Stress Reaction

It's a question I have been pondering for awhile now. How do you accumulate a stash? I mean, I go into the LYS and it's like sensory overload, so I have learned to make a list. The list is of those things I need for specific projects. I go with my list. Once or twice I have come out with just the things on my list. But I almost always find yarn that I just can't stop touching, or looking at, or dreaming about. And so I buy. But here is where my stash building system breaks down.

How do you know how much yarn to buy? I mean, I know that this or that particular yarn would make a wonderful sweater, or shawl, or scarf (yes, I still make scarfs, and I know I'm not alone in this! Just ask Kate. I love them! They are warm, they add color, they are that so important quick and satisfying knit which provides momentum for those big projects {more on this later}). But how do you know which it will end up being? Thus, how much yarn to buy?

A great big Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and all in this wonderful season! (And a special "Hey Girl!" to Lucy from Chantilly and Einstein!)

It has not been an auspicious beginning to the New Year. First three days I was sick. Like in bed sleeping straight through with strep throat sick. Since then it has been just the sinusy, allergy kind of sick that doesn't keep you home from work but leaves you with little energy for much else (witness the lack of blogging activity. Being a newbie blogger, I should be a slave to the blogging bug. Sorry to say, the only bug I am a slave to at this moment is the dust mite)!

Despite these apparent setbacks, I remain curiously motivated by my New Years Resolutions. Probably because I have given myself the whole year to accomplish these tasks. How liberating! Since these are lifelong goals, I do not expect to accomplish them in the first week of January.

So without further delay, I give you the Years Resolutions of 2005.

1) This is the year I will become a writer. Fiction or nonfiction I don't know yet, but I do know that it will be directed towards the empowerment women. I meet so many women day after day who feel trapped by their circumstances in bad jobs, or bad marriages, or bad relationships, and I want to help these women discover the strengh that abides within themselves to make their lives anything they want it to be.

2) This is the year I will become a runner. I know that some of my inner strengh is tied up in this desire to be a runner. I have always dabbled at, but never completely been an athlete. Now it is time to take the plunge, and realize the dream. This will also accomplish the second part of goal number two, which is to make 2005 the last year I have to resolve to get in shape. How exciting to think that I will never have to make that resolution again!!

3) My only knitting related resolution: I will trust my own judgement in yarn substitutions. Too often I am hesitant to start a new project because I don't have the exact yarn the project calls for and I don't trust my own judgement in yarn substitutions. Honestly, what's the worst that can happen? I go to the frog pond? So this is the year I allow myself to experiment and, {gasp} make mistakes.

And, on the fiber related front, the beeeeeautiful Manos you see before you!! Soft and the colors are to die for!! There are two skeins of Persimmon, three of Hollywood Pink, and three of Wildflowers. All except two of the Wildflowers are going into a Felted Yoga Mat Bag from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. The other two skeins are going into a scarf for moi!

How fun was this? Very!! If you get a chance to see it, take it. I took my daughter to see it as part of her fourteenth birthday celebration, and we both really had a great time! The music, the dancing, just breathtaking!

And continuing in the dancing theme:

Now, on to Clappy and FBS Redux!

It's hard to believe it's 8:30 in the morning in this photo, isn't it. Gloomy, dreary, cold, and wet. Normally I like a good crisp snow fall, but this is not what this was. Yuck!!

All the more reason to finish my Flower Basket Shawl, both for warmth, and as a reminder of the sunny days of spring to come.

I am so loving this knit, and the colors, and the fiber. I'm just not sure I am crazy about the yarn for this project . It's Filatura Di Crosa's College in Herbal Garden. Hopefully with some vigorous blocking, I will come to love this project as much as I long to do.

Any input would be invaluable at this point, since I don't want to spend any more time on something about which people are going to say "Isn't that nice?, but really mean, "what the heck are you giving me"? You know what I'm talking about?

Somewhere between rows 54 and 60 of the lower basket pattern of the infamous FBS there exists a black hole. And I have fallen in. As many times as I have knit, and ripped, these rows, I should be done by now. Yesterday, at lunch, I had a pile of yarn on my desk that was equivalent to eight rows of between 163 and 179 stitches. I only wish I had my camera with me, because the sight of it was enough to reduce the most stoic of souls to tears. Anyway, in the end, I think it will be worth it. See for yourself.

Of course, the stress of all of this resulted in some much needed Yarn Therapy at a LYS.

And, just for fun. A fat pig!

There, I feel much better now!

See how generous my sweet husband was to me? Sweets and sweet scents, and of course some bling-bling! Many kisses, honey!!

And how is this for sweet?

I have decided to knit Clapotis in Morehouse Merino (made possible by our hostess with the mostess, Amanda, thanks dear!). BUT! I already know I will want to knit more than one, thus the reason for the stash acquisition before you. Bit the bullet and bought the Lion and Lamb in Purple Iris. Thanks Rob!

I took a short break from the Flower Basket Shawl, which seems intent on consuming me. First I whipped up some yummy Manos flowers, one for my February Flower Exchange pal, and one for me, 'cause they are just so pretty.

And then, moved on to the Anny Blatt angora and ribbon scarf I purchased for my daughter at Christmas because she wanted to learn how to knit, but of course hasn't.

Isn't it loverly?

Now I feel refreshed, and revived, and ready to dive back in and finish the neverending FBS!

