Purls and Pugs

Ressurected

Yeah, so I picked up the Ribby Pulli again. I started on the first sleeve and I'm not sure how much I'm liking it. I followed the directions, but instead of 2x2 ribbing, I'm going to have some weirdness because of how it's all working out. I'm thinking I might just rip it out and alter the way that I do the increasing. Or go back to my original plan of doing it top down...hmmm

I thought it's been a while since Yoda made an appearance, so here she is already for me to leave for work. She gets up on the couch and awaits her treat every morning...Spoiled!!!

Yoda Time

So, to distract you all from the fact that I have not knit a stitch at all in the last week, I'm going to show off Yoda pictures. I decided to take Friday off so that I could, well, do anything I damn well wanted. It was a beautiful week, and it was so hard to stay inside and work, so I rewarded myself for actually staying strong by not going to work on Friday.

Yoda and I took advantage of the great weather on Friday by playing in the yard. Here she is all happy from running around and chasing me. How cute is she? Yoda has been enjoying this wonderfully mild summer so far.

Saturday, Yoda went to the spa. I had my graduation party, so she needed to be in tip-top shape. She came home and we put on her pretty new pink bandanna. She was all set for the party...She wasn't ready for the number of people I had at my house, though.

She was a good girl and was able to be off the leash in the backyard (no fence at my house). She was social with everyone, except my cousin's new dog. They didn't get a long quite so well, but Yoda did very well with my friend's two year old niece. At the end of the day, Yoda was all partied out! Doesn't she look exhausted...she looks about how I felt by 10pm.

I love endorphins

Well, folks, the school semester is winding down. In fact, I have my last class ever tomorrow night. I completed my portion of the last project on Friday, so I've been pretty free of school stress. I have been feeling a little down about the state of some other things in my life, but I had a great workout yesterday. I've never really felt that post workout high. I think I'm usually pretty happy, so maybe I just don't get beyond that, but yesterday I felt awesome after my workout. I felt like I could conquer the world! Those endorphins really were the ticket and a great pick me up.

I had some time last night, so I popped in P.S. I Love You and picked up the knitting. I just knew that the minute I actually sat down to watch that movie, I would turn into a blubbery mess. Oh, and that happened, but it was a great movie. It's based on a book that I have been told is wonderful, so I'll have to pick that up and read it. I even got some knitting done on the Drop Stitch Tank. A couple more nights of movies, knitting, and cuddly Yoda, and I will be done with the back. Then it's just a little finishing!

In my post workout high, I went to Target for a couple things and ended up getting Yoda another bed. She's had one that's been 'broken' for a while now, and I just got sick of picking up stuffing off the floor, so I threw it away. This one is fun, pink, and totally Yoda. Doesn't she look like she loves it?

Breakfast of Champions

Hmm...so I was doing my hair and makeup this morning, and heard this weird noise coming from Yoda sitting behind me. I turned around, and I think she was eating, or at least tasting, my Cole Haan shoe! I have never had a problem with her eating shoes before this...apparently, she knows and like quality. And of course, I received the look of innocence when I asked her what she was doing. Crazy, silly, dog.

I worked a little bit here and there on the drop stitch tank. Do you ever  get into a mood where you are just NOT in the mood to knit what you are working on? You look at it sitting there on the table mocking you, and you just don't want to pick it up? That's me lately...I think it's the nice weather! And the company I have been keeping...but that's a different story for a different day! Last night, I decided that I should just pick it up and do a few rows, and you know what? It wasn't that bad! It's such an easy lace pattern and easy sweater that I can't help but work on it and finish it.

Spring Cleaning

This weekend I got the Spring Cleaning bug. I cleaned slats on my blinds...who does that besides Martha? I'm not 100% done with my cleaning, but I made a good dent. I felt so productive.

Speaking of productive, I also knit over the weekend. I finished the body of the V-Neck Pullover and am quite close to finishing the first sleeve. The instructions say to knit the sleeves flat and then seam them, but I decided that I wanted those 2 extra stitches I would be losing. So, I actually gained 4 sts because I needed to add 2 for the ribbing. It fits like a glove, so I am glad that I decided to do it that way. I think it would have been a tad snug with a seam, and I would have to seam! Hopefully I can get the rest of this sweater done this week for wearing!

