I should have known NBC would pull the plug on the video I had below. It was the sketch from SNL with Justin Timberlake as one of Beyonce's back up dancers ... it was hysterical!
We will return to our regularly scheduled knitting blog soon ... promise!
ETA: Even though NBC pulled the video from YouTube, you can check it out here ...
* GNO = Girls Night Out
Here are some photos from the last time we did this. We had a blast!
Why, you may ask, am I sharing these pictures with you now? Because we're having another tonight and I can't wait!!! After a yummy dinner at O'Charley's, we'll be going to see the ultimate BFF movie of the summer, of my life, actually ... Mamma Mia! The 2 friends in these photos and I are TOTALLY Donna, Tanya and Rosie.
Friend and I saw the play earlier this year (I saw it a few years ago too) and I love it so much. The movie is fabulous! My kids know all the words to the soundtrack. I have the soundtrack from the play AND from the movie. And I may have Abba's Greatest Hits on CD somewhere too ::grins sheepishly:: And this is one movie I'll be buying on DVD when it's available.
If you haven't seen the movie, you've got to go as soon as possible. Run, don't walk, to the nearest theater. And share it with your BFF!
It's that time of year again ... a glance back and then looking to the future. As you may recall, I didn't really set any "goals" for 2007. My hopes were to keep knitting and keep learning ... and more hand-knit socks.
I definitely kept on knitting. And the FOs for 2007, in no particular order:
Fiddlehead Scarf (Morehouse Farms)
Bella Scarf (Knit Picks)
2 Ponchettes ('07 PatternADay calendar)
Zud Hat (Dulaan Project)
2 Baby Hats
2 Bunny Blanket Buddies (Lion Brand)
Fur-Cuffed Stocking (Lion Brand)
Mistake Rib Scarf (Monet)
Baby Hoodie (Knitting Pure & Simple)
2 Multi-Directional Scarves
Soleil (Knitty)
Glace / Chinchilla Scarf (Knitting Sisters, Williamsburg VA)
And knowing my love for hand-knit socks, I'm sure you'll agree that they get their own category:
Jaywalkers in Austermann Step (MagKnits)
Baby Cable Socks in Regia Bamboo (Sensational Knitted Socks)
Inside Out Socks in STR Med Weight (Feb 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club)
Herringbone Eyelet Socks in Cascade Fixation (Finally Waking Up)
Grasshopper Socks in STR Silkie (Apr 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club)
Lightweight Stockinette Socks in KP Dancing (Knitting Pure & Simple)
Solstice Slip in STR Light Weight (June 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club)
Lenore Socks in STR (October 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club)
I had an unofficial goal of a pair of socks per month, but didn't quite make it. That's okay ... there's always 2008!
There was lots of learning going on too. A couple of things I've previously learned about knitting that still hold true: It won't knit itself - there are no knitting gnomes that will finish projects for me - I actually have to pick up the needles and knit. And it's just yarn.
Here's a look at some of the things I know now that I didn't know last year:
Short row toe up socks
Short row heel
Backward loop cast on
Crochet
Sewn bind off
Aran Sweater from the Top Down
There may be one or two others that I can't think of right now, but not too shabby, if I do say so myself!
I also continued taking over the world one knitter at a time sharing the joy and relaxation of knitting by teaching others to knit. I helped bring a hooker crocheter to the knitting side; I encouraged DD#2 to continue to learn new techniques (she's working on a pair of baby socks ... I'm SO proud!); and I taught a newbie to knit via prayer shawls.
Once again I wish the same things for you as I did last year: As the ball drops and we count down the seconds to the New Year, I hope you each find peace, happiness, abundance, joyful knitting and more hand-knit socks. Happy New Year!
There's been so much happening lately that I simply haven't had time to blog ... I'm sure you noticed. Sorry.
I'll try to catch you up right quick - in no particular order:
~ I'm still working on my lifestyle changes (see the ticker above?) Friend and I had a discussion and since we don't diet or exercise ("We don't jog, Christina."), yet we wanted to lose weight and just generally get in shape, we decided to make some lifestyle changes. Since I had previous success with Weight Watchers, I'm doing that again. I've also started walking for 10-15 minutes, twice a day. I'm anxious to move more, so I'm going to start taking a Zumba class. I'm down 14 pounds and one pants size!
~ The countdown I mentioned in my last post is still happening. Now I'm only 13 days away from .... seeing Eddie Izzard .... live .... in VEGAS BABY!!!!! I've been trying to go to Las Vegas for years. The closest I ever got was 8 years ago, but unfortunately, that trip ended in a fatal car accident outside of L.A. .... I never made it to Vegas.
