Technique junkie that I am I've now taken up multidirectional knitting. Inspired by a need to find something to do with the wonderful yarn my Secret Pal gave me in my last package I posted a question to the knitlist about what I could make with it. Trying this technique in a scarf was one of the suggestions. A lot of fun. My library is trying to get the book Modular Knits for me so I can learn more. I can't wait!
Another technique on the back burner right now, but that I want to try is Shadow knitting. I have the book out of the library but it may have to go back before I get a chance to give it a try. Has anyone out there tried this? What do you think of it? Is it easy to design your own patterns?
I've been a little blue the last couple of days and once again I have to say that my knitting has been a real help to me. I don't know what people do who have no creative outlet. Having my knitting keeps my mind occupied when I am down and makes me feel like I've accomplished something. Two things that really help lift spirits. That's one of the reasons I picked up the multidirectoinal knitting. A new technique will also help me when I'm down in the dumps because I have to concentrate on it. Like I said I consider myself lucky to have the outlet. Better than drinking at any rate!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Secret Pal Update
A wonderful package from my secrect pal arrived yesterday. This woman really knows how to spoil! A bag of sour gummy bears (YUMMMMM! I lurve sour anything), a bar of Pre de Provenace soap in Ginger Spice and best part three count them three skeins of Noro Kureyon in varied greens and blues (sorry no pics camera is in the shop :<) The only dissapointment was that she didn't reveal herself in the very nice card she included. I always thought the pal revealed herself in the last package. Oh well, she shall stay a mystery and a very well thought of one at that. I've enjoyed Secrect Pal 6. I think I will sign up for #7 when it gets going.
The blanket for my nephew's son is only 12 inches away from being done. I think I may finish it this weekend and finaly, finally get going on DH's sweater. Yes the sweater I keep talking about and don't get started on. My red sweater has not been touched for a bit, but I've been so busy with the blanket that there just hasn't been time for it. I ought to start a rotation schedule the way some people do. You know work on one project this day, project B another day and so on. Problem is that I am not that discipled in my knitting. It's always been an as the sprit moves me kind of thing.
DH is doing quite well these days. His main problem now is that his energy is not back at full force yet. The lung was injured in his fall and that will still need time to recover so as a result his energy is impaired. The doctor cleared him to go back to work at reduced hours and that's excactly what he has been doing. So far so good. He's happy to be back, as he said there's only so much daytime TV a person can stand.
The blanket for my nephew's son is only 12 inches away from being done. I think I may finish it this weekend and finaly, finally get going on DH's sweater. Yes the sweater I keep talking about and don't get started on. My red sweater has not been touched for a bit, but I've been so busy with the blanket that there just hasn't been time for it. I ought to start a rotation schedule the way some people do. You know work on one project this day, project B another day and so on. Problem is that I am not that discipled in my knitting. It's always been an as the sprit moves me kind of thing.
DH is doing quite well these days. His main problem now is that his energy is not back at full force yet. The lung was injured in his fall and that will still need time to recover so as a result his energy is impaired. The doctor cleared him to go back to work at reduced hours and that's excactly what he has been doing. So far so good. He's happy to be back, as he said there's only so much daytime TV a person can stand.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Quick Note
DH is out of the hospital and doing better. He's in pain but able to move about some. Thanks to everyone who commented and emailed their good wishes. They were very appreciated.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Hospital Trip
DH took a bad fall this morning and ended up in the hospital. He was coming out of an ATM and slipped on some ice. Ended up with a collapsed lung. He'll be in the hospital for a few days and laid up for a few more. The truly stupid thing about this is that one of the EMT's told him that he'd seen the bank's lawn sprinklers on that morning. Now in our area it was below freezing today. It's been time to turn off sprinklers for weeks. We had the sprinkler guy come and winterize ours awhile ago. We aren't the sort of people who sue but this is a clear case and we are going to.
DD and DS were fortunately at home, and not with him, when it happened. I was at work. I dropped everything, hang the consequences. Went home for a short while till DH was checked in at the ER and I actually located him. Then a friend got me over to the hospital and picked up the kids. We sat for hours. I am thankful for my meditation practice, because it enabled me to sit for all that time without being bored. Yes I was worried, but I was able to stand the wait with some manner of equanimity. It was hard to see DH in so much pain, and hard to understand why it was taking so long to get a room. It is now nearly 12 hours since he went into the emergency room and still no bed. I had to leave him there to deal with my kids. And when I left 2 hours ago they told me they had a bed. I will never understand hospitals or how they work.
If you have the minute think good thoughts for DH would you? It would be appreciated.
DD and DS were fortunately at home, and not with him, when it happened. I was at work. I dropped everything, hang the consequences. Went home for a short while till DH was checked in at the ER and I actually located him. Then a friend got me over to the hospital and picked up the kids. We sat for hours. I am thankful for my meditation practice, because it enabled me to sit for all that time without being bored. Yes I was worried, but I was able to stand the wait with some manner of equanimity. It was hard to see DH in so much pain, and hard to understand why it was taking so long to get a room. It is now nearly 12 hours since he went into the emergency room and still no bed. I had to leave him there to deal with my kids. And when I left 2 hours ago they told me they had a bed. I will never understand hospitals or how they work.
If you have the minute think good thoughts for DH would you? It would be appreciated.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Knitting The Blues Away
I've been working away on the last of this batch of baby blankets. Several of my nieces got pregnant at around the same time so I've been making baby blankets the last few months. I've been using my favorite feather and fan stitch on them all. It knits up fast, and looks great when done. This last one is being done in blue as we know that this last baby is going to be a boy. I still haven't started DH's sweater. I've been real busy at work and haven't had the time for it. But I hope to get to it soon. I really want to as I love cables and want to make something for DH.
Not enjoying the job very much. I am lucky that I have this craft to give me some solace. Do you all find that your knitting helps you through some bad times? I know that at low points in my life my knitting or stitching has helped me enormously. When my father was dying many years back I went through this thing where I obessively knitted mittens for project I found out about. Now I find that at the end of the day, at a job I don't like, taking up the needles calms the nerves and lifts my mood. Me, my Ipod, a cup of tea and my knitting what could be better than that?
Not enjoying the job very much. I am lucky that I have this craft to give me some solace. Do you all find that your knitting helps you through some bad times? I know that at low points in my life my knitting or stitching has helped me enormously. When my father was dying many years back I went through this thing where I obessively knitted mittens for project I found out about. Now I find that at the end of the day, at a job I don't like, taking up the needles calms the nerves and lifts my mood. Me, my Ipod, a cup of tea and my knitting what could be better than that?
Monday, November 07, 2005
Things I do besides knitting
Obviously I'm a knitter but I have some other hobbies that I thought I'd talk about a little bit here. One is beading. I got started doing stitch markers and then branched out into earrings and I've made the odd attempt at necklaces and bracelets. I'm not that good but it's fun. This weekend I'm going to take a class in basic beading where I hope to learn some new techniques or at least what I'm doing wrong :). I also make extremely poor attempts at scrapbooking. Now this I wish I could do better at but I keep getting blocked. I will have to go to one of those parties that people have that are like tupperware but are for scrapbooking one of these days and learn more about it. I get sooooo stuck on how to lay out a page. But it's fun, there are so many little things to buy and play with in scrapbooking and it's so creative. I've got an album going for my DD and am trying to get one started for my son, but it's slow going. Especially now that I'm working more hours.
It's worth mentioning DD's new obsession hobbywise, chocolate. We discovered melt and mold chocolate at AC Moore the other day and she has really gotten into the whole idea of making chocolates for friends, family and self. Frankly, I hate her. I am about to embark on yet another diet (I've an appointment with a nutritionist tomorrow), and the stuff is delicious and fun to make. She even has made two tone lollipops. Quite good at it actually, but as I said not good for Mom who has to lose a ton!
It's worth mentioning DD's new obsession hobbywise, chocolate. We discovered melt and mold chocolate at AC Moore the other day and she has really gotten into the whole idea of making chocolates for friends, family and self. Frankly, I hate her. I am about to embark on yet another diet (I've an appointment with a nutritionist tomorrow), and the stuff is delicious and fun to make. She even has made two tone lollipops. Quite good at it actually, but as I said not good for Mom who has to lose a ton!
Saturday, October 15, 2005
My Thanks
To the many people who expressed their condolences on the loss of my Mom I want to say thank you. It means a lot to me to have you express your support. The power of this internet community never ceases to amaze me.
One of the things my Sister-in-law told me was that my mother left behind some two dozen baby blankets that she had crocheted over the years. When she was bored my sister-in-law would buy her yarn and she would crochet a blanket. I knew this but was stunned by the number she left behind her. Each baby in the family has a blanket from her. I've kept up the tradition, each baby that comes along gets a knitted blanket from me. One thing she handed down. The blankets will be donated to good causes, with some kept for future babies in our family.
One of the things my Sister-in-law told me was that my mother left behind some two dozen baby blankets that she had crocheted over the years. When she was bored my sister-in-law would buy her yarn and she would crochet a blanket. I knew this but was stunned by the number she left behind her. Each baby in the family has a blanket from her. I've kept up the tradition, each baby that comes along gets a knitted blanket from me. One thing she handed down. The blankets will be donated to good causes, with some kept for future babies in our family.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Sad News
My Mother passed away this past Saturday night. She'd fallen down and broken several ribs a few weeks back and went into a steady decline afterwards. In a lot of pain she slipped into heart failure and they could not get her out of it so she slipped away. She was 83. We were not close but yet this is hard. You miss the things that might have been the lost chances, and lost time. We never did seem to be able to talk to each other but only at each other. We saw life in different ways and could not seem to meet in the middle. So sad, for us both.
Do not miss the chance to keep your loved ones close. Fight like hell if you have to. One day it will be too late.
Do not miss the chance to keep your loved ones close. Fight like hell if you have to. One day it will be too late.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Secrect Pal update
Got my first SP package and it was yummy I must say! Two lovely skeins of Regia sock yarn in a lovely autumn shade, a set of bamboo dp's, and CHOCOLATE! The woman read my mind totally. Now I have been a bad pal on my end. So busy with work that my package has yet to be mailed but I hope to make it worth the wait for her.
