The End of 2008

It's the end of the year - and it's been quite a year - and a review of personal goals has revealed that I did not master the toe-up socks like I wanted. Oh, well, I've done plenty of other learning and mastering so I'm not stressing about it. I want to make 2009 my year of advancing further in my skills. By next year I want to have made a Central Park Hoodie (thanks to my Jenny for the pattern!), a richly cabled pullover, and one of the gorgeous lace stole patterns that I've collected. Tomorrow starts the new term of the House Cup. I've had so much fun with everyone in the group and can't wait to start a few new assignments.
Happy New Year to all of you!

A Little Yarn Pr0n for Y'all

First is the gift I got from Jenny for Christmas - a skein from Lisa Souza and a skein of handdyed. I know the purple will be some sort of armwarmers but I haven't found the right pattern yet. The LS will most likely be a scarf or stole.

Next is some that I ordered early last month but just got on Friday. It's from Handgefaerbt (link at right) in Germany. The purpley skeins are called Minotaur - one is sock weight and the other is laceweight - and the blue is called Basilisk. She names all of her work after fantasy characters. You must check her out.

That's all for now. Happy New Year!

Under the Influence

A couple of years ago, before I learned how to knit, I found a book that changed my crocheting. It's called Modular Crochet by Judith Copeland and was published in the late '70's or early '80's. She created a way of crocheting sweaters out of various rectangles based on gauge and body size. It blew me away. I've made four sweaters so far and have plans for a lot more - in fact, my favorite sweater is a modular one and I'd wear it every day if I could. I almost want to crochet nothing but the great sweaters in this book - big heavy ones for winter, lighter short-sleeved ones for summer, sleeveless for layering, etc. It's a great book. No, I don't own it - it costs a fortune to buy. I copied almost all of the pages and have them in a binder. The selling price right now is in the hundreds of dollars - a sign of a desired book.

The other day I got a new book that has also changed how I look at sweaters - Inspired Cabled Knits by Fiona Ellis. The projects in this book are amazing. Lately I've had a craving for cabled hoodies and one in my ravelry faves is from this book - I finally broke down and ordered it because it's so gorgeous. I can't even put it in words. She doesn't use the familiar cable patterns. She has created her own based on inspirations such as sand and lightning. My cabling experience is small. I've only done a couple of wristers and a headband so far. I'm going to practice some more, make some of the projects in Cables Untangled by Melissa Leapman (also a really great book with gorgeous sweaters and a couple of afghans that are so snuggly), and then begin the hoodie that started it: the Celtic Icon Hooded Zippered Cardigan.

I'm almost done with the few Christmas projects I have. Now I have to wait and see if they like them.

I have another scarf to show you. It's another lacy sock yarn one that was super easy and fast. Maybe you recognize the yarn - it's the first skein that I ever dyed with acid dyes, shown right here about a year ago. It knit up really pretty. The fiber is a wool-silk blend and is incredibly soft. I'm not sure why I'm so attracted to long lacy scarves right now - I had never made a scarf before.

I think that's all I wanted to tell you about. I blog alot in my head but when I sit down at the keyboard my mind kind of fizzles out. To the local people - be careful! We're supposed to get a big ie storm and I want everyone to be safe.

Thant reminds me: Anna of Knitting up a Storm is having a rough time right now. Please remember her in your prayers and good thoughts. Thanks!

Is There Some Discrimination in Knitting?

I listen to alot of podcasts - probably close to twenty. I hear everyone review the new Interweave Knitting, Vogue Knitting, Twist Collective, Knotions, and Knitty. Doesn't anyone else read Knit n Style or Creative Knitting? Is it because they're at the grocery store and not the LYS? Both of the new issues have pretty, wearable sweaters, kids items, and accessories. Don't get me wrong - I did buy two patterns from Twist and most of the stuff I've knit have come from Knitty, but I've learned alot from the forgotten mags. Does anyone else get them? Let me know what you think!
What's up with me lately? I'm trying to get the gifts done. I've made a few ornaments for Anna - they go pretty quick. I've signed up for an ornament exchange in the Harry Potter House Cup group but don't know for sure what I'm going to make yet. I've also made a couple of easy lace scarves for myself - decorative, not warm and functional.
Yes, that means that my hands are better. I still hurt alot, and it's moving to all of my arms, but I've been able to knit a bit. My feet, however, have taken over where my hands left off. Still no diagnosis but I'm still trying to be positive.
No pictures this time, sorry folks. I don't want recipients to see what they're getting!

Attention!

Everyone, please go to the Knitting up a Storm blog right now. She has a very special charity knitting project. If you're a teary type, don't read the first few paragraphs - it will make your heart ache. She wants us to knit ornaments. Go check it out. Let's see who of us can make the most.

The Votes are In!

Thank you for helping me choose a sweater pattern! The winner is Tubey. I've looked at it on ravelry and it seems to be a quick knit that looks good on everyone. Originally I was going to make it in Ravenclaw colors but I found some great red-pink in my stash that will be perfect. Of course, I need to finish the gifts first - just a little more.

Jenny and I had a conversation recently about sock yarn - what a shame it is to make beautiful socks that no one will see. From now on my gorgeous yarns will be items for my upper body. I just finished a nice pink lacy scarf out of Artyarns Ultramerino. I love it. Now I'm making a lace scarf out of wool-silk that I handpainted. It's so soft and squishy and wonderful. Yes, I'm on a lace scarf kick right now. Got any patterns to share? I'm looking for easy ones that I can memorize quickly and relax to without messing up if I watch TV or talk to someone.

Not much else is going on. Although I need to ask a favor. Next month is my birthday, and it's a big one - the kind they make black plates for. I would love some encouragement and comforting words. I've never felt my age until recently - this pain problem makes me feel so old and decrepid. If you can boost my spirits I will love you forever.

I Need A Favor, Please!

For those of you on ravelry, please go to my queue and help me decide which sweater to start! I like them all so much that I can't make any sort of decision.
What have I been up to lately? Well, there's a bazaar coming up and I'm trying to get some things made up for it, but that's about all. Nothing big, nothing new, just me and my television.

Electronically Challenged

So I was going to do a video blog post today in honor of craftborg. However, my video camera is full from the children and the battery is dead. I took the memory card out to download everything and it's not working. Bleh. So I plugged it onto the charger and decided to take a picture of my latest finished piece. Well, for some reason it won't download either. Grrr. I don't understand. If it's yarny I can figure it out. If there's any wiring at all it falls apart under my fingers. Where's my Jenny when I need her?

