Krafty1

3rd Daughter Saves Wednesday

Between Sock Wars and other visitors (and a little thing called "work"), there hasn't been much time for web surfing.

Ta-da!  That's when 3rd Daughter comes along to save the day!!  Two fiber related weblinks of an anglophile nature.

• For anyone who thinks we're nuts knitting a pair of socks to determine the winner for Sock Wars or the Pentathlon, check out the Red Hose Race.  (That's hose as in socks, it has nothing to do with firemen!  Unless, of course, the firemen enter the race!)
• Secondly, the BBC has created quite a dust up in the knitting world over a pattern.  Razzamatazz created a loveable plushy based on a character from Dr. Who.  Now, her world's been turned upside down by the BBC.  Read about it here.  You can also keep up with the latest details over at Ravelry.

Thanks for the assist 3rd Daughter!

Needles at the ready

It's Wednesday...what's on the web?

• Sheep!  Who knew that phone cords could look so wooly!?!  Check out the artist's display here.
• But seriously, are your needles ready?  It's time for Summer of Socks. (FYI the link takes a seriously long time to load.)  The quick & dirty details are: it runs June 21- Sept 1...there will be contests & raffles...you can sign up here. (Another link w/ a seriously long wait...patience will be rewarded!)
• Socks Wars begins on Friday, May 9th. Whether you're in it or not, check out Allena's contest.  She has come up with a really cool "unofficial weapon bag"!  If you don't happen to win her contest, you'll be able to purchase one from her Etsy store later.
• And speaking of contests, Stash & Burn are having one with three copies of Harlot's latest book as prizes.  Because of SKP, I didn't get to the Madison book signing.  I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn't hear the voice behind the words I've read daily for the past three+ years.  If you are with me in that unprivileged group, you won't want to miss this week's podcast.  Harlot reads a book excerpt and Nicole & Jenny do a 20 minute interview...you won't be disappointed!
• And speaking of podcasts, Knitters Uncensored has two episodes with the Wollmeise herself!  I'm finally caught up.  Their episodes are usually quite long, but their show notes are complete and I base my listening habits on the show notes.  The note links are awesome! This episode's included information on...
• Ram Club, a yarn club for men (and those who knit for men). The yarn will be provided by Unique Sheep and the patterns by Stitch Stud. For the first time ever, a yarn club subscription is mine ours.  Doogie and I may end up with some interesting "battles" once the parcels start arriving.  Sure, the socks will be his, but who's going to knit them!?!  Needles at the ready, a duel to the "death"...

Get your calendar ready

If it's not written on my calendar...fat chance if I'll remember it!!!  Since it's time to start looking at the summer calendar anyway for the kids, it seemed to be the perfect time to add a few knitting events to the calendar as well!

June 14th-Everywhere: World Wide Knit in Public Day  I've knit in some interesting places and even Doogie knit "Road Hog Style" but, this year, the hope is to find a bunch of knitters to meet up with for some public knitting.  How about you?  Do you know what you're doing on June 14th?

July 9th- Milwaukee, WI: Stitch N Pitch rolls into my area...how about yours?  A little baseball and knitting.

August 16-17th- Allegan, MI: Michigan Fiber Festival  Not sure if I'll make it to this one.  Then again, I have cousins that live in the area...who knows, hop on the hi-speed ferry...it could happen.

August 21-25- Schaumburg, IL: Stitches Midwest We'll be heading to Chi-Town for at least Saturday/Sunday.  Shopping and dinner with friends sounds like just the ticket to the perfect weekend.

Sept 5-7: Jefferson, WI: WI Sheep & Wool festival We didn't manage to get to it last year, but this year it's on.

That's my knitting calendar...there could be more.

Want to check to see what's going on in your area?  Check the master calendar here.

Wednesday Wrap

This week's web links will be brief...I'm been too busy enjoying the nice weather (we've had one day in a row).

• First, how plugged in are we getting that we are knitting our own privacy shells?  Actually, it's Sternlab's project of Body Technology Interfaces.  Sternlab is looking for more ideas of things to knit up that show the connection between people and their cells/pdas/other technology.  As for this creation, talk about "bag your face"!!
• Are you a Potter fan?  There is word that Opal will have a line of Potter socks in conjuction with the release of next movie.
• And finally, in case you are frustrated at having to wait for the new yarn release OR if you need from stress relief, what better than to play with some virtual bubble wrap!  Ahhhhhhhhh, that's better!

Way too much! (Wednesday)

What makes it "way too much" for you?

• How about the Sock Monkey Dress? Something my daughter will not be wearing to this year's prom.  Funny though, it was the creation of someone from Minnesota...a place wear (like Wisconsin) prom season can be a bit nippy and having something warm to wear would be a luxury!

• How about a Goldfish Toilet Lid cover?  KNITTED! We all love free knitting patterns, but this one is a bit much for me.

When will it stop?

Switching gears...a few quick links that I don't want to forget about.

• The Knitting Patch contest is hoping to raise $750 by the end of April for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.  She's got Wollmeise in her prizes!
• The Ravelraiser is going on right now!!!  How much do you use Ravelry?  Can you spare a bit of coin towards a new server?  Count me in!
• Mile High Lace Knitting  April 16-20 in Denver.  Something for the radar for next year, maybe.
• Sockapalooza 5 coming this summer.

Hope your Way Too Much Wednesday was a great one!

Wednesday...of trees and mice

It's amazing what having a blog does to your daily conversations.  For instance, Upon entering my parents' house, my father asks, "Did you read about those knitters in the paper?" Huh?  What knitters?  It's 8AM...what paper has he read already? (My Dad reads a lot of stuff!)

