If Ponies could knit...

Unique Basketweave Dishcloth

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:17:00 +0000

During the week of Thanksgiving my itching fingers found something to do...

This pattern was a fast and fun knit. Thanks Anna of Knitting Up a Storm for sharing her great pattern. I casted on in the afternoon on a long car ride and was done after dinner. I think it was just what I needed to get my knitting mojo going. I casted on for this afterward!

One cute baby gift done and off the needles and another baby item OTN. Two checks off of my Fall Knitting goals!

Fall Knitting Goals
1. Decide what to do for the two babies that I want to knit for. Not sure how big of a project I want to do now that there's 2 to knit for, and considering how long one project has been sitting on my knitting goals. Finish booties? (booties or garter stitch baby kimono) Start something new? Partly decided, knit one item to start.
2. Make progress on at least one baby item. Done
3. Complete at least 1 baby item. Done
4. Work on Bijouterie.
5. Make final decision on next lace project. Still teetering between this, this, or this. I want to knit it all! (Use stash)

Deadline: January 1st 2010

I also was feeling the need to bead (goal #4). After searching I realized that I didn't know where my bead stash went during my move in March. I have one more place to check, or otherwise it's waiting for me in storage when I move into the apartment. ::crosses fingers:: I really liked the pearls I picked out for this project and I'd like to make them soon.

Look at what I found when I uploaded pics off of my camera, it's my Son of Dish Rag Tag cloth! (Funny how they are both a derivative of basketweave)

Over The Top Blog Award

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Thanks Danica! I received this award from Danica's Daily quite a while ago (yikes!) and now I'm finally have a bit of time to post my responses... (see I told you I'd post it eventually!)

In order to accept this award I have to answer the following questions with only 1 word answers…

1. Where is your cell phone? Near
2.Your hair? Blonde/Brown (ha... cheating already)
3. Your mother? Brunette
4. Your father? Rocks
5. Your favorite food? Cheese
6. Your dream last night? forgot
7. Your favorite drink? Frappuccino
8. Your dream/goal? successful
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Riding
11. Your fear? Forgetting
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Healthy
13. Where were you last night? Highfields
14. Something you aren’t? Shy
15. Muffins? YUM
16. Wish list item?
17. Where did you grow up? Massachusetts
18. Last thing you did? Data (C'mon... since when does something in the lab have one word?)
19. What are you wearing? Jeans (My own prompted casual friday ;))
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? Daizzy (Don't forget Dee and Dusty!)
22. Your friends? Rock
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? T.G.I.F
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? Element
27. Something you’re not wearing? Glasses
28. Your favorite store? TJs (hahha Danica I made it one too!)
29. Your favorite color? Yellow
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? ???
32. Your best friend? KMEAD (HA.... had to combine everyone's name in one, can't put one)
33. One place that I go over and over? Barn
34. One person who emails me regularly? Enid
35. Favorite place to eat? Home

Alright, now I need to pass this torch on to 6 bloggers. It’s so hard to narrow this down to 6. If you don't have time to post it, not worries at all. Just know I was thinking about you!

1. Moriah at Tales from a Knitting Med Student

2. Megan at Tangled Up in Knots

3. Nichole at Lapdog Creations

4. Bekka

5. Susan at No Knit Sherlock!

6. Erica at Itzy's Kitchen

T.G.I.F everyone! Have a great weekend!

Overdue catch up

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +0000

WOW I've been crazy busy... as seen by my longer than a month absence! I must admit to my lack thereof of knitting for the greater part of my absence, but I am feeling that familiar itch to knit these days, so hopefully I'll be back with some progress shots soon. I'm beginning to think I'm more of a cold weather knitter. Also, the swarm of swaps have ended and now I'm itching to sign up for something new.

Anyway... I do have one FO. I participated in dish rag tag again this year and here is mine.Oh right... you wanted to see the dish cloth. Well I managed to knit it and forgot to take a pic of the FO. (There's a slight chance the pic is in my camera, but not uploaded. I'll have to check. FOUND IT) For now, you'll have to use your imagination a bit. Here's the package I received. I followed the same pattern and used the Peaches 'N Cream in the pic above and below.
Nicole sent me her completed cloth along with a bunch of goodies! I got a card, pixie sticks, swedish fish, coffee, peaches and cream (to knit my leg of the race) and a skein of Antuco. Thanks Nicole!