My sister stopped by this weekend with part of my birthday gift. She had already given me a gift certificate for a massage, but she brought by this scrapbook of Yoda for me! It's so cute, and I love it. She even made up pages for me to add pictures to later. She knows that I don't have the patience for doing that stuff, so she made it easy for me.

Blog School

I have a friend that I met at school who has decided to enter the world of blogging. Last night before my last midterm of my MBA career, I met with him to go over the fine points of blogging. Ok, maybe not the fine points, but the fun points. And I told him some of my latest dating stories. (side note: Did I mention I am going to write a book about modern dating? It'll be comedic.) Anyway, give him a visit at The Man with Million Dollar Hair. Tell him Amanda sent ya.

So, instead of studying for my midterm, I decided to knit. I think that's the best use of my time at this point. And since it's supposed to snow today, I could use a nice cozy v-neck sweater! Yes, you read that correctly--snow. I have no idea what's going on with the weather, but if I can get a wear out of the sweater before next year, I'm ok with it. So, I still have a few (3ish) inches left in ribbing and then it's on to the sleeves. You can see my green marker sitting there on the side so that I can see that I am actually making progress. For a while there I was thinking I was in the land of never ending ribbing, but I'm not. This really is an easy, quick knit.

Yoda received all sorts of goodies from the Easter Bunny this year,  and one of the things was a collar that wouldn't fit Lillie. Shhh....don't tell Yodster. Here she is modeling it. It's cute, but I can't see her wearing it all the time. I think this is a dress-up collar. My little pink ruffled pug.

Leprechaun Hunter

Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I am thinking all the Leprechauns are going to be out and about. So, I taught Yoda how to hunt them. She's going to pounce on them and lick them until I get home to steal their gold. I blame my rich imagination on my mom. When I was younger we would chase the end of the rainbows to get the pot of gold at the end. Of course, we never made it, but it was still fun.

In addition to Leprechaun Hunting Training 101 this weekend, I also attended a wedding with my sister as her date. I was an awesome date...I navigated, got drinks, fixed her dress when it broke, and danced the Cha Cha Slide. What more could you want in a date?

AND I knit! Seriously, this post is like a triple threat! So, I am working on the Old World Baby Booties for my friend with the twin nephews. They are moving along pretty well. Here I am just at the short-row shaping of bootie #1. Only 3 more to go after this one!

I also worked on the Cozy V-Neck Sweater. It's hard to see, but I am all the way to the  ribbing...only 10 more inches of ribbing to go. The weather is warming up, but I think I can still get this done and wear it at least once this season...I'll just go without a coat!

Don't Feed the Pugs

Here we have a pug in her natural habitat. When the snow melts, and the temperature rises, the door opens for the pug to watch her domain...the front yard.

Ok, that was my attempt at narrating sort of like Animal Kingdom or one of those wild animal shows. We have been having absolutely amazing weather this week, so Yoda have been taking advantage. We have been going on walks outside, sitting in front of the door barking at all the school children playing, and just soaking up the sun! Vitamin D makes you feel good! Just ask Yoda.

I thought I would be the first to have a primate...

The other day my mom told me she is a new grandma, and I was really confused. I definitely did not have a kid, and my sister didn't look preggers the last time I saw her, and, if you want to go this far, Lillie has been fixed. So, I responded, "Huh?" See, my sister has been OBSESSED with Orangutan Island. I've been tivoing it, but have yet to actually sit down and watch it. Mostly because the first episodes I have, one of them dies. I don't want to watch that...

Anyway, my sister decided that she was going to adopt an Orangutan in Borneo. It's like one of those "Sally Struthers Save the Kids" things, but with Orangutans. Meet Fio. Isn't she adorable?! She's two years old and in Forest School learning all those important forest skills she needs to survive and be a good mommy. I think I have the cutest niece ever!

We can't let Yoda be overshadowed by the new "arrival" to our family, so here she is showing off her new shirt. While I was in Vegas I saw this in the Hooters gift shop and knew my pug would love it. Doesn't she look totally fab?

And for those of you who actually come here to read about knitting, here is a shot of the first sleeve of the Knitscene sweater. Did I mention yet that I LOVE this yarn? I need to get some for myself...ok, maybe after I use up what I already have.

