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48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME? Vicki

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday. I usually find myself crying at some point during church and my son had his soccer award ceremony yesterday. All the kids got trophies...the community center doesn't even keep score...But he was SO proud of his trophy....I couldn't help but tear up.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Usually.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Turkey

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yep.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? A couple...You're reading one of them. I also keep a Prayer Journal.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, and my appendix, too.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? A bowl of organic whole grain flakes cereal piled with lots of fresh organic fruit. Usually bananas, strawberries and raisins....Yummmy!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No. But then again I rarely wear tie shoes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Well I guess that depends on how you mean. I am pretty much a wimp physically....but I feel my 4' 10" status gives me a decent excuse there. I would like to think I am strong emotionally.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ice Cream in itself is a favorite. Now with places like Cold Stone I don't think I ever get the same type twice.

14. SHOE SIZE? 4-5

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I talk too much. I am not very patient with my kids.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I am lucky to have all the important people in my life close to me. I guess I miss being able to get to know my grandfather. He passed when I was just a kid.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue Jeans, and a pink and brown blouse. No shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Pizza

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My kids playing

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? some pretty earthy colors.

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Coffee

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My pastor who is also my boss. I misplaced my church keys and it turns out they were at his house.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their confidence

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Absolutely!! I think I stole it from a number of people I like! Amber, Julie and Andrea!

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Tea both Hot and Iced, I also drink a lot of water.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? Sports? Does knitting qualify?

29. EYE COLOR? Hazel

30. HAT SIZE? Why would I know this??

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yep. I am blind as a bat with out them.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Depends on my mood. My favorites change probably daily. Typically I love Italian, Mexican, Thai,....

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.

34. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD THAT BE? I have no idea. Probably someplace warmer because I hate winter.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. Except from my DH...then kisses.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Ice Cream!

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I have no idea.

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See #38

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? You'll be sorry you asked! The Connecting Church by Randy Frezee, From Playpen to Podium by Jeff Myers, The Brethran by Beverly Lewis, I am forgeting something....But I am too lazy to run up and check my nightstand.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have a mouse pad.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Cold Case and Without a Trace

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My children laughing

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? The Beatles hands down!

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Seville, Spain

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Hmmm....Julie replyed that it is her ability to teach herself whatever she wants to know. While being at risk of looking unoriginal....I would probably say the same thing. I am an avid reader and pretty much teach myself whatever it is I want to learn.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Illinois

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? No one ... I took it upon myself to swipe it from Julie's, Andrea's and Amber's blogs.

Clapotis est fini.

I am pretty happy with it. I used Mmmalabrigo is "dusty." It took three skeins and a smidgen from a 4th. So I have almost a full skein of this color way left. It is super soft and it just begs to be snuggled up in. My only thing is I am not sure I am going to use this. I so wanted to when I started. But now I have tried wearing it as a scarf...too bulky. And as a wrap over my coat, it is still pretty bulky. The weather still isn't cold enough to use it so maybe when it gets colder....that bulky wrap will look just perfect. Right now it is hanging in my coat closet and I pet it everytime I get something from the closet.

So now what should I do with almost a full skein of Mmmmalabrigo? Mittens maybe?

Socktoberfest Progress

Socktoberfest is half way through and I am about half way through on my project. I am using Queen Kahuna's Crazy Heels and Toes to modify the Jaywalker pattern. I am about an inch past the heels, so I am definately in the home stretch. Now just to find the time to finish this and my countless other projects.

Does the yarn look familar. Yep it was frogged from the Size 0 Trekking Socks I started back in January! Now I have to say I had gotten some more progress on them. I had turned the heel and was picking up stitches when my then 2 yo decided he wanted to 'knit.' It took my forever just to untangle the mess he made. The socks were, needless to say, history!

While I am on the topic of Socktoberfest, Lolly had posted a series of Socktoberfest related questions way back in the beginning of the month. So I figured I might as well answer them...

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

Probably just a couple months after starting to knit. I learned to knit almost 2 years ago in the spring and that summer I made my first pair of socks for my son. Like most things I taught myself.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

They have held up great. I didn't have too many problems. The socks were a little big on him but when you are knitting for a growing 6 yo that isn't always a terrible thing. He still wears them every chance he gets. (Although I can't stand the yarn...he choose it so he is happy.)

What would you have done differently?

I can't think of anything. I think it was a great experience. I started with a sport/dk weight yarn so it made the stitches easy to see and work with. And it was great too that I was knitting for little feet. It was easier to finish and feel like I had accomplished something.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I LOVE soft yarns to work with. So far my favorite has been the alpaca socks. The pattern wasn't exciting but I absolutely love the feel of the alpaca. And the technique is now my favorite. These have been my best fitting socks to date.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I don't think I would like crocheted socks, although my mom has made some and she loves them....My kids are all getting crocheted socks from her for Christmas so I can decide then. As I have said I love The Crazy Heels and Toes Technique which is done with two socks on two circulars. I tried the Magic Loop method and didn't care for it. DPN's are fine but I really prefer the circular needles.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

Short row heel Queen Kahuna Style.

How many pairs have you made?

I may have lost count but I think I am at about 10 pairs.

Pretties and More Pretties

Look what I found in my mailbox last night. Another Stitch Marker Exchange package!