He tells me a bit about the story and which paper had the article.  I mistakingly think I know which knitters he's talking about.  Head out the door and start my workday.  Boy, was I wrong.

By now, most of you have heard/read about the KnitKnot tree in Ohio. (Eva's linked to an article and she's in Luxembourg!)  Finally, after a bit of digging, I've found the tree's "official site" with a cool slide show as pieces were added to the tree.

However, when my Dad described the story, there was an entirely different project going through my head...something akin to "knitting graffiti" that has been around a LOT longer than the KnitKnot Tree. 

Knitta, Please

In addition to that link, you can also check out their myspace or their flickr.  They've been around a long time (2005 according to this article)...a lot longer than the Ohio pear tree.  Sorry.  The Ohio story just means that knitting graffiti has become more mainstream and acceptable...kinda like tattoos. ;-)

That got me thinking...April Fools is coming up.  That gives each of us two plus weeks to knit something that can be "art" in our communities.  My mind is already selecting locations for my April Fools Knitting Graffiti.  Who's in?  We could be "Fooling Around with Knitting". If interested, let me know. 

While my mind is racing with creative mischief...

Luke has returned to the snows of WI.  Not for long, he'll head south to New Orleans for Easter but then what?  This is the Year of the Rat and it got me thinking that maybe Luke should go on a world tour.  A box could be fashioned into his "travel pod" along with a "family" photo and a "passport". 

He could travel to meet any of you (bloggers and non-bloggers alike), not as a swap but as a means to travel, visit for a bit and brighten your day. In exchange, you'd agree to sign the passport with the arrival and departure dates along with a local "stamp" then post Luke to the next person. If you're interested in hosting a mouse (much like the Flat Stanley Project) let me know.

And since this is Web Wednesday, how about a reversal of sorts.  Luke is headed from Chicago to New Orleans along I-55 or 57.  What shops should he stop at along the way?  Any ideas? 

Web Neighbors

Boy, miss posting Web Wednesday one week and links really start to pile up!

• The House That Yarn Built is helping to rebuild one of my favorite cities: New Orleans.  Knitters from all over are contributing to help build new homes through Make it Right.  Plus, Stash & Burn is encouraging knitters to join in by holding a contest as well.  When we head to New Orleans next we'll see if we can check out the project/neighborhoods first-hand.
• Speaking of neighborhoods, March 20th has been designated as THE day to honor Mr. Rogers, our favorite neighbor, on what would've been his 80th birthday! "> I plan on NOT missing out on the celebration.
• What I did miss was the fact that the third day of the third month was Hinamatsuri Day.  If only I'd known enough ahead of time in order to fully celebrate it properly...next year.
• Do you also feel like you've "missed" an opportunity or two to celebrate.  Or do need a reason to celebrate? This'll help.
• And finally...it's nice to see that knitting in public is "borderless".  According to the BBC (photo #5), this woman is knitting during a Chinese stock exchange rally.  Guess she's a knitting neighbor.

Where'd my Web Wednesday go?

The internet ate my post...but here are two tidbits that were in the original...must've been the eclipsing moon that did it!

• Another useful sock leftovers tip: Flowers!!!
• And finally...my odd bit of news will gross you out.  But with so many of you off to knitting events at hotels everywhere, consider watching this video as a "public safety notice".  (BTW We have rooms booked at Embassy next month...we'll be checking glasses closely!)

The Return of...

Web Wednesday...

• Tired of the cold weather?  Luke is on the road and reporting his travels on his very own blog: Luke's Life.  It's a kid friendly blog that details Luke's adventures as he travels the southeastern states of the US.  Grandpa Golf and Grandma Mouse are his drivers for this winter's adventure to the Florida Keys and north again.
• In case you haven't seen it yet...Magic Slippers is Sock Pixie's answer to the question of what to do with leftover sock yarn.  I love her term for those small leftover balls- "walnuts".  There is an entire case of "walnuts" in my craft room.  If only there were a magic squirrel to knit up the walnuts.
• On the topic of socks...Are you ready to rumble!?!  Registration begins on Feb 14th for the next round of Sock Wars. (A link will be added when they open the new site on the 14th...for now you can read about it here.) I've sat out the previous Wars because of my schedule, but not this time! There will be a $2 entry fee.  That doesn't bother me in the least and it won't bother those who are serious about competing. Which of you is ready to rumble also?
• For something a bit less cut throat, there is a new group on Ravelry with an Olympic themed sock competition...Sock Knitters Pentathalon...should be fun.
• And finally, did you see the odd bit of new about the hay bale castle?  Imagine that no one complained about the 40 foot tall hay bales for four years?  It wasn't till the bales were removed to reveal the castle that people got upset!

Wednesday

Welcome back to Web Wednesday.

C is for Calendar....Knitters Calendar.  Would you like to find an event near you?  This is the place to search.

Speaking of calendars, it's time to mark yours for Super International Pajama Day on Sunday, Feb. 3rd. Celia has done it again!  Can you think of a more perfect day than one spent in pjs with your knitting!?! 

Sure, it's also Super Bowl Sunday, but if your team is playing in the Super Bowl I bet that either a) you already have some pajamas in their colors or 2) you'd buy pajamas in your team's colors just to show your support.  I won't be spending the day in green and gold pajamas...my options are open!

Filed under strange and unusual:  Knit dissected frog!  I kid you not! 

Filed under "you're kidding:

How do you attach new "yarn"?  Spit splice!?!

Celebrations

In the post holiday calm, it's nice to have something to celebrate that doesn't require much effort. 