This sleeve didn't take very long and since I have the directions noted in my notebook, I don't need to do the second one just yet. Instead, I decided to start on the neckline. I need to get the directions for that all written and then it's on to the other sleeve. Then it's math and editing time.

As I was heading into work this morning, I was thinking about this whole pattern thing. I am still flabbergasted that the first design I submitted to a magazine was accepted and that it will hopefully (there is still that chance that it won't make the cut) be published this year! I think it just goes to show that thinking positively and really going after what you want pays off in the end. Will I ever have any other patterns published? I don't know, but I'm pretty damn pleased with myself for having one. For everyone out there who wants to give it a shot, I say go for it...no matter what you want to do, think positively and just do it! (That sure sounds like a Nike commercial...)

Buy Illinois

Here is Yoda modeling her new harness that she received as a Christmas gift. Doesn't she look devistating? Notice that her name is embroidered on the harness. She also received a matching leash! That is one lucky pug.

In addition to her stylish accessories, she also received some Sweet Potato Treats and Rice Treats. It was a good mail day for Yoda!

All of these lovely gifts are available from this little place in Decatur, IL. Visit Little Barks and tell them Yoda sent you!

It's a much better day

Have you ever had that kind of week where everything seems to go wrong? I was beginning to have that week, but I took control and made it start going in the right direction. See my wireless network was acting a little funny...funny like it wasn't working at all! My desktop couldn't see any networks and my laptop was extremely slow to not allowing me to get on the Internet.

Then during all the storms on Monday I realized that my brand new door (this is door, windows, jamb...everything that fills what would be a huge hole in my house otherwise) was leaking... a lot. I had a pond forming on my fairly new laminate flooring. Eek! The door company was called and they made an appointment for Wed sometime between 10a -12p. While those are not bad times, I need to work from home. To work from home, I need Internet access...see the vicious cycle forming here?

To make matters worse, I woke up yesterday with major pain in my wrist. I know it's from carrying Yoda up and down the stairs while a pinched nerve is healing (I began calling it Yoda-tunnel). Tuesday was just plain miserable.

But I took charge and made it better. Since I work in IT, I kinda know some people who know stuff about networks. So, I got some ideas on how to possibly fix the network without new hardware. Then I promptly bought new hardware just in case. Who wants to be running out getting that stuff when you are already frustrated? Well, none of the 'tricks' worked, so I ripped open a new 'n' router and network card (BTW--pet peeve: never call it a NIC Card. That's redundant. The 'C' in NIC means card. Do you really want to be the one saying Network Interface Card Card?) and began installing. I got a great deal on the router/card (only $10 more than the g), so I figured I may as well upgrade. As it turns out, all my old hardware was bad. Took me forever to get it all working, which I hear is par for the course with this stuff, but it's working with great signal!

I went to bed last night feeling good that I don't have to worry about the Internet connection, and when I woke up, my wrist was feeling much better. Now, I am just waiting for the door people...

In knitting news, I have been working on my pattern and sample sweater. Here you can see the beginnings of the sample. As you can see, it is top down, so that should appeal to a lot of new knitters. Why not? It's so much nicer to be *done* with a sweater once you are done knitting. I've said that I like seaming when it turns out well, but I also want to wear my sweaters right away!

Stephanie is one lucky Grandma...

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I had a really great time eating, visiting, and being merry! My cousin had been working on a project for my grandmother for Christmas. She bought a digital frame and put all sorts of pictures of all the grandkids, dogs, and grandma in there ready to go. I think she did a fantastic job! Here are some pictures from the photo shoot at my house before Christmas.

 

I even was able to finish my grandmother's scarf just in time for it to be wrapped up for Christmas. Here are all the details:

Pattern:Knitty Gritty Thoughts Woven Cables Scarf
Yarn: Knit Picks Elegance in Oatmeal
Needles: Knit Picks size 8
Notes: I only did 3 of the 4 repeats of the pattern.

Yarn!

Well, I thought that since I haven't finished the scarf I am making, I should show you all the yarn I purchased at Fringe the other day.

The first yarn is a HUGH (549 yd) hank of Alpaca with a Twist Baby Twist yarn. I am thinking I can make a Back-to-School U-Neck Vest from Fitted Knits with it. Even if I don't make anything, this stuff is sooooo soft. I would be happy carrying it around and cuddling with it. Don't worry, though, I won't.