Spinning Like Crazy

I finished spinning the camel down and can't wait to get some more. It's plied with copper thread so it shimmers and sparkles and it made me sad that all of it had to go to the knitters for the quiddich team. I guess I'll have to make more!

Since I'm not able to knit right now I dug through the fiber stash and spun up this great stuff - purple, orchid, and brown wool. There isn't much, but I'm thinking it will be great as trim for a purple and brown striped sweater. I don't usually like brown but I really like it paired with purple - but of course everything looks better with purple!

Right now I'm working on a braid of roving from squoosh on etsy. The colorway is Berry Tart, and it's full of berry goodness - lots of pinks and plums. I want to ply this with some thread, too, but use several colors instead of just one. I want some sparkle on this one, too. I spun it all on Jenny's kick spindle which I really enjoyed.

With all of the practice I've had lately, I'm starting to get pretty good at spinning. I really like it - it's very calming and engaging yet mindless at the same time.

Check out the score I got at Goodwill last week! Six dollars a pair for these great boots. Unfortunately, my feet are getting as achy and painful as my hands, so I won't be wearing them for awhile. They'll look great when I can wear them, though.

The other day I got in the mood to look at knit skirt patterns. In my quest I discovered so many great patterns in my stack of magazines - loads of great sweaters that I had forgotten about. I'll be marking all of the ones that I have stash for so I can (hopefully) get working on them soon. I've told myself to start using all of my magazines and books instead of letting them gather dust. We'll see how long that lasts.

Have You Seen These?

This is one of the new patterns from Lion Brand yarn to go with their new sock yarn. I love these so much but that much knitting in fingering weight would take ages. BUT - they have a version in worsted weight! I am dying to cast on. The problem? It's written as flat knitting - a long, thin strip of stockinette. I need to convert it to round so it will go faster. Won't this be cute under a skirt this winter? The bottom is like stirrup pants, so pretty socks would show. They also wouldn't be too bulky under boots, which would look great. Does anyone else plan to make these?

Ideas - My Head Could Burst!

I usually don't go for long without lots of thoughts of projects. Lately, though, it's been crazy. Since I'm home and have both stash and access to millions of patterns I've decided to make some gifts this year. The first gift also goes along with two knitalongs - the Harry Potter House Cup and the Selfish Knitters for October - make something for your hands. I've decided to make a pair of Dashing armwarmers for my brother. I think he'll like them - he spends alot of time outside doing his social things and he's a snappy sort of dresser. Of course, they will be made out of Simply Soft since I now have several skeins grabbed off of the clearance rack, but a washable yarn will probably work better since I'm sure his hands get alot of use - paintballing, biking, etc. I want to make him a cowl, too, out of the deliciously soft superwash merino that I got at the fiber fair last summer. Wool will keep his head warmer, don't you think? Mother loves the green Wollmeise from the club shipment, so she'll be getting a pair of socks, but I haven't really settled on a pattern - maybe Fawkes since I enjoyed it so much. I'd like to make her a pretty, lacy cowl, too, but I'm not sure. Mom, would you like something like that? (she's a reader!)
More ideas came in the new issue of Knit 'n Style. There's a really good article on steeking. I really want to try it now. Yes, the thought of cutting my knitting is a bit unnerving, but it's also kind of adrenalizing in a way. I'll be studying my Elizabeth Zimmermann for cardigan ideas - maybe something cabled since I've conquered that knitting milestone. Besides, can a person really have too many cardis?
I got a surprise issue of Verena knitting in the mail the other day. Oh my gosh. It's full of wonderful things. I want to make almost every pattern in it - seriously. I will be starting one rather soon, one I decide on the yarn for it. My issue is the summer one, but I want to make a sleeveless top that will work over a long sleeved shirt, too, so it will work for the upcoming coldness. For real, though, check out this magazine. It's fabulous.
I haven't gotten alot of help in the pain area lately - changing meds just has been messing me up. I can't knit or crochet nearly as much as I want to - and do in my head - so mostly I sit around frustrated. However, I just finished watching season one of Torchwood. Wow. I got the set free with my Dr Who, and I'm so glad. Torchwood is a great show. I want to find season two now and then find when it's on tv so I can keep up with it. The characters are so deep and interesting. I was surprised with the language - it's on BBC so the swearing is more like HBO - and there was some backside male nudity. It's not for kids but it's good and I recommend it to any sci-fi lovers.
What else? I suppose that's all for now - it's a no-kid weekend, so there's relaxing to be done! After the housework, of course.

Update Required!

I'm on a new medication that keeps me from sleeping, and last night as I lay awake I decided that I need a new look. See, I've been in yoga pants and tees since May. A new look is so needed. My new hair is probably part of the spark - I'm partly refreshed but not completely. I miss my boots. Eric bought me the greatest cowboy boots a few years ago - black with chains. I love love love them. They also happen to look great with my big black leather jacket that mom doesn't like because I look like a bad girl or something. Here's what I'm thinking, though: boots, fishnets, a sassy retro-esque skirt (sorta fiftiesish) and a slightly off-shoulder top. Something easy but stylish and unique. I suppose I need to start sewing - new clothes don't grow on trees, and in my small town chances are good that I won't find what I want. Any suggestions, ideas, offers for seamstress work? I'm all ears!

Ravenclaw-ness

It's been awhile - lots of personal problems have kept me less than conversational lately. I do have some things to share, though.

The Harry Potter Knitting and Crochet House Cup has been alot of fun so far. I have been recruited as beater for the quiddich team. That means that I was asked to spin some yarn for a whole-house project. I'm spinning some baby camel down - it will be trim on a hood for a little girl. The camel is so soft and fluffy - I had to chase my little girl out of it last night before she got too attached. I'm planning to ply it with some bronze thread to make it sparkle and be more Ravenclaw-y.

My first homework assignment was for astronomy class- make something star related. I crocheted a star lap blanket. I did have to modify my color choice, though, to black and gray because blue and gray just screams Dallas Cowboys and I really don't want that.

For transfiguration we were asked to pick a project that was something we hadn't done before. I already had a pattern that I wanted to do that had three new things - cables, stripes, and thumb gussets. I did go with the blue and gray for this, though, so it will match some other things that I have planned. I also learned how to make a reverse-image right/left pair, too. Yay,me!