Our team finished 12 out of 20 on 10/13/09. Great job U Can't Knit Just One! We were against some steep competition! As always, I had a great time. Thanks for running another year of this fun competition Emily! It wouldn't be summer/fall without it!

An update on my Knitting Goals (also late... you see a trend?)

Tardy Summer Knitting Goals
1. At least one FO. (DONE)
2. Cast on for baby sweater. (Wound the yarn... that's progress right?)
3. Complete one baby item. (booties or garter stitch baby kimono)
4. Work on Bijouterie.
5. Make final decision on next lace project. Lately I'm teetering between this, this, or this. I want to knit it all!

Deadline: September 22nd

Well, I did complete #1. I wound yarn for #2, but didn't cast on. I made some progress on the booties, but not enough to warrant an update pic. I didn't get anywhere near my beads so I didn't do #4, but I did put some thought into #5. Still no decision. SO I only can check off #1 from the list. Whew... quite unproductive fall in terms of my knitting goals huh? Now that I got that out of the way, I can set my next goals!

Fall Knitting Goals
1. Decide what to do for the two babies that I want to knit for. Not sure how big of a project I want to do now that there's 2 to knit for, and considering how long one project has been sitting on my knitting goals. Finish booties? (booties or garter stitch baby kimono) Start something new?
2. Make progress on at least one baby item.
3. Complete at least 1 baby item.
4. Work on Bijouterie.
5. Make final decision on next lace project. Still teetering between this, this, or this. I want to knit it all! (Use stash)

Deadline: January 1st 2010
(First day of winter is Dec. 21st. Because I'm posting this over a month late, I figured I'd push it up)

I gave myself mini-goals this time. I broke down "bigger" goals into smaller ones. I started doing that with SparkPeople several months ago. I had set a weight loss goal, and made mini-goals for my progress along the way. It worked really well with that, I've now lost over 25 lbs., so let's see if it works with my knitting goals ;) I've not only been itching to knit, but I've been wanting to bead as well. Now I need to just find the time. Stay tuned...

Lots to catch up on. I've been tagged!!! That will be up soon.

Final SP14 Package!

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:37:00 +0000

I was totally spoiled with my SP14 reveal package. Setembrina sent me: bath salts that she made herself, a skein of knitpicks yarn that she dyed, stitch markers and earrings that she also made for me which were inside a cute tin along with a measuring tape and needle tips, a bath mitt and sponge, bath fizzies, wool shampoo, a skein of Plymouth worsted Jeannee, a set of handmade coasters (made by her?) and some STASH tea. Everything was inside a cute blue tote bag.

Here's a close-up of the Knitpick's yarn and coasters.
She made such a beautiful combo of my favorite colors, yellow pink and blue!

Closer look at the earrings, stitch markers, measuring tape and needle tips.
I love the eyes on the yellow beads.

Thanks Setembrina! I was officially spoiled rotten!

I've been tagged in DRT! Post coming soon...

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Tardy Summer Goals update: I only have till Sept. 22nd. If the deadline was today, things wouldn't be looking so good. Let's see how much I can get done in the next week. I've knit a bit, but no FO so far.

Dish Rag Tag Update: It's almost my turn!!! I'm on deck. I'd better get my needles ready!

SP14 Update: It's coming to a close soon, wow how time flies! I'm starting to get things together for my downstream as it ends Sept. 30th.

Everyone seen the new Knitty? I am loving Colonnade. It may be the next project that can get me out of this lack-of-knitting-mojo-funk. How cute is Zozo? Kindly sheep is a really neat idea, and super cute.

Twist Contest

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Hurry, it's only till tomorrow! Buy a pattern and get entered to win. Now if I could only decide which pattern to buy...

Kenny Weekend 2009

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Ah yes, it's that time of year again. Well at least it was back in August. Suddenly we're into September and I haven't had time to post the evidence of Kenny Weekend, until now.