I've been very stressed out as I've been working, essentially, two jobs. My regular freelance special projects gig, and a new steady job I just took on. Getting hard to find time for myself, or anything else like knitting for that matter. That's why this blog is so neglected. I've just not had the time for it. But I will try to mention the big things and the important ones at least.
I've not yet started DH's fisherman sweater that's going to be this weekend I think. I am really looking forward to it, it's been a long time since I've done cables and I really like them. They are a lot of fun and really not any trouble. I have a book in the house that shows you how to do cables without a needle but I'm not using the technique on the sweater. I want to practice it on something smaller first. I don't like to use something that new on a major piece. I like to learn on a small item first.
That's it for now more later.....
I've been very stressed out as I've been working, essentially, two jobs. My regular freelance special projects gig, and a new steady job I just took on. Getting hard to find time for myself, or anything else like knitting for that matter. That's why this blog is so neglected. I've just not had the time for it. But I will try to mention the big things and the important ones at least.
I've not yet started DH's fisherman sweater that's going to be this weekend I think. I am really looking forward to it, it's been a long time since I've done cables and I really like them. They are a lot of fun and really not any trouble. I have a book in the house that shows you how to do cables without a needle but I'm not using the technique on the sweater. I want to practice it on something smaller first. I don't like to use something that new on a major piece. I like to learn on a small item first.
That's it for now more later.....
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Long Time Away
Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I've been VERY busy with work, which is a good thing for the pocketbook but not such a good thing for blogging and knitting. I've been working on the infamous red sweater and plan to start on a fisherman sweater for DH, purchased on vacation, this week. It's in a denim colored yarn and should look just yummy made up. He was very difficult about picking it out, don't know why but he can get like that at times. No socks in the works right now, but that's about to get started this week as well. Here's the questions for secret Pal 6
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I prefer natural fibers but will go with blends. I don't like Red Heart at all but will use Lion Brand. Especially Wool Ease.
2. Do you spin? No, but I'd love to.
Crochet? Just a bit.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) Cigs are a major no no
4. How long have you been knitting? Since I was 6 years old. Too long to say :)
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? An Amazon and a Knit picks
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Clean woody scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? You better believe it!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I dabble in paper crafts but it's really knitting that I love.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Jazz, Classic Rock, Folk, World Music. Yes I can play MP3's. I'd love them as I've an Ipod
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love earth tones and dark green is my favorite color
11. What is your family situation? I live with my DH and my daughter, my DS goes to boarding school, I have a sweet little guinea pig named Midnight
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I'd like the time to be creative and to learn to design. Maybe go back to school
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love knitpicks Wool of the Andes.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Plasticy acrylics
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? sweaters and socks
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks, socks, and socks
17. What are you knitting right now? a red drop shoulder sweater of my own design
18. What do you think about ponchos? Not much
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? both depends on project
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter? YES!!
22. How did you learn to knit? My mother taught me with help from family friends
23. How old is your oldest UFO? Not sure, years at least
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Penguins
25. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
26. Is there anything that you collect? Penguins
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? See my wish lists
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Not really
That's about it. Hope my secret pal hasn't been kept waiting too long! See ya all soon
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I prefer natural fibers but will go with blends. I don't like Red Heart at all but will use Lion Brand. Especially Wool Ease.
2. Do you spin? No, but I'd love to.
Crochet? Just a bit.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) Cigs are a major no no
4. How long have you been knitting? Since I was 6 years old. Too long to say :)
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? An Amazon and a Knit picks
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Clean woody scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? You better believe it!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I dabble in paper crafts but it's really knitting that I love.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Jazz, Classic Rock, Folk, World Music. Yes I can play MP3's. I'd love them as I've an Ipod
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love earth tones and dark green is my favorite color
11. What is your family situation? I live with my DH and my daughter, my DS goes to boarding school, I have a sweet little guinea pig named Midnight
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I'd like the time to be creative and to learn to design. Maybe go back to school
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love knitpicks Wool of the Andes.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Plasticy acrylics
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? sweaters and socks
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks, socks, and socks
17. What are you knitting right now? a red drop shoulder sweater of my own design
18. What do you think about ponchos? Not much
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? both depends on project
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter? YES!!
22. How did you learn to knit? My mother taught me with help from family friends
23. How old is your oldest UFO? Not sure, years at least
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Penguins
25. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
26. Is there anything that you collect? Penguins
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? See my wish lists
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Not really
That's about it. Hope my secret pal hasn't been kept waiting too long! See ya all soon
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Living in the Frog Pond
I feel like I've been living on a lilly pad on in an actual frog pond the last few days. I've been working on my red sweater and one thing after another has gone wrong. I've tinked, and frogged it so many times that I've lost count. First the knot where I joined the second ball of yarn came loose, then there was a dropped stitch, then a split stitch, I could go on but it's too painful. We are going on vacation for a week and I'm bringing it with me. Maybe the back will actually get finished while I'm away.
DD and I have been enjoying some quality time together. My business has been slow the last week after being quite busy, and she is done with camp. It's been nice being lazy with her. Hanging around watching movies and just being together. DS comes home on Friday so we are enjoying the girls only time while we can. This Saturday is my BDay, no real big plans. We'll probably go out to dinner and I may go off by myself for a few hours. Every year I get myself a present, I haven't decided what it will be yet. I'm thinking of a massage, as I am saving my fiber fix for vacation.
See you all when I get back!
DD and I have been enjoying some quality time together. My business has been slow the last week after being quite busy, and she is done with camp. It's been nice being lazy with her. Hanging around watching movies and just being together. DS comes home on Friday so we are enjoying the girls only time while we can. This Saturday is my BDay, no real big plans. We'll probably go out to dinner and I may go off by myself for a few hours. Every year I get myself a present, I haven't decided what it will be yet. I'm thinking of a massage, as I am saving my fiber fix for vacation.
See you all when I get back!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
All Figured Out
Well the book was as we know from the comments a wonderful unexpected RAOK! It was from Bethanie Frank who is my own angel now. I had been having a little bit of a rough time physically, as I've reported. So getting an RAOK was just great. My Secret Pal also came through in fine style I must say. I got a very nice assortment of bath goodies, a beautiful skein of Opal sock yarn, and a lovely bookmark. God the woman knows how to spoil me!
I've been feeling much better the last few days. I attribute this to the fact that I've been very serious about exercising and stretching. I've been doing both daily and it really does help. My very deep thanks to knitnana and kelly d for their comments and offers of help. I am truly touched by the spirit of sharing in the community. Knitnana my mother has lupus so I have some idea what you are going through. What I've got is nothing compared to what you and kelly have to deal with. As the doctor said it's more annoying than anything else. Though I do have to watch out for the eye infection. I'm wondering if either of you or anyone else out there has Raynaud's phenomenon. It's a sensitivity to the cold. Many people with auto immune disorders get it and some who have no problems too. Your fingers go white and then blue in the winter (numb as well) toes sometimes too. It's just awful sometimes. I walk around with a hat and scarf on indoors during the winter.
Not too much knitting these last few days. Had to frog a ton on my red sweater, discouraging but necessary. I'm being picky as it's my first self designed sweater. I don't care how many times I frog this thing. It's going to look right one way or the other!
I've been feeling much better the last few days. I attribute this to the fact that I've been very serious about exercising and stretching. I've been doing both daily and it really does help. My very deep thanks to knitnana and kelly d for their comments and offers of help. I am truly touched by the spirit of sharing in the community. Knitnana my mother has lupus so I have some idea what you are going through. What I've got is nothing compared to what you and kelly have to deal with. As the doctor said it's more annoying than anything else. Though I do have to watch out for the eye infection. I'm wondering if either of you or anyone else out there has Raynaud's phenomenon. It's a sensitivity to the cold. Many people with auto immune disorders get it and some who have no problems too. Your fingers go white and then blue in the winter (numb as well) toes sometimes too. It's just awful sometimes. I walk around with a hat and scarf on indoors during the winter.
Not too much knitting these last few days. Had to frog a ton on my red sweater, discouraging but necessary. I'm being picky as it's my first self designed sweater. I don't care how many times I frog this thing. It's going to look right one way or the other!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Confused
I just got a box from my Secret Pal and now I'm not sure the book was from her. Maybe I got RAOK'd. I assumed it was from my pal as I didn't see an address, but it may have gotten thrown out. Please if you sent the book let me know so I can thank you properly!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Long Time No See
Hey everyone. Sorry it's been so long since I updated. I've been a little under the weather and trying to keep up with work, my knitting and this volunteer thing I do hasn't left much time for the blog. I've been very fatigued for some time, and had a lot of trouble with achy joints. I knew, or thought I knew I had osteoarthritis in my hips. But I'd not gotten a good work up from the orthopedist who I saw for that. So at the suggestion of my best friend I saw an arthritis doctor recently who told me I didn't have Osteoarthritis but something called Spondyloarthritis. It's related to Rheumatic Arthritis and causes the places where the muscles attach to the joints to become inflamed. You also get real fatigued from it because your body has to fight inflammation all the time. I've been having a flare up lately so that's why I've been especially tired, especially achy and haven't been here. Exercise helps, anti inflammatory drugs like Advil, and Alieve help (I get a prescription tomorrow) and I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it. I'm going to beat this!
In answer to probable questions, yes it's hit my hands, but not too badly. They're a little swollen but I can use them fine and It's not affecting my knitting one bit. I've just started yet another pair of socks (two in the works now) and am fine with the small needles. Knitting is good therapy the more I move the better it is. They've been swollen for ages, and I've not given it a second thought till the doctor said something about it. I always thought it was from the weather.
On to happier things. I got a wonderful surprise in the mail from my Secrect Pal a book I've been wanting for a while from Amazon. Beyond Stitch and Bitch. A book about how knitting can be a spiritual practice. Something that really interests me. Haven't you found how the repetitive nature of the work just stills your mind? I have. I meditate daily and so this kind of approach to knitting has real appeal to me. I can't wait to crack open the book. Thanks Secrect Pal!
