What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?
Each vacation I go on is memorable in some way. I love to visit new places or even places I've been many times before. Luckily I am able to go on some nice vacations, so this is a hard question.
One of the most unique vacations was a trip to Norway in 2002. A good friend and her family were living in Oslo so I decided to go visit them. Since I run marathons, I decided if I was going to go that far, I would run a marathon there. So I found one in Tromso, Norway. Tromso is 90 miles north of the Arctic circle and in the summer the sun never goes down. The marathon is called the Midnight Sun Marathon and it's run in June, starting at 8:30 at night, so when you finish, around midnight for me, it's still light outside. So off I went to Tromso. It took three flights and a long time to get there. But it was so beautiful. My friend and her kids flew up from Oslo to join me for sightseeing and, the very best part, cheering me on as I ran. The Norwegians were friendly, the other runners were friendly, and it was a great experience. After the marathon we flew to Oslo. I got to see all the sights of the city and surrounding areas. At the time, I did not knit. I imagine there is some great yarn, especially wool, available in Norway. If I ever make it back, the local yarn shops will be on my list of sights to see.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Dishcloth Weekly Topic #2
Today I have two weekly topics to discuss. I'll start with the dishcloth swap topic.
There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!
Since this is the dishcloth swap, I'll discuss the reaction to dishcloths I've given as gifts. I could just be lazy and refer you to this post http://kat65.blogspot.com/2008/01/doily-update.html but I'll tell you about a couple other instances.
In November a year ago, I gave a friend three cloths and a bottle of yummy-smelling dish soap as a housewarming/birthday/Thanksgiving gift. She loved everything! She used two of the cloths, but one she decided was too nice to use. It wasn't fancy, just a big profile of a turkey. But I'd taken a ribbon and placed it through the cloth at the point where the turkey's eye would be. I tied a knot and I thought it made a nice eye. I told her to just take it out and use it to wash Thanksgiving dishes. She still tells me that she's saving it.
At Christmas a year ago I gave my mom and brother each some cloths and dishsoap. My mom's were in shades of pinks and her dishsoap was the pink grapefruit scent from Williams-Sonoma. My brother's cloths were shades of orange and his scent was orange. They both liked their gifts and did use them.
Overall I've had good response to my handknitted dishcloths.
There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!
Since this is the dishcloth swap, I'll discuss the reaction to dishcloths I've given as gifts. I could just be lazy and refer you to this post http://kat65.blogspot.com/2008/01/doily-update.html but I'll tell you about a couple other instances.
In November a year ago, I gave a friend three cloths and a bottle of yummy-smelling dish soap as a housewarming/birthday/Thanksgiving gift. She loved everything! She used two of the cloths, but one she decided was too nice to use. It wasn't fancy, just a big profile of a turkey. But I'd taken a ribbon and placed it through the cloth at the point where the turkey's eye would be. I tied a knot and I thought it made a nice eye. I told her to just take it out and use it to wash Thanksgiving dishes. She still tells me that she's saving it.
At Christmas a year ago I gave my mom and brother each some cloths and dishsoap. My mom's were in shades of pinks and her dishsoap was the pink grapefruit scent from Williams-Sonoma. My brother's cloths were shades of orange and his scent was orange. They both liked their gifts and did use them.
Overall I've had good response to my handknitted dishcloths.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Dishcloth Swap Weekly Topic #1
Weekly Topic: Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How about a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?
When I am knitting on my lovely creations, they are definitely dishcloths. That sounds so much classier than dishrag. However, after they've been used for several months and the color fades and they don't have that fresh, new look, then it's perfectly acceptable to refer to them as dishrags. I believe the only difference between a dishcloth and a dishrag is that the dishcloth is fresher than a dishrag. But in the end they are all dishrags.
Facecloths are a different thing. I want something softer against my skin. I think it must be knit of chenille if it's a facecloth.
When I am knitting on my lovely creations, they are definitely dishcloths. That sounds so much classier than dishrag. However, after they've been used for several months and the color fades and they don't have that fresh, new look, then it's perfectly acceptable to refer to them as dishrags. I believe the only difference between a dishcloth and a dishrag is that the dishcloth is fresher than a dishrag. But in the end they are all dishrags.
Facecloths are a different thing. I want something softer against my skin. I think it must be knit of chenille if it's a facecloth.
Everything you ever wanted to know about me ==>
After some prompting by swap hostesses (yes, I do read the instructions to swappers) I've figured out how to link to my swap questionnaires and put the links in the sidebar. So there you go!