Next is orange Cotton Fleece. I had a hard time deciding which color to get, and now that I think about it, I should go back and get some more colors. Robin said she stocked up, and I think that's a great idea. You never know what great, cute summer top the Zephyr girls will design.

Third, is Berocco's Ultra Alpaca. Yum. 'nuff said.

Lastly, Yoda is guarding the orange and blue Plymouth Encore. I have some baby things that people are paying me to knit, so I picked these up for a couple Bears helmet type hats. I was thinking I should go back and get a couple more girly colors for another hat I am being asked to make. I think Yoda thinks this is her yarn....

I just wasn't fast enough

Yoda was hiding under the foot part of my blankets this morning. Here she is emerging as I tried to take a picture of her cuteness lying down. I knew she would move as soon as I tried to get the camera and take a picture. I need a camera in every room of the house! That's the only way I am going to get those spontaneous pictures.

Over the weekend I visited Fringe, which is going out of business. The owners started dying yarn and became so wildly successful that the store needs to close because there is not enough time in the day. Well, at 30% off, I bought some yarn and some buttons. I found some great buttons for the Gucci Sweater. here they are in all their glory. I have sewed them on the sweater, but I want to make some adjustments to the collar, so I won't photograph the absolutely finished sweater yet. But, I have to say that these buttons look fabulous on the sweater. And they were 50% off, so I might have to go back and look at the rest of the buttons...you never know.

Winter Wonderland

This is what I was greeted with Sunday morning at my house. This is a shot from my garage looking at other parts of the circle. Notice all the snow that I have to remove from my driveway. Good thing I bought myself a nice new snowblower this year, so it took no time at all. And I heard my grandmother got 11" of snow at her house near Midway Airport. Geez!

I had driven in the snow the night before, and I was cursing  it the whole time. But I think that if I lived somewhere where there was no snow for Christmas, I would feel less festive. That's just me. It is so pretty to look at....must be why I didn't leave the house on Sunday!

So, while I was snowbound, I decided to work on the scarf for my grandmother. It's much longer than the last time you saw it, and it's still not done. This is about 1.75 balls of KP Elegance. I have one more to add to it, and I have one week. One week?! Holy Cow! Did you know Christmas was that close?

Yoda also took advantage of being inside all day. She used Mommy's cuddly blanket as a sleeping bag. Isn't she so cute being all cuddly and sleepy?

Just call me Skippy

So I took my final for my Social Responsibility class....One more class to go! Yippee! I am this close to being graduated with a masters!

The party planner struck again yesterday. This time we were celebrating the end of the year along with the holidays. Behind me you can see how nicely my teammates decorated our area for the party. It looks as great as a factory can look... I had a hard time yesterday because the heel on my knee high boots broke. I was carrying some utensils out to the room and kept wondering how I was stepping in a hole on the floor everytime. Duh, Amanda! So, for the rest of the day I wore very not cute and not comfy steel-toed safety shoes. Then my pants were too long, so they had to be cuffed. I was a looker!

My sister wanted me to share the video of Yoda wearing her boots. There is some sound, so make sure you turn the volume down if you are at work, and prepare to laugh!

Merry Christmas

Because it is Christmas time and Yoda has been a good girl, she needed to see Santa Claus to tell him all that she wants. So, we headed to the most local Petsmart we could find, and got her picture taken with him. She sat on his lap and told him all of the wonderful doggie treats she wants to see under the tree.

This is not the official picture taken by the staff at Petsmart, but rather the one I took with my digital camera. In the official picture, she has her tongue all the way out. How cute!

I did try to spend some time studying, too. I have a final Wednesday, and I have not read or studied anything in this class. I have been a pure slacker this semester, and I don't care. Funny how I was so gung-ho in the beginning, but now I just want it to be over. So, to procrastinate my studying, I worked on the scarf for my grandma. I must have restarted this thing 5 times...I should be done by now. For some reason, I was not able to get it all together...I would mess up somewhere every time. But now, it looks good so far. Let's hope I keep it up. I am using the Woven Cables pattern from Knitty Gritty Thoughts. It's easy, but I have managed to mess it up. Wish me luck!