I am in major accessory project mode right now. Larger projects are in the planning stages but on hold until I develop a bit more confidence in my skills. Witness the amount of angst that went into the start of Clapotis. Anxiety such as this would definitely qualify it as a major project. Hours surfing various blogs to choose the fiber. Queries posted on several sites about gauge and outcome with chosen yarn. Major stash enhancement all with Clapotis in mind. Multiple swatches cast on and knit on various size Addis and Clovers.

The end result? Lion and Lamb in Purple Iris on size 8 bamboo Clovers! We live and learn!

I have detected a disturbing trend in my behavior here of late. I have developed a habit of evaluating all non-essential purchases by potential yarn value. For instance: The antenna on my cell phone is not only broken, but lost.

Now, since I don't make a lot of cell phone calls, this has been relegated to the non-essential category, and a disclaimer prefaces any calls I do make. "I may lose you if I move out of range of a transmitter." I have learned where I can expect better reception along my daily commute. This minor inconvenience is more than offset by stash enhancement equal to the value of cell phone repair or replacement.

I also need a pedicure. I will spare you a picture of that particular non-essential need. It is determined to be non-essential because there is at least another month of closed toe shoe weather before me, and because it allows for stash appropriation equal to the value of a spa pedicure plus tip.

And the value of dog grooming? (Because what are kids for if not giving the dogs a bath, right?)

You get the idea. I could go on, but frankly, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and to go further would just be embarrassing. Besides, the mail hasn't arrived yet today.

Flower Basket Shawl and I have been reunited. We weren't speaking for a while. She had become quite demanding. I am by nature a multi-tasker (a favorite being knitting and catching up with the backlog on TIVO), and I found FBS unforgiving of my shared attention. However, after a brief hiatus, I found I missed her, and have now returned to her embrace.

While there wasn't a lot of knitting time with the kids out of school for spring break, we did manage to work in a little culture.

Click here for a nifty radio that plays music from the soundtrack. Cool!

This was an extremely entertaining show, and resulted in an intense wave of nostalgia. It also seemed like an appropriate time to share the booty from a recent estate sale.

These are just a few of the patterns. (I would like it on the record that while I am quite familiar with the music from ABBA, these patterns are before my time).

And my own contribution to the muse retro.

Lace Camisole from Vintage Knits

Finally found the time to update and share my Clapotis. She is made with Lion and Lamb Purple Iris on size 8 bamboos. Gauge is pretty much right on, and I added two extra repeats to the straight section. I can attest that I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern and I learned a lot. I will be making at least one more, but I doubt I will use Lion and Lamb again. It is unquestionably soft; almost to a fault. I am concerned as to how well it will hold up to wear. Even in the process of working up, there developed a heavy halo, and in places the twist has relaxed almost to the consistency of roving. I love it nonetheless.

More photos here...

Though not in keeping with the usual lighthearted theme of a knitting blog, the recent suicide of my girlfriend's husband deserves comment. The waste of the loss of a life so little appreciated that it can be obliterated in a single drunken moment of irrationality.

It makes me sad.

When I witness the devastation that remains in the wake of this tragedy, it begs believability that 30,000 people a year consider this a viable option to end their psychological or physical pain.

It's not.

A friend of mine sent me this cute card to pull me out of my funk. How fun is this? It is the perfect example of the kind of day I need. The only difference would be to replace the white cat with my fluffy white bichon babies.

Flower Basket Shawl is finished! Though sorely in need of blocking (afterwhich I will post a picture of the fully finished shawl), I love it, I love the pattern, and I now know I love knitting lace. Already in stash are the makings of Birch in KidSilk Haze Nightly. Madli's Shawl from Interweave Knits Summer 2004 issue in KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in Iris. And Bella from Fiber Trends in Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in the Mixed Berry colorway.

In preparation for the move to the more challenging technique of Fair Isle, a major score on ebay, all from one seller, several of the much sought after and out of print works of the diva of Fair Isle and texture alike: Alice Starmore.

Until then (which actually should be soon, since it will take me until winter to finish one of these masterpieces), I have cast on another Clapotis (linking is surely unnecessary in this case, is it not?). Artyarns Supermerino #110 on size 8 Addis. I honestly think I am liking this better than the Lion and Lamb the pattern calls for (she whispers, knowing the sacrilege of this statement). It is soft, has tremendous bounce, and will hold up extremely well. It is, after all, machine washable. WOO-HOO!

The completed Flower Basket Shawl from IWK Fall 2004 issue and the FBS Redux hosted by the sublime Amanda.

The yarn is Filatura Di Crosa College in Herbal Garden. I lost count of the repeats but I think I ended up with fifteen (more than twice the seven called for in the pattern as written) and I blocked the garter stitch border out to seventy-two inches. It's large, but it came out soft, light, and IMVHO, absolutely lovely. I am tempted to make another, but I am also enamored of A Gathering of Lace, which I hope will arrive from Amazon before I have to take the one I am drooling over back to the library. Lace, lace, everywhere! Oh what to do next?!?

Mostly random, but I wanted to share a picture of my almost finished second Clapotis. I love this yarn! It's Artyarns Supermerino in #110. It's soft, bouncy, and will maintain the waviness that defines Clapotis, which is something the Lion and Lamb failed to do after blocking.

And, because one picture is just never enough, I will share with you the fun mug my friend Amy gave me. (We won't mention here that Amy was offended that I failed to mention her by name in my last entry). Hey Amy, I love you!

