Friday, November 30, 2012

FO Friday 115

Hi everyone and happy Friday! I have to start out this blog post with an apology. I promised you the shawl, and it won't be on today's post. I finished it, blocked it and forgot to take pictures. I want you to see it in it's best light and with me wearing it. Considering it's 7pm on Thursday night when I'm writing this and home alone, that's not going to happen. I'm going to have my husband take pictures this weekend and I PROMISE it will be next Friday.

I didn't want to have you go home empty handed, so I thought I would post a few finished squares of my cross stitch! I hope you're enjoying all of these stitching pictures as much as I love posting them. It's such a fun hobby, as I mentioned to you on Wednesday and I thank you for letting me share them with you, despite the fact it isn't knitting or crochet!

Please excuse the shadows on it, as I'm taking the pictures at night with my OttLite. You can see that I did 1-5 and then jumped to 10 since I had to move the canvas to get to 5, so I just went on to 10. The stocking is the one you saw started on Wednesday!







That's it for me today! Saturday we're planning to move over the rest of the stuff from the old house to the new, but Sunday we have fun plans as we are going to get our Christmas tree! I hope you have a great weekend.


Share your FOs!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Work in Progress Wednesday 121

Happy Work in Progress Wednesday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was a little less eventful than we thought it would be unfortunately. We had a great Saturday running errands, putting up Christmas lights and hanging around the house. We decided to have a date night Saturday night and got dressed up to eat and see a movie. The meal was good, but about 45 minutes after eating (and already sitting in the movie theater to see Wreck It Ralph), I started to feel sick. We had to leave the movies (luckily we got a refund since we probably only saw 20 minutes of the movies if that) and I was VERY sick all night. I think food poisoning got the best of me. :( I'm doing good now, but it kind of foiled our Sunday plans. We were supposed to rent a large truck to move the remaining items from the old house to the new. That will have to wait until this weekend. The good news of it all was we had a relaxing Sunday at home, watching movies, knitting and cross stitching.

I have my Quarker Ridge shawl blocking in the studio right now, so I'll be sharing that with you on FO Friday! I can't wait.




For those of you who follow me on Instagram, I apologize as you'll be seeing a few of the same pictures here this week. I just got so excited to start the Rock and Purl Winter Mystery Glove KAL that I wanted to share my progress.  You can still sign up for the KAL, as we just started and are on clue 1. Candy Skein is the main sponsor for the KAL, but you can use any fingering weight yarn if you are stash busting for the holidays. The great thing is, Ruth, the designer, has planned it so by the end you should have a pair of gloves for a gift for the holidays (or to keep yourself!) She has a Ravelry group so you can work on the gloves with others and see their progress!





This is clue 1 that came out on Monday for one glove. I haven't decided if I want to just work on the one, or if I should try and split the ball into two and work on the other at the same time (using two separate needles since my cable isn't long enough to do two at a time). Right now I'm just waiting for next week's clue, so if I did split the ball into two, I could actually have both started through clue 1 by the time clue 2 comes out. I don't have two sets of these brand needles, but do you think that's a big deal? Might gauge might be a LITTLE off with a different brand, but as long as they're the same size, could it really make a huge different? Anyway, I'm using Candy Skein Yummy fingering in January '12 colorway, Arctic Mint.





I've also been working on my cross stitch! I have a few more finished from the last time you saw it, but I'll keep that picture for my FOs on Friday. I finished days 1-5 and decided since I had to move the canvas over to do day 5, that I'd just jump down and do day 10 and work in a zig zag pattern. I wanted to share this with you because I thought it was pretty funny. It currently looks like I'm stitching Mickey Mouse's pants but I promise you, I'm not! I have to say, I LOVE cross stitching! It's so fun. I just love to see the pictures appear and it's great for when you're watching tv or a movie!

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of your week and I'll see you on Friday!

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!




Friday, November 23, 2012

FO Friday 114

Hi everyone! Happy Black Friday. I don't usually brave the crowds, except a few years ago we bought a new tv. This year I'll be working and then headed to a birthday party at our favorite local tiki bar/restaurant, the Bali Hai! I hope all who celebrate Thanksgiving survived! I'm currently in a food coma as I type this Thursday evening with a cup of Thanksgiving blend Starbucks coffee next to me.

Speaking of Black Friday, don't forget that the Candy Skein sale is still going on through Monday at midnight. Some of the yarn is going fast, so be sure to check out the website. All yarn is 15% off with code HOLIDAYSALE at checkout in the coupon section.

I finished my shawl! The beaded bind off took about a day and a half, but is so worth it. I will have better pictures of the shawl once it's blocked, but I wanted to share it since I am done with the knitting part! Please excuse the dark pictures, but as mentioned, I'm in a food coma.



