What a beautiful day!

I can’t believe that it is August.  The temperature is currently 84 degrees.  The sun is shinning and the humidity is only at 32%.  It’s a great day outside.

I have been working on my shawl.  I am still knitting with the tart color.  This is the Cameo shawl and I am using Madelinetosh sock in the colors tart and farmhouse white with a size 5 needle.  I am enjoying knitting this shawl.

I also forgot that I had knitted a prayer cloth.  I have been wanting to knit one of these for awhile but forgot about it.  It is a cross pattern.  I used Plymouth Fantasy Naturelle in color 2754 with a size 7 needle.  This knitted up fast and it’s been awhile since I knit any type of cloth.

I did get two skeins of self striping yarn.  The first is by Caterpillargreen yarns in the color Skyline. This yarn is 70%  superwash merino, 20% cashmire and 10% nylon.

The second is by Quaere Fibre. The color is Patchwork.  It is 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon.  There are 600 yards on this skein.  I can’t wait to knit this yarn into a sock.

Rainbow sock finally finished

Yes, I finally finished my rainbow sock.  This was a basic sock pattern and usually it doesn’t take me this long to finish one of these socks, but I think when I knit an afterthought heel it takes me longer to finish the sock.

I used the Rainbow color from Fab Funky Fibers using a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.  I love this color.

I bought some Madelinetosh sock yarn in the colors Tart and Farmshouse White. 

I am using this yarn to knit the Cameo shawl using a size 5 needle.  This shawl is knit sideways and has a picot edge.

I was also able to get a skein of Wollmeise lace yarn in the color ballerina.  Now I have to find a pattern.

Reading Update

I am really doing well with reading this year.  To date, I have read 65 books.  My original goal for the year was to read 65 books.  I have already reached that goal.  So, I am changing the goal to read 100 books for the year.

Here are the books that I read since the last time I posted on what I read:

Fudge Cupcake Murder – Joanna Fluke

Ties that Bind – Marie Bostick

Murder in Merino – Sally Goldenbaum

The Way Home – Katherine Spencer

Harbour of the Heart – Katherine Spencer

Delusion of Death – J.D. Robb

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Dead Ever After – Charlene Harris

Calculated in Death – J.D. Robb

Tumbleweeds – Leila Meacham

An O’Brien Family Christmas – Sheryl Woods

A Thread so Thin – Marie Bostwick

Celebrity in Death – J.D. Robb

A Fistful of Collars – Spencer Quinn

Blossom Street Brides – Debbie Macomber

Unsaid – Neil Abramson

Sugar Cookie Murder – Joanna Fluke

The Summer Garden – Sheryl Woods

Threading the Needle – Marie Bostwick

The Invention of Wings – Sue Monk Kidd

Apart at the Seams – Marie Bostwick

Peach Cobbler Murder – Joanna Fluke

Confessions of a Wild Child – Jackie Collins

The Ocean Between Us – Susan Wiggs

Cherry Cheesecake Murder – Joanna Fluke

A Week in Winter – Maeve Binchy

Case of Lies – Perri O’Shaughnessy

Yarn Over Murder – Maggie Sefton

The Husbands Secret – Liane Moriarty

Blood Feud – Edward Klein

The Apple Orchard – Susan Wiggs

Barefoot – Elin Hilderbrand

Scarpetta – Patricia Cornwell

4 Disciplines of Execution – McChesney, Covey, Huling

Thankless in Death – J.D. Robb

Taken in Death – J.D. Robb

The Hurricane Sisters – Dorothea Benton Frank

I guess I better get reading if I intend to make my goal of 100 books until the end of the year.

A lousy July

It really has been a lousy July weather wise.  We have had rainy and dreary days.  However, it is suppose to get sunny and humid towards the end of this coming week.  I guess I shouldn’t complain, since this weather is a lot better than the winter we had.

I really haven’t been knitting too much.  I keep plugging away on the basic sock I am knitting using Fab Funky Fibers yarn in the Rainbow color with a size one needle.  I have finished with one sock and started the second.  I put the waste yarn in for the heel and I’m now working on the foot.  When I finish this sock, I will do the heels.  I just love the colors.

Here is the first sock:

Here is the second sock:

I have also been knitting on the Hedera sock by Cookie A.  I am using Hazel Knits in the blueberry color with a size 1.5 needle.  I am working on the heel.