She knows my two of my greatest passions are breast cancer research and roses (well, three of my greatest passions, the third being PINK)! And the Avon polish I just had to share, cause it's pink, and the name of it is, get this, Leah's Courage! How fun is that?

...no more! Amanda tagged me for my first meme! Yeah! And on books no less. Being the voracious reader that I am, I don't know if this is a blessing or a curse, but here goes...

1. Total Number of Books in Your House:
Easily in the high hundreds! I put myself on a book diet several years ago, not for financial reasons, but because I had nowhere to keep them all. Despite that, I still manage to accumulate four or five new books a month because the library cannot keep up with my varied interests and demands.

2. The Last Book You Bought Was:
I am incapable of buying one book at a time. The last time I shopped for books I took advantage of the Buy 2, Get the 3rd FREE offer at Borders (only I bought 4 and got 2 FREE)! Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. At the same time I picked up Adobe Photoshop 6.0 Classroom In a Book from the library (which has seriously cut into both my knitting and blogging time, but I am having a blast)!

3. Write down 5 (or 6) books you often read, or that mean a lot to you. (I am a bit embarrassed to admit most of these. I read to relax. If I want to work out, I go to the gym, and I get to be intellectual at work).

-The Bible (the one exception to the relaxation rule, it's soul food).
-Shogun by James Clavell (I have read all 1210 pages at least six times. The ultimate escape novel. I become so immersed in the story, I wouldn't be surprised if I started speaking Japanese).
-The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (I am all about the historical fiction).
-The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (I thrive on epic novels).
-Through a Glass Darkly by Karleen Koen
-The Stand by Stephen King (the 'best of' in the opinion of many).
-Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlein (epic sci-fi! Woo-Hoo)!!

OK, I'll stop now, but only cause I have too!

4. Who are you going to pass the stick to (three people) and why?
Difficult, since I'm thinking that I don't really have three regular readers of my neophyte blog (with the exception of the sweetie that tagged me, of course), so if you stumble across here, feel free to chime in (I found this quite entertaining). Jo, Bev, and Nancy, you get tagged by virtue of being kind enough to comment more than once. Have fun!!

This is, in my opinion, absolutely the best Mother's Day present ever! From my adorable third grade son, a bouquet of Promise Posies! Awesome!

The promises are (sic):
1) feed the dogs
2) clen the hous
3) I will not get in a fite with siste

I'm sorry, but that is too funny, and believe it or not, this kid gets all A's and B's. Too cute! Here's hoping each of you received a gift that warmed your heart as much as this did mine!

Sarah rocks my world! My girlfriend Cathy and I treated ourselves to a girls night out with a lavish dinner at a fancy resturant and floor seats at the Sarah McLachlan concert.

It was a totally awesome time! If you ever get the opportunity to see her in concert, I would take it. The setting is intimate, and her songs are so poignant. I'm a sucker for love songs, and that seems to be one of her passions as well. The catch is that it's not all about chocolate and roses. Her lyrics are about life. The poor decisions we make, the losses we suffer, and ultimately, the triumph if we endure.

I think it may be time for rehab! It probably goes something like this: "Hello, my name is Leah, and I am a fiber addict. I buy fiber with such frequency, and in such quantities, that I have on several occasions forgotten which project I had in mind when I placed the order. It has been less than twenty-four hours since my last purchase." Hopefully it won't require any time as an inpatient. They will probably just take away my credit and debit cards, as well as my computer (or at least my cable modem) and put one of those thingies on my car that I have to blow into to prove that I don't have any yarn fiber on my breath before it will start. (This is not as ludicrous as it sounds. I get very intimate with my yarn. But please, no gutter thoughts. I fondle only)!

For your vicarious enjoyment, I give you the following:

Top row, from left to right:
-Classic Elite Yarns Premiere in Tearose tagged for Just Peachy, Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2004
-Dale of Norway Svale in the colors needed for the tank on the left from Dalegarn #143. (The green will be arriving on the 23rd according to UPS along with some Lopi that was backordered).
-Denim Silk by Berroco for a cropped tank from Vogue Knitting Spr/Sum 2003.
-Madil Kid Seta in Pink Cloud. This is slated to become the Cherry Blossom Shawl from IK Spring 2002.
-Sock yarn! There's Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Vera, Black Purl, Blackwatch, and Watercolor, Handpainted Opal Sock Yarn in colors 17, 19 and 20 (shouldn't something this pretty have a name? I am a sucker for creative naming), and Handpainted Twinkletoes from eBay seller lotusblossom in Cranapples, Goldfire, and Autumn2 (now that's what I'm talkin' about)!!
-Finally! The Inky-dinky Spider Stole by Fiddlesticks Knitting. This is a kit that includes 5 skeins of Artisan NZ Merino Lace in Pansy (these suckers are gorgeous but tiny, only 20 grams each). I purchased this kit from The Knitting Zone, and I have to say, these people provide pretty close to instant gratification. I placed my order Sunday May 15th, and it was waiting for me Wednesday May 18th when I got home from work! And the shipping is free over $40. WOO-HOO!!

Amanda is a goddess. She is hosting the Flower Basket Shawl Redux and wowing us with her superb organizational skills. The KAL includes a contest for those of us who finished our FBS by Mother's Day. Readers of clothesknit voted on their favorite FBS and the winners received a fiber prize. Becky justifiably won first place. Colette and I tied for second, which I don't think is too shabby for my first ever lace project. Today I received my booty! (Sorry for the late afternoon shadows. I couldn't wait to share this).