Thank goodness it's above freezing today

Yesterday was a C-O-L-D day. When I woke up at 4:30, it was -3 F (actualy temperature)! Yoda was not so happy about having to potty in the cold like that. It took me 30 minutes to get her to go, and I was 15 minutes late for work. I know it was because her little paws were so cold, so what is a mommy to do? I decided to bite the bullet and get her doggie boots. Now, I am really not a big fan of boots. I mean, she's a dog...a sweater or shirt is ok, but boots?!

Well, I went to Petsmart and bought them anyway and spent $43 in the process! Yes, $43. I was told that I can return them even after we try them out. Well, after 10 minutes of getting these things on (can you see me playing with dog boots at 4:30 in the morning?), she was set. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen...even funnier than the Yoda Dragon. She looked like she was swimming on land trying to get these off, or maybe it was just walk. We went out and that was a disaster. Needless to say, the boots are going back, but not after I get out the video camera...

Also yesterday was my sister's last day of her graduate program. Yippee for her! I'm a bit jealous, but I am  proud of her. Here she is next to her walk through presentation. Doesn't she look smarter? Those are some lucky fourth graders she teaches!

I decided to wear the Gucci sweater since it was colder than cold, and that sweater is so warm. While I was at my parent's I had Becky take a couple pictures of me in it, so I hope you are all happy to have your modeled picture. Sarah left a comment the other day that she saw the real one in the Gucci store in NY, and that mine is a good replica. Yippee! I still need to fix the things I don't like about it that I mentioned the other day, but that's what the weekend it for, right?

Shh...don't tell Santa

I made Yoda's Christmas quilt in about a morning. I used this tutorial from Wendy's site, and it was super easy. I don't think it really can get any easier than squares!

I think Yoda likes it, but she can't have it just yet...see, I need to give it to Santa Clause so he can wrap it and bring it for Christmas. But let's not tell him that Yoda's seen it, and let's definitely not tell him she tried it out! Oh my, what would he say?!

This blanket was made with all dog themed flannel fabric. I had no idea there were so many, to be honest. I just kept finding them as I wandered the fabric store. And who could forget the pink? A princess without her pink would just be crazy!

34 Days 'till Christmas!

Holy smokes! I better get going on some Christmas gifts! I am not really going to be making that many, just a few that have been added to the list recently. My grandmother mentioned that she bought a scarf from her craft show last year and it is scratchy. So, my mom so graciously told her that I would knit her one that is not scratchy. I have the yarn, I just need to figure out what pattern I am going to do.

I am going to make Yoda and maybe Lillie new blankies. Wendy has a pattern on her site on how to make a rag quilt, and I think it's a great idea. Here is the first round of fabric. I need one more solid or stripe or dot or something, and then I can get going cutting and sewing away. Though I must finish my other quilt first. Ahhhh! Too much to get done!  ;-)

And I can't leave you without a picture of Yoda. I was steam cleaning the carpets (one of the things on my to do vacation list), and she disappeared. I found her on the couch in the spare bedroom on her bed that had been picked up so I could get to the floor. How cute!

Done!

I love being on vacation! I have been so productive. I am crossing things off my list, which is huge, and getting to do things I want to do. And it's only the second day.

So one of those things I wanted to finish was this sweater. And then I immediately cast on for the 'real' one. I also hope to get the pattern written up for a range of sizes while I am being so productive. But in the mean time, here are the details. By the way, pay no attention to the bulging shirt you can see under the sweater. It's not my fat or the sweater, I swear.

Pattern: My own based on a Gucci design
Yarn: Jaeger Chamonix
Needles: Denise circulars in size 9 & 11
Notes: A quick knit that really is very stylish and warm. On to the real sweater...

Yoda is very happy to have her mom home on vacation, too! She likes to use me as a pillow or a bed to sleep on. She even slept in longer than me today!! I think she thinks the sweater is nice, but I can't tell...what do you think?

Happy 4th Birthday, Yoda!

Yes, today Yoda is 4! She is such a big girl compared to when I got her. She was 4 pounds when I brought her home! I can't believe she has grown so much and is already getting a grey beard...

We are going to be celebrating this weekend with a doggie birthday cake and gifts. I know she is excited.

She has several friends in her gallery, but I think she is getting greedy and wants more. She knows there are more pets or pet parents that read this blog...

