Yarn for Kalei

Final Quidditch

2008-11-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
b. 70

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

Best Pal Ever!

2008-11-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

I was so lucky! I had the amazing and talented Lavender Ackerly as my swap partner. Look at this totally cool package. I have the Gryffindor yarn bag with matching needles case, yarn in Gryffindor colors, needles, halloween goodies, Harry Potter book mark and pumpkin spice candles. Yum! They smell so good. Plus, she got me the 1st book that True Blood is based on and I can't wait to read it. And some of the softest, silkiest yarn. Panda Silk and Gryffindor (and USC-Go Trojans!) colors.

Lava - You are the best! I have really enjoyed having you as a partner. Thank you so much!

I am almost finished with my spoilees package. I hope that she will love it as much as I love my package from Lava.

I'm off to the USC football game at Stanford. So I will post my Quidditch answers tonight. I just wanted to be able to post pics of my package since I finally found my camera.

A bittersweet week...

2008-11-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

Oh well...I lost my duel to the talented Ophelia Crookshanks. I love the hat she made me. Very cute. I am almost finished with her hat, so I will try to send it out soon.

But - I also received my package from the fabulous Lavender Ackerly. She spoiled me rotten. I need to find my camera so I can post pics. She really outdid herself. I am so lucky!

I will do a more in depth posting later this week with pictures.

Gryffindor House Assignment #4

2008-11-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

1. Name your favorite magical creature, and describe why it is your favorite.
My favorite magical creatures are fairies, closely followed by dragons. I have always loved fairies. In fact, I couldn't wait to turn 18 so that I could go and get my fairy tattoo. And not to give away my age, but this was WAY before tattoos were mainstream. (LOL) I have also always liked dragons and then it was fate that my husband's (who is Cantonese) last name means dragon when you translate it from Cantonese to English. How cool is that?

2. Tell us your favorite charm, spell or curse, and explain why you like it.
My original favorite spell is lumos. I just think it sounds so cool and it was one of my favorite spells to cast on the original Harry Potter video game. BUT since then I have to say if I could pick any spell to be able to do, it would be Episkey, which repairs harm to a person. I am extremely accident prone and frequently get hurt. It would be so amazing if I could just cast a spell and fix everything back up again. It would save me a ton of time at the emergency room. :0)

3. Describe your favorite holiday family tradition - which holiday and what makes it special.
My favorite holiday tradition is to go with my family and pick out our Christmas tree. We usually go the weekend after Thanksgiving. I grew up in Hawaii and getting a Christmas tree was such a huge thing because we don't really have too many evergreen type trees there. We always got it as soon as we could and kept it until we had to take it down because it was about to become a fire hazard. I have continued that with my hubby and kids and they love it too. I just love the smell and the festive atmosphere that it gives the entire house.

4. Name your favorite fiber-based (knitted, crocheted, or spun) finished object.
I think my favorite finished object was a pair of hand painted, merino, self-striping socks in the Ravenclaw colorway that I made for my swap partner in different Harry Potter sock swap. They just came out fabulously. Boring old stockinette, but it really is the best pattern for striping socks because it shows off the colors beautifully.

Gryffindor Assignment #3

2008-10-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

"OFXMWPOZCP DLJD APZAWP QTYO TE QLC PLDTPC EZ QZCRTGP ZESPCD QZC MPTYR HCZYR ESLY MPTYR CTRSE." SPCXTZYP RCLYRPC

"Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right. "

Hermione Granger

Bonus 1: Who became scarred and developed a taste for raw meat in Chapter 29 of HBP?

Bill Weasley

Bonus 2: Who developed an antidote for a birthday present in Chapter 18 of HBP?

Professor Slughorn

Duel Round 2 Update

2008-10-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

Yey, I won!! I moved on to the next round, so there is at least hope for Gryffindor for one more round.

I am so happy. Olive really likes her hat and I am glad.

The Round 2 Duel hat is on its way to Olive B...

2008-10-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, my owl doesn't get lost and gets there in time for me to advance to the next round!

The hat came out really cute. It is pretty and very soft.

Quidditch Round 2

2008-10-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble? b. Frog

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry? a. Gillywater

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies? b. Gwenog Jones

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s? c. 5

5. What is Professor Slughorn’s favorite candy? d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest? c. Hippogriff

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear? b. Magenta

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling? a. Amulets

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth? c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials? b. H.E.F.

Gryffindor Assignment #2

2008-10-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

1. At what are Hogwarts students allowed to swear loudly if smoovenu attenuclea attempts to strangle them? Venomous Tentaculae

2. An animal form protector charm is a stuproan. Patronus

3. Who is the potions master in HBP? Choare Gushroln Horace Slughorn

4. What is Aragog? A troaclanuam A Acromantula

5. Who is imperiused and cursed by a necklace in HBP? Itkea Lebl Katie Bell

6. What does Harry destroy in HBP? choxerrous Horcruxes

7. Draught of living death is comprised of ? (list the four components)
asphodel, infusion of wormwood, valerian roots, sopophorous bean

8. What potion can reverse the draught of living death? dweliggnew Wiggenweld

Bonus: Who is R. A. B.? Regulus Arcturus Black

Duel #2

2008-10-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

I made it through the first duel! Although it was a bit by default because my partner dropped out of the swap. She and I are still swapping the hats that we made. I actually ended up making 2 of them anyway.

I am hoping that I will be able get started on my hat for this next duel this weekend. Hopefully, I can pull out a win because I think I am the last hope for a Gryffindor winner in the knitted hat category.

Wish me luck fellow Gryffindors!

Hogsmead and Homework

2008-10-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with my work that I haven't been able to post my scrolls until today.

Unfortunately, I am too busy today to go to Hogsmeade. (Darn, Professor Snape and his extra long essay assignments) But if I was able to go I would definitely have stopped in to Zonko's to get some gag gifts, Honeyduke's for some sweets and the Three Broomsticks to cap off the day with some warm butterbeer! YUM! Oh well, hopefully I'll be able to catch up on my work and go on the next trip.

Gryffindor Quiz

2008-09-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for a Gryffindor house quiz! There are a few here on fellow Gryffindor students (answers on their blogs), a couple about you, and a few about this term (Half Blood Prince). Here are the questions:

What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn?
Mrs. Macs

Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator?
Cliodnia Acromantula

Which Gryff student just returned from London?
Lady Felula the Forgetful

Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones?
Dagmara Grindelwald

What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)?
Too many to count...Cartoons - Thundercats/Dungeons and Dragons
Live - Electric Company/Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
Puppets - Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas and Fraggle Rock
I'm dating myself aren't I? LOL!

What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)?
Right now True Blood Fave standbys - Grey's/CSI/Bones/Medium/Criminal Minds Did I mention I love TV. I don't sleep and spend an enormous amount of my nights reading, watching TV and knitting

Which travel destination did you last visit?
Tofino on Vancouver Island. It was incredible.

What was your last finished object (FO)?
Grey and Blue striped socks

How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? How many do you expect to actually finish and give?
Maybe 5 planned and if I'm lucky I will finish 3 of them.

Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince?
Eileen Prince

Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)?
Bill Weasley to Fleur

What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse?
Cuts the target. If it is used to sever a part of the body off, that part cannot be regrown by magic

Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning?
Harry on Ron when he was poisoned

My Meez

2008-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

My boys helped me find a meez that at least sort of resembled me. Thanks boys! I had to post this because I have the coolest Penny Pingleton hair (in my own color) and my very own cat. He is orange just like my kitty Hobbes.

Quidditch 6.1

2008-09-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11 p.m.

4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

PicturesPost pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

NarcissaSnapeBellatrix

3 for 1 Narcissa-Snape-Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

My favorite Professor Dumbledore

Picture Day and 1st round Duels

2008-09-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

I put up my picture for Picture Day. I used my avatar because I have to say it looks very much like me (except a bit skinnier). :0)

I'm working on my hat for the 1st round of the duel. We'll see how it goes. I didn't get to do much today because I spent the whole day grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and getting ready for the week. Being a mom is a lot of work. Very rewarding, but tiring none the less.

Hopefully, my dueling opponent is as busy as I am so I will at least have a fighting chance!

Wish me luck!

HSKS 6 Questionnaire

2008-09-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

Potter Name: Angelina Phoenixfire

Rav ID: ur4kalei (I haven't posted anything there yet, I will try to get some things up soon)

I am allergic to: Very alleric to Angora, allergic to Mohair and certain wools irritate my skin (Sorry)

Pets that I have: I have an orange kitty named Hobbes

My favorite yarn: Merino or Merino Superwash sock yarn and cotton/tencel blends

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? I am not a Ravenclaw, but I like both sets of colors.

My favorite flavor: Caramel, pumpkin spice

My favorite holiday: Halloween all the way!

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) Sock or scarf kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: Any brand as long as they are wood or bamboo. For socks I like US2 and US3 most often. Any length from 5 inches to 7 inches works well for me.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?:Nope, as long as the needles aren't metal or plastic

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?)First time in this swap, but I have been in the Hogwarts Sock Swap twice

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Yep, Oct. 24th

Whoops!

2008-09-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

That was weird. It seems the pic of my lovely Weasley Twins has taken over my blog.

Please excuse the mess, until I can figure out how to fix it. :0)

My perfect Harry Potter Husband!

2008-09-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

I found this quiz on Izzy Whizzy.

I love it! The Weasley Twins are definitely my kind of guys.

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Weasley Twin

Your perfect HP man is Fred and/or George Weasley.

