Peer Pressure

Picture it: Sicily, 1910...

Wait! I need to stop channeling Sophia from the Golden Girls. Seriously, picture this:
A knitter who has no need for shawls. A knitter who thinks that lace is "too hard and fiddly" for her... she likes "sweaters and socks and mittens". Useful things. Enter the "pushers": Monica, Anne, Kim and Judy. Judy had the yarn, Kim put the item on the knitter, Monica smiled appreciatively and Anne, well... Anne turned around and softly gasped: "that just illuminates your face." $60 in 100% silk and 4 emails to the pattern designer later and you have :

Mini knitting the Adagio shawl by Candace Eisner Strick in 100% silk hand dyed by Judy of Ball and Skein (or Smatterings... however you know her). In one short evening, I learned to knit lace, do a Russian join and how easy it is to fall in love with a piece of knitting. This knitting has a purpose: I love it, it makes me happy and will look fantastic on me at wedding I need to attend in July (whaddya think: black capris, white silk shell, this fabulous shawl, purple slides... meow!!).


Friday night














Sunday night (9 repeats of 19 DONE).











Oh, and *ahem* I am planning a 2nd one... still cruising Kim's site for that... I am thinking a merino-silk-angora blend?

Lowry

Oh, with all the hats,etc... there HAS been knitting. In fact, 3 new baby bonnets were just shipped off to a new addition to our family, and there are some baby shower gifts "in process". And I made a calorimetry for my brother's girlfriend's birthday. But, here at Chez Mini, I am also knitting again for PC. You may remember that I knit him a black stockinette *cough* acrylic *cough* sweater. With set in sleeves and k2p2 ribbed cuffs and collar. *yawn*

Oh... you are still here? Good... so, once the boring... I mean, sentimental sweater was done, I finally convinced PC that GRAY is a color and it's ok to wear gray. Enter Shelridge Farms. Now, you all know that I had some issues with winding the yarn I got from them. Well, Buffy from Shelridge is an ANGEL. She emailed me with the nicest instructions and how to get it to work,etc. And, when I arrived home from SPA with Anne's calculations in my head (i.e." you won't have enough yarn!") I called Buffy. Well, Shelridge Farm to the rescue! They had 3 skeins left and she wound them into balls for me!!! And they arrived overnight. How wonderful!!! I have to say, I will be throwing money at them from now on. Go ahead... shop there. Oh, and the yarn? DK wool... so unbelievably soft. I might need to buy more to make myself something!

Photos and then some...

Ok, I know you have all been chomping at the bit to see some photos. Well, I have *some* but, first some information. All of you who participated should give yourselves a HUGE pat on the back. Not ONLY did we get enough hats to give to Childrens' Hospital, but we already dropped off hats to Franciscan Hospital for Children and Tufts/Floating Hospital for Children here in Boston. Boston Medical Center and the Hasbro Children's hospital (RI) will also benefit from your hard work.

Oh! I wanted you to know (b/c so many asked)... we didn't really do any "PR" on this project-- too big, too fast, if you know what I mean. I (and PC) believe that community service and charitable acts are for the benefit of doing good, not for getting your name in the paper. Therefore, I am very happy to say that we have received the nicest thank you letters from the organizations who have already received hats. (PC and I are doing this on Saturday mornings, due to the fact that we work until 6pm or so... it's going to take awhile to get all these hats in my little car!)

Here are the hats!

Note: pumpkin is a small cat (like 9-10lbs) and kinda "short"... oh, and this is a queen size bed. When I stood next to the pile (and I am 60 inches tall), it was over my head. PC measured it at 35 inches off the TOP of the bed.

Pumpkin wanted me to add this note from her:

"In order to assuage any concerns about my choosing winners, I am demonstrating my selection protocol:"

And the winners are....

First, the prize, the hat collection: OVER. No more packages. Please send them to:

MargaretGraceMills (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Your packages sent to me after today will be marked "return to sender"--- we have a 1BR apt and well, no room. (Ask blogless Paula, she saw the haul this week).

But, without delay: (If your name is highlighted, email me: I need an address or your prize is coming from somewhere else).

EDITED TO ADD:
I forgot two prizes prize!
A set of stitch markers from Jenn at KnitWitMomma goes to:
Elizabeth Murphy (New York, New York)
A skein of yarn from WoollyBuns (yum!) goes to :
Sandy (aka HockeyMom) of Atlanta GA!

Margaret Brodeur (Cranston, RI)
green needle case
Lucy Willingham (Springfield MA)
cherry project bag
Tiffanie Dyer (Cerritos, CA)
button covers and shawl pin
Meredith Devereaux (Knoxville, TN)
January One and G-Love STR and box of cards from January One!
Susie Bacon (Martin, GA)
Union Center Gift Card
Julie Sprague (Westford, MA)
2 skeins of JKnits sock yarn (from the Yarn Grove)
Susan Chioffi (Durham, NC)
2 skeins of Regia sock yarn
Linea Tracy (Omaha, NE)
skein of TheWoolenRabbit sock yarn---Sun Kissed!
Paige Maxim (Readfield, ME)
3 skeins of sock yarn -- Cherry tree hill, Sweet Shop, and Mama E's.
Pam Helme (Fall River, MA)
Spunky Eclectic Fuzzy Mitten kit
Jana Ames (Moses Lake, WA)
Lisa Souza Sock! yarn (1 skein)
Jenni Larkin (Destrehan, LA)
hand painted yarn and stitch markers

Anemoi Mitten Kits (pattern donated by Eunny Jang, yarn by me)
Sydney Harper (Florence, AL)
Susan Bowlby( Alamogordo, NM)
Carrie Federer (Richfield, MN)
Kathleen ?? (South Hadley, MA)
Penny Ercolano (Cocoa Beach, FL)

Gift box from PC's sister (the wonderful M):
Yarn Yenta's kids : Kezzi and Tirzah for being the youngest participants

Lisa Scandrette (San Francisco, CA)
sweater kit
Deborah Hersey (Portsmouth, NH)
skein of handspun from Two Left Needles
Anne Calhoun (Anaconda, MT)
cloverleaf pattern from Knitspot.

So, there we have it. The winners. Photos of the final "score" will have to wait and the photos of the prizes have been eaten by the camera (and blogger hates them also). So, trust me, these are some nice prizes!

:) Mini

Tally: 1200 hats +/- 10 (we're tired...)

Shh... I'm posting from work

Ok, so now the total is 845 hats as of last night. I opened 40 packages last night! Woohoo!

A few things:
1. an apology-- i'm trying to answer as many emails as I can, but I'm only human. Also, the lack of posting, honestly the scale of this endeavor is overwhelming... so, I'm sorry... all prize pics this weekend though!
2. Not just for Childrens' anymore. Ok, so we officially blown the number that Childrens' will accept (they are volunteer-limited, so if anyone is looking for a volunteer opportunity in Boston, call them)... so, we (the royal we here: me and PC) have decided to share the wealth:

MGH Hospital for Children
Childrens' Hospital Boston
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Home for Little Wanderers
Hasbro Childrens' Hospital (Rhode Island)
Franciscan Hospital for Children

Oh, and if you can't get your hats here by TOMORROW (I know the snow will get some here by Friday, but tomorrow is the contest deadline!)... then send an email to Margaret (MargaretGraceMills AT gmail DOT com)-- she's in Tacoma and will collect up until April 1 for the Seattle Childrens' hospital.

So, we have prizes, prizes and more prizes: sweater kit (no, really!), anemoi mitten kits, knitspot patterns, sock yarn, shawl pins, and more: needles, accessories, candy....