This year Kenny was playing in CT on a Thursday, before his yearly stop at Gillette Stadium for Kenny's Country Fest on a Saturday. Incidentally it was my friend's birthday on the following Sunday. So, when we bought Country Fest tickets back in December (yes they go on sale 8 months ahead and sell out in minutes every year) we coined the ordeal to be "Kenny Weekend."
When we arrived at the concert in CT, we couldn't believe how close our seats were. Here's a photo depiction of just how close we were...

Lady Antebellum Opened

Yes we were THAT close!Whoa!

Can you see two Kenny's?

Shot of the screen

Kenny and the Band

Here are some shots from Gillette. This is the first year we were not on the floor, and I really didn't mind. At first we thought it would feel much father back, but it wasn't bad. Being up in the seats had a few benefits, one being that they had some actual air flow (with 56,000 people attending and it was a hot august day, it was much breezier than the floor seats), and two being that the chairs are fixed, so no one was squishing into our row.

Lady Antebellum Montgomery GentrySugarlandKENNY!!!Kenny always has some Sox or Pat's visitors... this year it was Bruschi. Little did we know at that time that he'd be retiring this season. His skills, enthusiasm and energy on and off of the field will be missed! (Wes Welker was there too, but I didn't get any good shots of him)

Next: Some actual knitting content! Last week I sneaked in some time on my booties. Hopefully my increase in knitting time will continue. I found a mistake early on so I ripped back to zero and started over. I'm now ahead of where I was before the rip!

It's that time of year again... sharpen your needles...

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:27:00 +0000

It isn't summer until I've participated in Yarn Miracle's Dish rag tag . I have participated in it every year since it's very beginning. The race will begin on Friday.
Go team U Can't Knit Just 1!!!
Coming Next: Kenny Pic's (I haven't forgotten, just haven't had time to sort through all 83 pics!)

Three surprise packages from my SP14 spoiler!

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:17:00 +0000

All books off of my amazon wish list! How awesome!
After getting these three packages I noticed just how eclectic my interests are. I go from horse training to fast and healthy cooking to dog agility.

Thanks for the awesome picks off of my wish list SP14 spoiler!!!

Next: This years Kenny stalking via images ;)

Mount Desert Island Maine

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:55:00 +0000

I went to a conference at MDIBL last week. It's so beautiful up there! I'd like to go back just to play tourist next time in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! When I wasn't in the conference I had a little time to get to the ocean and take these pics. One morning I also took a nice long walk (sans camera, I know, bad blogger yadda yadda). Here's a few shots of the view at MDIBL. I can't imagine how scientists there actually get any work done. Next time I'll have to take a pic of the labs. They're literally on the waterfront.

Here's a shot of me on on the dock.

I thought the coastline was beautiful.

The clouds were so neat in this shot!Coming Up Next: A surprise SP14 package!!!
Also, after this weekend I'll have a few Kenny sightings to post. It's that time of year again, YAY for Kenny weekend!!!

Saucy Spring Swap Package

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:14:00 +0000

This is the first time I have participated in this swap on Ravelry and it was a ton of fun! I can't wait to try all of the sauces!

In my loaded box I got:
2 skeins of Tofutsies, 4 hot sauces (one being Siracha, my current favorite), 3 mustards, 2 jars of peppers (Jalapenos are my favorite add in's), an aromatherapy spa kit, a cute cherry paperclip, aromatic tea, and a package of spicy sour prunes.

Here's a close-up of the saucesHere's a close-up of all of the other goodies!

What an awesome package! I can't wait to get trying everything! I haven't tried any of the sauces that I received, besides the Siracha which I know that I love already, so it will be fun! I also haven't worked with Tofutsies yet! Thanks for such a great package sunmoon!

DishRag Tag, this year it's called Son of Dishrag Tag, sign-ups are going on NOW! I realized today that I hadn't signed up yet, and I saw that the sign-ups were over half full yesterday! If your interested, run over and sign up now! It's a TON of fun. I participated in it's first time through two years ago, and I was a captain last year. It's a blast.

Love me, Ortiz Me?

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:03:00 +0000

I came upon this shirt and it fit today's post PERFECTLY...