Laughter is important to you. You want a guy who's never boring, who can always put a smile on your face, and who can pull the best of pranks and never get caught. Or possibly two such guys. Because let's face it, they're pretty much a two-fer. You get one, you get both. Even if one of them's only a friend, he'll still be around so much you'll feel like you're married to him, too. Sure, they may not seem like the most mature guys in the world, in a traditional sense, but just ask them about their business plan. When they drive you nuts by relentlessly testing their latest inventions on you, you can console youself with that huge stack of cash and dragon-leather jacket. Besides, you know you're powerless against those stereo smiles.

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

HSKS 6

2008-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

I made it just in the nick of time! It has been quite awhile since I have had time to do a swap and I am really looking forward to this one! I love Harry Potter and I love sock swaps.

Introducing Hobbes...

2008-08-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a really long time. I have been sucked into too much work for the past several months because our team was down 2 people and we are just now finally beginning to catch up a little.

I also haven't been knitting as much because of a new addition to our family:

Introducing Hobbes! (Who completely lives up to his name because he is just a lovable rascal kitty)

He has a very bad habit of trying to eat all of my yarn, which the vet says it really dangerous. So after $400 and several really stressful days in the Vet's office a few weeks after we got him, I now have all of my yarn put away. Since then he has been getting really big and is so spoiled. He is the little prince in our house and everyone spoils him rotten. Really though, how could we do anything else? He is so cute!

I love these quizzes!

2008-02-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but I just love taking these quizzes. They are totally irresistible.

I saw this one on
Minestrone Soup's Blog and couldn't resist. As usual, it pegged me. I am a Birkenstock wearing hippie chick!

You Belong in 1965

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

What Year Do You Belong In?

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Marisol's Blog and couldn't resist. I have to say I like what it says about me. :0)

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out.

Your heart is open to where ever love takes you!

Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out

Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking

What turns you off: fighting and conflict

Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Third Annual St. Brigid's Silent Poetry Reading

2008-02-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

Hi All:

I saw this on Jo's blog and thought it was perfect timing. My older son was in a performance showcase at his performing arts school and he read his poetry. So in honor of St. Brigid's Silent Poetry reading, I will be showing my son's poem. I think you will all like it. I know that I am very proud of him.

Greed

How much is too much?
When you can't even remember when you started.
Or when you had had your fill, long before.
When you tried to stop but couldn't bear to have parted,
Just aching, just yearning, I'll just have one more...
For one cookie becomes five, then ten or even twenty,
Who am I to reject such fine food?
You've had a lot, but a lot is not plenty.
Only one cookie more, so as not to be rude.
You've eaten dozens upon dozens with ease.
So why not another, if you please...
More and more, so hungry, I just can't have one!
Always never enough, yet all necessity is gone.
Spiraling drastically, you start to see what has wrought.
You've been a gluttonous mouse and now you've been caught...
Trembling with fear, at your grim realization,
that you've gorged to the point of immobilization.
Struggling to stand, you regret what you've done.
There's nowhere to go, or to hide, or to run.
Those cookies are mocking, laughing at you, now.
You can't believe this misfortune could befall you. How?
Greed has seduced you with its addicting spell,
Through your unwary actions, to this spell you have fell...
So heed these words that go without fail.
Only take one and you'll always prevail.

You know you might have a problem when.....

2008-01-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

You plan for weeks to go on a hiking trip to Joshua tree and 45 mins into the drive you realize that you left your hiking boots, hat, and gloves at home, but have 3 different knitting projects for your 3 day trip just in case you get bored. LOL!

Oh well, we still had a great time even though I was so upset about leaving my boots behind. I LOVE those boots and I don't get to use them as much as I would like, so I jump at every chance I get. I was really looking foward to climbing over the rocks and hiking in the desert in those boots. One of the good things is that I was able to keep up with the kids (my two plus 2 nieces and a nephew) and my hubby. I know that if I hadn't been working out diligently for the past 1 1/2 months there is no way I would have been able to pull myself up those rocks and be able to scramble around with the kids. YEY! I am so bummed though because it is taking a lot longer than I had hoped to take the weight off. But I am definitely losing inches and toning muscle. I am sure that if I just buckled down and cut carbs out it would go a lot faster but I just don't want to do that kind of diet anymore. I know that it works but I just can't maintain it. I am trying to go back to basics and burn more calories than I take in and excersise on a regular basis. It is a lot slower, but hopefully it will be permanent since I am changing my life instead of doing a diet.

Sorry for the long post. No pics, but I will hopefully get some posted.

WOW! Where does the time go???

2008-01-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

I know it has been months. But is has been a bit crazy here at my house. With my new job and the boys' rigorous school schedule, things have been really hectic. I have been diligently going to the gym though and that has seriously cut into my knitting and blogging time. Which is good and bad. Good for my health, but not good for my blog or my swaps. I will say that the gym has been paying off. My waist is currently 4 inches less than I was in November so that is something at least. I have to be better at watching my calories though. If I was doing as good at that as I was with my workouts I would be down even more.

I will post pics later of a very late package that I finished at the end of december. I have been knitting quite a bit. I really need to for the stress reduction. I finished a scarf for my younger son who insisted that I didn't love him because I hadn't knitted him his requested red scarf. Of course, he forgot to mention that I have knitted several for him, but he declared that they were all too itchy. :0) He has allergies and I thought that some butter soft alpaca would be good enough, but no way. So I did this one in cotton and it finally didn't itch. It came out quite charming and he really likes it. So it all worked out in the end. I am also almost finished with a blanket for charity (a volunteer program at work) and it has been taking forever. The darn thing is ginormous. I swear that it is going to be big enough for a crib size blanket instead of just a little blanket. Must pay more attention to the gauge and the size dimensions of the pattern before just jumping in and doing the fun part.

I want to try and be better about posting, but I can't promise because life just seems to be crazy for me. At least it is never boring! :0)

I hope that you are all having a wonderful new year. My 2008 bring you lots of happiness, laughter, love, and fantastic knitting!

50/50 Chance of surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

2007-10-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

49%

Yuck! I hate zombies. They really creep me out. Please don't let them be real!

2 posts in one day??? what is the world coming to???

2007-09-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

I received my Hogwart's Sock Swap 2 package. It is awesome! Theresa spoiled me rotten. She made me the coolest red socks with the Harry Potter lightning bolts on it. They are so soft and comfy and they fit perfectly. She also made a totally cool harry potter bookmark. I had to fight my mom and kids for that one. They are always trying to get in on my knitting swap action! ;0) Some new sock yarn and a pattern and a cute note. I feel so lucky. I am working on her package in return and I hope that she will be as happy with it as I am with hers. Thanks Theresa!!!

My Hubby's 1st Sock

So I finished my hubby's first sock. I am so glad I finally got him to agree to let me make him a pair. He seems to like it a lot. Here are 2 pics. Pic one has my hubby's sexy leg ;0) and more importantly my new couch!!! I can't express how much I love this couch. I love the color, texture and man it is so comfy. Plus I have been waiting 3 years to buys this couch so it feels really good to sit down on it and knit. :0) The second pic is a close up of the sock. Plain jane(or should i say joe) stockinette sock. I am not thrilled with the yarn though. It is elsebeth lavold silky wool and it had quite a bit of vegetation in it. Hay and all kinds of scratchy dried grass. Yuck! I tried to remove it as I was knitting and sometimes it caused the yarn to weaken because there was so much vegetation that when I removed it the yarn fell apart. Argh!!! I will not pick this yarn to knit again, but fortunately the sock turned out ok.

Hope everyone out there is having a great week so far!

This is pretty close to me!

2007-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer. You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Join

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Johnny Depp...YUM!

2007-09-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

I was reading Doggedknits and she was talking about my favorite actor, Mr Johnny Depp. She has inspired me to start a Johnny Depp marathon, beginning tonight with Chocolat. Man, I love that movie. He is HOT, HOT, HOT. Plus, I love the whole idea of the movie because I like to consider myself a rebel at heart and absolutely HATE people who want others to conform. (Ok, I am off of my soapbox and back on Johnny Depp---Don't I wish...LOL)

So if you guys have any other fave Johnny Depp movies, let me know. I will add them to my list.

The current list is below:

Chocolat
Pirates 1/2/3
Edward Scissorhands
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Benny & Joon
Sleepy Hollow
Finding Neverland (Never seen this one but heard it was really good)
The Astronaut's Wife (Haven't seen this one all the way through because it creeped me out, but I will try again)

I bought some cute pencil holders from Office Depot. They make the perfect sock yarn bag. And they were only $2.49 each. I will try to post pics later.

I'm off to watch Chocolat and knit on my hubby's socks. But first I have to run to the store and pick up some green and black's milk chocolate. I can't watch that movie without wanting to eat chocolate. I don't even like chocolate....Go Figure???

If I were a book...

2007-09-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Very Interesting....

This book quiz is addictive. I took it a bunch of times. The first few questions are always the same and then the last 3 differ.

I was watership down twice and was 2 books from Lord of the Rings. I was also Lolita once! Whew---spicy!

It is tons of fun for all you readers out there. I swiped it from
Nichole. Thanks Nichole! Tons of fun...You should try it out. The link is below.

On the weight front, I hurt my neck so I haven't been able to exercise. But at least I haven't gained any weight even though they put me on steroids for the inflammation. Plus, I get to work from home for a few weeks (Drs orders) so maybe I can try and control my diet better. We'll see. Thanks for all the encouragement!

You're Love in the Time of Cholera!