• Tuesday was Doogie's birthday.  A nice dinner and a pint at an English pub was just the ticket for a laidback celebration.
• A simple email arrived that was cause for celebration...I share it here with you: "Hello,  Just got back from Axel's doctor visit.  She is perfectly okay.  I am more grateful for all of the prayers that were said than I'll ever be able to say.  Thank you, Her Mom"...Great news, isn't it!?!  Thank you all for sending out your good thoughts and prayers for this young lady.  I know it was greatly appreciated!  A special thanks to Tini for sharing her story of breast cancer at age 27 with the family and giving them a piece of hope while they waited for Axel's results.
• Panda got a letter from school.  The letter told her that she had received an academic award for achieving a 4.667 weighted GPA for 4 semesters.  She was instructed to stop at the office to pick up her award.  She thought maybe it was a movie ticket or something. To her surprise, it was a "letter".  She has run cross country each year and gotten medals and chevrons, but has never "lettered".  She's tickled to finally receive a letter and is looking forward to purchasing a jacket to put the letter on.  (As a parent, I wonder why it took till January for the school district to let her know when the 4th semester ended last June!  A letter jacket would have made a great Christmas gift two weeks ago!  I'm just thankful they finally award letters for good grades...they didn't when I was young.)

Seeing as how it's Wednesday...I have a couple links to share:

• Panda is looking at colleges.  Imagine my pleasure when the front page of one of the schools she's looking at had a knitting story on their front page.
• It's always amazing to me how I happen to "trip" over things on the web.  (Tripped over = "Wow, check that out!  Maybe when I have some time I'll have to check these out.) Like the college knitting story, I tripped over Cat Bordhi. She has a catalog of you tube demonstration videos.
• Last but not least, and not at all knitting related, Rare Earthtones is a website with wildlife (endangered species) ringtones for your cell phone.  How about a Whooping Crane?

Tomorrow...knitting progress...really.

Goals

I don't do New Year's Resolutions.  BUT, I do have a list of goals.

The spirit moved me...to make a list instead of attempting to accomplish an illogical amount of knitting for presents last month.  Thanks goodness there were a few brain cells still firing on all cylinders to prevent me from doing major damage (to myself and my family)!  Then along came the Year Long Gift Along, now me and my list are happy campers. 

While I'm knitting these gifts my other goal is to use up stash.  My first" handpicked" set of stash has been working out nicely.  So far it's yielded 3 hats and a pair of socks. (Yes, Axel's are finished and waiting a daylight photo shoot.)  But now, there are two ways to further encourage me: Stash Knit Down 2008 and Stashalong 2008.  My goal is to pick a number between 1 and 100.  The corresponding numbered stash item on Ravelry is what I'll use for at least one project each month.

These are my "leftovers" from the completed Fair Isle Cardigan.  (Doesn't even hardly look like I used any of it...and the cardigan is one of the larger sizes!  Maybe I should take another 18 months to knit another one...not!) 

They'll work nicely into fair isle mittens for the Warm Hands Knit-along.  There are so many mitten ideas on Ravely plus I've always wanted to knit from the "A Year of Mittens" pattern book that I got ages and ages ago.  (At posting time I've discovered that I'll need to take a photo of the cover art because the pattern and designers are impossible to find on the web!  Truly.) 

Let's review...

Goals for the year...

• ?# gifts each month for next Christmas
• ?# random stash items each month
• pair of mittens each month

That looks good for a rough draft...plus, there are probably enough links for you to find something to get involved in to nearly constitute this as a Web Wednesday entry. (Hey, with the holiday this week, we're all screwed up as to what day of the week it is.)

What's Not on my Needles Wednesday

The secret knitting season is in full swing.  Certain projects will not be shared here until the recipient has them in their possession.  What can be shared are the projects that will NOT be on my needles this holiday season.  Enjoy!

Though Doogie DOES ride a Harley, he's happy to have me skip this knit.  It won't EVEN be close to motorcycle weather come December 24 (snow would be nice) but If there were snowmobilers in my family, it would be a serious temptation to knit one of these up!

Doogie DOES share a birthday with Elvis (Jan. 8th), but there's NO WAY that I would see another day of knitting if he unwrapped one of these Elvis wigs!  Where were they at Halloween!?!

This weekend there WILL be card making.  Sheepy holiday cards and sheepy thank yous.  Lots and lots of them.  I was planning on making them anyway, then Ysolda passed along a fabulous idea...she has submitted a request for holiday cards.  Her promise is that she will send you one if you agree to send her one.  What a great idea to spread cheer around the world.  So, I too will make the promise...just email me (krafty1designs@yahoo.com) your snail mail address and I'll send you one of the upcoming holiday cards...in return, if you are able, send one to me as well.  I really think she's onto something to spread cheer worldwide this holiday season!!

Missing the Boat

I'll admit it: there have been Mystery KALs that I've signed up for that never even made it through the "purchase supplies" phase.  Then there was the time that I purchased the supplies but, by the time they arrived, enough clues had been revealed that I no longer wanted to knit the "mystery".

But THIS time, the description and first clue inspired me to find the right yarn and get caught up.  Tonight, Clue 2 is finished, Clue 3 is started and Clue 4 came out this morning.  Soon it'll be all caught up.  The boat has not been missed OR passed me by.

But, since it's Web Wednesday, time to share a few that have been missed.

• Meg Swanson's Christmas Stocking KAL: this thing had flown under the radars!  Thanks to Nancy (now with her very own blog!)  They aren't finished and you can still KAL.
• Mystery Fair Isle Hat: the mystery is over, but the hat looks great! It looks like it would have been a fun mystery to play along with. (But you can still knit the pattern.)
• Sock it to me Twice: sock swaps are so much fun!  Unfortunately, sign-ups closed for this one as I write this.  (Though there is a call for "one more".  You, maybe?)