In other news, I have been working on the sleeve of Gucci and the pattern. That should be done shortly. I  also have been working on a 'practice' quilt. I found this kit at Jo Ann Fabrics and loved the fabric so decided to try it. I am a little unsure of the acutal quilting and binding process, so this gives me step by step directions.

Only 2 more days of work this week! Can't you tell I'm excited?

Riiip...

I had great intentions of working on the second sleeve of Gucci. I really did. But then I got so excited about how I am going to do my sorority t-shirt quilt that I started ripping that apart.  I have some of the backs of the bazillion shirts already freed from the original design. Yoda was a little tired when I was taking pictures this morning....can't you tell she just wants to lay on the quilt?

I also made a swatch from the Andean Silk I bought from Knit Picks. I washed it and am sending it to my friend so she can wear it against her skin and see how scratchy it feels. She has very sensitive skin, so I figured this would be the best way to see if it is ok or if we need to go back to the drawing board. As a side note, I have never had a problem with yarn color running, but this Cranberry really turned the water red. Just wanted to throw that out there for anyone who might want to know.

Class tonight, so probably not much to report tomorrow....and I start vacation in 8 days!!! Yippee!!!

From Gucci to Yoda

The Gucci sweater is taking shape. Here you can see the buttons I picked out for it. I have the whole thing done except for the second sleeve. I tried it on and I think it will be really comfy. I am so excited to start on the brown one! I'm just having some motivation getting going on the second sleeve of this one. I know that once I am done with it, I can start the other one. BUT, I want to start the other one NOW! I'll get over it...

Yoda and I had a little picture session, too. Please excuse my freshly washed face. I had just indulged myself in a green facial mask that would make Frankenstein's monster jealous. I think Yoda is ready for B-E-D...but don't say the word! It's known to send a cranky pug into a spiral.

Please check out the Friends of Yoda album and keep sending in those pictures. Yoda is surprised to not see a picture of a pug in Japan or a mini long-haired dachshund from Peoria or a dalmatian named Lillie...She likes to diversify!
Have a great day!

Have you seen my baseball...er...football?

I picked up Yoda's Halloween costume and general Sunday wear - A Chicago Bears jersey! She is so happy, can't you tell? Here are some of the best shots I got of her...

What a ham! I swear she could be a supermodel. Look at those poses!

So, while I was out last night, I also picked up some buttons for the Gucci Sweater (still working on a new  name). I found these silver swirls that will look great with the gray yarn. I am also almost done with the first sleeve. It's taken a bit, but I'll get there. I might get the second done this weekend...we'll see how that goes. But once that sweater is done, I can do some adjustments and start the 'real' one. I can't wait!!

Have a great weekend! Bear down!

Random Thoughts of the Day

Here is all my hard work on the collar for the Gucci sweater. BTW, I think I need to come up with a better name than the Gucci sweater or Gucci Inspired....any ideas?
Anyway, Here it is ready for some buttons. I think I will go to JoAnns this weekend to check out buttons. I am thinking silverish since the gray is on the cooler side of the color pallet, but we'll see what I can find.

Here are some pictures of the yarn I bought for the sweater (Knit Picks Candena in Mahogany), as well as for a scarf (maybe hat) for my grandmother (Knit Picks Elegance in Oatmeal), and for a swatch for a friend's sweater (Knit Picks Andean Silk in Cranberry).

Lastly, if you like salsa, I found a new favorite. Melina's Salsa is made in the Chicagoland area, and is AWESOME! I decided that I need to start buying this stuff by the case. I've had the medium and hot, and both are equally yummy! I like to make a baked potato and pour some salsa on top. Yum! The chips are pretty good, too.

Yoda doesn't like spicy stuff...She's not impressed with the salsa, but she will have a piece of potato!

Completed Noni Bag

I finally finished the Noni Bag! I think it looks totally cute, too. I hope the recipient of the bag likes it.

Pattern:Noni 9 to 9 to 9 Evening Bag
Yarn: Cascade 220 in Black and Pink; Bernat Disco
Needles: Knit Picks Options size 8
Notes: A cute little black bag!

I think Yoda likes it too, but I can't ask her right now since she is barking out the window! She is telling some other dog down the street that she is trying to nap, so please be kind and stop all the yapping. No one ever said this little princess can't stand up for herself.