Amanda and I have very similar taste in color! Two hanks of KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in Iris, and a hank of Halcyon Yarn Victorian Brushed Mohair #110 which looks like a dusty rose to me. Bellissima!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
a) I am a yarn snob. I much prefer natural fibers. There are a few exceptions, however. Lion Brand Homespun produces such a soft fabric, I will occasionally use it to make a quick one or two winter scarf. Just cause it feels good. I also use their Kool Wool.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
a) I do crochet, quite well in fact, and I love old wooden crochet hooks. I can spin, though I haven't practiced it much in the past few years, but I plan on getting some roving and taking it back up.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
a) I don't like the smell of smoke, and angora makes me itch like crazy.

4. How long have you been knitting?
a) I learned to knit over twenty years ago, but I have only been knitting consistently, using any technique other than garter and stockinette stitch, for about three years.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
a) Yes, my Amazon wish list can be found here.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc).
a) Lavender, Linen, and just about any tropical scent. I avoid food scents with the exception of cinnamon.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
a) Absolutely. I love milk chocolate, gummy bears, jelly bellys, peanut butter cups (yummy)!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
a) Crochet and cross stitch mainly.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
a) Yes, my computer plays MP3's (as does my iPod and my iPAQ). Sarah McLachlan is probably my favorite. I also like Dido, Jem, Josh Groban, Lucy Kaplansky, Lucinda Williams, Vienna Teng, Sting (this could go on for a while).

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
a) Pink, all shades. Purple, lavender, blue, green, burgundy, gold. (Such a royal palette)! I am not a fan of orange.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
a) I live with my husband and three school age children. I have two Bichon Frises and an obese guinea pig.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
a) I love learning. I hope all of my children with grow to appreciate and love learning as I do, and continue to find awe and wonder in the world around them.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
a) Wool is number one. I also like Alpaca, silk and cotton as well as blends of those mentioned above. I am not a fan of acrylics.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
a) Cheap synthetics. Angora makes me itch.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
a) Lace and socks.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
a) Stoles, wraps, and socks.

17. What are you knitting right now?
a) Several stoles and scarves, and some socks (Duh)!

18. What do you think about ponchos?
a) I like them, but I haven't completed any (started some, though).

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
a) Circular!

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
a) Addis and Bamboo.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
a) Yep!

22. How did you learn to knit?
a) My mama!

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
a) Almost a year (sorry again, Amy)!

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
a) I like white fluffy animals, hence the Bichon's and "whitelamb". The guinea pig is just fluffy!

25. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Christmas. (I am pretty conventional).

26. Is there anything that you collect?
a) Fiber, antique sewing and crafting tools, old sampler patterns for cross stitch.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
a) IK, Vogue, Rowan. I would love to have Rebecca!

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
a) Any of the Alice Starmore pattern books. (Hey, a girl can dream, right)?
~Knitting Lace: A Workshop with Patterns and Projects.
~Poetry in Stitches. Got it!
~A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns, A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns, all by Barbara Walker.
~Anything on my Amazon Wishlist!
By no means all inclusive, I would be thrilled with any of the above mentioned books.

...everywhere a sock, sock!

I love the de rigueur summer sock knitting. Socks are cropping up all over, just like spring flowers. Claudia has knit a lovely pair in an Easter egg colorway and has another on the needles in a textured orange (yummy enough to make me rethink my "not fond of orange" mindset). Amanda has a scrumptious pair in Opal Rodeo using the custom fit Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes & Heels (I'm going to have to check this out. What an awesome fit)! Mary Heather has a multi-ribbed pair in luscious Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock that makes me drool. Finally, the Harlot, was lamenting the variant nature of Lorna's Laces colorways and her blotches. So, of course, I had to cast on as well.

I got swoops!

I am using a new (to me) technique that I downloaded from The Knitting Zone. Socks 2 by 2 is a pattern you can use either toe up or cuff down, and I cast on in two different colors to avoid confusion as to which sock I am working on. The blue and black is Lorna's Laces in Blackwatch, and the other is Opal Handpainted in Color 19. Oh, happy feet!! I figure I have a fifty-fifty chance of eliminating second sock syndrome. The other options are two orphan socks or an extremely mismatched pair.

Other summer knitting, in preparation for fall wear. Midwest Moonlight from Scarf Style knit with KnitPicks Merino Style in Frost.

I lurve it!! (Look, Amanda, no more errant yo's)!

This yarn has wonderful depth of color and knits up super soft. On the surface it appears a medium blue, but it has shades of much deeper blue depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The pattern is easy to memorize and the variety of stitches keep it from getting tedious.

Look at me. I have become such a joiner. As my sidebar would indicate, I have jumped on multiple bandwagons and joined the Secret Pal 5, A Gathering of Lace KAL, and the Mystery Stole KAL. Sheesh! Who needs to work, anyway? Unfortunately, I have nothing to show on either the GOL KAL or the Mystery Stole KAL, and I am not allowed to show anything for the SP5, so, no photos.

Speaking of which, I have my secret pal! It is like the week before Christmas trying to suppress the urge to blurt out my identity. I want to post photos of all the goodies I have thought of to spoil my buddy!

I am fast approaching the six-month anniversary of my blog. I have to decide if I want to stay with White Lamb, or go with my own domain. I find that I am suffering more angst in deciding on a domain name than I ever did picking a name for one of my children. How sad is that? Here's hoping that none of my children suffer irreparable harm with some identify crisis because I didn't put enough thought into naming him or her.

