July/August FO's ...

This is the infamous multi fiber wrap Regina and I took a class to learn how to make. I love how it turned out. I'm now looking forward to making one from my stash using some funky fibers. :) I should get lots of opportunities to wear it. FRONT:

BACK:

CLOSEUP:

My FIRST pair of socks!! :) I've been wanting to learn how to do socks for quite a while. It just seemed that every time I started a pair something more important came up and I would end up aborting them. I have two sock books, so one day decided to get them out and learn how to do them on my own. I chose regular old Red Heart worsted weight acrylic so I could use larger needles and be able to learn the construction and finish them quickly. And I made them one at a time. I now have my first pair of two at a time on the needles but haven't gotten back to them in a few weeks. Since these are worsted weight they turned out more as slipper socks instead of socks you can actually wear with shoes, but that's ok. I learned the basic construction! I'm so tickled! LOL


This is the green scarf I finished for Cari. It's very soft and the perfect weight. I'm very happy with the results but I will have to say the pattern got pretty boring after a while.


This is the latest FO - just last night. It still needs to be washed and blocked - it needs some serious stretching. I would've made it longer but ran out of yarn - it needed at least one more rectangle. Oh well, hopefully the blocking will give me enough length. Oh and BTW the pattern is in the "Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders" book. Be sure to check the errata page for any pattern in this book. There was a couple for this one as well.



Still OTN (on the needles) is a 3-wrap for ME!; a black gray multi directional scarf and a pair of socks.

Have a great day!
QB

DreamFever ... UGH!!!

OK so after finally finding the thing at Target on Tuesday, it was really frustrating to not have time to read it! Somehow I did manage to grab very small windows throughout the day and night. Same thing on Wednesday - Cari and I shopped all day for last minute loot she needed for her dorm. Still, I managed to grab a bit of time that evening and before bed to get a few more pages read. Thursday greeted us with more shopping and killing time since we had to put her car in the shop for an alignment before taking it to JMU. At least we got home earlier though, around 2:30pm. I think I had the book finished by 6pm!

Let me tell you I was one frustrated reader!! Obviously the book was just as awesome as the other three (if not more so) for me to have devoured it in a span of three incredibly hectic days. But, and that's a BIG but ... it left me hanging from the cliff by fingernails ... AGAIN! AND after reading the author's note in the back I discovered we still have to wait for the fifth and final book in the series! OMG! This sucks. If I had only known, I would've collected the books and waited until the fifth one was released to read them all. I HATE waiting! LOL I know, I know. I need to have a little patience ... well I don't have a choice do I? Still don't have to like it.

If you'd like to read a bit about this book (or any of the "Fever" books) check out Karen Marie Moning's website.

A pouting QB signing off, for now ...

PS - on a happy note, I'm going to see my gorgeous grand baby tomorrow! :D

Books, books and more books ...

I just finished "Knitting Under the Influence" by Claire LaZebnik. I'm not really sure where the book came from or who loaned it to me, but I discovered it while digging through one of my stashes. I'd never read anything by the author before and have not enjoyed several of the last off the wall authors I'd picked up lately. Anyway, on a whim I decided to pick this up and see how far I could get with it. I was delighted and surprised to find myself looking forward to having the time to get back to the story. Even though the author incorporated the girls' knitting group into the story, it was really the story about three girlfriends sticking together through thick and thin while learning various life lessons.

Another recent book I was really excited about picking up was "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. Boy was I disappointed. Apparently my standards are just way different than the majority of the entire reading population. I managed to make it through 162 pages. At that point I decided I simply couldn't take any more. UGH! What didn't I like about it? I would be easier and quicker to say what I did like about it - no wait, there wouldn't be anything to write. I know quite a few people who have read it and liked it. That's why I say it must be me - it can't be everyone else! Sometimes when I read a book I can't get into, I know it's my mood or frame of mind and not because the book isn't good. This book, I can honestly say, just wasn't for me. For me, it was about 70% fluff and maybe 30% meat. I'm a meat girl, not a fluff girl. I don't need to know every tiny detail about each particular situation - especially when the situation isn't pertinent to the story!

Since it is a time travel book, I did expect the story to go back and forth between past and current situations - and it was a LOT, sometimes every couple of pages. But that combined with the constant going back and forth between Henry's point of view and Claire's point of view and all the bloody details that had nothing to contribute to the story ... ??? AAAAHHHH I had had all I could take by page 162 and I closed the book. I hate to give up on books once I've started them, but this one was a complete waste of time in my opinion.

Before I picked up "The Time Traveler's Wife" I tried to read "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming" by Joshilyn Jackson. Again I am in the minority of readers (on amazon.com anyway) reviews on this book. This one, too, failed to capture and keep my attention because of too many details that did absolutely nothing to contribute to the main story. I made it to about page 150 in this book before giving up. So much for trying new authors. From now on I will stick to my tried and true authors who never fail to keep me interested and turning pages.

