back...for a few days at least

I'm tired.
I'm traveling a lot
and more to come. A lot more to come.
But, its summer, this is what happens, right?
Before I forget, I just went to look at a pattern on Knitty and discovered the summer issue is up!!! Yay!!! www.knitty.com.
This weekend I was in NH for my sister's graduation from HS. Isn't she cute? She's going to UNH in the fall to study Marine Biology and she's pretty awesome.Traveling and not being the one driving (its been like Planes, Trains, Buses, shuttles and only sometimes automobiles lately) means good knitting time.
The jaywalkers are making progress. All reviews are correct. This pattern knits up super tight and snug. It fits me, but for anyone else, I'll def. have to knit the whole sock on size 2 or 3 dpns. I switched needles as I turned the heel, from 1's to 2's, but i don't think you can really tell.
And... I finished the super secret present in record time. Mkick had whipped up a circular needle holder per my request (or plea) and I thought it prudent to plan ahead and create something for her in exchange. One can never have too many bags and when she was given it yesterday, she spent a great deal of time thinking about what she'll put in it.
Pre felted and
Post Felted:

Packed again

And ready to go.
I never fully unpacked my suitcase if you want to know the truth.
My lizard is starting to think I don't live here anymore and is starting to enjoy not having a house-mate. Nice try, Sid.
Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Boston and NH. I'll be up there visiting some of my best friends and then going to little step-sister's high school graduation. It should be a whirl wind of a weekend and I'm sort of bracing in anticipation at this point.
Tonight, I have no picture for you, as my camera is in a bag packed to go and I don't feel like getting it out. I'm sorry. The Jaywalkers are making progress, but I still haven't turned the heel.
I've also cast on a secret project for a reader, so it will only be revealed after the recipient gets it.
And, I'm making the pattern up as I go, so this should be interesting.
I'm apt not post while I'm away, though you never know. Until then, have a great week/weekend!

An open letter:

Dear Former Roommate Who Sews:
When you are done with your terrible law school finals, I sincerely hope that one of your first projects is a circular needle holder for me.
My needles are everywhere and Sid tells me he's sick of looking at them. I even sat on a set the other day (OUCH!)
I realize the man has been getting you down, but I promise that in exchange I will knit you something fun and cute which I will bring when I come to see you in a few short weeks.
In case you forgot how great I was to live with I'll share an anicdote which will help you remember how fun and entertaining it was to have Pia as your roommate.
The other night my cell phone rang. It was across the room. I hopped up to see if it was someone good (maybe even you!) and in the process got wrapped up in the USB cord attached to my computer. Not only did I fall flat over (nothing broken), but I missed the phone call (not you) AND now have a scar. Yes, a scar from my USB cord when it went whipping around and hit me so hard, I bled. I think this is another reason why I should not live by myself.
I've included a picture in case you aren't sure what it is that I am seeking.
Love,
Your most awesome and cool former roommate,
Pia

said picture from www.yarnmarket.com

knitting things

I just spent the morning doing knitting things with Alyssa. We work together, but she's also a great friend so, it was nice to hang out outside of the confines of work. And... she's a knitter on whom I may be a bad influence ...
We started out with mini lessons at my house this morning over coffee and then took a field trip to Knit and Stitch = Bliss and then Stitch DC. It was by far the best experience I've had at Knit and Stitch to the point I'm ready to say that I like it there and am going to add it to my favorite stores list. All the ladies working and hanging out, while mostly 20-30 years older then us, were super friendly, funny and gave us some great ideas (I walked out with a new pattern they photocopied for me!) I bought some new yarn, but will wait to unveil the finished product in a few weeks, as its a surprise gift. I also dented the wallet with another set of addi turbos, this time in size 15! yay! Alyssa did some shopping at well and it was a ton of fun, though the wallets suffered when I should have been behaving myself. sigh.
A few quick pictures... The tall guy gave me flowers on Thursday that were too pretty not to share...
and, this is the longest my hair has been in over 10 years. Strange, but true. It's getting a trim in about a week and a half...we'll see how it ends up!
Off to play outside!

I need knitting friends

I know people who knit. Plenty who can push out a scarf or make a hat.. but, I'm realizing more and more there may be a difference between me and them. One of my friends who is versed in the knit and purl gave me a blank stare the other day when I was talking about the difference between a Debbie Bliss and a Karabella yarn. And, when I sent out an email about the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival I had to explain what this was all about and that it had nothing to do with Cowflopping (Thanks Monica, that did make me laugh out loud).
Shortly after discovering knitting blogs, I started hearing about Knitting PODCASTS! They are seriously the best thing ever. The problem with them is that they are often really funny. And by funny, I mean in that way that you realize that other people are as weird as you are sort of funny. So, you may see me walking down the street laughing out loud. I have to be careful I think people think I'm a little off as it is. So, you wonder, what the Podcasts that have me giggling down the street? I'll share them here, but will only tell you about two.
Lime and Violet
Stash and Burn
I've listened to a few others, but these are my favorites.
So, where am I going with all of this ? Well, I've decided its time.
I need to find a Stitch and Bitch to join. For as outgoing as I am, its never been easy for me to just show up solo to an event not knowing the situation. I'm going to do it. Maybe next week. So, if you live in the DC area and think that maybe we could be friends and could also totally geek out about this stuff, I would be really excited to join the group you're a part of or something of the like.
I'm sure the Tall Guy would be happy if I had more knitting friends, though he is my number one cheerleader for all my UFO's and works in progress.