Friday night: PC and I will be drawing names and packing up the prizes (yeah, exciting!)--- and they'll be mailed out over the next two weeks...

Thanks for playing!
:) Mini

the SPA post

I'm sure you have seen them... the SPA posts where everyone tells you what a wonderful time they had at SPA... and you get all "ohh! I was there !" or "grr... next year, next year..grr".

I went, I knit, I attempted to spin... and... well, I'll be going back next year! I met so many wonderful people (old and new)... and I am still tired from laughing so hard.

And b/c in blogland, it's ok to drop names....

I ran into Carole, with whom I eat Mexican food. I have hung out with this woman twice and both times I was eating Mexican and drinking margaritas... And, people? Carole is one of those people (like Blogless Sharon) who needs to be met in person... she makes you want to have more fun. My travelling companions were Monica and Anne (yup, THAT Anne... all you lace knitters, be jealous! I got to ride to Maine with the Queen of Lace herself.) and they taught me more about spinning and fibers and convinced me that, girl... I needed more yarn for PC's sweater.
So, in a whirlwind of people and hugging ( I don't normally hug strangers, but knitters.. well, we seem to be a huggy type of people)-- I met (and shopped) Judy of Smatterings. Go.to.her.site. Her yarn made me buy enough for a shawl. I don't knit shawls... yeah, it's laced with crack, but it feels so nice! (Hint: 100% silk skeins. *cough* fabulous colors *cough*). I will tell you flat out to go to Kim's site at the Woolen Rabbit and tell her Kate sent you. Kim, I have never enjoyed meeting someone quite so much.
And this was just FRIDAY... and only 3 feet into the vendor room. Making my way around, I recognized some people (and was shy to say hi!)--- like Jackie of Yarnish--- her BOB, way cuter in person (and looks fab on her). Jess (aka Frecklegirl) was just as nice as can be and didn't think me weird for just staring at her when she introduced herself in the Spunky Eclectic booth. Speaking of Amy, what a great person! Totally funny and adorable and there are rumors that she is opening a Spunky brick-n-mortar shop--- definitely a reason to visit my family in Maine more often.. :)
I saw Stitchy, Erin (who let me hold the Pumpkin Baby--- and what a sweet baby!), Cheryl (who tried to teach me to spin.... I didn't learn, but that doesn't mean she didn't try! my brain just doesn't work for spinning), Cassie, Chris and about a zillion others. Too many to count, too many to remember.

So, if I met you... and I didn't mention it here... it's b/c I am a horrible wretched human who has been overwhelmed with 479 fun fur hats...

Oh, did I forget to mention?? the tally so far:

479 hats

And, I did a little prize acquiring from Amy at Spunky and Kim at the WoollenRabbit this weekend... more photos tomorrow.
(my SPA pics were awful... I didn't want to post bad photos of anyone!)

:) Mini
FYI: if you need my address: email me--- blogger isn't sending me your email addresses when you comment: kskaare (at) gmail (dot) com.

Mini at SPA

Off to SPA in Portland, Maine for the weekend! Say hi if you see me!!!!!

See you there! Here's a rare "mini in the wild of Newton" photo (photo credit: PC)

Now... should this be any reason to worry about leaving PC and Pumpkin alone for the weekend? Hmm...

:) Mini

I need some HELP

Oh, this morning was knitting MAYHEM.

I have 11 skeins of the DK weight wool from Shelridge Farms, pussywillow color. I am planning on making the Lowry pullover from Jamieson's Shetland 3 with it.

So, this morning, I say "I should wind this". So, I pull out a skein. Undo the wrapper. Put it on the swift. Clip the little "ties" and then start to wind. I get about 5 feet into the skein and whammo! A tangled mess. Hmm... am I winding the wrong way? Undo the 5 feet, try winding "the other way". Whammo! tangled mess. Uh. oh.

Take it off and try a 2nd skein. think to myself "i'll deal with that rogue skein later". 2nd skein: Whammo!

Third skein, I finally get wound and it was a labor of love. It took FOREVER.

Any ideas? Any suggestions? I do not want to wind 11 skeins of yarn by hand. Shelridge has been contacted... I hope they respond.

-Mini

ATTENTION: the race is on for the Susan G. Komen 3-day event! My brother's girlfriend's family is involved and they need your help!!! So, dig deep and donate! My grandmother has battled breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. Make sure your grandchildren never have to say this about YOU! DONATE!

Weekend Warrior..

Or, why Mini didn't knit a stitch past Friday night.

I know. Unbelievable. This weekend had other plans for me, though and they were good!

Early Saturday a.m., I was up baking these for my favorite guy. Chocolate chip muffins...yum. Saturday, PC and I ventured to "Man World" (Home Depot) for a very girly purpose: rubber interlocking floor tiles (to use as blocking boards--- didn't find them) and shelving for my secret project. Instead, I got these great blue canvas baskets--- you'll see why in a minute. Saturday night was my Valentine's Day present from PC. There is a fine line between what I say here on the blog and my real life. So, we went out. Saw something insanely funny. Had a great dinner. And, once again, he showed how well he really knows me.I already know how much he loves me.

Proof that he loves me... Sunday I had my favorite breakfast (prepared by PC.. this is not unusual- he cooks pretty much every Sunday). Then, this arrived:

We got this set at Cardis' in South Attleborogh. It's perfect. Clean lines, simply stated. And it has a scratch. Ugh. So, they are sending someone Friday to look at it. PC's gonna stay home and see me off to SPA, and then he'll be around to wait for the furniture guy.

So, what else did I do on Sunday? Our home-office is also my craft room and PC "expressed" concern regarding the state of the "items" on "my side". So, I needed to fix it. PC had the idea to pull everything out of the closet and make it "Mini's LYS" in there. So, a re-model was in order. Here's how it turned out (no before pics, it was that bad):

Looking in at the "office" side:

My bookcase with sock yarn bins, sewing bins, etc... and my books for knitting and quilting.

oh, and my dye pots

And, finally... Mini's LYS. That's a lotta yarn....

Tomorrow, a knitting and project update. And finally some pics of hats and prizes.

:) Mini

Guest Blogger

Pumpkin T. Cat here. You can call me Pumpkin. Or Puddin' (that's what my momma calls me). My mom has been acting weird. She's home during the day with me. She sits in Daddy's chair. She put a blanket on her. And then she sleeps. In.the.living.room. NOT the room with the big cushion and all the blankies (I call this my room of caves...sounds cool, huh?)

Anyway, while she's trying to keep me from playing with all the crumpled paper she's using (she keeps saying "icky" and "no, not toys: tissues!"), I decided to blog for her. Last week, I watched the man bring the new box. Then it sat for like 3 days. Finally, mom and dad decided to open it up. And I haven't been petted since. Someone call the MSPCA!

Here are some photos of stuff she made. Grampa was very happy with this... he put it right on. He had to stop petting me to do it.






Pattern: my own
Size: 46 inch
Yarn: Cascade 220 quatro, 6 skeins
Needles: bamboo US 7

Notes: if anyone shows interest, I can write it up.













*close up of the rolled neck---damn proud of those picked up stitches!*

And the not-so-scary box with wheels got it's picture taken too... mom was bummed b/c she didn't pull over to take it "when it first happened". When what first happened???

I know what these are! These have TWO strings and it's a game... while mom holds on, you try to chew on the other. If you look really cute, she'll let you sit next to her on the couch while she gets the game ready. First, you start slow. Then, she gets moving fast and then she's showing Dad how she beat you. And you get to play with the strings you "caught".

