tried this pattern once before and found it too hard, so maybe it's a little more on the intermediate side? It definately helps to knit it on circular needles. I think it would be way too confusing to try and break up the lace pattern to use dpns.

I tried to take a close up of the pattern, but here's the best I came up with:





Previous title: Guns n' Roses, "Patience" - a very favorite of mine

Just a little patience

After waiting WAY TOO LONG, I have finally sent along a special thank you to Elizabeth, my SP8. Want to see what she got?



Specs:
Pattern: Another Cleo Clutch
Needles: US 10
Yarn: Cascade 220 in color 8339
Pattern Notes: This pattern is really simple, but somehow the first cleo clutch I made has a cable that changes directions part of the way through, so watch for that. It's a great first cable project if you're looking for one.

Along the theme of patience, I've heard word from the very helpful Bev about my KSKS kit. I was ditched by my first sock kit pal, story unknown. Medical difficulties have made my angel bow out, but my thoughts are with her all the way. Whoever you may be (because it's still a secret to me), I'm sending healthy thoughts your way, Angel Number One. Now I'm on to Angel Number Two. Thanks for stepping in Vicki! As a return of the favor, I thought I'd let you all know that Vicki is collecting yarn for a blanket. Check out her blog to see if you can help.

I'll leave you with a picture of my weekend happenings.



You guessed it, another wedding! This one was the last of the season for me; now I'm off of wedding duty until March. Finally! Not that I don't enjoy them, but really people, enough is enough! If y'all could just hold off on the wedding plans for a short while so I can catch my breath, that would be just great! Thanks a bunch!



Previous Title: Grateful Dead, "Box of Rain"

Maybe you'll find direction around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you

Lookee lookee! An FO!



Specs:
Pattern: Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf
Needles: US 8
Yarn: Diaketo Diamusee in color 39
Pattern Notes: Easy as pie! Where does that expression come from anyway? I don't think baking a pie is particularly easy . . . At any rate, this pattern is clear and easy to follow. I think maybe I've made one before. Oh no, just remembered I frogged it because I didn't like the yarn combination with the pattern. That yarn is now a lovely booga bag. Hey, at least I reused it.

This scarf was supposed to be my very first holiday gift knitting, but forget that, I'm keeping it. It was moderately chilly here in Boston on Sunday night, so on my way to my first Knitsmiths visit (fun fun!), I decided that I needed to wear the scarf. Now I can't part with it!

I've been holding out on you with another FO, but it's for Elizabeth as a thank you for being my secret pal in round 8. She, and the rest of you, will just have to hold your breath waiting with anticipation to see it. No, actually please don't. I'd rather not be responsible for that mishap.



Previous Title: Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"

How I wish, how I wish you were here

My very best friend in the world, Kelly, lives in New York. It's hard not living near her, but it was harder today than ever before. She lives in the building that was hit by a plane today. Everyone is fine and noone was in the apartment at the time, but it just makes you stop and think. There's really nothing you can do to avoid an accident like that or to plan for it, obviously, but it really puts life in perspective and makes you realize how much every day counts. I don't think I spend enough time telling people what they mean to me, and I think I spend too much time worrying about things that aren't important. And then things like this happen and it really makes you just take a minute away from it all.

Love you Kelly! And Nick, and Grace, and Carter, and (of course) Van Buren.



Previous Title: The Who, "Who Are You"

Note: I'll be back to knitting content soon, I just couldn't do it today.

Tell me, who are you? 'Cause I really wanna know

It's fun getting to know new secret pals. I just got my match-up today from Heatherly , who I had the honor of spoiling last round. I can't wait to get started on a new pal! Her blog already has me cracking up, so this should be a blast! I've also already heard from my spoiler, who seems to be a monkey fan too. Should be a great round!