Scavenger Question 7
In the last post, question 7, I talked about a shawl I made twice last summer. Here's the photo. I gave this white one to my mom and kept a pink one for myself.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Scavenger Hunt Swap Questionnaire
I know, I know. What am I thinking? However, this swap doesn't involve any actual knitting. Instead, I get to read someone's blog and find out what they like and/or need in yarn and yarn-related notions. Then I get to go shopping and I am good at that! I'll need to buy stuff in these categories: something local, round, green, related to the letter T, hard, funny. Sounds like fun to me! Check out the blog: http://knittersscavengerhunt.blogspot.com/ You have till January 27 to join.
1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?
I knit. I learned a long time ago, in college, but did it only for a couple years before I quit. After about a 15-year hiatus, I picked it back up about 3 years ago.
2) What is on your needles/hook right now?
A hat (like the ones already posted on this blog), some "wrist ruffles", a yellow object (not going to say what it is in case I make no progress on it), and my "stuffed animal/buddy" for the cocoa swap. Soon--a dishcloth for that swap.
3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?
Besides the needles? I suppose the gauge checker/needle measurer.
4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?
Favorites: alpaca, silk, cotton.
Least: 100% acrylic. Not much else though. I'm kind of in love with yarn.
5) What is your favorite color?
Blue, probably. But I try not to play favorites.
6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?
I'd probably try to get as many of those really expensive skeins I lust for but never buy, such as that Tilly Thomas silk with the beads already strung. Then I'd grab books.
7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)
Last summer I made myself a shawl from the little Vogue book of shawls. I liked it so much I made it again for my mom. I have a picture that I will try to remember to post tomorrow in a separate post.
8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?
Shawls, hats, and quick-gratification dishcloths.
9) Do you collect anything?
You mean besides dust? No.
10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?
My running shoes, cookbooks, iPod, flowers, and plane tickets to Colorado.
11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?
No. Should I be?
12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?
Tea, yes. Cocoa, yes. But absolutely no coffee or anything that even remotely tastes of coffee.
13) Favorite Sweets?
Dark chocolate is at the top of the list. But I think I like all sweets.
14) Any allergies?
No.
15) Do you have pets? kids?
I have a yellow lab puppy (~7 months old) and a calico cat. No kids.
1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?
I knit. I learned a long time ago, in college, but did it only for a couple years before I quit. After about a 15-year hiatus, I picked it back up about 3 years ago.
2) What is on your needles/hook right now?
A hat (like the ones already posted on this blog), some "wrist ruffles", a yellow object (not going to say what it is in case I make no progress on it), and my "stuffed animal/buddy" for the cocoa swap. Soon--a dishcloth for that swap.
3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?
Besides the needles? I suppose the gauge checker/needle measurer.
4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?
Favorites: alpaca, silk, cotton.
Least: 100% acrylic. Not much else though. I'm kind of in love with yarn.
5) What is your favorite color?
Blue, probably. But I try not to play favorites.
6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?
I'd probably try to get as many of those really expensive skeins I lust for but never buy, such as that Tilly Thomas silk with the beads already strung. Then I'd grab books.
7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)
Last summer I made myself a shawl from the little Vogue book of shawls. I liked it so much I made it again for my mom. I have a picture that I will try to remember to post tomorrow in a separate post.
8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?
Shawls, hats, and quick-gratification dishcloths.
9) Do you collect anything?
You mean besides dust? No.
10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?
My running shoes, cookbooks, iPod, flowers, and plane tickets to Colorado.
11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?
No. Should I be?
12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?
Tea, yes. Cocoa, yes. But absolutely no coffee or anything that even remotely tastes of coffee.
13) Favorite Sweets?
Dark chocolate is at the top of the list. But I think I like all sweets.
14) Any allergies?
No.
15) Do you have pets? kids?
I have a yellow lab puppy (~7 months old) and a calico cat. No kids.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hot Cocoa Topic of the Week #2
Hmm, did I miss topic of the week #1?
Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
Nope. I am finishing a couple "winter" things like hats and starting a more spring/summer project in cotton. But really, I don't have seasonal knitting. I'm kind of slow. As much as I want this spring/summer project ready to wear this warm season, I don't know if it will be. With that logic, I should probably be starting projects for next winter! So in reality, my knitting doesn't change with the seasons.
But as for drinks, cocoa is definitely for the winter only!
Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
Nope. I am finishing a couple "winter" things like hats and starting a more spring/summer project in cotton. But really, I don't have seasonal knitting. I'm kind of slow. As much as I want this spring/summer project ready to wear this warm season, I don't know if it will be. With that logic, I should probably be starting projects for next winter! So in reality, my knitting doesn't change with the seasons.