For all of you that are Sox fans... here's some pic's from last Saturday's game v.s. the Orioles. We won, 7-2. I had awesome seats. A friend of mine got home plate pavilion seats from work and I was lucky enough to get invited. We sat in bar stools in front of a little table, and had a waiter. It was awesome! You can't complain when your waiter is bringing you your beer and fenway frank to your table! We also loved that we could get up and cheer on Papi during his homer without shuffling around everything in our laps! It was awesome. Great game!!! Nothing like being at Fenway...

Lester pitched

Final was actually 7-2... I just loved this scoreboard shot

Obligatory Lowell shot...

After the game...

First SP14 Package

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:24:00 +0000

My secret pal sent me a beautiful bag with three skeins of KnitPicks Essential Solid, a journal that matches the fabric perfectly, and a copy of "The Girls Book. How to be the best at everything." I love the pattern of the fabric! The yarn looks soo yummy, and also perfectly matches the bag and journal! I had seen the book several times, and I was always interested to peek around in it. Now I can ;) Thanks Secret Pal for such a great package!
My pictures aren't the best. Neither is the weather (a.k.a chronic rain) in New England for the past 2 months. Ah well. I worked with what teeny tiny amount of daylight I had.

Up Next: Saucy Swap Package. I still need to take pics. After seeing how these came out, I wanted to wait to take pics. I will post them soon.
Also, I went to a Sox game last Saturday. Stay tuned for pics.

Spring Knitting Goal Wrap-Up and New Tardy Summer Goals

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:45:00 +0000

I did a pretty good job with my winter goals, getting 2 of the 4 goals completed. When I decided on my spring goals I knew that summer was coming (or whatever we call the weather in New England right now) along with a lot of freelance teaching and coaching, moving, and golf, so I tried to keep my goals reasonable. I didn't account for losing my knitting mojo as well.

Spring Knitting Goals
1. Dust off and make progress on Feb. Lady Sweater.
2. Work on Bijouterie.
3. Plan baby items, using stash or pick up materials needed. (2 friends due Aug/Sept.) Currently thinking at least one pair of booties. DONE
4. Make progress on baby items (especially if sweater knitting is getting too hot!) DONE
5. Decide on next lace project ;) (work on #4 prior to casting on!)

Deadline: June 21

I've planned baby items. I casted on the booties with some Cashmerino from my stash. I casted on and made some progress on booties, but my progress was pretty pathetic. I picked up some Louet Gems (fingering wt.) at my LYS in order to make a garter stitch baby kimono. I have completed number 3 and 4 out of 5. I keep looking at lace on blogs and Rav, and wanting to knit lace. Because I want to get some baby knitting done first, and knowing what happens once I cast on any lace, I haven't decided on what I'd like to knit next, just yet. I'll make that one of my goals for the summer. (P.S. I already would have tried to knit some lace for the baby, if it was a girl. Instead, as you can tell by the booties and yarn for the kimono, she's expecting a boy.) Here's a look at the Louet Gems. I thought I'd go with washable for this mom-to-be.

Seeing that I'm posting this wrap up MORE than a month late! (WHOA! I kept waiting to have some knitting to show... and you see what happens?) Now that I'm posting these so late, I'll call them my Tardy Summer Knitting Goals. I feel that I'm on the way to finding my knitting mojo. I followed some advice that I was given in the comments when I posted the problem. I went to my LYS and I will be casting on for something new soon. :)

Tardy Summer Knitting Goals
1. At least one FO.
2. Cast on for baby sweater.
3. Complete one baby item. (booties or garter stitch baby kimono)
4. Work on Bijouterie.
5. Make final decision on next lace project. Lately I'm teetering between this, this, or this. I want to knit it all!

Deadline: September 22nd

Up Next: A SP14 package and a Saucy swap package! (I got the packages late last night and haven't taken pics yet.)
Contest held by the blog STILL coming...

Caffeine Addicts Summer Swap Final Installment

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:06:00 +0000

The rest of my package arrived!

