question of the Week!!

Question #3:
What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

Now this is a hard one!! I think it would be important for the "perfect" stash to have a large enough amount of yarn, where if you wanted to start ANY project, you could go stash diving and have at least 2 or 3 options for whatever project you have in mind. Want to start a cabled sweater? No problem! There would be at least 3 colors of at least 2 different yarns. LOTS of options. I think that if I had a stash that large though, my husband would seriously have me committed. I do have a large stash, and it gets larger every month. BUT, I have to say, it's been ages since I've bought any sock yarn. I'm patting myself on the back for that.

HHHS questionnaire!

1. How long have you been spinning? What skill level do you consider yourself? I'd say I'm an intermediate beginner. I've been spinning for about 2 years, but don't do it nearly often enough!

2. What kinds of yarn do you create (singles/2-ply/3-ply/art yarn)?
I create mostly singles and 2 ply yarn.

3. What do you spin with (spindle/wheel/both)?
I have a spindle and a wheel (Ashford Kiwi), but I usually use my wheel.

4. What are your favorite fibers to spin with? Anything you don't like?
I love merino, merino blends (with tencel, for example)

5. Who are your favorite crack dealers fiber sources (etsy or otherwise)?
I love crown mountain farms. I usually buy fiber at festivals, so haven't really explored the etsy sellers much.

6. What kind of fiber do you want to try?
I'm up for just about anything! I just don't like things that are scratchy.

7. Is there any techniques you would like to learn?
I'd love to learn how to navajo ply.

8. Do you dye fiber? If not, would you like to learn?
Yes, yes, yes! I have sold several rovings that I've dyed at my shop, but I've mostly dyed yarn.

9. Do you have fiber prep tools (and like to use them) or would you prefer ready to spin fiber?
No. I don't have the tools, or the time to learn to prep fiber right now. New baby takes priority right now. Ready-to-spin fiber is a must.

10. What do you do with your handspun? What projects have you completed?
I haven't done anything with it yet. But I have plans for scarves and leg warmers.

11. Are you in need of any spinning gadgets (WPI Gauge, threading hook, etc)?
I don't have a WPI gauge, and the threading hook I have is the one that came with my wheel (just metal). So I'd love some fun gadgets!

12. What colors "fall into your shopping basket"? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love blues, purples, and greens. I'm not a fan of orange or yellow.

13. What is on your wheel/spindle right now?
My wheel has several different things going. Some CrownMountain Farm superwash meriono, a blend that was gifted to me in a fiberswap, and some yummy alpaca that I bought at Maryland sheep and wool a few years back.

14. What other crafts/hobbies do you have?
I knit, dye, scrapbook, quilt, cook, photography

15. Other than crafts, what are you passionate about?
I love wine. My husband and I have a bit of a collection that we started about 6 years ago. I also love to cook. And my kids, are my number one priority. I work full time as a scientist, and need as many outlets as possible away from the computer.

16. Do you have an online wishlist?
I'm working on one right now...and will have it up within a few days.

17. Is there anything that you collect?
poodles (I had 2 growing up), wine, paper for scrapbooking, yarn, and cook books

18. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What magazine subscriptions do you have?
I only have one book on spinning that I got years ago, and it teaches you to spin on a spindle. I will make sure to put a few options on my wishlist. I do have an Interweave Knits subscription, and a Vogue Knitting subscription.

19. When is your birthday?
June 25th

20. What book or movie character do you most resemble in personality?
That's a hard one! I'm going to have to think about this...

21. What is the climate like where you live around this time (need to know for careful shipments of anything meltable)?
HOT. it's been in the mid to upper 80's the last few weeks, and it will only get warmer as the summer goes on.

22. Tell us one weird fact about yourself!
My husband and I met in college- I was his Resident Advisor in the dorms when we met, but we didn't start dating until the following year.

Favorites
favorite painting/picture(link):
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.

Candy:
Twizzlers or Starburst

Food:
french fries with cheddar cheese, thai food, or pepperoni pizza. Depends on my mood.

Drink:
Alcoholic, at the moment are mojitos. Non-alcoholic would have to be Diet Cherry Coke. Or, a good glass of red wine.

Movie(s):
Oceans 11, Pretty Woman and Star Wars, depends on my mood.

TV Show(s):
Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives

Book(s):
I love Jennifer Weiner's books, but I've read them all.