Heatherly has a little contest going to get to know pals. Just answer these five questions , and you're entered. So, here goes!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
My couch, right in front of the tv. I'd take a picture if my apartment wasn't such a wreck right now. There is cleaning scheduled in for this weekend, so maybe I'll add a picture a little later.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
The horrors! I don't think I could cope! I guess I would maybe take up spinning, or just fondle yarn and try not to get any drool on it.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
Paris. It's by far my favorite city. Culture, fashion, art, food, wine, and on and on . . . I've been twice, but the first time I was eight, so that doesn't really count. The second time I was only there for one day, and it rained AND the metro was on strike, so I didn't get to do much. That was almost better though, because nothing beats a leisurely day strolling the streets of Paris.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I never really knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I think I ended up teaching by default. I just couldn't quite figure out what I wanted to do after college, so grad school was the logical choice. Having said that, I do come from a long line of teachers (mom, grandmom, grandfather, great aunt, and those are just the ones I know about) and I did used to make all of my friends play school when they came over. Can you imagine that? Playing school on the weekend?!? Of course, I always got to be the teacher! I'm still not really sure what I want to do when I "grow up." Lately I've been thinking about a career change, but I haven't settled on anything yet.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
J.P. Lick's has the most amazing coffee oreo ice cream I've ever tasted! If you've never had it and you're in the Boston area, I command you to go and give it a try. Really, it is the best.



Previous title: Ren and Stimpy, "Happy Happy Joy Joy"

Happy happy joy joy

Secret Pal 9 is gearing up and ready to go! Can't wait! Here are my answers, oh pal of mine: (If you read that in a Stimpy voice, all nasal-like and with excitement, it kinda sounds like him.)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like yarn. Pretty much all yarn. Not a big fan of ACKrylic though. Softer is generally better. While I do knit things besides socks, if you're thinking sock yarn I really love Lorna's Laces, Cherry Tree Hill, and I'm dying for some Socks that Rock.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I made a little needle case, but it's not the greatest.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I guess I've been knitting for around four or five years maybe? I'm definately intermediate at least, and maybe moving on to advanced. The only things I don't do much of are entrelac and fair isle.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yup. Check on the sidebar. I update it pretty often, or at least often enough that it's current.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I'm not really a smelly kind of person. Scents just don't do it for me.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Ooo, you got me there. Candy is always welcome in my house. I like milk chocolate, but it doesn't mail so well because it does melt sometimes. I also like Skittles, Sprees, and most other sweet things.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
If it's a craft, I do it. Or at least have done it. Current favorites include cardmaking, crocheting, and sewing. I don't spin, but I wouldn't mind learning.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Hmm. Do you really want me to answer that? Basically, take a look at my titles. I like Top 40s and alternative usually.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I generally prefer rich dark colors, like burdandy, maroon, deep purple, navy, dark orange, etc. I'm not really much of a pastel or brights person, but there are always exceptions.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me so far. Keep your eyes peeled though, there may one day be a kitty or a puppy in the picture.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves all the time and hats sometimes. Not really a poncho person. I don't wear mittens, but only because I don't have any. A pair of mittens would certainly be welcome in my home. Basically, it's Boston and it's going to be cold very very soon.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Lately it's socks, but I'm also really into sweaters. I like knitting things with cables or lacey patterns mostly - keeps life interesting. I'm a huge Debbie Bliss pattern fan these days.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Elfine socks, a multidirectional diagonal scarf, and a few other items . . . I'm getting ready to start on a few booga bags (as gifts) and a Feona sweater (Debbie Bliss alpaca silk book).

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Are there people out there who would say no to this question?

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like circulars the best, especially addi turbos. Given the cost of turbos, I often go for bamboo instead.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but I really would like to. Maybe one day, sigh . . .

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Hmm. Two years or so maybe?

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving hands down. It's all about family and food - two of my favorite things. I also like Christmas, but mostly because I'm Jewish and my parents have a great big dinner party with friends and family, so it ends up being a lot like Thanksgiving.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Not so much.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I like the stuff over at Zephyr Style (patterns and stitch markers). I subscribe to Interweave Knits. Any books are over on the wish list. I don't have a chibi, but I would like one (blue maybe?).

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to figure out the whole fair-isle thing. Magic loop would be helpful too.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
But of course! My foot is 9 and 3/4 inches from heel to toe - size 11! Around the ball of my foot is 8 inches (I wear a narrow), but I don't usually have a problem fitting into the average size from a pattern width-wise.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) March 31. Mark your calendars; it's my thirtieth!



Previous Title: Guns 'n Roses, "Civil War"