... has got to be my new Della Q bag.

I got it off of eBay for like 18 dollars (what a bargain!) and I love it.  Have I used it much?  Well... no.  But it sure is pretty!  And it makes me smile every time I look at it.  I'll be taking that to my Lily Chin class on Friday

Apparently, I'm slacking on the knitting related content front.  What with me buying a house, remodeling said house, and dealing with the death of my cat, you'd think I'd have all the time in the world to knit, right?  Well... sadly, I don't.  I did, however, find the time to knit this about three weeks ago.

And I started this.

That's the scarf that my Scarf Knit Kit Swap partner sent me (I can't remember the name of the actual swap, unfortunately, and I really don't have time to look it up).

I am supposed to take a class with Lily Chin on Friday night at the Cleveland Sewing and Quilt Expo, but don't really know if I'll make it.  If my hands stop aching long enough for me to knit, then maybe I'll go.  Also, I'm not sure that my hands and arms and legs won't have paint on them when I get to meet the divine Miss Chin.  How embarassing!

Oh, and to all of you who put two and two together about Tweed's kidney failure and the pet food recall, THANK YOU SO MUCH!   I appreciate your concern.  However, I feed my cats fed my cats dry food.  I did call Menu Foods, and they said that it was possible the dry food was affected.  This was on March 17.  Now, they are stating that they don't manufacture dry food.  I'm not sure about the discrepancy, but it does mean that I'm part of the class action law suit against them.  I've tried several times to report Tweed's death to the FDA, and I cannot get hold of a human being.  I will keep trying, though.  Thanks again to everyone for your support.  I'm sure Tweed appreciates it too.  I'll leave you with my favorite Tweed as a kitty picture.  See how tiny he looks! So. Very.  Cute!!!

Before I post this, I want to say thanks to everyone who offered condolences on my poor little kitty.  It was a tough time, but knowing that I had friends out there really helped.  Me and Velvet are doing ok.  I think she knows he's gone, and she seems to miss him a bit, especially when I'm being boring!  She wants someone to play with.  It hasn't helped that I'm SICK this week!!!  I have a terrible cold, and can hardly lift my head off the pillow today.  Its taking a lot of energy to post this, but the doctor said I should be better by tomorrow.  Once again, thanks so much.  I appreciate the kind thoughts.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like wool, Merino, silk, alpaca.  I'm not a big fan of acrylic or cotton, though I have been knitting with Knit Picks Shine (worsted and sport weight) and I really like it!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have an expandable coupon holder for most of my double points, though my previous SP sent me two awesome holders that I've been using for my Knit Picks needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting on and off for a while.  I really got obsessed with knitting in the fall of 2004, when I moved to Maryland (don't live there any more) and Woolwinders was right down the road from my apartment.  It was awesome!

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

I do.  Check in my side bar.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I'm in love with Bath and Body Works' new Ile de Tahiti Tiarre Flower scent.  I dont' usually like floral scents.  I'm more of a fruity/baked goods kind of girl.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Ummm... chocolate.  I always say I'm trying to be good... but right now, I don't care!

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

I enjoy beading and used to love to cross stitch.  I'd like to learn to do mosaics.  I do spin a little bit.  I'm planning on taking a class here in a few weeks.

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

I like everything except country and rap.  I'm a huge fan of indie rock.  I have an Ipod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like lots of colors.  Reds and pinks might be my faves, but I like blues and greens and purples, too.  Not a HUGE orange fan - unless its burnt orange.  Then I love it!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have (sigh) one cat

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, hats, and mittens - though not in the spring and summer.

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

I like to knit socks, but I have so much sock yarn.  I'm more into smaller projects these days.  I'd love to do some fair isle mittens.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A pair of socks and putting the finishing touches on the Lizard Ridge blanket.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circular aluminum.  I love addis and Knit Picks needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both, though I hate my yarn winder.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Old... six months or more.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Does yarn count?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have an Interweave subscription.  I do have a knitting book wish list off on the side bar.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I'm still trying to master fair isle.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes, I wear a 7 1/2 shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

June 4

My day started off horribly today! I noticed my bed was terribly wet when I woke up, but I thought that maybe some water spilled, or I was sweating (gross! Sorry) or that... well... I had no idea. I didn't think much of it, however, until I heard this terrible little squeak, about 20 minutes after I woke up. It sounded like the wind or the house settling, but I thought to myself "I haven't seen Tweed yet today". Then I found him. Poor little guy was lying in a pile of .... well the details aren't necessary, but let's just say that he was all wet and DIRTY (and that's why my bed was wet). I wrapped him in a towel to clean him up, then I noticed the worst part. His pupils were two different sizes! The right one wasn't even shaped right. It was wavy, rather than slit-shaped. I called the vet immediately and took him in. So far, they don't know much, except that he's in kidney failure. Whether its chronic (bad) or acute (ok) is yet to be determined. They are keeping him for observation, but again, they don't know anything. He might have pneumonia, too. I'm so very scared for my little buddy. He's the best darn cat (I know I have two cats, and I love Velvet, but Tweed is awesome! Everyone who's met Tweed loves him!!) Please, please, please keep my poor little kitty in your thoughts. He means the world to me, and I can't imagine what my new house will be like without him in it.

ETA:   Tweed didn't make it.  I had to put him down this afternoon.