The Crafty Lizzard

So lately I've been spending all of my free time (what little I have) either knitting or trying to tame the jungle that is my front flower/herb bed.

After this and having my knee socks (Challenge #1) still irking me a bit [why oh why did I have to get gauge on a size 0 needle?] I was craving to do a simple basic sock. It feels like I haven't done one yet this year. So here ya go: This little sock was came into being in just a matter or 3 days. It flew off the needles but sadly, it's mate is not so lucky. That one is mostly done but is struggling through the leg. (It may be because it's been very summer-y outside :) )

...or knitting challenge #3.

It seems very weird to finish up a pair of VERY warm, VERY woolly mittens right when the temperature is starting to hit the 70s. But who could resist...

My old one doesn't match!

It seems that I've not quite kept to my once a week blogging goal. Bleh. Life has again snuck itself in between the blog and me. Silly life.

3. I have one FO -- my vest. Just in time for the weather to get too warm for me to wear it.

This week has been an incredibly busy one. I've been meaning to get this post up for about 4 days now. Sorry.

Since the last post, I've found out that I'm moving stores and will be managing our Worthington location. Bigger store, more lessons, more staff! It's incredibly hard to switch stores in a matter of a week. Especially while training new staff, trying to talk to the customers that you've worked with for almost 10 years, and generally being a sounding board (as usual). Today was my first official day over there and it was very interesting. There will be some things that will change, some will remain the same, and some that they do better than I was doing. In all, I think, your basic change.

On a brighter (and lighter for my wallet) note, this store is about 2 minutes away from The Knitter's Mercantile and I will have to pass it everyday on my way. Nothing better on a bad day then some yarn-y therapy!

We're also fast approaching my second knitting challenge for the year -- Ravelympics!!!

Cast on is now less than a week away and I'm REALLY itching to start... I will be attempting to complete a pair of socks between Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies. (Good thing I'm an Olympic junkie!) This will be about half the time that it usually takes me to finish a pair! Therefore, I've decided that they are going to be named after the first part of the Olympic Motto -- Citius. I wish I knit fast enough to also have the other two -- altus and fortius -- but maybe I'll try for those for the next Olympics. The yarn to the left has been through it's training and is patiently waiting for cast on! (Myself....not so patient.) The only bad thing is that I have yarn for a vest coming (probably tomorrow) that I'm SO gonna want to start. Do I be daring and still try to work on that as well as my socks? Hmmmmm........

In an effort to "clean up" before friday, I've finished my "concert" arm warmers. These were made from Panda Silk and are incredibly soft on the hands. And if I might say, quite pretty.

I haven't tried to play in them yet but the top around the hand feels stretchy enough that it shouldn't bother me.

Sorry the pic is a little blurry but I'm not that good with working with the timer on the new camera yet...

Also, since the last post my washing machine decided that it was tired and worn out and wasn't going to wash clothes anymore. Luckily, it happened AFTER I had most of my laundry done. It decided to stop at the delicate load so I only had to wring out about 4 sweaters. Bleh.

Now, as frustrating and as upset as I was, I really can't complain. This washer was liberated from the front sidewalk of a neighbor of a good friend who said that they had had some trouble with it and it might last me a year but I was welcome to it. Well, I actually managed to squeeze 2 years out of it so...

After deliberation and discussion, I decided that I needed to have a washer that could cope with my ever growing supply of hand knits. So I opted to splurge and go for the front-loading-able-to-handle-hand-washing-very-sleek-and-quasi-futuristic Whirlpool. So far, so good. I like being able to fit all the socks (save the Malabrigo.....haven't been daring enough to stick those in there yet.....) and a sweater or two in there and not have to fit them all in the sink!

And so now, after a VERY long post (sorry, should probably shoot for smaller-more-frequent) I'll leave you with the start of the second knee sock...

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything seemed to happen all at once? Of course...Everyone has. This week was one of those for me. Work is crazy, play is crazy...Life is crazy! Now that's not to say that crazy = bad. On the contrary, most of the stuff that's happened this week has been good and enjoyable...most, not all.

So far this has been an awesome birthday weekend! (Well, technically my birthday's not til Sunday but...)
It all started with the awesome ladies that I knit with on Thursday nights. Some were missing because of the all-important Knitter's Connection (stay tuned...) but it was a lovely night. We had a few extra party members (S, L and E) and boy, did they party hard. I know it was very hard for her but kudos to E for keeping this...
a secret! All enjoyed and now I have WAY TOO MUCH cake at home. If I could virtually send some to everyone I would. Really. But thank you thank you anyway.

Much delight and laughter was had over the CPH FO (thanks to K and her FB status) even though it's 100% wool and it was about 85 degrees outside! K had the camera out and was documenting the entire shindig so here ya go...this might be the only time you see me in a wool sweater in the summer.


Today was the wonderful, wonderful class at Knitter's Connection with Cat Bordhi! It was such a fun day with lots of knowledge, lots of laughter, seeing new socks, and praising Jeni's Ice Cream! How can that ever equal anything but a very cool day? Oh, I forgot, a wonderful goodie bag full of yummy goodness and shopping!!Even Bailey had to check it out!

I also have something to admit to the knit knite ladies...after all the talk last night about not doing another lace project...I bought more lace yarn today. (She hangs her head sheepishly.) You have to admit it's pretty. It's hand-dyed merino and was worth the money. I promise to bring for closer inspection. Now just to figure out what to make with it...