New Year Approaching

Last New Years, I put together a list of my bests as well as a list of things to work on for 2006. Recently, you saw some of my favorites/bests of 2006. Let's see how I did on my things to work on for 2006:

1. Seaming sleeves- I put this one off by not doing any projects requiring attaching sleeves
2. The perfectionist in me that has now decided to rip out projects that are not up to my standards - all projects were finished up to standard this year
3. Finally learn socks on 2 circulars- didn't get this one done
4. Quality over quantity (I am going to pick my projects very carefully this year)- I came close, but when I look back at my galleries of knits, I have about the same number for 2005 & 2006 (20+ finished projects)
5. Vacation planning- we did this, and will be a focus for 2007 as well

Things to work on for 2007
1. Socks on 2 Circulars
2. Learn to spin with my drop spindle
3. Quality of Quantity continued
4. Vacation planning- looking at going to France this spring, we will see what else is in the mix
5. Make more of an effort to be committed to my personal fitness
6. Use my laceweight yarn (that I have had in my stash for at least 2 years)

Secret Knits Revealed!

Well, there is a story behind these knits.

This year I decided to make a new tradition for myself...one person to knit for each year. And by choosing one, I would knit a high-quality, well thought out, super special gift. This year's recipient? My sis, Knittripps!

I immediately picked out a shawl to knit from FolkShawls (the Wool Peddler's Shawl from the Victorian England section) and some KnitPicks Andean Silk yarn in Cranberry. I thought, what a better knit, than a nice cozy shawl to wear around the house while knitting and relaxing...Knittripps loves relaxing about the house. After about a month of knitting frenzy (I am guesstimating about 60-80 hours went into this shawl) and hiding my project from her (not easy to do because we like to talk about our projects with one another), it was complete!

Hopefully, Knittripps will get some more pics up on her blog so you can see the Wool Peddler's Shawl over there too! She was totally in shock upon opening her package...hehehe!

What is funny though, is that after I had decided to knit this for her as my one big knit, there was a little experience at Thanksgiving. Remember my recent knit, the one cable vest? Well, I wore it over to my parents on Thanksgiving as planned, and not more than 5 seconds in the door, my mom exclaimed, "That's it! That's exactly what I have been wanting!" (you see, ever since I started seriously knitting, my mom told me of a mystery vest that someone long ago had knit her, that was simple in shape, and design, and that she loved and wore and wore and wore until it was no more). Apparently, One Cable Vest is just what she was looking for :)

One of our good family friends was over for Thanksgiving as well, and my mom pointed out my vest saying how much she really liked it. The friend asked me how long it took to make, and once I said 2 weeks, he said, "well, I think you have time then to get going on a Christmas gift", and half joking he asked my mom what color she would like. "Navy, or green" she said. And so, it was meant to be. A 2nd knit for the season. And off to KnitPicks I went and ordered some more Andean Silk, this time in their Olive. And did the knit get finished? Yes indeed...in a quick week where I cranked away on her gift.

And she loved it! (I think that hers turned out better than mine...guess that how it goes for knitting the same thing twice)!

Next big Project on the list

Sad news here on the local yarn store front---the only yarn store in the metro is closing. Right now they are doing 40% off, and so Knittripps and I went out today to check it out and support them.

I have been intrigued by the Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole from Scarf Style, and seeing Fig & Plum's done in Noro Silk Garden only confirmed that it should be on my list. So, with 40% off, this was the perfect time to pick up some Silk Garden (the link shows what color I picked up...208)! Who knows when I will start it, but hey, another big project on my list now since I completed my sis's Christmas gift.

I also scored several pairs of Addi Turbos to get me ready for Socks Soaring away with 2 circulars!

Spoiled Rotten

I am in knitting bliss. I think I will call it Knit-mas this year, because I scored big in the knitting department. I did receive many lovely gifts beyond knitting, but I will spare my blathering to knitting related items.

My sis spoiled me rotten with a Golding Drop Spindle, fleece, and the best instructions (according to Knitty and the folks at Golding) to get me going. You see, this is one of my 2007 knitting aspirations, so I now I am ready to roll....er...spin!
In the book department, I am overloaded with good choices now. I really love knitting books, many of them are artfully done and make good coffee table books (although hubbs would probably disagree). New to the collection:
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Knits for Pets
Knitting Nature
Romantic Style: Knits and Crochet to Wear or Display
Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles (another one of my 2007 knitting aspirations is to learn this technique)
2007 Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar

In my stocking was also the cutest little kit: a Cap-Puccino, Mocha flavored...ingredients for a cozy hat included. Too cute!