Guilty Pleasure(s):
I love reality TV shows (the Bachelor, Bachelorette, the apprentice, American Idol, etc). And I love the Gilmore Girls. I watch reruns every night (thank you DVR). And my new favorite reality show is The Girls Next Door... Did I just admit that?

32

I can't believe it's been another year!! Today, is my 32nd birthday, and sometimes I still feel like I'm in my 20's. Then I remember how much I've learned since my mid-twenties, and I'm glad I'm in my thirties. I'm sure this will keep happening as I get older, too. For now, I'm just a little grumpy about getting some grey hair, but that I can cope with, with a trip to the hair salon. Pampering is a good thing. ;)

My gift from my husband was amazing. He got me a gift certificate to Toys R Us, which is for the new Guitar Hero- Aerosmith which comes out this weekend! It was cute too, he put "to our guitar hero, from your adoring fans, for one chance at fame" or something like that. He's too cute! I can't wait to go shopping Sunday and pick it up (hopefully it will be widely available).

I have made some progress on my shawl, which I'm pretty excited about! It's looking awesome, and I love it! I'll try to take some pics tonight and post them later. For now, I've got to finish up some work, go home and part-y!

Thank you!!

My SP12 sent me my first package, and it arrived yesterday! I was debating on whether to wait until my birthday to open it (tomorrow), or to open it right away. My daughter kind of took care of that decision for me by begging me to open it, and I was having a hard time resisting anyways, so it was easy to cave in. ;)

Inside, (pictures will follow when I have my camera) was copies of Back on Blossom Street and Susannah's Garden. Two books I've been wanting to read! I'm so excited! Usually I have such a hard finding authors that I like, and after reading the first 2 books in the Blossom Street series, I decided to branch out and try another of her books. She also sent me a brea.st self exam kit from Bath and body works. This is so fitting, because of the fact that my aunt has been in the hospital for a while, with breast cancer (that has spread), and she's likely losing her battle. I've been very good about doing my monthly self exams, I had my first mammogram last summer, and I'm doing everything I can to ensure that I am OK. Or that if I'm not, that I can at least catch it early. Thankfully, her form doesn't seem to be genetic, but there's so much that is unknown that I'm not taking any chances. Then was the oragami paper crane, which is stunning! And now hanging up in my cube so I can look at it whenever I need to see something pretty.

Thank you SO much pal!!! You really helped make my birthday special!

Lace? Me???

I have the shortest attention span sometimes. I've tried to do lace MANY times, and can not seem to get it down. I always screw up on every row, and I just can't focus. Last summer, during SP10, my pal Kerry sent me a lace stole pattern and some Schaefer Anne. I loved the pattern and yarn, but wasn't in the right place to start it. Especially once I was pregnant, the idea of keeping my attention on anything seemed to go right out the window! I was thinking the other day about this beautiful yarn and lace pattern. One of the women I spoiled a few years back, FGK does really amazing lacework, and she's been inspiring me ever since. So I finally took the plunge and cast-on for my stole. And...I'm actually 3 repeats in to the first part of the pattern! That's a whole 12 rows in, without any mistakes!! I'm absolutely loving how the pattern is turning out, and the yarn is SO soft! Here is my first pic...I took it last night before I did 4 more rows. I'm afraid I may become a bit obsessed with lace, if I can actually make it work, that is.

2nd question!

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

I can't decide on one thing, so here are my 5 favorite things!

1- going to the playground! We had a playground in our neighborhood that had a summer program. Every day was a different field trip! Mondays was mini-golf, tues was the local "lake", Wed was the roller rink, thurs was the middle school pool, and fri was fun and games! There was always mon/wed afternoon arts and crafts, and games too. SO much fun!! We rode a school bus to the different places, and it was CHEAP. We did that every day, every summer for years!
2- hanging out at my pool- we hand an inground pool at my house, and it was the hang out.
3- Summer Theatre- our middle school had a summer theatre program where we'd put on a musical for different groups. We'd practice for weeks, and then perform everywhere! It was so much fun!
4- games with the neighborhood kids- Ghost in the Graveyard, kick the can, Superheros (like tag with fun transformations) and TV tag were a few of our faves.
5- walking to the local convenience store for Slush Puppies! YUMMY!!!
EDITED
6- watching Reading Rainbow!! I used to LOVE that show, and watched it every day during the summer!

SP12 first question!

