Gearing up for Ravelympic Training!!!

The Summer Olympics begin in 11 days, and my Ravelympic training started tonight when I went to the Flatbush SNB meeting. I like this group because it is in Brooklyn, there is ample parking near the location (Connecticut Muffin), the people are friendly, it's 20 minutes away from my house, there is a bus that takes me straight there if I don't feel like driving, and a very good friend of mine lives around the corner. Lately, my weekends have gotten very busy, so it has been difficult to squeeze in knitting time. Then, you have to drag yourself to work on Monday morning. This monday evening knitting meeting is a great way to have something to look forward to as I am dragging myself to work.

For Ravelympics I have decided to knit the Gathered Pullover as my Sweater Sprint project. Originally, the pattern uses Brown Sheep Top of The Lamb Sport, but I decided to use Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The original gauge is 19sts/24 rnds on size 7 needles. My yarn's gauge is 20sts/26rows. We will see what circular knitting does to that number. I will begin my magic loop swatch tonight. I have both size 7 and 6 needles, just in case.Aside from that, I have to finished my Nutkins. Finally, a Finished Object that belongs to me me me !!!! This is entry #1 for Summer of Socks 08

This is my Camera Sock. All that is left to be done is the kitchener stitch, but I keep messing it up. AARRRRRGGH!!!!

Happy Knitting everyone!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today is my birthday, and I am so excited!!!

Last year, at this time I was recovering from a visit to the Emergency Room, and on pain medicine. I was on bedrest for 1 week, and I managed to make some really good progress on my Central Park Hoodie.

This year, I am still working on the second Central Park Hoodie that was supposed to be finished by Thanksgiving, but you know how life gets in the way. LOL!!!

I have much to celebrate, and have accomplished many of my goals during the past year. Some of them being - establishing myself as a businesswoman, creating my own logo/banner, becoming the female lead singer in a band, creating my own knitting pattern, and spending more quality time with family and friends.

I have managed to go over 100 days without buying yarn. Gasp!! I didn't think it was possible. Although my FO count is still low, but hey that is a work in progress. However, I am still stashbusting.

I have given myself some new goals. I am going to finish my Nutkins this week. There I have said it!! I also joined Ravelympics as part of the Sit N Knit NYC team. I will be doing the "Sweater Sprint" and the"Sock Put". Hey, if I can get at least one "medal" for the competition I will be happy. My socks will also simultaneously count for Summer of Socks 08. I will be working on the Gathered Pullover from Interweave. So, opening ceremonies takes place in 17 days, and then I have 17 days to make a sweater and a sock. Whoo!!! Pressure!!! LOL!! So, I will try my best to knock out some UFO's in the next 17 days.

Speaking of UFO's..... here is my pair of Nutkins-in-progress.

Just a few more inches on the foot to go, before I get to the toe shaping.

As far as more birthday celebration plans go, I will be going to a Thai restaurant for dinner with some friends. The food at this place is awesome, so I will definately be providing pictures later on.

Also, I want to send some love out to my twin Jeanine whose birthday is also today. Happy Birthday!!! I haven't seen her since our Christmas gift exchange. Shame on me!! We need to link up girl!!

I've been MEME'D!!!

I visited Tawana's blog to find out that I have been tagged. I really like this one!!!

ACCENT: American, unless I am talking to my family or excited or angry, then it is Trinidadian. Oh, and sometimes a few Spanish words fly out when I am frustrated.

BREAKFAST OR NO BREAKFAST: Breakfast, and it must include orange juice or tea.

CHORE I DON'T CARE FOR: Washing dishes (Hate it!)

DOG OR CAT:Don't have one, but I think I would like an orange Tabby. CAT!!!

ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS: Laptop, Cell, Mp3 and my Camera.

FAVORITE COLOGNE: Yves St. Laurent Babydoll. It smells like Guava. Who wouldn't want to smell like an exotic fruit?

GOLD OR SILVER: Silver jewelry. Gold Makeup.

HANDBAG I CARRY MOST OFTEN: I just bought a knitpickers bag and I seem to be able to squeeze everything into it. It's wonderful.

INSOMNIA: Especially when I am knitting or on Ravelry.

JOB TITLE: Powerpoint Presentation Specialist I.

KIDS: None of my own. Two God-daughters. Symara (6) and Carissa (5).

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Bought a Condo with my mom when the owner of our previus apartment decided to sell the house. This is the best house I have ever lived in.

MOST ADMIRABLE TRAIT: I am a "Go with the flow" kind of person, I am always optimistic, and I don't settle for Mediocrity.

NAUGHTIEST CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR: Play with mommy's makeup and jewelry.

OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: Heart surgery when I was 2. Follow-up heart surgery when I was 4. The X-ray found a hole after they bypassed a constricted artery. Whoo Thank God it's all over!!!

PHOBIAS: Losing what I have worked hard to gain/accomplish. Losing friendships.

QUOTE: Great Love Involves Great Risk

REASON TO SMILE: I am alive, I believe in God (Jesus!!), I live to enjoy every day to the fullest.

SIBLINGS: 1 Brother

TIME I WAKE UP: Usually 6:30 to get to work at 9. If they reduce hours, I can sleep in until 7:30 and get to work at 10.

UNUSUAL SKILL OR TALENT: I can cook, have a phone conversation, hold a baby, and yell at three other misbehavin kids.... and still have dinner not burn. And, I'm not even married yet. LOL!!!

VEGETABLE I REFUSE TO EAT: Okra - Too slimey

WORST HABIT: I try to do too many things in one day, end up being really tired, and still go to bed at 1 or 2 am. Then do it all over again the next day.

YUMMY STUFF: Pinkberry with mango, pineapple, and coconut. Red velvet cake, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake. Cherry Baby Smoothie from GNC.

ZOO ANIMAL I LIKE MOST: Fish. They are quiet, and pretty.


Ok so that is me from A-Z. Now I will tag Deborah

Summer of Socks 2008 - My Thoughts

Today is the end of the first 2-week installment of Summer of Socks. I am making my Nutkins and here is my progress.

I have a few words to say about this knitalong.

Initially, it was meant to be a slight "push" to get the socks going in preparation for the cold winter day in the not-so-distant future when we will really need it. I have decided to use my stash yarn as a way to save money, as well as make room in my closet. This has encouraged me and given me some realistic goals. I decided to try to make 1 sock every 2 weeks. I have found new interesting patterns, and am making use of the 2 at a time magic loop technique that I love so much.

However, I am a little hurt by some of the things that I see other people in the blogosphere are doing when there is something called a PRIZE at stake. I have seen people finish socks on the first day, and hooray for the speedy knitters. but on the flip side, I have seen people make 2 inch cuff socks because that is the minimum suggested for contest entry. I feel sorry for their poor ankles when the temperature drops. My beautiful knitters, please remember that even though it is a contest, it is still your socks. Or will be the socks of the loved one that you give it to. Don't do the injustice of making something that is not totally fulfilling just for the sake of a contest. You are making people lose their mojo here.

Well, even though I am not complete with my first pair in 2 weeks, I am super excited that I found a pattern I love, and even more excited that I managed to make the short-row heel look much better on my second try. Good thing I only had to frog that portion once. My socks will be ready whenever they are ready, no pressure. And if I feel so inclined, I will add them to the PRIZE entry for next 2-week interval. But I will tell you one thing, my socks will rock. They will be super gorgeous things that I have put love and time into, and they will be absolutely beautiful. I also want to give praise to a dear friend of mine, Deb, who is a serious knitting motivator, for finishing within 8 days. Way to go!!!