Mini here to interrupt: Is she bothering you? Pumpkin has been begging to blog, so bear with me as I recover from a cold. Anywho::: a little project update: Eunny Jang has donated 5 copies of her Anemoi mitten pattern as prizes. These will be combined with some fingering weight yarns and be packaged as a mitten kit. Nice prize huh?

Pumpkin! Pumpkin! You ready to blog again? Damn... where is that cat? Oh. I see her. I guess I took too long... Pumpkin will return another day to blog. (and yes, that is the self-heating kitty mat... the house stays at 60 while we are at work... she needed a"heater")

WOW....

you knitters are amazing! (this is a muppet-head post, fyi). Each and every day, I call PC on my way home. I get this habit from my mom--- my dad and her talk from the moment he leaves work until he pulls in the driveway. It's cute.

So, where was I? Oh! talking to PC... and he always says "5 packages" or "4 packages and 3 envelopes". He, of course, is referring to the # of hat goodies being tossed my way so that I can be prepared. Wanna know what happened on Monday?

Good li'l Mini was driving to the house, called PC and heard "y'know those totes that the Post Office gives businesses?"

oh.god.

Yup, we got one. A BOX of boxes. And envelopes. My landlady stopped me this morning (I bring in her paper in the morning; she's elderly, I was raised right... it just goes well) and said "are you running a business up there?" I informed her no, it was a charity thing I was doing (not too many specifics). She informed me that I now have 2 mailmen. One brings the "mail mail"--- bills, cards, etc. The "other" one, well... we feel sad for him. He spends each and every day dropping off packages to my house. They line the stairs going to our apartment.

Tomorrow: a picture of what we have so far.

Updates!!! I have received fun fur hats from over 80 people so far. And so far, the highest number per person is 20. Yup, and the note was cute "I started out knitting one... then it got a little out of control." I would say so! But, all the hats are great! We are seeing some very interesting patterns and styles and colors. PC is "judge and jury" and we are making a list, checking it twice... not one person is on the naughty list!

All of my fun fur in my house? The not-knitted up yet stuff? Well, it found a home! Lexington MA high school has a knitting club (how cool!) and they sent a mom (Hi Catherine!) to come and get it. Yup, I was "pushing" fun fur in back of my building at 10am. LOL. And then, on the day the pipes decided not to work, I missed out on meeting Harlene... a professor at Curry College, who is having everyone who knits at Curry knit a hat!

I will have photos (tonight perhaps?) b/c Dude, we got our Dell... and two phone calls and one very nice tech support Dell dude later, I know how to use it. :) FYI: Verizon DSL tech support? Completely sucks. It took them 3 people (I kept getting transferred) until someone RECOGNIZED what "Windows Vista" meant. Um.. what? You are providing DSL support for a huge provider and you aren't up on the newest operating systems? Good grief.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
due to some email issues, if you were going to send a prize donation, can you re-send an email telling me 1) what you were going to send, 2) your site/shop/etsy address and 3) put "prizes" in the subject? I know, I'm sorry, but for some reason, my email is not letting me into certain things, like searching and I lost my list... bear with me, please! Oh, and tomorrow, we'll have names of who has sent hats, and photos. I promise... as long as my cough medicine and drops hold on... we will be ready-to-go.

:) Mini

Just Call Me Ignorant b/c I am 29 and I don't watch cartoons....

Well, I am glad that so many agreed with me. PC and I got into a bit of a "heat" (as my mom would call it) about this last night. Not so much that he didn't agree with me, but he thinks I get a tad idealistic sometimes. He's probably right. I do like that Turner Broadcasting is footing the bill for the pranks yesterday (to the tune of $250,000 +) and that they issued a public apology in both major newspapers.

I would like to address one of the "anonymous" comments--- I took a few down. I didn't like the wording. I have found in my life on this planet that people who use particular words excessively usually don't know the meaning. So, in lieu of knitting (dad's sweater is blocking away!), today there will be a grammar lesson and some more "rants" about what I saw on the news last night.

This is straight from Dictionary.com:

ig·no·rant /ˈɪgnərənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ig-ner-uhnt] –adjective

1.	lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned: an ignorant man.

2.	lacking knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact: ignorant of quantum physics.

3.	uninformed; unaware.

4.	due to or showing lack of knowledge or training: an ignorant statement.

Yes, I do believe I was ignorant of this particular "fact" of reality that there is a large glowing lite-brite-looking alien on a cartoon show at midnight. Usually, I'm in bed. Or watching something else. And from what I understand, there were very few people out of a certain age demographic who knew what this "mooninite" thing was. I claim ignorance. I also claim ignorance of many things, such as the ability to tell the difference between a bunch of wires and stuff strapped to the base of a major transportation structure and a bomb. That's why I leave that to the Bomb Squad. They are not-so-ignorant.

Now... for loser #1 and loser #2. Did you see these whackos on TV? I am all for prosecution ( PC thinks I am placing the blame in the wrong place). And, now, loser #1 is very-apologetic b/c if he is found guilty, he'll lose his green card status. Hmm... they do tell people this, right? You have a green card, it's a privilege, not a right. The gov't can take it away. Why does this suddenly change this guy's attitude? It was funny when you thought nothing was going to be done, Mr. Dreadlocks, but once you find out that your life might be affected? Who's laughing now?

This weekend will show some knitting content... I don't want to discuss these events anymore. And, by the way, I have never left an "annonymous" comment on a blog or forum. I take responsibility for my words.

Have a great weekend and GO BEARS! ( I'm from Boston, I just CAN'T root for the colts...it's like rooting for the Yankees...)

:) Mini

Some of you (ok, MOST of you) don't know this about me but I love the Wizard of Oz. I love the movie, the characters and the entire thing. hell, I even love the Wicked Witches. But, all of last night and most of today, I have been repeating one phrase:

"If I only had a brain".

I think that sums up the Marketing Department at Turner Broadcasting. I know, as a 20-something living in an urban area, I am supposed to be pro-artist and pro-expression. And really, I am. I think that art is crucial and important and should be a part of all school curriculum. I think that self-expression is something that we all live trying to balance... how much of ourselves do we express? But, when YOUR art-expression-creativity causes ANY potential for endangering another life that's not your own (see more about that later), YOU should be in jail. Creating a panic in the public is illegal, irrational and downright juvenile. Now, I realize that some of my fellow pre-30 (better than late 20s) Bostonians are stupid. And I mean, please-don't-enter-the-gene-pool stupid. But worse, they are downright passive. And the worst of it? These people are making it seem like the Police were in the wrong? (I have some strong feelings about the generations that we are raising and this just feeds them. )

"big deal"
"who'd it really hurt?"
"gave the cops something to do"
These are statements popping up all over the internet today regarding the near-mass panic created by a loser from Arlington (too bad, I liked that city) and another loser from Somerville. I tell you, the "big deal" was that while they did allow the Boston PD Bomb Squad to try out some maneuvers, they also endangered their lives. These two assholes (sorry, I try to limit the cussing on this site, but this is necessary) forced the police to UNNECESSARILY detonate BOMBS in the city. Do you realize how dangerous that is? People (elderly people, people with small children--- some of you uber-liberal types are expecting your own soon... think about this when you shuffle them off to the DayCare next winter) were left out in the cold waiting for buses and trains, evacuated from buildings, etc.