But as for drinks, cocoa is definitely for the winter only!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Questionnaire
I am attempting two swaps at once! I think I can multitask and do this.
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit.
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
size 7 or 8 bamboo
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I use Peaches & Cream or Sugar & Cream. I have a hank of organic cotton that's waiting to be used, maybe for a lacy face cloth.
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
Both are predominately blue, but my dishtowels and dishcloths are a variety of colors.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
It depends on the project. I can't think of any that I really hate.
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
Winter here is mild and I enjoy it a lot more than our long, hot summers.
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
A good movie and lunch at a nice restaurant with a friend will brighten up my day.
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when you're down in the dumps?
Dark chocolate. Heck, I don't have to be down in the dumps to indulge in it!
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
Coffee, no! Tea & cocoa, yes.
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Italy. I'd go to Tuscany and stay in some nice old house, enjoy good food and wine and generally just relax. I'd spend time by a pool, altenating dips in the water with reading magazines and a big fat novel. I'd love to do this.
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
I really don't like coffee or anything coffee, mocha, or Kahlua flavored.
But I'm not allergic to anything food or fiber and I am open to trying new things!
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit.
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
size 7 or 8 bamboo
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I use Peaches & Cream or Sugar & Cream. I have a hank of organic cotton that's waiting to be used, maybe for a lacy face cloth.
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
Both are predominately blue, but my dishtowels and dishcloths are a variety of colors.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
It depends on the project. I can't think of any that I really hate.
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
Winter here is mild and I enjoy it a lot more than our long, hot summers.
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
A good movie and lunch at a nice restaurant with a friend will brighten up my day.
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when you're down in the dumps?
Dark chocolate. Heck, I don't have to be down in the dumps to indulge in it!
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
Coffee, no! Tea & cocoa, yes.
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Italy. I'd go to Tuscany and stay in some nice old house, enjoy good food and wine and generally just relax. I'd spend time by a pool, altenating dips in the water with reading magazines and a big fat novel. I'd love to do this.
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
I really don't like coffee or anything coffee, mocha, or Kahlua flavored.
But I'm not allergic to anything food or fiber and I am open to trying new things!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt Answers
This was a fun way to get to know some of the other swappers.
1. Whose favorite animal is an otter? Anne K.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa. Deanna K.
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States. Bianca B., Maria M., Lyndsey-Jane C.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter. Ashley R.
5. Name someone who crochets. Becky M.
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions. Ashley R.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet. Emily H-K did not have her questionnaire posted when I looked at her blog on January 8.
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Paula B-E
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit'. Sarah J.
10. Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Laura F.
11. Whose favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the Eiffel tower from a French cafe? Kris L.
12. Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat. Bianca B.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Tricia R.
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs. Eva G.
1. Whose favorite animal is an otter? Anne K.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa. Deanna K.
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States. Bianca B., Maria M., Lyndsey-Jane C.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter. Ashley R.
5. Name someone who crochets. Becky M.
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions. Ashley R.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet. Emily H-K did not have her questionnaire posted when I looked at her blog on January 8.
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Paula B-E
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit'. Sarah J.
10. Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Laura F.
11. Whose favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the Eiffel tower from a French cafe? Kris L.
12. Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat. Bianca B.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Tricia R.
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs. Eva G.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Mmmm...Hot Cocoa Questionnaire
What can I say, I like swaps!
Cocoa
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? From home made recipe or store bought? In a tea cup or big mug?
I like my cocoa prepared with milk and in a mug. Sometimes I use old-fashioned Hershey’s cocoa, following the recipe on the can. Sometimes I use the store-bought mixes. I like the variety of flavors they come in.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Marshmallows at home, whipped cream if at a restaurant or Starbucks.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
I don’t think I’ve met a yarn I didn’t like, except perhaps that squeaky 100% acrylic. As I explore different projects and learn more about knitting, I try different kinds of yarn. Last summer I made some shawls with a Debbie Bliss cotton that was incredibly nice to work with. Lately I’ve done wool hats and I have some alpaca waiting for me. Many colors appeal to me. When I look at my stash, it’s a big rainbow. Lately I’ve been exploring some very cool self-striping yarns.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
Knit, though I’d like to learn to crochet.
3. What is your favorite type of needles? Would you like to try something new?
I think bamboo needles are my favorite. I’ve got a lot of aluminum (is that the metal that metal needles are made of?) that my mom got from her quilt guild and gave me. I use these too. I’m open to trying anything.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
Fairly healthy supply. It’s not as well-organized as it should be though, so I can’t be sure.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
Books! And those plastic 8.5 x 11” plastic page protectors to slip my patterns from the internet into. And maybe a loose-leaf binder to put those protected patterns into. But maybe there is something out there that I desperately need that I just don’t know because I haven’t run across it. (Kind of like going to Target—half the stuff I buy there I had no idea I needed until I saw it.)