I also bought a skein of Mrs. Crosby Hat Box in the color Swiss Mountain Stream.  I have been reading a lot about this yarn and wanted to try it.  It has Superwash Wool, Silk and Cashmere in it.  It feels real soft.

I have been reading a lot and will post what I have read in a future post.

Here is a picture of my nephew and niece.  He is three years old and she is 4 months old.  They are so cute together.

I am in love with Madelinetosh Yarn

I just love Madelinetosh yarn!  I finished the Rikke hat in Madelinetosh DK using the color Plaid Blanket with a size 4 and size 7 needle.  I loved the color and the yarn and finished the hat in a week. 

I really liked the pattern, but it called for one skein of Madelinetosh DK and you were suppose to knit 9 inches from the cast on edge before doing the decreases.  I only knit 7 inches before decreasing because I would have run out of yarn.  I could have probably gone to 7 1/2 inches, but I didn’t want to take the chance.  The hat looks okay with only the 7 inches from the cast on edge, but this was the second project that I didn’t have enough yarn according to the instructions.  I am going to make another one, so I bought 2 skeins of Madelinetosh DK in the color Wicked.  It looks brown in the picture, but it has purple in it.

I loved the plaid blanket color, so I bought more of it in tosh sock.  I plan to use this color for another Willow cowl.  I bought 2 skeins of it so I would have enough.  I also bought tosh sock in Wicked, Aura, and Cardinal.  I plan to use the Aura and Cardinal for the Foolproof cowl.

Little Skein in the Big Wool came out with a theme of Where the Wild Things are.  I loved the monster pattern, so I bought the kit that includes the pattern, yarn, and accessories.  The yarn is Highland Handmades in her Green Ash Worsted Yarn in the color Minos (I got 2 50 gram skeins to make 2 monsters – I have big ideas).  It’s a blue color.  I also couldn’t resist Highland Handmades Striped Maple Sock in the Color The Wild Rumpus.

I have been coming along with my Fab Funky Fibers Rainbow sock using a size 1 needle.  I debated about doing a heel flap, but changed my mind because of the number of colors in this self striping yarn.  So, I am doing an afterthought heel.  I am still working on the first sock.

I just had to cast on another sock.  This time I chose a patterned sock called Hedera by CookieA.  I am using a size 1.5 needle with Hazel Knits Artisan sock in the color Blueberry.  I only started this sock this week so you are only seeing the cuff.

I really like Hazel Knits yarn and need to knit more socks up with it.

Well, I better get knitting.

When will it stop raining?

It has been a lousy week.  We have had dreary days and rain.  Today was suppose to be sunny, but the sun hardly came out.  I hope tomorrow and next week is nicer.

I finally finished the Willow cowl.  I had to rip it back because I didn’t have enough yarn to finish.  I should have had 2 skeins of yarn, but the yarn I used I bought years ago and only had one skein.  As a result, I only had 3 repeats of the lace section where the pattern had 5.  I still like how it turned out and will make another one.  I used a Size 5 needle with Socks that Rock lightweight yarn in the color Muddy Autumn Rainbow.

I worked on my Rainbow sock.  It’s a 15 color rainbow striped yarn.  I planned on doing the normal heel flap and then decided that I would waste too much yarn to get it to work out once I finished the heel.  So, I am doing an afterthought heel.  I am using a size 1 needle and the yarn is from Fab Funky Fibers.

I finally cast on for the Rikke hat.  I am using Madelinetosh DK in the color plaid blanket with a size 4 and 7 needle.  I really like the color.

I better work on these projects as I am already checking out new patterns to start knitting on.  I already have a skein of yarn wound to start another sock.

Where did May Go?

I can’t believe that tomorrow is June 1st.  May really flew by.  My days have been filled with cleaning out the house, reading and some knitting.

I finally finished the Kirby Wirby Rockin my Banana Clip to the NKOTB concert socks.  I used a size 1 needle with a basic sock pattern.  These are for my niece.  I love this color.  I may just have to knit another pair for myself.

I have also been working on the Willow cowl.  I really am enjoying this pattern, but I need to rip out rows as I will not have enough yarn to finish.  I would really need 2 skeins of yarn for this cowl, but since I bought this yarn quite awhile ago, I only have this one skein.  I am using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in the color Muddy Autumn Rainbow with a size 5 needle.