Family is doing well. DD just finished day camp, she and I should have some time together as work seems to have slowed down right now. DS is doing quite well at the moment. We had the annual review at his school and the teacher said he could actually do harder work and she was going to try to push him a bit. Just what we want to hear. It's hard having him away but these folks are doing such a great job with him. Behaviorally he's doing OK as well. We all go away on vacation soon to New England for a week. Maine, where we've never been, and Vermont where we go every couple of years. Nice places in the summer. Vermont is just beautiful in summer quiet and cheap since all the ski resorts need to fill up spaces in the summer time they cut rates to the bone. We kind of veg out and just enjoy being together.
I mentioned a volunteer thing I do let me explain about it. I do work with the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. DS, in addition to having Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) has bipolar disorder. This organization supports parents and gives them information on the disorder. We maintain an extensive website with a chatroom and message boards. I serve as a liaison for parents who contact the organization by email or phone for help. I will either call them or email them and give support and information to them where I can. I also monitor a couple of the message boards. Making sure that people are getting support, making sure that there aren't any inappropriate messages being posted, that sort of thing. It's a lot of work, but work that I love and feel is important. I remember how lost I was years ago and there was no CABF and then it started up and I didn't feel so alone anymore. And when my son was in crisis a couple of times it was a lifesaver. I just feel I have to give back what I got.
Well that's about it for now. I hope to be able to post more regularly in future.
In answer to probable questions, yes it's hit my hands, but not too badly. They're a little swollen but I can use them fine and It's not affecting my knitting one bit. I've just started yet another pair of socks (two in the works now) and am fine with the small needles. Knitting is good therapy the more I move the better it is. They've been swollen for ages, and I've not given it a second thought till the doctor said something about it. I always thought it was from the weather.
On to happier things. I got a wonderful surprise in the mail from my Secrect Pal a book I've been wanting for a while from Amazon. Beyond Stitch and Bitch. A book about how knitting can be a spiritual practice. Something that really interests me. Haven't you found how the repetitive nature of the work just stills your mind? I have. I meditate daily and so this kind of approach to knitting has real appeal to me. I can't wait to crack open the book. Thanks Secrect Pal!
Family is doing well. DD just finished day camp, she and I should have some time together as work seems to have slowed down right now. DS is doing quite well at the moment. We had the annual review at his school and the teacher said he could actually do harder work and she was going to try to push him a bit. Just what we want to hear. It's hard having him away but these folks are doing such a great job with him. Behaviorally he's doing OK as well. We all go away on vacation soon to New England for a week. Maine, where we've never been, and Vermont where we go every couple of years. Nice places in the summer. Vermont is just beautiful in summer quiet and cheap since all the ski resorts need to fill up spaces in the summer time they cut rates to the bone. We kind of veg out and just enjoy being together.
I mentioned a volunteer thing I do let me explain about it. I do work with the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. DS, in addition to having Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) has bipolar disorder. This organization supports parents and gives them information on the disorder. We maintain an extensive website with a chatroom and message boards. I serve as a liaison for parents who contact the organization by email or phone for help. I will either call them or email them and give support and information to them where I can. I also monitor a couple of the message boards. Making sure that people are getting support, making sure that there aren't any inappropriate messages being posted, that sort of thing. It's a lot of work, but work that I love and feel is important. I remember how lost I was years ago and there was no CABF and then it started up and I didn't feel so alone anymore. And when my son was in crisis a couple of times it was a lifesaver. I just feel I have to give back what I got.
Well that's about it for now. I hope to be able to post more regularly in future.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Major Achievement
I've managed to do something I never thought I'd ever be able to do. I've done Kitchener stitch at last! After trying one method or another to learn I've been able to do it with the help of a wonderful book I just got called Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crochet. What a terrific book this is. Very clear pictures of all the techniques, extremely clear text explaining everything. This just became my new favorite reference. Anything that can get me to do a good Kitchener stitch must be super. There are some cute patterns in the book as well. Check it out you won't be sorry.
It's been a while since I updated so let me fill you in. We had DS in for a long visit and that was just wonderful. He's doing so well. It's great to see him getting more mature more in control of himself. It was very hard to let him go when it was time for him to go back to school. I really crashed for a couple of days. Even though he's 15 now he's still my baby after all. Work is starting to pick up again. I've an assignment this week and a bunch of assignments next week. Freelance work is kind of hit and miss but this company I've hooked up with is giving me work on a regular basis so it's not too bad.
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts, and having fun with it. Get a lot more housework done this way. :) I also listen a lot when I knit. There is such a wealth of stuff out there that it's unbelievable. I'd like to bring some more crafting related podcasts to your attention. I'm going to give you the individual websites for the podcasts. If you want to know the feed for them it's best to look them up on Podcast Alley or just ask me and I'll get you the URL. Of course you can also download the files directly from the site if you want. The first is called CrafyPod. This podcast is all about different types of crafts on the last one she talked about felt mosaics which I may try as it sounded like fun. The next is Quilting Stash which is obviously about quilting. I enjoyed listening to her talk about the creative process. The last is Scrapcast which I just loved. A few years ago I tried scrapbooking and never really got into it. This podcast is so well done that it got me pulling my stuff out of storage and thinking about scrapping again. Just what I need, another hobby. Like knitting and beading aren't enough.
Speaking about beading I finally got some more supplies and made something other than stitch markers. Using some beads from my stash and some my secrect pal send I made a necklace for myself. Photo to follow as soon as I find out where DH has put the camera :).
In support of our English cousins I have added a We're not Afraid banner to this website. Feel free to steal it and do the same.
It's been a while since I updated so let me fill you in. We had DS in for a long visit and that was just wonderful. He's doing so well. It's great to see him getting more mature more in control of himself. It was very hard to let him go when it was time for him to go back to school. I really crashed for a couple of days. Even though he's 15 now he's still my baby after all. Work is starting to pick up again. I've an assignment this week and a bunch of assignments next week. Freelance work is kind of hit and miss but this company I've hooked up with is giving me work on a regular basis so it's not too bad.
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts, and having fun with it. Get a lot more housework done this way. :) I also listen a lot when I knit. There is such a wealth of stuff out there that it's unbelievable. I'd like to bring some more crafting related podcasts to your attention. I'm going to give you the individual websites for the podcasts. If you want to know the feed for them it's best to look them up on Podcast Alley or just ask me and I'll get you the URL. Of course you can also download the files directly from the site if you want. The first is called CrafyPod. This podcast is all about different types of crafts on the last one she talked about felt mosaics which I may try as it sounded like fun. The next is Quilting Stash which is obviously about quilting. I enjoyed listening to her talk about the creative process. The last is Scrapcast which I just loved. A few years ago I tried scrapbooking and never really got into it. This podcast is so well done that it got me pulling my stuff out of storage and thinking about scrapping again. Just what I need, another hobby. Like knitting and beading aren't enough.
Speaking about beading I finally got some more supplies and made something other than stitch markers. Using some beads from my stash and some my secrect pal send I made a necklace for myself. Photo to follow as soon as I find out where DH has put the camera :).
In support of our English cousins I have added a We're not Afraid banner to this website. Feel free to steal it and do the same.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
My Ball Winder Is Out To Get Me
It's true, I'm convinced of it at this point. The last two times I used it the thing ate my yarn. Got it tangled up in the gears and took delicate work to untangle it. This time it happened with my precious Koigu that my Secret Pal sent, and ended up breaking one of the skeins *sigh*. I don't know if it's my technique with the stupid thing, or it's just not a very good one but it keeps on happening. My gut feeling is that the winder just isn't very good. I just have to be ultra careful when I use it I guess. Part of the issue may also be that I don't own a swift right now so I use DD's out stretched hands most of the time. I've tried a lampshade and that works too. I guess I will have to start hinting heavily around DH as my birthday is at the end of the summer and I've a swift on my Knitpiks wishlist.
As you may have guessed I am stating work on the Koigu socks at last. Right now I'm doing a gauge swatch using the lovely bamboo #2's SP sent me. Nice yarn this Koigu, lovely pattern it knits to. But I cant help thinking it wants to be on number 1's. I have to knit some more of it to be sure. It could just be that the current pair I'm doing is on number 1's so I'm used to the feel of them. I'm using all five needles in the set which is unusual for me. I almost always only knit on four needles. I just prefer it as there are fewer to manipulate that way. Yes I know people say that they get fewer ladders with five but I am actually having more trouble with ladders on this gauge swatch then I usually have with four needles. In fact, I almost never have ladders, or they are slight and not too noticeable. Not so with five. I suppose it's from unfamiliarity with the rhythm of the work. One of these days I will bite the bullet and try two circs and check out how that works as well. I just have to have someone show me how it's done. Although I've been told that it's easy to learn form Cat Bordi's book. These socks are going to be for me. The next pair is for DH, and after that I want to make a pair for one of my brothers.
I've been bad about working on the sweater and really haven't touched it in a while. So I am mentioning it here in the hope that if I do it will get me moving. Usually when I mention a project on the blog I seem to develop a new desire to work on it, even if it's only a few rows. With the sweater it's a question of time. I just don't have it right now. Especially this week with DS in town.
Got a job doing steady merchandising work. If I've not explained about merchandising it's going into stores setting up displays, reworking displays, setting products on shelves in a particular order and related tasks. Bet you didn't know people got paid to do that did you? Well they do and I've been doing it off and on for a bit over 5 years. I will be working for a good firm that will employ me four days a week, (M-Th) 8-4 32 hours a week. In and around the area where I live. Couldn't be better. I get to be home most of the time with my daughter after school, get paid fairly well and have a three day weekend each week. Can't go wrong with this one at all. Think good thoughts for me. I don't start right away, but soon.
As you may have guessed I am stating work on the Koigu socks at last. Right now I'm doing a gauge swatch using the lovely bamboo #2's SP sent me. Nice yarn this Koigu, lovely pattern it knits to. But I cant help thinking it wants to be on number 1's. I have to knit some more of it to be sure. It could just be that the current pair I'm doing is on number 1's so I'm used to the feel of them. I'm using all five needles in the set which is unusual for me. I almost always only knit on four needles. I just prefer it as there are fewer to manipulate that way. Yes I know people say that they get fewer ladders with five but I am actually having more trouble with ladders on this gauge swatch then I usually have with four needles. In fact, I almost never have ladders, or they are slight and not too noticeable. Not so with five. I suppose it's from unfamiliarity with the rhythm of the work. One of these days I will bite the bullet and try two circs and check out how that works as well. I just have to have someone show me how it's done. Although I've been told that it's easy to learn form Cat Bordi's book. These socks are going to be for me. The next pair is for DH, and after that I want to make a pair for one of my brothers.
