Knitting In The Queen City

Ravelympics2008!

I joined the WIP's Wrestling category of  Ravelympics !  I have a blanket that's been sitting on my needles since early July, for my new nephew. 

Okay, so he made it into the world before I finished the blanket, but I'm determined to finish it.  Hopefully before the end of Ravelympics  I can finish what I started and ship it off to warm my baby nephew for when it gets cold.  Just wanted to update you on what's going on over here...Gotta go back to knitting....

Progress since Opening Ceremony of Ravelympics 2008

New Yarn Shop

Close Knit Knittery & Press opened it's doors on July 1, 2008 in Gastonia, NC (20 minutes outside Charlotte).  Sheri welcomed me with such gratitude and an overwhelmingly enthusiasm for knitting!  Its located in a charming bungalow style home in the heart of Gastonia.  The minute you walk in you're hit with beautiful fiber goodness!  The shop is very organized and filled with a good variety of colors to choose from.  If you're in the area, definitely stop and welcome them to the knitting world! 

Sheri (owner) and I

A Cascade of Colors!

    

This room is filled with the perfect yarns for baby projects.  I just love the picket fence!

More yarns........

Have a great 4th of July!

YES WE CAN!! YES WE CAN!!

Wow, what a weekend!  May is definitely here with great weather so far, and most of my allergies are starting to subside!  I've been extremely busy this past few months closing out my experience with Anatomy and Physiology.  This week is finals so it will all be over soon!  I'm taking a break this summer, to enjoy life and just live...You know what I mean?

Friday I went to see Barack Obama speak here in Charlotte.  YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!! Was the electrifying cheer that filled the room as I entered.  I've never been to a rally like that before and Iwas just energized just waiting to get to my seat.  Barack talked about his background coming from a single mother and having the unique opportunities that are only possible for him and many of us in America.  He also spoke about concrete solutions to our dependency on oil.  Its very comprehensive and its not just a short term fix to get him through the election.  I'm very impressed with his passion and commitment to making life affordable for all of us.  "The Closer" Michelle Obama will be here today  closing the deal in Charlotte for the Obama camp.  She is a truly a Phenomenal Woman!  I was so excited about my experience, I stood in line Saturday for 2 hours to vote early.  It was so worth it!  If you're in NC don't forget to vote on Tuesday!! 

After voting, my friend Rita and I went to my neighborhood's Home Tour. We had a lovely time chatting and viewing homes.  I live in a historic neighborhood where the homes were built around the late 1930's and 40's.  I wanted to get some ideas as we renovate.   After touring we had a nice lunch and she retired for the evening.  Me...Mrs. Busy Bee kept moving to go visit my nephews...here's a clip of Sheman being silly!  I remember having one of these things. I used to love them!

Now for my WIP.....Mrs. NOB HILL.  She's almost done!  I've been working on her between studying.  I suspect I will finish her this week as my relief from preparing for finals.  She's in this gorgeous mustard color, Tahki Donegal Tweed. More details when she's an FO.  The weather is warming up, so I need to finish her so I can show her off before it gets 80 degrees. 

Next project is a pinwheel blanket for my younger sister.  We are planning a baby shower for her Memorial Weekend and I can't wait to surprise her with a blanket.  She's having her 3rd and final boy!  She says they are finished...we'll see about that!  They have not picked out a name so they have given me the honor of naming my nephew....I can't  believe.  I came up with a few names.....what do you guys think about these.....Caleb Jabari Bethea, Caleb Jakobi, Caleb Jadan, or Colin Jabari, Colin Jakobi, Amari Jadan Bethea.  I tried to think of names that would suit their tastes as parents and a name the boy could live up to....if you know what I mean..LOL!  I'll find out at the shower which name they chose.    And now they want me to be their when she has the baby, because my brother-in-Love may not be there.  What kind of torture is that for someone that has not given birth yet and hope to do so in the next few years.  I told her I would think about that.  Nice concept, but don't scare a "sista"...LOL!

Okay that's it for me.  Have blessed week!!

HumpDay Happenings!!

We're almost there!  The weekend is only two more days away and the weather here is lovely!  I think I'm getting a taste of spring fever!  We've had some mild weather here in NC and its bringing my mojo back!!! What's your inspiration today?  Well the 2008 Spring Knitty collections did it for me!!  I'm so on this..... "Nob Hill".  This pattern is soo me!!  It has a classy flair to it and the potential for creative combinations of yarn, as well as a great match for any casual outfit!  I can see myself now with a cute pair of jeans and the perfect tank or short-sleeved top.  Its even wearable in mild winter or fall weather with a long-sleeve shirt.   

I've been diligently working on my Ebony Elite KAL and have made some progress considering the small nuggets of knitting time that I have. 

28Thirty by Zephyr Style

I think I'm really going to like this pattern.  Its very simple and makes a great knit for watching TV or hanging out at my favorite knitting group.  I'm putting to use some Lion Brand Cotton Ease that was gifted to me by Tanesha from my Charlotte Purls Knitting Group.  Tanesha is a VERY talented crocheter and has some beautiful patterns.  Go check her out! 