Now, I'm sure you're wondering why there's a picture of me and not just the gloves. Well, some of you haven't seen me in awhile. Some of you have never seen me. It's not a great picture - pardon the kind of double chin effect - but here I am. Besides, I really like my new hair - shorter and darker than it's been in awhile.

For anyone interested, it's time to be signing up for fall sock clubs. I'm in the winter edition of the Knitting up a Storm yarn club. It's based on movies this time. First up is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Woo hoo! I'm really excited to see what Anna does for the colorway. The summer book skeins are all so pretty and match really well. Of course I'll be making something in honor of my man Sirius.

Speaking of men, I found Josh Bernstein's new show last night on accident. I've missed him. He makes me want to rush out on adventures...well, I'll leave that there. heh.
Finally, here's a little something to show off:

Know what it is? Here's another clue:

It's the first shipment for the Wollmeise sock club! It came today. I'm so loving the purple skein - it's called Elder Bush. It's so rich and wonderful. I think it will be a scarf or shawl or top or something that can be seen. The green is called Box Wreath. I'm not into green but it's pretty. I hope I don't get in trouble for showing a picture - in ravelry we're supposed to use a spoiler picture in our stash. So don't tell on me!

That's all for now, I guess. I'll go back to reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows now - I'm almost at the really good part!

I forgot to show!

Here's a skein I spun and am proud of. It's some roving from etsy called Razzmatazz. It's not even - there are some puffier spots - but it looks like real, store-bought yarn. I need to see how many yards there are and think about what to make with it. Suggestions??

Summer's Over

For the kids, anyway. School started on Wednesday and it's back to the routine. They both like their classes - so far. We live close to the school so they've been riding their bikes. It's good to have a schedule again.
I have been watching Dr Who on dvd. I must say that Billie Piper is really beautiful. She's so different than Hollywood actresses with their skeleton bodies and perfect teeth. After watching both seasons of her I feel a bit less bad about the filling-out I've done lately and my overbite. I haven't watched much with the other actress - I'm just through Rose and her mom (LOVE her mom) going to the parallel world. We did watch the season finale this summer which will make much more sense now that I've seen so much leading up to it. I'm addicted. I admit it.
Summer of Socks is almost over. I've made four pair and have two second socks to make - but they won't get done in time. But -- I'll have six new pairs of squishy socks to wear this winter. Yay! I didn't win any of the drawings and I won't win any of the other prizes, but that's okay. I've improved my sock-making skills alot and am pretty darn good with the DPN's.
My next adventure is the Harry Potter House Cup. It's a knitting and crochet contest (for lack of a better word) based on the sorted houses and the classes at Hogwarts - potions, herbology, etc. I'm in Ravenclaw, of course, and am anxiously awaiting the start - on September first, when Hogwarts starts. The assignments should be fun, if the conversations are correct- blending yarns and fibers for potions, nature motifs for herbology, that sort of thing. It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with.
I've been checking out the Fiber Friday posts on craftster lately - it's where spinners show off their latest creations. Wow. People are making some amazing yarns, both for knitting with and for looking at. They're using so many different rovings, threads, beads, crocheted flowers - my mind is swirling with ideas. Right now I'm combining two different rovings in one draft - naughty me - but with three spindles and Jenny's kick spindle I can really go crazy. (Hint, hint - if you have any spinning supplies you don't need, I would be happy to give them a home!) I need a great project for the handspun skeins I've collected. I really want to put them to good use and show them off.
Well, no pictures this time, sorry. I've got yardwork to do and dyeing to do (you know you want to buy some!) and school fundraising to go through - already!- so I'm off for now - and maybe I'll spend some more time with the Doctor.

I Have a New Name

Your Goth Name is:

Sullen Valhalla

What's" Your Goth Name?

I think it kind of fits! She even looks like me - in my mind, anyway.

I Won!

I enter alot of contests and drawings. I'm usually laughing as I enter because I'm generally not lucky enough to win. Imagine my surprise when I found out that I had won a prize in the Knit Girls fundraiser this summer. I got my prize in the mail today. Know what it is? A skein of Wollmeise! Yep. It's pretty, too - I've seen some skeins online that are alot of icky color combos, but this one is nice, even with the gold color. Next to the skein is the second part of my prize - a set of stitchmarkers from Celticfrog.They will be lovely for a clapotis or small-gauge sweater. I'm very tickled about winning. Yay!

I finished my Fawkes socks. I love the feel of the tencel blend yarn. It's so soft and smooth. If I had the gumption I'd make a cardi or pullover out of it - it would be so yummy to wear as a top. Heh, it would feel nice as yoga pants, too. Anyway, that makes four pair of socks this summer. Not bad. Of course, I haven't done much else, knit-wise. I'm trying for one more pair - the Dracula socks. The Summer of Socks KAL ends September first (I think), so I have a bit of time to finish them.

I'm itching to read the Harry Potter books again. Why? Well, the new movie comes out this fall and I've entered a KAL/CAL that starts as the sock one ends. It's based on Hogwarts classes and should be alot of fun. I hope they put me in Ravenclaw, but I've told the organizers that they could place me wherever needed to balance things out. I'll be jumping from footwear to magic.

Eric is home on vacation this week - it's strangely nice to have him here when I wake up.

So What's the Deal???

I put a counter on my blog. It's says that NO ONE has visited here in the past week. NO ONE. I'm still getting over the "I'm such a f*****g loser" thoughts on that - and it will take awhile. Mom and Jenny know that I struggle (alot) with depression. This does not help.

I guess I could consider this a Private site and just tell myself that only X number of people are invited - a select few.

The one thing that makes me feel alot better is a nice RAK. I got a gorgeous skein of handspun yesterday. It's lavender and yellow, slightly thick and thin texture, and alot of yards. I'll be looking at it for awhile to decide what it wants to be.

One last thought. I saw this beauty in my yard and had to take a picture.

The Good, the Bad, and the Heart-breaking Ugly

Happy hot summer days! I've been in our pool alot lately, even without kids - especially without kids, actually, because they can be way too splashy. I haven't done alot of knitting or crocheting this past week partly because it's hard to do yarnwork in the water and partly because the strong discomfort has been back in my upper half, hands included. But still there's things to share.