I'm sure there are many others that I've missed. No regrets.  Are there any boats you wish you hadn't missed?

Where Did Wednesday Go?

What a week!  I can hardly believe that it's Friday already!!!  Some of you may be wondering, "What happened to Web Wednesday?"  Hopefully you won't mind if I'm a day late and a dollar short. (Or would it be worse because it's two days later?)

• Ysolda has posted her cute Elijah elephant pattern.  Elijah is cute enough, but then she gave him a story and challenged others to knit and come up with their own additional story as a contest.  Cool.
• But, what if animals aren't to your taste.  How about a celeb-knitty?  Who would you like to see knit up?
• With the holidays coming, my eyes are "project wandering".  Look at what caught my eye!!!  Judy's Colors Christmas Stockings.  The colors and patterning totally appeals to my eye.  However, the price tags have me considering the fact that I should use them to inspire me to come up with my own designs.
• But instead of "project wandering" I should take a cue from Celia who has called for a Pajama Day for this Sunday.  Think I should finish up some knitting projects.  How about you?

Feeling Lucky!?!

It's the rare occasion when Krafty1 wins a contest.  Rare indeed.  Stash & Burn's recent "One Skein Contest" reminded me of this. (Side note...if you're a S&B listener...it catches me offguard to hear them discuss all of the one "skeen" projects! How about you?  Do you pronounce "skein" as "skeen" or "skane"?  Not an issue with a Hank!) There were a number of nice winners...I was not one of them.  Since I never win contests, today's Web Wednesday is dedicated to all of the contests you could win!

1. Sorry you missed out on the One Skein contest? The ladies at Stash & Burn are having a "Sockburning" contest to burn through your Socktoberfest sock yarn.
2. Need a worthy cause? There are a couple of days left to the Spin Out 2007 contest.  So far Cara has raised over $21000.  Each $10 donation to the Heifer International Gift Registry gets you an entry for fabulous prizes!
3. A little short on cash?  Trek's contest involves collecting Boxtops 4 Education.
4. Want to stick with something knitting related?  Loopy Ewe's 4th Quarter Challenge may be something that could interest you.
5. Want to support your LYS? Anne's October Contest involves writing a review of your LYS to add to the LYS Gude Blog.
6. Involved in SP11?  Some of the hostesses have raided their stashes for goodies to giveaway.  (If your hostess doesn't, give 'em a break...they are already giving their time; a lot of volunteer hours are involved in hostessing!  Take it from someone who knows.) My hostess, Shelby, has asked our group to flash their stashes as an entry.  So here's a reminder...
7. And finally...since I occasionally miss hostessing, enjoyed holding contests AND missed the fact that last week I had my 500th post (yippee!!)...how about a contest of my own!?!

Simple: Leave a comment on this post as to your favorite kind of contest is before October 20th.  The winner will be drawn at random for a sock kit complete with tote, needles, pattern and (in honor of my German guest, Miss C) German sock yarn and chocolate.  And if win AND you're German...I can adjust your prize.  

Bonus: Tell your friends...add this contest link to your blog for an additional entry (just let me know that you've added a link).

Wallace Wednesday

Yes, I'm a HUGE fan of Wallace & Gromit.  Wednesday my mailbox filled with Wallace mail.

What could have sent everyone into a frenzy?  Why it was news of a new film: Trouble at Mill. The guys will take over a bakery in the next film.  I'd guess there won't be many knitting or sheep shots at the ol' bakery.  Oh well.

Then Wed. night an email arrived from my brother....a new Shaun the Sheep comic will soon be mine.  From the photo it appears that this one includes some modeling clay to make a Shaun of my very own.  Sounds like a good project for Panda.

Are you a Secret Pal?...the Shaun site has postcards.  Lots of sheep to send to pals all over! 

Aren't a Secret Pal...SwapDex is an index site with swaps of all types: knitting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking and SO MUCH MORE.  Time to have some fun while we wait for the new film.

Postcards from the Edge...

...of Lake Michigan.

Two more postcards have arrived on our doorstep! This time Nikki sent one from Doncaster, England and Anne (who lives in Belgium) mailed one from Berlin!!  Thank you both!!

Since this week is my vacation, their postcards reminded me of how much fun it is to mail postcards while on vacation.

While cleaning the craft room, over a dozen unused postcards have come out to play.  After all of the work this week, it must surely be time to play!  So Thursday will be spent on the shores of Lake Michigan with my favorite cup o' joe, a pen and some post cards.  Some of you may see one of these (or one from our travels) appear on your doorstep.  (And, if you'd like one and don't think that I have your address, email it to: krafty1designs at yahoo dot com)

Speaking of postcards...how about business card sized Project Info Cards!?!  Totally cool.  (Though after the "yarnventory" at Chez Krafty1: temporarily impractical.)  That's the extent of this week's Web Wednesday links. (Hey, I really AM on vacation!)  Oh all right....and finally...your goofy photo of the week.

Wild Kingdom Web Wednesday

As many of you know, I have a thing for Shaun the Sheep. My SP11 pal (aka Hostie) has discovered this.  Believe it or not, Hostie sat down and went back into the archives and read EVERY SINGLE post I've written!!!! WOW!  (She wrote me to say that one of the other things she learned about me, besides my affection for Shaun, is that nobody messes with my Grandma!)  Hostie turns out to be a close, personal friend of one of my idols...Shaun the Sheep.  It seems Shaun is between films and is visiting Hostie in Japan.  You can follow their adventures at the new  Shaun in Japan blog.  Totally cool!  We are really enjoying reading about life in Japan!  Check it out.