I've been bad about working on the sweater and really haven't touched it in a while. So I am mentioning it here in the hope that if I do it will get me moving. Usually when I mention a project on the blog I seem to develop a new desire to work on it, even if it's only a few rows. With the sweater it's a question of time. I just don't have it right now. Especially this week with DS in town.
Got a job doing steady merchandising work. If I've not explained about merchandising it's going into stores setting up displays, reworking displays, setting products on shelves in a particular order and related tasks. Bet you didn't know people got paid to do that did you? Well they do and I've been doing it off and on for a bit over 5 years. I will be working for a good firm that will employ me four days a week, (M-Th) 8-4 32 hours a week. In and around the area where I live. Couldn't be better. I get to be home most of the time with my daughter after school, get paid fairly well and have a three day weekend each week. Can't go wrong with this one at all. Think good thoughts for me. I don't start right away, but soon.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Homecoming
DS comes home today until July 5th. I'm so excited! It will be nice to have him with us for so long. Especially since he's been having a rough time of it lately. Acting out for reasons neither we or the staff at school can figure out. Hopefully some time at home will get him out of it, that and a few days of non-stop TV. DS loves his cartoons even though he's nearly 15. Part of it is the fact that he's younger than his age due to his autism, part if it is that all autistic kids tend to have an interest area that they focus on kind of obsessively. For DS that happens to be animation. He can tell you exactly who drew Bugs Bunny, who the voice over actors are for Yu-gi-oh (his favorite currently, he collects the cards, though right now we aren't giving him any as they tend to get stolen at school *sigh*), and accurately repeat whole episodes from memory. He has books about animation that he likes to go through as well. DS's other big interest is cooking and wants to do that as a career when he's done with school. He's actually a pretty good cook too!
DD admitted to me the other day that she's been a little depressed lately and that she's been missing DS a lot. She had a good cry about it and I think she's feeling a bit better now. Just like her Dad she tends to keep things bottled up inside herself till she explodes which is just not a good thing. We've been doing a lot of things together, one is something I really recommend to you all. We've been taking out recorded versions of books I loved at her age from the library, and listening to them together. I knit away while the book talks, and she flops on a pillow on the floor. We chat about the book, listen to it, and generally just have time with each other. It's a nice way to share a book with a kid.
My iPod and I have become fast friends. It's nice to have the music and the podcasts to knit to, and I've gotten a lot of knitting done on the infamous socks as a result. No, I've not had a chance to start the Koigu ones I promise faithfully I will start them today. I am just not sure what pattern I want to do them in. I love socks but I've been doing plain ones all along and think I want to use the Koigu to branch out. I got a real nice pattern off the internet just the other day that looks like it might be the right one, but I am going to go through the book of patterns I've been saving to see first. I've been keeping a book of patterns I find in a three ring binder, and have yet to use any of them. Chicken I guess. But I know enough about socks to try them now, and the time has come to do it, so I am going to take the plunge. I also picked up some lovely Regia the other day at my LYS. I'd gone in for something else and it just called to me. What was I going to do? Poor yarn needed a home I couldn't just leave it there all alone.
DD admitted to me the other day that she's been a little depressed lately and that she's been missing DS a lot. She had a good cry about it and I think she's feeling a bit better now. Just like her Dad she tends to keep things bottled up inside herself till she explodes which is just not a good thing. We've been doing a lot of things together, one is something I really recommend to you all. We've been taking out recorded versions of books I loved at her age from the library, and listening to them together. I knit away while the book talks, and she flops on a pillow on the floor. We chat about the book, listen to it, and generally just have time with each other. It's a nice way to share a book with a kid.
My iPod and I have become fast friends. It's nice to have the music and the podcasts to knit to, and I've gotten a lot of knitting done on the infamous socks as a result. No, I've not had a chance to start the Koigu ones I promise faithfully I will start them today. I am just not sure what pattern I want to do them in. I love socks but I've been doing plain ones all along and think I want to use the Koigu to branch out. I got a real nice pattern off the internet just the other day that looks like it might be the right one, but I am going to go through the book of patterns I've been saving to see first. I've been keeping a book of patterns I find in a three ring binder, and have yet to use any of them. Chicken I guess. But I know enough about socks to try them now, and the time has come to do it, so I am going to take the plunge. I also picked up some lovely Regia the other day at my LYS. I'd gone in for something else and it just called to me. What was I going to do? Poor yarn needed a home I couldn't just leave it there all alone.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Back again
Sorry I've not been updating lately. I've been busy with work and while this is a good thing for my pocketbook it leaves little time for the things I love like knitting and blogging. I am posting a picture of the wonderful package that my utterly amazing Secret Pal sent to me. Two skeins of KPPPM with sock needles, two skeins of baby yarn (lots of babies in our family these days more about that in a minute), two skeins of yarn to make something for DD (she loved them just the right color for her BTW), the book Knitticisms, and three packs of beads for my new obsession of beading. I'll be sending out a package to my pal this week, but don't think I can equal this one!
The niece I made the first blanket for went into premature labor the other day and is now on total bedrest. If you can spare a kind thought for her it's appreciated. So far she is at 33 weeks and needs to go at least one more for the baby's sake. My other niece had a little boy a week ago sweet little thing for whom we had a Bris last night. Nice to see the entire family. Shame that DS couldn't be there because he loves things like this but we called him on the phone during the party and he spoke to a bunch of his uncles and aunts who haven't seen him in a while. Not as good as having him there but he seemed to like it.
I am working on the infamous socks and starting a new pair with the Koigu I just got this afternoon. I've been itching to get to it before now but the time hasn't been there. When I start a new project I like to have a block of time for it so I can work out any kinks that may show up. I'll let you all know what I think of the Koigu soon, and I promise I won't wait as long as I have this time. I am also doing some swatches for a prayer shawl my Stitch n Bitch is contributing to. One of our members has a SIL who had a premature baby and we're all doing swatches to sew into a shawl for her. I am enjoying doing them, nice little project in between other thing, and good to know it's helping someone.
DD is having her first REAL taste of middle school this week, or at least I think so. This is her first experience with finals. She is on half days but each day is a different final exam and review session. She's never had finals before and has had to learn how to study for them. The teachers have been good about providing notes and giving guidelines, but I've had to be on top of her about studying. She seemed to finally get the idea about how to review, hopefully she's done well. DS is coming home for a week and a half starting on Saturday June 25 going back on July 5. We are excited to have him for so long as he usually only stays the weekend. No idea what I'll do with him all those days, and it does mean I can't work, but that's all small potatoes against just having him with us.
To the comments: Rebecca you not only get a description you get a picture hope it was worth the wait. Theo, nice to see you. I'm doing well these days thanks for stopping by. BeccaU I think you will really like the Knitcast, don't stop there try out some others too. Email me if you want some recommendations.
That's all for now folks. Promise not so long a break next entry!
The niece I made the first blanket for went into premature labor the other day and is now on total bedrest. If you can spare a kind thought for her it's appreciated. So far she is at 33 weeks and needs to go at least one more for the baby's sake. My other niece had a little boy a week ago sweet little thing for whom we had a Bris last night. Nice to see the entire family. Shame that DS couldn't be there because he loves things like this but we called him on the phone during the party and he spoke to a bunch of his uncles and aunts who haven't seen him in a while. Not as good as having him there but he seemed to like it.
I am working on the infamous socks and starting a new pair with the Koigu I just got this afternoon. I've been itching to get to it before now but the time hasn't been there. When I start a new project I like to have a block of time for it so I can work out any kinks that may show up. I'll let you all know what I think of the Koigu soon, and I promise I won't wait as long as I have this time. I am also doing some swatches for a prayer shawl my Stitch n Bitch is contributing to. One of our members has a SIL who had a premature baby and we're all doing swatches to sew into a shawl for her. I am enjoying doing them, nice little project in between other thing, and good to know it's helping someone.
DD is having her first REAL taste of middle school this week, or at least I think so. This is her first experience with finals. She is on half days but each day is a different final exam and review session. She's never had finals before and has had to learn how to study for them. The teachers have been good about providing notes and giving guidelines, but I've had to be on top of her about studying. She seemed to finally get the idea about how to review, hopefully she's done well. DS is coming home for a week and a half starting on Saturday June 25 going back on July 5. We are excited to have him for so long as he usually only stays the weekend. No idea what I'll do with him all those days, and it does mean I can't work, but that's all small potatoes against just having him with us.
To the comments: Rebecca you not only get a description you get a picture hope it was worth the wait. Theo, nice to see you. I'm doing well these days thanks for stopping by. BeccaU I think you will really like the Knitcast, don't stop there try out some others too. Email me if you want some recommendations.
That's all for now folks. Promise not so long a break next entry!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Looking Good
Well I'm out of my funk. Didn't really last too long but once again I've been busy with not too much time to post so I couldn't let you all know I was doing better. Thanks to all for the comments and especially to my Secrect Pal who now has me all excited! I am really looking forward to the entire Pal experience and cannot wait to get out and shop for my Pal this week. Pretty good idea what goodies to get for her first package.
DS bounced back from his homesickness in short order. It gets easier for him each time I think, as it should be. He really is growing up. He asked us to bring his CD player and some CD's with us on our next visit. Just like a teen, needs his tunes :). In his case this means a heavy dose of Jazz, a habit picked up while studying trumpet.