First, the bad. I live in yoga pants. I have a favorite pair that I bought five years ago as a comfort gift to myself when I found out that I have endometriosis. These pants have been worn alot. Last week I noticed the signs of wearing out. Now, I sew a bit - a very little bit. I can't fix these, nor can I make more pairs based on these. I'm sad about it, too - my six dollar Walgreens comfy pants that have fit me fat or thin are dying. If anyone can help, please do. I will love you forever.

Here's the good. I have been able to do some spinning. This is a ball of hand-dyed roving that I got on etsy. I was worried about it as big fluffy fiber because it's rather bright, but it's spinning up really nice. I'm taking my time so it will be nice and even.

I've learned a plying technique - online, of course - and it turned out great, considering it was my first time. It's called Andean plying and is a way of using one spindle-full to make a two-plied yarn. I, of course, in my excitement to do it forgot that wrapping my hand up in a big amount of spinning may be rather uncomfortable, so I had to slip it off and work from a modified cake. But here it is. It turned out rather nice. I will do it again - on the above spinning.

Now, for the ugly. While I was wrapping my hand in the spun strand of fiber it snagged a bit. I worked the fibers loose and felt the most awful, heart-stopping snap. My beautiful spindle had broken. I love that spindle. I only have the two, but I so much prefer the feel of the heavier bottom-whorl with it's gorgeous ceramic whorl. I did cry. I'm really trying hard to save it, too - you who know me know I keep a large selection of glues on hand and a smaller variety of tapes (adhesive addict, I admit). Can you see the slight bulge in the middle? That's tape as clamp, holding it together until the glue cures. Then the quest for a wrap begins. I need something similar to floral tape but not sticky on the outside. Suggestions, anyone?

Well, now that I've shared the highs and lows of the week, I feel I must go. My elbows are hurting from typing and it's nice outside - the pool calls for me!

Personality test

I just took a test. Tell me if the results sound familiar:

You Are An INFP

The Idealist You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world. Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships. It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close. But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop. In love, you tend to have high (and often unrealistic) standards. You are very sensitive. You tend to have intense feelings. At work, you need to do something that expresses your personal values. You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist. How you see yourself: Unselfish, empathetic, and spiritual When other people don't get you, they see you as: Unrealistic, naive, and weak

What's" Your Personality Type?

Yup, I have a new interest!

So, yesterday, while I was dying my hair, I heard the mail truck stop, shut off, and seconds later a box slide across my porch ( she walks to the steps and slides packages towards the door). Yay, thought me as I reached out to get it. It turned out to be a video that I won on ebay but can't watch yet because it's part two and I need to start with part one. So, I put the video aside and was about to dispose of the package when I looked at the bubble wrap and all of the gears in my brain started turning. I watch all kinds of crafty shows, and one in particular, Uncommon Threads, has alot of felting projects. Bubble wrap is used in wet felting! A quick read on craftster gave me the whole scoop. I got some of my roving out, put down a towel, and with help from the girl child we have this:

These are little squares of felt, made by us! I know, it's a crappy picture, but I'm so excited and wanted to share. The top one is some oceany-inspired roving that I'm sure I won't spin, but it worked great for this and has a felty future. The bottom one is mostly Khloe - she picked out the colors and did alot of the work. Her favorite part, of course, is squirting the soapy water on, but she did great all around. Where does she get her craftiness?

I know what you're thinking. "How on earth will you balance all of your hobbies, kids, housework, etc?" Oh, ha ha ha! Surely you jest! Balance has no place in my life - except for a couple of yoga poses and climbing the ladder to the pool, but you know what I mean. Eventually everything will fall into place.

The Jaywalkers are Finished!

I am so glad to have finished these. The pattern is easy and well-written and every pair I've seen is beautiful, but it was so slow. By the time I got to the foot of sock two I was so wanting to be done already. I decided yesterday to finish them no matter what and I did. Know what that means? Three pair of socks done in a month. I'm kind of pleased with myself! Now I'm working on a pair of Fawkes in some merino/tencel that I dyed up as a sample - Jenny wanted to do some dying with me and I just can't refuse, you know!

Speaking of dye, check this out:

I hung a clothesline, and it's perfect for drying! See the one with the black? Boy child has claimed it. I guess it's good if he likes it, so I'm off to make some more. (I thought it was good, too!)

Have a great weekend!

We made yarn!

Sometimes it takes a couple of days to get it together, but here's the story....



At about, oh, five Monday morning I found myself with two children in my bed, scared to death, because there was a terrifying storm going on - hail, constant thunder, so much lightning that it looked like daylight. Then the power went out. The power stayed out until noon. My children were so bored - everything they enjoy is electric, of course. I wound up getting the polymer clay out for them to play with and baked it much later when the power came on. Well, even with the little lantern and a bunch of candles there wasn't enough light to knit on a sock, so I pulled out the kick spindle that I'm borrowing from Jenny and finished spinning the roving that's been on it. Khloe helped by actually spinning the spindle so all I did was the drafting. It worked out really well, so we got out my shiny new drop spindle and some new fiber and gave it a go. Well, it's not alot of yarn at all, but it's real yarn made by our little hands in the stormy darkness. Check it out!

I really enjoy spinning. It's very calming. The drop spindle - which I don't really drop but spin on a book on my lap - is a bottom whorl and is a gorgeous ceramic disc. No, I didn't take a picture - my ducks are never in a row. I ordered a top whorl from etsy last night (must remember to stay away from the daily chum on lime and violet!) to see how it works.

I don't think we'll be making anything with our little yarn. It's mostly a "look what we did" thing right now. I have more of the purple fiber, though, so maybe the second batch of handspun will become an item. No, it's not plied. It's the wonderful thick and thin single ply that costs a ton when it comes from a company.

In conclusion, I have another addiction. At least this one is shared by the girl child.

Woo! What a day!

Check it out - it's the goods from my awesomely fun day at the fiber fair! Lots of new yarns, batts, angelina fibers, dpn's, a gorgeous wood crochet hook, hair sticks, handmade soaps, and a beautiful drop spindle. Whew. I saw a couple of spinning wheels that were rather intriguing - but I need to work on my spinning skills alot first. And I met Anna right off the bat at the first booth. She's so adorable but I probably scared her by having so much to say to her.

