Six months ago today I taught myself to knit. Wow.
I didn't realize that until the drive home from work tonight, but I guess I sort of celebrated last night. I was too pooped to get back in the car and drive to knit night, and it is my only night off this week (and any week this month), so I gathered some friends and settled it.
From left - blog generator, my bff's chips and salsa, light and lacy shawl, stripey cardi, Mr. XX, my hug shrug, and DH's sock. In the background is Oliver from the O.C. (completely addicted) doing bad Oliver things.
You'll also notice in the background a large stack of books. Well, two stacks actually. This is my "to-read" pile. Part of it anyway. I made that dumb comment to DH about finishing all those books I had started - these are them. Yikes. 26.
I could continue this post with drippy prose about how knititng has changed my life, but y'all already know about that! I'm preachin' to the choir here!
So, do I get a knit-a-versary present from myself?
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Tuesday is KAL day!
And boy, do I have great pictures - oh wait, too lazy to get the camera from the other room, and that "great" before the pictures, might be overstating it a little. Just a smidge.
But I did work on my shawl for KTC today. I'm a little concerned about running out of yarn, since the pattern said "2 25g balls of any laceweight yarn." Hmmmm, very specific, no? But it doesn't have to be any certain length, since the pattern is so simple, I can finish off whenever I run out!
And for sockapal2za (I think I forgot to tell y'all that somewhere in the crappiness of the last few weeks Allison reopened the fun (Thanks Allison!) and I got in this time!), my yarn is ordered, and I think I know what pattern I'm going to use. I was trying to, well, not procrastinate, but not start this project right away, as it isn't due until mid-September, but I discovered today that someone had already finished! Yikes!
And I think my shawl counts for the Summer of Lace as well, so there you go. Bada bing. Bada boom.
But I did work on my shawl for KTC today. I'm a little concerned about running out of yarn, since the pattern said "2 25g balls of any laceweight yarn." Hmmmm, very specific, no? But it doesn't have to be any certain length, since the pattern is so simple, I can finish off whenever I run out!
And for sockapal2za (I think I forgot to tell y'all that somewhere in the crappiness of the last few weeks Allison reopened the fun (Thanks Allison!) and I got in this time!), my yarn is ordered, and I think I know what pattern I'm going to use. I was trying to, well, not procrastinate, but not start this project right away, as it isn't due until mid-September, but I discovered today that someone had already finished! Yikes!
And I think my shawl counts for the Summer of Lace as well, so there you go. Bada bing. Bada boom.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Elann stash enhancement
More yarn.....it's becoming overwhelming, but I'm not complaining (although, I am out of storage space).
This is what I received from elann Saturday - six balls of Endless Summer Lara for a baby gift, two balls of the Jo Sharp (but you've already seen that), two balls of sock yarn for my sockapal2za pal, some clover ring/row markers, brittany dpn's in size 10 1/2 (to make sophie), bamboo circs in 10 1/2 and 3 for various projects.
No knitting progess today. But more yarn pictures tomorrow....
This is what I received from elann Saturday - six balls of Endless Summer Lara for a baby gift, two balls of the Jo Sharp (but you've already seen that), two balls of sock yarn for my sockapal2za pal, some clover ring/row markers, brittany dpn's in size 10 1/2 (to make sophie), bamboo circs in 10 1/2 and 3 for various projects.
No knitting progess today. But more yarn pictures tomorrow....
Sunday, June 19, 2005
In-fiber-delity
So.....because I didn't just start a new project (ahem) yesterday.....But my box from Elann came yesterday (while I was at work, of course), and I couldn't resist the siren song of the lace/mohair any longer.
I'm making the "Light and Lacy Shawl" from the Knit Knack Kit I got for Christmas. I'm using Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair - not sure of the colorway, but it's purple.
I'm not a big purple person, but it was this or green (should have gotten green) so I'm thinking this will be gifted. The first five rows or so were difficult, until I learned to tell what was the stitch, and what was just mohairy stuff that had gotten wrapped around the needle. Now I'm chugging right along - it is a VERY easy pattern, with four yo's and two k2tog per every other row - at the edges - so it moves quickly.
I feel the sweet seduction of the lace knitting - I can't wait to plow through this and try something more difficult. I do have that Skacel laceweight and two more skeins of laceweight from knitpicks coming.....and I just bought folk shawls and have downloaded the kiri pattern......decisions, decisions....
I'm making the "Light and Lacy Shawl" from the Knit Knack Kit I got for Christmas. I'm using Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair - not sure of the colorway, but it's purple.
I'm not a big purple person, but it was this or green (should have gotten green) so I'm thinking this will be gifted. The first five rows or so were difficult, until I learned to tell what was the stitch, and what was just mohairy stuff that had gotten wrapped around the needle. Now I'm chugging right along - it is a VERY easy pattern, with four yo's and two k2tog per every other row - at the edges - so it moves quickly.