Speaking of tunes I am about to aquire an IPod. Not sure if I am getting a mini or a regular one yet probably a regular one. Mostly though I'll be listening to podcasts. Ever heard of them? These are kind of like radio programs in the form of mp3 files that people put up on the net, much in the way that people put up blogs. One of the very good ones is Knitcast, which as you might have guessed is about knitting. The woman who does it has interviewed Lilly Chin, the editor of Interweave Knits, The Yarn Harlot. The interviews are all interesting and well done. You can download and listen to the shows even without an Ipod, your computer can do all the work so check it out. If you want to get heavier into podcasting you'll need to get Itunes and a program like Ipodder, which is my personal favorite. Ipodder will collect all the feeds you choose and set them up as playlists in Itunes. Then you can move them around or delete them, listen to them when you want or if you have an Ipod transfer them to that device. There is a podcast for everything and I've been having a blast checking it all out. Listening to it all on my computer so anyone without an Ipod can do the same. All the programs I mention are free BTW. Before I leave this topic completely I want to encorage you all to click on the Folk Alley button on the sidebar. Wonderful totally free folk music will come streaming your way 24 hours a day. Check it out for a change of pace that you will be sure to love.
I've removed the little mood icon from my sidebar. It wasn't really indicating my mood on a day to day basis and it was too much of a pain to constantly change it so I just took it off.
DS bounced back from his homesickness in short order. It gets easier for him each time I think, as it should be. He really is growing up. He asked us to bring his CD player and some CD's with us on our next visit. Just like a teen, needs his tunes :). In his case this means a heavy dose of Jazz, a habit picked up while studying trumpet.
Speaking of tunes I am about to aquire an IPod. Not sure if I am getting a mini or a regular one yet probably a regular one. Mostly though I'll be listening to podcasts. Ever heard of them? These are kind of like radio programs in the form of mp3 files that people put up on the net, much in the way that people put up blogs. One of the very good ones is Knitcast, which as you might have guessed is about knitting. The woman who does it has interviewed Lilly Chin, the editor of Interweave Knits, The Yarn Harlot. The interviews are all interesting and well done. You can download and listen to the shows even without an Ipod, your computer can do all the work so check it out. If you want to get heavier into podcasting you'll need to get Itunes and a program like Ipodder, which is my personal favorite. Ipodder will collect all the feeds you choose and set them up as playlists in Itunes. Then you can move them around or delete them, listen to them when you want or if you have an Ipod transfer them to that device. There is a podcast for everything and I've been having a blast checking it all out. Listening to it all on my computer so anyone without an Ipod can do the same. All the programs I mention are free BTW. Before I leave this topic completely I want to encorage you all to click on the Folk Alley button on the sidebar. Wonderful totally free folk music will come streaming your way 24 hours a day. Check it out for a change of pace that you will be sure to love.
I've removed the little mood icon from my sidebar. It wasn't really indicating my mood on a day to day basis and it was too much of a pain to constantly change it so I just took it off.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Singing the Blues
Bit down in the dumps today. DS was up for the holiday weekend and I am really missing him now that he's back at school. Especially since I spoke to him last night and he's sounding homesick. That happens to him after we see him. I suppose he will get used to it in time but it's still hard. He's been at school now just a little less than six months. I know that being away at this school is best for him but it's so hard at times. He has special needs and we couldn't find the right program for him here near to home so he goes to school three hours away and lives in the dorm. Really a house, with nine other boys. He has his own room and it's a wonderful place and great academically. He's made progress since being there. But I'm still a mommy and a mommy will miss their baby when he's away. Even when said baby is starting a mustache, is 5 foot 8 inches and has started to get a deeper voice.
I have one ear left do to for the bunny rabbit I'm making for my nephew and then I have to make the little sweater that goes with it. Pictures will go on the blog when finished. The blanket for my niece is also done. No picture for that as it's the same as the last blanket and I think it would be redundant to post this picture as well. I'm going to give it to her on Sunday with the rabbit. The socks haven't been touched recently but I think I'll get to them this week. Anyone interested in a progress photo on them and the sweater?
Tomorrow I have another freelance assignment to do which may turn into a long term relationship with this client, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.
I have one ear left do to for the bunny rabbit I'm making for my nephew and then I have to make the little sweater that goes with it. Pictures will go on the blog when finished. The blanket for my niece is also done. No picture for that as it's the same as the last blanket and I think it would be redundant to post this picture as well. I'm going to give it to her on Sunday with the rabbit. The socks haven't been touched recently but I think I'll get to them this week. Anyone interested in a progress photo on them and the sweater?
Tomorrow I have another freelance assignment to do which may turn into a long term relationship with this client, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Hello Again
I've not been around here much lately because lucky for me my little business has been busy the last week or so. I've been working so much there hasn't been much time for knitting. That's good and bad. Good for the pocket, bad for the soul. But I've managed to sneak in some time on the baby blanket I need to finish by June 5. I only hope I can get it done, because I keep making mistakes on it, and stupid ones too. *Sigh* Well today and tomorrow will be downtime so I'll put in some time and make a real push on it.
Heard from my Secret Pal today. Reminding me I'd never put up my questionnaire. So here it is sorry I've not done it before. Can't wait to hear who I'll be sending to!
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I'm not a fiber snob, but don't like plastic feeling stuff.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I know how to crochet but don't really do it, I don't like the look of it much. I've always wanted to spin but can't seem to get the hang of it.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I have problems with smoke.
4. How long have you been knitting?
I've knitted for nearly 40 years since I was 6 or so I'll be 45 this summer (I'm not shy about my age I think that being shy about your age is silly)
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wishlist I plan to create a knitpicks one too so check that one also
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
spicy and woody things
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Unfortunately for my hips, yes I do. I love sour candy and chocolate
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I like to bead
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like classic rock, jazz, classical, folk and world music. I can play mp3 and am about to buy an Ipod
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like green especially darker shades and love all earth tones. Autumn shades are faves in general. I don't really like pastels
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married two kids a boy 14 a girl 11 I have a guinea pig
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I'd love to be able to go back to school and study fiber and design though I don't know if I have any talent, I would also love to learn to weave and spin and dye my own fibers. I've like to be an artist dealing with fiber all the time and teach people how to work with them as well. I imagine having a studio out back and a shop out front in some small New England town.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't have a favorite brand but 100% wool yarns hand painted, space dyed, variegated or self patterned. I love to see the patterns come out.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Mohair
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
socks and baby stuff
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks
17. What are you knitting right now?
a baby blanket, a sweater for myself, a pair of socks also for myself, and a bunny for my nephew
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Not much
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
depends on what I'm making and how many stitches I have. I use both
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter?
YES!
22. How did you learn to knit?
My mother taught me and some others refined the technique
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 years
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Penguins
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Fourth of July or Passover
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Penguins
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Neatby
That's about it. More knitting content to come!
Heard from my Secret Pal today. Reminding me I'd never put up my questionnaire. So here it is sorry I've not done it before. Can't wait to hear who I'll be sending to!
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I'm not a fiber snob, but don't like plastic feeling stuff.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I know how to crochet but don't really do it, I don't like the look of it much. I've always wanted to spin but can't seem to get the hang of it.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I have problems with smoke.
4. How long have you been knitting?
I've knitted for nearly 40 years since I was 6 or so I'll be 45 this summer (I'm not shy about my age I think that being shy about your age is silly)
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wishlist I plan to create a knitpicks one too so check that one also
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
spicy and woody things
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Unfortunately for my hips, yes I do. I love sour candy and chocolate
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I like to bead
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like classic rock, jazz, classical, folk and world music. I can play mp3 and am about to buy an Ipod
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like green especially darker shades and love all earth tones. Autumn shades are faves in general. I don't really like pastels
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married two kids a boy 14 a girl 11 I have a guinea pig
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I'd love to be able to go back to school and study fiber and design though I don't know if I have any talent, I would also love to learn to weave and spin and dye my own fibers. I've like to be an artist dealing with fiber all the time and teach people how to work with them as well. I imagine having a studio out back and a shop out front in some small New England town.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't have a favorite brand but 100% wool yarns hand painted, space dyed, variegated or self patterned. I love to see the patterns come out.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Mohair
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
socks and baby stuff
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks
17. What are you knitting right now?
a baby blanket, a sweater for myself, a pair of socks also for myself, and a bunny for my nephew
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Not much
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
depends on what I'm making and how many stitches I have. I use both
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter?
YES!
22. How did you learn to knit?
My mother taught me and some others refined the technique
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 years
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Penguins
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Fourth of July or Passover
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Penguins
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Neatby
That's about it. More knitting content to come!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Crazy Days Indeed
I have been running crazy the last few days trying to get a home business I used to have up and running again. Since it looks like the job I had at the clothing store is not going to pan out, I figure I will try and work for myself again. I used to do something called merchandising. It involves going to stores and setting up displays, cutting in new products, and anything involved with making products look good. Sometimes you also do demo work like I'll be doing this weekend. (I'll be demonstrating a product in Home Depot for a few hours on Sat and Sun. Good money too) I occasionally do mystery shopping as well. That's fun but hard work to get the assignments. You have to constantly be on your toes looking around the net and putting in applications with the mystery shopping companies. I did OK with this before hope I will again. I already have some work and it's only been a few days looking for it.
I've been having tons of fun with the stitch markers and have even branched out into making earrings for myself and DD. I have been so busy that I still haven't gone and gotten the batteries for the camera. I swear I will get them before the end of the week and will post pics of the earrings and some of the knitting I've done.
I've been having tons of fun with the stitch markers and have even branched out into making earrings for myself and DD. I have been so busy that I still haven't gone and gotten the batteries for the camera. I swear I will get them before the end of the week and will post pics of the earrings and some of the knitting I've done.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
The Beat Goes On
I think I got everyone who told me I missed them in my blogroll, please if you stop by and I don't have you in my blogroll leave me a comment I don't want to miss you! Wow kmckiernan I thought my blogroll was long till I saw yours! Nice blog BTW! I'm horrible about leaving comments so if I didn't please forgive me. Kitt you are so right I am very lucky with DD, she has a good sense about things and is only 11. I call her my fashion consultant and often take her with me when I buy clothes.
Well looks like the job is going to go by the wayside. Seems like I was judged by my performance on the first day. Because I wasn't totally on spot right out of the gate I wasn't given a chance. I'm not that upset. Why would I want to work for someone who would be like that? What I am doing is trying to reactivate a freelance business I had a few years ago and see have that works out. I only need part time income so it's not really that bad. But it does piss me off that I didn't get a fair chance to show my stuff.
