Peruvian Plying

Despite my lack of bobbins...the new ones were ordered, but still haven't arrived. Hmmm, don't want to mention any names, but some places are so slow around here! Hoping they arrive some time next week or I may have to carve them myself! Anyway, Diane taught me a new technique the other evening for plying up a small piece of spinning to see how it will look without changing bobbins. Scroll down on this page for an example, it is the one where you wind it onto your hand.
Here is what my sample looked like...



Then I knit it up, the first time I have ever knit anything I have spun. Thinking of doing a skein, and using it for the cuff on a bulky jacket that I have planned for the winter.



Next time I will try to take a photo of the yarn on my hand, but as it was my first time doing it alone, it was a bit tight, and my middle finger started to turn blue!

Off to start spinning more...

Finished and Spinning

OK, I finally finished the dreaded socks. It was the never ending project. I think that I re-learned the pattern about 5 different times, but alas, they are done, and on my feet...



Something else happened to me this weekend. With all the horrible weather, I did so much knitting that I got "knit out". I couldn't knit another stitch, so I decided to do some spinning. I haven't done any since we moved. I got out all my spinning stuff, and guess what...my bobbins are all missing. How annoying is that! I searched the entire house, several times, and decided that they are a casualty of the move.

The next day, I ordered a few more, and borrowed one from Diane so I could participate in her Spin-a-long.



It is one single that is very thick plied with one that is quite a bit thinner. Interesting effect though the colors aren't that exciting.

Now I am inspired, so hopefully my new bobbins will arrive soon!

Works in Progress

Its Bank Holiday weekend here, or Memorial Day weekend as I used to know it. The scary thing is that it is also my older daughters 10 year birthday, double digits. It is strange to think that I have a 10 year old, closer to teenager than little girl. Alot of my friends still are having babies, or have little ones, and my little girl is closing in on puberty! Lets try not to think about that too much! We did have a nice day despite it being very rainy (what a surprise!). We have a friend's daughter for the weekend, so they are busy and thus...time to knit. I have not finished anything in a while. As a matter of fact, I finished my first Seduction sock when I was in Florida. I am determined to finish the other one this weekend, not too far off.



I love having a conservatory, it makes it much easier to photograph, even on a rainy day!

I also finished both panels for the Surplice Lace top. I am a little concerned that they look shorter than in the photo, but they are the length that it says, and the top is longer than I want it to be according to the pattern. I can always add on later if it seems too short, but it says that it is going to be 22 inches from the back of the neck, and that is really long for me. Trust in the pattern, she says.



And a close up (the color is a bit better here).



Next, I have broken down and decided that I need a mindless sock to knit. I never thought I would do a stocking stitch sock, but it is pretty relaxing. I really like this yarn. We had a sample a while back, but the color was so bad that I forgot about it. It is Trekking Pro Natura, wool with bamboo. I have heard that when you wash bamboo it gets silky, so I'll let you know.



Lastly, don't forget that Stash is having our first anniversary sale. I can't believe its been a year already! We have lots of yarns that we are going to reduce to make way for new stock that will be arriving. Nathalie made a list, but I believe it will be a selection from Debbie Bliss, Noro, Lana Grossa (including all of their sock yarns), GGH, Crystal Palace, Feza, Rooster, and lots of other odd balls and end of dye lots. Hope to see you there!

Meme

I've been tagged by Nickerjac, so here goes...

“Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.”

I am only going to tag Diane as most of the others that I know have already been tagged.

Here it is:

1. I started out at University studying Engineering. (What was I thinking!)

2. I am addicted to watching Girls of the Playboy Mansion of E Entertainment TV.

3. I never travelled overseas, nor had a passport until I was in my mid 20's.

4. I play the flute.

5. The vegetable I dislike most is Beetroot.

6. My favorite radio station is XFM, I won't listen to anything else, I am an indie rocker at heart.

7. I sleep flat on my back, and can't fall asleep any other way.



On the knitting front...Started a pair of Trekking Pro Natura socks, photo to come. Finished the first part of my sweater, the front lace panel. Here is a photo of what it will look like. I am using Debbie Bliss Cathay in a pale blue. The pattern is from Nashua handknits. I was so happy that Flossie let me borrow the book when she brought it back from San Francisco. Thanks Flossie!

