How does your garden grow?

Hopefully pretty damn well! I finally got around to planting my container garden this weekend. I have to say, I'm pretty excited for this years crop! We'll have lettuce, cherry tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley and zucchini. Oh, and I planted lavender because I just love it!

Hopefully Mother Nature will give me a little help with this! I'll keep you updated throughout the growing season...

A great combo!

I came across this - OK, I get a newsletter from the Jane Austen Centre in Bath and this was in it - but it's worth sharing. As a fan of the band Keane and Jane Austen movies, it's just brilliant! Enjoy!

Ahoy Matey!

We had our first sailing lesson this weekend! It's something we've talked about doing since we moved to Seattle, so for a first year anniversary gift to ourselves, we said why not! We are taking the lessons at the Center for Wooden Boats in South Lake Union. If you've never been there, I highly suggest checking it out! It's a pretty interesting place to visit and there is always someone there working on a boat or two. Like knitters, when asked about their project, they are always glad to chat about their obsession - I mean hobby.

Our first class was "shore school." Just stayed on dry land and learned a few sailing terms like keel, line, boom. Next week, we head out onto Lake Union for our first of seven hands on sailing lessons! I'll keep you updated.

The spring crud

It's going around and I'm the latest victim. Actually I've been sick for several days now. And I'm sick of being sick. Luckily I've had my clapotis to keep me company. I'm almost finished with the first skein and ready to move onto the second one - so exciting!

I also realized it's been nearly three months since I've bought yarn. I think I deserve a little treat this weekend. I'm sure the doctor would agree.

Ah....public transportation

On a recent sunny and beautiful afternoon, I was waiting at my bus stop for my ride home. I wasn't on the phone, Ipod or reading my book. I was just simply soaking up the sun, waiting for my bus. So when it came, I hopped on at the back door (it was one of those long articulated buses) and found a seat. I pulled out the Ipod and book and quickly became engrossed in finishing my book. Soon I realized that the bus was going pretty fast for a neighborhood street. I looked up to figure out when my stop was coming along only too see a building address with "Aurora" in the name. Then, we were crossing the Aurora bridge. I was on the wrong damn bus. I had gotten on the express instead of the local. I could have sworn there wasn't an express sign, but apparently the sunlight was rather distracting.

So I calmly put away my Ipod and book, got my bus pass and decided to act cool. I hoped off at the first possible stop, trying to figure out just where the hell I was and how I was going to get home. But as I was trying to figure out my own situation, as couple came up to me who also got off the bus. The woman had a map and a very thick accent. They were foreign tourists who had made the same mistake I had. She was pointing to her map and to the roads. I basically told them to get back on another bus and head downtown and start over. Then I called Rebecca. She - luckily had taken the day off because she had just ran the Vancouver Half - she answered and I said:

Me: "You can totally make fun of me, but I need your help."
Her: "Ah.......yes?"
Me: "I got on the wrong bus and I need you to pick me."
Her: Hysterical laughter.

So once we figured out where I was (turned out, not that too far away from her place), she came and picked me up- still laughing. But then she confessed that she's done this too. I guess I am now a true bus commuter.

Catching my breath

For some reason, it's been another couple of busy weeks around here. Too much working, not enough working out, and even sadder, very little knitting. In fact, the hubby even noticed my lack of knitting the other night and wondered if everything was alright. That's not good. The most action my knitting has seen in recent weeks is this: I pull it out and put it on the coffee table next to the recliner. Then I get all comfy, and realize, I'm really freakin' tired. So I veg out in front of the TV. The next night, I move the knitting bag from the table next to the recliner on to the couch, where I proceed to get all comfy, and realize, I'm really freakin' tired. You get the picture right. In fact, the quickest I've moved all week (because the workouts haven't been happening either) is when I came in to the t.v. room and found the hubby laying on the couch, on top of my knitting bag! I grabbed it while yelling "My knitting!" Luckily, it was just the clapotis and not the socks with the small, sharp pointy needles, although, that would have taught him a good lesson!

So this weekend is all about catching up on life, knitting and me. I did get some knitting done on both the sock and the clapotis. In fact, I'm at the first point to drop the stitches! It's very exciting and scary as dropping stitches is always something I've tried not to do. So far, so good.