On the other hand, I did find a new author I like. After discovering I had the first and third books in the "Fever" series by Karen Marie Moning, I went on a mission to get the second one and excitedly started the first one, "Dark Fever," on Friday, Aug 7. By Tuesday, yes four days later, I had finished the third one and was dying to get my hands on the fourth one, "Dream Fever" to be released tomorrow! Each book leaves you wanting more and is like the ending of a chapter, not a book. I'm glad I just recently discovered this series and didn't have to wait long in between each of the three I just read. So I'll be off tomorrow to pick up the new one and fly through my chores just to have time to read a bit.

Life has been a bit crazy this summer and will be even crazier this week. We're doing last minute shopping and getting everything together to move Cari back into her dorm on Saturday. It's going to be bittersweet leaving her again. We've had a lot of time together this summer. I'm going to miss her. She's off tonight seeing her beautiful niece and sister one more time before leaving. I know it's going to be hard for her to let Morgan go tomorrow night before heading home again.

Until next time,
QB

WIPs ... a couple of scarves

Cari picked out this beautiful Misti Alpaca green sock yarn for a scarf last week. It's a very simple (boring actually) pattern but works up beautiful with this variegated yarn. It's worked on size 6 needles - she's expecting me to have it finished before she leaves for college next month - we'll see:

And below is one I've started for me (hopefully) with some beautiful Crystal Palace Mini Mochi self striping yarn. I've been wanting to do this Multi Directional Scarf pattern for a while now and this yarn told me that's what it wanted to be. :)

I have my Berroco Bonsai on order for the multi fiber off white summer wrap I want to do. I swear by the time I get the yarn and start working on the wrap I'll have to wait until next summer to use it! UGH!

That's all for now ... until later,
QB

Morgan's First S&B!!

We were so happy to welcome baby Morgan to her very first S&B (Stitch & Bitch) Friday morning! We had a small group but Regina and Fran were thrilled to get their hands on her! She has grown so much in the two weeks since I last saw her. Heidi said the newborn diapers are getting snug and she's getting so long!

We each got our hands on her for a bit. I'll admit I hogged her - no shame there. She is such a little love bug and such a wonderful little cuddler it's really hard to put her down.


Heidi stayed and visited until about 6pm that evening so we had a nice visit! Where are the photos of Mom you ask? Well the only time Heidi ever gets to hold her while we're around is when she's hungry, so we are still missing photos of Mom holding her! I'll try to do better next time.

"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"

Cari and I have been going to the midnight madness celebrations since "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" was released in 2003. There is something special about being there sharing the excitement with everyone else. There is never a question as to whether or not we're going - it's a given. Yeah, we're tired the next day but it's so worth it. The closer the day and time got, the more excited I was. I re-read the book, so I'd remember more of the details I knew would be left out. And all in all, I really liked the movie. I was, however, disappointed in some of the changes that didn't seem to have a purpose. There were quite a few scenes I simply could not understand why they made the changes they did. And the major scene I had issues with is the one where the Burrow was burned down by Death Eaters - it does not exist in the book. ??? And I couldn't see the value of the scene. Was it supposed to tell the viewers who had not read the book something? I don't know. I couldn't figure it out. And how are they going to fix that for the beginning of the next book where there is a wedding at the Burrow? Magic I guess.

As always, the movie was awesome but it can't hold a candle to the book.

Flutter Fantasy

Flutter Fantasy is a special summer exhibit at the Botanical Gardens this summer. They have a traditional butterfly garden, but this exhibit is contained in a closed area. I had been wanting to go ever since I heard about it, but there's been so much going on, I just hadn't been able to make it there. So Monday morning I headed there with Regina, Alexa and Cari. The skies were overcast and the temperature was only in the upper 70's to low 80's ... but the humidity was suffocating! The sweat was rolling off of me like a waterfall. UGH! (Sorry, that's probably a visual you didn't need to have, huh?) Even so, the incredible array of roses was tempting enough to waylay me. I loved how the water droplets still remained on the petals after the overnight rain. Here's a few of my favorite shots:

Eventually, I tore myself away from the roses to proceed along the path toward the butterfly exhibit. Along the way, I had to stop repeatedly to capture more of the beautiful flowers blooming and the bees pollinating them:

We were all melting by now, so I made myself bypass most everything else to get to the butterflies before I passed out. After we got inside the butterfly house it was ok - not exactly what I expected. Of course, it didn't stop me from clicking away. I love some of these shots, but I had really hoped to be able to photograph some species I didn't see in my own yard. Oh well.