Back in the Saddle

Its nice to be back at the shop, especially now that Nathalie is back. Its been like at the beginning the past week with Diane away. I've really been enjoying it. It will be nice to have Diane back (if you are out there reading this from the French countryside somewhere!). The one thing that hasn't been easy has been the school runs as all of our kids get out of school at the same time.
On another front, I have finally finished the Gypsy shawl. It was my first try at knitting a lace shawl, and I am really pleased with it. Here are a few photos:





and finally, a close up



On another front, we are expecting a big box from Handmaiden today, loads of Sea Silk, kits, and a new one, Camelspun, yum!

Up and Running...nearly

I am happy to report that although we still don't have internet in our house (its only been a month now) I have been able to link up wirelessly at the shop. Yippee!
The shop website should be updated on a more regular basis now! At least I can read my emails, they have only been piling up for a month.
I'm back in the shop. Diane is on vacation, so its Nathalie and I, like the old days. Looking forward to hanging out with her, as well as getting some work done around here. I did recieve an email that our Sea Silk has shipped, should be here by early next week. I also hope to have some photos of my shawl, finished socks, and some lovely Koigu that I purchased. Might include some Disney photos as well!
Nice to be back online!!!

Shop Update

Since I am in Florida, and have no way of updating the website, I thought I could do it via the blog. Diane has kindly sent me some photos showing some of what has arrived this week.

First we have some more Fleece Artist sock yarn and Sea wool. There are some new colors for spring such as this lovely pinky and orange one on top.



We also decided to try a new one from Fleece Artist called Mo, which as you can probably guess, it mohair. It looks more like cotton candy to me.



Next is some Fiddlesticks Zephyr lace, which is 50% silk and 50% merino wool. The last batch sold out in a week, so just had so get some more.



On my knitting front, the Gypsy shawl is coming along despite the fact that the pattern from Koigu is merely a guide. Some of our customers have made it, and said that they had to figure out the edges, but basically you have to figure out the whole thing yourself. They give you a huge chart that pretty much just has the lace patterns plopped in it with no allowance for the center increases, and it doesn't show the edges at all. I have never knit a lace shawl before, and since everyone said that you had to figure the edges out yourself, didn't think about the center increases until I had to unpick the lace row about 10 times at first. I guess it should have been obvious that if you are increasing at either side of the center, that the lace pattern would increase one stitch each side from the center as well, but I was looking at the chart. Oh well, I am hoping that since there is so much color, the mistake won't show up too much. Once I got into it, it became much easier. I guess it was my initiation into lace knitting and a lesson to not rely on the pattern too much.

I also went to a great knitting shop here in South Florida called Great balls of Yarn. The ladies there were so nice, and they had some fab colors of Koigu that I just had to buy! They will be a great addition to our color selection in the next order. I have no cable for my camera, so can't show them now, but hopefully when I get back in a week.

Greetings from Florida!

I haven't been able to post for ages as we have moved house. I can't tell you how difficult it is to change everything. It took over a week to get the phone working, and we only have one plug that does work. Now the challenge will be to get internet, if ever! They say moving is one of the most stressful things to do, but I have never experienced it in this way before. I don't know if it is just this time, or is moving in the UK is just more difficult? Anyway, lets just say that now I am on vacation in Florida. It is sunny outside, and I can't wait to get to the pool. Please forgive me if the Stash website doesn't get much updating since I had no internet at home, and my parents don't have the software at their house.

On the knitting front, not much has gotten finished due to moving. I was able to knit alot on the airplane yesterday even though my 7 year old daughter refused to sleep or watch movies. Did quite alot on my Seduction Sock. Not sure if my parents have a card reader either, will have to see if I can post photos. Hoping to do some work on the Gypsy Shawl by the pool later on!

On the shop front, Fiddlesticks Zephyr nearly sold out within a week. I had to place another order, which has hopefully shipped already. We should have more supply within a week. We are also expecting more Malabrigo this week, as well as Fleece Artist depending on shipping and customs.

Diane will be on her own this week, so please pop in and keep her company!

Moving right along

This week is the big house move. It is just up the road, but there is still alot to do. This place is a mess. They have packed alot of the boxes and moved them, but the furniture is still here. I think they will move that tomorrow, and the fun will begin, unpacking! I have no idea when I will have internet service again. Things here don't always work very well, so even though they are moving the phone line over, who knows if the internet will work any time soon. I am so exhausted that I have had no time to knit. I am hoping to make some progress on the Gypsy shawl after this week is over. So until I have internet service again...have a good week!
P.S. Check out the shop website for new class listings.