When I found out Eddie would be performing there, I called my sis-in-law {Hi Carrie ::waving wildly::} and told her, we started crunching numbers to see if we could go. Unfortunately, I just couldn't pull it off. A couple of days later, Carrie informed me that this trip would be a gift from her and my brother! Is that not the awesomest thing ever!?!?!?! To say that they made me cry (at work, no less) is an understatement. We're also going to see O. I can't wait!!!!!
~ I've met someone! Yes, I've met a new man. We've been dating for a couple of months now. He's wonderful .... handsome .... smart .... great sense of humor .... kind and thoughtful .... and so much more. I'm so fortunate and thankful to have him in my life.
~ There's even been some knitting here at the House of Bling. I'm currently working on the newest shipment from the Socks that Rock Rockin Sock Club. And, I'm very sorry to say, there's only 1 more shipment this year ::pouting:: As is my habit, I'll get some pictures posted in the next few days.
So, as I continue counting down the days, I leave you with this:
I found this beautiful summer poem and thought it might help make your day. It did me, and it's very well written. ENJOY!
After visiting Diagon Alley on Friday night, I picked up my 3 DD's, my SIL and Niece#1 and went to the 2nd Harry Potter Party of the evening. We were each sorted by the Sorting Hat: 
We saw Lucius Malfoy:
And had to watch out for the branches of the Whomping Willow:
Even Moaning Myrtle showed up for this party:
I know I didn't post this Saturday as I had intended. DD#1 came home with my copy of Book 7, which I promptly began to read. I finished it a few hours ago. No spoilers here .... I'll just say I'm quite pleased!
Whew - what a loooooonnnnngggg day. Don't get me wrong, I've had longer (like last weekend, but that's a whole other post).
After a full day at work, I raced home to change and headed off to the first Harry Potter Party of the evening. Folks, I went to Diagon Alley - and what a good time I had! Blogless Lou and I drank butter beer (very tasty!) at The Leaky Cauldron:
There was dancing 
and Hagrid and Professor Trelawny were there: 
There was even an L-B sighting ... but the always elusive L-B once again avoided the camera. I could have sworn she was standing next to Hagrid when I snapped his picture, but I must have missed her - drat!
Mad-Eye Moody and Sirius Black were hanging out:
And George and Fred Weasley were selling their wares:
Delores Umbridge even partied with us - she's a brave one. Showing up here after the way she treated everyone!
After this party, I picked up my girls, Niece #1 and SIL and we headed to the 2nd Harry Potter Party of the night. My dad, DD#1 and Niece#1 are in line getting our copies of Book 7 and I want to be ready to start reading when DD#1 gets home tomorrow morning. So, I'm going to head to bed now. I'll tell you about the 2nd party of the night and share those photos tomorrow.
Until then ... mischief managed!
I didn't have to wait until midnight to see the newest Pirates of the Caribbean 3 afterall. The movie opened tonight at 8pm and I was there!
It was EXCELLENT! I totally enjoyed it and can't wait to see it on the big screen a couple of more times.
I won't spoil it for anyone. I'll just say ... you've GOT to go see it! Savvy?
I haven't seen / done a good meme in a while, so I thought it was time. I've seen this one in a few places around blogland.
Wow - I'm surprised at how many of these I've done - knitting things, not memes.
~:~:~:~:~
Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.
Afghan
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
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on magic loop
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teach a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
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 mits/armwarmers
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
Hair accessories
Knitting in public
In my last post, I mentioned the fondling of new yarn on Saturday ... Friend and I went to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. This was Friend's first time - but I think it's safe to say it won't be her last!
It was great to run into a few friends. Hi Lauren, Lissa, Jane, Bess, Jen and Martha ::waving madly:: And it was nice to meet Jane's sister. And I'm sorry I missed a few other friends.
I only went over my budget by about $20, but I'm VERY happy with my acquisitions. I present .... everything!
And now I'll break it down into categories and tell you what it is.
Here we have The Sock Yarn - only 6 pairs worth - starting in the upper right corner and going clockwise:
RaggSocks kit from Morehouse (this colorway is not shown on their website), Wool/Bamboo blend from Ellens 1/2 Pint Farm, Strapa2 from Seaport Yarn, Lifestyle from Uncommon Threads, Superwash Merino Sock Yarn from Spirit Trail Fiberworks, and Trekking XXL (colorway 126) also from Uncommon Threads. BTW - be sure to check out Spirit Trails new Sock Clubs!
And this is I think some rayon - I think - I dunno - I'm really not positive - I really don't care. All I know is it is gorgeous and shiny and only 6 dollars a skein (over 250 yards each). I saw this and the word "Clapotis" just popped into my head. I dunno why. I figure I'll make a shorter clap for my mom and one for myself, since I already have a really long one. But I can't decide which one I want to give up. Maybe they'll both be for me. Again, I dunno.
And finally the Pink Ribbon Scarf, also from Morehouse, in the elusive pink/pink colorway (not shown on their website).