My Secret Pal has sent me a virtual card! I anticipate being treated like royalty for the duration of this exchange!

I can already tell she has great taste!

And my sweet husband picked me up a knitting gift. Don't you just love spur of the moment surprises? No special occasion, just because he was thinking about me!

Just perfect for my current sock-knitting obsession!

All in all, not a bad day!

And here is the proof!! In my lovely package, which was waiting for me when I got home from work today, was "an assortment of purple things. Buttons, yarn, a polar fleece scarf and lap blanket, a kerchief that we dyed ourselves, a picture frame, a bath set & hand creme set and some superwash wool roving".

This tremendously thoughtful person even offered to send me a spindle for my new roving. But look at what my husband found for me! An antique drop spindle. It originally was wound with some loosely spun, unwashed wool that practically dripped with lanolin (which was probably antique as well) but it totally grossed me out, so I unwound it and threw it away.

She cleans up real nice, doesn't she?

Now it's time to put my money where my mouth is and see if I can remember how to use the spindle. I took that fiber arts class a long time ago, after all. With roving like this to tempt me, however, I think I shall be picking it up again quite quickly!

Turn, turn, turn. I have turned my heels! This does not in any way resemble turning over a new leaf. Nor does it equate to turning the other cheek, turning the tables or turning a blind eye. But, I do have neatly turned heels. Lets hear it for short rows! Yeah!

I am ambivalent about this sock knitting method. There is tremendous appeal to knitting both socks at once. (They will, in future, be matching socks. Since this was my first attempt at Socks 2 by 2, I used two different yarns as recommended by the pattern writer to reduce the risk of knitting my two socks into one giant sock). I pride myself with having excellent spatial skills, and yet I found it challenging to get this started. Now that I am up and running, I continue to marvel at the architectural genius of knitting with two circulars at once. I especially enjoy the baffled looks I get from knitters and non-knitters alike.

There is, however, in my humble opinion, an elegance, a tradition if you will, to knitting with double points that is missing with this two circular method. Nonetheless, particularly when efficiency is an issue, I can see myself using this pattern in the future. You can download the pattern here.

I have my ticket. I have my party. I have my destination. Is it not beautiful? Who could not love it?

I am taking a five-day knitting vacation. Such an indulgence, I know! (Or maybe just lame because I have no where I particularly want to go, and how sad is it that five days of knitting, thinking about knitting, blogging about knitting, reading what others blog about knitting, and online browsing/shopping for knitting supplies satisfies me)?

Anyway.

I will also be visiting Mystery Island. This is a popular destination that I have long neglected, and others, who have gone before me, can attest to its attractive appearance.

Stay tuned for vacation photos.

Watcha gonna do? Buy more yarn!

I'm cruising to my not so LYS today to pick up some Silky Wool so I can get started on this awesome pattern. I've got the air cranked, and I'm listening to Mystic River on audio tape to take my mind off the fact that this trip will take three hours (between the drive and the shopping) of quality knitting time out of my Sunday afternoon. I am so in the zone.

And traveling 83mph in a 70mph zone. So not the zone I wanted to be in. Somehow, I'm thinking the patrolman who pulled me over would not be sympathetic when, in answer to his question "Are we in a hurry today?" I said "Why yes, Officer. The sooner I make my purchases and get my ass back home, the sooner I can get back to my knitting!"

My friend Terrisa (not a knitter) said to me at lunch yesterday, "Can I be honest? Your knitting thing? Kinda over the top!"

She may be on to something.

Besides discover that the bags under my eyes are not, in fact, permanent?

I knit! A lot!

First up. The quick and satisfying One Skein Wonder by Stafanie Japel.

Super fun, super fast and very luxurious in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. I tend to knit over gauge, so I went down a needle size (to seven instead of eight) and it took just a smidge over two skeins of the Cashmerino. I'll admit to not checking gauge (shoot, the whole project is practically a swatch), but the fit is right on.

I finished my first pair of socks using the cuff down pattern of Socks 2 by 2.

The plan was that this would help me avoid second sock syndrome, but like all good plans, Murphy's Law applies. By the time I finished this mismatched pair, I was sick of the colors and have yet to cast on their mates. In reality, I think that when I cast on both socks of the same pair (as I plan to do in the future), the end result will be a finished pair of matching socks. Oh! Mustn't forget to mention the beauty of having them end up exactly the same size. Woo-Hoo!!

Finally, I completed the first two clues and got a start on the third of the Mystery Stole Along.

Tomorrow, back to the grind-stone. Like all good things, Knit-cations too must end.

I think we are!

The original plan was the Muggle Watch Party at the local Borders. Little did I know that they started handing out raffle tickets at 8:00 pm and if you pre-ordered a book, you could pick up and (after waiting in line) pay for your book when your number was called. If you didn't pre-order, you might, or might not, get a book tonight. IF they didn't sell out. NOT!

My neighbor, who did pre-order a book from Barnes and Noble, was told that they were expecting 1200 for their pre-release party. Gah! Not my scene. But also not what your two expectant and avid Harry fans want to hear. And who has the heart to quench that innocent and youthful expectation? Isn't there plenty of time for that later? Doesn't life do a pretty good job of that without my contribution? I think so!