Hostie also discovered that I tend to habitually occasionally knit socks.  Before I discovered toe-up designs, where every inch of yarn could be used, there were leftovers.  What to do with the leftovers?  There have been suggestions, but now Mad Cow socks seem to be just the thing for my leftovers.  Check these ones out.  Though the examples are not shown with leftovers, I'm thinking that leftovers would be perfect!

Since this week seems to have an "animal theme" going, AND since this week Matt and crew are at their county fair with their livestock, I thought I'd share a county fair that one of the gals from my SP8 group attended.  Mindy went to the fair in her wedding dress!  (For those of you who weren't aware, "trashing the dress" is a growing trend...check out the amazing photos on Trash the Dress blog!)

And finally, what's a bluebird to do?  Isn't it funny how some people will get SO upset about something while others wonder why.  In fact, I head on the news today that the area that adopted the bluebird is organizing a Bluebird Festival!

When it's hot!

Stitches in August in Chicago: 90 degrees outside, 60 degrees inside.  At least the Convention Center recognized that there would be a whole lot of wool and a whole lot of estrogen.  (You know, when a "trip" to the heat of the Bahamas does NOT require a trip to the airport first!)  There was a plethora of shawls on the scene.

• This one was by far the most gorgeous thing I'd seen! 
• I'm thinking Isabella may need a wrap for next year: Bee Fields has totally captured my attention.  Anne's blog has become a regular for gain my attention.  (She's even come up with an alternative Honeybee Stole and Orchid mitts...mmmmmm yummy!)
• Scarves...the perfect knitting project for Stitches...especially if it's a mindless design...like my "sand and sea" chevron scarf.  I have to tell you, the pattern calls for two skeins each of two different colors of KPPPM; four total.  According to the pattern, the finished length is 78 inches.  At half-way through the 4 skeins, my chevron is already at 48 inches!  It definitely needs to be a bit longer, but NOT 96 inches!!!
• While on the subject of scarves, how about this great way to "gift wrap" your scarf!?!
• Socks, where are the sock links?  Right here are the Top 10 Uses for Leftover Sock Yarn.
• But if building your stash is more of what you're looking for, have you heard about "Taste of Germany"?  Coming soon.  (Then again, from what I hear there will be a different version coming from 3rd Daughter.)

And finally, because I always like to leave you with something odd...how about Dino's refrigerator photo from  Iraq?  Interesting what he finds on base.  He even managed to find a postcard to send us.  (I could have included it yesterday.  However, I was afraid that a post with an armed forces postcard alongside a Berkeley postcard might cause the internet to implode!  Sure wouldn't want to be the cause of that!)

Baby Wednesday

It's 11:45 PM, so I can still officially call this a Web Wednesday entry. 

I've spent the evening sewing up one more side seam, picking up 308 armhole stitches and working 10 rows of picot trim on said armholes for Isabella.  Tomorrow all the picot trim edges will need to be tacked down.  I WILL finish this before leaving Friday!!!

So, in light of my tired hands craziness limited time, this is a "baby" Wednesday.

• What better to start with than booties!?! Have you seen this pattern? (you'll find a cute FO photo here.) Christine Bourquin wanted her work to live on after her.  This pattern was published in 1989 when she was 95.  She'd be 113 years old now!  Her pattern is living on after her.  We have a new baby in our circle of friends who just may have to have a pair of these.
• But then, maybe a baby blanket would be better.  Hmmmm.  Definitely the booties, but then there really should be something more.
• The pattern and yarn are "in-house" for (Design #9) this Dale baby sweater...in pink.  But then, there is the Tulip Baby Sweater that has been seen all over the place.  What to do!?!  I know...just wait for Stitches and see what moves me.
• For the bigger kids (in all of us)...check out what washed up on the Dutch shoreline (Lego man).  OR if you don't want to read (or want to listen to the reporter with the really cool accent!) check out the video.

It's midnight, time for bed Children.

Summerfun Web

• It's hot out!  What better way to cool down than to think about Christmas!  Christmas Around the World Swap could help you think about something other than hot weather (assuming you live where it's HOT!).
• There haven't been enough hours to play with Color Inspiration yet, but love how it looks.  If you've used it, please feel me in.
• For those of you who've wondered about our geocaching adventures, this story does a good job of showing what it's like.  (Well, actually in order to "see", you should watch the video.)  We really enjoy it...especially when it takes us near an old fashioned ice cream parlor like this one did on our recent trip to MI! (After all, hiking and searching can work up an appetite.)
• Brenda's been talking about scouting and camp this summer in her podcast.  While listening I find myself thinking about all kinds of childhood activities...including paper chains.  The ones in this link are a bit more "upscale" than the ones we made as kids; ours were mostly made out of chewing gum wrappers.  I never did manage to learn how to attach the two ends to make a necklace out of my summertime chain.  Hmmmm, it's never too late. 

Stay cool everyone.

Wednesday (under deadline!)

Working on a huge deadline...need to work...but first...

• Has the world got you down?  Need to work on something bright and cheerful?  DIY has something new to share...Knitting with a Mission.
• Then again, maybe stashing/hoarding is more your style.  I'd be willing to guess though that your stash is not NEARLY as large as this woman's!!!  I've said it before and I'll say it again...Holy Crap!!!
• Since this is the week of Potter, I can't go without something Potterish to share.  Did you get your Potter stamps?  As soon as Royal Mail posts them here, I'll share a photo or two.
• But, for now, I'll leave you with this photo.  Thanks to my brother for sharing...he's rather fond of this variety of reptile!

