Tour de Fleece 2009 Day One

Soul Windows Single
Originally uploaded by sjbench@verizon.net

Here's what I was doing while Lance was running his time trial

News but no pics

Okay I'm a blogging slacker. But you knew this already. I felt I should post given that there are a couple of things to share. First the Friday Night Knitters are celebrating four years as a group! Can you believe four years ago we called up B&N and started this mess? And look at all the fun people that have been drawn to us. You've made me a better person and helped me to expand my knowledge. THANKS!!!!

Second, Celtic Consort and I went out to Rockler to purchase his router table. This was the last tool he needed before starting in on sock blocker designs. While we were there, I checked out the very pretty woods they had there. My favorite was the curly waterfall bubinga, lots of ripply woodgrain that's gorgeous. Well that and the purpleheart. Anyhow, now he's off to get hardboard to make some jigs for this.

In discussion as what makes a good sock blocker, I mentioned things such as air vents instead of a solid piece for faster drying. I was thinking hearts, circles, stars, etc. He said no. He plans on Celtic Knots!!!!!!! I knew there was a reason I married him. :) So he just needs to figure out what patterns he's doing and I'll probably have some testing to do.

BTW here's my list of things I would want in a sock blocker:

• Air vents
• Hook for hanging
• Available in knee high
• Smooth non staining finishing
• Beautiful woods

Any other suggestions?

Pansies

I came home to as Celtic Consort puts it my "crack fix." He insists that I get a package at least once a week. The truth is that I don't usually get packages. Just this week, I received my Spunky Club double bump and this lovely gem today. Miss Julia has outdone herself this time. The color is called Pansies at the Phipps. Truth is I can so see them in there. So yummy. And MDSW is just days away!!!!

Mojo Back

Okay so I lost my blogging mojo while working on some very cute baby gifts for Miss Heather's lovely girl. I didn't want to spoil the surprise and so I avoided posting. I did have some fun dyeing Easter eggs with the boys. If you look, there's a black one which the Celtic Consort did. And what did I do with the leftover dye? Well use my fiber from Julia to clean it up! Can't wait to figure out a project for it.

So now I'm working on some socks for me. Chevvy with Vesper Lovely Lollipop Sky. Totally quick and fun. I love how the heel stripes on the bottom. What do you think?

As Seen on Oprah

Last night was The Cult Meeting. While I was on my way over to the cafe at Borders, I walked past the "As Seen On Oprah" end cap. You know all the books that are touchy feely or "We're better than you because we read this" kind of stuff. And there's what seems to be an empire era classic..... but not. Instead it was this book.



Total wacky funny premise. I couldn't resist buying it. I also bought the Twilight series and movie. Oh and Pints & Purls. Gotta love a knitting book that rates patterns by number of beers. So while I read on about zombies invading the world of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, I can keep my beers handing in a six pack carrier. :)

Happy St. Patty's Day

So while most people are excited to celebrate Irish roots or just a brush with Ireland, the Celtic Consort and I have a second reason to celebrate every year. This is the day that we officially began as a couple. And this year is special. This year, we have been together for TEN YEARS. A whole decade! How did that happen? It seems like yesterday that we were out celebrating the wearing of the green with friends for the first time. We were also trying to keep the togetherness on the down-low. I had met Celtic Consort while dating a friend of his (who was a beeeeeeeeeep). This friend and I had a terrible breakup and he did not want me hanging out with his friends. So see.... sometimes you do have to kiss a few frogs to find a prince. :)

(p.s. despite messing with it forever, Blogger refuses to orient this pic correctly)

I need a hug...

I'm having a crap week. About the only thing that is good is the secret knitting project. But even then, I feel like I'm behind. Back to needing a hug. Maybe Knit Knite will help me smile more. After all, Stacey is bringing Girl Scout cookies.