Mass Sheep & Wool

Before I left for my drive out to the Mass Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday, I told myself that I would just buy a little something... maybe some sock yarn. I found and bought said sock yarn within 15 minutes of my arrival at the fair, and proceeded to wander around looking at all the other cool stuff. I briefly considered buying a braid of roving because it was sooo soft and beautiful, but that would mean that I would have to learn how to spin, so I refrained. I ran into some of the girls from my Wed night knitting group, and almost as soon as they left me alone, I wandered into another booth and saw one of the most beautiful shawls ever... the Maple Tree Shawl, made with 100% tencel (aka shiny softness) and accented with hundreds of tiny beads. And lucky for me they had kits available!
After petting the yarn, and hemming and hawing about doing another complicated lace project right after doing Serrano, I finally splurged and bought it. How could I resist? My goal is to make it before my cousin's wedding in October. No problem, right??

::sigh::

Well the festival was great, and the drive out there was amazing... the Berkshires of Massachusetts are just amazing this time of year. I drove over one of my favorite bridges... the French King Bridge, which is between Gill and Erving and over the Connecticut river.

Pretty, huh? The sheep at the festival were fun to look at, too...



I'm looking forward to Rhinebeck!

S.E.X.!

Did that get your attention? Unfortunately, no I have not found myself a boyfriend this week, but I did go on a Stash Enhancement eXpedition ! I went up to Keene, NH yesterday with my mom because she needed fabric for some new curtains she wants to make, and she loves to go to New England Fabrics & Decorating (Ravelry Link). Not only do they have an enormous amount of fabric there, but they also have a decent selection of yarn! I picked up four balls of

Lite Lopi in a beautiful heathered purple color for another felted bucket hat. Then we made our way over to the Knitting Knook. I was really impressed with the selection they had there! I restrained myself from buying Malabrigo lace weight, and stuck to what I went there for... something pretty for a Dream Swatch head wrap, and some sock yarn for a swap I'm in. For the Dream Swatch, I got some pretty Reynolds Top Seed Cotton.

I can't wait to get started on it! I plan to cast on as soon as I am done with my Serrano, which should be sometime today, as I only have to attach the sleeves and the hook and eye tape (which is in the mail). Pics soon!

I also got some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted a couple weeks ago, which will soon be a Clapotis! I just love pronouncing it wrong ;) I will cast on for that soon, too!!

cyan and blue

you are lightskyblue #87CEFA

Your dominant hues are cyan and blue. You like people and enjoy making friends. You're conservative and like to make sure things make sense before you step into them, especially in relationships. You are curious but respected for your opinions by people who you sometimes wouldn't even suspect. Your saturation level is lower than average - You don't stress out over things and don't understand people who do. Finishing projects may sometimes be a challenge, but you schedule time as you see fit and the important things all happen in the end, even if not everyone sees your grand master plan. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Bad Blogger!

Yep, that would be me. I haven't blogged since Feb 14th?? Seriously?? Well, I have been busy, and I have actually been knitting, too! Since I have last posted, I:

-moved from San Diego, CA to Massachusetts (and drove x-country with 2 cats)
-got my license to practice acupuncture
-found office space
-painted and furnished said office
-marketed my practice and done all the other stuff involved with being self employed


I've been knitting, too! I found a great little knitting group that meets once a week on Wednesdays. When I was in San Diego I was never really able to make time to go to any groups on a regular basis, so it is nice to be able to schedule it in every week. I finished a pair of socks for my brother that were supposed to be his Christmas present (he got them in April... oops).
I have also been feverishly working on Serrano (aka the cardi that will never end). After many frogging episodes, lots of cursing, and even a desperate email to Miss Laura Chau herself, I am almost done with the main body.

Oh! Last weekend I went to see the Yarn Harlot in Northampton! I met up with a bunch of friends from my knitting group. I didn't do any yarn shopping at Webs, though (the horror!) because it was mobbed. Crowds make me nervous. So I waited outside for Dan (aka Naked Dude) and Jess and did a little knitting. The Harlot was hysterical of course, and I highly recommend going to see her if you can.




Ok folks... I'm off to shower and then work on Serrano some more. Maybe I'll even take some progress pics for ya! ;)

I Heart Ravelry!

WTF?

I am still in shock about what happened to my beloved Patriots yesterday. I blame everything on Belichick's red sweatshirt! As far as I am concerned though, it doesn't necessarily mean that the Giants are the better team. They were the better team last night, for sure... by a hair. It was a great game, and a nail-biter until the end! I can only look forward to next season... and of course we always have the Sox! Pitchers and catchers report on Valentine's Day... now thats a reason to celebrate!

*****

There is a recent thread in one of the Ravelry forums asking if Ravelry is killing the blog... I don't know about blogs in general, but for me I know my blog has taken a back seat to my Rav addiction! I used to spend free time browsing through my Bloglines feeds, but now I spend in in Ravelry forums. So I'm also 'Needlephile' on there in case you're looking for me! Make sure to add me as a friend... I've recently found the feature that allows you to see a list of your friends' recent blog posts, so I'll try to keep an eye on that. I do still enjoy reading blogs from time to time!

*****

OH! I have also been taking my board exams! I have taken and successfully passed three out of the four National board exams that I need to take to be able to get my license. Its very exciting!! I can't wait to actually start doing (and getting paid for) what I love. What a novel concept!

Happy 2008

I hope everyone had a very fun and safe new year celebration last night! Now comes the time for everyone to set their personal goals for year ahead. So here are mine:

1. First, something knitting related... to finish that damn Serrano cardigan that has been sitting around unfinished forever. I have a whole year to finish it, so it shouldn't be a problem.

2. My health this last month has gone downhill this last month with all the crap I've been eating and all the alcohol I've been drinking, so I am planning on not drinking for 30 days. I also am going to start up phase one the South Beach diet again, and start doing yoga and jogging four times a week. I WILL lose 25 lbs.

3. Starting tomorrow, I will start studying for my board exams so that I can pass them with ease and become a licensed acupuncturist!

4. I will find a new job where I can make a lot of money in a short period of time, and that means I need to find a waitressing gig somewhere (which should also help with the weight loss). The job I have now was fine while I was in school, but I can't get enough hours there to pay all my bills.

Well... I think thats it for now. I'm sure I will come up with more later, and as the year goes on. I wish the best of luck to everyone in their goals as well!

Do or do not. There is no try.
-Yoda