Mothers Day was pretty good despite having to work the stupid job for a few hours. I got a gift card to AC Moore from DH, and DD gave me a candle and candle holder. DS gave me my gift this past weekend when we saw him at school, a necklace that he earned by turning in good behavior points (I was very proud). We went out to dinner at a Japanese restaurant where I ate entirely too much Sushi. I had a great time.
Knitting wise I finally got back to the sock. Unfortunately frogging it back and reknitting stretched out some of the work and I have gusset holes now. Not too large so I can stitch them up real easy when the sock is done. I will post a photo as soon as I get new batteries in the camera. I have also made some progress on the sweater. Finally settling on a garter stitch border for the bottom. The work seems to be coming out nice and even so there should be little frogging in my future (she said hopefully). I am also 3/4 with the baby blanket I am making for my niece. This is in addition to the one already posted to the blog. Same pattern different color. I want to finish it by June 5th when I have a Baby Shower to go to that the recipient of the blanket will be attending (it's not her shower). I am also making a small stuffed bunny with a sweater for my little grand nephew. I wasn't able to make him a blanket as I had tendonitis at the time so I want to make him a little something to make up for it.
Tonight I met some friends from my Stitch n Bitch at AC Moore to take advantage of their 25% off sale. We had lots of fun fondling yarn. I blew the entire gift card on the following a needle roll (desperately needed), The book Knit One Felt Two, yarn and needles for the bunny for my nephew, and some supplies for stitch markers that my friend Dani inspired (or enabled take your pick) me to get. I am really looking forward to playing with the beads. I've done a little work with them in the past but just with safety pin bead pins so this is kind of new to me. Just what I need another hobby to obsess over!
Well looks like the job is going to go by the wayside. Seems like I was judged by my performance on the first day. Because I wasn't totally on spot right out of the gate I wasn't given a chance. I'm not that upset. Why would I want to work for someone who would be like that? What I am doing is trying to reactivate a freelance business I had a few years ago and see have that works out. I only need part time income so it's not really that bad. But it does piss me off that I didn't get a fair chance to show my stuff.
Mothers Day was pretty good despite having to work the stupid job for a few hours. I got a gift card to AC Moore from DH, and DD gave me a candle and candle holder. DS gave me my gift this past weekend when we saw him at school, a necklace that he earned by turning in good behavior points (I was very proud). We went out to dinner at a Japanese restaurant where I ate entirely too much Sushi. I had a great time.
Knitting wise I finally got back to the sock. Unfortunately frogging it back and reknitting stretched out some of the work and I have gusset holes now. Not too large so I can stitch them up real easy when the sock is done. I will post a photo as soon as I get new batteries in the camera. I have also made some progress on the sweater. Finally settling on a garter stitch border for the bottom. The work seems to be coming out nice and even so there should be little frogging in my future (she said hopefully). I am also 3/4 with the baby blanket I am making for my niece. This is in addition to the one already posted to the blog. Same pattern different color. I want to finish it by June 5th when I have a Baby Shower to go to that the recipient of the blanket will be attending (it's not her shower). I am also making a small stuffed bunny with a sweater for my little grand nephew. I wasn't able to make him a blanket as I had tendonitis at the time so I want to make him a little something to make up for it.
Tonight I met some friends from my Stitch n Bitch at AC Moore to take advantage of their 25% off sale. We had lots of fun fondling yarn. I blew the entire gift card on the following a needle roll (desperately needed), The book Knit One Felt Two, yarn and needles for the bunny for my nephew, and some supplies for stitch markers that my friend Dani inspired (or enabled take your pick) me to get. I am really looking forward to playing with the beads. I've done a little work with them in the past but just with safety pin bead pins so this is kind of new to me. Just what I need another hobby to obsess over!
Monday, May 09, 2005
Probably True
Your Linguistic Profile: |
50% General American English |
30% Yankee |
15% Dixie |
5% Upper Midwestern |
0% Midwestern |
Thursday, May 05, 2005
The Tale of the Red Sweater
I now have total respect for all designers. The red sweater has been through so many changes that it's almost silly. So many swatches and so much thought before it was even started. Now last night, after 10 inches of the back was done I decided that it just looked awful. Not my best knitting. Too uneven, too many loose stitches. DD looked at it and said "Mom you are going to make yourself nuts every time you put it on. Rip the thing out." So out came the ball winder for the first time (this shouldn't be a total loss) and frog it I did. Back to the original concept of a garter stitch bottom and stockinette body with the same modified drop sleeves. (garter stitch bottom was DD's idea she hated the 2x2 rib I ended up with) Yes I am still actually enjoying this. (or at least I am telling myself that) I also swear I am getting back to the socks this afternoon.
The other day I realized that there were over 80 blogs on my list of blogs I read. No, I don't read them all every day. That would leave me little time to do anything else let alone knit. What I do is use a service called bloglines. It lets you know when a blog has been updated so all you have to do is go to that blog. It takes a little time each day and you get to read a lot of good stuff. What I am trying to do is put together a comprehensive list of knitting blogs, so if you know one that I don't have and it's a good one, or if I don't have yours please send me the link in a comment. Thanks!
The other day I realized that there were over 80 blogs on my list of blogs I read. No, I don't read them all every day. That would leave me little time to do anything else let alone knit. What I do is use a service called bloglines. It lets you know when a blog has been updated so all you have to do is go to that blog. It takes a little time each day and you get to read a lot of good stuff. What I am trying to do is put together a comprehensive list of knitting blogs, so if you know one that I don't have and it's a good one, or if I don't have yours please send me the link in a comment. Thanks!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Odds and Ends
So far the job is going well. I spent a lot of time roaming the store trying to find a place to put things, but that will change as I learn the lay of the land. I don't have a lot of hours now, but that's par for the course this time of the year in retail. Suits me fine more time to knit :)
I've been having trouble with the socks I'm making myself yet again. This is the same pair I posted about the other day. First I had to frog sock number two since I found a major mistake. Then I dropped a stitch on sock number one just as I started the gusset. The sock gods do not seem to want this pair completed, but I am not giving up. I will let them sit for a day or so and then forge on.
I have finally started the red pullover sweater that I'm making out of KnitPicks yarn for the Knit Red Knit Along. First I tried it with a garter stitch edge rather than using a rib stitch but decided I didn't like the look so I frogged it back and am starting over. It's an interesting process working on this piece. Not exactly designing from scratch, not working from a complete pattern either. I am enjoying making all the choices and design decisions more than I thought I would. This is a simple sweater since it's my first time doing something like this. Stockinette stitch all the way through (I ditched the moss stitch I was debating) roll neck, modified drop shoulder. Progress photos will be posted.
Got a surprise in the mail today. A dishcloth round robin I am in that I had forgotten about. Some very nice cloths in there and even a soap sack. The idea is that you put in a couple of your designs and take out some of the designs in the robin you like. You are supposed to put a note on your cloths but it looks like not everyone did. Fortunately I did knit ahead on this one and have some dishcloths to put in. I happen to like doing dishcloths from time to time. They're easy and work up fast. A nice change from the stuff I usually make. I also like using them. Once you use a knitted dishcloth or washcloth you are spoiled forever. DD loves the one I made for her and I love the ones I use in the kitchen. Now some people in this group I mentioned really take it far. Knitting dishcloths with state maps on them and matching them to holidays. I don't go that far, though I've been known to do the odd cabled cloth, but I do enjoy making them at times.
I've been having trouble with the socks I'm making myself yet again. This is the same pair I posted about the other day. First I had to frog sock number two since I found a major mistake. Then I dropped a stitch on sock number one just as I started the gusset. The sock gods do not seem to want this pair completed, but I am not giving up. I will let them sit for a day or so and then forge on.
I have finally started the red pullover sweater that I'm making out of KnitPicks yarn for the Knit Red Knit Along. First I tried it with a garter stitch edge rather than using a rib stitch but decided I didn't like the look so I frogged it back and am starting over. It's an interesting process working on this piece. Not exactly designing from scratch, not working from a complete pattern either. I am enjoying making all the choices and design decisions more than I thought I would. This is a simple sweater since it's my first time doing something like this. Stockinette stitch all the way through (I ditched the moss stitch I was debating) roll neck, modified drop shoulder. Progress photos will be posted.
Got a surprise in the mail today. A dishcloth round robin I am in that I had forgotten about. Some very nice cloths in there and even a soap sack. The idea is that you put in a couple of your designs and take out some of the designs in the robin you like. You are supposed to put a note on your cloths but it looks like not everyone did. Fortunately I did knit ahead on this one and have some dishcloths to put in. I happen to like doing dishcloths from time to time. They're easy and work up fast. A nice change from the stuff I usually make. I also like using them. Once you use a knitted dishcloth or washcloth you are spoiled forever. DD loves the one I made for her and I love the ones I use in the kitchen. Now some people in this group I mentioned really take it far. Knitting dishcloths with state maps on them and matching them to holidays. I don't go that far, though I've been known to do the odd cabled cloth, but I do enjoy making them at times.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
A Difficult Week
This was a hard week for me. I recently accepted a job just because I thought I'd get it not because I thought it was suited to me, or because I wanted it, or even that I thought I'd be good at it. I had doubts about it from the start. I was a merchandiser before, which is what this job entailed. That means you go into stores, set up displays, and make sure the product is out for the consumer. This company had been represented to be as a garden and lawn products company, then I find out that a lot of what they sell is insecticides, things to kill termites, and such. I was being asked to put this stuff out, (which gave me the creeps especially when something leaked on me and I was told don't worry about it) and to tell people how to use it. Now I am someone who doesn't kill things. I take bugs outside, I don't step on them. I try to eat vegetarian as much as I can and would likely do it all the time if DH would come along with me. Well anyway I was unhappy. I also had to do way more travel than I thought I'd have to do, the boxes were way heavier than I thought they were going to be, and they expected me to work alone sooner than I felt comfortable. All around I felt stuck and over my head. Then out of the blue comes a call from this store I'd applied to. I thought I'd lost out on the job from them but apparently I was wrong. A lifeline in a dark night! Of course I grabbed at it. Now I feel bad about quitting Job #1 so soon, but better for all concerned if I go as soon as I realize it's not working I think. I hope that this new job works out for me, and I think it will. A nice high end woman's clothing store in a mall near my house. More my speed.