Back to work!!!

It's Wednesday!

There were some amazing new finds during SP10 that can be shared now. 

• Two members of the group have their own podcasts:

Lixie Knits It comes to us from England.  She is in the midst of pre-wedding preparations and isn't sure if she'll get a new podcast up before the wedding takes place.  However, that gives you a grand opportunity to listen and get caught up on all she's doing.  (She also blogs here.)  I love her voice!

Bockstark Knits (Ms. B) along with two knitting pals (Cashmacrylic and Elemm) are the brain children behind Knitters Uncensored.  It's fun to listen to the three of them.  Broadcast from Germany but with two US expats and Elemm- who seems to be from everywhere! (He's the one with the lovely accent in this podcast.)  They just published Episode 4, you'll have time to get caught up.  I only wish that I'd be in Germany in September for their Knitters Sleepover!!

• There were two designers in our group: Ruby (her Paperbag design was just in Knitty) and Ysolda.  I love checking out Ysolda's site.  She's always coming up with a new design.  It's a lot of fun to watch the creative process unfolding on her blog!
• In other news...Nearly 7000 knitters worldwide are involved in Mystery Stole 3. The media has even gotten wind of it and interviewed Melanie (the designer) about it.  A few may still be wondering about an easier way to get your beads on the yarn for MS3...enter the beading tutorial.  I've picked up a new crochet hook and beads and am ready to give it a whirl.  Oh, didn't mention the fact that I've been lurking MS3 since seeing several people finish the first clue.  Finally have some lace yarn that may work, some beads that should work and a crochet hook that would work...now the question remains...will Krafty1 work!?! (And yes, I know that sign-ups are closed...but my sign-up was in even before Harlot's.)
• And finally, this site is Rated G... what's your rating?

4th Wed

Wednesday means:  "What's on the web?"

As I wander around the web, there are a number of knitters who are lucky enough to have a dress mannequin.  Since purchasing one could eat up a large amount of any knitters "yarn budget": Do It Yourself "Dummy".  With a t-shirt and some duct-tape, you'll be all set with a little help from a trusted friend.

When finished with a special knitting project, wouldn't it be nice to have your very own "designer labels"? Make Your Own Labels

And finally:

It's Wednesday!?!

Crap!

"Summer living" has not been kind to Web Wednesdays.  There is just too much fun to be had with the kids home to sit in front of the computer checking websites out. (Sorry.)

In addition, Wednesdays around here we have been busy checking out recipes.  We invested in a "farm share" through Local Harvest.  Each Wednesday we get our allotment for the week and we never know WHAT is going to be in it.

This week's farm share included pea pods and green onions (stir fry; yum!), beets (something new for the girls to try), kohlrabi (something new for us ALL to try), and romaine lettuce.  My boss makes a KILLER Caesar salad!!!  Thankfully, she's shared the recipe with me and we'll have a chicken Caesar salad in the near future.  But we are still stumped with the kohlrabi.  (Last week we learned all about garlic scapes.)

Each week has a different assortment of items.  The first week included the usual suspects plus farm fresh honey and strawberries.  Last week's included a loaf of outstanding (!!!) whole wheat bread with flax and lots of (colon cleansing) types of seeds. 

An added benefit to receiving the farm share (besides supporting a local farmer and including more fruits & veggies in our diets) is that menus have gotten a great deal easier to come up with around here.  It's easier to think about what to make for dinner when there is a bag full of pea pods in your fridge waiting to be used up because who knows what will be in next week's bag!

So for the summer, "Web Wednesday" might be "Farm Share Wednesday".

But, here are two sock links to keep you occupied:

• A new swap combines the goodness of Secret Pal with Sockapalooza---Sock It To Me Sock Swap---June 30th deadline.
• Do you have questions about socks?  Casting on, Binding off, General construction, Grafting, Top Down, Toe Up, types of Heels, types of Toes, and more? Lauri B's Toes & Heels has all kinds of links to sites where you can get your sock questions answered!

Note: Saturday night I'll share the blog links to the 70 participants from my European SP10 group...just in case you are in need of a MAJOR web surfing experience!

Slow Wednesday

It's been busy around here, so tonight is a bit "light" on links.

• I didn't think I'd have anything but my Dad (Boy, he's a popular guy around here this week!) shared a local news article about a machine shop that has begun producing high-end aluminum knitting needles because the owner, Cathy, is a passionate knitter.  Cathy's blog has an interesting comparison of the number of knitters vs. the number of golfers.  (Hint: we outnumber them!)

• For those who would like a more "touchy-feely" news piece, there's this one about Hug Nation.  (Personally, the kid's hair reminds me of Hallowig!)

• And finally, someone has posted the Top 10 Geekiest Yarn Creations.  I don't agree with all of their choices (As a regular Aija reader, the inclusion of BMP is just plain wrong!), but some are truly odd.

Shopping links

This week is about shopping.

First, Scout's Swag is really neat.  Don't be scared off by her caution that it may take two weeks for her to dye the wool for you.  First off, Iher turn around time on in-stock items is AWESOME!  I recently placed an order that arrived within two business days cross-country!

Secondly, at that time I ordered a skein of yarn.  I received an email with an invoice and the "two-week" timeline.  I paid for it right away and had my very own Snowbunny on my doorstep 10 days later!!!  That's better than some warehouses we all know!  Plus, she dyed it during those 10 days.  Totally AWESOME!

(However, I wasn't quite planning on receiving it so soon and have other knitting projects that need attention first.)