I bought two skeins of Plymouth Mushishi yarn in color 23.  It’s a blue green color.  I plan on knitting the "L’enveloppe pattern with this yarn.

House Cleaning

Well, I haven’t been knitting too much.  I have been busy cleaning out the house.  What a job it is.  You just don’t realize how much junk you have.  I have 3 floors (Basement, First Floor, Second Floor) pretty much under control.  I do have some odds and ends to do on each floor, but I feel real good about it and everything is pretty organized.  I am getting burned out though, so I am going to take a little break and will then tackle the attic.

What I really get a charge out of are the garbage pickers that stalk the alley’s.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am grateful that they are taking what I have out to take.  But, I can put something out and before you know it, it’s gone.

I have been working on several projects, but finally completed one sock of a pair for my niece.  The yarn is Kirby Wirby.  The color is Rockin my banana clip to the NKOTB concert.  I am using a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.  I love this color!

I have purchased more self striping sock yarn.  I just can’t resist it.  I got Vesper Sock yarn in the colors Love Story and April Showers bring May flowers.

KirbyWirby in the color Rainbow.

Fab Funky Fibers in the color Northern Lights.

So, I guess I better get knitting!

100 Pairs of Socks

Can you believe it?  Yes, I finished my 100th pair of socks.  I’m calling this one my Easter sock, although it got finished after Easter.  But, it looks so springy and Easterish.  The yarn is from Gales Art and the color is Hydrangea.  I used the no purl monkey sock pattern with a size 1.5 needle.

Next sock is a striped yarn for my niece.

I also got two skeins of sock yarn from Knittery Things.  It’s Vesper sock yarn in the colors Monet’s Garden and Springtime Happy Dance.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of cleaning out the house, so I haven’t been knitting too much.  Plus, I have also been reading.  I need to make my goal of 100 books this year.

Reading Like Crazy!

I have been reading a lot since the new year.  To date, I have read 28 books.  So, I am going to try to finish reading 100 books this year.  We will see if that happens.

So far to date, I have read the following books

Missing in Death – J.D. Robb

Fantasy in Death – J.D. Robb

Cure – Robin Cook

Songs of Christmas – Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

Candlelight Christmas – Susan Wiggs

Starry Night – Debbie Macomber

Indulgence in Death – J. D. Robb

Possession in Death – J.D. Robb

Takedown Twenty – Janet Evanovitch

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder – Joanne Fluke

Candy for Christmas – Joanne Fluke

The Inn at Eagle Point – Sheryl Woods (I really enjoyed this book)

Treachery in Death – J. D. Robb

Strawberry Shortcake Murder – Joanne Fluke

Between Heaven and Texas – Marie Bostwick

A Single Thread – Marie Bostwick

Flowers on Main – Sheryl Woods

New York to Dallas – J.D. Robb

Harbor Lights – Sheryl Woods

Blueberry Muffin Murder – Joanne Fluke

A Chesapeake Shore Christmas – Sheryl Woods

Driftwood Cottage – Sheryl Woods

Chaos in Death – J.D. Robb

Moonlight Cove – Sheryl Woods

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder – Joanne Fluke

The Kitchen House – Kathleen Grissom

Beach Lane – Sheryl Woods

A Thread of Truth – Marie Bostwick

What a Beautiful Day!

The temperature was close to 70 degrees today.  The sun is shining and tax season is almost over.  I have 2 more days to work.  I am so glad that it is coming to a close.

I have been knitting somewhat.  I finished one sock of the No purl monkey socks using Gales Art sock yarn in the color Hydrangea.  I am using a 1.5 needle.  I love how this sock is turning out.

I also started a cowl called the Willow Cowl.  I am using a size 5 needle with Blue Mountain Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in the lightweight color of Muddy Autumn Rainbow.

I also purchased two skeins of yarn from Kirby Wirby.  The yarn is Soft and squishy and the colors are Bonkers and Rockin my Banana Clip to the NKOTB concert.  Love these colors!  They are both self striping yarns for socks.

Finally, it’s April

I am so glad that April has finally arrived.  Some days it has been so beautiful.  Today, the sun finally came out, but it is windy making it a little cooler.  At least we aren’t having snow.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a wonderful day.

