So, while we were making a run back to the car with load #1 of stuff on Saturday of MDS&W, we paused at the Brooks Farm booth. Cristi was eyeing the sock yarns, Jas was schmoozing with a woman she was talking to about carrying her yarns, and as I was looking at the baskets, I spotted this:
The loveliest tonal greens, in a beautiful wool and silk yarn with fabulous sheen, and soft as can be - Brooks Farm Four Play. I reached under the rack (it was in a basket on the opposite side), and snagged one. Jas started laughing as soon as she saw my hand - she said when she saw the hand reaching for the green, she knew it was mine. Apparently I’m predictable on that front.

So, I have 4 hanks of this (just over 1000 yards). I was thinking about a Clapotis, but since I’m already making a ribbon one (you’ll see that yarn soon enough), I’m thinking maybe something else. If you have any suggestions, speak up!

from my darling Yorkie…

Well, folks, here we are!

Week 10 - Finals
Judges’ Choice Round:
Laila & Maks - Paso Doble - I’m sort of surprised that the judges picked this for Laila and Maks, becuase I don’t think it plays to her strengths. The extension on her legs when she kicks isn’t great (her knees are usually bent at least a little), and although the strength is obviously there, it doesn’t show off her sensuality much, if at all. It was a good dance, but I just don’t think it’s her best style. Judges: 29
Apolo & Julianne - Rhumba - Damn. That Apolo has turned into one heck of a dancer, hasn’t he? This was wonderful - I think it was a great choice for them, and they executed it beautifully. Judges: 28
Joey & Kym - Chacha - Hmm.. considering that they still have to do the freestyle, and he’s been criticised before for doing too much extra silliness, I expected them to play this one a little straighter. I don’t think it was their strongest dance - I’ve seen them do much better. This felt scattered to me. Judges: 26

Freestyle Round:
Laila & Maks - Hmm. Honestly, this is probably the most disappointed I’ve been with them this season. It wasn’t that interesting to me, and I just wasn’t as “wowed” and I hoped to be. Lordy, I’m turning into Len… Judges: 26
Apolo & Julianne - That is more of what I expected from the freestyle. It was fun, it was lighthearted, it was creative. I liked some of the moves they worked into the routine. OK, and I’m a little biased on that - the flip-over-the-arm thing? I did that in a production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” about a million years ago. :) And I even managed NOT to land on my head. Most of the time. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym - Wow. I thought Apolo and Julianne had the Freestyle sewn up, but this was just as aweseome. I think disco was a great choice for Joey - not what you would expect, maybe, but they had so much fun with it, and it was a great routine. Judges: 30

OK, obviously some of this is possibly going to change with tomorrow night, but it’s going to come down to Apolo and Joey, and I think it could go either way. However, I’m not going to wuss out and not make a call - I’m going with Apolo to win it all. I think he’s shown more versatility, and the level of difficulty he has done is really impressive, since he has no dance or performance background at all, where Joey does have some experience.

We had a busy weekend. We headed up to Pittsburgh to see my folks and pick up a few things that they aren’t taking to the new house in Las Vegas, and also to go to the funeral for Kris’s great-uncle George, who passed away last Tuesday night. So, it was a happy weekend and a sad one at the same time. We’re going to be buried in boxes here for a while. Putting most of the stuff away (and possibly cleaning out the attic) will be the order of business for this weekend.

So, I thought about posting the loot from MDS&W in the order it was purchased, but I decided instead to just post what I’m inspired to each week. :)

This week’s subject was purchased from Mohair in Motion, who were in one of the tents on the entrance end of the fairgrounds. We were walking along, and Cristi saw the sign for their tent, sighed and said “No point in my even going in there.” (She has mohair issues.) We were going to just walk past, but I glanced over and something bright caught my eye among the mellow-colored fluffiness of the mohair on their shelves.

I walked over and picked it up, and it just had to come home with me. The bright rainbowy-ness, the shine of the fiber… it wanted to come home with me. So it did. 500 yards of 100% rayon in “Mardi Gras”.

I’m not sure what it will be yet, although I am leaning toward some sort of wrap or shawl.

Luckily, she did tell me that if I ended up needing more once I decided what to do with this (it was the only skein there), she did have more back at home, and I could just email her to order some. Obviously, I shouldn’t wait TOO long if I’m going to do that, but it’s nice to have the option.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

I figured what the heck, why not do it. :) I’m not tagging anyone, but if you want to do it, go for it!

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan/Blanket (baby sized)
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dyeing with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn
Steeks (Ok, only on a swatch so far, but I WILL do it as soon as I finish the sweater!)
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair - Not unless you count it mixing in with a project, because that I can’t avoid!
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Hmm… interesting list, although there are probably a few things that could be on there but aren’t, and a few things that I’m not sure really need to be on there, but as with all of these, they are pretty personal lists.

But before we get to my ramblings about DWTS, we have socks!!

Recently, Cristi published her Red Dwarf Socks pattern. Since I had some fabbo STR Heavyweight from MDS&W, I knew the two were made for each other. I cast on last Monday night at my monthly SnB and finished them up (after two days on the couch with that nasty, nasty cold I had) Thursday morning and wore them to my twice-monthly SnB. They got lots of oohs and aahs from my fellow knitters, including several who immediately wanted her blog address to get the pattern.