I think my relatives are picking up on to my obsession :) Who would have known the my fidgeting could be so productive?

Accessorize your packages!

If they handed out report cards for wrapping presents, I think I would definitely be in the C- category. Nothing special, and usually a little wonky. I decided last night to whip up a few little crochet flowers to add some pizazz to this years gifts for the girls. Debbie Stollers Stitch & Bitch Crochet (the Happy Hooker) has some cute "pinups" and I made these with the 6-petal flower pattern, added a self adhesive pin back to each one and voila...something to add a special touch to my gifts (and something the recipient can add to a blazer that needs flair or a bag)!

Seasons Greetings!

Pre-holiday treat!

My fantastic-o sis couldn't help but give me a pre-holiday goodie....Good to Be Girl stitchmarkers!! I have been eyeing these for a while on her blog as she made them and sold them off for the holidays. How lucky am I? I love my little penguins. Not much right now to put these markers on (working away on my mittens bit by bit), but I might throw them on just to look at how cute they are with knitting :)

Ein wants to wish everyone a happy holiday from the zoo. Warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones!

2006 Favorites

Since there is sneaky holiday knitting around my house, I have decided to put together a list of my favorites for 2006 (2007 aspirations to come later this month).

In no particular order:

1. My boys

Always there for me, I couldn't ask for better companions

2. A glimpse of paradise

Our trip to Trinidad & Tobago this year showed me once again that the Caribbean is an amazing place. We just picked up Pirates 2 this week on DVD as well and so as the weather cools, I dream of being on the islands.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado

Our second home (we wish anyways). This state has so much to offer. Absolutely amazing views and tons of outdoor activities

4. Hubb's races

It has been really great to watch hubb's this year move forward with his goals. He finished 3rd in the state this year as a Sport rider and will be moving up to an Expert this year...he is remarkable and it has been fun to share this with him

5. Yes, my knitting

Is knitting the new yoga? Well, I have found it to be relaxing, sometimes challenging, therapeutic, and a great way to develop friendships (here with our little knitting group) and on the web with this blog. By the way, are blogs so 2005? Maybe, but I will keep mine going for now anyways.

I think I will stop with 5 (my lucky number), although there are many other things in 2006 that I have been thankful for and have made an impact on me. What are your 2006 favorites?

Tis the Season

Right after a good Thanksgiving, we were ready to get our holiday decorations up. That meant a family trip out to the tree farm. I don't know of too many other years where the weather was so nice picking out our tree.

To the left, are the workers at the farm "shaking out" any loose needles.

Our blue & white lights are up outside (thanks Hubbs) and a few choice decorations are up indoors. The tree is adorned with our small stash of favorite ornaments (this will be our 4th Christmas tree together). Hubby has some Peanuts ornaments from his childhood and I have a few owl ornaments from mine that are dear to me. I am such a sucker for cute owl stuff. Which, by the way, have you seen these? I am not much of a sewer, but hey, I could try for one of these cuties.

Boy has the weather changed this week. It is now VERY cold outside, but with no snow. I am sure that it will come soon enough one of these days though.

What decorations get you in the holiday spirit? I really like Nutcrackers, and we have St. Nick figurine that definitely gets me excited for Christmas.

And, what are your favorite Christmas albums? Diana Krall has a nice new one out this year, but I am very parial to Chris Issak's Christmas CD.

Ta Da...turkey day attire

Another headless wonder :) My vest is complete as is my participation in the FAL Cables 2006 KAL. Here is my One Cable Vest in all of its beauty (pattern by Blue Sky Alpacas). I used KnitPick's Andean Silk Yarn in Slate. I love this yarn (alpaca blends rock) and plan to use it on future products....sooooo soft.

It was a relaxing weekend for us. Knittripps hubby had his CD release party here at a local bar on Friday. They were really great and you will have to check out her blog because hopefully she will be putting some of the pics I took up (I don't want to spoil them over here at the zoo).