The other recent shopping experience was with KnitPicks.  With the warmer weather, I decided it was time to attend to two summer "wish items".

First, Knitty's Isabella in orchid (the darker pink).  Then the Garter RIb Vest in snapdragon (the lighter pink).  I'm really looking forward to knitting these up in the next couple of weeks.  It's been warm and I'd like a couple of new things for work.

Of course, once I placed my order with KnitPicks an email came saying that they were having a Yarn Sale!  Just my luck.  Maybe I should order more often so that the rest of you could benefit.  Go ahead. 

It wouldn't be a Wednesday if I didn't leave you with one or two "odd" items...

How about cupcakes for your next Knit Night with marzipan knitting?  You could always serve them with tea in a knitted house!  There are NOT enough hours in the day!!!!

It's the return of Web Wednesday

After a bit of a hiatus, due to two Wednesdays spent with doctors, it is time to return to linking you up with some of what the Web has to offer.

• Maybe you need one more item to round out a parcel for a knitter's exchange.  How about these sewn double pointed needle pouches?
• My pal sent me everything to do some Kool-Aid dyeing but, of course, I have to research it to death before I do it. Here are a few more tutorials.  Tutorials can be found at Knitty plus there's this: part one and part two.  In addition, how to make a dyeing board by  Ysolda, and Eunny (because Laura W. asked).  Who knows, this may be the weekend to attempt the actual dyeing!
• But, let's not forget World Wide Knit in Public Day is this coming Saturday.  As there doesn't seem to be any events in the area, I may visit my great-Grandma again. 
• And finally, if you aren't quite ready to knit in public, but would like to take your knitting "public", inspiration can be found with this knitting grafitti in Sweden.

Wednesday- $18.66

Since it's Web Wednesday;

• it seems as good a time as any to recap...Knitters Treat Exchange.  As you may recall, Jo did a great job spoiling me...complete with Shaun the Sheep.  My spoilee was Mia at Knit and Play with Fire.  Since she likes to cook and travel, as well as knit, a Tuscan theme seemed in order.  You can see her parcel here.  Special thanks to Isobel and Sarah for a great job running a first time swap.  You Rock!
• While on the subject of swaps, my latest SP10 assignment is not completed.  SP sent great instructions but I wanted more.  Lo and behold, a comment left here led me to find another awesome Kool-Aid tutorial.  The finished product looks fabulous!  This weekend there WILL be a bit of dyeing around here.
• Laundry...ever wonder what the symbols all mean?  Here's a link for general washing and one specific to yarn care symbols.  Between the two, they make a handy reference.
• There's a lot of writing out there about the new site, Ravelry.  Last week, it didn't get a write-up here because I was waiting for an invite to check it out.  Like many of you, we're still waiting.  Anyone else who feels a bit like the last kid to get picked for the kick-call team just remember, according to Brenda in Episode 48, over 3000 people have requested invitations and the site is still in Beta testing from a two-person shop.  Come stand along the wall with me while we wait till our names are called for kickball Ravelry...with a 3000+ member challenge, imagine the "games" we'll play!
• Odd site of the week...it's only odd in that it's a site that sells only ONE item and only for ONE day...it's called Woot and it's wild, especially if you are a techno-geek.
• And finally...because blogs can be "boring" without photos...Shaun would not accept anymore coins.  After a quick shake, for Shaun's relief, the coins headed off to the bank for a quick tumble through the coin counter: $18.66. Shaun may not hold a lot, but at least when he's "fleeced", the result can be turned into a pair of socks.  There is another sheep in the house whose "fleece" will go to market Stitches Midwest if all goes well.

Briefly (Feel Free to Comment)

This will be a "short" Web Wednesday entry.  The "adventure" of the past couple of days has left little time for surfing.  However...

1. I'm probably the LAST sock knitter in the universe who (still) hasn't seen a copy of Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Knitted Socks.   Over and over again designs from the book are showing up in bloggers' projects.  They look great!  Plus, supposedly there are toe-up designs, so the book has now been added to my wish list.
2. If you haven't checked it out yet, Techknitting is a fabulous "how to" site!  For those of us involved in the Hogwarts Sock Swap (and anyone else who wants to know) there is a great set of instructions for jogless stripes.  Techknitter is from WI...I'm so curious, but haven't asked yet where in WI. (There are some of you who are shocked to have read the previous sentence.  Surprising, wasn't it!?!)
3. And finally, I leave you a bit of shock and humor.  Did you happen to catch the story about the guy who is a sock stealer!?!  File that one under "strange and unusual"...my thought is:rechannel his energies...teach the guy to knit socks!

Note: I've been told that comments are not currently working.  I'll keep you posted.  Thanks Pat for letting me know. I've republished and comments are now working.

(Without fanfare) Web Wednesday

• Interweave Knits Summer Preview is up and ready for us to oggle while waiting for it's May 15th arrival
• Did you read about the caffeinated soap.  I might be tempted to buy ONE bar just to say that I tried it, but really!  It could just be the peppermint infusion blended in that causes the "wake up" effect.  In the meantime, for caffeine purists, top caffeine fixes.
• My pal Ambermoggie is moving and having a "destash" sale.  If you live in Europe, here's a chance to get some Socks that Rocks.  Plus, she has a MINT Alice Starmore that she is no longer looking to swap for, but looking to sell if you wish to make an offer.
• I don't know how I missed this R2D2 hat last fall when we discussed the lovely Princess Leia.  Look closely to read the inscription on the band.
• How to Take Detailed Photos of Your Knitting...need I say more...a tutorial and how-to make a light box. 
• And finally; because Kelly can always use a good laugh in the morning....a dress made out of 196 Ramen packets.  Just the thing to wear while in Italy visiting the GIANT, KNIT pink rabbit!  Check it out!  It's like the Great Wall of China...it's visible from space...okay, maybe the dress wouldn't be the right thing to wear for your visit.  (In fact, if you look through the public photo album you'll see that the bunny could use some loving knitters to apply a few mattress stitches...who's up for a trip!?!)