Now, personally, I am big advocate of the punishment fitting the crime. I think Loser #1 and Loser #2 should have to go door-to-door with the head of Turner Broadcasting (and they must walk and take public trans to do this) and personally apologize to the people of Boston. Now, be reminded, my day was not affected by this "hoax" at all. Until today. The people of Boston have a right to speak and so do I.

I found this "hoax" insulting, childish, and needless.I am-have been-will always be a champion of the blue-collar portion of this city. They built the condos, run the trains, clean the parks and keep you safe. They may not do it very the best, but they do it. And most of the time, they do something you and I wouldn't want to be doing. And for a lot less money than we wouldn't do it for. Some of you may think that this tirade is a little "woohoo" for Mini and you might be right. I was directed to several blogs/forums/discussions today where I constantly heard "overreaction" and "out of proportion" and "just kids".

I am 29 years old. I have not been "just a kid" since I was 17. I think someone (see loser #1, loser #2, and Turner Broadcasting executives) needs to step up, own up and admit culpability. I think "Mumbles" Menino was right, this was stupid. I am not always his biggest fan, but I have to say the following: If you are a hiker in NH and you get lost on the mountains doing something STUPID (i.e. hiking Mt. Washington in flipflops and shorts, without water and having this be your first hike), you are fined. You are fined the cost of your rescue. Why? B/c you are stupid and others shouldn't have to pay for it. My parents' taught us to own our mistakes, but as my father always said "you can't fix stupid".

I also think that the Boston Police should be commended on their quick response and professionalism under the circumstances. So, tonight, go home and say "thank you" in your own little way for the people who do their jobs, no matter what the risks. And to the people of Boston, think about this the next time you say "who'd it hurt?" or "what was the big deal?" about a box with lights and wires: what'll your reaction be if there were one on a train? An airplane? Under your car? I would rather have the Boston Police and State Police "overreact" in matters of public safety than under-react, wouldn't you?

My two cents,
Mini
PS- not in the mood to be flamed, so if your horse is high today, stay on it and don't bother leaving any comments.

Dude, we're gettin' a Dell....

Do you remember that annoying little man from the commercials? He was the epitome of the ultimate-stoner dude. As I clicked the "complete order" button today, I said, out loud "dude... we're getting a Dell." My cubicle neighbor giggled uncontrollably.

Why are we getting a Dell? Mostly b/c our old computer is PC's old computer and while it's been working "ok" for a bit now, our MP3 players don't play nice with it. Specifically PC's new 20gb MP3 that I got him this summer. And with an increase in salary for moi this year, we can afford this little luxury. A laptop. (don't worry honey, we can still use a "real" keyboard). Also, my digital camera currently spits and hisses at PC's old computer. I don't see them playing nice in the near future.

What else is new in Chez Mini et PC? Well, the pipes froze this weekend and we thought we were going to have to move VERY SOON. But, some clarification with the landlady and some creative suggestions on PC's part (he's very smart about these things---renting and such, I assume the best of all people and think "oh, well... we have to pay it"... guess what? we DON'T! who knew??), we are staying put in our little hovel of a home. Now, an enlightening moment from PC: he doesn't like our little apartment! Personally, I think it's "good enough" for what we pay and where we live. I like to think "we don't own it" and that makes me feel better about not having any counters. :)

Knitting? I am *thisclose* to finishing ONE Anemoi mitten. Oh, these are addictive! AND I have the entire Knitpicks Pallette collection ( a gift from a friend a long time ago) so I am thinking: Christmas presents! Next year, there will be Anemoi and other colorwork mittens for Christmas. :)

We got a ton of hats over the weekend ( I really need to bake cookies for the mailperson (ours' is a girl)).

Oh, and my extra special goodie of the day? Adrian of Hello Yarn, is speaking to my knitting guild on Valentine's Day! YAY!

Update

Hi, long time, no blog, huh? Sorry... life got in the way! I have some knitting content (no photos) and some hat project updates, so this will be a combo post.

Knitting:

• I finished my socks! I got this Claudia's handpainted in the yarn aboard! swap and I knit it using two methods I have never used: toe-up and short row heel. I think I am a convert!
• I only have one more sleeve to go on Dad's sweater (yay!)
• I cast on for Eunny's mittens. LOVE THEM.
• I am in the Bloomin' Feet swap (again!) --- and I will be shopping at SPA for my swap pal, I think I know something she'll like!
• And, I was in Knit and Dish... I submitted some v.yummy recipes!
  

Muppet-head update:

The hats are already rolling in! Just yesterday, I had 4 packages waiting for me! You have gotten really crazy with the color combinations! I love them! Pumpkin sniffs and inspects each hat. She hasn't been going near them, so that's a good thing! Overall, total success. We are WELL over 600+ knitters right now. And the 'registration' emails have slowed... thankfully. I will take some more photos of all the hats this weekend. :) And I will show off some of the "handsome prizes". ( i know, even better!) Also, if you knit one hat, you are making one smile. So, please don't apologize for making one smile. One smile is worth alot. And people... with 600+ knitters... that's a lot of smiles!!!!

So far, we have seen:

pink
lt. pink
blue
lt. blue
electric blue
red
red w/ sparkles
red w/puffs
dk. pink
orange
brown
black
oh.... the list goes on and on! Tune in on Monday for some photos!

Unfortunately, with doing good, comes some bad. There are things coming up in the emails that are recurring so I thought I would mention them here and perhaps it'll save you and me some time, energy and teeth enamel (i'm a grinder).

I work full time. I don't have an easy job, I am a scientist. I wish I could email you immediately after you hit the send button, but I can't. I want to get back to you, but there are a few things stopping me. Thing the first, slow computer at home.... hates my email system. So, I cannot email from home without it being a "project". I don't want email to be a project. Cooking dinner, knitting and talking to PC are my projects when I get home. Oh, and opening all the wonderful hats you are sending! So, if it takes more than 12 hours for me to reply, please don't send me a nasty email. It's not nice. And I play nice.

I purchased fun fur for this project. I have it. A lot. Not as much as some of you, but enough. I have no time-resources-intention-desire to be a fun fur distribution center. Several people have emailed saying that they cannot knit the hats, but would like to send the fun fur yarn. I have responded: please, please don't. I have no weekly SnB to hand it out at. I can toss it willy-nilly into the air with abandon, but only the crazy guy with the boat (a local "curiosity") will catch it. And I don't think he knits. I know you all mean well, but seriously, stop.sending.it. I can't do anything with it. There is no way I can knit all of it. I have no one to send it to.

Keep up the good work! :)

:) Mini

I really should have some photos to put up here, but I don't. I have been knitting... mostly on my socks (that fun fur really knocks it out of you, doesn't it?), they are almost done. I've made some decisions about this blog and the charity drive, etc. I will be updating with fun fur hat stuff 2X per week. And the rest of the week is mine. M'kay?

So, Fun Fur for Kids (or, as I have been calling it "muppet heads"):

1. the Sweet Sheep (www.thesweetsheep.com) has donated a prize package and has an offer for people knitting for the cause: 10% off coupon!!!! (check it out, I am drooling over some of the things over there!) Now, the coupon code is my zip code (the 5 digit # that is included in my address); this prevents non-participants from getting discounts! Michelle, the owner, is so proud of you all that she wants to give you this 10% as a reward. So, when you pop over there and spend some money, share the love... and tell her thank you!

