Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

p.s. November won't be completely filled with doggie pictures, but um....there may be a few more with this attempt to blog everyday.  And yarn.  Doggies and yarn!

Dare I ask....

...about holiday knitting?

I'm trying not to think about it, but that tends to be my problem.  Not thinking about holiday knitting until maybe December 10!  And then it is mom's birthday and oops....no gift!

Remember this yarn from last year?



One of those skeins was intended to be knit up for mom's birthday gift.  Thank goodness she is understanding.

The first day of November and I can't help but think about the holidays ahead....Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.  I love this time of year and I really want to take the time to enjoy it.  And one of those ways is to perhaps re-think holiday knitting.  Is it possible to be realistic about my holiday knitting goals?  Paired with my designing goals?

What do you guys plan to do for the upcoming gift giving season?  Please don't tell me you are already done.

I'll be honest.  I learned a few years ago not to go crazy with the holiday knitting.  However, my family really enjoys their knitted items.  I do have a few extra Fine Fellas that can be a gift or two.  But I think it is time to start making a proper list so that it doesn't sneak up on me.  

Another question....are any of you doing NaBloPoMo?  November is National Blog Posting Month and I've always wanted to try it.   A few people were mentioning it today on Twitter and although I haven't completely decided to do it, I did post today.  I think I may attempt to post everyday in November....we'll see.  Anyone else?

I'd love to hear what you are thinking of for holiday knitting!  And, if you have any suggestions for topics you'd like me to blog about in November, would love to hear that too!

Until tomorrow....maybe.....

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

October Happenings.

Just like that, the last day of October is upon us.  How did that happen?  The month seemed to fly by, probably because it was a busy one around here.

There were quite a few soccer games.  I've been meaning to share with you some of the pictures of Lil' Guy at his game when I was visiting a few weeks ago.  Before I show you, I should note that he wasn't quite himself (e.g., falling asleep at lunch), the game was during his normal nap time, and it was 90 degrees out.



There he is chasing after the ball.



He's getting right in the mix there.  Well, um....if you look closer...


Yeap, that's him PUSHING....hey get out of my way?!  Goodness.

But really, this one is my favorite!



Apparently he has never done this before.  He must have been really tired. Oh, 4 year olds!

There were also quite a few trips to the pumpkin patch this past month.  I think perhaps 6 or 7 trips?!!




There was some knitting.





I can't say enough wonderful things about this Anzula Squishy.  I loved it before blocking my Summer Wind, but if it is possible, I love it even more after.  The color, the bloom of the yarn, just lovely.

There is a bit of secret knitting going on as well.  The evenings are starting to get cool, and knitting by the fire is one of my favorite things.



Yes, that is Kollage Yarns Lofty that I'm knitting with.  Lofty, soft, and on size 10 needles, it is divine!

In IGK news, our new knitalong is about to start!  I'm so excited that the group picked Winter Wonder and a holiday gift theme!  Come join us for fun and prizes (and an IGK coupon code!).

This week is Interweave Knitting Lab, right here in San Mateo!  Right next to my work too!  Literally, the next building over :)  I'll be there hanging out with Lorajean of Knitted Wit (she'll be carrying all of my IGK patterns!).  We'll probably do a meet-up on Saturday, but I'll be there Friday too before the Nine Rubies Event!  Did I mention that Nine Rubies will be carrying our favorite Plucky Knitter Primo yarn!!!!  I didn't sign up for any classes...most of the ones I was interested in are sold out, but it should be a nice knitting weekend I think.

I can't believe tomorrow is Halloween.  On a Monday too.  Blah!  I really wish I was up trick or treating with Lil' Guy!  My brother and SIL go all out for Halloween.  They were just starting the house decorating when I was there a few weeks ago.





I hope my brother sends me updated pictures!  There is even a fog machine at night, with a strobe light!

Instead I'll be hanging with these cuties...






So what has been happening in your October?  Anything fun planned for Halloween?