First I received a handpainted skein from iWunder. It is soo soft and it is my favorite colors! Then I received this package from Greece! I had received a note in my first package saying the rest of my package was coming from a sunny place, being a secret swap I guess she didn't want to tip me off by saying how far away she really was! Once I opened the wrapping I saw just how full the package was!I found all kinds of goodies inside! A bag of Christina's special blend of coffee to try, some"extra blend" from her favorite coffee shop, two types of candies made with Mastic (a turkish delight that is from a tree that grows in Chios), two hanks and 1 skein of kangaroo (cotton?), a tea blend called "Maya" which has spices and chocolate, and also a postcard from the island of Kittira (where she vacationed last week). I couldn't avoid taking one more shot with the yarn that I had received earlier.
All of the yarn looked so pretty together, don't you think? The yarn is beautiful, I love the colors! I can't wait to try the coffee, tea and treats! I enjoyed learning a bit about greece and Mastic as well. (Linked above in case anyone is as curious as I was!)

Thanks for such a great package Christina! (Karmologyclinic on Rav)

Caffeine Addicts Summer Swap First Installment

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:12:00 +0000

I received this in the mail ahead of time from my secret partner from iWunder on ETSY. It's even more yummy in person! ;) Thanks Secret Pal!

Swap Update: Swaps are in full speed!
SP14 has begun!
My Caffeine Addicts Summer Swap (Ravelry) downstream partner should be receiving her package this week.
My Saucy Swap (Ravelry) downstream partner should also be receiving her package this week.

Breakfast time at the barn...

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Dee just thought she'd drop by the blog...It was breakfast time, so she had trouble saying "cheese" with her mouth full, but I think she did a good job. (I love her ears in this shot, she's thinking pretty hard here.)
Daizzy was also eating her breakfast and was quite sleepy. She decided to give me a profile shot.
Pooh (my mom's horse) said his stomach woke him up, where's my grain already? (He's ALWAYS hungry)
Here's a look at Dee (and Pooh's) new home. It's still under construction, as you can see, but the horses don't mind. It's great to have Dee at home!
Once the upstairs is finished, I'll be moving in to the loft apartment.

I'm on vacation this week so hopefully there will be a bit more time for blogging, knitting, and maybe even beading, along with riding, golfing and hanging out with my niece, nephews, brother and sister in law! Stay tuned for a contest as well!

SP14 Questionnaire

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Bit of housekeeping things first.
Life has impeded with my knitting and blogging lately. Stay tuned for an upcoming contest (super late blogoversary contest), a wrap-up of my Spring Knitting Goal's with new Summer Knitting Goals, and a Spark update!

It's that time again... let the swaps begin!
SP14 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I would have to say my love right now is Malabrigo, but I also really enjoy mohair and other yarns. I like soft yarn and I like wooly yarn. It depends what I'm making. I do not like 100% acrylic yarn, but I have no problem with a mixture of acrylic. I do not like fun fur or eyelash yarn. I'm always open to trying someone else's favorite.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Knitpicks Options in their own binder/pockets. Straight needles in a roll. (Gifted from Christmas swap)

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 about 3 1/2 years. I guess I am somewhere in intermediate. I have done some work with increases/decreases, K2TOG, some cables, and YO's. I always like when I pick a new pattern and it has a few new skills for me to pick up along the way. Thinking about socks sometime soon. My first sweater is currently languishing OTN.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, amazon. (see sidebar)

5. What's your favorite scent? I LOVE lavender. It's sooo relaxing. I also love the smell of fresh roses. I also like "clean" scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes. I like most sweets. Including snickers, dove chocolate, swedish fish, gummi bears etc. I dislike really dark chocolate (over 70%)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I do not spin. I love making stitch markers. I have also started doing some small sewing projects. I don't mind sewing by hand but now that I have a machine (thanks SP13 spoiler!) I think I'll be doing a lot more... Once I unpack it out of storage. (See #10) I have a lot of ideas. (tote bags, needle organizers, etc.)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have a love for most music. I love country, top 20, jazz (esp. miles davis), most everything except really heavy metal. I can listen to MP3's in my car.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love yellow and blue. I also really like pink. I have something against purple. I still end up wearing it a lot and sometimes I find myself persuaded to use it or buy clothes that are purple.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am currently living in an apartment (see a previous SP11 response). I have a percheron/thoroughbred horse named Dee. Sometime during this swap I hope to move into a new apartment above the barn where my horse is currently living. (Spoiler for SP14: There will not be any change in mailing address. I've already started receiving mail at the new apartment because my horse is there already!) I will then live with my own horse, my parents horse, and some boarders as well. I currently live with my smooth Collie Daizzy, Daizzy's sister (a rough collie), and my parents cat Dusty. Once I've moved into the new apartment I'll just be living with Daizzy and the horses. The cat, Dusty, is debatable. I haven't decided what he'd think about becoming a barn cat just yet.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves and mittens ALL the time in winter. I wear baseball hats a lot and wool hats or headbands in the winter. I don't have a poncho, but I have considered making myself one.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I really enjoyed knitting an amanda hat. I have enjoyed making mittens, washcloths, and scarves so far... Thinking about socks sometime soon. I have a few bags on my to-do list. I don't have too many completed projects so I don't feel like I have a "favorite" yet. So far I'm enjoying working on my first sweater. (FLS) I made my first shawl (a forest canopy) and got bit by the lace bug pretty badly as well.