I was going to tell all about it first thing this morning but A)I woke up so late that Eric came in to see if I had died in my sleep and B) when I came out to the living room with my morning caffeine he pointed out that our mailbox was on the ground because some rotten brats had driven around the neighborhood beating up boxes all over the place. We had to go buy a new one and it was so stinking hot today that we spent the rest of the afternoon floating in the pool. Now I don't remember everything that I wanted to tell y'all except that it was so wonderful.

Oh! Jenny bought me a skein of seasilk! It's called mineral and is a dark gray-brown. Know what I'm making? That's right - Montego Bay! Okay, I don't know how to get a picture from a magazine onto here, but it's from last summer's Interweave Knits and is written for exactly this yarn. Yay! I have to finish my clapotis and a couple more pair of socks first.

Uh-oh, the girl child is snuggling with the yarn booty. Off to save the stash from child germs!

Isn't it Gorgeous???

This, my dears, is a hand-knit purse. It's blue and silver with a big Ravenclaw eagle. Know how I got it? A wonderful friend from Norway, yes Norway, sent it to me as a RAK. I opened the package and almost fell down. It's so beautiful. She's even lined it, so it's ready for me to start carrying it around - but I'm a bit nervous because I'm a messy person and I don't want to ruin it.

I've been making some socks as planned. The Jaywalker was pretty easy but I'm not loving it. It's a very simple repeat - pattern row, knit row, repeat. Monkeys, however, are a longer repeat of pattern stitches - twelve rows - but I love it. I made the first sock full length just because the knitting was so fun. I'll be casting on the second one tonight.

I dyed up some new yarns this week, one of which is a tencel blend that is glossy and shimmery - and black and purple. I've spent a couple of evenings looking through patterns that I think will be perfect. This morning it hit me - Fawkes. I did some research and it's an easy repeat, kind of lacy, Harry Potter-inspired, and just all of the things I like in a sock pattern right now. I'll be starting that tonight, too.

Speaking of yarn, the Chaos skein from a couple posts down is sold already! I was really surprised. I wasn't thrilled with how it turned out and thought for sure that the purple one would go first. My new skeins are inspired by Johnny Ramone. We'll see how they go. I think they're wonderful. (Who's that, you ask? See the man in the sidebar!) Alot of my yarn colors are based around musicians, and it's not intentional. I see the finished work and think "oh, that reminds me of Janis Joplin" or something. Apparently music is more important to me than I really knew. Of course, lately the only tunes around here have been from the movie Hairspray - I hope I don't wind up having a skein for John Travolta-as-big momma!

Hand problem update - according to the blood tests, there is no inflammation, so I don't have arthritis. My problem is nerve-based, so I'll be starting a new medication. I really hope it works. I'm much too young to be this achy.

Tomorrow is the Midwest Fiber Fair! I'm going up with Jenny and it's gonna be so fun! I've never been to a fiber fair before. I'm taking lots of bags to carry my purchases. Anna, from Knitting in Nature, will be going too - maybe I'll get to meet her in person. I'm just so excited that I can't sit still. (I can't sit still normally, but anyway...) I'm going to try to remember the camera so I can share it all - but I'm getting picked up at 6 in the morning, so we'll see!

Lawn Furniture Painting

I got a little tired of the plain old white table that we keep by the pool, so I spent a bit of time at the farm supply store (love it there!) in the spray paint aisle and came home to make it much more fun looking. I let Khloe decorate the chair to match. Unfortunately, I ran out of plastic primer, so the rest of the chairs are still plain old white and green. Guess I need to make another trip to the store!

The following is written by Khloe

i am a chef and i like cooking with my mommy!!!!!!



Okay, back to me now. Kerry has been in Chicago with his dad, so it's been a girl week. She and I have been having a good time, too. Of course, I'm sunburned again - we got to swim for two days, which was great. Last summer, when I worked, I only got to use the pool two or three times a month. Khloe and I just lounged back on the pool noodles and chatted. It was really nice.
I finished one Jaywalker and now am working on a Monkey. I'll have pics next time - this entry was spontaniously thought of by Little Girl. I've been experimenting with some new dye techniques, too.
Hmmm...I think the little chef needs to help her mommy make some brownies!

RAKs, PIF, SoS....etc!

What a week. I've been very busy finishing up my first pair for Summer of Socks, which started on June 21. I'm very pleased with what I made. The pattern is from the new knitty - Spring Forward. It's apparently a very popular pattern and every pair that I've seen is pretty. Y'all should make it. The yarn is the Gatsby colorway from the KUAS club. You know, I'm not such a fan of green and yellow, but I really like this yarn alot and am looking forward to cooler weather so I can wear them.



The next pairs I'll be making are Jaywalkers and Monkeys. The plan is to alternate, but I tend to be obsessive, so we'll see.



I joined a Random Acts of Kindness group recently and have sent out several packages. The group is great - the gifts don't have to brand new, it can be stash that you won't use and other things like that. Of course, I have tons of stash, so some of it has new homes. One part of it is giveaways, so I have acquired some cool rainbow sock yarn, a handmade journal, and a sticker. I have a couple more boxes to send out today. Gotta spread the love.



Okay, here's a big one. I'm also in a group called Pay it Forward. Here's how it works - a friend is making a gift for me. I, in turn, make gifts for three other people, and those three make gifts for three more, and on and on. So, I would like three "angels" to make gifts for. Keep in mind how it works, though. If you would like for me to make you something, please contact me - comment here, email me, call me...however you want. I'll put up a post when the spots are full. Heh, now I'll know who my readers are! I almost forgot - there's a six month time frame. If I'm making something for you, I have until January to finish and get it to you, and it won't be your Christmas gift.



I picked a ripe tomato already! It was yummy, too. I get tickled by little things.



Stop by the store if you haven't already. We have new things going up soon, and feel free to make a request if you can't find what you need. Here are a couple of examples. They're called plumfetti and chaos. I'm very tempted to keep the purpleness, but I won't. I'll share. Besides, I can make more if I really need it.













Happy Fourth!

(sorry, I scrwewd up the picture placement, but I think you get the idea)

My Roses and Yarns

I wanted to share some of my pretty roses. It was really windy when I took the pictures, so they're not great, but you can see what I've inherited from the previous owners. I've spent alot of time with them - trimming them up and getting them under control. (apparently, the man who lived here just planted and let it go - the bushes around the house are crazy.) I'm hoping to get out with them today, but the weather has been so crazy. I have a tree to plant, too. Yay! It's a weeping pussy willow - I saw one in a catalog years ago and haven't stopped thinking about it. I finally saw one available online a few months ago and pounced on it - well, not literally, but you know what I mean. It will go out front in a little planting area by the front steps. I'll take pictures when it's in.