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Like Odysseus in a work of Homer, you demonstrate undying loyalty by
sleeping with as many people as you possibly can. But in your heart you never give
consent! This creates a strange quandary of what love really means to you. On the
one hand, you've loved the same person your whole life, but on the other, your actions
barely speak to this fact. Whatever you do, stick to bottled water. The other stuff
could get you killed.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

You're Watership Down!

by Richard Adams

Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're
actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their
assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they
build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd
be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

You're The Fellowship of the Ring!

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Facing great adversity, you have decided that your only choice is to
unite with your friends and neighbors. You have been subject to a ton of squabbling and
ultimately decided that someone humble is your best candidate for a dangerous mission.
You're quite good with languages and convinced that not all who wander are lost. If you
see anyone in black robes on horseback, just run. That's just common sense.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I'm on a mission!

2007-09-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

So I know this is supposed to be a yarn/knitting blog but I think I am going to have to branch out a bit and talk about something a bit personal.

Let's just say that the pics from Hawaii and a horrible picture from a wedding (where I literally look like a pregnant oompah loompah) have set me on a mission. Six years ago (I can't believe that it has been so long) I used to be 3/4ths of the person I am today. :0)

I look at the pictures and just can't figure out how I became the person in the pictures. I have been trying to lose the weight on and off over the last 3-4 years but I have never been able to keep it off longer than 6 months before it starts to creep back on. This has been very difficult for me because I was always an athlete and extremely fit.

At the risk of looking like an arse if I don't suceed this time, I just felt like it wouldn't hurt to talk about it. I couldn't do any worse than I have in the past right?

So I have been walking and watching what I eat and although I have only lost 17 pounds since last December, (I lost it fairly quickly and then stalled out recently)I have gone down two sizes in my clothes. I have set up a training bike and my treadmill so that I can increase my workouts and step it up a bit.

I am hoping to lose another 30 pounds by the end of the year. I am hoping that will be a very reachable goal.

So I may periodically update everyone on my progress. Maybe knowing that I will be writing about where I am will help me get my butt out of bed so I can exercise in the morning in addition to late at night. LOL!

Thanks for listening!

I was lost in the Room of Requirement!

2007-08-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

HA-HA!! Just kidding. I have spent the past 3 weeks in Hawaii. It was a lovely vacation and we spent quite a bit of time at the beach. I have posted a pic for all of you to enjoy! It is of my favorite beach on Oahu. As you can see it is beautiful and practically deserted.

Thanks for hanging in there with my sporadic posting...or should I say lack thereof. ;0)

Hopefully, things will slow down a bit and I will be able to devote a bit more time to all of my blogging buddies.

My HP Sock Swap Pal is Awesome!

2007-07-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

I recevied this wonderful package from Kathy! It has the most amazing Gryffindor socks. They fit perfectly and she made them out of cotton for me and my numerous allergies. I am very late in posting my thanks. I'm sorry it took me so long. It has been a crazy summer for me. Lots of doctors, surgery, graduation, and drama.

I love the lavendar soap that she made for me. It smells heavenly. The lovely stitch markers aren't in the pic because they are already in use.

Kathy, if you read this, please email me or comment and let me know your blog address. I am truly sorry that it took me so long to post pics. I love everything you sent.

Hogwart's Sock Swap Two

2007-07-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

YEY! I graduated to 2nd year Gryffindor! Here is my questionairre:

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire
Second Years

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor

2. Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference?

US 7 or 7 1/2 I have wide feet. In Hawaii, we call them Luau feet but my family likes to tease me and call them Flinstones feet, great for running and stopping the car from the cartoon. :0)

Foot Length -- almost 9 inches from heel to toe/23 cm

Foot Circumference -- 9 inches/23 cm

3. List your three favorite sock yarns.
a. Piece of Yarn Merino Sock Yarn
b. tofutsies
c. any merino superwash

4. Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand?
Sure, any cotton sock yarn or soft merino sock yarn

5. Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn? I love variegated but solid colors are nice too

6. What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash?

I LOVE pink. It is my favorite color. But I love most colors, just not mustard yellow!

7. What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle?

I am still a new sock knitter so I have been sticking to ribbed and stockinette so far, but i wouldn't mind trying lace or cabled socks

8. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.)

smoke, pets, and most wool (merino seems to be ok for me for some reason)

9. Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them?

NO

10. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?

I would love too!

Looks like it will be one more week of MIA posting...

2007-06-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

First I want to say thanks to everyone who sent good wishes my way. I am keeping my fingers crossed that no news is good news!

I just got my Big Frye through his last week of school which was also his first week of finals. WHEW! Let me tell you, it is impossible to get a 13 year old to listen to you when you tell him that he has to start things early for finals because it is really intense to have everything due in the same week. Oh well, everything turned out ok and I hope that he learned his lesson. (He had a straight A in french and blew it down to a B in the last 3 weeks entirely due to procrastination.) Now that he has experienced it, maybe he will start things earlier. I'm not going to hold my breath though. Procrastination runs in this family, so at least he got it honestly! LOL!

I just need to get my Small Frye through this week when he graduates from elementary school this week. After that.....SUMMMER SWEET SUMMER!!!! I can't wait. That means my evenings might actually belong to me again for a short while! That means more blogging and knitting! YEY!

All Right...back to the grindstone for one more week.....

Quick May post number 4!

2007-05-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy here at chez Kalei! Let's just say it involves a doctors office and a 700 mile trip. Both items are unrelated of course. :0)

So my posting will be a bit sparse for another week or so. But it should pick up after that.

Contest Winners!

2007-05-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

The contest winners were Ikkinlala and Knitting Mama. Please email me your address at ur4kaleimllr(at)hotmail(dot)com and I will send your yarn out!

Since it was my first contest, I am going to make an executive decision and send gifts to all of the people who entered. So Monica (I already know your address) and Ann from AnnK please send me your address at the email addy above and I will send out a something cool to you too!

Crazy Week and a Contest!

2007-05-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

As usual in my life...it has been a crazy week. Birthdays, Potential Lay-Offs, tonsilitis...you get the picture! ;0)

The icing on the cake was that yesterday my 13 year old comes home and says that he needs to do a report on a French speaking country and sew it's flag. No Problem, I say we can make a little flag out of left over felt. No...that would be too easy! It needs to be a BIG flag, a 2 feet by 3 feet flag. So I am in JoAnn's at 8:45 pm buying yards of felt and all the women in line look at me and say.."Last minute project one of your kids forgot to mention?" It was hilarious. We were all in there scrambling to get materials for projects due the next morning. And of course, when I pull out my sewing machine someone has removed the power cord and foot pedal and no matter how hard we search it is no where to be found. So at 9:30pm I begin to hand sew a 2x3 foot multi-colored flag. (At least it was for Monaco which is basically a big red stripe and a big white strip sown together.) My Name is Earl, The Office, the 2hr Grey's Anatomy, and last night's Grey's Anatomy later, it was ready to go! :0)

So in honor of my crazy and hectic life I am throwing a contest. Comment with your crazy last minute or total comedy of errors story and I will have my sons pick 2 names and send out something yarny and fabulous to the winners! It doesn't have to involve kids, it can be about pets or just anything that is frustrating and funny at the same time.

Let's keep the contest open until Tues, 5/15/07.

One of my favorite movies of all time....

2007-05-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this! I have always thought I was Inigo Montoya. I drove my family NUTS walking around and saying "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Over and Over and Over and Over...you get the picture! :0)

My younger son took the quiz separately and answered it almost exactly as I did. We are both Inigo Montoyas.

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

My older son is...

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

I love that he is Fezzik. Fezzik is such a sweet soul and that suits my son to a tee. Although I have to admit that he is quite a bit smarter than Fezzik, but the good hearted, loyal part is all true.

I got this from Ann's blog. Thanks Ann! It was great fun. And of course the boys and I had to immediately go and watch the movie. :0)

Oldest Yarn in the Stash

2007-04-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is the oldest yarn in my stash. It is the 2nd ball of yarn I purchased. I just learned how to knit and I was in Hawaii taking care of my dad who was recovering from surgery. I bought it from a little yarn boutique on Kalakaua Ave. I never finished it because it ended up looking more like a pot holder than a scarf to me. This is due more to my tight knitting than the yarn of course! I bought it in 2003. It is old! :0)

Had to get this in under the wire!

Package from Monica and an Interview

2007-04-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

The Package
Thanks Monica! I loved the package! The teas smell delicious and the yarn is so soft. Plus a cool bag in my favorite color pink! Thank you again for being my very own yarn hostess. That was so generous of you. I enjoyed hanging out and eating yummy french toast and then cruising in the yarn store. I couldn't have asked for a better way to start off my trip to NJ. The only thing I regret is that I didn't get my camera out and take some pics. I was so busy having fun, I totally forgot. I will post pics of my package later this week. My computer is giving me grief when I hook up my media disk.

The Interview
I was reading Joy's blog and saw her answers to some interview questions. I commented and left my email address and she sent me 5 new questions to answer for my blog. If you want to play, leave a comment with your email address and I will send you 5 new interview questions. (See the directions below)

Interview Questions:

1) What is your earliest memory?
Riding around on my Granny's lap in her wheelchair. Even though she couldn't talk due to a stroke, I swear I heard her talk to me all the time. We used to have long conversations with each other. (I was about 2 at the time) Strange, I know, but true!

2) What dessert could you live without?
I know this will freak a lot of people out, but just about any dessert with chocolate. I am just not a big fan.

3) Who gave you your favourite present (and what is
it?)? My favorite present was for my birthday. My hubby took some black and white pics of him and the boys doing the 3 wise monkeys and made beautiful art for our house. I love those pics.