Anything interesting going on in your neck of the woods? We are expecting some lovely weather here for the holiday this week. What is your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal? I am partial to the stuffing and canned cranberries myself.

Gettin' There

Well, these pics are going to have to do for now...with the whole going to work and coming home in the dark thing, there is not good light for pictures. The true color is much lighter.

BUT, regardless...I can show you the stitches! As you can see, the front and back are both finished. All that is left to do is seam, do a quick round on the armholes, and then weave in ends! I really like this cable pattern, close up they almost look like hearts.

So much to blog

Life has been a little bit crazy lately. Yesterday, I celebrated my big 27...it is hard to believe that another year has flown by. B-days always make me a little reflective and wow, are there more things to reflect as you get older.

Hubbs was a true peach the whole weekend. I swear, sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have such a sweetie in my life. Love you, love you, love you hubbs. Friday, he sent me the most beautiful orchids to the office. He even ordered my favorite cake....campagne...ultimate yum. Saturday, he took me out to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge so we could see the buffalo and elk herds. I hadn't been out there before, and Ein had been telling me that he was looking to do a little road trip out to the prairies this fall.

We loaded up our buddy, and off we went! Ein spent much of the time in the car smelling the prairie. We had his window cracked open and upon rolling up to the buffalo, he went crazy! He started barking (so we quieted him down) and I moved him to the front seat by me, where he proceeded to try to jump out of the window! Must have been the cattle dog in him, I swear he wanted to get out there are start herding!

My wonderful sister scored big points this year for my b-day. She got me some beautiful Dale of Norway Baby Ull to get started on another pair of fair isle mittens (this time in my size, not hubbys). I will be doing another pattern from Knitting Marvelous mittens. See below for a sneak peak of the yarn and pattern. She also picked me out the most gorgeous shawl pin. It is being modelled by the Perfect Pie shawl. It is a Holz & Stein and absolutely fantastic. Thanks sis & brother-in-law D!

As for knitting progress, I have been working away at the One Cable Vest that I am doing for the Fall Cable KAL. Check out the group blog for my latest pic!

Pasta-rific!

About a week ago, our knitting group decided to be versatile and add our skills to the kitchen. I brought out my pasta maker, drying rack, & headed over to Knittripps large kitchen for the festivities! Onigiri brought us the special flour from one of our local Italian grocery stores, and Natalie joined us for the main event. Here are some pics of our progress:
Our noodles turned out really good. I think next time we are going to expand beyond plain noodles and try either spinach or cracked pepper. YUM!

Nouveau made an appearance yesterday for a friend's wedding. I absolutely love this piece. Could be my favorite yet. I loved it from the minute I saw it in the pattern book. It was listed as crochet & advanced (when I am really a beginner with crochet), but I knew that I needed to try it. And it ended up being a success! Goes to show that everything is possible with a little ambition. Here she is draped outside:

She CAN do it, She WILL do it

Yup, that's right...Nouveau has been conquered! And as it lays here in our computer room, I am admiring it in blocking/drying state....wooo hoo!

I found that 21 squares suited me just fine, as well as the 10 balls of Jo Sharp's Rare Comfort Mohair Infusion. Which is sorta strange, because despite being spot on with the square measurements, I could not have squeezed out 32 if I tried. Deadline is this Saturday for a wedding, and it looks as though my goal has been accomplished. As for the fuzz? Well, to be determined. But check out the difference between pre-block & blocking (wet still in the pic). I am sooooo in love with the stained-glass effects of this pattern. Fantastik (pronounced fantasteeek) knitwear designwork Jo Sharp team!

Mo-hap-py

Mohair....fuzzy fuzzy, soft soft.

It is really difficult to get a good picture of this, but here is the progress so far. 6 squares done, and I think that my final # may be closer to 18-24 rather than the 32 the pattern calls for.

I had hoped to get this shawl done by next weekend to wear to a wedding, but barring any extreme crafty-time, I think I will not be finished.

I did receive my yarn for the Blue Sky Alpacas One Cable Vest while I was in NY. This time KnitPicks delivered their yarn quickly, the carrier pigeons must be on vacation :) I am looking forward to getting back to knitting, so I might start alternating projects again to spice things up!

Anyone getting a headstart on holiday knitting?