Back to 28Thirty.....One thing I must say (hope this doesn't offend anyone), you must know your body.  Since the pattern stops just below the bust, it draws attention to your mid-section.  Knowing that I have a little bit of tummy I definitely want to camouflage it.  So I've decided to make the body a few inches longer.  As I'm getting older, things are not falling back into place like they used to!!  This is the beauty in making your own garments...you can tailor it to your body shape and your level of confidence!  I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress!!

Okay, ladies....back to work!!

Toodles!!

I'm Off Blogging Vacation

Okay, Okay!  So its been 4 months since you guys have seen a post from me!  Thanks to my lovely Charlotte Purls friends (Janet, Stacey, and Christi...who have so eloquently called me out for not posting on my blog...LOL), I'm coming off vacation!!  My vacation began in October due to me getting behind on my studies.  So I quickly re-prioritized my time, so my blogging definitely took a back seat.  As you can see from the picture, there is alot of memorization in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)!!!  All the hard work paid off, because I did WELL in my class  last semester and now I'm in A&P II!   

I have a great FO to show!!  Felted Clogs!!!  This was my first felting project due to our Felted Clogs KAL for Charlotte Purls. 

Fiber Trends Feltd Clogs

Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky, 1 skein in Kiwi, 1 skein in Aubergine

Needle Size:  US 15, 24" circular needles

Size: Medium

Knitting Time:  This really is a quick knit!!!  I finished this in about 6.5 hours total!! Felting took about 20 minutes, and complete drying lasted 3 days.

Knit Again? Yes.  I plan to gift these to my mother after I have them monogrammed for her.  I'm sure my two sister will be jealous and request a pair.  I must say I'm not a big fan of felting.  I will have to maybe try a different project to make a final decision on that.

                                                               

Charlotte Purls Felted Clogs KAL

I love my Charlotte Purls!!  Well, gotta get back to the books, so I'll post my WIPs later this week!!  Until then..keep on knitting!

WIPs Wednesday

What!? WIPs......MrsPurls...OMG (me laughing at myself)!    I actually have WIPs to post!!  Let's make this short and sweet!!  First up is the Turtle Neck Tube Vest (TTV) by Stephanie Japel.  I'm using Cascade 220 in Heather Grey (purchased at Bella Filati)!  This is the new black for the Fall! 

 

This is knitting up pretty simple so far.  We'll see how it goes as I progress. I hope to finish this in time to wear it with a few outfits I have.

Next up is a Berrocco pattern designed to accenuate your figure in just the right place!  Kaiju  caught my eye from one of our Charlotte Purls, Wendy (blogless)!  Once I saw it...I just had to have it!

 

Here is my progress on it...

The section on the left is 2 X 2 ribbing with eyelets in the middle.  When its done, you'll see them with the I-cord.

Here's a closer look!!  I was alittle hesitant about this yarn, because it is a light weight than the berroco yarn, but the more I knit with it, the more I love it....

This was one of my purchases on our Ebony Elite Meetup in Greensboro!  This Tahki New Tweed is luscious!!  Its 60% Merino Wool, 14% Silk, & 26% Viscose.  If you do not have any of this...you must try it!!  The tweed has  a sophisticated luster!

That's for WIPs.....but there's still more Birthday News!!  Can you believe it?  Its been a month since my birthday and I'm still celebrating.

Shortly after signing up for Ravelry, I joined the Libra Group!  And I was the 100th member!  Thank You Carmen for sending such a heart-felt gift.  I really needed those stitch markers.  Even though I know how to make my own, I just have not had the time.  And the PINK and Green journal...is beautiful.  I will definitely keep this in my purse, to jot down my thoughts and maybe make lists of yarn and knitting books I need to buy!  Thanks again and many blessings for your generousity!!

Well that's it for now....I'll be back soon with FOs!!!

Dead-Wrong Monday

What did you see this weekend that was DEAD-WRONG?

Have you ever seen something, and thought to yourself..."That is dead wrong?"  This weekend while shopping at my favorite LYS, I came outside after making my lastest knitting purchase and saw this....

For those of you that haven't quite got it yet....Ay Bay Bay is a song out on the radio now that alot of teens are really feelin'....I on the other hand as a 30-something woman, I hate the song!  Sorry, I couldn't find a feed for it.  Its just something about it that just gets under my skin...the song as no substance AT ALL!!!  The only thing I could say to myself was....Hey, at least young people still have a sense of  spirit.  I can remember when we were about to graduate from high school, we did the same type of things.  So, what did you see this weekend that was "Dead-Wrong"?

While at Charlotte Yarn I broke down and purchased a set of Denise Needles!  Yes.....I have finally cheated on my KnitPicks....LOL!!! I'm still a fanatic about my KnitPicks, but finding there are some projects are better suited for plastic or wooden needles.  I decided since its breast cancer awareness month...why not get the Pink!!  It just happens to support research for breast cancer.  It was a "feel-good" purchase!  And I must say, so far its well worth it!!!  I've even started knitting with them already!