4) What TV character do you think you have the most in
common with? Wishfully speaking...I'd have to go with Callie from Grey's Anatomy. Loyal, smart, hard working, a bit ballsy, and kind of off. :0)

5) What time of year is emotionally the hardest for
you? January through May It is the tail end of winter and blah and there aren't any good holidays to look forward too. Plus that is a really hectic time for my kids at school, which means lots of long night for me checking on them while they complete their projects.

Want to play? Here's the scoop:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (and
give me your email address if you can to make this
easier on me!)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I
get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the
questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to
interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you
will ask them five questions.

Hogwart's Sock Swap Secret Pal

2007-04-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

So my Hogwart's pal left me a message on this "muggle contraption". (love that!)

My dearest pal....I am an easy wizard and I love plain stockinette socks with maybe a picot hem to spice things up. They don't have to be too long.

OR you can surprise me and do something wild and crazy.

I am sure that either way they will be brilliant.

Thanks!

SP10 Contest and Package Posting (Warning Long Post)

2007-04-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Beloved Item

I am getting in my SP10 contest posting just under the wire! I had to wait until now so that I could show my fave pattern so far! My anklet sock! I just finished the kitchner stitch on my toe yesterday! I am so proud of this sock. I took a risk, dove in and tried something new. Who knew how easy it was to knit a sock? It looks so intimidating. Now, I am going to be addicted to it and I can finally knit all of the sock yarn that I own. :0)

The top 3 things I love about my first sock...

1) I love the yarn. It is soft, resilient and I love the pattern the colors make!

2) I love how easy it was. The pattern was a simple sock pattern from my LYS. It was really easy to follow and a great pattern to learn my new sock making techniques on.

3) The way it fits! My mom is modeling it for the picture, but she and I have very similar feet. I have short and wide feet and I have such a hard time finding socks that fit. They are always too tight and the right length or comfortably snug but an inch to long. This sock fits perfect. I just knit the stockinette until I reached the bottom of my toes and then started my decreases. Perfecto!

The best thing about this sock is that it impressed my husband. Now he will let me knit him a really nice pair of dress socks. :0)

The Dreaded Hated Item
My most hated item is of course an UFO. There is no way I was going to finish it. It was my first attempt at a baby blanket and I was a big time newbie when it came to knitting.

The top 3 things I hate about my half finished attempt at the Big Bad Baby Blanket from SNB...

1) The YARN! Yuck. I know that people love plymouth encore because it is easy care and mostly wool, but it is scratchy and rough and not something that I would ever put next to my own baby's skin much less foist off on someone else's baby. (I ended up remaking the blanket in a cotton chenille and it was so much softer. It is one of Gavin's favorite blankets)

2) That gauge is totally off. This is before I understood gauge. The blanket is HUGE! It is almost as wide as a twin sheet. LOL! The finished product would have been a really weird size.

3) That big, honking knot right in the middle. Boy, did I get a scolding from Midge who owns my LYS about that one!

My SP10 Swap pal totally rocks!

Check out this awesome package from my pal! Like she says, I am her "Hawaiian, California living twin separated at birth." We have so much in common. Namely our love of all things PINK and a serious addiction to yarn and office supplies! She really took time to pick out items that I would like and need! I have been extremely lucky in my swap pals.

Thanks again SP10 Pal!

Hogwart's Sock Swap

2007-04-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone who reads my blog knows how much I LOVE Harry Potter! I was lucky enough to get into the Hogwart's Sock Swap. My questionaire is below. Although I think I have some Ravenclaw traits, I was sorted into Gryffindor every time.

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor!

2. Shoe size? US 7 or 7 1/2 I have wide feet. In Hawaii, we call them Luau feet but my family likes to tease me and call them Flinstones feet, great for running and stopping the car from the cartoon. :0)

3. Foot Length? almost 9 inches from heel to toe/23 cm

4. Foot Circumference? 9 inches/23 cm

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a.Fiddlesticks bamboo
b.Clover bamboo
c.(I have only used 2 so far)

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Sure! 4 or 5 inch I'm open to any brand as long as they are bamboo or wood. I have a hard time with metal and plastic, they are too slippery for me.

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Absolutely!

Under construction! Pics later this week...

2007-04-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

I have some construction going on at my house this week. After 3 years, I am going to have my master bathroom functional again! Yey! No more having to walk downstairs if I need to potty! LOL!

So posting might be a bit sporadic. But by the end of the week I will have posted my 2 entries for my SP Hostess contest and pics of the awesome package I received tonight from my SP10 pal. She is terrific. The box alone was too cool! :0)

THANKS SP10 PAL! YOU TOTALLY ROCK!!!

Yey! Comments!!

2007-04-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do a shout out to everyone who has been commenting on my blog.

THANKS for the encouragement on the sock and the comments about my oh so loved swift and ball winder. :0)

I have been under quite a bit of stress recently and my brain has decided to stop working. For some reason, I couldn't figure out how to respond to any of my commenters except for Sue H,the imperfect knitter(Ronnie) and knitting mama(Robyn). LOL!

I am sure that I will be able to figure it out as soon as I have a moment to breath, let alone think about it. But in the meantime, I just wanted to say thanks to Mary Heather, Natalie, Anne in Atlanta, and Dorothy!

My First Sock!

2007-03-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is! My first attempt at a sock! I can't believe I waited this long to try one. I always thought that it would be so hard, but it was actually pretty easy and a fast knit so far. The stitches in the heel are a bit looser than I would have liked but I can use smaller needles or keep better track of my tension on my next pair. The good news is that it impressed my husband enough for him to agree to let me make him a pair. :0)

My Favorite Knitting Accessory or in this case Accessories

2007-03-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yep! A swift and ball winder combo! My all time favorite knitting accessories. (because all though they are each terrific on their own, to truly appreciate their greatness they need to be used together)

My wonderful SP10 hostess, Robyn is holding a contest for favorite knitting accessories.

Check in again soon, I'm leaving for the movies! Gotta a hot date with my fave guy, Mark Wahlberg.

SP10 Questionnaire

2007-03-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love Merino and Cotton yarns. I also like good quality acrylics and mixed yarns like cotton/tencel. I am HUGELY allergic to angora. I also cannot wear scratchy mohair or wool. I love to knit with Alpaca, but I cannot wear it.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a beautiful new needle holder from the wonderful Anna, my SP9 pal.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I would say I am an intermediate knitter at this point. I learned several years ago, but I have only been knitting seriously for the past 2 1/2 years.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? no

5. What's your favorite scent? I like clean herby scents and fruity scents. Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lavendar or Peach, Pink Grapefruit, Apple, etc. I am allergic to floral scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I love black licorice. Especially the Panda brand. Anna and Ronnie have gotten me hooked. I am not a huge fan of chocolate, but I do love caramels and things with peanut butter.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I love to dye yarn, bead, sew, quilt, and scrapbook. I do spin, but I am not thrilled with my progress on the drop spindle and I am trying to talk my hubby into buying me a spinning wheel for christmas this year.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)yes and I like most music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?My favorite color is Pink. I also love burgundy, red, light blues, light greens, pale yellow. I like most colors as long as they are not day glow or pukey bland.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? No pets, terribly allergic.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?I wear scarves, hats, mittens, shawls and I would wear a poncho if it was elegant.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I love to knit scarves, hats, bags, and baby blankets and baby sweaters. It is my goal to knit socks and an adult sweater this year.

13. What are you knitting right now? I am knitting 2 Irish Hiking scarves for some friends, still plugging away at my Liesel lace scarf, a hat for my son, and I am dying to cast on for Calirometry with my new malabrigo that I picked up visiting the amazing Monica at Calling Kahlo. I am not a particularly faithful knitter. I tend to have tons of projects on the needles and finish them as my whims dictate.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love to receive hand made gifts

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like both straight and circular needles but I don't like metal needles. I prefer bamboo or wood.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes and Yes. I LOVE them both!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Almost 3 years now. It will never be finished.

18. What is your favorite holiday? I love Halloween, closely followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am a Fall kind of girl.

19. Is there anything that you collect?I collect butterflies, fairies, and dragonflies.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I would love any EZ book. I also want to knit the Chevron scarf.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I am learning to knit socks right now. I would also like to learn the Moebius.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Beg sock knitter. I have a size 6 US foot.

23. When is your birthday? October 24

I have no life and finally some pics....

2007-03-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

OK.....I know I owe some pictures but I just had to do this....it shows how insomnia can lead to having no life. LOL! I got this from Wrap and Turn I saw one on another blog that had books read. I will have to do that one too. Between watching movies, reading, knitting, and spending time with my boys and hubby, I am surprised that I still have a job. :0) (Pics at the bottom)

"It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, figure out whether you’ve got a life or not, and post it."