Trusty Wally World to the rescue! Woo-Hoo!! One for each of my muggles, and happiness reigns. Checked out by 17 minutes after midnight and I won't be bleary eyed at my 9am workout in the morning.

Life is good!

I'm sorry!

I love my Secret Pal! She is attentive, and generous, and very clever. Witness the evidence:

Bad recipient that I am, I not only haven't blogged about my recent package, I even neglected to write and tell her that it had arrived and how much I appreciated the wonderful (I'm assuming) hand spun goodness that was gifted to me!

My determined husband managed to extract the contents without cutting the container! Bet you thought it would never happen!

I can plead long work hours and total exhaustion, but that is not an excuse for just plain rudeness! I am hopeful that public self-flagellation will put me back in her good graces (though of course she was too kind to do more than send me a nice email asking if my package had arrived yet)!

Forgive me wonderful Secret Pal. Your yarn is beautiful, and soft, and I love it! Thank you so much!

Not much knitting to show for the last few weeks. The Mystery Stole, in it's current incarnation, and I have parted ways. As much as I love the way the Shimmer knits up, I just couldn't get into the variegation. KnitPicks has some new heathered lace weight merino called Shadow that I have on order (I even paid seven extra dollars for the three day shipping, so it should be here by Friday). I also ordered some more of the Shimmer in Morning Mist which I am hopeful will be more subtle.

The irony is that for all my concern about variegated yarns and lace patterns, I have cast on for the Shetland Tea Shawl from A Gathering of Lace in a boldly variegated Cherry Tree Hill lace weight.

The color is Old Rose, and I love it! My husband and I collect gem stones, and this looks just like a tourmaline. It's gorgeous! The real mystery is why anybody would enjoy knitting with what is essentially thread! Yet I do! I just love it! I guess it's all just a matter of taste.

I also wanted to share with you my new toy. It probably has a lot to do with my current distraction from knitting. On a recent trip to Best Buy, I picked up this little cord, which according to the sales person is called a "mini to mini". (New item, but not the main event. Wait for it...)

One end plugs into this little gadget (not new, as you can see from the older style) which is loaded (at this moment) with 751 songs or 2.2 days of music.

No knitcasts yet, but soon!

The other end plugs into (drum roll please) the in-console adapter of this (new) little gadget!

No FM transmitter for me, no sirree!!

Kinda makes the in-dash six CD changer obsolete.

You got me! I've been chasing mine for weeks now, and not only isn't it any fun, I haven't come anywhere close to catching it. I have been buried in work, getting the kids ready to go back to school, and other miscellaneous shtuff! Unfortunately, very little of it had to do with knitting. Or, come to think of it, blogging. Or reading blogs. (Much to my chagrin, I missed two {count 'em, TWO} contests on blogs I usually read on a near daily basis. And one of them? I was a shoo-in, since the correct answer is also my Alma Mater)!

Prior to the onset of the madness that has been my life, I had a minor crisis with my Shetland Tea Shawl for the Gathering of Lace-A-Long. Specifically, which yarn to use for the STS. So I chose three. Yep, read it right, THREE! (In retrospect, that may very well have been the beginning of the madness)! Cast on and worked the first pattern. Trying to pick just one, ya know?

Lots of rain here in the Southwest has resulted in some pretty strange shrooms!

In the end, I think I am going to flout convention and go with the Cherry Tree Hill Old Rose colorway. Yep, the variegated. The very yarn that instigated the crisis in the first place. It's just so freaking pretty! (Though, lest you think I am completely insane, I am not tearing out either of the other two. My second choice, which may end up being first in the event of another crisis, is the Sunset colorway of KnitPicks Shadow).

During the incessant shopping for school supplies, and school clothes, and new glasses, and shoes, I did manage one totally unexpected and awesome score (read half price at Dillard�s). A knit bag! Cute, huh?

It's a knit bag, but is it a knitting bag? Time will tell!

And she is wonderful! Thank you, bethieee, for being such a spectacular secret pal. I have so enjoyed your gifts and your creative packaging. Purple being one of my favorite colors (which bethieee obviously noted), I caught my breath when I opened this final box.

Also included: fun notecards, a pedicure set, and Jellybellies!
Woo-Hoo!!

A gorgeous one of a kind (as in designed and knit by her roommate) stole in Jagger Spun Zephyr. I have some Zephyr in cinnabar on order from my not-so-lys for the Spring 2005 IK Paisley Lace Shawl. Now I know I am going to love, love, love it. It is so soft, and so light, that all I had to do to hang it on the fence for its photo shoot was pat it into place. Luscious!!

It's the first blooms of the fall sock garden (and the completion of the mismatched sock pair, and the much needed and motivating finishing fix, all in one glorious step)!

The blue/black/green is Lorna's Laces in Blackwatch.
The red/yellow/brown is the Opal Hand Painted #19.

Valuable lesson number one: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock is very luxurious, but Opal Hand Painted Sock Yarn, though just a tad more course, feels as if it is hugging your feet. If you are like me, and would gladly pay a large sum of money to keep a skilled foot masseuse on staff, then this is indeed a good thing to know.

Valuable lesson number two: Keep in mind that it is a good thing to knit both socks either from the inside or the outside of the ball!

Left sock knit from the inside (I think I like this one better).
Right sock knit from the outside.