2. I have more emails donating skeins of yarn than I can mention here. Also, stitch markers from tons of Etsy shops... I need to sit down and really go through the emails (sorry, everyone, i do have a full time job and I answer emails "as-needed").

a very special note though: we have a donation of a skein of Lisa Souza Sock! yarn (one of my favorites!) from Paula; Paula lost her daughter (Jenny) to leukemia 17 years ago. She was 10. Paula sent me an email saying that her Jenny would have loved these fun fur hats. So, my next 2 hats are "from Jenny".

3. Windsor Button in Downtown Boston has become an accumulation site for Kate's Fun Fur hats for Kids! Sue, the owner (and Beth... her rockin' employee and knitting instructor----I think I need to take a class!) has set a 20% discount on some of the "furry yarns" like :

Fun Fur Stripes

Funfetti

Fancy Fur

Make sure you tell SOMEONE there that you are knitting for CHILDRENS' Hospital. :) This shop is a Boston institution!


EDITED TO ADD: we have one more yarn shop "signing in": the YarnGrove has donated 2 skeins of J-knits SuperLight Sock yarn: one in "rhode island" and one in "wisconsin"--- just.gorgeous. :)
and finally,
#4..... oh, should I tell you? Ok...

549 knitters.

five.hundred.forty.nine.knitters.

And, hats have begun arriving! :) Pumpkin has been inspecting each hat and having PC and I document who sent what and from where... (she's quite the taskmaster!). She wants me to say "mew,meow...meow meow. Mew mew mew. me---ow!" I think that means "way to go! keep on knitting!"

:) Mini

Updates!

Ok, settle down! I need everyone's attention please!

(wow...flash back to jr. high!)

I have some announcements to make:

Donna has donated some stitch markers from her Etsy shop.
We have *almost* 400 knitters ready to knit.

A few things that have been coming up in the emails:
1) non-fun fur hats are ok... shedirs, london beanies.... just make sure they are age-appropriate!
2) colors-- all colors are cool... color combos are cool.
3) mail the hats to me. You can wait, build up a bunch, then mail them.
4) If you are attending the NETA Spa, Knit and Spin event in Portland, I will be there. I am NOT taking my own vehicle, so please do NOT hold hats for me (Amy, look for an email offline)--- I don't want to overload someone else's car.

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
please, please...don't share my physical address with anyone--- if someone needs the address, have them email me. I have had several (more than I ever thought possible) requests/offers from people to print out my "reply" email with the instructions and post it. I live around Boston and would rather not have my name, address and any other information posted in a public place, such as the gym, the grocery store or on your local cable access channel. Thank you to everyone for wanting to get this out there, but please email me to ask permission before you send my personal information out into the world. Please respect my family's privacy. thank you.

***********************************************
Knitting:
On the Needles:
a) 2nd toe-up, short row heel sock in Claudia's handpainted--- need these quick! getting chilly in Boston!
b) dad's sweater's sleeves... welcome to Sleeve island, enjoy your stay!
c) Emerald Sweater from Knitty....
d) fun fur hats.....

:) Mini

Holy Smokes Batman!

Or should I say "knitters"?
We are *ahem* (drumroll please...)

300 + knitters.

In a week. Holy crap.














These hats (see above) are just from Kristie! & hats... I know that Sue is on hat #4? probably 5 by now... :)
***************************************
Some more prize announcements:

Cara at January One has donated 2 skeins of Socks that Rock (in the G-Love and January One colorways-- see her blog for the photos) and a box of her notecards... this is all one prize package b/c well... who could split up Cara and her G? that's like having peanut butter without jelly!

Jyny (blogless) is sending in a to-be-determined gift card to Michaels' or Joann's!

Catherine has donated a $30 gift certificate to Mama Llama (check it out! nice stuff...) shop!

Isobel has donated some hand-dyed sock yarn... drool...

Jenn has donated a set of stitch markers (she just started her own business... and is a good email friend---send her some love!) of your choice!

Maureen has offered some handmade button covers--- check her out!

If I have forgotten anyone who donated, let me know! As the hats start rolling in, I will be posting some photos. Pumpkin (our cat) will start drawing names on March 1st for all the prizes and will assign prizes to people... she's being very secretive about the entire process of selection.
****************************************
Mini's knitting guild ( Hi Ann! I know you are reading! but go knit a fun fur hat, please! lol...) is off to a weekend knitting retreat this weekend. Last night, they all cast on for fun fur and I unloaded about 60+ balls of fun fur on them! So, what are they doing? Finishing up hats... and knitting some over the knitting retreat. I was super-impressed with how many people brought already-completed hats to the meeting! PC commented that the skateboarder-type hats (London Beanies) were "pretty cool." In "PC"-ish, that's like getting a nod from Mr. Blackwell.

A note about what hats to knit. Yes, the kids requested fun fur. The conversation between me and the Child Life Specialist was that *most* of the kids wanted those. So, what about the "not-most"? Skateboarder hats and skull caps for boys and girls. 10-16 is a tough age and sometimes crazy hair-head is cool, sometimes a skull cap is cool... so, I am offering up the opportunity to knit both. No hat will be sent away unloved! Also, some of you knitters didn't have fun fur or couldn't knit with it, so this gives you an opportunity to knit for the kids too!

A reminder: if you are knitting the non-fun fur, please make it machine washable and soft. :)
*****************************************

Knitting in Mini-land: I am working on one of Dad's sleeves, a pair of toe-up socks and fun fur hats. This weekend will be fun... I am dying some yarn (some for me, some as a donation to the contest) and hopefully i will be able to clue you in on some knitting by then.

keep on knittin' !

:) Kate

Yowzers....

Wow...did the "people in the computer" come through or what? I left the post up for a few days b/c I wanted to give the people I asked (Norma, Margene, Cara, Deb, Karen,Susan, etc...) to post to their blogs time to get the links going. I certainly didn't expect the response I got:

200+ knitters have answered the call.

Check out Susan: 3 hats already made! Norma made 1 (and yes, it'll fit!)... I will try to pick a few each week to show off on the blog.

You people amaze me. Amaze. Me. The weekend went like this (you will now know why your emails were a little late):
Friday night: call to PC, "you have a giant package here". Hmm.. Fun Fur! Work late, get home, cook dinner and then check out package. Start knitting hats. talk to PC about "overwhelming response: 50 knitters! this is HUGE!"

Saturday mid-morning: Check email. refresh page. Refuse to believe eyes. Start to cry. Yell to PC: mover 150 knitters! Need to run errands and get ready for dinner party. Make dinner, put fun fur hat on a friend, snap photo... (see below).

Sunday morning: Check email again. Make tea. Make Lunch. Check email again! Oh god...more tea and some serious cut and paste... I answered over 200 emails requesting the pattern info and my address. Then, the prize donations, discount messages from yarn shop owners... oh. wow. Mini pretty much lost her stuff on Sunday. I can only explain it this way: my heart is full. Please bear with me if I get a little behind on emails, etc... I really did expect *maybe* 50 people if I was "really really lucky"... you people amaze me.

So, we have some really cool things to announce like prizes and discounts.

First up: Yarnzilla
www.yarnzilla.com

this is a great offer from a woman who owns her shop and will be knitting hats for the kids also. Now, who wouldn't want to buy yarn from someone who is knitting along with us???
Here's her offer:
I own both a bricks-and-mortar yarn store that does lots of online business, and we offer Funky Fur Magic on our website (which to me is about the coolest fun fur for kids, since it's self-striping). Funky Fur Magic retails for $6.43 (I think that price is already slightly discounted, which is why it looks a bit weird), but I'd be happy to drop the price to $3/skein for anyone who's knitting for your project. If you'd be interested in passing on this discount, please ask participants to type "Kate's Caps" in the comments area of the checkout form, and we'll manually change the price for any and all Funky Fur Magic purchased before we charge and process the order.