My number is 160 !!! The crazy thing is that this list doesn't even begin to cover all of the movies that I have seen. I will have to try and make up another list. It doesn't even have Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Bedknobs and Broomsticks for goodness sakes! Classics I tell you! ;0)

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(X) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
(X) AnchorMan
(X) Napoleon Dynamite
(X) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
(X) White Oleander
(X) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
(X) The Princess Diaries
(X) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
(X) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
(X) American Pie
(X) American Pie 2
(X) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
(X) Harry Potter 4
(X) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
(X) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
(X) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
(X) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
(X) Signs
(X) The Grinch
(X) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
(X) White Chicks
(X) Butterfly Effect
( )13 Going on 30
(X) I, Robot
(X) Robots
(X) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
(X) Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(X) Along Came Polly
(X) Deep Impact
(X) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X) Meet the Fockers
(X) Eight Crazy Nights
(X) Joe Dirt
( ) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
(X) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(X) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
(X) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(X) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
(X) Flubber
(X) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
(X) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
(X) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
(X) I Am Sam
(X) The Whole Nine Yards
(X) The Whole Ten Yards
(X) The Day After Tomorrow
(X) Child’s Play
(X) Seed of Chucky
(X) Bride of Chucky
(X) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
(X) Remember the Titans
(X) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask
(X) Son Of The Mask
(X) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number SlevIn
(X) Ocean’s Eleven
(X) Ocean’s Twelve
(X) Bourne Identity
(X) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(X) Predator I
(X) Predator II
(X) The Fog
(X) Ice Age
(X) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
(X) Curious George
(X) Independence Day
(X) Cujo
(X) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
(X) Christine
(X) E.T
(X) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
(X) Maid in Manhattan
(X) War of the Worlds
(X) Rush Hour
(X) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
(X) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(X) She’s All That
( ) Calendar Girls
(X) Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
(X) Event Horizon
(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
(X) Big Trouble in Little China
(X)The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
( ) X3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
(X) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
(X) Old School
( ) The Notebook
(X) K-Pax
(X) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
(X) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(X) The 40-year-old Virgin
(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
(X) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
(X) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
(X) Kung Fu Hustle
(X) Shaolin Soccer
(X) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(X) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
(X) Club Dread
(X) Hulk
(X) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(X) 28 days later
(X) Orgazmo
(X) Phantasm
(X) Waterworld
(X) Kill Bill Vol. 1
(X) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
(X) Re-Animator
(X) Army of Darkness
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix: Reloaded(X) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
(X) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

Malabrigo Yarn Yummy!

My favorite color swap 2 package. Thanks Mary Heather!!!

FOs and WIP

Blue fun fur hat, Cream Cotton Ribbed scarf (wonderfully soft and warm) and WIP - Irish Hiking Scarf made from Inca Alpaca :0)

And Congrats to my great friend Ronnie for starting her new blog! The Imperfect Knitter

Quick Post with Lots of Pics or why i have no pics cuz blogger sux

2007-03-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

Ok. Quick post tonight because I am TIRED and I have had a crazy week.

First---Thanks to Mary Heather for a great package from the Favorite Color Swap 2. It was amazing! Love everything. She really took the time to find things that I really like. I am going to try and dedicate an entire blog to the package later this week, but here is a sneak peak....

OK..Blogger is messing with me and won't let me upload any pics. So I am going to be and I will try again tomorrow.

Just want to say thanks also to Monica at Calling on Kahlo for being the Yarn Hostess with the Mostess! She met me bright and early for the best french toast and then let me hang out with her and Sheila of Stix-N-Stitches. I picked up some great malabrigo and they hooked me up with a great knitting bag and I picked up my very own copy of Yarnplay.

More on all of those things and the FOs and WIPs tomorrow. Hopefully Blogger will be more accomodating then. :0)

Music & Lyrics

2007-03-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does this look like a beautiful hand knitted shrug. When I saw it in the theater, from a distance it looked like a modified version of the pimlico shrug from knit 2 together. But upon closer inspection it seems to have a much more complicated pattern going on. It still looks like a hand knit though. Gorgeous work!

hmmmmmm.......we are taking over the universe......mwa ha ha !!!!!

Pics of FOs and WIPs tomorrow.

Ronnie is the BEST!

2007-02-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks Ronnie!!! I just received the package today. My family loves everything. Thanks for thinking of my boys. They have already taken apart and put back together the Star Wars puzzle several times. And the hubby appreciates the licorice. Black panda licorice is SO yummy. Love the tea and the tea sign. I am going to find the perfect place to hang it.

The house elf is adorable. The whole family loves him. And you totally read my mind about the needles. I was out when the package was delivered and I almost stopped on the way home to buy some size 7 needles to make an Irish Hiking Scarf but decided not to because the ones at Michael's have dull points. And when I got home, there was your package with not only size 7 needles but sharp, pretty ones! YEY! I am so excited to start the scarf tonight. I put a close up picture of the house elf and the needles below.

Plus I needed some blue eyelash yarn to knit a hat for the Boston Children's Hospital. Mini of Minestrone Soup is collecting chemo hats. This will be perfect. I can knit it up this weekend and have it out in time to make the Feb 28 deadline. I will donate it on behalf of both of us. :0)

Yarn Candy and Fav Color Swap 2

2007-02-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm....Yarn Candy! I went to La Petite Knitterie yesterday and got some lovely light blue melange Blue Sky Alpaca and Heather Inca Alpaca to make Irish Hiking scarfs for Lukas's parents. While I was there I couldn't help but get some of the loveliest Argosy Hand Dyed Cashmere for a beanie for me to wear in NJ. It is going to be COLD and a simple beanie made out of this cashmere is going to keep me warm and look great too!

Ok..down to business... Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors? Pink and Burgundy are my favorite colors but I also love blues, greens, and creams. All colors actually as long as they are not neon.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? I love to Knit, dye, bead, and quilt. I am also learning to spin.

3. What products do you really covet? I love fiddlesticks needles and soft, luxurious yarn.

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things? I love to read, watch TV/Movies, cook and bake, and hang out with my boys.

5. Is there anything you collect? I collect fairies and love butterflies and dragonflies

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? Scorpio and Year of the Boar. It is my year beginning this coming Sunday. (Chinese New Year)

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells? Herby clean smells. I have allergies so I try to stay away from flowery smells. I love lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and all fruity type smells.

…types of music and/or bands? I like all kinds of music. Very eclectic tastes.

…authors? Too many to count, LOVE Harry Potter, Garth Nix, Nora Roberts. I also have eclectic tastes in reading. Everything is fair game as long as it is a good read.

…animals? I like turtles and dolphins.

…places to shop? Yarn stores and book stores get most of my money.

…season? Fall is my favorite season followed by summer

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? I love soft cotton yarn. It works well for my family because we all have allergies and cotton is the only yarn I have never had an allergy to. That being said, I also love to knit with alpaca and soft wools, they just almost always become gifts for other people.

…candies or goodies? I love black licorice and caramels. Not a big chocolate fan, but I love good oatmeal raisin cookies.

8. Do you have any wish lists? No. But I would love some hand painted sock yarn. My resolutions for this year are to knit a pair of socks and my first sweater.

9. Are you allergic to anything?Terribly allergic to angora--I can't even touch it. I also have mild allergic reactions to scratchy wool and mohair.

10. Do you have any pets? What are they? No pets. Allergies again.

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. I love tea and my family loves hot cocoa. So if you have any great teas or cocoas that you know of those would be great.

I am addicted to these quizzes...

2007-02-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

Oh well...I couldn't get the link to be accepted. If you go to Jo's blog (link below) you can check it out. I was Daredevil.

I don't know why but I love taking these quiz things. I keep getting great ones on Jo's Blog . This time I was surprised at the answer, but after reading it, I can see how it applies to me. On a side note...Am I the only person who loved the movie Daredevil? I thought Colin Farrell was a bit over the top, but I really liked Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in this. I thought it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Long overdue pic of SP9 Package

2007-02-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

THANKS ANNA!!!!
This was a great package. She sent a pink (my favorite) needle holder with butterflies on it. How cool is that? Two of my favorite things on something I desperately needed. Anna - Totally Rocks! I can't wait to try the hemp yarn and I have been reading all of the knitting mags she sent.

Pics of the package and the needle holder. :0)

Sometimes these Blogthings - Quizzes are Scary

2007-02-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

This is one of the weird Blogthings quizzess that pegged me to a tee! Crazy....Not only does it accurately describe me, but when I was little I used to want to BE a mermaid or a Fairy depending on how much swimming I was doing. Go ahead...you can crack up at that. It gives me a good laugh too!

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are.

While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need.

Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational.

You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Shhhhh...Don't tell my hubby but I am in Love and other useless drivel

2007-01-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

I am in love, love, love, with my size 5 fiddlesticks bamboo needles!

I know I am a total dork for saying so, but it's true none the less. :0)

After frogging Liesel for the 10th time, I went and got some help at Suzoo's Wool. Margaret was amazing. Lucky for me, I forgot my needles at home and had to buy new ones. In comes the size 5 fiddlesticks! Yipee! That was the best buy I have made since my yummy yarn from the Piece of Beauty yarn store. It has made Liesel so much easier and I am hoping to be finished in the next week or so. I have been trying to squeeze in a repeat or two of the pattern each night before bed. So far so good, but I don't want to jinx it with pictures until it is finished. It really is a lovely pattern. I probably should have done something easier for my 1st lace project, but I think I finally have the hang of it now.

I sent off my pot holders for my pot holder swap without taking pics of them. Oh well, one of the guys I work with said he would love a set for his wife so I am sure that I will make them again!

Since I have been on a movie binge for the past 2 weeks, I am going to list some of the movies I am into right now....Please feel free to comment with favorites of your own!

--Garden State written and directed by Zach Braff Can't get enough of this one and the soundtrack is AMAZING!

--Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory the 1971 film with Gene Wilder LOVE this one! I also like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. They both are great. I have seen both of them in the last week or so. Must be some weird Willie Wonka movement on TV. Hee-Hee!

--Eurotrip I know I have a sick sense of humor and that this movie has got to be one of the lamest movies ever made, but I can't help but love it anyway! It is hilarious. Although if you are easily offended it might be one you want to avoid.