I've been busy dyeing up some sample skeins to see how colors look together and such, but I'm a little nervous about dyeing full skeins for the shop. So far we haven't sold anything. Would everyone please go to the etsy shop and let me know why you think nothing has been bought? Please? I have so many more ideas but don't want to waste time and money if I'm crappy at it.

I finished my market bag. It's some crochet cotton that was on sale - I like thinner yarns for bags so they are smaller when empty. It's my usual design - chain about a foot, double crochet around, but I switched to triple crochets for a meshier look. I like it. I found my skein of Euroflax, so I'll be making a bag out of it, too.

I'm so excited about Summer of Socks. I have yarns caked, patterns selected, ant two more weeks to wait! Aahhh! I suppose the clapotis will get done while I'm waiting. Which reminds me, here's a picture of the KUAS sock club package - minus the cookies. The yarn is very pretty and fresh - greens, yellow, and blues. Since it reminds me of a particular scene in the book, The Great Gatsby, I'm making a pair of socks that look like waves. The stitch markers are like jewelry. Each one is different, and each color represents an emotion in the book. Right now, they are decorating the above-mentioned clapotis - I'm going to make the socks as part of SoS.

Gosh, I really need to learn how to take better pictures. Time to take out the camera's instruction book and study!

It's June

I'm so glad for warm weather and sunshine. I spent alot of time in the yard this weekend tending to my tomatoes and roses. I love my plants. I hate the bugs - they flock to me like crazy. I'd like to put a bat house up and see if any move in, but Eric is reluctant for some reason. I also hate that I'm a slow learner and wind up getting FRIED the first time I'm out, every time. My skin hurts so bad. It's been two days and I'm still the color of the neon red crayon. You would think that some sort of wisdom would come with age, but no, not for me. I'll be spending the week with my bottle of aloe gel in the house - even the heat of the sun makes the skin feel like it's on fire.

We haven't put the pool up yet. Eric thinks it's too early. I hooked up the slip and slide yesterday to keep the kids busy and they had a ball. I should hook up the sprinkler and water the plants while the kids play. I used to love playing in the sprinkler when I was little. Maybe I still would.

On the yarny front, I've been working on a mesh bag for the past couple of days. I want to knit the Saturday Market Bag from the former magknits. I've chosen to use some purple crochet cotton - the thread type stuff. I managed to knit a few rows but it made my hands hurt too much. So, I'm crocheting my usual bag - round and round a chain so it's rectangular, double crochets for the first few rounds and triples for the main body. I want something small enough to fit in my purse - Jenny and I are going to a fiber festival next month, and I'm going to need a bag to haul the goods home.

I got my sock club package. The yarn is so pretty. I finished the book - The Great Gatsby - and am looking for a pattern now that goes with the idea in my mind. The colors of the yarn (no, I don't have a pic yet, I forgot) remind me of Gatsby looking across the water at the green light that marks where Daisy is - the yarn colorway is exactly what I imagine the water reflecting in the moonlight. I'd like to find something that looks like ripples in water. If I can't find one, I have about a hundred other sock patterns in my binders.

Time to start my day. Happy June!

Big day and a brush with fame

I spend alot of time thinking about what to write about and then never do, so I don't know where to start because, mentally, it's all been said, but here goes.
I know that it's good luck to rain n on your wedding day. What does it mean when there's a super-scary thunderstorm on your last day of work - especially when a tree by the door gets hit by lightning? Does that mean uber-good luck or major doom? Yes, my working days are done for now. I feel free and light. (I won't discuss my last day of work. My feelings are still hurt.)
On her blog, Jenny discussed feeling like she's been stuck on spin cycle. Me? I'm under water or something - I'm moving but nothing seems to be happening. Everyone else is going along as normal, I'm just not accomplishing much. I'll get things done, though. It will just be awhile.
I'm feeling a little famous in my head right now. See, I'm friends on ravelry with Carin from the Lime and Violet podcast. In my initial message to her, I commented on her Monkey socks and asked if it was her favorite pattern. On last week's podcast she said that it is her favorite pattern. It was like she was speaking to me. Hee.
I finally got my "garden" going yesterday. I went to Kmart and bought my tomato plants, marigolds, and some snazzy new gardening gloves.(Khloe and Megan "cleaned" the shed, and I can't find my old gloves. Neither can they.) Yes, my whole garden is tomatoes. The marigolds are supposed to keep bugs and rabbits away. I like working in the yard. I feel more connected to the world or something. I just don't mow. That's what teenage neighbors are for. And stepdaughters.
I've put the knitting on hold for a moment. It seems my psyche was craving comfort, so I'm crocheting a throw. It won't be big, just enough to cover my legs and chest. Eric thinks it's very colorful - black and white. Fortunately, crocheting is really fast. I should be back to the sock soon. I need to finish it quickly - my sock club package will be coming this week, and I'd like to work with it. Summer of Socks is still a couple of weeks off. I've got some things ready - yarn caked up, patterns selected. I know I won't win. I'm excited about getting good at making socks. Kid socks don't count - my two want some slipper socks, so those will be started soon. Yep, just in time for warm weather and sunshine.
Happy Memorial Day.

Emotionality, part two

I'm really having a hard time with the news lately - all of the tragedy in the world makes my soul hurt. I really want to do something to help all of the people who have lost so much around the world, but I can't seem to find any information about groups that are collecting things. I'll have to search harder - someone must be doing something.
One week until my SAHM days begin. The kids and I have decided on some things - reading time, for example. They both want to spend time at the library, too, looking at the displays and playing with the things there. I'm so glad that I won't be driving anymore. I spent about an hour and a half in my car just getting to and from work. There's no way I could afford to keep doing it - and I hate the wasted time. I've been listening to my podcasts in the car lately, which makes it more bearable, but when I can listen to a whole Lime and Violet, I've been in the car too long.
The second Bellatrix sock is coming along slowly. I think I've lost my enthusiasm for it - it doesn't fit very well. My fault - should've used a bigger needle size. I'll know better for next time.