Share your FOs!


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Work in Progress Wednesday 120

Hi everyone. I hope you're having a great week and to all my US followers, Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!! I'm so very happy that my husband gets the day off (but not Friday unfortunately) and that my family will be together for the day. We haven't gotten to spend much time together lately, and haven't had a relaxing day of sleeping in, lounging around and eating in a long time. It will be nice to forget about work for one day, if that's possible. What do you have planned for the holiday weekend?

Speaking of the holiday weekend, before I jump into WIPW, I wanted to let everyone know about the Candy Skein holiday sale. This isn't just for US customers, but worldwide! If you're looking for a few gifts or even to treat yourself this holiday season, be sure to stop by Candyskein.com this weekend to take advantage of our holiday sale by using coupon code HOLIDAYSALE during the checkout process. Receive 15% off your total purchase and we’re even giving a free gift! Spend $40 and receive a Candy Skein button. Spend $60 and receive a full set of 5! The sale runs from Thursday, November 22nd at 12:01am PT through Monday, November 26th at 11:59pm PT.






I don't have too much to show for WIPW as I've been working on the same project. I will say, I'm SOO close to finishing and will have it done for Friday so I don't want to show too much and give it away.





It's my Quaker Ridge Shawl in Tosh Sock. I'm working on the beaded bind off so I figured I'd show you a little sneak peak of it! You'll have to come back Friday to see the rest. :)

That's it for me today. Please have a fun and safe Turkey day in the US and a great Black Friday/Cyber Monday!


For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Candy Skein update: Rainbow Mini sets are back!




Candy Skein minis are back!
The set currently available is the Rainbow series, including 8 of Candy Skein’s most popular colorways. This is a great way to add eye popping color to your Beekeeper’s Quilt, Sock Blanket, or any other mini projects you have on the go.


P1030189resized.JPG


Each assortment set includes:
8 mini skeins, one in each of the following colors:
Cherry
Cotton Candy
Orange Sherbet
Banana
Lemon Lime
Brain Freeze
Midnight Mousse
Party Punch


P1030186resized.JPG


Colorway: 8 assorted colors (Cherry, Cotton Candy, Orange Sherbet, Banana, Lemon Lime, Brain Freeze, Midnight Mousse, Party Punch
Series: Yummy
Fiber content: 75% Falkland British Merino Wool, 25% Nylon Superwash
Weight: Fingering Weight
Yardage: 25-28 yards each skein
Unit Weight: 5.5-6g each skein
Care: Machine wash/Tumble dry low
Price: $13
Quantity Available: 12
Buy Now!

Friday, November 16, 2012

FO Friday 113

Happy Friday everyone! I'm so glad that the end of the week is upon us. My friend Alea went home yesterday which is very sad. It was so great to spend a week with her hanging out, cross stitching, yarn dyeing and showing her the sights. It was so odd after she left to be alone, as my husband is back to working long crunch hours. The good thing about having a lot of time alone is I get to catch up on my DVR and craft!


As mentioned during the last few WIPWs, I've gotten into cross stitch lately! It's so fun (despite the fact that it makes me realize I need a new eye glass prescription!) that I've been working on it more than I've been knitting. Don't worry though, I hope to finish the shawl (and other WIPs) soon! I thought I would share the 3 squares of The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's Kawaii Winter Wonderland. We've been getting 5 days worth of clues each Monday and they just keep getting cuter and cuter! Only problem is I can't keep up. I hope to get faster as I go, but considering I haven't cross stitched since I was 10, I don't think I'm doing too bad. The next square is a pair of mittens that are super cute and I can't wait to start on. If you're a fan of cross stitch, or just want to check out some adorable patterns, be sure to check The Frosted Pumpkin's website (you can get to it from the link above). I also have to say, I don't know them, I'm just a fan of their patterns!

That's it for me today. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and I'll "see" you all next week! I'll have exciting news about a KAL I'm sponsoring with Rock and Purl!

Share your FOs!


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Work in Progress Wednesday 119

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a great week. I've had a great time so far with my friend Alea so far! We've had an insane couple of days in San Diego and Los Angeles. I haven't had too much time to be crafty, but I've bought a few things to make my crafting easier!




I bought beads for my Quaker Ridge shawl! I'm going to mix the two randomly for the bind off. I have one and a half more repeats before I'm finished and ready to go.

Don't the beads look great!!?? The blue are a little hard to see in the match awesome. I wanted a little bling but not too much.

Here's my cross stitch!I haven't gotten too much further but I just need to the inside of the owl, his beak and the number for the square. I wish you could see the white a little more on my canvas, but oh well.

Check out all my cross stitch stuff! I'm totally professional now. HA!

That's it for me today! I hope you have a great rest of the week and see you on Friday!