13. What are you knitting right now? Since May, my knitting mojo has gone for a field trip. I hope it comes home soon! I haven't made a ton of progress lately on some baby booties. I'd like to cast on for another lace project but think that if I do that, the baby booties will never get finished. We'll see what happens next, if I give into my lace urges or if I get the baby booties done first. I'm also considering switching gears into a baby cardigan instead. I also have a February Lady Sweater languishing on the needles until the weather is cooler.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? YES!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I think each type has it's place. I have a fair amount of bamboo straights in my collection and lately I have been adding both aluminum and plastic circulars to my collection. I am preferring circular over straight these days when I have the option. (Knitpicks options and random others)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have a winder (YAY for lovely center pull balls) Naturally, I've put a swift on my want list.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Clogs (OCS... one clog syndrome)

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? It would have to be Christmas. I love finding/making just the right gift for someone.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Yes, I have a fair amount of books ranging from horseback riding/instruction to cooking/baking to animal rights to various "fun" novels and of course Knitting books. I collect Miles Davis books and music. (I became obsessed with him and Jazz when I played flute and trumpet and sang during high school.) I also collect the little shell "animals" that touristy shops sell everywhere. I have probably 6 different animals from my travels. It's sort of an "incidental" collection, I can't stop myself from buying them when I see new animals. I also have a collection of Painted Ponies.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Thanks to Ravelry, my books are mostly posted there. I think there are several missing because they haven't been posted on Rav yet. I am trying to decide which magazine to get. I keep swapping between Knit.1 and Knitscene. As far as patterns that I would like, they are in my sidebar (along with the free patterns that I want to knit.) I noted if I have them or need them.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Off the top of my head, learning long tail cast on's. Would like to try toe up socks, maybe try two at a time socks now that I have the book.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not yet, (see #21). In general I am a size 8. Will post measurements soon. (I know I said I'd do it earlier, twice actually. I will, promise!)

23. When is your birthday? June 3rd.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? ponyknit

I got an Award, and Happy Belated Birthday to me!

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:20:00 +0000

from Moriah! RULES you must resend this to 5 bloggers and you must tell 5 things about your crafts you like the most...what inspires you to make home made gifts..

What inspires me:
1. I love making the perfect gift for someone, and even better, I love seeing them enjoy it!
2. Ravelry. I can't log in without finding something new that I want to make RIGHT now for someone!
3. I agree with Moriah, I love the result of two needles and yarn. Such beautiful things can result!
4. I always love the rush of getting something new OTN right when I finish something.
5. Knitting blogs. Reading about other creative gifts and hearing about another knitters generosity is very inspiring.

And now, to nominate others: (I added how they inspire me)

1. Ever green knits with her great knits and patterns, and outdoor photography!
2. Alison with everything she does... her great knitting, humor, generosity and strength.
3. Rachel with all of the crafting from knitting to paper cutting to photography, it's all beautiful!
4. Nichole with her pups, knitting, reviews and charity work.
5. Darcy with her great knits and giveaways. (Already got this award once!)

A few weeks ago, I met up with Moriah, and she gave me an early birthday present! Obviously she knows me... with the stitch markers, blues and butterflies. I've been itching to bead since she gifted them! Thanks Moriah! (Sorry my picture size is still off, haven't figured out how to make pic's not get cut off like that... work in progress I guess)
Contest: Darcy is holding a KaratStix giveaway

Next: Details on my blogoversary contest coming... still working on details.
By then, hopefully I'll have some knitting to show. It's getting really close to the wrap up of my spring knitting goals as well. Yikes!