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)?
Lately it’s hats. And of course dishcloths!
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Where I live, winter is pretty mild. So a favorite thing is to go back to my hometown and experience some real winter. Recently I was there and I took a nice long walk near the river, enjoying the cold and the scenery, the stark contrast of a bright blue sky against the browns and tans of the leafless trees.
Here I hope for a day cold enough to light a fire in the fireplace. Then I’ll make some cold-weather food, such as chili. I’ll just hang out and keep warm with my boyfriend and pets, watch movies, read, and/or knit.
2. What is your favorite animal?
I like them all! Dogs, cats, sheep, giraffes, bears, pigs, etc.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
Sometimes. It can be depressing to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark and not experience the sunlight.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
I run. Given our mild winters here, I run lots of miles at this time of year. I get out and experience the outdoors and it feels great.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
Driving with the top down!
6. What are your favorite treats?
Chocolate (especially dark), mixed nuts, popcorn.
7. What is your favorite board game?
Monopoly.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
Maggie is a calico kitty, about 4 years old. Lucy is a 7-month-old yellow lab puppy.
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations your partner should know about?
None. I’m easy ;.)
Cocoa
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? From home made recipe or store bought? In a tea cup or big mug?
I like my cocoa prepared with milk and in a mug. Sometimes I use old-fashioned Hershey’s cocoa, following the recipe on the can. Sometimes I use the store-bought mixes. I like the variety of flavors they come in.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Marshmallows at home, whipped cream if at a restaurant or Starbucks.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
I don’t think I’ve met a yarn I didn’t like, except perhaps that squeaky 100% acrylic. As I explore different projects and learn more about knitting, I try different kinds of yarn. Last summer I made some shawls with a Debbie Bliss cotton that was incredibly nice to work with. Lately I’ve done wool hats and I have some alpaca waiting for me. Many colors appeal to me. When I look at my stash, it’s a big rainbow. Lately I’ve been exploring some very cool self-striping yarns.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
Knit, though I’d like to learn to crochet.
3. What is your favorite type of needles? Would you like to try something new?
I think bamboo needles are my favorite. I’ve got a lot of aluminum (is that the metal that metal needles are made of?) that my mom got from her quilt guild and gave me. I use these too. I’m open to trying anything.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
Fairly healthy supply. It’s not as well-organized as it should be though, so I can’t be sure.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
Books! And those plastic 8.5 x 11” plastic page protectors to slip my patterns from the internet into. And maybe a loose-leaf binder to put those protected patterns into. But maybe there is something out there that I desperately need that I just don’t know because I haven’t run across it. (Kind of like going to Target—half the stuff I buy there I had no idea I needed until I saw it.)
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)?
Lately it’s hats. And of course dishcloths!
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Where I live, winter is pretty mild. So a favorite thing is to go back to my hometown and experience some real winter. Recently I was there and I took a nice long walk near the river, enjoying the cold and the scenery, the stark contrast of a bright blue sky against the browns and tans of the leafless trees.
Here I hope for a day cold enough to light a fire in the fireplace. Then I’ll make some cold-weather food, such as chili. I’ll just hang out and keep warm with my boyfriend and pets, watch movies, read, and/or knit.
2. What is your favorite animal?
I like them all! Dogs, cats, sheep, giraffes, bears, pigs, etc.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
Sometimes. It can be depressing to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark and not experience the sunlight.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
I run. Given our mild winters here, I run lots of miles at this time of year. I get out and experience the outdoors and it feels great.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
Driving with the top down!
6. What are your favorite treats?
Chocolate (especially dark), mixed nuts, popcorn.
7. What is your favorite board game?
Monopoly.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
Maggie is a calico kitty, about 4 years old. Lucy is a 7-month-old yellow lab puppy.
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations your partner should know about?
None. I’m easy ;.)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I love dishcloth swaps!
I've done them twice before and they are great! Dishcloths are quick to knit and perhaps you can learn a new stitch or technique while making them. Anne is hosting an upcoming dishcloth swap called "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" (http://dishclothexchange.blogspot.com/). Registration begins January 11. Check it out!
Doily Update
Teri still isn't using the dishcloth to wash dishes. She told me it is under the bowl of Captain Hook, the family beta fish. It adds a little color to his world and that's ok with me.
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