Knittingwise I haven't gotten much done the last few days as you might imagine. I've worked on niece #2's baby blanket, did some work on my socks, and did some swatching on the red sweater I want to make for myself. DD has declared that she doesn't think a moss stitch sweater will look good, I'm still not sure. I'm divided between moss on the whole thing, moss on the body, stockinette on the sleeves, or stockinette on the whole thing. Roll neck , garter stitch bottom most likely. Opinions?
Knittingwise I haven't gotten much done the last few days as you might imagine. I've worked on niece #2's baby blanket, did some work on my socks, and did some swatching on the red sweater I want to make for myself. DD has declared that she doesn't think a moss stitch sweater will look good, I'm still not sure. I'm divided between moss on the whole thing, moss on the body, stockinette on the sleeves, or stockinette on the whole thing. Roll neck , garter stitch bottom most likely. Opinions?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
The Continuing Tale Of The Sock Needles
I was so proud of myself for coming up with a solution for the lost needle wasn't I? Well the knitting gods punish the proud. Not long after posting that entry I promptly stepped on the needles and broke one. I ran out to try and find a new set before picking up DH at the train, but the Michaels I went to had hardly any DP's. So on the way to dinner we went to AC Moore and I got two sets one for each sock so I could work on both at the same time. My family didn't complain one bit or think I was crazy at all. Just Mom being Mom.
Did the swatch for my sweater and boy do I love this KnitPicks yarn! So soft and nice to knit with. Though I realized this AM I will not be able to do too much on the sweater this week. I haven't done much on the baby blanket lately and really have to make a push on it. The baby is due in June and I want the thing done well in time for the kid's arrival. There may be a shower after all and I'd like to be able to give the blanket at the shower.
My DD has been envious of Aibhlinn and wants one for herself. I have some Tahki Cotton Classic in my stash that may work for it if she likes the color. I figure I'll cast on 2/3 as many stitches, make it shorter, and do the same stitch pattern. It can't be too hard to work out. I don't think that Aibhlinn is a very difficult pattern at all. I know a lot of other knitters have had trouble with it, but I found it to be fun and easy to do. Sure I tinked it a couple of times but that was really about it, save for one small incident getting it started. Cotton Classic is a cabled cotton yarn, mercernized, it should look like nice and drape well. Best of all is I have no memory of buying this yarn and have no idea what I got it for.
Not to be out done DS has asked for socks, and ought to be interesting to knit for since he has huge feet. Boy is only 14 and has size 11 feet. I have a ball of Magic Stripes in the house I was going to use for him and as I type this realize that for size 11 one ball may not be enough I ought to get another just in case.
Did the swatch for my sweater and boy do I love this KnitPicks yarn! So soft and nice to knit with. Though I realized this AM I will not be able to do too much on the sweater this week. I haven't done much on the baby blanket lately and really have to make a push on it. The baby is due in June and I want the thing done well in time for the kid's arrival. There may be a shower after all and I'd like to be able to give the blanket at the shower.
My DD has been envious of Aibhlinn and wants one for herself. I have some Tahki Cotton Classic in my stash that may work for it if she likes the color. I figure I'll cast on 2/3 as many stitches, make it shorter, and do the same stitch pattern. It can't be too hard to work out. I don't think that Aibhlinn is a very difficult pattern at all. I know a lot of other knitters have had trouble with it, but I found it to be fun and easy to do. Sure I tinked it a couple of times but that was really about it, save for one small incident getting it started. Cotton Classic is a cabled cotton yarn, mercernized, it should look like nice and drape well. Best of all is I have no memory of buying this yarn and have no idea what I got it for.
Not to be out done DS has asked for socks, and ought to be interesting to knit for since he has huge feet. Boy is only 14 and has size 11 feet. I have a ball of Magic Stripes in the house I was going to use for him and as I type this realize that for size 11 one ball may not be enough I ought to get another just in case.
Friday, April 22, 2005
How I Know I'm Obsessed
DS goes to a boarding school for special needs children. When he comes home for a visit I meet him at Penn Station in New York and go home on the Long Island Rail Road. Like any good knitter, I was certainly not going to let all that idle time go by without a project in hand so I took the socks I'm knitting for myself right now along. When I got on the train I discovered, to my horror, that I'd lost one of the needles. I was so upset. Two hours of train time (one each way) with no knitting. What was I going to do? Then I remembered that I'd left the larger needles I'd started the sock with in the bag (I cast on and do some of the leg in a larger needle than the rest of the sock to allow for calf shaping). So I found the end of the second skein, the one that hadn't been started yet, cast on, on the larger needles, and was happily knitting away in minutes. Lucky me the needles I am using come in sets of 5 and I knit in sets of four so I can now go on with sock number one as well. Of course this means I need to get another set of #1 needles so I can do both socks at the same time, but what's another set of needles right? (and lord knows what else by the time I leave the store)
I have good news to report. I am once again among the employed! Yes folks I finally got a job. The second one that I mentioned came through and a good thing as it is for way more money that the first one I went after. I think it will be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it. DD is a little upset, but I told her I will most likely still be home in the afternoon, as I will be starting work early in the morning. (the only draw back) Her main concern is being picked up from school the one day a week she is there late for a club. She hates the late bus.
As I said DS is in for a visit as it is Passover. It's so nice to see how well DS is doing. Everyday he grows, gets better, more mature and in control of himself. Having him far away at school is hard, but it's the best thing we have ever done for him. In so far as Passover goes, we don't make too big a deal out of the holiday. DS reacts badly to change and if you observe Passover strictly you have to make a lot of changes. Mostly, we just have a nice dinner on the first two nights, see friends and such. A quiet time to be together. I am being smart, courtesy of DH's aunt. We are getting dinner brought in from a Kosher Deli in the area. We did this last year and the food was fabulous, best of all I didn't have to spend days in the kitchen getting things ready. I still have to make one or two small things but most everything else is done for me. This folks is the way to live, a big family dinner with no fuss at all.
My KnitPicks order came today. I am soooo happy with the yarn I got, although I now realize I should have gotten a little more and will probably have to do the sweater at 5 sts to the inch. I'd rather go for a finer gauge but this will be just fine. I totally love the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, and while the Cable Needle Freedom book is really a booklet, and pricy as a result, it's a fascinating technique and I am a technique whore so it's OK. The yarn is going to be a modified drop shoulder sweater with a rolled crew neck. Simple, as I've not done a sweater in years. Also I want to get to know the yarn. I've not decided if I will just do a plain stockinette stitch or perhaps a seed stitch instead. Most likely I'll keep it plain. For some reason I am nervous about the sweater. DH tells me that if I can do socks I can do a sweater, so do my knitting friends. I guess I will just have to trust myself.
I have good news to report. I am once again among the employed! Yes folks I finally got a job. The second one that I mentioned came through and a good thing as it is for way more money that the first one I went after. I think it will be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it. DD is a little upset, but I told her I will most likely still be home in the afternoon, as I will be starting work early in the morning. (the only draw back) Her main concern is being picked up from school the one day a week she is there late for a club. She hates the late bus.
As I said DS is in for a visit as it is Passover. It's so nice to see how well DS is doing. Everyday he grows, gets better, more mature and in control of himself. Having him far away at school is hard, but it's the best thing we have ever done for him. In so far as Passover goes, we don't make too big a deal out of the holiday. DS reacts badly to change and if you observe Passover strictly you have to make a lot of changes. Mostly, we just have a nice dinner on the first two nights, see friends and such. A quiet time to be together. I am being smart, courtesy of DH's aunt. We are getting dinner brought in from a Kosher Deli in the area. We did this last year and the food was fabulous, best of all I didn't have to spend days in the kitchen getting things ready. I still have to make one or two small things but most everything else is done for me. This folks is the way to live, a big family dinner with no fuss at all.
My KnitPicks order came today. I am soooo happy with the yarn I got, although I now realize I should have gotten a little more and will probably have to do the sweater at 5 sts to the inch. I'd rather go for a finer gauge but this will be just fine. I totally love the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, and while the Cable Needle Freedom book is really a booklet, and pricy as a result, it's a fascinating technique and I am a technique whore so it's OK. The yarn is going to be a modified drop shoulder sweater with a rolled crew neck. Simple, as I've not done a sweater in years. Also I want to get to know the yarn. I've not decided if I will just do a plain stockinette stitch or perhaps a seed stitch instead. Most likely I'll keep it plain. For some reason I am nervous about the sweater. DH tells me that if I can do socks I can do a sweater, so do my knitting friends. I guess I will just have to trust myself.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Holding Pattern
I am still waiting to hear about that job. The people at my old job have not called back the woman at the new one yet. Honestly I don't know why they haven't and why she doesn't try calling them again. But the good news is that I may have another job at more money before this one comes up. It's doing something called merchandising which I've done before. You go to various stores and set up displays, educate the people in the store about the products and then move on. Nice thing is that you make your own hours and are really your own boss. We'll see what happens.
At least my knitting life is not in a holding pattern. I've got 2 1/2 inches to do on Aibhlinn before I have the edging. Thanks to everyone for all the nice comments! You people make me blush. knitnana bugged me for a picture now I'm bugging her! I want to see your Aibhlinn the heck with the life lines! Yes Rebecca I am very excited about the KnitPicks order. I have heard so much about this yarn I cannot wait to get it into my hot little hands. It has been years since I've done a sweater and I am looking forward to doing this one. You are responsible for this one, at least in part, you know. After hearing about the Knit Red Along from you at SnB, I decided on doing the sweater for it. I got a shade of cranberry red just for it. I plan on a simple drop shoulder with a roll neck. The item, aside from the yarn, that I most want to see from this order is a book called Cable Needle Freedom. It's a self published book that teaches you how to do cables without the cable needle. She starts off with swatches then goes to a hat and also has socks and a sweater in the book. I am really excited about trying the technique and yes Rebecca I will bring it one Thursday to show to Justin.(who is obsessed with cables)
Speaking of Justin, who is the sole male member of my SnB group, he sent an interesting message out that I'd like to mention here. Someone on the net is trying to get a World Wide Knit in Public Day started. Sounds like a fun idea and I thought I'd pass it along. I've put the button on my site. You may take it if you like, put please don't link to it.