Which Ewe Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Quiz: I saw this super cute quiz, posted on cosymakes blog, in honor of The Knitter's Book of Wool that is coming out in October...I'm a Shropshire. Down and down-type wool feels bouncy and crisp and they are often used as filler yarns because they give lightweight bulk to the finished product.

As the oldest pedigree breed, Shropshires can claim elegance, manners, and grace as their inheritance. Like other down and down-type wools, Shropshires stick together and are always sure to make new friends feel welcome.

Swap Updates: I had a bit of a lull around here, and before I knew it I was signing up for swaps left and right!

So far I'm signed up for...
SP14: Sign up now until June 15th. Different price ranges again like in SP13. Swap runs July through September.
Saucy Swap: On Ravelry. I love hot sauce, couldn't resist. I think entries have already closed... Mail Date: July 18th
Caffeine Addicts Summer Swap "My Favorite Things": On Ravelry. Big coffee and tea fan, a.k.a. addict, also couldn't resis this swap. Register now, closes June 10th. (Today!) Mail date: July 15th

Dearest Blog,

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Happy 2nd Blogoversary! We've had another great year. In the first year, you became a part of my life. Now I can't imagine not blogging. Sure, I've had lulls and lags, (including another move!) but "life" happens. I always look forward to come back and post about what has been keeping me for so long!

This year has brought me from one minor casualty, to Kenny Chesney stalking, to 2 Stitch 'N Pitches, to 6 more (of 17?) swaps, to winning contests, to my second dish rag tag (where this time I was a captain), to baby knitting to secret knitting and back again. Can't wait to see what next year brings!

Take a bite of the famous virtual blogoversary cupcake to celebrate! I just read a post today saying how mini-blogs (facebook, twitter etc.) are overtaking blogs in popularity. I see people twittering, but I also see my google reader continually filling up with new posts to read. I don't see blogging going anywhere. I think there is definitely a perk to both, and while I just blog, I don't think blogs will diminish. I can't imagine not blogging what I'm thinking, knitting, or etc, after only 2 years. Sure, some people prefer to mini-blog that sort of stuff, but I'm sure there are many bloggers out there like me. Maybe blogging is developing and expanding as technology advances, but I'll still continue to blog and I don't think too many blogs are going anywhere soon.

The blog wanted to hold a contest in celebration of the past 2 years, and I agree. The blog wouldn't be the same without all of the friends that it has made along the way. It's time to celebrate! Stay tuned for more info!

Thanks for everything blog,

Love,
~Ponyknit

Knitting mojo... please come home...

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:28:00 +0000

I guess I could say it has been stolen by what we all call life.*

Dear Life,

Can I please have my knitting mojo back?

Thanks,
Love,
~Ponyknit

*Life breaks down into several portions of a whole: a full-time job (including designing and
dry-run of a new 3 day technique course), freelancing (here comes show season), working out (I'm close to my goal, 4 lbs. to go!), and still dealing with "the move" including moving my horse to our new barn later today.

WIP: I have made some progress on the booties, but not nearly enough to warrant a new pic.

I recently found some pic's that I had forgotten to post a while ago. Here's Daizzy with her sister to distract you from my lack of knitting mojo. (Yes, they are littermates. Their mom was a smooth and dad was a rough collie)

Daizzy was enjoying a treat (a bone for tough chewers, but it still only lasted about a 1/2 hr. She loved it!) on her favorite blue mat.

And her sister tried to sneak in and snag it...

Daizzy ended up sharing with her sister, and let her clean up the pieces that fell off of the bone while she was gnawing at it. Sharing is caring ;)

Next: Hopefully WIP worthy pics next time!
Stay tuned, my blogoversary is coming in 9 days...

Beginning of booties

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:33:00 +0000

There has been SOME knitting...I've started working on one of my Spring Goals, baby booties. Another goal was to plan what baby items I wanted to make, and decide on what I need and try to use stash. So far, for the booties I've been using Cashmerino DK from my stash. I'm thinking about making a Garter Stitch Baby Kimono to match the booties, and I'll most likely need to pick something up for that.