Emotionality

I've had the most draining week - again. A new girl started at work to replace me, yet I'm not the one who's training her, so I feel really unwanted right now - and they celebrated her birthday after they forgot mine. It's very disappointing that after all this time I'm kind of set aside. I've spent alot of time this week on etsy - yes, I bought some yarns. (No comments, please, mom!) I also picked out a couple of rovings because Jenny said she'd teach me to spin.
Speaking of etsy, our shop is up! There's only a couple of skeins so far, but more is coming! Check it out:http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5699933. Support the knitting community - buy our yarn or some of the other wonderful indie yarns there.
The lilacs are so pretty right now. I need to take some pictures before the moment is gone. My roses are getting lots of leaves and new stems. The tree that I ordered should be here soon - a weeping pussy willow. I've been eyeing one for a couple of years. It will be so pretty by the porch. I love watching everything bloom.
I also love that my summer starts in two weeks!
Happy Mother's Day!

Sock Crazy!

I think I've lost my mind - well, again - but this time it's socks. I'm still working on the Bellatrix. I had one done and then noticed that the toe section was twisted and had to frog back and do it again. Frustrating. But - here's the crazy part - I joined Socktopia, a knitalong group that has a new pattern each month. In fact, the Bellatrix pattern is from the group. Then I signed up for Summer of Socks 2008. It's kind of a contest and knitalong at the same time. There's a two month and a couple week time frame to make as many socks as possible - adult socks. (I won't be making a pair for Eric- he has huge feet!) So, to keep with the whole theme of last week I joined a sock-knitting book club. Each month this summer we will get a skein of hand-dyed yarn to knit with while we read the selected book. (For more info, see Knitting in Nature on the sidebar.) My summer will be full of socks. I should be pretty good at them by the time fall rolls around.

Big News!

I have been a single working mom essentially since I found out that I was expecting - my kids' dad is, well, crap - to put it mildly. This spring has brought alot of stress to me, though. Kerry was expelled from daycare last fall and the end of the year is coming fast. Daycare is really expensive and the one we can't go to is the one that has assistance. Gas prices are going crazy, too, and I drive about forty minutes just to get to work. Well, Eric and I have been talking alot about my options, and he's agreed to let me stay home with the kids all summer! Wooo! I'm in a bit of shock, of course, but so excited. I've been with my job for a very long time. It will be really weird to not get up early to get there. And, of course, there's the whole thought of being alone with my kids for the whole summer - every day, all day. It's a huge lifestyle change. I'm really thrilled to have the opportunity, though. Wish me luck!

In other news, Khloe is healing up nicely. She will probably only have a little scar. She's back to being fearless and started tumbling classes last week. Here's a picture of her with Grandpa - aren't they cute?

On the yarny front, I finished a shawl but don't have any pictures of it, although I wore it out to dinner Saturday night. I'll discuss it more when you can see it. I'm going slow on the sock because I started a clapotis. That is so far my favorite pattern. I'm making it in laceweight that I dyed in the Ravenclaw movie colors. (Unfortunately, it's the same colors as the Dallas Cowboys. Oh, well, what can you do?) I'm already in the eighth increase section - I'm making it big since the yarn is so little. This is my first time using laceweight, so I wanted a project that I'm confident with. No frustration right now, please!

I've been dyeing a little - I ran out of yarn and had to get some more. It's interesting to look at the hand-dyed yarns on etsy. Every dyer has such a unique style. Anna's is so natural, Pixie's is bright and bold, some are clear sections of color, and some flow like, well, paints going down the drain when you rinse out brushes. Beautiful skeins are really works of art, I think, and I hope that someone sees my work as beautiful.

That's all for this morning. I'll try to be a better blogger as my time frees up.

Just wondering...

I took Khloe to her first tumbling class tonight, and as I worked on my sock and watched my girl do cartwheels I listened to the moms behind me. The list of activities they have their kids in is staggering. When is it too much? It wears me out just hearing all of their stuff. Their kids must do their homework in the car between dance and karate or something. Jeesh. I may not be supermom but I know that kids should be kids and have fun while they can.
It has really warmed up outside. My roses are getting leaves! Yay! The grass is green and pretty. I'm so glad it's finally nice - we had such a long, crazy winter. It will feel so good to be out working with my plants and getting the yard pretty. Aahhh....spring.

What a Week

I'm glad that last week is over. It was crazy. I ran out of my happy medicine just as the pms hit stronger than usual, Khloe had an attitude with me, Eric was feeling icky and was therefore crabby, and I had cramps so bad that I had to leave work early on Friday. I started to set up for some serious dyeing on Saturday - no kids, Eric was out - just me and some yarn - when the phone rang - it was the ex telling me that Khloe had fallen and probably needed stitches but he couldn't get her to the hospital. I had my parents get her and meet me at the emergency room. It was a nasty gash in her little chin. She was very upset. I kept my cool and worked a little on a WIP while we waited. My baby now has six stitches right under her chinbone. She's still beautiful. Oh, and she found out how Grandpa really feels about her - he wasn't even off the phone with me before he was out the door to get her and stayed at the hospital with us until she was done. He checked on her first thing Sunday morning and each day since. Yup. He's SuperGrandpa, all right.

I'm really trying to make this week better. I started by finishing my $5 in Paris sweater. It looks so good, too. Unfortunately I chose the wrong yarn to use. It's very itchy so I'll have to wear it layered which isn't quite the look I was going for, but the wool will be nice and warm next winter.

I have alot of other sweater patterns to choose from, both from books and online. I'm going to make a few more. I love sweaters and know I'll feel great wearing one that I've knit myself - I love wearing my crocheted ones. I'll be crocheting a couple more, too. Since it's warming up, though, I want to work on smaller projects - who wants a lap full of warmth on a warm sunny day? I want to make several pairs of socks. There are so many beautiful designs and yarns. I'm loving all of the lacy scarves, too. Oh, speaking of socks, my Bellatrix is coming along nicely. I really love this pattern. Even though this is still my first pair of them, I have more planned.

The yarn dyeing has been so much fun for me. I've discovered that I prefer kettle dyeing to painting because it's easier to do other things, too. Here is what I've done so far. Only two of them will go in the shop. The blue and gray on top is laceweight and will become a clapotis soon. My first try at kettle dyeing is the purple in the middle and it turned out too pretty so I have to keep it. It will be great with a lacy sock pattern. I'm sure I have several to chose from.