Loads to Do

I don't know if I mentioned that we have to move, fun! We were planning to stay in this house until a year from July, but they have decided to sell it. We thought for a bit whether or not we wanted to buy it or not. In the end, it is a bit too small in the living area, and we are still not sure where we are going to end up in the long run, London or CT USA. I have no idea how we are ever going to decide that, but maybe something will happen next year to make us decide. Meanwhile, we are moving on Monday. The new place will be twice the size, but not quite as nice. I am looking forward to more space though. If I have been a bit lax on the blogging, the cleaning out and moving is taking up alot of my time.
Anyway, here is a photo of Charlie with his new girlfriend, Fluffy.



I hope they like each other. They are like an old married couple, bickering over food, sleeping in seperate beds. There has been no real fighting, and Charlie is a bit frisky still despite his lack of manly parts. They are very cute!

I have done a little knitting, though not much. I started the Koigu Gypsy Shawl, and its coming on slowly.



Not sure whether or not it will be finished by the time I go to Florida, but if not I'll have to knit it by the pool!

Socks that Rock!

Sorry its been awhile. I've been sick again, shocker! I can't believe how ill I have been this winter. This seems to be a rerun of December, some sort of chest thing. Anyway, I think I am on the mend. I have to give credit to the NHS this time as they have given me proper medication, and I didn't have to go to a private doctor and spend loads of cash on medicine. Anyway, on to much more interesting things!
As Diane and Nic are away at Skip North this weekend, I was on duty at the shop all morning yesterday. Nathalie arrived to relieve me around 2:00, at which time I found a card from the postman saying that I had a parcel. Hmmm, what could it be. I was expecting some medicine from Parkside Hospital that they owed me. When I got back to the shop around 4:00, I asked Nathalie to wait while I collected the package. I thought it might be something else, but didn't want to get my hopes up. When I got to the window and recieved the box, I saw the return address, and my heart leapt with joy. I immediately phoned the shop to tell Nathalie. We both squealed with delight, and I walked as fast as I could back without giving myself a heart attack (I am pretty sick, could hardly breathe let alone run!). I tore open the box to find this...



(Click on the photo for a larger view by all means.)

It is the first installment of the Rockin Sock Club from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. How exciting! I am not sure how much I like the color. It is not what I would ever pick out. The green is nice, but the other side is hard to figure. In some light it is charcoal grey, and others it is a dark brown. The pattern is really interesting. I have never done toe up. The only problem is that it is done on really small needles, and I am notoriously loose, so I have gone an ordered size 000 needles from the U.S.. I can start when they arrive. Here is a better picture of the actual skein. I love the emergency sock yarn by the way.

Back to Normal

OK, sorry about the whiny post the other day. It was actually the only really bad day that I had. The other days were actually quite relaxing, though it was a bit boring not having anything else to do besides knit and sit around. I can't complain about the knitting time, but I think if I decide to go again next year, I am going to pick the place. I would have really liked to have tried snow shoeing, but there wasn't anything like that offered where we were.

This wasn't a bad view to look at though...



Here is my finished Mobius, which was really fun to do, and as I said, the cast on is MUCH easier than people think...



I also did another pair of Fetching from Knitty, but no time for a photo. Maybe later.

I can't complain too much when my daughter looks like she is having the time of her life, and what a view!!!

From the Mountain

I found out this morning that our hotel has Wi-Fi in the bottom floor. Now I am connected! How exciting is that. The first few days here were actually nice and relaxing. The view is beautiful. (OK, this connection is not that great, it won't let me upload photos. Just imagine a snow covered mountain, with lots of sun)


We are at the top of the mountain, so I can just sit on the deck and look out at the mountain. I did alot of knitting the first couple of days. Finished the Mobius. Once again, can't upload the photo, so you'll have to wait for next week.
I am now making myself another pair of Fetching as my other ones are pretty worn out.

I would say that three days would have been enough. Everyone else is off on all day ski outings. I had to eat lunch alone today, which is pretty depressing I have to say. I thought I would go to the village for a little retail therapy, but the shops were all closed for lunch, for several hours. Had to turn right around and come back. Pretty annoying. I have now told my husband that this is the last time I am doing this. He can take the kids alone next time, they are old enough.

The other thing is that there is nowhere outside for me to go other than the deck, and of course everyone is smoking out there as the indoor space is non-smoking. No fresh mountain air for me!