Prize info:
#1: Chris over at Woolybuns has offered up a skein of handspun (yet to be determined...)

#2: Joni at Union Center Knits has donated a very generous $50 gift certificate (with free shipping!) to her Etsy shop: Union Center Knits

#3: Sarah has donated a spindle/large project bag as a prize--- very pretty!

#4: One of our knitters (megann... no blog) has donated a ball (or two!)of Opal sock yarn

#5: Donna (another blogless participant) has also donated a ball of Opal sock yarn

And probably the most interesting prize donation yet comes from a non-knitter. See, PC's sister (hi Mel!) lives not just far away. She lives FAR FAR away-- the Isle of Man in the UK actually. So, we don't see her as much as we would like but we do email her. She visits this blog every so often and she saw the contest. She has very nicely offered to create a little box of goodies from the Isle of Man. Now... some of you knitters are true Anglophiles and we all know how knitters react to the idea of some international exchange... so, this is a cool prize. And, she has said she'll look into getting some of the wool from these sheep to toss in also. WHAT. A. PRIZE.

So, there you have it. This week's prize announcements. Pumpkin is anxiously waiting for packages--- she gets excited for boxes y'know! she was a bit overwhelmed by the 80 balls of Fun Fur that arrived at my house on Friday ( I made a bulk purchase for my knitting guild).

So, what did I do? Cast on Friday night for this:














This is my friend, Mari, modeling the "muppet head" at my house on Saturday night. My goal is to knit one or two hats per week... it took me 2 hours on US9 to knit the "no hair day cap" seen above. that's a movie with the great PC. I knit during movies anyway. :)

E.T.A: thanks to Headhuggers for all the pattern info and also to Alison Hansel for the generous use of her "thing 1" pattern!

Have a great day!
:) Mini

CONTEST AND CHILDRENS' HOSPITAL

UPDATE: you need to EMAIL me with your info... I cannot send info to people if I don't have their contact info. leaving a comment without an email address will not let me contact you.

ATTN: Diane from Holden-- please email me at kskaare (at) gmail (dot) com, insert the @ where is says (at) and a . where it says (dot).


Ok, some of you Bostonians and New Englanders may know Childrens' Hospital Boston. and if you don't, just stop a random stranger on the street and ask them about it. A child they know went there, got treated, passed away, got cured... it's one of the best hospitals for children in the world. And they need our help. If you don't live here in Boston, be assured that Childrens' Hospital treats kids from all over the world and provides support to their families while they are undergoing treatment. It's an amazing place when you are sick child or if you have a sick child.

There seems to be a ward of 10-16 year olds who are undergoing radiation and chemo for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses who need some hats. No, not just ANY HATS... they want the fun fur. Yup, I said it. FUN FUR. And they want a lot of it! Girls, boys... teens, preteens... all running around the wards at Childrens' Hospital with fun fur "hair"--- laughing, playing, raisin' hell.... sounds good, doesn't it?

Now, the contest part. I'm willing to give up my hard earned money (via yarn) to pass out some prizes... there will be prizes for "largest # of hats" and "random name picked from hat" and "ohh, it's hat #50!". Everyone will be given a chance to win something. As the hats start coming in, the prizes start going out. Got it?

The Rules:

1. you email me with your name, email, snail mail and blog ( if you have one)

kskaare (At) gmail (Dot) com

2. I email you with a word document with several hat types.

3. you knit a few. I knit a few. You tell your SnB to knit a few. If they arrive in a box from you, you get in the prize drawing-- more hats, more chances.

4. You must have the hats TO ME in Boston by February 28, 2007. (these hats are not rocket science, they are easy, they are on big needles... one takes about 1 hour to knit)

5. I put your name in the contests... PC pulls names, Pumpkin announces winners via this blog and emails....

The prizes? Monica of Two Left Needles is offering up a skein of handspun. I am going to offer up some sock yarn (variety of kinds) and some other yarns. If anyone would like to donate yarn or prizes, please email me.

C'mon--- who's with me?

:) Mini

Is it really over?

So, I think PC said it best last night when he said he "feel(s) like a kid who got too many toys for Christmas- (he doesn't) know what to play with first."

There is the overwhelming feeling in the Mini-PC household this week. Is it because the house is a disaster area right now? Is it b/c there are dishes in the sink and a Mini who is pretty much flat out refusing to cook? Is it b/c I have to finish my Dad's sweater ASAP and the cat ate the needles and ripped out a good 2 inches??

Nope. It's just that time of year. The time of year where you feel like you were supposed to get your life together, but you didn't. So much has happened in 2006, I am having mixed emotions over letting it go. A quick recap? Here we go:

Dad getting cancer.
Dad battling chemo, radiation and a very scary surgery.
Dad's heart stopping... more scary doctors
PC and I moving in together at one of the most awful times of my life.
PC proving that, among other great talents, he is the strongest person I know.
Finally standing up for myself at work and taking a career leap.
Having the career leap smack me in the face.
making another one.
Learning I can't do it all.
Learning to ask for help.
Learning to accept help.
Two words: the cat.
Quitting smoking.
Not smoking for 301 days and having wanted to each.and.every.day.

It's been a long, winding year. I can only hope that this year (2007) is less "eventful" and more "event filled". We have several new babies on the way (friends, family) and that is always a wonderful thing to look forward to. PC and I are looking forward to our life together in 2007.

There will be some exciting blog news this weekend--- stay tuned! Stop by here before New years' eve for a contest announcement and some great prizes to be given away!

:) Mini

I hope everyone out there in Blogland had a very merry christmas or at least enjoyed the day off. :) This Christmas was a year of firsts in the Mini & PC family.

• Our first Christmas in our own apartment
• Our first Christmas living together
• the first time my father didn't eat Christmas dinner in my parents' house (our family has always lived in that house)
• the first Christmas eve with my brother's new girlfriend (of one year... truly lovely girl)
• the first Christmas that PC and I weren't at my parents' until 1am or later (home by 11!!)
• our first tree....
• with our first cat....
• first time hosting a "holiday" at my house!

So, here is something I did for my tree this year that I am definitely doing again! I made garland from Fimo dough --- shaped like gingerbread men. I cannot explain how happy these made me.

Pumpkin T. Cat: applicant for giftwrapper at the mall. All our gifts had little holes in them b/c Pumpkin was "helping" wrap presents. Too cute. She seemed to love Christmas!

Do you see what I see??

The button band for my mom's sweater with the crazy buttons I picked.

the gorgeous shawl collar with picots....

Finito!! and I have to say, it looks FABULOUS on her! She wore it for Christmas day!

Pattern: Sierra Cardigan from IK Fall 2006

Yarn: DB Cashmerino Aran, 11 balls

needles: Addis US8

Once the dinner was done, the gifts opened (PC bought me a new Vera bradley bag that will be my primary knitting bag... it's gorgeous! and had TONS of pockets.. he also bought me yarn (cherry tree hill!) and US0, US1, and US2 bamboo dpns. *grin*), it was time to think about the future. So, armed with a gift card from PC's parents (v. generous), I headed out with my brother's gf to the natick mall. Macy's was having a good sale and I had a goal: COACH. Yup, as a collector of Coach bags, I wanted to get a new one this winter... so, we headed over to the Macy's to look at their selection (FYI: the after-christmas sale is the few sales where higher-end goes on sale). I went in wanting a brown satchel and walked out with a black pebbled leather shoulder tote--- LOVE IT!