Happy Halloween!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

{this moment}

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy Happy Friday!!!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Just enough.

Yarn that is.  This is all I had left after binding off my Summer Wind last night.



I am over the moon in love with this yarn, Anzula Squishy.  Last year Snowboarder actually introduced me to this yarn and brought it back for me from New York.  I acquired a bit more of it this year at Sock Summit.  Sabrina, the dyer behind Anzula, is also pretty fabulous!  But now that I've knit with it...wow, wow, wow.  I just love how squishy it is.  I can't wait to block it!

So nice to finally have something off the needles!  I need to start thinking about any holiday or gift knitting I need to do, so I'm glad to finish up something special for me :)

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

{this moment}

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy Friday!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

P.S. Go Irish! Beat Trojans!

10 good things.

1. Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means we are two days closer to the weekend.  I could use a weekend right about now :)

2. I swam today after a long day of work.  Good for so many reasons, but especially because I made time for me.

3.  New pretty yarn.  I couldn't resist stopping at A Verb for Keeping Warm last Friday on my way up to visit little guy (see, any reason to justify a yarn store visit).  They have such lovely yarns, hard to resist.


A pretty skein of AVFKW Toasted, for a Comfort Food Cowl I think.


Madelinetosh Chunky.  Pretttttttyy!  I can't wait to try this yarn!

4.  Inspiration.  I go in to Verb to buy yarn, and leave with the material to sew the gorgeous navy scarf below.



I blame Cupcakefaerie for talking about her sewing machine the night before, and Kristine for offering an awesome class to take to learn how to make this.  I'm hoping it works with my schedule!

5.  Interweave Knitting Lab is coming to San Mateo, literally right next to my office, in about two weeks!!!  Yarn, right next store to work.  Can't wait to see! Plus Knitted Wit will be there, along with Miss Babs, carrying my patterns.  So fun.  I think we may even do an IGK meet-and-greet at Knitted Wit's Booth! I'll keep you posted.

6.  One of my LYS, Nine Rubies, is a sponsor for Knitting Lab and they are having a special Local Designers' Night on the Friday night of Knitting Lab.  And guess who they asked to participate?!  Me!  I'm so honored to be featured with Hilary Smith Callis.  Save the date if you are a local...I'd love to see you!!



7.  Pumpkin bread.  I'm craving some.  Might need to make some tomorrow night.

8.  Twisted.  I love that store :)

9.  Having healthy food in the fridge for the week....dinner, lunch, already made :)

10.  Doggies fresh from the groomers!  It was too late to take a picture when I got home tonight, but I can't wait to show you their new Halloween bandanas.

What good things are happening in your life?

Happy knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Another good day.

I spent the weekend with Lil' Guy while his parents were living it up in Vegas!  Today we had a fabulous morning at the Pumpkin Patch, well, once he got over the fact that this pumpkin patch didn't have a bounce house.

 









He loved being able to pick out pumpkins and pull them in the wagon.



I loved how this pumpkin patch was set up.  Just enough fun things to do with the kids, such as a petting zoo, pony ride, hay ride, fresh popcorn and kettle corn, and lots of little red wagons for all the pumpkins.





Every child was pulling a wagon filled with pumpkins and they all seemed quite proud.  Well, except when it was time for a popcorn break.  Lil' guy was quite happy to go for a ride.



While Lil' Guy was running through a garden tunnel, I snapped a picture of my Summer Wind in progress. I was able to knit on it a bit at the football game Thursday night and Saturday while hanging with lil' guy. I absolutely love love love the yarn, Anzula Squishy. Hopefully this one will be done soon :)



So how was your weekend? Cast on anything new? I did some secret swatching and was quite pleased with the results. Maybe pictures on that later this week. I can't wait to show you the pictures from Lil' Guy's soccer game on Saturday!

Happy October!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

p.s. Don't forget, Monday, Oct. 17 is the last day to get the special introductory sale price on my new design, Fine Fella.