Celebrating the big 2-0-0

Here it is, the first day of 2010 and I have reached blog post 200. I can't believe that I've actually had 200 things to say....(you in the back...quit your snickering). I've shared bits and pieces of my life with you and still you keep coming back. I've let you in on my good days, my bad days and my embarrassing days. Hmmm maybe it's my posts about my public humiliation that keep you coming back. Or the returnees could be those looking for ways to hide various types of stash and hoping I have the answer. (Hint...that coke can on your bedside table isn't fooling anyone).

Here's to looking forward to spending time with all of you throughout the next 200 posts. As for the new year, there are those who would take the time today and reflect on last year as well as make their New Year's resolutions. I shall do neither. I am looking forward to the new year as I have planned many adventures for myself over the next 365 days.

The first is my trip. It will begin in New Zealand then on to Australia. Yes, I am just a touch crazy to be doing this but what a trip it will be. I'll get to visit friends and family, see new places, eat new foods, meet new people, take plenty of pictures and above all else, have the time of my life.

I have consulted travel books and websites for things to see and do. I have contacted friends to arrange times to visit. I have booked flights to bring me to and from this adventure. I have checked out multiple sites of places to stay and how to get around while I'm there. Now all I have to do is make some firm decisions and wait for my holiday to begin.

In case you don't recognize me, I'll be the giddy one bouncing off the walls.

Whatever your plans are for this year, be good to each other and to yourself. Dance like no one is watching, Love like you never have before and Knit like there is no tomorrow.

Until next time,
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Red Faced, once again!

Last week DH and I went to the movies. This, to all who read this blog, even on a semi-regular basis, should not come as a surprise. Nor should the fact that I was knitting at the movies.

So there we were, minding our own business when the unthinkable happened. It was so horrific. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

During a quiet part of the movie, I had just finished knitting part of a round when my now free DPN escaped my left hand and fell to the floor. I have no memory of how this happened. Was it an intense moment in the movie? Did I suddenly feel the need to make a hand gesture? I have no idea!!!!! It's possible that because the event was so tragic I have blocked it out.

Picture this, if you will. You are in a dark room full of people and without warning you find yourself with only three DPNs. All you can do is sit quietly and go through the three steps of grief.

1. Embarrassment-When a needle falls to the ground you'd be surprised at how loud the sound is during a quiet part of a movie. At least I realize, that at this point if anyone starts talking I've got no right to play "no talking during movies" police. I just don't have a leg to stand on.


2. Upset- I have no idea how much longer the movie is, so I don't know how long I'll be without my knitting. At this point, DH holds my hand to help calm me.


3. Panic - If I can't find my fourth needle then there will be no knitting during the entire drive home. This will be a whole hour of lost knitting time. Tragic, tragic, tragic. Can you feel my pain?

The movie ends and the lights turn on. People quickly leave the theater. Not DH and I. We are on our hands and knees looking for my DPN. This was NOT our finest hour and the experience was more than just a little humbling.

This story does have a happy ending, we found my needle and I was able to knit all the way home.

Personally I think the socks will be worth the humiliation.

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

On the first day of Christmas....

.......my true love gave to me.......

Here's one side,

and here's the other.

Do you think that I'll get a new toaster for Christmas?

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

I've been replaced!

The fact that I love making socks has never been a secret. I've been very open about my obsession of sock yarn. If you recall, I've even laid out my collection of sock yarn for the world to see.

The thing about sock knitters is as much as we love wearing our own creations, eventually we have to share the knitted love with those around us. I've found that when the recipient of knitted socks happens to be extremely fond of knitted socks, the world is your oyster.

"Look dear I bought 5 skeins of gorgeous sock yarn and this one is for you."

He is not thinking about the extra 4 skeins you bought but the pair of custom sized hand knit socks that he will eventually get.

DH loves the socks I knit for him. He refers to the department store socks as the "disposable ones". He even wears his hand knit socks for three days straight before giving them up to the laundry. Last night he was commenting on the pair that I knit for him, last month, for his birthday. They fit just right and are very soft. They have even felted slightly in the heel making that area even more soft.

I swear the whole time he was gushing about the socks, he was fondling them. What's a wife to do?????

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

How to make a UFO

First start with 20 balls of a luscious yarn containing 20% cashmere (VIP by Lana Gatto). If said yarn was 50% off then you'll know that you are off to a great start.

Mix in a cute (and free) jacket pattern that you found on the DROPS site.

Sprinkle in a wool festival that will be attended by thousands of knitters to admire your creation. This in itself creates a deadline but you've added your own modification to the recipe in the form of plenty of confidence.

Mix altogether with a healthy amount of procrastination and this is what you get....

Two sleeves and an almost finished back.

Finish by letting jacket simmer while you try desperately to finish knitted Christmas gifts in time.

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

It's Hip to be Square

When I was at Rhinebeck.......

I'm sure that you think all my conversations start out like that. They Don't....HONEST!!!!

I'm a type of person who likes practical souvenirs. Instead of a T-shirt with a city logo, I'll choose a bag, with logo, that I can flash on a regular basis. Sometimes I'll find a souvenir that I be able to use often. but unfortunately I won't be able to flash it to the general public. I could carry my yarn meter around but that would give muggles, as a whole, the wrong impression about my sanity.



When I was at Rhinebeck....... I picked up something cool: Kollage square DP needles(US 6 - 4mm). I was doubtful about these strange contraptions....but WOW .....double WOW......I love them so much that I've ordered a couple of sets in sock knitting sizes. But you knew that I was going to say that.

At first they seem crazy strange to you and you wonder why they are even in your house and near your other stuff. Slowly you get use to them and eventually you'll never know what you ever did without them. Sounds like the definition of motherhood.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

I'll Let You Decide

I'm not normally a rude person.
I'm not normally an inconsiderate person.
But as for my actions the other night, I'll let you decide.

DH and I were off to a Pops concert at the NAC and of course I brought some knitting along. It's a sit down event where the audience get to enjoy some great music. No different than going to a movie but different from going to a Great Big Sea concert where I'm constantly
up and down.

So there I am sitting quietly, enjoying the music, with a sock on the go. Shortly after the concert starts, I notice the woman sitting next to me, staring in my direction. It's getting rather obvious so I turned to look back at her.

Annoyed woman: Are you going to do that all night?
Me: Is it bothering you?

At this point I'm concerned that perhaps the needles are making some noise and disturbing her. If this way the case I would have gladly put the sock away.

Annoyed Woman: Yes, I can see it.

My knitting is bothering her because she can see it......I could think of only one response.

Me: Don't look at it then!

DH did say afterwards, that to my credit, I did bring my knitting lower down and made my movements much more subtle. Despite this, the annoyed woman felt the need to hold up her program to shield her peripheral vision from the sight of my knitting.

The annoyed woman and her friend left during intermission. When they came back, for the second half, the two woman switched seats so the annoyed woman wouldn't be disturbed by the sight of my knitting. I should mention there were plenty of other seats they could have moved to for the second half including a stretch of 8 empty seats two rows in front of us.

So...am I rude and inconsiderate??????

I'll let you be the judge.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic