Purls and Pugs

The Cat's Out of the Bag

I have been keeping busy with a secret Christmas project for Jeremy. Ok, so this project requires me to sneak over to my parent's house at least once a week with Yoda in tow. Lillie, my parent's puppy, and Yoda are by no means the best of friends. They get along, um, ok, but last night there was blood. Everyone is ok, but the stress of worrying about Yoda while I am working on this project has gotten to me. That and I can only come up with so many lies about why I am spending many hours at my parent's house without giving anything away.

So, last night I had my mom print out a picture of the project my dad and I are feverishly trying to finish, put it in a shirt box and wrap it in Christmas paper. I gave it to Jeremy when I got home. I figure it was easier to just tell him now so that I can go and spent all day Saturday at my parent's and try to get this thing done.

Aren't you impressed with my skills on the Compound Miter Saw? Don't worry, there will be a full story with pictures when it is complete, I just wanted to tease with my masterful use of power tools.

I told Jeremy that he better love me for this...it's cold in that garage! And I have been getting up at 6:30 am on Saturdays and sneaking off to hardwood stores. That's dedication. Last night my dad and I bought some MDF from the Home Depot and used their Big Orange Cart to push the wood home. It was only across the street, but it was cold and we got some weird looks. We brought the cart back, of course, where were we going to put it?

From the Top

Isn't it amazing what a week off of work will do for a person? Couch therapy is a wonderful thing. Couch therapy with knitting is even better. What is a girl to work on with that much time? How about a new technique?

I have jumped in with both feet to knitting sweaters from the top down. I finished one using this pattern--Tweedy Red Mock Neck. I also started a crew neck alpaca sweater using a pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple. Then there is the Essential Stripe v-neck. I'm pining away for this book--hint hint, Mom! Then I can create my own top down wonders.

I'm not sure how I feel about this technique, yet. I understand the reasoning behind it, but I am a project girl...does this technique help me get a sweater done faster? Not sure. But sleeves don't seem to be as much of a problem....They are already half done by the time you have to knit them!

****Edited: So it would have helped if I hadn't been so hurried and put in the links. They are there now, so happy clicking!

Many Thanks!

Yoda says "Woof!" to everyone for the birthday wishes. She had a good birthday weekend that included a spa day (grooming at the vet), choosing a new toy (a duck) and generally getting tons of cuddles. She was very cuddly this weekend.

I also want to say thanks for the Bulky Sweater comments. I happened to have a casual day on Wednesday, so I wore it to work. It was 64 degrees (F) when I went in to work. I received some funny looks from people. But I was the last one laughing after work--it was about 43 degrees (F) when I left!! I was toasty. I also received some nice comments about it at work. People now know I knit, so I think they look for those sweaters they can ask about.

So, what is my next project? Um, well, the tendinitis in my wrist and elbow is acting up, so I haven't been doing too much. I have some hats I need to get done for Christmas for the girls at work and I have my pal for the International Scarf Exchange. I think I am going to take it easy, but still get what I need to done. Oh, yeah, in 3 days I will be off work for 9 days in a row!!! It's about time!

Happy Birthday Little Dog

Today Yoda is a big girl! She was born two years agao today. She sure has come a long way since the little 4 pound puppy we brought home (she was 8 weeks old at that time). Her acne magically went away like all the Pug books and websites said it would, she is almost to the point of being able to be left out of the Kennel when we are not home, and she just lets us snuggle with her all the time!! She also knows how to celebrate in style....

Do the Bears need another linebacker?

Yeah, so the bulky sweater is done. Doesn't look so small now, huh? I feel like a linebacker! But I guess it'll keep me warm when I am cuddling with my Yoda on the couch. Or maybe when I am feeling really skinny I can put it on and feel huge. Yeah, I didn't think would ever happen either.

In any case, it was a very easy knit and good for a beginner to learn to read charts and do cables. It is also really quick to knit. Now Yoda is begging for another sweater. One that will fit her big belly. I guess I should get to work on that--don't want to make the Princess mad!!

BTW, please excuse the picture. I got out the tripod and played with the self-timer. Kinda fun, but not very accurate....

Pattern: Family of Sweaters by Lion Brand
Yarn: Lion Brand Thick and Quick in Spice 
Needles: Denise Circulars size 11 & 13
Notes: Just call me a linebacker for the Chicago Bears....

Almost a Sweater

I have been finishing up the bulky cabled sweater. I have it all sewed up and the neck is being knit. Funny thing about this sweater is that it looks totally small in the picture, right. Just wait until you see it on me. It'll work for sitting around the house in the winter when it is too cold outside. Yoda likes it, too, so far. Don't you think?

When I was at Target the other day, I saw their $1 yarn was marked down to 4 for $1. Um, ok. You don't have to ask me twice. So, I figured since Yoda needs a new sweater I'd pick up about 500 yards for $1. I was back at Target last night for windshield wipers and the yarn was all gone! I was going to pick up a couple more colors for Yodster. Guess it wasn't meant to be. But a sweater for $1. She sure is a bargain shopper. Wanna see a closeup of the color? This stuff is pretty soft for acrylic, too... maybe Target will come out with a wool line? Is that too much to ask?

MIA

Yup, that's me. I have begun to get ready for Christmas, so my list of things to do is growing. Yoda and I visit the puppy at least once a week. I also work on Jeremy's Christmas gifts at this time. I am not going to give anything away, just in case he decides to be sneaky. It's awesome to be able to send things to my parent's house without him even having a clue. Muwahahaha.

So, I have been trying to finish up the Bulky Cable Sweater. I have pics from last week, but they really aren't even close to where I am at. I have one sleeve left to sew on and the neck to complete. I tried on my defunct sweater and decided that it is going to work out just fine for the weekend and cuddling on the couch. Yup, it'll do great.

I have so many other projects to complete then after I finish this one. Wanna see an inventory of my projects? Too bad, you are going to:

• Cynthia from Hot knits
• Red Tweed Top Down Raglan
• Yoda needs a new sweater or two
• Scarf and hat set for Becky
• Sock needs a mate
• Orange CE Turtleneck
• Hats for Christmas Gifts
• Scarf/Mitten set for International Scarf Exchange
• HiP Scarf
• Branching out

Then I have to use up the stash. I know I am probably going to get something knitting related (yarn or gift cards for yarn) for Christmas, so I need to make room. I think I am going to setup the Bond Machine and go to town. Bonne Marie had a really good article the other day about Fusion Knitting. Stockinette on the Bond, Ribbing & etc. by hand. Fast, fun sweaters.

Lastly, I'll leave you with my Second Annual Fall Foliage Foto contest entries:

Introducing Lillie

What do you do when you think you have some time on your hands? Get a puppy. My parents are either nuts or full of extra time because they brought home this little Dalmation puppy last week. Yoda is such a good girl--she poops and pees outside, she eats her dinner (usually), she can function without supervision....Yoda is a good girl. So, anyway, back to Lillie. Yoda and her met on Friday. At first the puppy was afraid of the big bad Pug, but after a while they were running and chasing each other. And Lillie seemed to be the aggressor. Maybe she knows she is going to be bigger than the Pug already.

So, after our outside adventure, we had a fashion show. My sister bought some clothes for Lillie that will be handed down to Yoda. I personally like the Thuggie Yoda outfit the best. How cute is that hood? Yoda also had to try on Lillie's Halloween costume. Have you seen a cuter punkin?

Did I mention that Yoda is a good girl? Lillie is not house trained, yet....I don't miss those days.