Friday, April 29, 2005

TV Time

So, since my knitting progress is decidedly boring - after swatching four times (with four different sized needles) I finally got gauge for Amy's project, and I'm chugging right along, but no pics, so as to not spoil the pattern - let's talk TV.

Lost: "flashback" episode this week sucked, but they did say starting next week is the first of four new episodes, so that is exciting! Unfortunately, I saw the "scenes from next week" which I try to avoid, as I don't want to know too much. So I won't say anything, but it should be interesting.

Desperate Housewives: see Lost.

Veronica Mars: Love her with Logan, hate that she left Logan on the boat alone. I just hope he didn't have anything to do with her rape (other than being the distributor of the drugs, which I suppose is bad enough). Kind of don't want too much to be "solved" this season, so we have meaty episodes in the fall.

Gilmore Girls: Want to hate her with Logan, but everytime I think he's a jerk, he shows up at her door, and pulls me back in. Worried that a big fight is imminent with Lorelai over Logan. Want more of Luke and Lorelai. Sick of Dean - make him go away.

So, can you tell how I spend my time? However, I am knitting, so all is not a loss.

Must go to bed so I can get up and be at Hancock's at 9:30 for the sale (cotton ease, here I come!)

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Insert exciting title here

Today is the last meeting of one of my courses. Yippee! All I have to do is finish up the paper for it and write my self assessment. Things I planned to do last night. But we had friends over for dinner, and they left at 11:30. So yeah, that didn't happen.

Not much knitting progress to report. Another inch on Tempting, and I bought size US8 double pointed needles to do sleeves. Hopefully I can get to the sleeves and get the sleeves done so one of my girls can explain how to attach the sleeves, because that part of the pattern makes absolutely no sense to me.

The grey sock has been frogged, may it RIP. I just couldn't stand concentrating on the pattern. I have purchased a bunch of sock yarn now, and have no desire to cast on for another pair. I think I might try Wendy's toe-up pattern next.

My Knitpicks yarn arrived yesterday! It came in a tiny box, I was sure it wasn't all in there. But it was. Very small skeins, but I'm not sure why I expected different, considering the small yardages. Overall I'm very pleased, however the daffodil yellow is not as yellow as it is pictured. But the Sock Garden Star Gazer Lily color, is beautiful! I may be reinspired to make socks!

I will be spending much of my weekend knitting, but not for myself. Amy needed help meeting a deadline, so off I go! Received the yarn yesterday, and planned to cast on after dinner, but we all know that didn't happen. Maybe today? After supper club? And after our lovely friends play at 11:00 pm? hmmmmm, maybe tomorrow.

Monday, April 25, 2005

Monday, Monday

Sorry for the lack of photos lately - black ribbing on the Tempting is hardly exciting to take progress pictures of, and since every time I measure it, it hasn't grown, I'm not inclined to bore you with it. (I actually am starting to think that it is shrinking every round - impossible?)

I did cast on for a new pair of socks - or should I say I tried. I started Wednesday night - made a swatch on size 2's figuring that since I knit so tightly, pattern called for US 1, you know.

Ripped out the swatch - after all, the pattern calls for 1's. Started swatch on 1's. (Thursday)

Ripped out the swatch - surely I don't need to swatch - never did before - everything has turned out fine. (Also Thursday)

Started sock pattern on 1's. Seems small, but hard to tell for first few rounds. Knit on. (Friday)

Ripped out the cuff. Seems really small as won't go over my knuckles. Put down. (Friday)

Get out size 2's. Cast on and start cuff. Seems OK size-wise (Saturday)

Finish cuff. Start pattern (and yes, I'm using an actual "pattern", no boring grey stockinette socks for me!). Pattern has four row repeat. VERY SLOW MOVING. (Sunday)

I was itching to make more socks, now I'm not liking this "pattern" business, but really can't face ripping out that poor yarn any more.

Dilemma of the Day: What color cotton ease? I want to make a Tempting with 3/4 sleeves (after I finish the "normal" one). Love my cotton ease. Resisting the urge to buy all I can find. But what color to make Tempting2 in? Anybody, Anybody, Bueller?

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Late night

Just got home from seeing some old friends from IN who are getting ready to move to the big D, checking email, signing up for the Tempting KAL, and found this.
plastic
You are plastic.
Futuristic, milky, and silky, you are willing to go
where no crafter has gone before. You can do
just about anything, with strength agility, and
pretty colors to boot! While you are good at
slipping and sliding out of sticky situations,
remember to stay where and when you are needed.
Don't overdo it on star gazing when there's
earthbound knitting to be done!


What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Now you know.

Sniffles

So the allergy bug has caught me - it sucks. Feel like crap, can't breathe, etc.
But it makes for lots of TV time - which is perfect since WE is showing Felicity two episodes a night! Love the TiVo!!!

DH and I are finished with the first three seasons of Alias, and I must say, I sure do miss seeing Michael Vartan at least once a week! We're waiting to watch the fourth season until it a)is in reruns this summer or b)comes out on DVD.

We are also almost caught up with Gilmore Girls - we finally saw the episode where Luke and Loreli made up (and made out!).

One of my "b*tches" talked to annoying girl on Tuesday night, so hopefully things will improve next time. Some of my girls are having hard times - a breakup and a move. I'm going to miss my Kerri as she voyages off to Austin, but I know I'll see her regularly (it's only 3 hours, after all!) and we have the wonder of the internet! So miss Kerri, I'll miss you! Love you bunches!

Some sad news, I hear that Lion Brand Cotton Ease is being *gasp* discontinued! I'm really enjoying the way it is knitting up on Tempting, and am going to have to voyage to Hancock's ASAP to purchase more for the stash.

I broke down and bought some yarn from Knitpicks Thursday. They emailed to say that it had shipped yesterday (so nice!) and I am eagerly anticipating its arrival.

I bought this today at Michael's. As if I need more sock yarn (more is coming from Knitpicks), but it was on clearance for $3.00/ball. So the stash is surely but slowly growing. My excuse (to myself for now, DH hasn't commented on the size of it yet) is that we're going to be very poor this summer (as he goes through alternative certification and we both work retail for 30 hours/week - pray for us!), so I am buying enough yarn now to sustain me though the long, hot days of summer.

OH MY GOD! So, I'm watching Felicity right now (sophomore year - working at the health center) and LANE (from GG) just walked in! See, I watched Felicity when it was first on, and then when WE reran it a few years ago, and I only started watching GG when it came back in reruns (on ABC family). I thought Lane looked familiar, but never put it together. Wow, love it when it all comes full circle.

I really want to make the striped cardi from the new interweave, but I'm worried that it is *too* advanced for me - carrying the yarn and all. Thinking about using microspun for it (since they have such pretty colors), but worried about how it will gague up. Perhaps I should stop blogging, make a swatch with the leftovers from the skinny scarf, and if it works (cross your fingers) I can make it to Michael's tonight (they have it on sale).

Bye!

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Gifted

So, the crazy puppies who were visiting? All gone now, very sad. Our baby (the lab) looked all over for his brother Thursday morning, and apparently, his brother was also confused. They gave him his own goose/duck toy (he was obsessed with the one they brought over) so he is very excited.
I got this.
From Knitting in La Jolla. Very exciting, though I think some of the patterns are a bit much for me right now.
My momma had her first knitting lesson last Wednesday, actually more of a refresher lesson since she used to knit (before I was born). She says she sucks. They were teaching them on a circular needle and she thought she had to leave the last stitch on the needle (I'm not sure how she turned her work around) so she was increasing every row (somehow). She's a little frustrated. And, whatever leftover fiber her teacher gave her to practice with is bothering her eyes - not because she can't see it, but it "flakes" off and gets in her eyes. Anybody else experience this?
She and my sister and I are a little bit crazy. I grew up here. Where this happens every year. It is literally madness as all these crazed women buy anything and everything they can hold. Growing up, we went to the sale every year and made a few purchases (too good of deals not to). I have my fair share of Vera products, and add a few to the collection every year. Many people come and buy things to sell on ebay, which is a big no-no, but they do it anyway.
But this year mom takes the madness to a whole other level - she's working the sale. Which means she gets an additional discount (and if you're crazy enough to want to do this, you can't - they're not hiring and the only people who get to work have to "know" someone - my second cousin works for Vera) and a special shopping day (without the crazies) - TODAY!
I passed off my list last night (which was fun, 'cause she already knew most of what they had since she had put it all out on the tables yesterday). I think this year I'll actually get things in the patterns I want! But don't worry, I'm not this nuts.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Ladybug


Ladybug
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

Tempting


Tempting
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

"felted" purse


"felted" purse
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

sock yarn!


sock yarn!
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

Sunday, bloody sunday

But you don't really want to hear about that, so I'll spare you the details.

In less disturbing news, I finally have pictures actually ON the blog, not just linked to. Love it! I'm still playing with the format of them, etc. So be patient.

But, they are - lovely sock yarn from Elann. I can't wait to start playing with this.

And a finished "felted" purse. As I suspected, the felting didn't take real well, but it's still cute. A little small though.

I finally started on Tempting - as of tonight I have 5 1/2 inches done. Only 8 1/2 to go!

And I got the cutest knitting supply holder two weeks ago at Target in the markdown section. It has little pockets and a zippered pocket - I love it, mostly because it actually has feet! (So ok, it was not made to be a knitting supply holder, but who could resist?)

That's it for now, much other excitement (haha) but have to go sleep.

Skinny Scarf two completed!


Skinny Scarf two completed!
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

stitch markers


stitch markers
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

First pair of socks!


First pair of socks!
Originally uploaded by jenn_tx.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Finished Object Tuesday!

It would be better if it were finished object friday, but that's OK. I was lucky enough to have the afternoon free from responsibilities today, so I managed to crank out the ending of two projects.

Skinny Scarf Two is complete!
It is very pretty and colorful (same thing?) even though it will probably be 80 every day now that it is finally finished. I had forgotten what a pain in the ass binding off 400 stitches is. It took FOREVER. But done.

And, drumroll please........I have a pair of socks!
The toe of the second sock was a pain in my ass. I kept dropping the needles and the stitches were laddering down, and I can't figure out how to pick up stitches in a decrease. So that sucked. But luckily I was on the last decrease row, so I sort of fudged it and it will be wearable, just not very pretty.

I orded some Paton's Kroy sock yarn from Elann. I chose pink, orange and bright blue and gray. I am excited for it to arrive, especially now that I can move on to better socks!

I purchased the cotton ease I am going to use for Tempting from Knitty. I plan to cast on for that tomorrow and use the two-hour season finale of Lost to make good progress (and did anyone else know that this was the season finale? How did I miss this? I am very upset!).

I'm trying to decide what to make after Tempting. Webs is having a big sale. I'm thinking some Reynolds Saucy to make sitcom chic from Knitty and possibly the beaded top from the new Vogue Knitting. I want to make a tank top and I'm looking for a pattern that is something I think I would actually wear.

I'm sure everyone knows now, but the spring Knitty is up, as is the first full issue of Spun. Not really excited about the new patterns in either, which kind of sucks.

I almost forgot, I have ventured into a new arena of craftyness. I bought these cute beads at Target in their dollar section on Saturday, and bought beading supplies Sunday at JoAnn's. Result - stitch markers! I apologize for the horribly out of focus picture. I'll try to get a better one up in the next few days.

OK, must sleep now. I am very sad, as my visiting puppies will be going home tomorrow. It will be quiet here with only four animals.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Lost

Was it just me or did Jack use a metal knitting needle to puncture Boone's chest/lung/whatever last night on Lost?

Not much sock progress - finished the gusset. Now it's just round and round 'til the toe.

Bought my black cotton-ease to make Tempting from Knitting yesterday. Now if I can just finish the damn sock, so I can start something summery!

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Bitchin'

So tonight was SnB. And was it appropriate....