I LOVED this pattern. It was a ton of fun to knit and stayed interesting throughout. I know I’m a little biased, since Cristi is such a dear, dear friend, but this really was a great pattern. I almost wish she had hung on to it to submit to Knitty or MagKnits, because it is totally worthy of being published.

So, here they are - Red Dwarf Socks in STR Heavyweight in “Footzey Foo”:

And yes, that top picture IS the front and back of the socks at the same time, thank you very much. :) I took ballet for exactly one year as a kid, and that’s the only thing I can still do - torn my feet out pretty much to 180 degrees. Just ignore the fact that my ankle is rolling a bit.

Week 9 - Semifinals

Ballroom Round:
Apolo & Julianne - Quickstep - He looks so comfortable and confident! It’s awesome. I love how together they are - they really are connecting with each other wonderfully. Judges: 30
Ian & Cheryl - Tango - Ian was clearly having more fun with this one, but I still think there is something missing in the chemistry between the two of them. It’s in really stark relief in comparison to Apolo and Julianne coming right before them. Judges: 28
Laila & Maks - Quickstep - They owned the entire dance floor with this routine - it covered every single square inch, and I really think they were technically excellent. I don’t think they were quite as “fun” as they have been in the past, though. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym - Foxtrot - Aaaaand Joey’s back! Lighthearted and sweet, but really really well danced. Judges: 30

Latin Round:
Apolo & Julianne - Chacha - Excellent. They have a really, really strong shot at taking the trophy if they keep this up. I’m not sure the band should try doing any more hip-hop, though… :D Judges: 29
Ian & Cheryl - Jive - Oh, Ian… the Elvis look was just too funny. I think I’ve figured out why they just aren’t connecting with the judges (or me) as much as I wish they would. It comes back to what I said early on about Cheryl - she is SO frantic, and SO energetic that Ian looks almost lazy by comparison, and he isn’t - just like the girl I used to work with in theatre back in Meadville. I think it’s that mismatch that is bothering me. Judges: 30
Laila & Maks - Chachacha - I thought it was interesting what Carrie-Ann said after the first round - Laila is the only non-professional female out there, and you almost expect her to be on par with the other women. Honestly, I think she was. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym - Jive - I said it last time, and I’ll say it again - Joey Fatone was MADE for the Jive. He can have fun, and bounce like mad, and it all works. Wonderful, wonderful dance. Judges: 30

OK, this is when I start to hate seeing anyone go home - I’ve loved all four of these couples since the beginning, and I really don’t want any of them to leave, but there aren’t really any other options, are there? I’m going with Ian and Cheryl in the bottom two along with Laila and Maks, and I have the feeling that Ian’s breakthrough came just a little too late and he’ll be done.

Thank you for the good wishes on overcoming my cold. It’s definitely improving. Maybe tonight I’ll be able to sleep without being propped up to prevent coughing. I definitely have my appetite back, too.

This is the last of the pre-MDS&W pr0n I have stockpiled, so you’ll have to wait until next week to start seeing the goodies from S&W. :D

Sundara Yarns sock yarn in “Bird of Paradise” - Zonda swapped me this for some Cotton Ease for a blanket she is working on. It’s from the Petals collection. I might have to keep an eye out and join next time, if this is an indication of how pretty her stuff is.

Knit Picks CotLin in “Key Lime”. This is going to be the Cables & O’s Cardi from my new favorite knitting book- No Sheep for You.

Mountain Colors 4/8’s Wool in “Mountain Tango”. I picked this up at Cloverhill when I went with Carrie and Maryanne. It will be socks, most likely.

And a pile of Tahki Cotton Classic in a variety of (I can’t believe I’m saying this) pinks and purples. This is going to be the Bacardi Cardigan from No Sheep for You. And yes, this counts as green pr0n. Why? Because the original sweater is in shades of green and yellow. :D

And I have my very first FO from my S&W purchases to show you, as soon as Kris gets a picture of them. I finished up Cristi’s new Red Dwarf Socks in some BMFA STR heavyweight in “Footsey Foo”. I’d take the picture myself, but it’s rather awkward to get a picture of your own feet.

Happy Friday, all!

I’m watching this on my faithful TiVo this morning through a haze of snot. I’ve gotten nailed by a nasty, nasty cold with an accompanying sore throat. I’m drinking lots of tea and plan on existing on pasta and chicken broth for the rest of the day.

Week 8 - Two Dances!