PS...Grandma, you can take your time...

Yoda and I have been going for walks each night, and, strangely, picking up a new "friend" each time. For some reason other people are ok with letting their dogs run unattended in our neighborhood. These dogs also have a very strong need to follow us home or most of the way home. I know we're cute, but really!

Yesterday, Yoda's food was replenished. She loves fresh food! She also got a new bed. Since her other one is coverless for the moment, she decided that she needed a stand-in, if you will. When the cover to the other one is back, she'll used this one as a backup. We could all use two beds...

Also, she would like to send a shout-out to Raisin and Raisin's parents in Japan. We (now) know it's you reading the blog from so far away...Yoda wants to know if Raisin's passport is as cool as hers.

There has also been knitting! I know...crazieness! So, I need to get this Noni Bag done and ready to go for a night out on the town. Here are two more flowers, and I have one waiting in the wings that is almost done...so one more to go. Then it's on to assembly.

Doggie Cake

Sunday was Lillie's birthday. Because Lillie and Yoda don't play well together, I picked up a piece of cake my sister made for Yoda. There are such good things as turkey, carrots, spinach, eggs, and rice in it. I thought Yoda was not going to eat it. She is after all a very picky pug.

I was, however, wrong. She ate it all. And might have eaten the plate if I let her. Her is the progression of the cake eating:

Amazingly, she doesn't want dinner now! So the piggy pug does have her limits!

Zzzzz

I don't really have anything right now...So, you get a cute sleeping Yoda picture!

Enjoy!

Throw her a bone

Yoda loves Dingo Bones. If you have a dog, you need to get him/her one right away...especially if you are looking for a good babysitter. This one Yoda received from her grandma. I think she likes it!

So, I got my invite to Ravelry. My screen name is aaswanson for anyone that wants to be my friend! I know, it's real original. I felt a little under pressure since I wasted to get in and start playing around! I have most of my stash up there and a couple projects, but I need to get working on the rest of my pages. Come on and visit me!

I hope everyone is staying dry and knitting some fun stuff this weekend!

Rainy Sunday

Well, Yoda is doing much better! She even had a bath yesterday and smells very nice.

I have started working on the Rusted Root again. Originally, I had to rip it twice. Once because I was using the wrong needles, and the second time because I was, um, I don't know--crazy. It was a bit big, so out it went. Now, I look to be right on track. I am using the right needles, the gauge looks good, and it looks like it will fit me rather than a giant.

I just put the sleeves on scrap yarn, so I am just knitting away now. So, I guess now it's time to think about what I want to do next, right? That's how these things work. So, I looked at my 'To Do' list, and saw the Ribby Pulli, and thought, "I haven't really seen any of these done up...I think I'll try it." I'm all set on the pattern and yarn. AND it's a good thing I have on pair of Addi Turbos Size 6, and that they are being used for Rusted Root, otherwise, I would have cast on already!

She's better

So, Yoda is feeling much better. She thanks the puggy and human wishes for her to get better. Right now, though, she is sitting at home in a hot house. Our air conditioner seems to be on the fritz...of course it is the hottest it's been all year. Figures!

I'll be leaving work today to meet with the air conditioner fixer people. It needs to be a temperate climate for my baby. We don't want her getting sick again!

I'll have some knitting updates soon!

My Poor Baby!

Yoda wasn't feeling so well today. She was throwing up all day (as indicated by the number of spots I had to clean with the steam cleaner), and she was generally feeling miserable. I took her to the doctor, and she was very brave. She got two shots and a bunch of medications to take.

After we had been home a while, I noticed she had these huge raised bumps on her stomach...and immediately, I thought "hives". So I rushed back to vet, where she received another shot and more medications. Doesn't she just look miserable here? I think she is feeling much better, but she is still under the weather a bit. Poor baby!

World Traveler Yoda

Yoda is ready to travel the world--she received her passport yesterday. Thanks to her Aunt (not really her aunt, but we all have them) Kim, she is set and ready to go on a world traveling adventure. She loves her puggy passport, and I can't blame her...it's very cute!

While the actual Noni bag is still drying, I was able to play with the one flower I made. While it was wet, I sculpted it and tried to get it to look like the pattern picture. Close, but no cigar. That's ok...I think it adds interest, and I am impressed at how it did turn out.

Last night was my last night of actual class for the summer. Seriously! So, I should now have some time to crank out 4 more of those little flowers, sew in the lining and handles, and generally, just finish it! I am going to try to get as much sewing and knitting done as this short summer vacation is going to allow.

Next week is the Second Annual A.I.D. Tee Party that I have helped put together for two years now. Charity events are tons of work, and don't let anyone tell you differently! We are still looking for teams, so if you will be in the Chicagoland area next Thursday, August 9, like to golf, and have 3 other friends in the same situation, please consider playing. It will be tons of fun, and you'll be helping disabled children and adults. (PS...they also take donations

Something Read...

Well, I should be done with my sweater, but instead I completed another book. It's amazing how they are so addictive....just one more chapter....then it's done. So, my sister, my personal library, let me borrow Something Borrowed and all of the subsequent books. I just finished it, and it was a pretty good read. Yoda wasn't so interested, but she sure was loving her nap on the patio furniture!

I cheated a bit...

So, I did it. I caved. I said I was only going to work on things that are on my side bar, well, in addition to my paper for my Germany class. But I went to this sewing/yarn store near work to pick up some things for the Amy Butler Cabo Halter, and I decided I was going to buy yarn for swatching.

I have been eyeballing the Airy Wrap-Around Lace Sweater from Fitted Knits to wear over a dress for a wedding, so in my moment of weakness I picked up some yarn for it. You see here Crystal Palace Aran and Kid Merino with a size 11 Denise Circular. I only have done a couple rows of the swatch and I can already tell I will need to go up a size in the needles...hey, at least I didn't just buy all the yarn!

So, Yoda and I are marveling in our famousness over here...today we became the  featured blog on Typepad...She was so excited that she decided to try and hide!

Yes, my little princess decided that she didn't want to see the paparazzi...she really does like the simple life. But then I convinced her that it's not so bad..she can get free stuff when she hosts award shows, she can get into any restaurant...so she dolled up and went to see her public...and now she is napping!!!

Puffed Sleeve Wings

Ok, so I finished the increases for the Puffed Sleeve Cardigan. Yeah. It totally looks like it has wings. I know this is because of the 'puffed' part of the sweater, but, yeah. It does fit around well, so I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover...or maybe a sweater before it's complete.

I think the body is going to fly...ok, maybe if I didn't have to purl it would, but you know, that slows me down. I really need to try that steeking thing.

So, I managed to tame the wild Yoda long enough for a picture. She is totally cranky in this picture. I think she knows how to tell time. I really do. When it is bed time, she starts to whine and get all cranky...it's as if she is saying, "Damn it! I am tired, let's go already." Yeah, my dog swears. Where do you think she learned it?! So I guess I better get her to bed...

It's Spring!

Today was such a gorgeous day! To begin, I had my meeting about my trip to Germany next month!! Even though it is considered a class, it is still going to be so much fun. There is a large group of "fun" people going, so I can see us living it up German-style. Funny thing is I think I am the only one going who speaks any German... Fun stuff!

Then I decided to hit the driving range. I actually was doing fairly well considering it was the first time I picked up a club this year. I also felt like the 7 Iron might not be my arch nemesis any longer...perhaps my driver has taken over that position...we'll see...

Yoda was enjoying lounging today. As you can see, she  is ready for the cabana boy to bring her a margarita...Patron and Grand Marnier, please!

I Love the Smell of a Finished Sweater in the Morning

In between writing eight billion papers, cleaning the house, and finishing a poker table, I managed to finish a sweater. I know, I am surprised, too. Wicked is a quick knit that looks good in the end. I decided to go for "in between" on the length of the arms. I think it is pretty flattering...sometimes cap sleeves show off the B-I-N-G-O arms, and long sleeves can take forever to complete.

Pattern:Wicked by Zephyr Style
Yarn: Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool in color #0744  Harvest Heather
Needles: Addi Turbos size 7
Notes: While I did add some length to the body,  I do think I could have gotten away with a couple more inches....especially if I wanted to wear it to work. I opted not to add the pocket because of the whole work thing, but I guess I always could go back and add it. It was what drew me to the pattern to begin with.

Yoda was less than thrilled. This is one tired pug. Here she is guarding here new bone from Grandma. She also never lies in this bed, so I gues