I feel the sweet seduction of the lace knitting - I can't wait to plow through this and try something more difficult. I do have that Skacel laceweight and two more skeins of laceweight from knitpicks coming.....and I just bought folk shawls and have downloaded the kiri pattern......decisions, decisions....
Saturday, June 18, 2005
I Heart Tuesday Morning
So, just a bit ($90) of yarn. I read on someone's blog (sorry, forgetful) that their Tuesday Morning had some crack, er, cotton ease. I made an emergency run on the way to work, and scored.....four skeins candy blue, two skeins popsicle blue, two skeins orangeina, two skeins bubblegum, four skeins pistachio. Had to run home, photograph, blog and stash it before DH found it. I did save some for others (didn't buy all of the popsicle and orangeina, they also had some of both yellows). They also had packets of baylene needles in sizes 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 for $5.99. That's all five sizes for that price. But I resisted. Ok, off to work!
Note: Not going to Hobby Lobby as previously planned en route to work today!
Note: Not going to Hobby Lobby as previously planned en route to work today!
Friday, June 17, 2005
First June Stash Enhancement
So, I was going to wait until I had received all of the fibery goodness to post an enormous photo, but decided to do it in installments. Here's the first - everything I've bought this month so far.
Clockwise -
Bernant denim style, one skein - gift, not sure what this will be.
Red Heart Fiesta, two skeins, gift, not sure what this will be either.
LB Chenille Thick & Quick - Four skeins, marked down 50% off at the JoAnn's that is closing (so they can open a Super JoAnn's!) for mag knits "hug" shrug.
Paton's Mosaic - 3 skeins, also marked down, for DD hat and scarf.
Skacel Lace - pink laceweight merino, for a shawl, not sure which one. From www.yarnies.com, one skein.
Brooks Farm Four Play - three skeins, "sassy" colorway, for the clap.
Books: Knitting in Plain English, Simple Knits for little cherubs, Afghans to Knit and Crochet, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Special Knits, Knitter's Handy book of patterns, Folk Shawls, Cozy Crochet Kit, How to Knit.
Woo Hoo!!
No "real" knitting to report. Swatched for the hug shrug this am. Did 5 or 6 rows on the stripey cardi Tuesday night. Hope to do some tomorrow am as I watch my current disc of the O.C. (completely addicted!!!!!!!).
More fibery goodness on the way!!!!
Clockwise -
Bernant denim style, one skein - gift, not sure what this will be.
Red Heart Fiesta, two skeins, gift, not sure what this will be either.
LB Chenille Thick & Quick - Four skeins, marked down 50% off at the JoAnn's that is closing (so they can open a Super JoAnn's!) for mag knits "hug" shrug.
Paton's Mosaic - 3 skeins, also marked down, for DD hat and scarf.
Skacel Lace - pink laceweight merino, for a shawl, not sure which one. From www.yarnies.com, one skein.
Brooks Farm Four Play - three skeins, "sassy" colorway, for the clap.
Books: Knitting in Plain English, Simple Knits for little cherubs, Afghans to Knit and Crochet, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Special Knits, Knitter's Handy book of patterns, Folk Shawls, Cozy Crochet Kit, How to Knit.
Woo Hoo!!
No "real" knitting to report. Swatched for the hug shrug this am. Did 5 or 6 rows on the stripey cardi Tuesday night. Hope to do some tomorrow am as I watch my current disc of the O.C. (completely addicted!!!!!!!).
More fibery goodness on the way!!!!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Because this really all makes sense to me
You Know You're From Indiana When... |
You drive for three hours and the scenery outside doesn't change. There's three feet of snow on the ground and school is still in session. You only go to the mall once a year 'cause it takes too long to get there. While driving all you see is corn. People still have Christmas decorations up at Easter. You start saying to yourself "More than corn in Indiana my butt." Anyone with a cell phone looks out of place. Walking through Wal-Mart with two carts full of kids is normal. Wnyone with a tan is rich. The hip hang-out place is McDonald's. There really is more than corn in Indiana. There’s soybeans, too. When you plan an orgy and a Euchre game breaks out. A restaurant has an invisible wall in the non-smoking section and you believe it works. Speeding consists of 2 miles over the speed limit. You think you don't have to use a turn signal on your car because you don't use it on your tractor. You build your dream house on a cornfield, and you considered it posh. You warsh your clothes and you think George Warshington was the first president. You're proud to be called a Hoosier, even if you don't know what one is. You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Terre Haute" Detassling was your first job. Bailing hay, your second. You can stack hay, swim in the pond to clean off, and then have the strength to play a couple of games of hoops all in the same day. You say things like "catty-wumpus" and "kitty-corner". You own a dirtbike or a ATV. You live in a city ... and there's a cornfield in your backyard. High school basketball game draws a bigger crowd on the weekend nights than movie theaters. You can see at least 2 basketball hoops from your yard. You can name every one of Bob Knight's "exploits" over the last few years. You shop at Marsh. Damon Bailey was your childhood hero. The biggest question of your youth was "IU or Purdue?" Indianapolis is the "big city". "Getting caught by a train" is a legitimate excuse for being late to school. People at your high school chewed tobacco. Everyone knows who the town cop is, where he lives, and whether he is at home or on duty. You actually know what the CART vs IRL debate is about and have taken a side. To you, a raccoon is simply a "coon". The vehicle of choice in your area is not a car, but a pickup. Someone you know is BIG John Mellencamp fan. You've been to the Covered Bridge Festival. To you, a tenderloin is not an expensive cut of beef, but a big, salty, breaded piece of pork served on a bun with pickles. You call a green bell pepper a "mango". Sometimes, you call the toilet the "commode" or the "stool". In the fall, one of your favorite pranks was corning cars. You know what FFA and 4H stand for. You know what chip-and-seal is, and your high school was located on just such a road. You go the county fair every night of it's week-long duration. You can say "French Lick" without laughing out loud. There's actually a college near you named "Ball State." The last "g" is silent in any word ending in "ing." You think the state Bird is Larry. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Indiana. |
Monday, June 13, 2005
Sad sack
First, thank you all who left me such sweet encouraging notes in the comments - it means a lot to hear that others have gone through these same feelings - makes me feel like less of a "loser." (I know, I'm not a loser, just an expression!)
