Lé Sigh...

Took part in the DKC's Winter Workshops over the weekend. They were great! I learn how to fibre blend with hand carders, deciphered charts, mastered the YO, upgraded my finishing techniques and created a soft sculptor with needle felting. The attendance was incredibly low. So low, in fact, that classes had to be canceled. (Oh knitting community, where were thou??!) I really enjoyed the hand carding. Does anyone have a pair of carders they want to get rid of cheaply?

In knitting news, I don't have much to offer. Lé Slouch is still finished but the matching scarf isn't really happening (although I tried to knit a dickie-like object, but I cast on too many stitches and it was a bit big). I did finish Paul's arm warmers (which he seems to love). I finished the ears for the finished hat part of Kitty Hat (now I just need to attach them). And I ripped out the sleeves for Tithe and restarted them on the correct sized needles (yes I was using the wrong needle size).

Now I must go back to running around like a chicken so I can join a few ladies out for drinking and knitting.

Just Stuff...

I "updated" my layout because blogger asked me to but unfortunately I lost some links and stuff in the process. I guess I didn't read the fine print before clicking okay. I didn't even notice if there was fine print. I don't have time to fix things now. If you notice that your link is no longer there, don't take it personally! I promise to bring you back. As soon as I figure out all the new bells and whistles that have been installed. *grumble, grumble*

Tonight I got some good knittings done with a group of awesome gals. Have I told you how much I love having a house? A space to call my own? A place that I can say, "Hey Knitters, come on by!" and then they do (even on incredibly short notice) and flop on the couch and chat and giggle and say silly stuff and eat chips and dip? Thank you, ladies, for making my dream home even dreamier.

Just for the record, even with all the flopping and giggling and eating I made very good progress on a few projects. The body of the Huggable Toy Bear is now starting to look body-ish as opposed to a pair of "Ken Pants." I cast on for Lé Slouch, although I will have to riiiiipppp (used the wrong size needle for the cast on). And I touched Paul's arm warmers. If I keep this up maybe I'll get more than nine projects done this year.

Oh, and my sweet husband was like, "Nine sounds like a lot." And then I felt good. For about 10 seconds. Until I saw Ms. Snark's list. And then I was humbled. I hope for 2007 I gain the strength, knowledge and time to complete a third of her list. *bows down* That doesn't sound like a New Year's resolution, does it?!

Egads!

What happened to December??

No, really! What happened? I feel so dazed and confused, like I've lost a couple weeks of my life. Seriously. For me the weeks before and after Christmas are like a black hole. Don't. remember. doing. anything. I'm frantically trying to get to the 100 unanswered emails that have been languishing in my inbox, the unchecked to-do lists, blog posting and work. Egads, I'm behind!

Anyways, the In-Laws came to visit for Christmas and to check out The House for themselves. They were quite impressed. Which was a huge relief for reasons that I won't go into here but it culminated into a very nice visit without incident. (Although I probably should have kept that to myself as I know probably jinxed the next visit.) Plus they brought delicious chocolate (that I have promptly inhaled already)! I did finish their arm warmers (from The Last-Minute Knitted Gifts book) in time. I even had a chance to wash them in Eucalan before gifting (plus I blocked the garter stitch shawl I made for my friend in LA... I mean Huntington Beach). They turned out so soft! Although I don't think they'll ever get worn (including the shawl). Oh well. It's the thought that counts right?? I just wish I had taken a picture of the arm warmers on the recipients. It's been a bit since I've finished anything and it would have been nice to have that proof. A pic of the Gypsy Shawl will be coming soon.

I did get a bit of knitting done because we did a lot of sitting around and talking. I finished the heel of the HELL sock, I completed the back of the Noro sweater, started Paul's arm warmers and I realized I royally messed up Lace Wings. Besides the Lace Wings everything was a positive and made me fee as if I was getting something done.

At Wednesday Night Knitting, Sophie (I'd point you to her blog, but she has stopped blogging. *cough, cough*) came bearing gifts: Socks That Rock in colourway Roctoberfest and Sandra Magazine.


If you've never picked up Sandra magazine you should. I mean right now, run out and get one in your hot little hands NOW! Keep in mind that you're not buying it for the patterns. Nooooooo! You are buying it for the descriptions.

Read such beauties as:"An extravagant and rather transparent eyelet pattern decorates the sweater in noble soft yarn. The broad and elastic ribbed collar, knitted separately, does a good service as regards to warmth and transparency."

Or delight in: "Hurrah, my sausage will be ready soon. Then I'll help the others since my outfit with cap, sweater and turnbacks keeps me warm."

Sandra Magazine == brilliant. I am sending an extra headbangin' air guitar solo your way, Sophie!!

Tonight's my Smoochy Pie's birthday so we are out and about this fine evening in a low-key kinda way. After tomorrow I will thankful and relieved that I can return to my regularly scheduled program of my life. I leave 2006 with a cat picture because I felt it needed to be done.

See, even Elena loves Socks That Rock!