Sorry to be on a downer! Not sure if you saw the comments on my last post, but seems that lots of people are having trouble with the Vogue shrug. I guess I am going to have to frog a bit of it. I have complained to VK, but don't plan on hearing anything from them anytime soon.

Gone Knittin'

I'm off tomorrow on the ski trip. I love the people we are going with, they are some of the nicest people I know. The problem is that I am going to be in the middle of a ski mountain with nothing to do. I have spent the entire week deciding what to bring along in terms of knitting. I am definately not bringing the shrug, its too big, and too many balls of yarn. I did have a lazy week and only managed to do 2 more hexagons. I am planning to go for the big push to finish right after I get back, so watch this space!

I was able to finish my Fleece Artist socks this week. The pattern is Jeanne Townsends Spring Twists. It is available from her Yahoo group.



I don't know why one looks longer than the other in this photo, I can assure you that they match up. The color is great, bright and fun, and they are so soft to wear. I love them! Here is a close up of the pattern.



I am also happy to announce that I have mastered the Mobius Cast-on. It is really very simple. I am using the kit from Fleece Artist, but also have Kat Bordi's book, which helps a bit. It is actually very easy. I was worried, so started it before I left just in case. Now I just have to knit away! I am hoping to finish this quickly and wear it on the trip.



I also cast on these socks. I've been admiring this color of Koigu in the shop for ages. It is not what I would typically choose, but its fun for a change to use something completely different. I am using the Badcaul pattern from Anna.



Sorry about the blurry photo, didn't realize it until I got it into Photoshop. I have to be at the shop to open in 30 minutes, but you get the idea on the color.

I am also going to bring along my lace, which you can see below. It has grown quite a bit, but that photo came out terrible. Hope the next one is of it finished!

See you on the slopes...not!

Hexagons

I am now on the 7th hexagon of the shrug. This means that I have finished the first row, and the following ones will be the shoulders, then the sleeves. I was starting to panic yesterday because it is pretty huge at the moment. I called Nathalie for some knitting therapy, as I was thinking that it is coming out too big. She told me, which makes sense, that when I start to connect it with the other hexagons, that it will probably pull it in. I hope so, or I'm not sure who this thing is going to fit. I did my gauge swatch, and as usual, I had to go down a needle size. I am going to soldier on, and trust in the pattern.



I wanted to wait for all 7 hexagons to be finished before I took a photo, but as it was unually sunny today, I thought I would seize the moment!

I am averaging about a hexagon a day, so basically if I am not lazy, I can at least get onto the sleeves before I leave on my stupid ski trip next week. (This is my name for it as I don't ski and everyone else does. Its pretty much sitting in a lounge knitting week for me) I am working on what projects to take along, most likely not this one though, too big.

I think I forgot to mention which yarn I am using. It is Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Stone.

We got some fun new yarn in the shop this week. Its called Tofutsies from Southwest Trading Company. I might take this one along and try some socks. It feels like silky cotton, though its made with Soysilk and Chitin, which is derived from crab and shrimp shells. I thought it would smell funny(pit doesn't), and it is really soft. I am dying to try it out!

Shrug and New Stuff

This week has been pretty productive on the knitting front. I have made some headway on the Vogue Knitting shrug. I am on the fourth hexagon.



Here is a closer look, the color is pretty true to the real thing in this one:



This project is so much easier than it looks, I am really enjoying it. The only advice I can offer is not to use straight needles, the stitches will never fit. I'm not sure why this is what is written in the pattern, if you look at VK's website, they show it on a circular. Not sure what they are thinking.

Also got a bit of lovely new yarn in the shop. First is the softest cashmere in some really beautiful colors.



This is the same yarn that I used for my husbands hat, it was really great to knit with. I'm thinking of what else I can make with it!

Next, hot off the press is Sea Wool from Fleece Artist. It is a combination of merino wool and Sea Cell, the same as in Sea Silk. It should make a really nice, soft, silky pair of socks. Can't wait to try it out.

Piggie Problems

OK, I know this has nothing to do with knitting, but I must have a rant. Since we got the guinea pigs for the girls a month ago, my life has been consumed with them, and the trouble that they are causing. It is mostly our fault for not doing our homework beforehand. We were just a typical family, who wanted to get pets for our children. We had heard that guinea pigs were supposed to be great for kids because they don't bite. It was nice that they like company and you should get two, which meant one for each of our girls. At the pet shop, the only cute ones were males that day. We were told that this was fine. After we got home and I went to other pet shops, I was told that you should not have two males, and that I might have to seperate them. Around a week later, they began to fight, but from what I read, this was normal fighting for territory, and should subside. To make a long story short, this one




ended up attacking this one to the point of bites, blood, and horrible squeals.