I'm feeling a bit better now, but the next three weeks will probably still be trying.
A brief update, before bed.
I'm really excited about the summer of lace. (damn, all of a sudden blogger doesn't have the link button up, and I'm too lazy to figure it out right now. you know what it is.) I've been wanting to knit some lace for a while now, so I'm excited that others will be joining in on the craziness! I ordered some merino laceweight yarn (meant to order mohair, but was not fully awake, obviously) I'll post a link when I can concentrate long enought to figure it out.
On Friday, a bevy of books headed my way - Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Folk Shawls and Special Knits for Babies. I was supposed to get Vogue Knitting Socks Two, but DH didn't order it. I'm gong to see if knitpicks has it.
I've decided that I get a fiber "prize" every Friday - gives me something to look forward to all week!
Oh - my Brooks Farm Four Play came, so as soon as I have time, I'll get on that clap. It's very pretty - not as "silky" feeling as I thought it would be, and had a lot more brown in it than I could really see in the picture, but I still think it is pretty. Again, links when I can.
The stripey cardi is 8 inches up the back - slow going, mostly because I have NO TIME to work on it. C'est la vie. DH's sock is nearing the toe. I know, such excitement, I can hardly contain myself.
OK, off to blogstalk for a few minutes before bed.
I'm feeling a bit better now, but the next three weeks will probably still be trying.
A brief update, before bed.
I'm really excited about the summer of lace. (damn, all of a sudden blogger doesn't have the link button up, and I'm too lazy to figure it out right now. you know what it is.) I've been wanting to knit some lace for a while now, so I'm excited that others will be joining in on the craziness! I ordered some merino laceweight yarn (meant to order mohair, but was not fully awake, obviously) I'll post a link when I can concentrate long enought to figure it out.
On Friday, a bevy of books headed my way - Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Folk Shawls and Special Knits for Babies. I was supposed to get Vogue Knitting Socks Two, but DH didn't order it. I'm gong to see if knitpicks has it.
I've decided that I get a fiber "prize" every Friday - gives me something to look forward to all week!
Oh - my Brooks Farm Four Play came, so as soon as I have time, I'll get on that clap. It's very pretty - not as "silky" feeling as I thought it would be, and had a lot more brown in it than I could really see in the picture, but I still think it is pretty. Again, links when I can.
The stripey cardi is 8 inches up the back - slow going, mostly because I have NO TIME to work on it. C'est la vie. DH's sock is nearing the toe. I know, such excitement, I can hardly contain myself.
OK, off to blogstalk for a few minutes before bed.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Left Behind
Do you ever have those moments when you feel really old? I'm almost 27. I realize that to many people (including my parents) I am still a child. But today was just one of those days. A day when I kept saying to myself - do you realize you've worked reatail for 10 YEARS? Do you realize that you NEVER thought this was what you were going to be doing at 27? You were supposed to have a career, a plan, a life. You were not suppposed to be totally stressed out, working two full time jobs, barely sleeping at night, worrying about everything, living in a house that is NEVER CLEAN.
In case you can't tell, I'm unhappy. And I worry a lot. Ok, I worry A LOT. I worry that DH and I have NO job prospects for the coming school year. I worry that my house looks like a tornado hit it five years ago, and we've never recovered. I worry that I will hardly see DD for the ENTIRE month of June. I worry that this will cause her not to love me as much. I worry every day, as I drive my 30 minute commute that something will happen to my car. I worry that people don't like me. I worry that my wedding wasn't all it was supposed to be.
I hate working retail. I hate mean people. I hate people who speak down at me because I sell them crap. I dislike the woman I have to teach with for the next eight days. I hate that I have no idea what I am doing with my life, even though I keep thinking I have a plan.
But today I am struck more with sadness. Sad that I never get to see my mom, dad, bro and sis. Sad that my grandma will get another year older in a few weeks, and I'm lucky if I get to see her once a year. I'm sad because so many of my dear friends live so far away. I'm sad because one of my best friends, who I see every other year, is pregnant with her second child and I won't be there AGAIN. I'm sad because three of my friends are on their second child and I haven't even had a moment to contemplate having a child. I'm sad because I can't afford to have a child, especially the one I have now (BTW, she is my stepdaughter, in case there was any confusion). And I'm depressed, because for the next four weeks, I will have only stolen moments to knit and read, unless I give up sleeping.
Sorry there's not more excitement. Sorry to bring you down. I'm in a funk.
In case you can't tell, I'm unhappy. And I worry a lot. Ok, I worry A LOT. I worry that DH and I have NO job prospects for the coming school year. I worry that my house looks like a tornado hit it five years ago, and we've never recovered. I worry that I will hardly see DD for the ENTIRE month of June. I worry that this will cause her not to love me as much. I worry every day, as I drive my 30 minute commute that something will happen to my car. I worry that people don't like me. I worry that my wedding wasn't all it was supposed to be.
I hate working retail. I hate mean people. I hate people who speak down at me because I sell them crap. I dislike the woman I have to teach with for the next eight days. I hate that I have no idea what I am doing with my life, even though I keep thinking I have a plan.
But today I am struck more with sadness. Sad that I never get to see my mom, dad, bro and sis. Sad that my grandma will get another year older in a few weeks, and I'm lucky if I get to see her once a year. I'm sad because so many of my dear friends live so far away. I'm sad because one of my best friends, who I see every other year, is pregnant with her second child and I won't be there AGAIN. I'm sad because three of my friends are on their second child and I haven't even had a moment to contemplate having a child. I'm sad because I can't afford to have a child, especially the one I have now (BTW, she is my stepdaughter, in case there was any confusion). And I'm depressed, because for the next four weeks, I will have only stolen moments to knit and read, unless I give up sleeping.
Sorry there's not more excitement. Sorry to bring you down. I'm in a funk.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Tired
Not much exciting knitting progress to show - a few more rows on the cardi, heel flap done on the first DH sock. Boooooooooooooooring.
How sad is it that TWO days after starting a new project, I am ready for a new project?
DH's work is having "employee discount days," so I have to decide what to buy with my ration of $$.....Any suggestions on knitting books? I'm thinking last minute knitted gifts, but not sure what else.
I found out last night that my bonus for the inservice thingy I had to give didn't pay me $50. It paid $150!!!!! So even though the purse strings are tight this summer, DH agreed that I could spend ALL of that $$ on yarn! I'm already planning to use my $$ from Amy to buy some of this, to make this (I know, and when y'all jump off the cliff, I'll be right there too - but maybe a few months late!).
Oh, for any of you readers out there - check out this. It is great - Nice to be able to "check out" the book before you check it out/buy it!
I have an ever-growing list of "I want to make...", I'll try to put it up in the sidebar this weekend.
OK, I'm off to bed, but I'll leave you with this - when DH saw the first two stripes on the cardi (melon and green) he said "That looks like a watermelon." Then he stood up and "sang" "Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon rind. Look at the scoreboard to see who's behind!" Of course, the "behind" was accompanied by some booty-shaking. Apparently it was a cheer his cousins did when they were little and it has stuck with him all these years. Who knew?
How sad is it that TWO days after starting a new project, I am ready for a new project?
DH's work is having "employee discount days," so I have to decide what to buy with my ration of $$.....Any suggestions on knitting books? I'm thinking last minute knitted gifts, but not sure what else.
I found out last night that my bonus for the inservice thingy I had to give didn't pay me $50. It paid $150!!!!! So even though the purse strings are tight this summer, DH agreed that I could spend ALL of that $$ on yarn! I'm already planning to use my $$ from Amy to buy some of this, to make this (I know, and when y'all jump off the cliff, I'll be right there too - but maybe a few months late!).
Oh, for any of you readers out there - check out this. It is great - Nice to be able to "check out" the book before you check it out/buy it!
I have an ever-growing list of "I want to make...", I'll try to put it up in the sidebar this weekend.
OK, I'm off to bed, but I'll leave you with this - when DH saw the first two stripes on the cardi (melon and green) he said "That looks like a watermelon." Then he stood up and "sang" "Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon rind. Look at the scoreboard to see who's behind!" Of course, the "behind" was accompanied by some booty-shaking. Apparently it was a cheer his cousins did when they were little and it has stuck with him all these years. Who knew?
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Over my head
I'm a strong "type-A" personality, and I just tend to (a little bit) get in over my head sometimes. And then it all has to be perfect, of course. I've been cursing myself for not keeping up with Knit One Read Two, but I just haven't had much reading time lately. And the book for this month I didn't want to buy (only out in hardback) and all copies were reserved/checked out at the library....until I got there yesterday and there was one on the shelf! So I grabbed it up and got started. Not sure what I'm feeling toward it yet, but we'll see.
Then, in the spirit of "my life is about to consist of two full time jobs, plus trying to keep my family alive and stay sane" I joined a new KAL today - Knit the Classics. And the first book is Middlemarch. Just a tiny little fraction of a novel. Right. I haven't decided what to make for the knitting half of the KAL, but I have to say that I really like this idea - but makes me think long and hard about what I can make that is "true" to the time period.
DH and I have made summer reading resolutions - to finish all the unfinished books in our lives - you know, those ones I'm only pages from the end of! Does this mean I have to finish Jonathan Strange - I'm only on page 50 - yikes....And we decided that we should each pick a books for the other to read. See, both being huge book-a-holics, we are constantly saying "you should read this," and then having our feelings hurt when the other doesn't read it (even though we both have very similar tastes). I thought this might soothe any hurt feelings. Of course, the book I picked for DH is over 500 pages, and mine is just over 100. It will be a nice break from Middlemarch!
I bought (just a) few books today too - some I really want to read - I may not sleep for the next few weeks between all the knitting and reading!
Oh, before I go (and I know there was more I meant to say, but have forgotten it now), here is DH's sock. When he saw the picture, he said "wow, is that my sock?" I'm glad he's impressed, because he's the only one who will see it. I missed the sign up for Sockapalooza 2 in my indecisiveness about signing up. And I opted out of SP5, as we will be short on cash money this summer. I'm trying to tell myself that SP6(?) and Sockapalooza 3(?) will be my rewards for surviving (hint, hint to those organizers!).
More to say tomorrow (if I think of it).
Then, in the spirit of "my life is about to consist of two full time jobs, plus trying to keep my family alive and stay sane" I joined a new KAL today - Knit the Classics. And the first book is Middlemarch. Just a tiny little fraction of a novel. Right. I haven't decided what to make for the knitting half of the KAL, but I have to say that I really like this idea - but makes me think long and hard about what I can make that is "true" to the time period.
DH and I have made summer reading resolutions - to finish all the unfinished books in our lives - you know, those ones I'm only pages from the end of! Does this mean I have to finish Jonathan Strange - I'm only on page 50 - yikes....And we decided that we should each pick a books for the other to read. See, both being huge book-a-holics, we are constantly saying "you should read this," and then having our feelings hurt when the other doesn't read it (even though we both have very similar tastes). I thought this might soothe any hurt feelings. Of course, the book I picked for DH is over 500 pages, and mine is just over 100. It will be a nice break from Middlemarch!
I bought (just a) few books today too - some I really want to read - I may not sleep for the next few weeks between all the knitting and reading!
Oh, before I go (and I know there was more I meant to say, but have forgotten it now), here is DH's sock. When he saw the picture, he said "wow, is that my sock?" I'm glad he's impressed, because he's the only one who will see it. I missed the sign up for Sockapalooza 2 in my indecisiveness about signing up. And I opted out of SP5, as we will be short on cash money this summer. I'm trying to tell myself that SP6(?) and Sockapalooza 3(?) will be my rewards for surviving (hint, hint to those organizers!).
More to say tomorrow (if I think of it).
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Stripey Cardi
Hear ye, Hear ye - The stripey cardi makes it's blog debut....
So, on my day off today, I decided that socks were boring and I need to use that yarn I purchased for this sweater - and get over my fear of sweaters/big projects/lots of seaming/setting in sleeves/etc.
The pattern calls for you to carry the yarn, but that's a LOT of carrying, so I think I'll cut. I'll try to remember this feeling when i have to weave in all those ends.
In other exciting news - I cooked dinner tonight! DH had to work, I was sick of frozen pizza, you do the math.
We also finally have stairs for the deck - now we just need railings and some lattice on one side (to keep the dogs out from underneath it).
Poor puppy Miles has an ear infection, so we get the joy of holding him down and "flushing" out his ears and then putting in drops. Yeah, I love trying to pin down a 40 lb lab puppy. And not spill the syringe full of antibiotic. Fun.
DD drug out her "learn to knit" kit that MIL got her for Easter and we worked on casting on and she worked on the knit stitch while I *cooked* (I know, I'm still in shock - I took a picture just to prove to DH that I can cook!).
She's very excited to take her knitting in the car when we drive to CO in July - and was even more excited when she found out that my momma knits and my sis and SIL both crochet. We'll have one big yarn party!
OK, must sleep now - more tomorrow.
So, on my day off today, I decided that socks were boring and I need to use that yarn I purchased for this sweater - and get over my fear of sweaters/big projects/lots of seaming/setting in sleeves/etc.
The pattern calls for you to carry the yarn, but that's a LOT of carrying, so I think I'll cut. I'll try to remember this feeling when i have to weave in all those ends.
In other exciting news - I cooked dinner tonight! DH had to work, I was sick of frozen pizza, you do the math.
We also finally have stairs for the deck - now we just need railings and some lattice on one side (to keep the dogs out from underneath it).
Poor puppy Miles has an ear infection, so we get the joy of holding him down and "flushing" out his ears and then putting in drops. Yeah, I love trying to pin down a 40 lb lab puppy. And not spill the syringe full of antibiotic. Fun.
DD drug out her "learn to knit" kit that MIL got her for Easter and we worked on casting on and she worked on the knit stitch while I *cooked* (I know, I'm still in shock - I took a picture just to prove to DH that I can cook!).
She's very excited to take her knitting in the car when we drive to CO in July - and was even more excited when she found out that my momma knits and my sis and SIL both crochet. We'll have one big yarn party!
OK, must sleep now - more tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Slump
So working on DH's sock - boring. Plain stockinette. Need another project. But one that I can drag back and forth to work. Cannot afford yarn for other shrug ($15/ball), looked for a long time last night for what would seem to be a good substitute online (since I have no LYS), and hate that I can't feel the yarn through the computer! When will w have that capability? Huh?
Want to make the two-tie cardigan from Summer IK (speaking of IK, the freakin' fall preview is up already? It's MAY! Slow down!)
BTW, did anyone else notice that in the time it took me to complete a teeny tiny shrug, someone knit an entire intricately cabled sweater? Yeah, I feel really good about my abilities as a knitter now!
Thinking about sockapalooza 2 - since I can "enter" as a "beginner." Makes me feel a bit better about myself. I have until September, I can knit some socks in that amount of time! Plus, it would be fun to get socks I didn't have to make that came in the mail! Yea for mail!
Off to contemplate/cull the knitting books.
Want to make the two-tie cardigan from Summer IK (speaking of IK, the freakin' fall preview is up already? It's MAY! Slow down!)
BTW, did anyone else notice that in the time it took me to complete a teeny tiny shrug, someone knit an entire intricately cabled sweater? Yeah, I feel really good about my abilities as a knitter now!
Thinking about sockapalooza 2 - since I can "enter" as a "beginner." Makes me feel a bit better about myself. I have until September, I can knit some socks in that amount of time! Plus, it would be fun to get socks I didn't have to make that came in the mail! Yea for mail!
Off to contemplate/cull the knitting books.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Details
I forgot to give the details about my shrug in the last post. So here they are:
Pattern:Staff Shrug Project from IK Summer
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Bubblegum - just over one skein.
Needles: SZ 10 US circulars
Started Monday May 16, Finished Wednesday May 25.
I'm a little disappointed in this project. It is very cute, and I was worried that I would dislike the color (too pink) I ended up really liking it. And I love me some cotton-ease! (Which Lion Brand does not say is being discontinued on its website - odd?)
But it's a bit small. Of course, I got gauge with my 10s, then, when I measured halfway through the project, my shrug was 1/2 inch narrower than it was supposed to be. It also ended up not reaching all the way to both elbows when on - kind of drives me nuts.
So, gift it or rip it?
Thinking that this might be the answer to my chilly factor at work. Looking for a substitute yarn though, so it doesn't cost me a fortune to make.
Pattern:Staff Shrug Project from IK Summer
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Bubblegum - just over one skein.
Needles: SZ 10 US circulars
Started Monday May 16, Finished Wednesday May 25.
I'm a little disappointed in this project. It is very cute, and I was worried that I would dislike the color (too pink) I ended up really liking it. And I love me some cotton-ease! (Which Lion Brand does not say is being discontinued on its website - odd?)
But it's a bit small. Of course, I got gauge with my 10s, then, when I measured halfway through the project, my shrug was 1/2 inch narrower than it was supposed to be. It also ended up not reaching all the way to both elbows when on - kind of drives me nuts.
So, gift it or rip it?
Thinking that this might be the answer to my chilly factor at work. Looking for a substitute yarn though, so it doesn't cost me a fortune to make.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
shrug it off
So - here is the finished shrug in all it's slightly blurry glory - I was trying to take the picture myself and don't know how to set the delay/timer on the camera - however, I did finally discover why digital cameras take so long to take the picture - they are waiting for you to push the button and pose! And yes - no head. Wouldn't want to scare y'all.
Trying to find the energy to go to work. It just stopped raining. Now, I love the rain (however, I HATE driving in it with all the other morons who live in Texas). I love to sit in my living room with the windows slightly cracked so I can smell the rain, drink tea and read. I don't even mind working on a rainy day because it keeps some of the crazies away. But right now I'm ticked off.