Oh, and I snapped this pretty picture the other day. I though you all might like it. It truly represents springtime here in Seattle: raining on one street, sunny on the next.

Interweave Knits Preview

It's out. And there are several fabulous projects, but so far, I'm so loving this. And I want to make it. Now. Said the knitter who's already up to her elbows in knitting the clapotis.

Sock Knitting with the Yarn Harlot

The Yarn Harlot came to town again with more funny knitting stories and adventures to share with us! A group of Purly Girls met up there for a little knitting and laughing. Since the Yarn Harlot does love her sock knitting, I thought it would be the ideal time to start my second sock.

Mara was able to join us. She brought her sock knitting too and she finished it. And yes, that is all the yarn she had left when she finished. Nice knitting.

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day. A day we stop and take stock at how we've managed to pillage, plow and pollute a good chunk or our air, water and land. But now, we realize the damage we've done and hopefully (for some of us) realize there are small steps we can take to start fixing the damage we've done.
Whether it's recycling, busing, composting or what, every little bit helps. I enjoy living in a city that is very eco-friendly and offers lots of tips and resources to help folks be a little kinder to this little ol' world we live in.

Tip-Toe-Through-The-Tulips!

My folks came to town this weekend and we headed north to the Tulip Festival. Thanks to our really cold and wet winter not all of the tulips were in bloom, but most of them were beginning to pop out. We were treated not only to the tulips, but to this freakishly warm and sunny day for springtime in Seattle! It was a perfect weekend!

Time for a knitalong!

Tonight I decided to join Supergirl and head over to the book reading/sign for Larissa Brown's book knitalong: Celebration the Tradition of Knitting Together. It was really interesting to hear why she and her husband decided to write a knitting book together. (Her hubby Martin is a writer and said he'd learn to knit during this process. He knit a bookmark and called it good.) They chronicled the history of why people knit together. It used to be out of necessity at times of war, but now it's more of a social gathering or for charity. I know what she's talking about. When I first was knitting, I knit with my friend Shannon. We were the only ones knitting in public. Every single time. But then I moved to Seattle, and discovered Shannon and I weren't such oddities the folks of Boise made us feel like as we knitted in public. It's true what Larissa said about being around other knitters: they make you want to challenge yourself and try something new. That has been my experience with the Purly Girls as I always feel so inspired by all their talent and creativity!

To the jackass who did this:

I'd just like to say we've got you on video tape. Yes sir, that's right, you. The one who smashed about 8-10 car windows in our parking lot Monday morning, and stole a bunch of stuff, your mug is on our video tape surveillance for the condos. And we're pissed. Pissed because, sadly, you're not the first jackass to do this to us. But now that this has happened again, we're all ready to use our new fancy-schmancy video stuff to track your lazy-law-breaking-stupid-ass down and haul you to jail. Where I have no doubt your new "roommie" will find your scrawny ass sexy and make you his new bitch. It's called karma. And you have official screwed yours over.

*I would have had a better car break in picture but our maintenance man clean up all the glass.

Ready to quilt

After making some readjustments to the quilt top (couldn't make the triangles and diamonds meet up) I've got the top pieced together. Now I'm ready to start machine quilting! We'll see how this new crafting adventure works!

*Several people wanted to know about the cute flannel fabric I got for the backing. It's by Michael Miller Fabrics LLC. called the Retro Rocket Rascals. I got it at Nancy's Sew Basket in Queen Anne. However, I bought the last of it! Sorry about that....

Project Update

The ribbed side

I've got one sock finished. So far I haven't had the time or brain power to cast on for the second one.

The cabled side

But as long as I've matching toe nail polish, I think I'll be set!

The Clapotis is also growing. I'm almost finished with the increases, then I knit a little more, then comes the decreases and dropping! Everyone says that's the fun part so I'm ready to be at the fun part!

Finally - a place of my own!

It's been another busy/crazy/hectic week that left little/no time for knitting. But today, I ended up going on a spontaneous trip to Ikea. Once there I finally found it. The perfect table for my computer and sewing machine. I just had to put it together. Or have my hubby and his friend put it together while I cooked them dinner.

Here's Matt working on the table. (Note the small table behind Matt with my laptop, yep, that's what I've been working on for the computer table while the sewing machine's been living on the kitchen table.)