I have now had to house them seperately, you should see my kitchen!

Now for the good part. Last week, while all of this was happening, a customer came in for some help with magic loop on a hat. We got to talking and I told her of my problem. She told me never to buy an animal at a pet shop. I should have known this! She recommended the Bobtails Rescue Center. I have since been in touch with them, and I have to say that Delia has been so lovely and helpful. I have agreed to neuter them both, then she will take Patch (the black and white one), and will find us a nice girl for Charlie (fluffy one).
If you are thinking of getting a rabbit or guinea pig, I would urge you to get your animal(s) from her, we went there yesterday to take a look, and they have a great selection. This is not to say that males guinea pigs cannot live together, they just should be related, or have known each other from very young. I think that we just got extremely unlucky. I would say, please do not buy pets from this shop, although they are great for all of the accessories for your pet.
Many thanks to my customer that day, you were a great help! Hope you are magic looping away!

Now back to knitting. I have started the jacket from the cover of Vogue Knitting, we should have copies in the shop this week, I was told they were on the way. I should be finishing my first hexagon later today, photos to come!

Finally

It has been forever since I have posted anything. I think its mostly because I haven't had much to say since the new year. I have done some knitting, but not much. The shop has been a bit quiet, mostly due to this horrible weather! Today was like a hurricane. No one wants to be outside on a day like that. It has also been so dark that its hard to take photos of anything. I managed to take some today in the shop, where the lighting is pretty good.

This hat is a Handmaiden kit that we had in the shop. It is for my husband, who is never cold, so I can never knit for him. We went out last week, and I noticed that he was wearing the most horrible hat, so this is for him. I really like how the colors came out, they didn't really pool, they made a design of their own. It is so soft, who can resist cashmere!

Here is my Fleece Artist sock, I have just started on the second one. Hoping to have them on my feet by sometime next week!

Sorry this doesn't look that great, this new Blogger is not very easy to use!

Koigu!!!

It has finally arrived! The UPS man delivered the 65lb box late this afternoon. As usual, there are a few colors that I really don't remember Nathalie and I ordering, but we put the order in last July. Anyway, there are definately some great ones. Tomorrow will be a day of putting price stickers on all 400 skeins, fun. Diane took this lovely photo of all of them together.

Happy New Year

It has been a very lazy week here. I have gotten tons of knitting and spinning done, which is great. Eric bought a new TV and promptly hooked up his XBox 360, so you know where he spent his week off, and loving every minute if it by the way.
Anyway on to the knitting...
The Fleece Artist box arrived last week, which included this lovely wool/silk sliver for spinning. I love this Amethyst



I started spinning it, and it looks like this



My only complaint is that there is alot of white in it. It almost looks as if there wasn't enough dye. I have pulled out alot of it as I don't want it to be too light. Will have to email them and ask if this is how it should be.

I also finished another skein of some other spinning that I have been working on. I think I have enough now to start a project, maybe a multidirectional scarf.



I've been working on the lace alot, but no photos. It is definately growing.

Also started this sock, now at the heel flap. Hoping to get to the gusset tonight. I am in love with the color!



I think it is called Jester, but not sure as the skeins don't come labeled. Will check it out tomorrow when I unpack the rest of the box at the shop.

The big excitement tomorrow will be that UPS has promised that the Koigu box will be delivered. Can't wait to see the colors as we ordered it back in July, so it will be a surprise! Should keep Diane and I busy for a few days!

Leaf Lace

Its been nice to have a few days with not much to do. We went to some friends for Christmas yesterday, then to the gym today with the girls. Eric is determined to get in shape for skiing in February. I took the girls for a swim, and decided to try a few laps. I was told that swimming is good for asthma as it increases your lung capacity. I don't think I was ready as I am still coughing a little. I did 4 lengths, which is a bit pathetic for someone who normally works out a few times a week. I guess I'll get there. I keep reminding myself that just over a week ago, I couldn't walk up the stairs without panting. Anyway, its been a good excuse to do lots of knitting. I did a quick pair of socks for Larissa in Lornas Laces. What fun to do aran/worsted weight socks! They knit up in no time flat.