Oh, yeah, that's something else from last week - I decided to try to settle myself down by doing some pattern browsing, and found that Magknits is gone. Gone. I had several patterns there that I wanted to do. Now I need to wait for the designers to put them up on ravelry or their blogs or just pout and do without. Hmmm...maybe the purple would be good for Jaywalkers. (I did find that pattern already, thank goodness.)

No, I don't know how to link to things by clicking on the name, like clapotis or jaywalker. I'm kind of slow with computers. Maybe one of you can show me how. Hint, hint.

Well, I think that's all for now. Talk to you again soon!

Recent FO's

I just realized that I haven't posted any new pictures! So, here are Shona's shawl, which she likes I just found out today, and a throw that I whipped up for Erica. It's made out of furry yarn from Hobby Lobby that was on sale.

To "B" or Not To "B"

I've been thinking about all of my WIPs and how to get them all finished. I started, you may remember, the famous Weasley sweater not long ago. I'm still working on the back but have been wondering what to do on the front. The traditional sweater has the wearer's initial on the chest. I've considered a big B but can't find a font that I really like. I have some charts from StreetLegal Designs, one is thirty different star designs and the other is very different designs like tribal designs and Egyptian motifs. They're all great but not really what I want on this particular sweater. While talking to Jenny about it the answer became clear - Sirius's tattoo! I'll have to chart it out, but it will be perfect.
I have a few rows left on the sleeve of the purple sweater. I think a sleeveless version in a cottony yarn is in order for summer. I want to get my first sweater done before it's too warm to wear it.
Kerry is really doing well with counseling. I'm so happy. He's so smart and fun, and his problems were really starting to affect his learning and friendships.
I'm so excited about dyeing yarns with Jenny. I have so many ideas! I have a notebook in my (huge new) purse so I can write everything down instead of trying to remember it all. I have tons of dyes to play with and yarns to experiment on. I'm trying to be organized, though, which for me is really hard.
I've started journaling again, and I gave the kids journals to keep, too. We're all enjoying it so far.
Back to knitting - how many WIPs is enough at one time? I'm thinking three - a pair of socks, a big item like a sweater or the messenger bag, and a shawl/wrap item with some laciness. I think that will be my goal, with a dishcloth or charity square thrown in for fun here and there. I get so excited every time I see a new pattern and need to remind myself to finish things. Three WIPs, Bobbi!

Spring Break!

We've been off this week, me and the kids, and we're having a good time together. The weather has been nice, so they've been outside alot with friends. I have learned something about myself - when offered a choice between cleaning the house up to look presentable or plopping my butt on the couch, the butt always wins. Don't get me wrong, though. We've done some cleaning up and I've shifted the furniture in the living room, but, well, you know what they say about good intentions. I hope I can be motivated enough tomorrow to get Khloe's room picked up a bit - it's a disaster. Tomorrow night she and I are going to see High School Musical on Ice. She is so excited. I admit - it will be interesting. I'm sure it will be as full of kids as the Cheetah Girls concert that we went too - probably the same kids, now that I think about it. I'm glad that there are things for her to watch that are clean and appropriate. She doesn't need to watch violence or other adult things.
I picked up the current knitscene today and found several things to make, especially the Phiaro Scarf. I don't have the yarn called for but there's a good sub in the stash, I'm sure. Check it out - it's very cool. Speaking of stash, I discovered a great way of storing mine. I picked up a vinyl car organizer - the kind to put grocery bags in to keep them from spilling in the trunk. It's divided in half, so I put sock yarns in one side and worsted in the other. It fits nicely between my bed and nightstand (yes, I sleep by my yarn) and holds alot. Of course, I now know what yarns were hiding in the bottom of the giant bag it was in before. It's like a big surprise. I have some great Egyptian cotton - enough for a couple of afghans or three sweaters.
I picked up the new Vogue Knitting, too. It has some really pretty things in it - one is a little sweater that looks so good on the toned model but would look so bad on squishy me. It's really cute, though. Maybe if I do pilates for a year or so it would look nice.
Back to work next week. Three more days of sleeping in. Oh, well. I'd best enjoy it.

Happy Birthday, Kerry!

Friday was Kerry's ninth birthday, so last night we had a little party at the bowling alley. I, in my naivity, forgot to take a picture of all of the boys. They all had fun - even if there were more gutter balls than pins hit. Eric and I bowled, too, for a game. He and I both were on leagues several years ago and got to take our shoes and balls out of the closet. We will have more parties - the kids really enjoyed it, and I like getting to know the other moms. One friend's grandma said something that made me really think. She said that one year they had invited the whole class to his party and no one came. Can you imagine how awful that would be to a little boy? I think we'll go to the parties we're invited to. I think the two hour time investment and small gift are a very small price for a chance to make some good friends and have fun.

I hadn't given a hand update yet. The carpal tunnel tests are very uncomfortable. The doctor told me that I have it but not bad enough for surgery. The results, however, were negative. I don't have carpal tunnel. My doctor is referring me to a neurologist for some other tests. I have decided, though, that I will knit and crochet until I'm told not to. I'll just give myself limits and abstain when my hands are particularly numb or achy. Besides, there's too many patterns out there and I can't resist the temptation.

On that note, I cast on a pair of Bellatrixes. I am having so much fun with it! I love the wrapping and dropping. I'm thinking about doing it on my next top-down sweater, in fact. Wouldn't it be cool and punky?

We're on spring break now, and I took the week off to be with the kids. My babysitter, the wonderful Jenny, has things going on and wouldn't be able to do the all-day thing. Bummer for Khloe - she loves Jenny's house and everyone in it. A week will be nice, though. It may take that long to really clean the house - maybe even wash the curtains if I get ambitious.

I'm having a rough time right now with my depression problems. Eric sometimes says things that cause bad flare-ups, and last night when we got home he told me that his kids don't like me because I yell all the time. I have worked so hard to get along with all three of them, and I thought things were going well. Jake has said more than once that he wants Eric to move back in with his parents but I've tried to tell myself that he just wants to see his grandma more. It's just really hard, though. He really thinks that his kids are perfect and never do anything wrong, and my kids are always bad. Maybe it's time for me to quit trying.

Well, time to go for now and watch the snow fall and read some Harry Potter. Happy Easter!