Because it's stopped raining - just in time for me (and everyone else who was waiting it out) to go out. And come to my place of business (retail - of course). Double that fun with the holiday weekend, add a dash of "school just got out for the summer", a pinch of "it's raining/might rain again, so we can't go to Six Flags" and it's enough to make me feel the need for a tranquilizer gun.
Started on DH's socks - chugging along. But camera died as I was posing for my fab photo, so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow.
Trying to find the energy to go to work. It just stopped raining. Now, I love the rain (however, I HATE driving in it with all the other morons who live in Texas). I love to sit in my living room with the windows slightly cracked so I can smell the rain, drink tea and read. I don't even mind working on a rainy day because it keeps some of the crazies away. But right now I'm ticked off.
Because it's stopped raining - just in time for me (and everyone else who was waiting it out) to go out. And come to my place of business (retail - of course). Double that fun with the holiday weekend, add a dash of "school just got out for the summer", a pinch of "it's raining/might rain again, so we can't go to Six Flags" and it's enough to make me feel the need for a tranquilizer gun.
Started on DH's socks - chugging along. But camera died as I was posing for my fab photo, so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Summer blues
So school's out for summer, and everyone is sad. DD was crying last night because she wanted to go to school today, but today she's already bored. Great.
And I'm blue because of the boredom and because I miss my kiddos.
My older nephew is staying with us today as his parents have to work, and all he and DD do is fight. Then they fight some more. They are best friends, but boy does he know how to push her buttons. He's also 4 1/2 years older than her.
I've drug them to my MIL's house b/c she has a pool - should keep them occupied for a while.
In knitting news - the shrug is finished! But I didn't have a chance to take a picture (due to an extreme case of laziness) so I'll try to get off my butt tomorrow and do that. I found a copy of the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns at a used bookstore, and can't wait to put it to use. I'm going to use their sock pattern for DH's socks - I feel more secure with it, and it allows me to not do all the math I was facing (again with the laziness).
I'm having a strange urge to knit lace. I've never done a lace pattern before, but I'm craving a lightweight shawl and I love the Knitpicks laceweight yarn - so pretty! Any recommendations on a good beginner lace shawl pattern?
Two of my friends are suffering from SBS (second baby syndrome) and are due in the fall. One is having a boy and the other is being surprised. So, what to make for the surprise? Everyone keeps suggesting green/yellow, or waiting until after the birth, or making something blue and something pink and saving the extra item. But I can't decide. I don't really want to make another blanket right now, and this is a great time for babies - both are due in the fall, so I can make something they can actually wear in Texas!
My Tivo is suffering from depression. With the exception of one Knitty Gritty episode, it has NOTHING on the to-do list. All of my shows have ended - even my reruns of Felicity are back at the beginning. How am I going to knit all summer? I have the first disc from season one of the OC in the Netflix queue, and DH suggested we start watching 24, so that gives us some TV/knitting time, but not enough! My fingers are crossed that they will rerun season 4 of Alias, as we just started watching Alias via the Netflix in the middle of this season, so we didn't watch any of the current episodes.
This is turning into a novel (that's what ya get when I don't post for a week, and I actually have time to sit down and say something), so I'll say goodbye. Oh, before I forget, the picture is from the deck that DH is constructing over the mudpit in our backyard - he decided on Sunday when it was 99 degrees out that we needed a deck. I'll keep ya posted on the progress!
And I'm blue because of the boredom and because I miss my kiddos.
My older nephew is staying with us today as his parents have to work, and all he and DD do is fight. Then they fight some more. They are best friends, but boy does he know how to push her buttons. He's also 4 1/2 years older than her.
I've drug them to my MIL's house b/c she has a pool - should keep them occupied for a while.
In knitting news - the shrug is finished! But I didn't have a chance to take a picture (due to an extreme case of laziness) so I'll try to get off my butt tomorrow and do that. I found a copy of the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns at a used bookstore, and can't wait to put it to use. I'm going to use their sock pattern for DH's socks - I feel more secure with it, and it allows me to not do all the math I was facing (again with the laziness).
I'm having a strange urge to knit lace. I've never done a lace pattern before, but I'm craving a lightweight shawl and I love the Knitpicks laceweight yarn - so pretty! Any recommendations on a good beginner lace shawl pattern?
Two of my friends are suffering from SBS (second baby syndrome) and are due in the fall. One is having a boy and the other is being surprised. So, what to make for the surprise? Everyone keeps suggesting green/yellow, or waiting until after the birth, or making something blue and something pink and saving the extra item. But I can't decide. I don't really want to make another blanket right now, and this is a great time for babies - both are due in the fall, so I can make something they can actually wear in Texas!