--Of course Harry Potter - all 4 movies. I have to get in my weekly fix of Harry Potter movies or I start to have withdrawls. I prefer the 1st 2 because they stick to the books a lot better, but I have gotten used to the 3rd and 4th ones and enjoy them even thought they don't do the books justice. Watching them for the 50th time will do that for you. It reminds me of something my ex boyfriend used to say to me, "You kind of grew on me...like a fungus." This is one of the many kind things he used to say along with, " I love how you like to tell the same stories over and over. It's cute. Reminds me of my grandma who has alheizmers." Lovely chap that one. I am sure that it is obvious to all of us why I am married to my wonderful hubby and not him, eloquent though he was. ;0)

Coffee and Yarn Swap

2007-01-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I got my coffee and yarn swap out to my pal, Lyndsey-Jane. It was a bit late due to my illness but I put in a bunch of extra goodies to make up for it. I hope she will love it.

I have also received a bunch of swap packages and I need to update my blog with pics of them. I am hoping to do that tomorrow. I also want to hand paint some yarn tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a busy day! Thank goodness for the people who invented my antibiotics. I am feeling so much better now it is amazing! :0)

Matching Hat for Lukas!

2007-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Just a quick pic of the matching hat to the baby kimono of the last post. This was the easiest hat and it took less than 2 hours to make. The pattern is from the knitting for charity episode of Knitty Gritty.

Baby Kimono!

2007-01-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

I was finally able to finish a baby kimono for a friend's new baby. I am posting a quick pic of it. It is so cute and tiny. It was really easy to knit. The pattern is from MasonDixon Knitting. (I LOVE that book). My next project from that book is a couple of the linen dishtowels. But first I need to finish Liesel. Took a break from it to get the kimono out before it is too small for baby Lukas.

I can't believe it is 2007

2007-01-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

I can't get over how fast this year has flown by! I have been terribly sick for the past 3 weeks. The cold that I thought I had was actually bronchitis. It has knocked me for a loop and I have spent the better part of the last week and a half in bed. My hubby gave me a macro lens for Christmas (to take better pics of my knitting for my blog) and I haven't even been able to try it out. :0(

I will try to catch up on my blogging in the next week or so. My antibiotics should be kicking in by then and I hope I will feel better.

I was tagged....

2006-12-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by lynnm! Thanks for tagging me Lynn! Sorry I have been a bit slow to post but I have been down and out with a MAJOR cold. So here goes....

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.’ People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”Six weird things about me:

1. The number one thing that people say is weird about me is that I won't eat any meat off of a bone. Chicken with bones...NO WAY!! I don't know, but something about it just totally grosses me out.

2. I don't sleep. I normally get 2-3 hours of sleep a day. It drives people crazy. I told me husband when we first met that I have terrible insomnia and he said not to worry it wouldn't bother him. That is until he actually had to start living with me every night. :0) He is used to it now, but I think it was rough for him at first. The good thing for me is that it gives me enough time to keep up with my addictions to TV, movies, and knitting.

3. I get sick at the drop of a hat. If anyone even remotely near me has any type of virus or infection, I guarantee that I will come down with it. My doctor says that my immune system is always worn down because I don't get enough sleep. (See weird fact #2) It is kind of a catch 22. The only time I sleep regularly is when I am sick, but once I am better I can't sleep again which in turn causes me to get sick more often....CRAZY!

4. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to germs. I get totally grossed out and clean my hands constantly. I also hate when my food touches. I knew I was in trouble and had to get a grip when my older son saw Monk! and told me that Monk reminded him of me. LOL!!! So my friends have told me I have been loads better since then, but I still refuse to open a public restroom door with my bare hands. :0)

5. I frequently go to Hawaii for the weekend. I don't think this is weird, but a lot of people I know do. I grew up there and most of my family and friends still live there so I only have to pay for air fare. I am also very close to them so I always end up flying back for baby showers, graduations, and luaus.

6. I always wear my hubby's clothes when he is away on a business trip. I like to sleep in one of his long sleeve t-shirts. It reminds me of him. I already hardly sleep and when he is gone, sometimes I can't sleep at all and the t-shirt seems to help for some reason.

I received a package from my SP9 Secret Pal yesterday and it totally ROCKED! I will try to do another post with pics tonight. I need to take a break now because my mouse is dying.

I will also tag 6 people for the Wierd Things in that post.

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

2006-12-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've seen this on a bunch of blogs that I read and thought I would try it out! Here goes...

Welcome to the 2006 Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Highlight, copy, and paste (not forward) and change my answers to your answers. Be sure to send back to me. Enjoy!! Everyone has time for a few moments of fun! Don't be a scrooge!!!Come on!

NAME: yarn4kalei

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate made with milk. YUM! I also love a hot chocolate from Marie Belle chocolates in New York that has a bit of chili pepper in it. It is really rich though so I can only drink a half a cup. I also am really fond of Apple Cider.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I wrap the presents as Santa's official helper. I have a bunch of Santa wrapping paper that I have been using since my boys were born. They always know it's from Santa when they see that paper.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored and white both inside and outside. Lots of lights. You can never have too many lights!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? My mom bought me some this year. This will be the first year we have hung it up.

5. When do you put your decorations up? We decorate the outside of the house on Thanksgiving and we try to get the tree the first weekend in December.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Luckily, I am not a big dessert eater. My favorite is rice and gravy. I make the gravy from scratch with my turkey drippings. It is my husband's favorite too.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: We didn't have tons of money when I was little and one year for Christmas I received a doll. Looking back on it now I know that it was a used doll. Someone had cut its hair all weird and it looked so sad. My parents gave her to me with a note from Santa that said she needed a really good home and someone to love her and take good care of her. I loved that doll. I felt so special that Santa thought I was a good enough person to be the one to love that doll. I kept that doll until I was an adult. I gave her to a young friend of mine who didn't have much and I told her the story of how special this doll was because she came from Santa. I sincerely hope that the doll continues to be given to children who need her as much as she needs them.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember exactly when but I was at least 9 or 10 years old.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We all open one gift on Christmas Eve at 12am. Then the boys know they have to go to bed so that Santa can come. My older one knows that my hubby and I (or the parental units as he jokingly calls us sometimes) are Santa, but my younger one still wants to believe.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? With lights and ornaments. The lights are white and multi-colored and the ornaments are all red and gold.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I am from Hawaii and I have never been in snowfall. I would like to experience it once, but I don't handle cold well so we will see if it ever happens.

12. Can you ice skate? I love to ice skate.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My favorite gift as a child was the doll I mentioned above. My favorite gift as an adult was pictures of my boys. My husband took the boys for pictures the Picture People. They are so beautiful. I totally didn't expect it and it was so wonderful.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? I love to spend time with my family. I love the whole festive atmosphere and the excitement from the boys. All of the lights and Holiday Music.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I'm not a big dessert fan. The closest I come is the sweet potato casserole I make every year. I cook sweet potatoes and mix them with sugar, cream, butter, cinnamon, and fresh ground nutmeg. I bake it in the oven with marshmallows on top. YUMMY!!!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Getting the tree. I love to go and pick a good Christmas Tree. Then we bring it home and put the lights on it. I love that first look when the tree is all lit up.

17. What tops your tree? We have a red poinsettia tree topper. It is really pretty and it matches the garlands that I hang around my windows.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? I love both. I love planning what I am going to give everyone and either buying or making everything. I also love Christmas morning when I get to see what my Hubby and kids have gotten me.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey is my favorite song, closely followed by Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters. I also love Baby It's Cold Outside by Dean Martin and the new version by Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton.

20. Candy Canes... I have to be in the mood. I am not a big fan of mint unless it is in gum or a mojito.

WOW!! That was long. But a lot of fun. :0)

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season.

Time is Flying By and My Swap Package Arrives!

2006-12-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it is already only 2 weeks until Christmas. I feel like the whole year passed by in a flash. Before I know it, it will be 2007. Am I the only one who thinks that is crazy? It can't be almost 2007 already. Oh well, time just keeps marching on.

So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.

One of many great quotes from a favorite movie of mine.

I received my Knit Kit package today and it is lovely! Thanks so much Gina from Quebec. I love everything. I needed a pair of DPNs so it was the perfect gift. I love the two sets of yarn, they are both so soft. It was too late when I got home to get a decent picture so I will add it to my next post.

I will have to make it up to Quebec someday. I think my family would really enjoy it there. My husband speaks decent French and my older son is taking French in school. So between the two of them we should be able to get in some practice speaking French! I am trying to learn, but my pronunciation isn't so good, so I am not allowed to work with my son! LOL! My hubby says I teach him bad habits on accident. They are both being patient with me. My younger son can't wait until next year when he can take French just like his big brother.

Lacevember

2006-11-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Oh well....my dreams for a star next to my name in the Lacevember KAL are smashed to bits. There is no way that I will be able to finish my lace scarf by the end of the week. It was still great fun though and I loved going to the blog and seeing the work of so many amazing knitters.

Ronnie - the Lacevember blog would have been just the ticket for you! The lovely lace shawl that you sent me would fit in perfectly with the other amazing creations on display.

I am using my hand painted fingering weight merino yarn (colorway Leah's Roses) to make a Liesel scarf. (Pattern by Mary Joy Gumayagay). It is going to be a Christmas present so I need to keep working on it.

I finished my son's Orange Ribbed Scarf. It came out very nice and he is so pleased. The Blue Sky Cotton is so soft and luscious. It should still be warm enough due to our mild climate in Southern California.

