Oh Ribby Where Art Thou?

I am so thrilled that I returned the Terra Cotta yarn to Knit Picks and picked up the Sea Spray colorway. Here are my Ribby Sleeves as they have stood since last weekend. I am finding that knitting these sleeves seem to be taking forever. When I did CPH's sleeves I felt like they whipped up in a jiffy. Maybe because it's just straight stockinette instead of *fancy* cable work? Oh yeah, that reminds me that I decided to only rib the cuffs on my Ribby. I didn't really like the ribbing going all the way up the sleeve. I wanted it to look more like a jersey I guess or maybe it's just the thought of the ribbing sleeves clinging to my arms?!?! Hmmmm.

Anyway, I have decided that by the end of this weekend the sleeves WILL be done. I really want to have everything done (with the exception of the zipper) on Ribby by the time I fly to SC for Christmas. What? That gives me 20 days.

I believe I am now up to date with showing off my knitting projects. Off to knit land! BTW, there are still 2 spots left in my PIF.

Pay It Forward

I just read about this "Pay It Forward" crafty thing on Kim's blog. I think this is a great idea and signed right up on her blog. So here is how it works, and I am just going to take the description from Kim's blog:

“The idea of the exchange is I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this blog post requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.”

So here you are guys. An opportunity to get something homemade from me. The first 3 people to comment to this "Pay It Forward" post saying that they are participating will get an item from me. If for some reason I don't get 3 responses (because you know, I don't know alot of people who read my blog), I will randomly pick 3 people in my life to receive something from me when they least expect it and I know in my heart they will follow through with the PIF. As I fufill each PIF, I will write a post about it once that person has received their item.

So Warm

If you look at this picture you would think that the Provence Throw was done. Actually it isn't, but I wanted to show you all how the progress was looking. I am actually only 4" away from starting, and completing, the last 4 rows of the border. I am so excited. This will be the first blanket that I have completed. Doesn't it look toasty warm? Now that the weather has gotten cooler I have relished working on this baby because it keeps me warm while I knit on it. I believe I will be "Weaving In Ends" land this weekend. I know the person that is receiving this as a Christmas present will love it! BTW, isn't it funny how this is the only Christmas Knitting I am letting ya'll see?

Friend or Foe?

On this last day of the extended holiday weekend I chose this morning to relax on my couch and work on some Christmas knitting gifts. While I was knitting away in my own silent little world, I heard this scratching noise. I immediately stopped what I was doing and sat breathlessly while waiting to see if this noise would happen again. What was strange about this noise is that it sounded as is it was coming from right above my head. The scratching noise did indeed occur again, which is good 'cause I think I was turning blue from holding my breath in anticipation. I immediately looked up from my couch and this is what I saw:

Can you believe it? Fawkes had flown in from I don't know where. She decided that hanging out on my wooden divider between the living and sleeping area was a good place to perch. I have to say I was extremely relieved when I saw this flash of hot pink! I didn't want to imagine what else that noise could have been.

Anyway, Fawkes is telling me that I should be working on her heel instead of all this Christmas knitting! What am I to do?!?!? I'm hoping to get the heel going on Fawkes this week.

My Winnings!

Ya'll remember when I won Becky's "New Puppy Advice" contest? Well I recieved the amazing yarn from her stash on Wednesday. After I won, she let me choose which color I wanted. As soon as I saw the "Midnight" blue yarn I knew it was my choice. Ya know, the blue will just bring the blue out in my eyes more and, of course, I thought it would go really well with a nice pair of blue jeans.

So here is my question to you all. I have 10 skeins of this beautiful Rowanspun 4 ply yarn. I have a total of 1620 yards. The gauge is 26-28sts/38-40 rows over 4 inches on size 3 needles. What should I knit with it? I have no idea. I am open to any and all suggestions. Until then, it will marinate happily with all my other yummy yarns.

Thanks again Becky!

Is It Christmas Already?

No, it's my final package from my Secret Pal 11 spoiler! Can you believe all the goodies that Marsha included? This is a five themed package. As you can see there is "Sock Knitting" - it included 4 skeins of yarn in my favorite colors and the Vogue knitting "Socks Two" book; "Tea Time" - it included "The Book of Tea", Honey Sticks to have with my tea and a box of tea "Gingerbread Spice" (which I haven't even seen this in my stores); "Yummy Stuff" - it included a HUGE 1+ pound of chocolate (which I have to admit I taste tested last night and it passed with flying colors); "Christmas Stuff" - it included very cute Christmas stocking needle protectors and Christmas tree shaped dishes; and "Fun Stuff" - it included adorable Mary Engelbreit notecards and a tea light holder!

Thanks to Marsha I really feel a great success with SP11. I have so throughly enjoyed getting to know her and look forward to being able to correspond with knowing who she is now!!! Marsha was a fantastic spoiler and I thank her with all my heart. This was sooooooo much fun!

Thank you Marsha! You are the best!!

Chevron FO

Yes folks, that is correct. I have another FO to add to my list. Friday night I decided to complete the last inch of my Chevron Scarf. I had wanted to start the Left Front on my Ribby Cardi that night and needed my size 5 needles to do the ribbing. So instead of "borrowing" the needles from Chevron, I just sucked it up and finished her off. So here she is all wrapped up amongst herself. She's being a little camera shy. I honestly don't blame her though. I would hide too if I were a little warped. She just needs a good steam bath that's all. Hopefully she'll be ready to show her beautiful colors in a few days!

On Sunday, I had paid a little visit to JoAnne Crafts out on Long Island. As you can see from this picture I have picked out the buttons I will be needing for my Knitty Thermal. The pic doesn't really do the buttons justice. They have a bit of shimmer and really pick up the color of my Gloss yarn just beautifully. While I won't be starting this until I finish my Ribby, I am just happy I have all the things I need for it now.

I just finished the Left Front of my Ribby tonight and will be casting on for the Right Front later. Looks like I will be in sleeve island by Friday!!!