WIPs later this week!

TTFN!!!

Ebony Elite NC: GoodTimes!!!

What a good time we had!  It was great to meet the lovely ladies of Ebony Elite that live in NC.  Thanks Stacey for bringing us  (Nik, Toni, Debora, Desiree, and Stacey)all together.  We will definitely have to do this again. 

Brief Trip Summary:

We met in Greensboro, NC at Yarn,etc.  then went to lunch at GANACHE....OMG!!  Chocolately Goodness.  If you love chocolate and you're ever in the area...check it out!!  Then we went to Stitch Point, and on to This & That.  I picked up a few goodies while there and will try to post the yarn for a Yarn PrOn Friday....wow...haven't done that in a while...Check out the slideshow.....See you soon!!

Belated Weekend Recap!

What a great weekend and week for that matter!  I didn't announce it but last Monday was my BIRTHDAY!!!  When I was in my 20s,  my birthday used to be a national holiday...not just for me, but for everyone!  Life has changed!  I celebrate, but its not such a big deal anymore.  Anyway... Monday was a great day!  It started out at 5:35 am...Yes A.M. people!  My father called to tell me Happy Birthday.  Back to sleep......6:02am....Yes A.M. people!  My mother calls to sing me Happy Birthday...God bless her...she can't sing a lick...LOL!!! She's such a sweetheart!  Back to sleep for just a few minutes!!!  You guessed it people.....6:15 am....My younger sister and her two boys called to sing me Happy Birthday!  By now, I just need to get up and get ready for work!  We always call each other on birthdays to sing Happy Birthday, but now that I'm married, Marcus is like, "This is too much! I'm trying to sleep....LOL!!!"  Poor thing!!  I go to work...Yes, I worked on my Birthday!  I was soooo tired after work, but Marcus surprised me and took me to dinner at a cute restaurant just around the corner from our house. 

The week progressed and on Friday my two best friends took me to dinner at a place Called Villa Antonio's.  The food was fantastic!!!

We're gonna have some chocolate babies....LOL!!! TeeHee!! No time soon though!

Okay, so we've had alittle too much wine!!!  LOL!!

I was alittle surprised when the wait-staff came flying around the corner singing happy birthday in Italian.  Then my waiter grabs my camera and starts taking pictures...I was like...oh hold up now!!  LOL...But I smiled anyway...and ate my molten chocolate cake!

Mmmmm!  Vanilla Bean Creme' Brulee'....It was probably one of the best I've had....Ever!!

The Knitting Circle

My knitting buddy, Stacey, made contact with Renee and arranged for us to meet-up and knit on Saturday at my favorite LYS!  We a wonderful time, and Renee is just the sweetest person!!  So glad she made it to the Queen City!!

I'm almost complete with Fetchings...Thank Goodness! LOL!  I'm ready to move on to my next project!!   Next up is the Turtleneck Tube Vest, by Stephanie Japel (Fitted Knits).  I will have progress pix later this week.  What!  Michelle is gonna post project pix!!!LOL....its good I can laugh at myself!!  I also have my eye on Flair.  I'm so glad Adrienne finished hers!!!  YaY!!! It looks great...go check her out!! 

It hasn't been as hard as I thought to find time to knit while taking a class!  I've been squeezing in a few moments to indulge in my favorite craft!  Class is going well, and I'm bussin' out the A's....That's Right!!! :)

Okay...that's it for me!  I hope to be back before the week is over!  I miss you guys!!! 

Smooches!!!

Weekend Fun!!

This weekend was sooo much fun! It was filled with lots of laughter, knitting, and studying!! First up...My Best Friends Birthday! We celebrated my Best Friend's Birthday on Saturday at a cute resturant, Village Bistro, here in Charlotte. The food was great!!!

Friends Since College

Boy did I enjoy my lunch.....but I enjoyed dessert even more..take a look at this...Upscale Apple Crisp! I was looking for the apple crisp you typically get at your local chain american grill resturant. It was soooo delicious!

Upscale Apple Crisp

Then I went hurried over to my Charlotte Purls meet-up at our favorite location. We had such a good time! It was great to see some new faces and connect with the ladies! We finished out Summer Shrug KAL! Aren't we cute!!! I finished my shrug with Knit Picks Options in Shine Sport. My arms were alittle tight in the shrug, but I got to fit. I practically had to do "The Snake" to get in it....for those of you that remember the ole school dance....that's what I had to do...LOL! So I just may have to use my shrug as a scarf until it stretches out!

After a quick nap I headed over to a surprise party from my friend Roxanne! Her husband through her a surprise 5 year wedding anniversary party...It was a so much fun!! She's Dominican and he's Cuban.....That's them dancing together...showind off their Salsa Skillz!!

Here are me and the girls! Gotta love em'!!

That's it for now! Hope everyone had a great weekend as I did! Time to get back to studying!!

Toodles!