I have to say that I am now a HUGE fan of knitting socks on two circular needles. Despite the fact that knitting socks on double points is very traditional, and despite the fact that I consider myself a very traditional person, I am rapidly becoming convinced that a new tradition is being born. I cannot imagine a more gratifying sock knitting experience than finishing a complete pair of socks at the same time. Orphan socks, I firmly believe, are destined to become a thing of the past. Like Small Pox. And, unlike Small Pox, it is hard to imagine a terrorist plot to inflict upon the world a plague of unmatched socks.

And she said (ad nauseam) "I love knitting two socks on circular needles!" But seriously, what is not to love about this? Lace. Socks. Koigu. Two at the same time. Heaven on earth!

Late afternoon picture washout. Sorry!

I am having a blast with this pattern. Truthfully, this is only my fourth pair of socks. And by far my favorite. I have learned a lot tackling this pattern (which is written for circs, but not for both at the same time, so I have had to do some swapping around at times to get everything lined up the way the pattern says it should). The high point occurred when I realized I had forgotten a lace pattern segment three rows earlier. With my favorite (and for this reason most frequently misplaced) Addi crochet hook, I bravely dropped down those three rows and turned five knit stitches into k2tog, yo, k, yo, ssk! Blessedly, the three rows above that were stockinette, or I would never have had the cojones to attempt it. But how psyched am I?

Next time? Amanda's Meme!

Just to let you know how boring I am, Friday night is for catching up on my blogging backlog. Sad, but true. Thanks Amanda for the tag to this short and sweet meme:

Rules:
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag some other people to do the same.

"I much prefer natural fibers." In answer to the question of whether or not I am a yarn snob in the Secret Pal 5 Questionaire. Boring!!

Secret Pal, Lori-Ann (if you are still lurking{and by the way, get in touch with me girl}), Esther, and any other lonely soul who surfed this way, you're up next!

Booty arrived day before yesterday (negligent blogger, I know, but believe me, I was emailing a thank you before I dove into the Jelly Bellies)! A lovely package from my Secret Pal!

I'm thinking this would make a beautiful Marsan Watchcap.

The stitch markers are absolutely adorable!

Such a talented and thoughtful Secret Pal! Officially! Thank you!!

New computer! Yeah!! This was a necessity, since I was forever having to throw one minor or another off my computer. Then there was the whole husband playing poker on my computer which required me shutting down my comments for several weeks to get the spammers off my site. (In addition to running blacklist about a thousand times)!

So now I have a MOM'S ONLY computer. All mine! Life is good!

Only problem is, I found out that even though my blog looks good on my 17 inch monitor, the formatting sucks for a 19 inch monitor. Crap! So a-formatting we will go.

See you on the flip side!

To my faithful few, I apologize. There has been a tremendous amount of activity in my life here of late, both in and out of the blog-o-sphere. I will attempt to bring you up to date in reverse chronological order.

1) Work

2) Today my friend Terrisa and I, as well as our children, Raced For The Cure (in celebration of my mom, a breast cancer survivor). Great fun was had by all. Lots of goodies were passed out, and I just love the sense of camaraderie that prevails at this event. My team (yeah, team leader Leah) consisted of 31 individuals (though I think the majority of them slept for the cure). We rock!

3) More work.

4) Trip to Mt. Pleasant and Pittsburg, Texas to see my family. Pittsburg, Texas. Home of Pilgrim's Pride (for whom my accomplished sister administers the employee benefits. If you think your health insurance sucks, go get her). And a really big head.

5) I bought a new computer. While I am a total techno geek, and I love having new hardware to play with, I hate moving. Physically, electronically, it is all the same to me! HATE IT!! Half my files are on one system, half on the other, and as result, I cannot find anything. The new printer/copier/scanner didn't install correctly. Can't print anything. Can't find anything.

6) Oh, yeah, and work.

7) I upgraded Moveable Type. I didn't realize that the upgrade would require me to approve comments, so if I haven't responded to your most recent comment, that's why. Sorry. Hopefully the program will recognize a previously approved commenter, and only require comment approval once. If not, bear with me. I'll have to get used to that extra step. I've also noticed that blacklist won't work with the upgrade, so if anyone has any suggestions, sing out!

8) Did I mention? Work!

9) Saw Movin' Out, the first show in the 2005/2006 Broadway Season here in the Sooner Nation. Don't laugh! We have us some culture too! Loved the show. I like Billy Joel's music, but I never thought of it in terms of a cohesive storyline. But it works. I would recommend it.

10) I purchased a new domain. And I am trying out new blogging software. WordPress. While I find a lot of the program to be intuitive, I am finding other parts of it more challenging. All in all, I think I will like it, and you can expect to see a gradual move (there's that word again) from whitelamb, to stressreaction.com (we'll talk about the name later) over the next couple of months. So update those bookmarks and/or bloglines friends and stalkers!

11) And I think there might have been some work in there, somewhere.

Next time. Knitting. I have been doing some. Promise.

And this past weekend, it happened to be in my house. Now don't get me wrong, I love my family, but solitude is a beautiful thing. Such an infrequent occurrence for us mothers and wives. So when my husband and my kids were all out of town this weekend, the dogs and I had a party!! (A stitchin' party! A whole weekend of needles and fiber and movies and sweats. Tell me if you think that doesn't sound like heaven)!

I love that it is Clapotis (link redundant, but here ya go) weather again. Woot!
I have been able to wear one to work every day this week.
The pink one, cause it's October, ya know.

There was a brief interruption in the knitting line-up to acknowledge the upcoming holiday. ( Prior to my knitting obsession, I had a serious cross stitch addiction. Lately, I have been jonesing for a floss fix).