Between melting and starving, all of us were ready to go. By the time we got back to the car, a shower is really what we wanted, but the air conditioning in the car did it's job and Baker's Crust was our destination for lunch. We felt like everyone stared at us as we we were led all the way to the back of the restaurant to our table. Hmmm, maybe we did look as bad as we felt! LOL Lunch was wonderful! I tried a new sandwich - don't remember the name of it though. It was an open faced, toasted sandwich with chicken, munster cheese, spinach and apple slices. A bit different, but it was really good. I'd get it again and, to me, that's the true test.

Now, time to rest up for the midnight showing of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

Charlottesville Weekend

After dropping Peanut off at Dad's we had a pretty uneventful drive to Charlottesville. We met Bill, Beth and Lauren at the hotel and soon after arriving, set off for the Downtown Mall. The guys found a nice place to sit and have a snack and beer while Beth and I hit the yarn shop (Needle Lady) and bead shop (Studio Baboo). We didn't get to the mall until after 3:30pm and most of the shops close at 5:00pm so we really didn't have much time.

The Needle Lady is a wonderful fiber shop. Oh the money I could drop in there! I was looking specifically for some cream color fiber to compliment my multi fiber summer wrap (see post below) I am ready to begin. It took a couple of spins through the shop before I spied it, but once I did I knew it was the perfect one. Berroco Bonsai in the tofu olor. Frustratingly, though, they only had two hanks of it - I need seven. UGH!! So, believe it or not, I walked out of there without a single purchase! I know!!! I can't believe it either - still!

From there, we walked down to Studio Baboo to see what kind of trouble I could get into there. I did pretty well in there too - only picking up a few teal and lime green beads to add to my collection. I think the main reason for my restraint was because I was starving. It was almost 5:00 by this time and the only thing I had eaten was a bowl of cereal for breakfast.

So we walked down to find the guys and ordered a Blue Moon Summer Ale with some Spinach and Artichoke dip for a snack. I had to have something before dinner while we waited for Rick and Regina to arrive before dinner. (I was pretty ticked at myself when I realized I left my camera in the car. Yeah, I did think about going back to get it, but since Beth had her camera I didn't.) It was so nice to sit outside and enjoy the food, beer, company and beautiful weather. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Rick and Regina joined us around 6:00pm (I think, who was looking at the time? not me!). We probably sat there for another hour and half just enjoying the evening. But eventually it was time to vacate our seats and head for dinner. Bill and Beth had eaten at Sal's before and loved it so that's where we mosied to. It was much too beautiful of an evening to be anywhere but outside, so we waited for a few minutes for a table outside. Everyone raved about their dinner - it was exceptional! I don't remember the name of my dish, but it was grilled chicken with sun-dried tomatoes on fetuccine with a pink lady sauce. O-M-G! It was awesome!! We sat there for quite a while just being in the moment and enjoying the evening. I know we all had a wonderful time but I'm not sure those around us did. LOL. It doesn't take much for this group to get a bit rowdy if ya know what I mean! Probably a good thing it was late, huh?

We managed to find one of the gift shops still open so, of course, we had to go in and browse. Regina bought a melted Grey Goose bottle (it was beautiful!) and we picked up a pair of earrings (with purple JMU colored) beads for Cari. I think it was around 11:00pm by this time and we started walking back to the cars.

Beth had brought a bottle of Muscadine wine with her so we we met in the courtyard of the hotel to continue the evening. None of us had tried it before so we really didn't know what to expect. I really liked the strong muscadine grape flavor, but this particular wine was quite sweet - too sweet for me. I will, however, try one of the other ones. Beth said this particular one was the sweetest but she couldn't find her favorite, "Magnolia."

It was going on 12:30am before we made our way back to the room. Bob was "gone" before I could wash my face and brush my teeth. So I spent some time with Harry, Ron and Hermoine before turning out the light.

The "reason" for the trip was the Horton Vineyard Pig Roast and wine tasting on Saturday. It was from 11:00am - 5:00pm and lunch was served from 12:30pm - 2:00pm. We decided to arrive around noon, which meant we needed to leave the hotel around 11:30am. Bob and I slept until 9:00am and went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. Lo and behold Rick and Regina were already there finishing up their breakfast. Bob and I ordered omelets and thoroughly enjoy that first cup of java.

We agreed to meet in the courtyard before leaving at 11:30am to drive to the vineyard. The Riddlemobile was perfect because it held everyone so comfortably. We arrived around noon and couldn't believe all the people already there. Holy Cow! There were picnic tables set up in the shade, but we were hard pressed to find a seat - especially six seats together. So we did what anyone would do - started tasting wine! LOL

While none of us were thrilled with either their red or white wine line, most of us really liked their fruit wines. Oh the choices!! I think I tasted the Plum wine first and really liked it. From there I sampled the pear, peach, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry. It was really nice without being too sweet. The plum was my favorite with the peach being my least favorite. But I did end up bringing a couple of bottles of the pear and peach wine to make some white sangria. :)

Since the food lines were growing, we decided it was time to get in line and try to find a place to sit. Regina sent Rick to purchase a bottle of the plum wine for us to share during lunch. We did manage to find enough empty space at one of the tables, so off we went. Unfortunately, the weather on Saturday wasn't nearly as cooperative as it was Friday. It was hot! (I went back to the food line and got an empty paper plate to use as a fan.) The food was ok but nothing to write home about. Still, the company was top notch and we had fun together.