Spring Knitting Goals
1. Dust off and make progress on Feb. Lady Sweater.
2. Work on Bijouterie.
3. Plan baby items, using stash or pick up materials needed. (2 friends due Aug/Sept.) Currently working on one pair of booties. May make a Garter-Stitch Baby Kimono as well.
4. Make progress on baby items (especially if sweater knitting is getting too hot!) Booties.
5. Decide on next lace project ;) (work on #4 prior to casting on!)

Deadline: June 21

Also, I WON a tunes contest at Ministrone Soup. The Garden Tweed is gorgeous, thanks Mini! Now I've got to decide what to knit...

I couldn't resist posting this pic. I got one of my first iced coffee's of the year on my way into work the other day, and LOVED the statement on the cup.

GO SOX!

While I'm at it... Let's go BRUINS!

P.S. Take a peek at this site. It's the Iced Coffee Weather predictor. I'm sure it would have said yes over the weekend or the beginning of this week. Today it is telling me NO. hahaha

What Kind of Sweater are You?

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Saw this on Abbyknitz, also couldn't resist.

You Are an Argyle Sweater

You are contemplative, brainy, and serious.

You don't take much lightly - life is too important for that.

You are a very determined person. You don't let anything stand in your way.

You think out your actions and act deliberately. You don't waste time, money, or resources.

What Kind of Sweater Are You?

P.S. I'm finally all moved. The stash (yarn) survived the move safe and sound. Regular posts should resume soon. I have an update on Daizzy's agility class, but sadly, no knitting to speak of just yet. Hopefully I will have some to show soon!

Winter Knitting Goals Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (ponyknit) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:02:00 +0000

A bit late with the wrap up, but I was waiting to post my Forest Canopy Shawl FO pics.

Winter Knitting Goals
1. Finish Feb. Lady Sweater. (hahaha NO)
2. Make progress on my Forest Canopy Shawl. FINISHED!
3. Attempt to knit jewelry. (Bijouterie, Winter Knitty) (Have materials)
4. Make something for Hot Cocoa Swap 2 downstream partner. (Marshmallow Woman) Deadline: March 20th

I was really close to getting 3 out of 4 done, but I ended up completing 2 out of 4. Initially I had just wanted to make progress on the shawl but I couldn't put it down and work on #1 and 3. I will try to consider the obsession of lace knitting next time I set my knitting goals ;) haha I wanted to work on Bijouterie but I ran out of time. I didn't have a lot of knitting time towards the end of the winter season, but in the end I still completed two FO's.

Spring Knitting Goals
1. Dust off and make progress on Feb. Lady Sweater.
2. Work on Bijouterie.
3. Plan baby items, using stash or pick up materials needed. (2 friends due Aug/Sept.) Currently thinking at least one pair of booties.
4. Make progress on baby items (especially if sweater knitting is getting too hot!)
5. Decide on next lace project ;) (work on #4 prior to casting on!)

Deadline: June 21

I am currently moving, and then I will be moving again in a few months, so I am trying to set more conservative goals this season. Also, as much as I want to finish my Feb. Lady Sweater, I realize that it might get too hot. In addition, I'm currently suffering from lace knitting withdrawal and want to cast on for a new project. I realize that I should start some baby items first, before I get glued to my lace project and repeat what happened for the Winter!

While getting behind in my posts, I also got behind in updates of how Daizzy's progress in her Beginner Agility class!
She has gone to 4 (of 6) classes now. Our 5th is this evening. So far, she has amazed me. She has been doing great! She has gone through tunnels, barrels, loops, walked on planks (2 feet wide initially, now 1 foot wide), and leaped over countless amounts of jumps including long jumps.

Here's some pictures of us practicing her homework. Before this agility class (or even her obedience class) she would not like to put her feet on different, especially slippery, things. Here she is working on standing on a lid to a Rubbermaid container.

Look Ma, I'm standing with my front paws on the lid. It's not too bad. Where's my cookie?

How is this? I'll sit in front of the lid, is that what you want?Ooooh I get it, OK. All paws on lid. Got it. Cookie please?