Also, we have been very fortunate: many family and friends had given us some NICE furniture for our apartment. But, some stuff was going to need to be upgraded: very specifically,the dining room table and the cocktail table in the living room. :) Our current dining room table is 42 inches long by 30inches wide. It seats 4 if you don't put the food on the table. So, yesterday, I went to Jordan's and i found this:

it's reasonable, very pretty and will seat 8 when fully extended...

Overall, a great Christmas... I will update more tomorrow.

FYI: I am getting a cold. ick.

:) Mini

Christmas is when?

Monday?

ugh. My high hopes are sufficiently dashed. I am going to do something I have NEVER done before. I am not going to be able to finish a Christmas gift. I know, I know... the ultimate shame. But, before I get admonished back to the days of garter stitch scarves with novelty yarn, let me give you the context:

1) PC and I decided to have my parents to Christmas dinner at our place. this involves cleaning my house. a lot.
2) #1 also means I need to grocery shop, bake cookies and make a pie.
3) Saturday we have our last pre-Christmas Christmas party.
4) I still have to go wait in line for gift cards at Barnes and Noble. yeah, start laughing... anyone around Boston knows this means I will be waiting in line to get into the parking lot first!
5) I have started a new job. A great job. A job I love. A job that is mentally taxing and doesn't let me out of work until 5:30 -6pm. ( I used to get home at 4;30pm)--- by the time I get home, make dinner... eat... I don't want to do anything else.
6) I feel like crap. I have felt like crap for 2 weeks. I am done with feeling like crap.

So, the present i am NOT finishing? My dad's sweater. I have the front (mostly) done, the back done, and I need to knit the sleeves. And no, my dad would not LOVE LOVE LOVE a sweater vest ( I tried that, PC vetoed anything that will make my dad look like a "tool"). So, now I am without present for Dad... what to do?

Double thick hat in superwash wool ( thank you wild and woolly for being open today!)--- knit on US 8 and knit top down to the brim, row of purl, then knit bottom up from the purl row--- then simply insert one hat inside the other! this will be a fun project for Friday night. Of course, the note with the hat will be:

"I didn't make my deadline,

I am so so very sad....

At Thanksgiving, I made a beeline

to the chosen wool I had!

Best intentions were announced

and onto the wool balls,

Pumpkin did roll and pounce;

me, thinking, I could do it all.

Along the way,

something went awry.

I knit and knit, and never make headway

Each row is a new try...

but, give me a little extra time,

and you will surely say

"this sweater is great and mine, all mine!

I'm glad you took an extra day!"

So, here's a hat for you to wear,

I know that it really can't compare...

but, by New Year's Night

your sweater'll be done... if that's all right?"

So, think Dad'll forgive me?

:) Mini

a meme...i never do memes!

I stole this from Maryse at bag'n'trash.....

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate with cool whip! and a candy cane to stir!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Santa wraps everything--- even stocking stuff!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
white for outside and inside decor, multi for the tree!

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Not this year

5. When do you put your decorations up?
this was our 1st year in our apartment and I did the decorations the weekend of thanksgiving
.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Easy--- Nana's fudge. I'm the only grandchild who knows how to make it.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
My dad standing on our roof, stomping his feet and shaking bells so we would go to bed, thinking it was Santa. My parents made Christmas magical--- we set out food for Santa, carrots for the reindeer (thank god, my parents taught the dogs to eat carrots) and all three of us would sleep in my brothers' room (me on the floor between the two of them) and wake up at 5 am (not knowing my parents went to bed at 4:59am)--- running to wake them up. We never had to wait for a dollhouse or remote car to be assembled-- my dad always did that for us the night before.

8 . When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Oh, this is somewhat embarrassing: 13? My parents had to sit me down in 7th grade b/c they were afraid the other kids would tease me. I think the reason I love Christmas so much is because I believed for so long... I hope my kids will believe. heck, I still believe in Santa.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
yup, Dad's family is Norweigan and we opened one present on Christmas Eve-- usually from my grandfather.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
it's covered with homemade gingerbreadmen garland ( I love me some Scuply!) and angel garland--- held together with ribbons. and the ornaments are all over the place... we had PC's parents and mine over to help us decorate it! we have new ornaments, old ornaments, and a gorgeous set of pewter ornaments from PC--- the 12 days of Christmas.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
as long as i don't have to drive, I love it.

12. Can you ice skate?
yes, but not well.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
a little doll who roller skated-- -my Nana gave her to me.

14. What's your favorite thing about the holidays?
hugs. i have a big family and we all get together for the holidays and there are so many hugs. I love the music, the tree, and especially midnight mass... it's' magical and makes me feel like soaring.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
nana fudge

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
PC and I go to see A Christmas Carol at the North Shore Music Theater each year, and watch the little ones in their velvet dresses and little sweaters... it's a great show, and it kicks off our holidays. I also really like the Christmas eve at my parents' house... it's a lot of fun!

17. What tops your tree?
Winnie the Pooh, dressed as an angel, holding a star (gift from my brother, Jon, and I love it!)

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I like getting presents, but I truly like giving them more!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen ( I love the barenaked ladies version) sung by anyone!

20. Candy canes yuck or yum?
Yum!!! they are on the tree solely so I can eat them at any time.

21. What's number one on your Christmas list this year?
Good health--- I just want my family to be healthy. I have been blessed to have my dad's health improving.

Yarn Aboard package received! In all honesty, I had almost forgotten about this swap! My package came from Adriane (no blog addy provided?) and has the best stuff in it! I will try to take a crappy cell phone photo of it tonight (yarn, some vintage patterns, a jingle ball kit....) b/c we have determined the following:
home computer + digital camera = nothing. Nope not working.

So, I don't know if I can use the work one (I'm still new... don't want to push it!), so after-holiday sales abound: Mini's getting a computer! Possibly a laptop! We don't need much, but with me starting school this summer, I'm going to need it to be portable!

So, cell phone photo tomorrow (if I can figure that out!)

And, tonight: filling the box! :)

:) Mini
PS- Christmas knitting update:
1) sweater for mom: needs blocking and photo and buttons
2) sweater for dad: back done
3) mittens for bro's gf: need thumbs
4) scarf and mittens for SIL: need thumbs
5) mittens for grandmother: still 2 skeins of yarn!

I have made some hats, etc... but they don't need to go out until after Christmas :)

Shopping is almost done too! need to hit the B&N to get all the little ones gift cards-- I love giving the gift of reading!

Wow... I need to start updating! Suprisingly (sp?) enough, I will be able to do that pretty soon... and hopefully have the camera working, etc.

All has not been well in Mini-Land. Nope. Mini has been doing some very creative interviewing trying to secure a new position elsewhere. Things here at the new job changed almost immediately after I started. So, I made a huge grown up decision and found me some new digs.

Much better digs. Trust me (or ask Monica... she's had to listen to me grumble and hem and haw). BTW: thank god for Monica... a friend unlike any other. :)

Anywho... where was I? Oh, new digs. New digs have been procurred and I start a new adventure in December. No, I will not be telling you where or what. Just that I will be doing my science-thing (cell bio) and working at a well known company. :) Near home.

All this aside, I have been knitting like a madwoman... I have a scarf on the needles for PC's grampa ("blue b/c I am boy" -- direct quote from the man himself).--- I'm making Grumperina's new scarf. Almost. I misread the directions so I have a "design feature" and I am keeping it. Oh, did I say it's blue?