What is my favorite summertime drink? I'll show you!!


These are the Mojitos that I made the other night! They were amazing, and I'm so glad that I have TONS of mint! I'll be able to have them daily if I want!

Here's my recipe:
12 mint leaves, torn up
2 teaspoons of sugar ("helps the medicine go down...")
juice form half of a lime (then cut it up in 4 pieces and put it in the shaker)
Then muddle the mint, sugar, and lime pieces with a spoon or pestle until all mint is bruised well
Add 1 1/2 ounces of Bacardi rum
add about a cup of ice
Shake up and down until cold
Put some fresh ice into a glass and pour the rum/lime juice mix into glass
Add about 3 to 5 ounces of Club soda (depending on how strong you want your drink)

Adding the club soda at the end makes all the difference! It keeps it nice and fizzy. I usually use about 3 ounces of club soda, because I love my liquor. ;-)

Actual knitting content?!!

Oh my goodness- I'm about to post some knitting content!! It feels like it's been FOREVER since I've posted anything knitting related! And this post shall have a few things!

I'm working away on my SP12 matches! I'm so excited to get that going, it's going to be a fun round! I can't wait to start spoiling my pal! It has been way too long since I've participated in a swap, and I feel all refreshed and ready to go!

I also signed up for another swap! It's the Hush Hush Handspun Hootenanny and it's going to be SO much fun!! If you are a spinner, head on over and join!

I've been knitting and spinning a bit over here too. Here are a few pics of what I've been working on!
Here we have some merino that I spun up last week. I bought 3 different colorways at MSW, and I let Celia pick out which one she liked best. She picked this one, and it's destined to be a new pair of legwarmers for her gymnastics class!


And here is some progress on my Central Park Hoodie! It's out of Brooks Farm Solana that I picked up at MSW. It's SO soft, and the color is just fantastic! I'm hoping to knit away on it all summer and fall, so I can wear it next winter. Though my mom was smart, and she told me I have 3 years to get it done...which is a much more realistic goal considering I can't seem to finish any of my projects...


And last, but certainly not least, here is a pic of my little guy. He's getting SO big so fast, and I can't believe how much he's grown! Notice the shirt- I got this from Mel's Cafepress store. My guy is a work of ART for sure...Assisted Reproductive Technology. I have gotten SO many compliments on it- great design Mel!

Sp12 questionnaire!!

Almost time for SP 12 to start up!! I am looking forward to another great round!

Here are my answers! Please feel free to ask if you need any clarification!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love all kinds of yarn! Not a fan of acrylic, but most others are OK. Mohair does make me sneeze a little, but I still use it. I love anything really soft, in great colors.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle roll for straight needles, and a zipper pouch for circs. I also have the KnitPicks options set and binder.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting since I was 5, when an aunt taught me. But I've been "really" knitting for about 4 years. I'd say I'm intermediate, and not afraid to try much.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an amazon one on the side bar, but it's not updated. I'll be sure to do that soon!

5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavendar, citrus, rose, vanilla...

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes! I love chocolate (especially milk chocolate, and orange chocolate). And I also love Twizzlers, starburst, and gummy bears.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I spin (have an Ashford Kiwi), dye (see my stuff here, scrapbook, quilt, make beaded jewelry and stitch markers, love photography, and cooking.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love rock and pop music. Not much into rap or country, but like most other types of music as well.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Blue and purple are my faves, but I also like greens and browns. Not a fan of yellow or orange.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married with a 4 year old daughter, 3 month old son, and 2 cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I love scarves, hats and mittens. I don't have any ponchos, but am not opposed to them.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Love socks, sweaters, and baby items.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I have about 20 projects on the needles...but most are socks, I have two sweaters for myself, including the Central Park Hoodie which I just started, and a few sweaters for my daughter and son.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, absolutely!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circular for most things, and usually bamboo or wood.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
3 years

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween and Thanksgiving

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Poodles, yarn, and wine. Interesting combination! The wine is something my husband and I collect together. We have about 5 or 6 cases of wine at any given time.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I'd love to get my hands on some Wollmeise or vesper yarn, but I really do love most indie dyed yarns. I have Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I want to try lace knitting, but the few times I've tried, I have failed miserably. The only lace items I've completed are socks.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes!! I wear a 10 wide.

23. When is your birthday?
June 25th! I'll be 32.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, my ID is shelbyknits.