On the subject of yarns

I have actually gotten some knitting done. Mainly I have been working on the mermaid gloves.

Not too far along, but I'm beginning to get the pattern.

In fact I even have a very dedicated friend to encourager me.

I have also pulled together my yarn for my November sweater project. I will be using Berroco's Calico, The colorway has green, yellow & blue.

The real challenge is still trying to remember where I safely put the pattern. If I can't locate it soon I will wander through my knitting books & magazines. I hunt down patterns the old fashion way since I am not in the Ravelry club. One last picture today. I'm ending with her ownself - the Cat of cats.

A nip in the air

Houston has finally gotten a cold snap.
I may actually be motivated to really knit again.

I have been busy thought gathering up more goodies for my spoilee. She does charity blankets. I am planning to send her a large box of washable yarn and a wonderful baby blanket pattern I found. To keep smiling I have also gotten some chocolate treats.

No pictures today. My camera's batteries are dead, dead, dead.

Filled with spooky goodness

My dear SP spoiler is the champion of holiday themed boxes.

Here's the box. And look what's inside.

This gal put a party in a box.
First there is a great set of cookie cutters and Halloween sprinkles:

Then the right party flare to set the mood. A mug (must buy some cider), party napkins (who's been reading my blog) and very clever dish towel:

For party 'games', DIY pumpkin kit with yarn & pattern:

Finally a card with scary sounds and a special pumpkin ornament:

What else can I say but - THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Gifts from the Great Pumpkin via my Secret Pal

It came Friday. Sporting a sassy and cute pumpkin on the label.
A box of wonderful surprises from my dear SP11!

Unfortunately I am at work this Saturday - so pictures and details of all the goodies will not be posted till this evening.

Friday also brought the good news that my spoilee finally laid her hands on the package I sent. I tried to be cleaver and used FedEX, so that there would be less worries. Ha, Ha, Ha. I ended up playing junior detective via phone in tracking down its touch down site.
Let me warn everyone phone calls to FedEX will cause your mind to numb up. In the end it turned up in an apartment complex's front office. I plan to send out a bonus gift to my spoilee to make up for all the upset she went through.
More on the box of joy later.

SP11 Questions

I racing just under the wire with this entry.
I had to deal with blog layout issues. So I switched back to the classic set up.

So here are the Qs and As for SP11

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My stash is open to any and all items in the yarn universe.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
About a 3 or four tin boxes and a large plastic container.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I describe myself as a six year knitter with an intermediate skill level.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No

5. What's your favorite scent?
Vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
A very well developed sweet tooth. Almost all chocolate goodies, I am also extremely fond of caramels.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Origami, and puppet making.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Jim Brickman, show tunes, classical. MP3 is no problem. Not only for the computer but I seem to be developing a small collection of players.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like greens and blues.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me & the cat of all cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Oh yes. But Houston weather limits the amount of time I can wear mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Currently I am on a sock binge. My other favorite items are scarves and hats.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Gryffindor socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Oh yes, please.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
No preference, I usual decide based on the yarn & size of project.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
A shameful four years old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Milk glass chickens, Donald Duck, and wooden Easter eggs.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don’t subscribe to any publications.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Socks are GREAT! I usually fit a women’s medium.

23. When is your birthday?
May 3

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
No, I am not one of the chosen.

Now I am going to zip this off to my spoiler, so that all bases are covered.

Life rolls on

I'm part of the gang! Just got my confirmation for Secret Pal 11!
No assigned pal yet, but I am browsing through the participant list. Looks like a lively group.

This weekend I will be keeping my eye out for nifty stuff to send off.

My main mission Saturday is to get material for making 10 stitch makers for a swap-bot group I'm in. I think I will track down some luck charms. Four leaf clovers, horseshoes, and the like. I figure every knitter needs a little extra luck now & again. Maybe a Las Vegas theme?

I was very sad to read about Tom Synder's death. He was always one of my favorites. Not only for his TV shows, but his call in radio show too. I especially enjoyed his stories about his Mom. I think I'll mix up a colortini this weekend.

On the needles right now are Horcrux socks in red & gold. I'm doing them toes up. The yarn is a wool/alpaca blend. They are definitely winter socks.