Check out all these yummies. Five very pretty stitchmarkers. I love the soft green color. Homemade DPN's in a size 10 1/2 with an other pretty red marker decorating the bow. A skein of Patons Pebbles and a cute little change purse made from the yarn. And two tea lights. I love candles. Thanks Raena.

Now while I am finally getting around to uploading my pictures. Look at this cutie! Isn't she the cutest little flower girl on Earth!

Sock Wars: The Evidence

Well I realized in looking through my recent posts that somehow I have neglected to report on the outcome of sock wars (at least from my point of view.) Well if you remember my last sock wars post, I was resigned to my demise. But I decided that I ought to at least try to take someone out with me! So Monday morning, I ran to Fringe and picked up two balls of a yummy soft cashmere/merino blend and started knitting. I was surprised at how quickly the pattern went in a DK weight yarn. By Wednesday, I had these socks finished, photographed, packaged.
Wednesday afternoon, I dropped these socks off at the post office and returned to find a package with these socks inside.

So I managed to get off a fatal shot just in the knick of time. I love the colorway. This was such a fun game. I am glad I decided to make a go of it.

Secret Pal 9 Contest

Patty, my SP9 hostess has already started a contest. So I think I will be getting this in just at the deadline.(I hope) But here it is either way.

Actor - I don't really have a favorite Actor or Actress. Heck I don't even know the names of half the actors in my favorite programs.
Actress - Ditto my answer for the actor.
Animal -I LOVE alpaca. I got to visit an alpaca farm here in the burbs and they were fabulous animals. I just wanted to take one home.
Band - Third Day and Mercy Me Both are Contemporary Christian Artists.
Beverage - Chai Tea Latte is my favorite indulgance.
Book - I am such an avid reader I really can't pick one. I can give you my two favorite authors...Francine Rivers, who is a Christian Novelist and Jodi Picoult
Bubble Bath - YES!
Candy - Organic Dark Chocolate! Yummy and good for you! Too bad it doesn't come without caleries!
Color - Burgundy or Wine colored
Flower - Lilies and Orchids
Food - Italian.
Lip Balm - Burt's Bees
Lotion -Can't really say I have a favorite. I tend to buy lotions on impulse because I like the scent or even the look of the bottle. (I know I'm weird.)
Movie - I'm drawing a bit of a blank here. The kids and I love to watch Chronicles of Narnia.
Song - I can only Imagine by Mercy Me
TV Show - LOST and 24
Vacation Spot - Hmmm...About the only place we actually go is Wisconsin Dells with the kids. My dream would be to travel Europe with my husband. Maybe someday when we are so rich we don't have to work anymore.

Secret Pal 9 Questions

I had so much fun with Secret Pal 8 that I decided to join SP 9! Here is the questionaire along with a few questions my pal added to the end.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/S to knit with? What fibers do you
Absolutely *not* like?

I LOVE natural fibers. I am not crazy about acrylics but will use an acrylic blend on occasion for a child's item (My first choice is a superwash wool.)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

My favorite Needles are my new knitpicks option needles. So those are stored in the case that came with the set. I also store my cable needles and tapestry needles in a pocket in this case. My DPNs and crochet hooks are made in a fabric roll that I made.

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 almost two years. I taught myself by reading books and KnittingHelp. I would say I am probably an intermediate knitter. Since I have yet to truely give some of the advanced techniques a fair try. I am planning on tackeling some Faire Isle this winter. I am also fairly new to lace knitting and haven't tried Entralac.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Is it up to date?

Yep. And yes it is current.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

Not picky. I don't like overpowering florals though.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

We are a bit of health nuts over here (sorry about that). I do love organic dark chocolate! (Loaded with antioxidants!!!!! Thank God chocolate is good for you!)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you
Spin?

I crochet, spin and sew

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if
Your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Mostly Contemporary Christian.

9. What's your favorite color(S)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like earthy colors...Browns, greens, rustycolors, burgundies. I really don't *hate* any colors but I am not crazy about pastels. Oh and I guess I can't stand bright neony garish colors so I guess I do hate some colors. But one doesn't see these colors too often for good reason!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am married with three children (7,5,3) and two cats!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves and mittens. I really don't like too many ponchos (there has been a rare pattern that I thought I might like but not too many.) I love the look of hats but think I look silly in them.

12. What is/are your favorite item/S to knit?

SOCKS!!!!! Up until now small projects have suited me best. But I have started eyeing a number of sweaters that I think I may need to try my hand at!

13. What are you knitting right now?

A baby cardigan for my nephew to be. A pair of Jaywalkers. And Tubey from Knitty. I have the lotus blossom tank on hold right now. I figured I would pick it up again towards the spring.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

They are the best kind to give and receive!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Knit Picks Options!!!!!!!! So I guess to answer your question Metal circs.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Tubey. I started last winter and didn't manage to finish. Since I like to utilize what I finish right away I put it away for the summer and just picked it back up again. I am about half way through the body portion!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Besides Yarn? Books....Other than that I can't think of anything.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get
Your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription to Interweave Press's Spin Off. Other than that now subscriptions. Although I tend to buy Interweave Knits the moment it hits the stands.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Faire Isle, and Lace knitting

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes!!! I am a us size 4. (I know small feet.) That is about 8 1/4 inches in length.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

Sept 5

24. Do you like tea, coffee or hot chocolate? Favorite brands?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

25. Do you have a favorite author? Any books you really would like and not
On your Amazon wish list?

Jodi Picoult. Francine Rivers (Contemporary Christian author)