Take time to lend a hand if you can

I was doing my usual blog-reads and came across this wonderful initiative for the women who have lost loved ones with the recent Amish shootings. Do you haved knitting/spinning/shawl skills? Would you like to lend a hand?

Perspective

Ever since I was little, I have always been fascinated by New York City. I had never been there, but I always knew that it would be a spectacular place. I loved the idea of hustle and bustle and big, beautiful buildings. Lots of activity, diversity, and a really interesting place.

I just spent the last week there for work and was amazed. What is a gigantic place, feels so comfortable spending time there. One of my colleagues mentioned how he had been there almost 30 years ago and how he was amazed by how much cleaner the city is today, way to go Giuliani. I do think that there is a special amount of pride these days flowing through the city.

Work sucked up lots of time (isn't it funny how that works), but I managed to get in some time exploring in the evenings.

Times Square
View from Weehawken, NJ

View from the FerryNaked Cowboy makes his appearance on Times Square
The World Trade Center site and the progress being made on the Freedom Tower Down in one of the subway tunnels. Just thinking of the history here and how someone a long time ago did these mosaics by hand to mark what location the subway travelers were at makes me smile.

For...ev...er.....For....ev...er

Nouveau has begun and is going soooo slowly. Can't get on a roll with this crochet. 1 square done, 32 to go. I guess I am about half-way through #2, but still.

The fuzz is a little overwhelming on the detail, so it makes any little mishap all the easier to fix/cover up. I am thinking that after it is blocked, the "stained-glass" look might be a little more apparent, and my loops will even out. Fuzzy wuzzy was mohair.

So far my gauge is a little larger than the pattern, so maybe 32 will not be necessary to get a shawl the right size for me. If you remember the Celebrity Look-Alike shawl and its hugeness on my small frame, I think a little pattern adapting is necessary for most shawls. Guess that is how it is when you are 5'3" on a good day :)

It is nice to be home. Soon though I will be zipping off to NYC for work. Gotta love training, keep the skillz goin'. I have never been to the Big Apple, so I am hoping to get some good pics and see some of the sights. Maybe fall foliage will be starting. I always imagined Central Park would be fantastic this time of year.....

Snow, snow, snow

Yup, still white here in Breck. What do we do when it snows? Why go to the Coors Brewery in Golden, of course! Yesterday, we did the tour and had some samplings of: Blue Moon, Killian's Irish Red, Zima, and Molson Canadian.

Today we went to Frisco for Oktoberfest at the local brewery. And guess what is in Frisco? If you guessed yarn store you are correct! We did a quick stop by What's Needling U? (do you love that name or what) and picked up a couple of goodies.

Soon we will be leaving the mountains. Despite the drop in temps and lack of outdoor hiking and biking the last couple of days, Breckenridge will be missed once again. Let me share with you some of my favorite pics from our snowy loveliness!

Soon it will be back to the fall weather of the Midwest, kind of nice to flashback to real fall weather before we start seeing any snow there too! Fall is my favorite season after all :)

First day of Fall, First Snowfall for us

Yesterday we took a trip to Sapphire Point at Lake Dillon as well as spent some time at the Blue Lakes. Looks like my little marmot friend was back again this year!!



This morning we woke up to some beautiful snow on the mountains. The boys decided to conquer Boreas Pass once more and came back with some great pics!


We drove out to Mohawk Lake and did some serious off-roading up a jeep trail---way to go Kyle!

Looooove the mountains

Ah, feels like we are back home. I love Breckenridge. We have been blessed with beautiful fall weather so far, although the upcoming forecast looks a bit chilly.

We are travelling with our friends Kyle & Julie. So far, the hubbs & Kyle have got some good mountain biking up Boreas Pass and off on a side shoot. All of us got in a little bike ride from Frisco towards Copper Mountain to enjoy the scenery. We also took a drive up Boreas Pass to the very top (right around 11,500 elevation) to take in the views. Last night we had yummy sushi at Mountain Flying Fish. Hubbs and I had Philly rolls, Spicy Tuna rolls, and Spider rolls. Love my maki.

Here are a few pics of the area:


As far as the knitting front, I have been exploring crochet with Nouveau. I am a little confused by the directions and have decided that the terms used are the British terms for crochet instead of the American. I think I am finally ready after a little practicing to start my mohair pieces. 0 down, 32 to go!