Ballroom Round:
Ian & Cheryl - Foxtrot - Their chemistry and connection is getting much better. I really enjoyed this number, but I thought the ending with the high kicks was a little… odd. Judges: 22
Joey & Kym - Waltz - Very graceful and elegant. I was a little distracted by that pouf of cotton candy Kym was wearing, though. :D Judges: 26
Billy Ray & Karina - Foxtrot - I think Karina was smart to choreograph this number to a country song. It adds a definite comfort level for Billy Ray, and I think that was clear in his dancing. Easily his best yet. Judges: 18
Laila & Maks - Waltz - Lovely. Just lovely. Judges: 27
Apolo & Julianne - Tango - Fabulous! They managaed to balance energetic and smooth. I really loved it! Judges: 28

Latin Round:
Ian & Cheryl - Rhumba - Good, but not great. Ian seemed a little hesitant to me. Judges: 25
Joey & Kym - Mambo - I feel a little like Len, but I just expect more from them. I was underwhelmed. It was frantic and wild, but not fun or coherent at all. Judges: 29
Billy Ray & Karina - Mambo - What a contrast to Joey and Kym. Billy Ray was awkward and uncomfortable. I know he tried really hard, but it just wan’t there. Judges: 20
Laila & Maks - Jive - Bouncy and fun. I could see Laila getting a little tired at the end, though, because her kicks started to get sloppy. Judges: 26
Apolo & Julianne - Paso Doble - Honestly, the Paso Doble has not, as a whole, been my favorite dance so far, but I really enjoyed this one a LOT. Judges: 30

Sadly, I think Ian is going to see the ugly red light this week, along with Billy Ray. And I think it is really, really time for Billy Ray to go home.

It was a wild and wooly (Hee!) weekend here, thanks to Turtlegirl’s arrival on Thursday afternoon and Artsygal’s on Friday night for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.

We had a complete blast all weekend, starting with a Friday morning trip to Cristi’s fave spot to visit when she comes up - Ikea! I’m sure she’ll be posting her goodies, but let’s just say that the sweater patterns aren’t the only thing we have in common. :D Friday night, poor Jas got stuck in traffic and missed our dinner meetup at a local diner with theotheramanda and Stariel, both of whom we knew from the Knittyboards. (Amanda has a couple of pics from dinner on her blog)

We got up BRIGHT and early Saturday morning (like 6am early) and hit the road at about 7. We arrived at the fairgrounds just about 8:00 and headed straight for The Fold. We weren’t the first in line for the STR. We were 4th, 5th, and 6th. Ahead of us were two MORE folk that we knew from the boards - Ajastoy and LICraftgal - along with a woman who had come clear from Houston for the fest. We had a blast gabbing and giggling with everyone in line until they opened the booth at 9am and the frenzy began. It gets a bit blurry for a while there, although I do remember the woman behind me who had at LEAST 20 skeins in her arms as she came up to the register.

We wandered around and Jas tried out lots of wheels (Girlfriend was On. A. Mission. :D), we all fondled all sorts of fiber, and then we sat down for lunch before meeting up with the knittyfolks at noon. Unfortunately, there was some confusion about the time and place, and we missed some folks, but we did get to see Ajastoy and LICraftgal again, along with alicec and Buckyknits (blogless, but very cool). As we were heading over to the main barn, Mintyfresh passed us, and Cristi recognized her. She was going the other way, but asked if we were going to the knitblogger meetup at 1, so we said we’d see her there. We walked through part of the main barn and then stepped outside to hit the meetup. We ran into Buttercup4225 (formerly Ladybug42), who recognized Cristi and greeted us with, “Hey! You guys are my fellow Fuggers!” She introduced us to Shannon (who does the SSK podcast), and the five of us plopped down on the grass and had a great time chatting and knitting. We were found (again) by Ariel and Amanda (who were TOTALLY following us all day, even if they won’t admit it), and Shannon recorded a bit of us for the podcast. We also got to meet Javajem, Kelpknits, and Frecklegirl (The brains behind the eagerly awaited Ravelry) and Cristi got to meet her very first SP - Jochibi (who was just too adorable - I just wish she had been able to hang with us a little longer). Eventually, everyone started to head off for more shopping, and Jas was itching to play with some more wheels. :D

We got home and played with our new fiber, Cristi and I on our wheels, and Jas on her brand-new Golding dropspindle.


Sunday, we opted to sleep in a bit, and picked up Roxy at 11-ish to head back for day 2, this time with Kris along to photo-document. :D

A few highlights from the day:

Carrie in her brand-new crocheted skirt
Maryanne’s FAB new sock yarn
Annemarie being very… Annemarie-esque
Cristi petting her new necklace/friend - Optim fiber (REALLY soft stuff!)
And like she was going to be able to resist these
Annemarie again
Carrie testing out a Hitchhiker wheel
Clearly, Jas and I were better at avoiding the camera. :D The whole album is here.

It was really an amazing weekend - hanging with friends, and finally getting to meet in person people I’ve been talking to online for almost two years now. I’m already looking forward to next year! (And PKF… and Cristi wants me to come down for SAFF… and I’m still thinking about Stitches again this year.)

PS. Penny_Karma - Lady Eleanor is from Scarf Style. Or maybe Wrap Style. Dangit, I never remember. But I think it’s Scarf.

Ah, Silk Garden, how do I love thee…

Color #243, which will be a Lady Eleanor shawl.

And I did finish Tomato yesterday. I’m quite happy with it, including the minor tweaks I made to the pattern. FO pics a bit later, since I’m wearing it to MDS&W. Yes, Cristi and I decided to be complete dorks and wear them the same day. But hey, what are friends for, if not being complete dorks with? :)

Happy Friday!