One last note - To my Knit Kit partner. I hope that I didn't convey impatience in my last blog entry. I knew that it was coming from Canada so it would take awhile. I only meant to convey excitement! The waiting is a form of excitement too. I am always wondering if I have a package waiting for me at home and that helps to make my boring work day a little sweeter. :0)

SP9 Pal

2006-11-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

My SP9 pal received the November swap package that I sent her and she LOVED it. I am so glad. It always feels great when the person that you create a package for loves it. It makes all the effort worth it! :0)

My Sp9 partner said I should expect a package in December so I am really excited! She has been great so far sending me a bunch of lovely eCards. I am also waiting on a package for the Knit Kit Swap. My partner said it was in the mail.... I can't wait. Those are the swap updates for now.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Hand Painted Yarns Yum!

2006-11-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

I took a class at Suzoo's Wools this past week to get some new ideas for my hand painted yarns. It was with Susan who is a wonderful teacher. If you live in or are visiting the Southern California area you should definitely check Suzoo's out. It is a little out of the way, but if you follow the directions on the website, you will have no problem finding them. They have tons of terrific yarn and the staff is helpful and friendly. I dyed 3 hanks of yarn. They are from left to right, Berries & Cream, Sunrise, and Leah's Roses. The picture doesn't do them justice, but it's the best I can do without a macro lens.

They were so fun to make and I can't wait to knit them up. They are all merino yarn in different weights dyed to be variegated yarn. I originally tried to get into the class in late October and was really bummed out because it was full. So I had to wait until the November class. But it turned out perfectly because I was the only student! I got to have Susan and the materials all to myself. I am hooked and can't wait to do a bunch more during the Thanksgiving Weekend.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2006-11-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy busy here at home. We had to tent for termites so that just sucked up a week of my time. First you have to pack everything up, find somewhere out of the house to put it for 4 days and then bring it back in and put everything away. It is like having to do a small move. What a pain in the behind. But, I guess that is better than the termites eating my house until it falls down around my ears.

I spent an hour at the post office today sending out packages. I got my November gift off to my SP9 pal. I hope she likes it. I don't want to say to much about what was in it or she might find out who I am. But I was proud of it and I hope she enjoys the extra touches I put into it. I also sent out a final package to my secret sister swap. It was a pretty big one and I sent her some good packages earlier so I think she will be happy. I have to say that the Secret Sister swap is the only one that I have participated in where I haven't at least gotten something decent. I think I will stick to knitter related swaps from now on. They seem to go very well. All of the knitter swap partners I have had have been very generous to me. Which makes me feel good because I try to be very generous with my swap partners.

Speaking of great swap partners....I sent out a package to my pal Ronnie too. It is about time! I sent her the stitch markers I made for her and her daughter along with some tea and yarny goodness. :0)

I'll try to check in later this week with some knitting pics, but life might get in my way. This is my older son's first year in Jr. High and he has TONS of work. So I spend most of my evenings helping him stay on track with everything until he gets the hang of it. I am working on his scarf and matching hat for Christmas. He loves orange and has terrible allergies like his Mum, so Blue Sky Cotton in a burnt orange color it is! I also got a bunch of skeins in Red to do his brother's set. It was then that my little one informed me that he would like a Red and Yellow scarf/hat set. It will be perfect for rooting for the USC Trojans and Harry Potter. :0) That boy is after my own heart I tell you. Ok...enough rambling for now....

Finished Bags and Squares for Grandmother Purl

2006-10-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

I finished my bag. It came out great! I love it and it was so easy. It only took me a few days of knitting between other projects to complete. It has been blocked and dry for almost a week and I finally finished up the strap seaming today. The lovely yarn in it is from Piece of Beauty. I will be devoting an entire post to her yarn later this week. It is absolutely yummy!

I also finished a square for Grandmother Purl. That gives me time to make another one. I made 1 8x8 square with a vertical Columns of Garter Stitch pattern in blue Plymouth Encore Wool. It is pretty soft and very durable. It is machine wash/dry so it will be easy to take care of. I am planning on another square of plymouth Encore in Green. I started a block with a diamond stitch design and was half way through it when I realized that I had some how made it too wide. It was over 10 inches wide. Oh well, I put it on the side and I will try again.

A Blanket for Grandmother Purl

2006-10-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

I signed up to knit a square for grandmother purl. (The link is on my side bar) They are making knitted square blankets for Crazy Aunt Purl's grandmother and as many other people in her convalescent home as possible. So far it looks like they will have enough for at least a couple of blankets. I am going to send in at least 1 square but I will try for more if I have time. The due date is Nov 10th.

I finally sent out the rest of my stitch markers for my stitch marker swap. I also sent out my package to Rikako, my Hot Socks Swap pal. She will be receiving her package next wed. I hope she likes it!

On the knitting front...I am working on a scarf/wrap for me in a pink/gray variegated Encore superwash yarn. It is just a simple stockinette stitch with a garter stitch border and it is really soft plus it is in my favorite colors!

Warning - Photo heavy posting! :0)

2006-10-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky! I have been so lucky with my swap pals. My first picture is of a shawl that the FABULOUS Ronnie made for me. It is a cashmere lace shawl dyed my favorite color pink by Ronnie herself. She also sent it with a cup and some tea from Harrods as well as toffees, chocolates, and licorices for my family. She is really great!

This picture is from my awesome Hot Socks Swap pal Lynn! Thank you Lynn. You are right, if you love pink and purple (like I do) you will love the Lorna's Laces that you sent me! The funny thing is that I also picked up some Lorna's Laces for my Hot Sock Swap pal. They are a pretty cream, light lavender and pale yellow. I love the tea, candles, (i love fall scents and they are candied maple sugar and hazelnut vanilla bean - Yum!) knitting magazine, little notebooks and the coolest card with a knitting diva on it. She also included a little brown and blue bag that is the same color scheme as the felted bag that I am almost finished with. It has to finish blocking and then I can sew the handles on.

Quick pic of the stitch markers I made for my US stitch marker pals. The ones for the International pals went out 2 weeks ago.

Here is a pic of a special set of markers that I made for my dear pal Ronnie! You can't tell because the pic is a bit blurry, but the stitch markers spell K-N-I-T. :0)

Whew! This was a long post, but I had some catching up to do! I'll post soon with pics of my finished felted bag and scarf that I am working on.

I LOVE HARRY POTTER!

2006-10-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Harry Potter. I am horribly obsessed with everything Harry Potter. We have at least 3 copies of every book because I refuse to share these books with my family.... In fact, I originally learned how to knit because I wanted a Griffindor scarf and I couldn't buy one that was nice enough. LOL!!!

I am so excited because I was able to get sorted into Griffindor House. See the button on my sidebar. I was a bit worried that I would be put into Ravenclaw (which would have still been ok) but I really wanted to be in Griffindor.

So I am a big dork (my husband thinks so anyway) but I am thrilled!

Secret Pal 9

2006-10-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here are the answers to my Secret Pal 9 questionaire.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love cotton (especially mixed with tencel or another stretchy fiber), alpaca, and soft wools. I am open to everything except Angora (terribly allergic) and rough mohair. I am cursed with allergies and very sensitive skin. :0(

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Right now, they are all over my house and driving my husband nuts. Of course, this does have it's perks because when I can't find my needles that is a great excuse to go to the LYS.... LOL!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for almost 2 years. I took a private lesson and have been teaching myself and learning from more experienced knitters in my LYS ever since. I would consider myself to be an intermediate knitter. Although I haven't had the guts to tackle lace or cables yet.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I love Fall/Autumn scents (Pumpkin spice, Apple Cider, Apple Cinnamon) and I also love lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, ylang ylang and other clean herby smells. As I said above I have terrible allergies and anything floral will set them off. As long as it is fruity, herby, or oceanie(if that is a word...)I should be ok.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

My favorite candy is black licorice (the sweet type not the salty type). I love caramels and toffees, too.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I bead, quilt, and scrapbook. I don't spin YET, but I am really excited to learn. I am just waiting for some free time so that I can take a class. I also would love to learn to dye yarn.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I am ecclectic and like most types of music. My favorite playlists right now are Jack Johnson, Brad Paisely, Bob Marley, Black Eyed Peas. Yes, I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is Pink, Pink, Pink! :0) I also love brown (especially with pink LOL), blues, reds, and lavenders. I love all colors and there aren't any that I don't like.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a hubby and 2 boys, ages 10 & 12. No pets! Again with the allergies... :0)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes. I will wear anything hand made with pride because I know how much effort and care goes into creating each piece.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like scarves because they are quick and make good presents. I am also recently branching out into felted bags and I need to try out the MDK (Mason Dixon Knitting) washcloths. I have had the book for months and I spend hours looking at everything, and still have only made the baby bibs and burp cloths.

13. What are you knitting right now?

2 scarves, and a felted bag (we won't count the bunch of UFOs on other needles around my house....)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Love them!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer bamboo circulars, but I also like bamboo or wood straights.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Way too old....it was a shower gift for a friend's baby who just turned one. LOL! But I switched to another yarn and was able to finish and give them another blanket months ago.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween closely followed by the entire Fall/Winter season.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Fairies and butterflies

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I am always looking for new yarns to try, especially hand dyed yarns with variegated colors. They are so beautiful. I don't have any knitting magazine subscriptions but I do have a lot of knitting books. I am a HUGE fan of books. All types, I love to read as much as I love to knit.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I really want to learn how to make socks.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I haven't been able to make one yet. I have a size 6-7 US women's foot.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

October 24th

It just started and I'm already Dead! Sock Wars.....