Somewhere around 2:00pm the raffle started. We all sat there, hoping with each drawing that one of us would walk away with something. Some of the numbers called out were in the upper 400's so they must've sold quite a few tickets. During this time, one of the Horton employees was walking around pouring a new wine for anyone who wanted a taste. As soon as we (Regina, Beth and I) heard that it was their new CHOCOLATE wine, we emptied out glasses! WOW! It was the bomb!! I can't wait to get my hands on some. Sadly, it isn't available until sometime in August. After the raffle was over (and no, none of us walked away with any free wine), we made our purchases and headed back to the Riddlemobile. I love this shot of the vineyard with the stone parapet in the background.

Rick is such a good sport. He doesn't do wine - it gives him headaches. However, he did some research earlier that morning on a micro-brewery close by - Starr Hill - so we headed that way after leaving the vineyard.

The guys completely enjoyed themselves tasting the seven different ales from Starr Hill. Beth wasn't feeling up to par after all the hills and turns from getting there - her stomach wasn't too happy so she didn't try any of the brews. I had a sip of a couple of Bob's and they turned my tongue inside out. Yuk! I really don't like bitter beer. Right now, what turns me on is the Blue Moon Honey Moon ... with a nice fat orange slice in it of course. Starr Hill has a brew similar to that called "The Love." Apparently, it's the ladies' beer. I did like it much better than anything else I tried, but it would've been even better with an orange slice.

They sell these giant mugs called "The Growwler." For $25 you get the mug filled and may bring it back for $8 refills. It was too good of a deal for Bill and Rick to pass up. As you can see, Rick even bought two of them - he said one of them was for his son ... yeah, right.

Leaving with happy guys, we headed back to the hotel for a quick freshening up and then to find somewhere for dinner. Bonefish Grill ended up being the group choice, so Rick plugged it into the GPS and off we went. Most of us ordered the popular "Bang Bang Shrimp" appetizer. I also ordered the Cajun Chicken Egg Roll appetizer along with a side salad since I knew Bob would be picking off some of my shrimp. Oh My God - I think we each drank a gallon of water with our Bang Bang Shrimp. That is one spicy dish - but oh so good! Between the water and the food, we all waddled out of there.

Back at the hotel we met in the courtyard for the last time to share a bottle of wine. It didn't last long because all of us were whipped puppies. I think we parted ways and were back in our room before 9:30pm.

We had agreed to meet in the parking lot at 9:30am to go to breakfast together. Apparently, Bodo's Bagels is THE place to go around there. Now I see why. The choice of different types of bagels, different sandwiches and cream cheeses were a bit overwhemling. Ultimately, I went for a standard egg, ham and cheese on whole wheat. It was wonderful! As we sat there eating, the place started filling up. By the time we left the line was out the door. Amazing!!

It was a wonderful ending to the perfect weekend with great friends. Can't wait to do it again!

Ta Ta for now!
Wanda

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

I finished HP & the Half Blood Prince yet again yesterday. :) This was the third time I've read it; first, when it came out; again before HP and the Deathly Hallows; lastly, in preparation for the movie. We have made it a tradition to go to the midnight showing of the movie and it's so much fun! I love the story of Harry, his friends and their adventures! So, of course, I've got to read book seven simply because I don't want the story to end. I've only read the Deathly Hallows once (when it came out last year) so this will be a special treat.

We're off to Charlottesville today for a Pig Roast and wine tasting event at Horton Vineyards. Two other couple are going as well. I think we're all looking forward to an adult, fun weekend. Photos and stories (I'm sure) will follow!

Your Opinion Please ...

I have been "collecting" various fibers for a summer wrap for months now. Between stash diving and find a few new ones, I have compiled the following group to use:

I'm going to use these fibers to stripe the fabric, but now need to decide on a main color to use in between each of these. So yesterday I started playing with different colors. Quite a few of these balls have some pale gold in them, so that's what I originally thought I'd like best and started with gold:


I wasn't too sure about the gold - it didn't quite look like what it did in my head (why does that happen so often?). So I then played with a cream color and it turned out like this:


Next was a light brown color:


And finally I played with a tan color fiber:


So, I'd like your opinion on which color you like the most with these fibers. Please judge by color alone since the final fiber will be more of a smooth, shiny (I hope) fiber. I swatched these based on color alone.

So leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Wanda