I did, however, make the distressing discovery that I have gifted every single pair of socks I knit this year. It's only three, but still. No socks for me! So joining Lolly's Soctoberfest is a good thing. My Soctoberfest contribution will be these lovelies, which will be cast on the very second I finish the up the Merino Lace Socks. (Which will also be mine, by the way)!! Mountain Colors Bearfoot. The colorway is Garnet.

Rib and Cable Sock design by Nancy Bush featured in IK Fall 2005.

Last, but certainly not least, a visit from The Best Secret Pal Ever! Sari Yarn. According to my Secret Pal, "it's the only silk out there I find worth using". And yes, SP, the colors are fabulous! Thanks again!

Suggestions for a 100 yarn lace scarf pattern welcome!

I am fessin up! I joined another KAL, and it came and went before I even talked about it. I am a Socktoberfester! Cast on Sunday for my entry for a prize. I know I cast on at the last minute (which the rules allow), but I was already knitting a pair of socks started in September and I am a one-sock-at-a-time kind of girl. Multiple projects work for me, but in men, and socks, it's one pair at a time. Just a little quirk of mine, I guess. In a departure from my standard modus operandi, I am knitting a more recent pattern (I am usually about a year behind the crowd). I cast on with two circs, and will probably have to adapt the pattern somewhat when it comes time to turn the heel. Right now, I am enjoying the making of the cables (I wish you could see them better). I haven't even attempted a cable stitch in probably close to thirty years. Telling on myself, huh?

Anyway, in the spirit of Socktoberfest, to provide inspiration for other Soctoberfesters that might, like me, be getting a late start, I present for your consideration these beauties. Merino Lace Socks from IK Summer 2003. Love them! Love Koigu! Love lace! I'm just in love all over the place!!

I have always considered myself a process knitter. As in, it's about the process, not the product. Despite this, I have found myself suffering with a bit of ennui. Having made the decision not to knit for Christmas this year, it's not like I am suffering from deadline indecision (that paralyzing anxiety that afflicts you when you know you don't have enough time to finish all the items on your Christmas gift list, but you are going to die trying). I have several non-pressure projects on the needles, and yet nothing appeals to me.

To bring you up to date, you see above (clockwise from the left):
1. Chevron Scarf, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Koigu KPPPM (P511 & P604) on Addi Turbo 3.75mm (US #5)
2. Rib and Cable Socks, IK Fall 2005, Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Garnet on Addi Turbo 2.5mm (US #1)
3. Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks, IK Summer 2005, Opal Hand Painted #19 on Addi Turbo 2.0mm (US #0)
4. Marsan Watch Cap, Peace Fleece in Baghdad Blue on Addi Turbo 4.5mm (US #7)
5. Cozy, Rowan Summer Tweed in Smolder on Addi Turbo 4.5mm (US #7)
6. Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole, Scarf Style, Noro Silk Garden #84 on Addi Turbo 5.0mm (US #8)

That's it. Those are all the projects I have on the needles. (Midwest Moonlight from Scarf Style used to be on the list. I completed three of the five skeins of Merino Style before giving it to a friend of mine whom I taught to knit, and who was ready for something a bit more challenging. I love the pattern, and I even liked the color. Merino Style in Frost. I just couldn't see myself wearing that particular color with anything. I plan on trying it again, maybe in Andean Silk, in Old Rose).

Two things occur to me as I look back over this list. First, it's obvious that I do not suffer any ennui with my choice of needles. Addi's so rock!! Second is just a random observation. We knitters share a common shorthand. Most everyone who reads this will immediately know what IK and KPPPM stand for. No explanation required. I find that pretty cool.

There was, of course, nothing for it but to cast on a new project. The fiber is the ever luxurious Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Black Purl. The needles? Come on, all together now. ADDI TURBO 4.5mm (US #7).

I didn't knit a stitch yesterday. After a mini vacation which started last Wednesday afternoon, I headed back to work on Tuesday after tossing and turning the majority of Monday night. Too little sleep, an eleven hour work day, and way to much stress left me limp as a noodle yesterday and crashed out early in the evening. I woke up this morning with a book beside me, lying on a bed of popcorn. (Evidently my husband moved the bowl to the kitchen after I fell asleep). I can at least say I woke up refreshed, and knitting will resume forthwith.

While deciding on my yarn selection for the Holiday Sox Exchange, I have been blazing through Ella. LL Shepherd Sport in Black Purl is just heavenly. It's so soft you would think it has some silk in it. Love, love, love the color as well. I have some in the Shepherd Sock and I can't wait to pick a pattern that takes full advantage of this luscious color. Check out the back of Ella. It so totally cracks me up!

Get your banana boobs right here!

..and a mini rant.

Perusing the upcoming patterns from Interweave, and making a list of necessities for those projects that catch my eye. This is not an unusual activity when I suffer some knitting ADD. This is a stress induced occupation, because though Ella is coming along beautifully, I am having all kinds of gauge issues with Grace. Though the swatch might have been spot on, I am finding the actually knitting of the pattern to be fairly loose and without body. My fear being that if I continue with this current gauge, I will end up with a lovely soft jacket sized stadium blanket. Very soft and warm, but no body to speak of. Have to start again. This time I will being trying US 6 on the ribbing, and US 7 on to body. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

In my wanderings, I ran across this Interweave knit project. My ADD kicked into high gear, all thought of Grace flew ri