Yarn Diet Give Away

I can't find my camera right now, so pictures of FOs will have to wait for a while.

I need to go on another yarn diet. Mostly a sock yarn diet (scary thought). I could knit about 75 pairs of socks without buying more sock yarn. I blame etsy. I love all the pretty, hand dyed yarns made in small batches by independent crafters and artist.

It isn't just sock yarn either. I have more than enough yarn to knit myself 20 sweaters. Considering what a big girl I am, that is a lot of yarn!

And don't get me started on the knitting books!

I am running out of places to put my stash. So, it is time for another yarn diet. What is your opinion, how many pairs of socks and how many sweaters should I knit before I am allowed to buy more yarn? Leave me a comment with your suggestions. Be honest. I'll dig up a few things to share with those who make suggestions (books and yarn).

Happy knitting!

No time to post photos!

Harry Potter day!!!!

Tonight, at midnight, I will have the final Harry Potter book in my hot little hands. I can't wait.

Unfortunately, Grimace won't be done in time for fair. He is nearly done, and I did try it on last night (just before starting the neck shaping). It fits PERFECTLY! I am happy. Look for the finished photos soon.

Happy Knitting!

Grimace, belated birthday, and BANG BANG BANG

Let me start with the progress I have made on Grimace. I have the body done up until the underarm join, one sleeve, and a good start on the second sleeve. Actually, this photo was taken yesterday before I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I have about three inches to go on the second sleeve now.

The green ball of yarn is Manos De Uruguay for the yolk. I had spent several days trying to design a yolk pattern. However, I started thinking about the possibility of frogging, and the tremendous amount of weaving in ends. Since I want enter this sweater in the LaPorte County Fair (1 week and 2 days away), I thought a simpler yolk with a dressier yarn would have impact, but simplify the knitting process. Also, I had a reason to buy two hanks of a lovely yarn that I normally can't afford.

The gift card from my wonderful Stitch n Bitch pals came in handy when buying the yarn. It is more green than blue, and some of the blue bits are actually a lilac color. I think this yarn will have a huge impact in the finish sweater. Do you see those nicely wound center pull balls? I did them myself.

My birthday gift from Sly and the kids FINALLY came. This lovely swift and ball winder were on back order for a while, but they are safe with me now. I think this present is as nice as my clothesline. Jealous? :)

My roof has been covered with sweaty men for the past two days. Today, it wasn't even safe for me to leave my house. I am getting a new roof. It has been interesting because the 120 year old shake roof was under the two top layers. It actually seems to be in better shape than the newer layers. The workers are great, the get here about 7:30 am and leave around 7:00 pm. While I am happy with their work, the NOISE is starting to drive me a bit nutty. We have two more days to deal with. It is starting to rain now (no kidding), and I only have half a roof!

Hope your home is quieter than mine.

Happy knitting!

St. Joesph Michigan

Sly and I took a little drive today, for no particular reason. This time we visited St. Joesph Michigan. Besides all the stunning views of Lake Michigan, there was a totally cute downtown area too.


I just loved this woman in the fountain. I like how the water drips around her and she has this look of contentment or sadness. I can't figure out which.


There were no LYS in St. Joe, but I did find this totally adorable quilt shop on the way. Behind the fence was the cutest garden.


Sly like the fireman's memorial. He took a crappy picture of it. Mine is so much nicer.


I also found Dumbledore. Can't wait for book 7 to come out. At least I have a movie to see this week.

I have been working away on Grimace (the purple Elizabeth Zimmerman sweater for fair). Other than lots and lots of purple wool, I have no other knitting to show off. I should get the second sleeve done tomorrow. I'll post a progress report this week.

Happy Knitting!