And here's John working on the table.

And here's the finished product.

It's a little big for the current location, but it'll work just fine. And if any sewing projects ever go seriously wrong, the table is located right next to our cheesy 1970 style wet bar.

My first quilt

This is my first quilt. I'm making it for my friend's little boy. I'm not following a pattern, just making it up as I go along, which I'm really enjoying. I'm afraid that the actual quilting part may not be as much fun, but I'm excited to give it a try!

I'm using the Funky Monkey squares from Moda. And I've picked out this fun spaceship flannel fabric for the backing! It reminds me of the old Campbell kids ads.

Henry's Sweater

This is Henry and this is the sweater I made for him. Isn't he so adorable? Isn't the sweater cute, if I do say so myself! I made this a while ago, but just got a picture of him sportin' the goods. It's the free pattern from Natural Knits. I can't remember the yarn I knit it with, but I remember how I didn't like the yarn and swore I'd never use it again, so it's for the best.

Now here's a question. Henry and his family are moving to Hawaii in a few months (I know, how fabulous is it to have family living in Hawaii? He's the son of Matt's cousin) so what's a knitter to make a cute kid who lives in Hawaii?

I'm a joiner

Usually after knitting with Purly Girls, I come home, put on the jammies and continue knitting. However this particular Monday night I came home and got lost in Ravelry. I added friends, checked out their sites and realized I'm a joiner. I've joined several groups that make sense: the Purly Girls, SKG, Sheepless in Seattle. But I've also join a few other groups that I just couldn't resist: Tattooed Knitters, Neptune Knits (for knitting fans of Veronica Mars), Yarn 'n Jovi (you guessed it - there's a group for knitting Bon Jovi fans!) and a group for fans of the original Pride and Prejudice. I joined that one because, while I do love that movie, the icon button was the shot of Colin Firth after he jumped into the pond. So really, how can you not join that group?

Snapshots from Arizona

It was sunny and warm in Arizona when we were there! Plenty of fun (and a little knitting) was had by all!

We checked out Frank Lloyd Wright's place in Phoenix, Taliesin West.

Soaking up some sun and culture at Frank's Place.

We visited a pueblo in town and they had rooms recreated from the villagers. I jokingly called this the "craft room" because it had baskets of cotton, woven rugs and blankets.

Knitting on the way to Old Tucson. Sock is still growing slowly....

We used to go to Old Tucson when we lived in Tucson when I was a kid. My favorite attraction was the carousel. So I made our entire group take a trip down my memory lane. They all agreed the carousel was a highlight!

Finally in!

I finally got my invitation to join Ravelry! I'm so excited! I have so much yarn to start organizing - it'll be great! My ravelry name is MegsKnittingKnot so stop by and say hi! I swear I've spent most of the day on the site. Just what I need, another time suck away from my knitting!

What's a knitter to do?

When she's at that point in her sock, where she knits and knits. Then knits some more but the damn thing just won't grow!
I could just knit some more and have faith that one day (hopefully soon) I'll be at the heel turn, or,

I could cast on for another project! It's my clapotis! Still in the beginning stages, but unlike the sock, I do feel like progress is being made! The sock will get another opportunity to grow as I head for some sunny weather (80 degree's here I come!) in Phoenix for a long weekend! Here's hoping I come back with a heel turn and a slight tan. Ok, at least a heel turn.

Danskin Triathlon 2008

Registration opened an closed within a few hours for this years Danskin Triathlon and I'm happy to say myself and my friends all made it in! This will be my third year in a row for the race and this years goal is:

1 hour 45 mins

I better get to work!

A much needed breath of fresh air

It's been a very busy couple of weeks around here. Too busy (and too tired) for blogging and sadly knitting too. But yesterday I got a much needed recharge for my battery! While the hubby hit the slopes on his snowboard, Mara and I hit the trails for a little snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Resort. It was an unusually sunny and beautiful day, although we got a little snow at the top of the mountain, which was a great way to start off the trek. We took the ski lift to the top of the mountain, then enjoyed the views on trails. It was a great workout, a great treat and there was even time for knitting in the lodge afterwards!

Madrona: The Download

I just returned from this years Madrona Fiber Festival. I've unpacked the suitcase, unloaded the food bag (or what's left of the wine, I should say), petted, photographed and admired my new yarn and now I'm ready to blog about it.