2006-10-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted this past week but there has been a lot going on. I received 2 sets from my Stitch Markers swap, I received an amazing package from my pal Ronnie, and I was killed off already in Sock Wars. I was so totally out of my league in the Sock Wars. Shawn aka Yarn Fairy had already knitted the socks and killed me before I could even get started. Oh well....it was fun while it lasted and I got a cool pair of socks out of it. Shawn calls it the Blood and Guts socks. I will take some pics of the murderous socks and the other packages I received this week and post them soon. I also finished 3 more sets of stitch markers but packaged them off to send out without taking pics. :0(
They were really pretty though and I am proud of them. Hopefully, my swapees will post a pic on the swap blog and I will be able to link to that.

I am almost finished with my mistake rib scarf in the yummy alpaca for my dentist's office manager. It is looking good and it is soooo soft. I also have started a felted bag that I saw on knitty gritty this past week. It is pretty cool and so easy it's ridiculous. I will post pics of these as well. I substituted some Araucania Nature Wool for the Cascade 220 in the pattern and it is so beautiful. The variegated colors in the Nature wool are stunning. Can't wait to post a pic of it.

My 1st Stitch Markers are Ready!

2006-09-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

I received my 1st set of stitch markers from my Swap pal. Thanks Kate!!! I totally love the wood beads. They are so pretty, and the glass bead with polka dots is neat. I like the way it moves on the yarn.

Here is a pic of my first finished set of stitch markers. They will be on their way to one of my swap pals tomorrow. I hope she likes them. They are a lot of fun to make. My air conditioner has been broken for several weeks and it has just been TOO hot to knit at home lately. I was thrilled to be at the dentist today because it gave me almost an hour of uninterrupted knitting time in a nice, cool place.

Stitch Marker Swap

2006-09-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

I joined a stitch marker swap. I am working on my first set and it is almost ready for a picture. I had a really LONG, HARD day at work and after dinner I was able to spend 30 mins working on my stitch marker set. It was better than a Shrink, I tell you! :0)

I feel much better now and I am ready to catch up on some TIVO and knit.

I will post pics of my markers as soon as I finish the first set.

My 10th Blog! SP9 Here I come!

2006-09-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is my 11th blog entry but I don't think the first one should count. It was a pretty sorry entry. LOL! :0)

I haven't been tagged for anyone to do My Saturday Sky, but I love seeing them on other blogs, so here goes....

This was up in Northern California this past Saturday. This is what I was doing when I was supposed to be signing in for my time to get an autograph with the Harlot. Oh well, it was worth missing her to see the joy on my boys' and niece's faces while we spent the afternoon flying kites.

The only problem is that my brother is going to give me grief for having a Darth Vader kite. He is a reb (rebel) all the way and he can't stand the imps (Imperials).....Star Wars lingo for you non-geeks out there. :0)

At least the sky was absolutely beautiful and it was perfectly windy, not too hot and not too cold.

I am off to register for SP 9!

2006-09-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Color Swap

My color swap pal received her package and it was a big hit! I am so glad. I had a great time picking everything out for her. I hope that Nichole decides to host this swap again, it was so much fun. I would definitely join in.

I spent the weekend up north in San Ramon. I originally went up to see the Harlot. She was speaking at a yarn shop in Los Altos. Unfortunately, I ended up not making it to her event. I am sure that there were TONS of other knitters there as it was her only stop in California. But other than missing her, the family and I had a great time. We spent some time flying kites and just having a grand ole time. The boys got to spend some time with their cousin, and my hubby and I got to spend time with some of our favorite family.

I put the Isis scarf on hold for a bit in order to make a lucious, cream colored, alpaca, mistake rib scarf for the office manager at my dentist's office. She is dealing with some personal grief and I thought it would cheer her up a bit.

2006-09-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yey! My first comment!!!

Thanks Ronnie for my first comment. I am sitting here working late and rewarding myself with a sinfully delicious cup of the Earl Grey tea that you sent to me. It is just heavenly. I am glad that you enjoyed the package that I sent. I am surprised that it got there so fast. I have to agree with you that there are few things better than getting a package in the mail. :0)

Oh well...back to the grindstone.....

2006-09-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

A Head Start on the Christmas Madness....

I am trying to get a headstart on the Christmas madness. But of course, that is what I said last year and I was knitting into the wee hours on Christmas eve.... :0)

I am doing several scarves in a simple garter stitch. It is quick and easy and lets the real star of the show (the yarn) shine through. The yarn is hand painted yarn by Isis. It is acrylic, but heavenly soft and at $24 per skein not your typical acrylic yarn.

I picked the skeins up on a trip up north to Cambria, CA. My wonderful husband let me spend an hour in the yarn store on our 6th anniversary holiday trip. What a great guy!!! The yarn store is called Ball & Skein & More. If you are ever in the area, it is a must see. The women in the shop were very helpful and kind. They have a lot of beautiful yarn and finished products in that store. I have been back twice since. It is about a 6 hour drive from my house, so that has got to tell you how special it is.

I have posted a pick of a scarf on the needles and the 2 skeins that are next in line. LOVE the colors and the silky, soft texture of the yarn. I will definitely be buying more of this yarn in the future.

2006-08-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Favorite Color Yarn Swap Pics

I was able to get the picture of my favorite yarn swap package up. It takes for ever to load. Ronnie spoiled me rotten with all of this loot. I have already eaten the licorice and my mom and I had a cup of the most delicious Earl Grey tea tonight.

I also sent off my package to my Secret Color pal. I have included pictures of both.

I will try to post a pic of some knitting soon. I will post a pic of a blanket that I made for a friend's baby and I am currently working on a scarf made out of hand painted Isis. It is soooo soft!

I am so glad tomorrow is Friday. One more day of work and then the 3 day weekend. I can't wait! :0)

2006-08-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Color Swap Buddy ROCKS!

Big Thanks to my Favorite Color Swap pal Ronnie! She is totally awesome. I love the stuff that she sent me. She spoiled me rotten. :0) The black licorice she sent me is not going to make it into the picture though. We have already eaten half the package. It is sooo good.

I will take a picture and post it tomorrow. When I opened the package, everything smelled so good from the tea bags that she included for me.

I am sending her a package as well. It will go out tomorrow, filled with ziploc bags(her request for housing knitting in the car) and some Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread. YUM!

2006-08-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! I didn't realize that it had been so long!

It has been a month since my last entry. I better get cracking if I want to qualify for SP9. :0)

In my defense I was in Hawaii for the first half of August. I was born and raised there. I am Hawaiian, Chinese and Portuguese. I always have a great time when I visit except for the fact that I get so homesick for Hawaii that it is always hard to leave. My best friend just had a baby and I got to spend a lot of time with them. Her baby girl is sooo cute. What a doll. I also made a short trip to Maui with my husband, 2 boys, dad and step-mom. The guys got in 2 rounds of golf and the rest of us enjoyed the aquarium and beatuiful scenery. Not much on the knitting front because I have been so busy this month. We just got back from the trip and my older son started junior high right away so that has been taking up most of my time.

I was able to take a 4 hour drive up to Solvang this weekend to get everything I needed for my Favorite Color Swap package. My secret pal is into spinning and I got her some luxurious merino roving in her favorite colors. I also got her some merino/mohair that is heavenly soft. I don't spin, but the spinner who owns the shop assured me that she will love the gifts. I plan on wrapping it up pretty and sending it out today or tomorrow.

I have been in contact with my upstream secret pal for My Favorite Color Swap and she is great. She seems really nice and I have enjoyed emailing her. She says my package should get here later this week and I am so excited. I have a package for her that I will also be sending out this week. I hope she enjoys it.

Here is a picture from one of my trips to Hawaii. Enjoy! It is the view of the surf at Makapu'u from the light house.

2006-07-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is me to a tee! I found the link on one of my favorite color swap pals blog. Very interesting.

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything.
You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life.
You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you.

Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace.
You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life.
Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times.

At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you.
You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others.
You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

What Temperment Are You?

2006-07-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yey! My Secret Pal rocks!

I got an email from my secret pal and I am so excited. I can't wait to see what she gets me. She sounds great. I am also excited to start shopping for my other secret pal too. I already have some good ideas from checking out her blog.

2006-07-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I have recently joined a Favorite Color Secret Pal Swap. I have added my anwers to the questions below:

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors? Pink, Red, Blue

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? Mainly knitting right now. I am obsessed with yarn, much to my husband's dismay. I also love to bead and scrapbook, and I am seriously thinking about taking up quilting again.

3. What products do you really covet? I have a passion for soft cotton yarn. Don't know why, I just love it!

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things? I love to read and spend time with my 2 boys. I am also addicted to tv. That's the best thing about being an insomniac, tons of time for knitting, reading, and tv that can all be done after the boys go to bed.

5. Is there anything you collect? Other than my obsession with yarn, I like fairies and butterflies.

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? Scorpio/Year of the Boar

7.What are your favorite……

scents/smells - I am an island girl and I love the ocean.

types of music and/or bands - Jack Johnson and Brad Paisley are the 2 big players on my ipod right now

authors? - Huge Harry Potter fan, love Garth Nix, Janet Evanovich, and of course Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

animals? - dolphins and turtles

places to shop? - anywhere that sells yarn, Michael's and Target

season? - Fall is my favorite time of year with Summer a close second

yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? - love them all!

candies or goodies? - Believe it or not, I don't eat chocolate, so I would have to say either caramels or any type of sour candy. I love black licorice, the sweet ones not the saltly ones.

9. Are you allergic to anything? - Unfortunately, I am allergic to cats, dogs, dust, and cigarettes.

2006-07-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

Kalei is now on the net