My Christmas knitting goes slowly: I need to work on my mom's sweater--- this is what thanksgiving loooong weekend is for. :) My dad's sweater is not even cast-on for (yikes!). My brother's gf needs some mittens (and rightfully so!) . I made me some felted mittens, but they need the leather palms. and then the Christmas knitting is fini! PC's mom was going to get a sweater, but I think it'll be a "post-christmas event" sweater-- Valentines?

News:
1) I am going to SPA! I joined the NETA and have booked my room, secured a ride (merci Monica! again....) and I even invited PC who reacted like this:

No, really... he was very happy I was joking. :)
2) I am knitting PC another sweater... Lowry from Jamieson's Simply Shetland 3 book. In a lovely gray wool. :) more info to come.

3) my family continues to grow! we have a new cousin to knit for , a baby BOY named "K" (name witheld to protect the baby)--- a BOY! this side of the family is known for GIRLS. :) A boy is a nice change.

4) Pumpkin is more "meowy" lately... is this normal? She will sprint across the living room with "carrot the mouse" in her mouth, drop him at your feet and meow! or, she meows as she head butts you over and over. But, when you pet her, she attacks! Play attacks, but still. PC says it's a good thing... but she's a very good cat... is she trying to tell us something?

:) Mini

I really need to find that camera software, don't I? Well, I have no plans for Friday night, so ripping apart the closets might be in order (Pumpkin and PC, consider yourself warned). :)

So, what am I knitting? Well, that GORGEOUS Norweigan sweater I was making for my mom? It will get done, but not for Christmas. I did another row gauge check (I had done one after the ribbing and that's all) and it's WAY.TOO.BIG. for my mom. So, it will be for me! :) Thus, it will be put on hold for my post-Christmas holiday week.

On the needles:

1) hat for PC- learned how to make a hat from the top down (love you Danielle Miller!)
it's Baby Cashmerino in Black on US2... i'm almost to the ears. It was a commuter project, but I need to get some 16 inch or 20 inch US2 circs to finish it... it's too much for magic loop now.
2) socks for me. I had some Lisa Souza Sock! in the Sky Dreams colorway just lying around begging for a simple textured-lacy combo, so I cast on--- I am almost ready to do the heel flap on Sock #1 (this is the commuter project now)

3) Sienna Cardigan from Interweave Knits Fall 2006 -- in Cashmerino Aran (shopped the stash) in a buttery yellow color. for my mom. Back and one front is done. Hopefully a complete sweater by Sunday night!

4) Fountain Lace sweater for PC's mom... back is almost done...
5) Sand River (need a few more repeats)

What's OFF THE NEEDLES?
1) the green mohair hat
2) two odessa hats (2 more planned)
3) scarves (2)
4) mittens (2)

So, what's up next? Finish up some more holiday knitting:
2 pair of Newfoundland Mittens from Maggistitches pattern.
1 more scarf
3 more hats
1 more BIG sweater project (thanksgiving weekend, I am hoping)

Lots of "stuff" going on besides knitting, so we'll see what I can accomplish.

:) Mini
PS_ I am going to SPA in Maine with NETA this February. Anyone else? Normally I would say " i'll share a room!" but I have been told in the past (by several people) that I am bad at that...I snore very loudly, take long showers... so, i am sucking it up and keeping my own room... but perhaps that means the party is in mine??? :)

I need this sweater

I have NEVER said that about something I want to knit. ME. THIS SWEATER. MUST HAVE. I think I have THE perfect yarn for it to: a peachy alpaca-silk-wool blend... or a Very yummy rich purple. Oh. I need to make this sweater!






















the up close of the smocking stitch (ignore goofy woman in the photo, i am sure she is nice lady, but she looks goofy in the photo)














Must.Finish.One.Christmas.Knit.This.Weekend.

Then I can cast on for this!

:)Mini

OhmygodIcan'tbelieveIkeptthesecretsowellforsolong

So, it's official...I kept a secret, but now I don't have to:


GO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO MONICA AND SCOTT!!!

(they're ...well, no... Monica is having a baby. Scott helped.)

I have some super-secret-baby-projects that may or may not involve knitting that will only be posted once Monica has them in hand.

Oh and by the way... IS EVERYONE PREGNANT??? We keep getting announcements of friends and family with "buns in the oven".... I am so not sharing a soda with any of these people. :)

:) Mini

what happened to Mini?

Oh, where to begin...

Apologies to everyone... it's been quite the troublesome past few weeks. If I owe you an email, a package, something... please forgive me and send me another reminder.

1. Birthday: MINE. I turned 29 on Monday. Yup. Got lots of stuff from PC: pewter candlesticks (how wonderful!) from the Boston Pewter Company (truly gorgeous... we have had several candlelit dinners...), the CD & DVD & leather-bound book of "hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy" ( I keep singing "so long and thanks for all the fish... so sad it had to come to this!"), a Swarovski crystal giraffe magnet for my fridge ( I heart giraffes!) and the "piece d'resistance!":

A DYE KIT FROM HELLO YARN.

Yup, complete with sock yarn. Funny, b/c at the Knit Out in Boston, I saw Adrian (one of my all time favorite people... she's truly wonderful) and told her "I asked for your dye kit for my birthday". And voila! I have one! I need to hit a Michaels' or JoAnn's to get some cheap-o wool to "practice on". :)
2. new job. Now, most of you know, I left my job to move to a more "favorable" position that involves a commute into Boston. I've been here about a month. I hate it. I tried to go back to my old job, but no good... I am now interviewing like a crazy woman trying to get out of here. Not wanting to get into specifics, but I am doing something I am not supposed to do. So, that being said, I am trying to get out of here. I don't *really* want to get fired (we need the money) but it would make it easier. I have interviewed once already and tomorrow, I do it again.

3. Family stuff: my dad's back in the hospital with some complications (home soon!) and it was sort of another "thing" to deal with this week... he's going to be fine, but it always throws me off b/c I think he's doing really well... and them WHAMMO. Reality kicks me in the ass.

4. Knitting... oh, I have a few hats, a few scarves, some mittens, have finished sweaters to show you. But, I have to find the software for my camera and install it on PC's computer. it was installed on my work laptop,but I don't have one of those anymore!

5. the MBTA. How can I begin to describe how much I hate this system? I was 45 minutes late for work today b/c the Green Line decided to be "picky" about what stops they were going to stop at. Example : I get on the train at Newton Highlands. I watched 4 trains go past Newton Highlands, and NOT STOP before one let us on. Then, we get to Newton Center. "this train will be direct to Kenmore". Huh? I went one stop? I get off. Wait. Next train-- doesn't stop. Third train stops, no room... I get on anyway. Two more stops, and "this train will be direct to Kenmore"... NOOOOO!!! I get off, wait. And wait. And wait. Finally, a train comes, it's packed. I get on and it takes me to my destination... I try to get off. No luck. I say "excuse me"... I am polite. Finally, I just start pushing past people. People standing on the stairs (trolley riders, you know what i mean) REFUSE TO STEP DOWN TO LET YOU OUT. So, I finally push past someone. Who throws a Metro at my head (and it hits). I am off to work. Late.

So, soon... there will be knitting photos. I can say that I am 1/2 way through a "sand river" done in a alpaca/wool blend from an Etsy dealer who I am totally doing business with again. I also started a hat from the top down (FYI: if you are local and see a class offered by Danielle Miller... RUN TO SIGN UP. She is part of my knitting guild and she gave us a lesson last night.. Oh. My. She should run a knitting school!) .

Wish me luck tomorrow... I will need it.

:) Mini