Secret of the Stole Clue 1 Completed

It looks like DK's designs are the only ones I will ever be able to keep up with on a knitalong. I actually had this finished by Monday but only just now managed to catch a picture of it thanks to Julie. What do you think?

I love this yarn and so far the pattern has been very easy. I just looked at Clue 2 and it looks like we are now straightening out into the rectangular stole I was expecting.

On other fronts, the Spring Shawl Surprice is still sitting in timeout. No, it is not really that ill behaved but I messed up on a row near the end of Clue 1 and by the time I found my problem with it I was too deeply involved in other projects to pick it back up. Work has been crazy so I am very tired and this stole requires serious concentration. I need to get back to it before I am so far behind that I give up in frustration. Still haven't got those pictures of the cashmere swatch washed and unwashed but let me tell you, the difference is amazing.

Started a pair of wristwarmers for Jen on Tuesday. They are very cool with a celtic knot on the back of the wrist. Will have to find the link to the pattern so I can give credit to the designer. Still haven't finished her socks. I got overconfidant the other night, so proud of myself for being able to watch TV and knit on the sock. I finished the increases for the gusset and was re-reading the directions for turning the heel when I discovered I had increased for the gusset on every row instead of every other row. Dang! Another project goes in to the frog pond.

I need to get to work on my blah-buster buddy for the Hot Cocoa Swap. I have my stitch markers, yarn and cocoa for my buddy already. Have a couple more things on order but have to get knitting on the little buddy. Yikes, how did I get myself involved with soooooo many WIPs? Hopefully, I will have some finished objects soon that I can show you. For now, it's off to bed so I can get up at midnight to go to work. Take care all.

More Homework for Cocoa Swap Blog

Who knew that being in the Cocoa Swap was going to provide so much blog fodder. I don't even have to think up a topic so I can post LOL Here is the current question:

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

Hmm, that is a very good question. I have knitted a hat and a scarf in the past month, which is something I don't usually do. (actually the hat was crocheted but it looked knitted). However, this wasn't really because I am in the thick of winter but because my daughter is. I think the week that I sent her the care package, the temperature was about 9 degrees Fahrenheit in New Jersey. That is the one advantage to having her move to cold climates. At least I know that the lovely knitted creations I am making for her will get used. Not much use for thick warm hats, scarves etc here in California since we are both rather warm-blooded. We both hate the heat which is rather ironic since we live (or lived for her) in the central valley which can be exceedingly warm. I am working on some wool socks for her using the gorgeous hand dyed merino I received from my swap partner in the Coffee Swap and next week I am taking a class on wristwarmers that have a gorgeous Celtic knot on the back of the wrist. So, yes, I guess you could say I am sort of in winter mode.

However, my other projects are all lace as they have been since I got hooked on mystery stole knitalongs this past summer with Mystery Stole 3. My first two lace stoles were gifts to others. The next two are intended to be for me. I started the Spring Shawl Surprice just yesterday and clue 3 came out yesterday as well. Secret of the Stole II starts soon, sometime this week, can't remember exactly when at the moment.

The Spring Shawl Surprice is being knitted in 100% cashmere from Colourmart in the color Glacier. I actually managed to knit up two swatches so I could see side by side the difference between the washed and unwashed cashmere. Let me tell you, it is unbelievable. I will hopefully have pictures by the end of the week so I can show you too.

Sooooo tired of being sick!

Anybody else out there got the crud that never ends? I am sure there are plenty, I hear it is going round. I have basically been sick since about 3 days before Christmas. I spent 6 days at home starting Christmas Day hoping to kick it quick but it didn't work. Saturday I left work after an hour and a half. As I have mentioned before, I have a very physical job. When you are breaking out in a huge sweat just from inserting labels in trays, you shouldn't be there. The only reason I went in at all was because we had had 3 sick calls the day before and I didn't want to leave them even more short-handed. Two of those folks came back on Saturday so I bailed after doing the initial sweep.

Not only does the crud make it hard to work, I can't seem to knit! (much worse in my opinion) Clue 3 of the Spring Shawl Surprice comes out tomorrow and I haven't even started Clue 1 yet! Not to mention the fact that Secret of the Stole II starts on Friday and I have socks on the needles as well as a stole that is supposed to be a birthday present for the end of February. I don't think it is going to happen.

I did manage to attend a get-together today of a bunch of us who used to work at the Modesto REC. We had to keep adding chairs to the table since the initial estimate was for 10 people and I think we ended up with over 20. It was nice to visit with folks I hadn't seen in the last several months. Everybody seems to be adapting, though only one of the folks who has to commute to San Jose was able to make it which gives an idea of how exhausting the communte is. Later on, I met my LYS friends to go see "The Bucket List". Isn't it amazing how the movies that get the worst reviews are the ones you like the best? It was a great movie but I hadn't planned on the whole group of us being in tears at the end. Go check it out, after all any movie with both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman can't be all bad.

Haven't decided yet whether I am going to return to work today. I guess it will depend on whether I manage to get any sleep tonight. I am definitely making a doctor's appointment today though I don't know whether there is anything they can do for me. I have a feeling that plenty of rest is probably what they will say. Do you think they can write a prescription for that so I can stay home from work? It sure would be nice.