Thank you Craftzine

Craftzine is always a good place for fodder for Web Wednesday.  This week is no different.

• I know this is a knitting blog, but I used to be a quilter.  I used to sew a LOT.  I was good about cleaning and oiling my machine, but I really had no idea how the machine magically made each stitch.  Imagine my surprise when I found this.  The illustrated video is kind of hypnotic.  It is, isn't it? Or am I the only one who was found blank faced in front of the monitor?
• I love to travel.  I love to knit.  I love to shop for knitting when I travel.  I've never been to France, but when I get there, I'm now prepared....translation for French knitting patterns.  Merci.
• Henry (my laptop) may just get a new travel case.
• Because I know a lot of you have little kids..you may want to check out the Junior Society.  Cute, cute, cute.

That's all for now...back to watching the bobbin make stitches...not really, I still have thumbs to finish.  Photos tomorrow.

Wednesdays (thanks to a few friends)

This Wednesday is brought to you, in part, due to the support of...well, all of you.

• Fairy Godmother sent along this photo to share with everyone.  She went to see Harlot in St. Paul.  according to FG, it was incredible!  "How many speeches do you go to where you can ask the speaker about something in her personal life and everyone in the room knows what you are talking about?!  And there were 450 in the room!"  In fact, even the muggle news reporter was caught under her spell. (Thanks Laura W. for the link.)
• Speaking of books, 3rd Daughter has an alert for all of us...use caution when considering the purchase of Big City Knits.  This book SHOULD NOT be confused with Big Girl Knits.  In fact, the sizing for Big City Knits (insert sarcasm here) goes all the way up to size Large; a bust size 33" large!  My skinny little 10 year old has a 27" bust!  What the heck!!!!  Note to new knitters: watch your finished pattern sizes carefully. All pattern "larges" are not created equally.
• While reviewing my SP10 group's blogs, I came across an interesting (occasionally "mature"-content) non-knitting book and blog: Post Secret.  It all began as an art project when Frank Warren began distributing postcards to people asking that they be returned anonymously with a secret written or "shown".  There are a now several books with collections of the post card secrets and the content of the website changes regularly.  Some secrets are "innocent", some "adult", some heartbreaking.  I just picked up the first book from the library. I could send a secret in, could you?
• While on SP10 "blog review" I also discovered a "secret" concerning sock yarn.  Come closer and I'll share. <whispered>...Regia has teamed up with Kaffe Fassett for the Regia Kaffe Fassett Design Line Collection. The link is for a Dutch distributor that is taking pre-orders for the June/July release. (individual colors here, the news isn't even on the Regia site yet!)  There are a few colorways that I know I'll get, but I'll wait to see if my LYS is going to carry them or else pick them up at Stitches (hopefully).
• And finally...socks, you KNOW that I love to knit them and you KNOW that I have been waiting for Sockapal4za.  It's here!  It's time!  I've already signed up and, once matched, will have until August to knit a pair of socks.  In the meantime, I wasn't sure when Alison would be holding Sockapal4za and found the Hogwarts Sock Swap.  (Sorry guys, they limited it to 100 participants...filled in 10 days!) ...I've been sorted and have joined fellow classmates Abigail, Chrissie (my SP9 pal), and Shelby.

Sort Me!

Known Ravenclaws: Rowena Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Professor Flitwick, Roger Davies. Good points: Intelligent and wise. The library is your domain. Never get labeled as "the dumb kids". Reading Hogwarts, A History is considered a good thing. Eagles are generally cool. Bad points: Considered nerdy. Get no recognition of note until Book Three. Never even sorted/seen in the movie.

It's Wednesday

Can you believe it's another Web Wednesday already!?!  TIme is flying but the weather is NOT catching up.  In WI today we woke to snow flurries.  Many of you have been posting photos of spring flowers.  Unfortunately, we aren't nearly as far along with spring as the calendar might suggest.  (Not a "touch" of yellow on the forsythia and the daffodils and tulips are just coming up!)

• Speaking of calendars, do you know when Easter is?  (Yes, silly, it's this Sunday!)  But do you know how the date is determined?  Once you've read the link, you'll know that the short answer is that Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the first day of spring...got that!?! (Does anyone else find it ironic that the site link is to the US Navy?)
• If you aren't a regular reader of Harlot, make sure to stop and read her nightmare entry for Ann Arbor!  (Kelly...this is a MUST for you to read!)  It really shouldn't have surprised Harlot that knitters would be willing to wait...at least as long as their knitting held out. (Fairy Godmother has an opportunity to see our dear Harlot tonight in MN! Hope she has a great time!)
• Eva got the most AMAZING parcel from Wollmeise! Now she's hosting a contest.  (I really shouldn't tell you so that my chances of winning are better, but that wouldn't be very nice of me!)
• While on the topic of contests, Craftzine is co-sponsoring a Stitch N' Pitch contest.  Plus, they've provided an online ticket purchasing link.  I've GOT to get a group together for July 31!
• Now, in KALs and Swaps, I'll be lurking at the Isabella KAL.  I really want to knit it, but need to finish the cardigan that hasn't been touched since Lent began.  There are a number of new swaps, but I'll let you check them out.