Apparently I'm on a sock kick. But that's okay 'cause I'm still lovin' me some hand-knit socks!
The only thing we didn't get that we set out for was a deep fried Twinkie. Apparently that vendor didn't make it to the festival afterall. But we had one of the obscenely ginormous absolutely delish eclairs!
Did you go to MdS&W? What didja get? Come on, flash your MdS&W stash!
Thursday - Queen Elizabeth was in town
Friday - Dinner at the parentals
Saturday - Roadtrip with Friend
Sunday - Fondled new yarn and dinner at the parentals
Monday - MigraineMonday Tuesday - Photos of yummy fibery goodness acquired on Saturday
I did it ... I finished the socks! I'm so excited - my first, okay, only FO for March - and I knit them, start to finish in 24 days! And I wasn't even an obsessed knitting fool while doing these socks. I took my time and totally enjoyed the yarn and pattern.
I finished sock#2 Thursday evening while watching October Road. I immediately wove the ends in and put them on my feet. Positively yummy - yup - just as I had suspected. I'll share some FO pix over the weekend.
~:~:~:~:~
I'm participating in SecretPal 10 and we're having a contest ... so of course I have to play along! Our hostess asked us to share our fave knitting accessory.
Mine would be the coolest metal needle thingie I bought from Woolworks Ltd. back before Christmas. Here's a photo of it in action:
I first read about these over at the Harlot's place (surely you don't need a link?!?). When I called the shop, I asked if they had the metal sock needle holder thingies ... did she know what I was talking about? The lovely woman on the phone, Paula, said "Yup, close enough, we got 'em!"
These have truly been a god-send for my socks ... no more dropped stitches while the sock is hanging out in my knitting bag, no more needles poking me through the bag, no more lost needles. Everything is right where it should be. And it really impresses people when I pull it out of my knitting bag ... who could ask for more in a cool / fave knitting accessory?!?!
P.S. Cheer for Georgetown, m'kay?!?
... Sunday, April 1st is the next International Pajama Day (IPJD)! I'm aquiver with anticipation!!!
Saturday is the Monument Avenue 10k, which Friend and I will be walking in again. Yes, we're walking it ... I have a strict don't-run-unless-being-chased policy. We've been so busy getting in shape for it ... NOT! We haven't walked the first step in preparation. Lord, we're gonna be hurtin'! So - IPJD will be very welcome on Sunday.
The kids are also getting in on the action ... DD#2 and DD#3 are going to participate in the First Market Mile Kids Run. They're really excited about it.
Should be a fun day for all!
BTW - I finished sock#1 of the STR Inside Out socks in Monsoon - the pair should be completed in the next day or so ... Woo Hoo!!!!!
... these socks - did I mention how much I love 'em? Here's sock#1:
Sock#2 is only 1 pattern repeat (20 rows) shorter. A couple of more evenings of knitting and these babies will be finito!
And look at those stitches and that color and ...
... and they feel scrumptious on.
I don't have any FOs for March yet because I put the 2 WIPs I was working on (Regia socks, mistake rib scarf) aside when this came in and I haven't put this down since. I really hope to finish these this week so I'll have one FO for the month.
Oh - and check this out (click to make it bigger):
I'm still in 1st place as we head into the Semi Finals on Saturday - Woo Hoo!!!!
Okay - back to the needles or no March FO for me!
I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. There has been much happening ...
The knitting of the socks:
These are the STR Rockin Sock Club "Inside Out" socks in the Monsoon colorway ... still lovin 'em. This pattern has had numerous 1sts for me ... 1st sock of the '07 Rockin Sock Club (okay sorry, that one was SO obvious), 1st toe-up, 1st using different sized needles for different parts, 1st short row toe. And did I mention how much I heart the way these socks are striping?!? Yummy!
The viewing of the art:
This is the artwork of DD#2 (purpley circular abstract) and DD#3 (bluish diamondy-triangular abstract). Their art teacher at school selected these pieces to exhibit at a local mall. Artwork from students all over the county was on display - each school was represented. We went to the opening and took lots of pictures. Daddy and Grandma came to see the exhibit too. The girls were so excited!
The meeting of the little girls:
This is Caroline and Betsy - the BEAUTIFUL daughters of friend and fellow knitter Maggi. Betsy just came into Maggi and Caroline's life in December, when they traveled to China to adopt her. She's such a happy baby - they make a beautiful family! Hi Girls!!!!
And the watching of the hoops:
This is my bracket. I'm holding my own against the guys at work. I finished the 1st round in 1st place, and halfway into the 2nd round I'm in 2nd place. Not bad for the girl that doesn't know jack about basketball! And before you ask, no, I didn't pick my teams based on the color of their uniforms. I don't even know what color any of them wear. BTW - I won the bracket last year!
But not so much of the posting lately ... sorry.