April also means that tax season is ending soon.  I am counting the days.  It’s so funny that I can’t wait for it to end, but after a few months off, I will be ready to start again.  Tax season has been keeping me busy and it’s taking my mind off of things.  But, now I am looking forward to spring and sitting outside on my back porch.

Knitting is going slow, but I have been knitting.  I finished my Zombody Go Bragh socks.  The yarn is from Desert Vista Dyeworks and is her Visio sock yarn.  I used a size 1 needle with a basic sock pattern.

I also finished the leg on the first Monkey Sock using Gale’s Art in the Hydrangea color with a size 1.5 needle.  I love the color of these socks and I’m calling them my Easter socks.  I probably won’t get them finished by Easter, but that’s okay.

I want to cast on for a cowl using sock yarn, so maybe I will do that tonight.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

And, the snow is melting!  Yahoo!  Although we may have a little snow this week.  I certainly hope not.

I haven’t done too much knitting, but I did do some.  I finished one sock of the Desert Vista Dyeworks Zombody go Bragh sock.  I am using a size 1 needle.  I love this colorway. This is for St. Patrick’s Day; however, I do not have it finished for that day.  Ah, maybe next year!

I did start another sock using Gale’s Art sock yarn in the color Hydrangea.  I figured that this was a great spring color.  I am making the no purl monkey socks with this yarn using a size 1.5 needle.

I did work a little on the Gale Sweater. I got a couple more repeats knitted on the front. I am using Plymouth Homestead yarn in taupe heather (it kinda looks like grey) with a size 11 needle.

I forgot to mention last time that I finished the Flutterby baby blanket using Flutterby yarn in the pink/purple color with a size 10.5 needle.  This was for my new great niece Chloe.

I couldn’t resist getting more striping sock yarn.  From Must Stash yarn and fiber, I got Fae Queen and Candy Crush (I had to get this because of the name)  in her Perfect sock base.

And, I also got Chocolate Bunny Cake in the same base.  This yarn is Must Stash yarn too, but I got it from Little Skein on Etsy.

Spring is around the corner?

At least I hope so.  The sun is shining today and it’s 43 degrees out.  Melt snow Melt!

I have been knitting.  I am still working on the Flutterby baby blanket and started the second ball.  I should finish this soon.  Maybe this week.

I also worked on the Zombody go Bragh sock by DVD using a size 1 needle.  This makes me think of spring.

I also started the Gale sweater.  I am using Plymouth Homestead yarn in a gray color with size 10.5 and 11.0 needles.

Forgot to mention last time that I also got Malabrigo Rasta yarn in the color Violeta Africana.  This was a back order from Webs.  I want to use this yarn to make mittens.  I know, it will have to be mittens for next year.  I love the color.

All my chores are finished for the day, so I guess I will do some knitting and reading.  Sounds good to me.

Here we go again–More snow!

Another snow storm is on it’s way.  It could be 6 – 12 inches starting Sunday into Monday.  I am so glad it’s finally March, but I was hoping that we wouldn’t be getting much snow anymore.  Plus, I would really like the snow on the ground to be melted before getting any more.

I was able to finish two pairs of socks this week.  I completed the Angry Birds sock.  The yarn is Lollipop yarn in the color Angry Birds.  I used a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.  I loved the colors on this sock.

I also completed the Drift socks.  I used the Sanguine Gryphon’s Bugga yarn in Tropical Shield Bug with a size 1.5 needle.  The pattern was very easy to knit.

So now that two pairs of socks are off the needles, I cast on for another basic sock pattern using Desert Vista Dyeworks Viso yarn in the color Zombody go Bragh with a size 1 needle.  Great colors for St. Patrick’s Day.

I also got some more skeins of yarn.  From Gales Art I got her Wonder Sock in the colors Hydrangea and Graffiti and Asphalt.

Also, I plan on knitting the pattern Gale by Alicia Plummer.  It’s a sweater pattern.  I bought Homestead yarn by Plymouth in the color 2 – Taupe Heather (looks more like grey) to use for this project.

Well, one more week and it’s Daylight Savings Time.  I am looking forward to that because I am hoping that we will be getting some warmer weather to melt this snow.