Monterey Bay Aquarium

Yesterday Jonny, Kelly and I took a road trip down to Monterey to revisit the aquarium we all love from our childhood.  We saw some pretty amazing animals and some cool new exhibits.  Overall it was a very relaxing way to spend the end of my spring break.

New Diet Plan

Kelly and I have decided on a plan that will hopefully be a failsafe direction for our pizza/cheese addiction and this will help us remember :)

Knitters are so thoughtful…

Not only do knitters share ideas, knit things for charities, or offer help to someone who’s stuck or frustrated with their current WIP, they share enthusiasm for FO and personal knitting milestones.  The writer of the blog Domestic Miss – A Sweet and Sour Slice Of Life has shared her excitement of completing her Silk Lace Scarf.  Because of this achievement, she is generously offering a gift of buttons and an Addi Turbo lace needle to anyone who leaves her a comment on this post.

Thanks Domestic Miss and a great job completing your beautiful scarf!!

Sock Chart

Sometimes I really love my co-workers. One in particular was the inspiration for this “Don’t Make Me Cut You” chart. You see, my co-workers, well, they’re aggressive bike riders and they wanted socks to go along with their attitudes. Thus, the “Don’t Make Me Cut You” chart was born! Full sock pattern to follow once I test knit this bad boy >:D

My Run to Feed the Hungry Photos from 2007

Donating to the Iowa Floods

I just have to say that I love being fortunate enough to help in need: in this case, animals. As most of you know by now, the floods in the Midwest were devastating, displacing a lot of people and animals from their happy homes. Although I do not have individual ties to Iowa, both my parents and uncle are from Davenport, IA, so I do feel a small connection with the kind people there.

I wanted to write this blog entry not to focus on the tragedy, but of what we can do to help. I’ve donated my Native Feather Earrings to the Iowa Relief Auction for Evacuated Animals. If you have some expendable funds and would like to support the evacuated animals, please check out the Auction Catalog which includes many wonderful items that people have made and donated.

I would want the same support to go to my lovelies if we were ever separated.

My Target’s Death

So today I finally finished my target’s socks which will be used for the KILL! I’m going to ship them out tomorrow morning so I can include some goodies. So if you’re out there oma, you’re dead by Saturday!

So I’m in Trouble

I bid on a spinning wheel. I know! Ken warned me not to watch, but I did and now I want one. I am overwhelmed of the fact that I can create something from a single string of yarn, but am now totally intrigued with making yarn. Eeeeee! I can’t wait! I decided on a Louet S10 Double Treadle. It’s supposed to be good for beginners, but still adaptable for experienced spinners. It looks like this:

I’ve also found some really amazing roving from Copperpot Woolies

Also this roving from marvelousmerino

Go check out their Etsy shops for more!

Ravelry

So… I haven’t been writing here because I’ve been spending all my time on Ravelry! It’s a wonderful resource for those of you who haven’t heard of it or been there yet. You have to be accepted to sign up but that’s just a waiting game so that the administrators don’t get overwhelmed with adds.

You have so many options with Ravelry:

My Notebook – where you can store your stash, needle count, favorite projects, patterns, etc.

Forums – where I spend most of my time connecting with people of same interests and ask questions regarding problems I run into

And don’t forget to visit the Patterns section!

Oh man! I could go on forever! If you’re an avid knitter, you must check it out. Hope to see you there!

Side Note: I’m working on a couple of projects that when I get a decent amount done I’ll post the pictures on here for all to see :)

Sock Knitters!

Aspiring Sock Knitters!

I have found a wonderful book with easy instructions and great tips for sock knitting. It’s called Sensational Knitted Socks and you can score a great price at Joann’s Fabrics with the weekly mailer 40% off coupon!

Inside there are specific patterns based on the number of stitches you’re using, great explanations for both the heel flap and short row heel, and charts for sizing and yarn weight.

On another note, I’ve found a wonderful spring yarn color to work with – Lion Brand Wool-Ease Seaspray. I has that Easter feeling that will make a wonderful neck warmer for those cool spring morning walks. I can’t wait!

You can find this neck warmer and other hand knit goodies at my Etsy store hoppingdeer.etsy.com

If you mention that you got the link to my store from this blog, then I will give you a $2 discount!

I suppose I’d better get back to work. Until next time…