My Tivo is suffering from depression. With the exception of one Knitty Gritty episode, it has NOTHING on the to-do list. All of my shows have ended - even my reruns of Felicity are back at the beginning. How am I going to knit all summer? I have the first disc from season one of the OC in the Netflix queue, and DH suggested we start watching 24, so that gives us some TV/knitting time, but not enough! My fingers are crossed that they will rerun season 4 of Alias, as we just started watching Alias via the Netflix in the middle of this season, so we didn't watch any of the current episodes.
This is turning into a novel (that's what ya get when I don't post for a week, and I actually have time to sit down and say something), so I'll say goodbye. Oh, before I forget, the picture is from the deck that DH is constructing over the mudpit in our backyard - he decided on Sunday when it was 99 degrees out that we needed a deck. I'll keep ya posted on the progress!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Hot, hot, hot
So, I told the DH that I was going to "pause" on his sock (I was trying to make surprise socks and he found the SIP - damn him, so this is his punishment) and make that shrug because, and I quote myself "If I make it now I might be able to wear it before it gets too hot." Current temp: 95°F, Feels Like 98°F.
It's too hot to move, more or less knit. I feel like I'm going to melt.....
On a more humorous note: When I got home from job #2 last night at 11 pm, DH told me I had an email from my sister, with a subject line "It's a miracle" (yes, he can read my emails if he wants too, luckily, he refrains, or at least I think he does!). He was pestering me to read it because he wanted to know what the miracle was (he thought maybe her house had sold the first week of the listing). I delayed reading the email until this morning, and had quite a hearty chuckle when I did read it, and I hope he read it, as I left it up on the screen.
To: Jenn
From: Sis
Last night, all by himself BF loaded the dishwasher, ran the dishwasher, took the garbage out, put it out on the curb! All without me asking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See, it really was a miracle!
Off to job #2 - too hot to drive in the car....
It's too hot to move, more or less knit. I feel like I'm going to melt.....
On a more humorous note: When I got home from job #2 last night at 11 pm, DH told me I had an email from my sister, with a subject line "It's a miracle" (yes, he can read my emails if he wants too, luckily, he refrains, or at least I think he does!). He was pestering me to read it because he wanted to know what the miracle was (he thought maybe her house had sold the first week of the listing). I delayed reading the email until this morning, and had quite a hearty chuckle when I did read it, and I hope he read it, as I left it up on the screen.
To: Jenn
From: Sis
Last night, all by himself BF loaded the dishwasher, ran the dishwasher, took the garbage out, put it out on the curb! All without me asking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See, it really was a miracle!
Off to job #2 - too hot to drive in the car....
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
shrug take one
So here's the shrug - it is obviously the shrug from IK with the ruffled sleeves. So far, so good. Love the way the cotton ease knits up, and I'm actually really liking this color - I was a little apprehensive at first.
Blogging may be light for a few weeks - I'm about to start working two full time jobs, so I'll be busy! But only until the end of June.
In other news I may throw my GD Tivo box out the window, as it cut off the crucial moment during Gilmore Girls last night. Had to surf the 'net to find out who said those words, and it's just not the same as seeing it. Cried when Lorelai watched Rory unpack - hate that they're fighting and "the Gilmores" took her side again.
Tivo better not mess up Lost tonight!
Blogging may be light for a few weeks - I'm about to start working two full time jobs, so I'll be busy! But only until the end of June.
In other news I may throw my GD Tivo box out the window, as it cut off the crucial moment during Gilmore Girls last night. Had to surf the 'net to find out who said those words, and it's just not the same as seeing it. Cried when Lorelai watched Rory unpack - hate that they're fighting and "the Gilmores" took her side again.
Tivo better not mess up Lost tonight!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
R-I-P
So, I ripped out tempting last night. It really seemed like it was going to be too big. I'll decide later if I want to re-knit it. I did start on socks for DH over the weekend, but I'm not very far, so last night I decided to swatch and cast on for one of the shrugs from the new Interweave. I'll post pics tomorrow. But for now, here's my baby - my valentines day gift - he is 6 1/2 months old. His name is Miles Davis. Isn't he cute?
Sunday, May 15, 2005
FO!
And I don't mean F*** Off........Finished Object, Finished Object, Finished Object!
It's been WAY too long since that happened! But it's true! It gets mailed off tomorrow! And all the angels in heaven sang!
But sadly, no photos, as to not ruin the surprise when you can purchase the pattern and all.
So instead, I give you kitty. Her name is Cocoa. She likes sitting on mommy's lap and biting (attacking) yarn. And sleeping like this until mommy wakes her up turning on the digital camera!
Tomorrow - new object on the needles and puppy pictures!
It's been WAY too long since that happened! But it's true! It gets mailed off tomorrow! And all the angels in heaven sang!
But sadly, no photos, as to not ruin the surprise when you can purchase the pattern and all.
So instead, I give you kitty. Her name is Cocoa. She likes sitting on mommy's lap and biting (attacking) yarn. And sleeping like this until mommy wakes her up turning on the digital camera!
Tomorrow - new object on the needles and puppy pictures!
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