Some days I feel like I need 2 life times to knit all the gifts and goodies I make for people. So far I have 5 projects for other people and 2 to complete for myself. *Sigh*. Why couldn’t I have 4 more hands to I can churn out these projects in no time?? Well, God only gave me two so I’ll keep on keepin’ on.

Although I knew darn well I had no business buying more yarn or starting another project, I had to pick up Moda Dea Cache in colors Wink and Rendevouz from Michael’s on sale for a limited time for $3 a ball. That’s right! 3 whole dollars. The reg price is $5.99 so I thought it was a steal. With 72yds per ball, I thought it would be perfect for a little purse for my good friend K*m. She so deserves a hot handmade couture purse (yeah, that’s what I think of my work) I got the idea from a winter 2004 Easy Knitting magazine.The pattern calls for Collinette Pointe 5, but my budget won’t let me answer the call. It looks great in Cache so far…

Here’s what it looks like so far:

Up close (it has a very nice hand painted look):

The front (in Wink) only took a few hours. I’m on the back now. The gusset will be a different color (Rendevouz). I’ll have to line it with some black felt I have left over and a very pretty cotton fabric w/ japanese prints then sewn on a zipper. The ribbon is nice but on the NY subway, a zipper would be better! I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’ll be sure to post pics of the progress.

Here’s the felted purse K*m made for me.

Isn’t she loveley? Thanks k*m!

I finally got my secret pal’s info. That’s another project I’m adding to the list. Man, are my fingers tired. I think I’ll have to give them a 2 week vacation which will be hard. Anyway…

‘Til next time….

Here’s what I came up with so far:

1- Keep in better contact with close friends and family.
2- Learn to play the guitar (acoustic).
3- Learn how to knit fair isle.
4- Do not be afraid of intricate cable patterns.
5- Reduce yarn stash if it kills me (I will be having a major blowout sale on ebay very soon).
6- Take better care of myself both inside and out.
7- Organize paperwork, pictures, patterns, etc.
8- Join a knit-along or exchange to share goodies with others (can you believe I haven’t joined a knit along yet?).
9- Generate way more site traffic on this page. I’m tired of sharing if no one is reading *sob*.
10-Remember that anything is possible!

On to knitting news….

At my knitting group, I saw at least 3 of my fellow knitters with the cutest scarf knitted in Noro Silk Garden. I had to ask where they got the pattern from. One of the knitters was nice enough to give hers to me (she’s a real sweet heart). I ran home and started working on it immediately. Here’s what it looks like so far

The pattern is called the Perforated Edge Scarf from Little Box of Scarves. Isn’t it lovely? I think it looks great in multi colored or self striping yarn.

Also, I’ve been searching for really nice and even unusual knit and crochet flower patterns. I would like to make a lot of them to give as gifts. If anyone knows of a pattern, please let me know where I can find it. I would really appreciate it!

I was too thrilled to spend Christmas 2005 in a warm climate.

It was the perfect weather at Clearwater Beach in Orlando, Florida that day. I think I’ll be spending more time there, especially in the winter!

Secret Pal 7 Questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Although I consider myself a border line “yarn snob”, I have come to know and love inexpensive fibers like the infamous acrylic. I like to work with Caron’s Simply Soft for blankets. Otherwise, I love the look and feel of natural & high quality fibers.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I love to crochet (along with knitting of course). I hope to learn how to spin in the near future.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Right now, I have two pencil holders that are big enough to hold my straight needles and circulars in their original packaging.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I am an intermediate knitter that has been knitting for 4 1/2 years now.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Amazon Wishlist here

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)