For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Friday, November 9, 2012

FO Friday 112




Hi everyone! Happy Friday. Today I'm SOOO excited because one of my good friends, Alea (from Pop Culture Junkie!) is coming to visit me for a week. We plan to head to LA this weekend, then bum around San Diego next week. I can't wait to show her my new house, where I grew up (in LA) and a lot of awesome stuff So Cal has to offer! She's never been to San Diego, so it should be a fun time. We also plan to do a lot of cross stitch and some knitting.

I'm sure I'll have something to show you next week for FO Friday, but today I don't. I've been insanely busy, but more on that later. I thought I would share with you my latest Candy Skein update from yesterday though!


All yarn above is available at Candyskein.com as of this posting!

I hope you all have a great weekend. For those of you back east or with cold weather right now, be sure to stay warm! Wear lots of hand knits and drink lots of hot chocolate. :)

That's it for me today. Share your FOs!


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Work in Progress Wednesday 118

Hi everyone! I don't want to get into politics on this blog, but I just wanted to thank those of you who took the time out to vote yesterday in the US. It's a right AND a privilege to vote and I'm always so proud to be handed my I VOTED sticker. I also wanted to say congrats to President Obama on his re-election!

Now onto yarnie goodness:

I had a great time Sunday with my knitting group. I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the fiber festival this year. I think it was much better last year and felt a little cheated that I paid to get in. I did get one thing I wanted! I got a 2.5mm ChiaoGoo needle! I've always wanted to try these and 2.5mm is my favorite size for socks. I picked a 32" cable for it, as I (as you all know) love magic loop. I also got a skein (I know, I know!) of Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock in a colorway exclusive to a shop in Manhattan Beach, CA, Twist! I couldn't resist an exclusive colorway.




You haven't seen this shawl in awhile! This is my Quaker Ridge Shawl out of Tosh Sock in Worn Denim. I was hoping to get beads at the show for the beaded bind off, but the bead booth that was there last year wasn't there this year! I was so bummed. I have two more repeats left and then I think I'll just have enough yarn for the bind off. I love it so far!




These are the Candy Skein November' 12 colorway, Pumpkin Pie, socks I'm making for my husband! I haven't had a chance to work on them too much, as you can see, but I'm almost finished with the first cuff. I really like how it's coming along so far and I hope he will too. He still doesn't know I'm working on it yet!



Last but not least, I have a new hobby. I know, like I need something else on my plate! I recently got the itch to learn how to cross stitch again. Last time I did so, I was probably 10 years old and the only patterns out there were old lady looking patterns. Obviously that wasn't my style when I was 10, and it isn't now! There are some amazing patterns out there for cross stitch now! Who knew!? This is The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery Kawaii Winter Wonderland mystery cross stitch. I couldn't resist. Obviously I'm behind as I've (almost, I just need to add the snow in the globe) finished day 1. I LOVE it so far, but I will say, cross stitch is INTENSE! I was actually SORE this weekend from it and I realize when I do it I don't breathe! LOL I hope you don't mind me sharing this with you, as it's not knitting or crochet.

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of your week!



For those that are new to WIPW, to share your WIPW post with us, just fill out the Mr. Linky below. Despite it saying you must comment, don't feel as if you do. That is something Mr. Linky automatically adds. I just ask you to check out a few of the links posted to see what everyone else is working on and comment there if you can. Everyone loves feedback and a little encouragement on their projects! Also, please link back to this post in your post to get the word out! The more the merrier!

Friday, November 2, 2012

FO Friday 111

Hi everyone and happy Friday!! 10 years ago today, my husband and I officially started dating! Isn't it crazy how time flies??!! Sometimes it seems like I've known him my whole life (we've known each other for 12 years), other times it seems like we just started dating. Back on November 2, 2002, we went to a wedding together and had a great time. I would have never guessed back then that we would be where we are now, but I'm sure glad that I started dating (and married 5 years later) my best friend. :)

Enough with the sappy stuff! Sorry to derail the blog. I don't have a FO today unfortunately, as I've been SO busy with my studio and re-stocking candyskein.com. I'll have big updates next week including new Yummy fingering, Yummy DK, Delicious fingering and a mini set!

This weekend on Sunday a few girls from my knitting group and I will be going to the Southern California Handweavers' Guild Weaving and Fiber Festival (wow that's a mouthful!) in Torrence, CA. If you're going and see me (I'll try and remember to wear a few Candy Skein buttons!) please say hi! I might even have a prize for anyone who recognizes me. :) Unfortunately, I won't have a booth this year there, but hope to next year. I'll tell you all about it next week, but I'm going to be strong and not buy yarn (I hope). We'll see how I do!

What are your big plans this weekend?

Share your FOs!