Lounging in the living room.

First, we got to the hotel to discover the room I reserved for the four of us was not the one we got. Instead of 2 double beds, we ended up with a sweet suite! And the best part was, when we told them about it, they said, have it for the price you were quoted! Sweet! The other fun (maybe annoying) part about checking in was when Mara, Rebecca and I checked in, the two young men at the counter just looked at us and said:

Young men: "You're knitters?'
Us: "Yes, we're knitters."

Them: "Really? Huh?"

The stereotypes live on.

My first class was Lace Basics with Evelyn Clark. It was very interesting and while it took me a little while to get the hang of it, I think I'm going to like it. Plus, I think this will be a very good challenge for me as I'm not one for really following directions all that well and with lace, one must pay strict attention to the pattern and details. The class was accomplished with minimal swearing. Plus it was fun to have Erin there too!

The afternoon was free time! Good thing I travel to Tacoma with my Tacoma Fun Fact Friend Mara! We took a great walk along the waterfront, saw the house where Frank Sinatra was born and checked out Stadium H.S. where 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed in honor of Heath Ledger.

This morning I only had one class Knitting in All Directions with Margaret Radcliff. It was very interesting to learn about different techniques to cast on, pick up, use waste yarn for design elements. I think this will be some practical and handy stuff to know!

Now of course I can't leave out the market place! One of the highlights of the convention! I did go a little crazy, but I really don't think I was alone there! I bought a bunch of sock yarn! I bought several skeins from Tactile - a company that uses naturally dyed yarns and writes the names of the sheep that the yarn came from on their lables! I also bought a skein of Socks That Rock in Farmhouse. Then I bought Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road so I could knit up all of this new sock yarn!

I also picked out the yarn for my clapotis! I'm using medium weight sock yarn from Socks That Rock in Faulty Dryer. I've already printed out the pattern and I'm ready to get to work!

Who's your Austen Man?

I came across this web site today and thought, in honor of Valentines Day, this would make a fitting blog entry:

The Men of Austen. Who is your Austen Man? It's a poll and it features all of Austen's leading men complete with their bio: their occupation, salary (even equated into today's value), their likes, dislikes and what features they're looking for in a woman.

I have to admit, it's quite funny. I voted for Mr. Darcy. And despite his millions, I'd have voted for him even if he was mearly a lowly clergyman without good family breeding.

Hangin' with the Idaho Girls!

A busy few days in Boise, but I still got to see some of my favorite people! The Idaho Girls are super cute and growing so fast! It was great to hang with them for a little while! It was just what I needed! Now it's time to get ready for Madrona and more knitting! In fact, the Idaho Girls dad was quite funny. He's one of those that just doesn't get knitting. I tried to tell him what Madrona was but he kept saying, "knitting is code for what?"

This time the gauge will be juuusst right

A little over a year ago I started the Toe Jazz socks from Fiber Trends. I was using a size 0 needle and between the insy-bitsy needle and all the cables and ribbing, it was so damn tight. So I threw it into the craft closet to think about what it had done for a while. After finishing Matt's socks the other day, I decided it was time to pull them out and take another stab at them. So I ripped 'em out and started over on size two's. Those were way to loose. Ripped 'em out again. Last night I recast on with size ones. So far, so good. But it might be too early to tell. I'll have to keep pluggin' along and see where the yarn takes me.

I have no photos to accompany this as I'm blogging from Boise for an unexpected trip back home. However, I am getting lots of creative juices flowing as I'm checking out all the new fun quilting stuff my mother is working on. She's currently taken over the dinning room (much to my father's dismay) as yet the third room in the house with quilt projects. Stay tuned for pictures later.

Sewing Bee

The other day I met up with a few other Purly Girls who also dabble in the fabric arts. They were all making these beautiful quilt blocks while I struggled with pajama pants. Following patterns (rules, instructions, etc.) has never been my strong suit. But after a while I just went with the flow. I have to say, these Olivia PJ pants are super cute! I bought three different types of Olvia fabric online and am totally loving them!

Some of Jessica's Harry Potter quilt blocks (below) and some of Amanda's quilt blocks & more of Jessica's quilt blocks (above).