Knitty Sock Swap Part Deux: Gifts Fit for Royalty

Thank You, Cristi! I love my package!
I can only hope you love your package as much. ;) I'm confident that you will. ;)

A pair of Waving Lace Socks from Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave by Ann Budd (Editor), Anne Merrow (Editor) knit with Trekking XXL Degrade #78
- Fleece Artist Ruby Red Nova Socks
- Hersheys Kisses Lip Balm
- Burt's Bees Healthy Hands Kit
- Claire's Daisy Studs
- Claire's Pink Rhinestone Heart Shaped Dangle Earrings
- Pink Glitter Dot Mirrored Carry Case
- Rhinestone Crown Hairpiece
- Fluffy Pink Boa Crown

The Knittyboard Sock Swap Part Deux

I'm so excited to participate in the Knitty! Sock Swap Part Deux hosted by Stariel and bryghtrose. This is my first Sock Swap. I was fortunate enough to get one of my favorite Knitties, Turtlegirl76 (Cristi) as my pal. I've already devised the most perfect lace pattern for her socks! It took some brainpower to make the pattern fit the gauge, but I did it.

Without divulging the super secret lace pattern.
Here was my dilemma. The lace pattern had a repeat of 10 sts, but the instep will be 36sts.
Problem: How to make sure the lace will match up properly when I get to the cuff?
Sure, I could have just shoved those extra sts. off to either side and just had 3 pattern repeats going up the instep, but what about when I got to the cuff? I'd have a total of 72 sts with the original 3 pattern repeats going up the instep. Then, I'd be faced with 3 centered pattern repeats up the back of the leg with plain stockinette on the sides!? NOT!
Simple solution! It came to me while I was half asleep on the sofa last night. Just move the extra stockinette stitches into the lace pattern! Fortunately, I was able to evenly distribute the 6 extra stitches into the lace pattern. PHEW! I turned the original 10 stitch pattern repeat into a 12 stitch pattern repeat. 12 x 3 = 36! YEAH! Don't forget to include the stitches at the beginning and ending of each row that are NOT part of the pattern repeat. I learned this the hard way. Things where lining up like the should and it wasn't until I realized you need to keep the beginning and end of row stitches that things straightened out.

I'm knitting up a swatch right now and hope to cast on for both socks by tomorrow.

Stash Inventory Complete!

Good Googley Goo!

It took me the ENTIRE weekend working 12 hours a day to complete

my stash inventory.

LAWD GEEZUS! I gots a lot of yarn, but I know it's nowhere near as much as some folks, so I don't feel too bad.

On the upside, my stash has undergone a HUGE metamorphosis. You see, this time last year, my stash was ghetto as all get out. I mean just full of Lion Brand Fun Fur and Red Heart Super Saver and all kinds of craziness. My moment of enlightenment came last year during Zibibbo's "Flash Your Stash 2006 Event" when I was scolded by Zib for possessing the evil, dreaded "petro" Natzi yarn. Who Knew! *geez* So, ever since then,I have set about acquiring a higher pedigree of fiberliciousness.

Thanks to my Gwenie Gwen. I've been going crazy and broke buying up as much as I can at Little Knits and Discontinued Brand Name Yarns. *drool* OH MY GAWD! The deals on the yarn you can get there. I mean *shudder* I've got bags of Noro, Artfiber Silk, Debbie Bliss, Muench, Cherry Tree Hill and various hand dyed yarns.

Since I'd like to tidy up my stash a bit, here is my swapsheet for your swapping pleasure! I've been listing things on the Knittyboard and Knitter's Review forums. Last night, I stumbled upon eBay's "Want It Now" section where knitters can list those elusive items that they need to finish a project or just covet.

...and don't forget that this Sunday, April 1, 2007 is the annual "Flash Your Stash" event on the Knittyboard. So, start snapping your yarn pr0n now and be ready to flash us on Sunday!

Announcing the "Secret Sistah Friend Exchange (SSFE)"

Sistahs there's still time left (May 31, 2006) to sign up for the exchange.

So, here are my answers to the SSFE questionnaire.

Name: Carmen

Age: 35, Oct. 11 Libra
Favorite Colors: PINK BLACK YELLOW ORANGE SAGE CHARTREUSE CRIMSON

Favorite Fibers: Wool, Cotton, Silk, Cashmere, Alpaca

Do you knit with acrylic? No

Favorite Item To Knit: Anything

Whatcha Knitting Now: Works In Progress

How Long You've Been Knitting: Since the 4th grade. I consider myself to be an "Advanced Knitter", but I'm always picking up tips and tricks where I can.

What other crafty things do you partake in? jewelry making (stitch markers), crochet, sew, scrapbook, rubberstamp, cross stitch

What Crafty Magazine Subscriptions do you currently have? None

How old is your oldest Unfinished Object (ufo)? The Split Neckline Cap Sleeve Tee

What inspires you and the projects you will eventually knit? uh...any visual cue like knitting magazines, knitty gritty, knitting pattern books.

Do you like bath and body products? I LOVE Philosophy products, especially Amazing Grace and Pure Grace.
If so, what are your scent preferences: I prefer citrus or clean scents, like Laila, Acqua Di Gio, Pleasures, Amazing Grace, Pure Grace According to Sephora, I fit in the Floral and Soft Floral category. I know these are expensive, so I don't expect anyone to buy these for me...these are just examples of the scent range that I adore.
Anything you can't stand? I don't like any products with heavy Musk, Sandlewoods or Patchouli. DEFINATELY NOT a Woody or Oriental girl.