My next project is the Cocoon Lace scarf in Jaggerspun Zephyr. It is my first real lace project. I have done lace in socks and heavier yarns, but never in such a fine weight yarn. I did need a bit of help from Nic on Saturday. Check out this neat counter that Wibbo gave me, its really handy, and cute!



I've even had a chance to do a bit of spinning after getting some handy tips from Diane. More on that later.

Tomorrow I get to hang out all day at home and wait for the Fleece Artist/Handmaiden order to show up. Can't wait to see it all, already planning my next socks!

Asthma, RPM, and Piggies

I can't believe that I am just getting over being sick. Thus the reason for no new postings. I finally ended up going to a private GP as the NHS ones were pretty much useless. He laughed when I told him which antibiotic I was on. He pretty much said that it would have never worked, and that he hasn't used that one for 20 years. Anyway, he isn't quite sure it was an infection, but gave me some super drugs, and I was feeling better within hours. I am still coughing a bit, mostly in the morning. Today is my last day of antibiotic, but I still have two inhalers. I have to go back Thursday. My father-in-law used to be a doctor, and wonders if I am allergic to wool. My husband thinks this is funny, but I am not laughing. I will absolutely flip if this is the case. I am borrowing an air purifier from Nathalie tomorrow, she is up on asthma as her two little ones and her mom have it. Lets hope it was in infection! Meanwhile, I finished my pair of RPM socks in no time flat sitting at home sick. I love them, and have now moved on to a pair for Larissa in Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted. They should be quick as she is only 9. Here is the best photo I could come up with at night with bad lighting. The color is pretty true. It is Socks that Rock in Mist. They are a bit heavier than most other socks I have knit, but it is nice to have them work up quickly for a change. They will be great with trainers/sneakers.



This weekend we took the plunge and got a pet for the girls. We were thinking of a hamster at first, but after talking to a friend, decided to go for guinea pigs. I was a little nervous about it as I have never had a pet before. The girls have been asking for a pet forever, and this is definately less work than a dog. We have named them Charlie (fluffy one) and Patch (the black one)





Needless to say, the girls are thrilled, and I am spending my time cleaning the cage! They are very cute though.

Secret Santa and Debbie Bliss

Its been another busy week here at Stash, and life in general. I was just getting over my illness from last week, when we had a dinner out on Sunday. It was a lovely truffle evening at Isola Del Sole with a bunch of friends, and lots of wine. I ended up with quite a hangover the next day, which didn't help in my recovery! I ended up with a bout of asthma yesterday, fun! Anyway, lets get back to the weeks activities, shall we.
Monday evening we had a visit from Debbie Bliss. She brought along a giant bag packed full of samples for us to try on.




Here is a shot of Mary in one of the sweaters. It is really great to be able to try them on and see how they look on you instead of a model in a book.



Debbie also gave an interesting talk about the design process, how she gets her ideas etc. We learned about how she chooses her color palette, and how the whole book publishing thing works. I think everyone enjoyed meeting her, she is very friendly.



Yesterday was the knitting group Christmas party and secret santa swap. I can't believe what Fiona made for me. It is actually the first time that anyone has ever knitted something for me. They are exactly my colors!



I love them!

P.S. I forgot to include a photo of the fab flowers that Lesley made for all of us at the party. I found a photo of it on Brigids blog for all to admire!

Its A Boy!



















Matthieu has arrived! Nathalie had the baby on Saturday morning, which was a bit of a surprise as we all thought she was being induced on Thursday. It all went quite quickly, lucky for her. He is a big boy, which we pretty much figured, 9 lb 7 oz. I did get a chance to meet him today, and of course he is very cute, with lots of hair! Now I just have to decide what to knit for him, besides these booties.

Sock Pal

I apologize for not posting a photo of this sooner. I have quite ill this week. Not sure what I have, but basically, walking up and down the stairs makes me want to take a nap. This is really not good as Nathalie is due to have the baby this week, and its not fair to leave Diane on her own too much in the shop. Hopefully I'll be back to normal after the weekend in time for our Debbie Bliss evening.
Anyway, I recieved this fab package about a little over a week ago from my Sock swap pal from the Townsend Yahoo group. We decided that in lieu of coffee and tea, we would swap sweets. She asked me what I missed from the U.S, and I said Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Well she sent me enough to keep me going for a while!
















She also sent me this great yarn from Scoutswag in the most perfect colors for me, how did she know! Also, check out the adorable bag for me to keep a sock project in. Its the perfect size. Thank you Michelle!