Ohh, one last thing. I did at least manage to get a couple of swatches knit in the cashmere but I still haven't washed one yet. I am dying to see how it changes once the oil is washed out. Will post pictures once I get it done.

Hot Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt

Hmmm, looks like this swap plans on putting us to work. LOL Time to go searching through some blogs to find answers to the following questions. Wow, I have some serious multiples here, going to cut down since there are so many people playing.

1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Criquette
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Just about every one I have read! specifically Debbie W if I have to pick just one
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Tricia R, Maria M, Lyndsey-Jane C, Lesley, Janice, Clarissa R oops, that is WAY more than 3
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Heather V
5. Name someone who crochets Nicole D
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Sarah R
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) )Emily H-K, Sarah G, Rhonda C, Rhoda G, Natalie M(1/7/08)
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Rachel C Paula B-E
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Tanya M
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Sarah J, Rachel S Michelle J
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Sharon K Rachel S Rachel C
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Tricia R Patty R
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs
Patty R, Mel B

Well, I have made it through most of the blogs and there are multiple answers for nearly every question (especially if I add drinking cocoa with a gorgeous Frenchman to my list LOL) Stopped posting the multiples after a while but it has been fun getting to know some of our fellow participants in the upcoming fun.

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Let the fun begin! Here are my answers to the cocoa swap questionnaire.

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?

I love to drink my cocoa (or tea or whatever) in a big mug so I can wrap my hands around it and warm them up. I usually use a storebought mix with water cuz I am always in a hurry and too lazy to make up my own stuff LOL I do like chocolate with peppermint so the addition of Peppermint Schnappes as mentioned on a couple of other blogs sounds good. Wait...I think I have that recipe in a book my mom gave me. I think it is called a Ski Jump.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

Definitely with whipped cream, the more, the better. When asked whether I want whipped cream on cocoa or a mocha, my answer is "Why else would I be ordering?"

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet

1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?

Hmmm, favorite yarn ... I love soft squishy merino, or anything that is super soft. Been knitting quite a bit of lace lately but I am starting to get into socks and would like to do another sweater one of these days. I love deep blues, turquoise, teal, purple, green. You know, those jewel tones.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?

I am definitely a knitter. I did learn to crochet a hat just recently but I prefer to knit.

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?

Love, love, love KnitPicks options but I am open to trying something in wood.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?

Can you ever have enough notions? I can never find my tape measure or my scissors. I have plenty of the Clover closed stitch markers but can always use more locking ones or just some decorative ones.

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?

One of those katcha,katcha stitch counters or some way to corral my needles.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)

For a quick knit gift, I like to do the dropstitch scarf. Only takes a couple of hours but impresses the heck out of non-knitters.

Miscellaneous

1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?

I love to read, mysteries particularly. Especially if they are knitting or needlework mysteries. I also love going to plays.

2. What is your favorite animal?

Hands down, I love horses. But don't tell my two long-haired kitties that. They are also not fond of the fact that I love dogs.

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?

Sometimes.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?

Don't know that I have a favorite. Spending time with friends (especially if they are knitting too) or going to the movies ... Talking to my daughter who recently moved all the way across the country.

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?

The smell of spring, everything turning green and fresh but it is not too hot yet. I hate high temps, crazy considering where I live.

6. What are your favorite treat?

Chocolate!!! Particularly dark though I love Ferrero Roche. I guess any kind of chocolate mixed with nuts or chewy stuff!

7. What is your favorite board game?

Used to play a mean game of Backgammon many long years ago but don't have the opportunity these days. I also like Trivial Pursuit. It is amazing what little tidbits are stored away in the old brain.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?

One daughter who recently moved to New Jersey to take a job working with horses. The good thing about that is now I have a place where my knitted items will actually be used since it is plenty cold there. I also have two long haired kitties who love to lie in the way while I am knitting.

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations your partner should know about?

None regarding fiber, treats or animals. I do have to say I am kinda allergic to novelty yarns though.

Okay, I think that answers all the questions. If my secret pal should want to know more, just drop me a line or leave me a comment on my blog. Looking forward to this swap. It's gonna be fun!

It's lace knitalong time again!

Well, the knitting frenzy has started again. The Spring Shawl Surprice (sic) knitalong started on the first and Secret of the Stole II starts on January 18th. I have included a button on the sidebar for SotS-ii. There is still time to sign up for that. DK runs a great KAL and there are always lots of cool prizes, both for completion and for just plain being in the group. This stole calls for earthy colors. Do you think that Zephyr Marine Blue qualifies? Water is of the earth, right?

I don't have a button yet for the Spring Shawl Surprice but I will try to find one soon. Signups for this KAL close next Monday I think. I think Lul, the designer, said signups would close before the second clue. I have some cashmere ordered from Colourmart for that one. Methinks both of these stoles are going to be mine, all mine!!! I started Jeanie yesterday for a birthday gift. I am going to have to get it in gear for that one. So far, each row is taking me about 25 minutes! Knitting and purling through the back loop is rather time consuming for me, especially with lace weight yarn. Still, it will be gorgeous when it is done.