I try not to use this as a forum to vent my frustrations as a 20 something stepmother, but it's probably coming, and fast. My DD's mother constantly starts something, and leaves us to finish it. That's all I say for now.

Other Bitchin.......

I'll reference this. Tonight was much of the same. Only I got to hear, "Oh so now y'all are trying socks?" But imagine it said as if one could not possibly be smart enough to read a sock pattern. "What yarn are you using?" "Well, you won't want to wear those." "Aren't they too small?" "Isn't your gauge too tight?"

Well actually......SHUT THE HELL UP! If I want your help/advice/etc. I'll ask for it. Keep your damn negative opinions of my abilities to yourself. And coming from the same girl who, when she saw our scarves we were knitting at the first meeting she came to, said, "Well the first thing I made was a sock. It's really easy. Anyone can make one." I guess things have changed.

Not sure what I was upset more about - the stepmom thing or her, but at any rate, she caused me to misread my pattern for the heel flap and I had to rip back several rows, and then I realized I hadn't counted as I ripped, so I had to try to measure to make sure I hadn't ripped out too much, then I added a row, 'cause I thought I had ripped back too far. Then one of my snb'ers that I DO ask for help said that I didn't need that row, so I ripped it out. Then I got my stitches twisted as I tried to put them back on the needles. Then I got them twisted AGAIN as I tried to fix the first twist.

Needless to say, my ambition of turning the second heel tonight is lying in the dustbin. However, I did not give up on the damn "sock I 'm never going to wear." I will wear these things just to spite her, I swear.

But I did "spoil" myself a bit today - bought the new issue of Vogue Knitting. And I want to make about 10 things in it. I'm sure it will only cost me a small fortune in yarn. But some really great springy/summery items. And since it was over 80 here today, I'm in the mood for that!

No pictures today, the camera battery is dead and I have to wait for DH to get home from work to charge it, as I cannot find the charger. But I'll leave you with a mental picture. One of my dear friends (and fellow knitter!) and her hubby are on a 10 day trip. They have two babies (of the barking variety). They can't take them as his family is deathly allergic to dogs. They didn't want to kennel them - and because I love her and her dogs, I volunteered us to take them. For the whole time they are gone. So, add their 2 year old Golden Retreiver and 4 month old yellow lab to our 4 month old chocolate lab (yes, they are brothers), almost 6 year old Border Collie and Shitz/Lasla mutt of indeterminte age (he was a rescue) but probably at least 11, and almost 2 year old kitty. Yes, we live in a menagiere. It's great - except when there's barking. Then it wakes up DD. But they are all getting along (and old dog likes no one of the four legged variety). And finally letting us sleep at night.

Off to potty the pack before bed. Maybe some reading news tomorrow? (Don't hold your breath).

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Saturday Night Dead

It's Saturday night, and I ain't got no motivation.......

But last night I did sign off on this. And, as you can tell from the picture, I cast on for the second sock right away. It fits and everything! It's pretty exciting to make something that is more useful than a scarf.

The sock has kept me occupied this week, so I apologize for my lack of posting. And, after much effort today, (and avoiding schoolwork) I got the template stuff all worked out. Quite a relief, and I actually sort of understand a little of that html business.

DH has decided that I cannot buy yarn to start a new project until I finish the kitty bed, second skinny scarf and the second sock. Luckily, I had a little something in the stash. So I cast on for it today, in housework avoidance mode. Here it is so far, amost one side done. I'm using the Lion Brand Landscapes called for in the pattern. We'll see how it felts though, I have heard that it doesn't felt well, but if it doesn't work out, it will still be a cute purse. I really like the colors. I'm going to use those bamboo handles in the picture as well.

I forgot to post that I bought this with my Michael's coupon last week. I'm really excited about making some of the items inside. The preview for the summer Interweave is up, and I'm looking forward to making the one-skein socks and the isis wrap.

As soon as DH lifts the yarn resriction, I'm going to make this. I think I'll use some Cotton Ease, we'll see how it goes.

I really can't wait to make some cute socks. Just time to decide what yarn to use.