So I've started a great knitting project for me! It's a hat with a gorgeous pattern but of course I can't remember the name of it. I'm using Berroco Optik and Classic Elite Waterspun, which by the way is lovely! I wish they didn't have to discontinue it. If you run across some buy it!

Chile Expedition
I wish I had loads of presents to share but to be honest I barely had time to do much shopping. When I get a chance I'll share some pics of things I bought: handweaved shawl, vintage Japanese postcards and stamps, and yummy food!

Overall my visit was waaaayyy toooo short and I wish I could be there now. The weather and people were splendid. I just love visiting my roots, getting familiar with the culture again, enjoying the relatives and absorbing the real world. It's amazing how the average US citizen loses sight of how things really are outside of this country. You don't know poverty until you've gone abroad.

My last day there was spent chatting with my aunts, grandmother, cousins and of course my grandfather. We had a family lunch and also watched some soccer. Lunch is the main meal of the day and normally comes with several dishes. I left that evening crying rivers and knowing that was the last time I'll ever see my grandfather again. I hope his next life will bring him happiness, love, and comfort. Para ti tata, te amo.

What's Next
Oh boy! So much going on. I have projects coming out of my ears. Besides my knitting, I'm making some jewelry and trying to sell some at local shops. My goal is to save enough for the Maryland Wool and Sheep Festival and buy lots of roving, spinning tools and yarn!

I can not wait!!

1. Dirty work:: laundry
   
2. Shopkeeper:: me
   
3. Goodness:: where?
   
4. Yearning:: time
   
5. Show and tell:: not now
   
6. Trapped:: inside a jar
   
7. Malcolm:: who?
   
8. Season:: Spring!
   
9. Bestseller:: who cares
   
10. Desk:: top
    

Here's the beautiful poncho (well at least for me):

Details:
US 8
2 skeins of Mountain Colors Wool Quarters in Garnet
1 skein of Colinette Mohair in Velvet Plum
Knit in the round

Surprisingly this garmet is just the right thickness. It's sooo easy to thrown on and be comfy in. Here's a close up:

My Handspun

This is from some Three Waters Farm roving I bought. It's quite thin and perfect for lacework. The color is stunning, vibrant and perfect for spring and summer. I also have another pink combo and a purple combo to work on. Not to mention my cashmere blend and angora blend. Yummy!!!!

1. Judge::executor
   
2. Detroit:: rock city
   
3. Hyphen:: period
   
4. Get it right:: wrong
   
5. Pulsating:: wrist
   
6. Yoga:: soul
   
7. Memorable:: trips
   
8. Financial advisor:: it's a good thing
   
9. Ten million:: too many
   
10. I:: wish
    

I finally got around to visiting the gals at KH for Wednesday's late night. Loads of fun as usual. I spent some time knitting my sock and then drooling over the new yarns I hadn't seen in months! Now that I'm more or less settled in at my new job I feel that I can join the gals for Late Night! well except for next Wednesday since I'll be in Chile.

Gals - if you're good I'll bring back kilos of yarn for ya!

Hope this helps...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

Absolutely! I've tried the cheaper brands and it hurts my hands. Besides why not go for the best!

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I spin and used to know how to crochet. I just started spinning this Winter and mostly do drop spindle.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

No, but I can't stand smoke.

4. How long have you been knitting?

For a long time, but only recently picked it back up so still a newbie.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

yes, amazon.

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

all kinds as long as it's not too flowery

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

unfortunately - chocolate is my addiction!

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

wow. let's see, I make jewelry, hand spinning, book binding, and on, and on...

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

have you heard of KEXP.org? Best indie radio station in the world! Anything they play from 9am-12pm EST is on my favorites or wish list.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?

I tend to go for the more muted colors, earthy tones, but I've started to explore the pastels especially purple.

11. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Koigu, Noro, Mountain Colors, Rowan, Lorna's Laces, and Alchemy. I also love handspun yarns.

12. What fibers do you absolutely not like?

not fond of 100% cotton

13. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

It was mittens but I never got started.

14. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Not sure. Too much to choose from, I want to try one of everything.

15. What are you knitting right now?

Socks

16. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circular and DPNs for socks

17. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Depends...I love my Denise but I lust over wood and bamboo.

18. Are you a sock knitter?

I'm a wannabe

19. How did you learn to knit?

Grandma and Mother

20. How old is your oldest UFO?

about 3 months

21. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

Pikachu and Hello Kitty! oh and Badtz-Maru

22. Is there anything that you collect?

Scary but yes. Vintage glass beads, buttons, jewelry, fabrics, paper, books, posters, and records.

1. Coroner:: cold
   
2. Mystify:: orders
   
3. Corroborate:: interpret
   
4. Misinterpret:: communicate
   
5. Humorless:: sad
   
6. Calculus:: aaarrgghhh
   
7. Eye for an eye:: justice
   
8. CPR:: lips
   
9. Stitched:: in time
   
10. Facility:: water closet
    

It's been done I just haven't shared it with you. Oh, and you want pics? Darn! I've gotta do that. It turned out beautiful but I won't be doing another any time soon. I got soooo bored of the never ending stockinette stitch.

Let's see other projects...the socks. My first of pair of socks. That's a little slow I'm stuck on the short rows area. In the meantime, I've been spinning up some yummy fiber. I just got done with 3 ounces of a coral colored wool/mohair blend. Yummy!!

Knitting really has been put aside since the holidays. I got burned out with all of my Xmas gifts, but it's time to resume. I want to make a cardigan, sweater for hubby, hats, mittens and more! Best of all my dear Mom brought back pounds of wool from her trip to Chile. I mean pounds! They sell yarn by the kilo. Most of it is handspun and handdyed by the indigenous people.