At least my knitting life is not in a holding pattern. I've got 2 1/2 inches to do on Aibhlinn before I have the edging. Thanks to everyone for all the nice comments! You people make me blush. knitnana bugged me for a picture now I'm bugging her! I want to see your Aibhlinn the heck with the life lines! Yes Rebecca I am very excited about the KnitPicks order. I have heard so much about this yarn I cannot wait to get it into my hot little hands. It has been years since I've done a sweater and I am looking forward to doing this one. You are responsible for this one, at least in part, you know. After hearing about the Knit Red Along from you at SnB, I decided on doing the sweater for it. I got a shade of cranberry red just for it. I plan on a simple drop shoulder with a roll neck. The item, aside from the yarn, that I most want to see from this order is a book called Cable Needle Freedom. It's a self published book that teaches you how to do cables without the cable needle. She starts off with swatches then goes to a hat and also has socks and a sweater in the book. I am really excited about trying the technique and yes Rebecca I will bring it one Thursday to show to Justin.(who is obsessed with cables)
Speaking of Justin, who is the sole male member of my SnB group, he sent an interesting message out that I'd like to mention here. Someone on the net is trying to get a World Wide Knit in Public Day started. Sounds like a fun idea and I thought I'd pass it along. I've put the button on my site. You may take it if you like, put please don't link to it.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Waiting
I applied for a job the other day and yesterday had an interview. It went very well and they all but offered it to me. Now I just have to wait for them to call my last job and check my references. I am sooooo nervous. I don't see any reason for the last job to say anything bad. I always did my best and left on good terms. This new place is very nice, a clothing store (I considered the Michaels nearby but the pay stunk LOL) and the people are just lovely. What is truly sick is while I am sitting there, I look at the lockers, where the workers put their stuff, and calculate which of my knitting bags will fit in the locker. Now if that's not one for the Yarn Harlot's book I don't know what is. (if you don't have this gem yet go buy it now!)
I measured Aibhlinn last night again and it's got about 6 inches to go! I am so excited. I think if I push I can finish it this week, but more likely next. I still have some Children in Common socks I want to get out before the week is done. This is a very worthwhile organization I really urge you all to check out. They are always looking for knitted items even in between trips like the one they are a just about to make. Please consider making a donation.
I am biting the bullet and ordering 16 skeins of Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks this weekend. At Rebecca's suggestion (why didn't I think of this) I looked through the catalog and found a sweater I thought would fit me and went with that recommendation. The thing with the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns is that they assume you already have the yarn and you are looking for a pattern. There is another companion thing that has suggested amounts of yarn for various projects that I am now getting as well. I really do love this book and I am even getting the one the same author has for sweaters. I suggest it to everyone, as I use it for small things all the time, it's wonderful. You can just take a gauge swatch, go to the book, look up let's say, mittens under your gauge and viola a pattern. So the Knit Picks order is going to be the yarn, the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements, and a book called Cable Needle Freedom that teaches you to do cables without the cable needle. I was able to do all of this, (plus a ball winder from another source) because I sold a pile of books on Amazon and magazines on eBay. Lesson? Go to your shelf and see what you have that you don't use. Maybe you've got some gems on there. I had a couple of Alice Staremore's that were simply never going to be used and I sold them for a lot of cash, it was worth it for what I got. Amazon will take a commission but they take the headache too.
A photo of Aibhlinn follows the post.
I measured Aibhlinn last night again and it's got about 6 inches to go! I am so excited. I think if I push I can finish it this week, but more likely next. I still have some Children in Common socks I want to get out before the week is done. This is a very worthwhile organization I really urge you all to check out. They are always looking for knitted items even in between trips like the one they are a just about to make. Please consider making a donation.
I am biting the bullet and ordering 16 skeins of Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks this weekend. At Rebecca's suggestion (why didn't I think of this) I looked through the catalog and found a sweater I thought would fit me and went with that recommendation. The thing with the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns is that they assume you already have the yarn and you are looking for a pattern. There is another companion thing that has suggested amounts of yarn for various projects that I am now getting as well. I really do love this book and I am even getting the one the same author has for sweaters. I suggest it to everyone, as I use it for small things all the time, it's wonderful. You can just take a gauge swatch, go to the book, look up let's say, mittens under your gauge and viola a pattern. So the Knit Picks order is going to be the yarn, the Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements, and a book called Cable Needle Freedom that teaches you to do cables without the cable needle. I was able to do all of this, (plus a ball winder from another source) because I sold a pile of books on Amazon and magazines on eBay. Lesson? Go to your shelf and see what you have that you don't use. Maybe you've got some gems on there. I had a couple of Alice Staremore's that were simply never going to be used and I sold them for a lot of cash, it was worth it for what I got. Amazon will take a commission but they take the headache too.
A photo of Aibhlinn follows the post.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Frustration
Ok, so here's my problem. I want to order some yarn from KnitPicks, but I have no idea how much yarn to order. All I want to do is get enough to make a very simple crew neck pullover for myself. I'm getting the pattern from the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, and so I don't have specific amounts already in hand. This book works backwards. You give it the gauge and it spits out the pattern for you. Thing is that I don't have the gauge if I don't have the yarn. So how do I estimate how much to buy? It's making me nuts. I want to do something for the Knit Red Along, it's been years since I've done a sweater and this just seems perfect. Can anyone in the blogosphere help me here?
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Solace
It's amazing how much solace I get from my knitting. After a long time out of the workforce. I started looking for a job this week. Not an easy thing to do even though I have experience. I have a gap of over a year and people have moved on from places where I've been before so it may not be so easy to get references. I am hopeful that I will have something soon. (I work in retail these days part-time although my degree is in accounting.) Knitting really helps me on days when I am tense and unsure of myself. The repetition is like meditating and sets my mind at ease when it is tense. I don't know what I would do at a time like this without it!
Last night I measured Aibhlinn and found I was a drop more than halfway done. I was a little surprised as I have been working almost exclusively on Children in Common socks lately. But this pattern works up so fast it's easy to put a lot on without realizing it. I've had to tink a couple of times but even with that I've made good progress. Today I'm going to wind up the last skein of the yarn I bought for it so I'll be ready to use it. Pray for me would you? This stuff tangles if you sneeze on it.
Last night I measured Aibhlinn and found I was a drop more than halfway done. I was a little surprised as I have been working almost exclusively on Children in Common socks lately. But this pattern works up so fast it's easy to put a lot on without realizing it. I've had to tink a couple of times but even with that I've made good progress. Today I'm going to wind up the last skein of the yarn I bought for it so I'll be ready to use it. Pray for me would you? This stuff tangles if you sneeze on it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Comments
My thanks to Laura over at Knits for Sanity for alerting me to the fact that my blog was set to accept comments from blogger users only and then telling me how to fix it. What a wonderful community we've got here on the web. Anyone can now leave comments on this blog without having a blogger account!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Tingles
This morning while knitting I began to feel some tingling in my fingers. I did the smart thing. Put down my needles at the end of the row, took some Advil (for the inflammation) and stayed away from my knitting for several hours. Fortunately the tingling didn't come back so I think I am safe for now. If it does I will go to the doctor. Please folks if you feel symptoms like these do not treat them yourself for too long. I had a bad injury to my wrist back in the early 80's and it's no joke I can tell you.
Every Monday DD has a group that she attends and I go to a Borders nearby to drink coffee and knit. While there I found a mistake I made in Aibhlinn. Now I can handle this in one of several ways. I can lay in a lifeline, frog down the piece, and put it back on the needles; I can frog without the lifeline first marking the first stitich which really matters on this pattern, or I can tink the piece after marking the mistaken stitch. I am tinking. It's only one row and part of another. I hate frogging. I always manage to drop stitches and haven't gotten used to lifelines yet. OTOH, tinking I don't mind. Each to his own I guess.
How do I know that DH is not a knitter? We had the following conversation. I commented that I just had to replace my plastic #7 double pointed needles because they were too stiff and had no give to them. Unlike my lovely wooden or bamboo dp's that I use for thinner sock wool. (I'm using the 7's for the Children in Common socks I've been doing) All innocent, he asks me why I don't just go and do it. "Because they don't have them at Michaels or AC Moore in that size" I answer Then he points out the several LYS nearby. Go to one of them he says. I look at him in disbelief. "I can't do that" "Why not?" "If I walk into one of those stores I will not just come out with the needles I will come out with stuff" "Stuff?" "Yarn, and more yarn" I explained. He stared for a moment shook his head and walked off. Only another knitter would understand.
Every Monday DD has a group that she attends and I go to a Borders nearby to drink coffee and knit. While there I found a mistake I made in Aibhlinn. Now I can handle this in one of several ways. I can lay in a lifeline, frog down the piece, and put it back on the needles; I can frog without the lifeline first marking the first stitich which really matters on this pattern, or I can tink the piece after marking the mistaken stitch. I am tinking. It's only one row and part of another. I hate frogging. I always manage to drop stitches and haven't gotten used to lifelines yet. OTOH, tinking I don't mind. Each to his own I guess.
How do I know that DH is not a knitter? We had the following conversation. I commented that I just had to replace my plastic #7 double pointed needles because they were too stiff and had no give to them. Unlike my lovely wooden or bamboo dp's that I use for thinner sock wool. (I'm using the 7's for the Children in Common socks I've been doing) All innocent, he asks me why I don't just go and do it. "Because they don't have them at Michaels or AC Moore in that size" I answer Then he points out the several LYS nearby. Go to one of them he says. I look at him in disbelief. "I can't do that" "Why not?" "If I walk into one of those stores I will not just come out with the needles I will come out with stuff" "Stuff?" "Yarn, and more yarn" I explained. He stared for a moment shook his head and walked off. Only another knitter would understand.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Charity Work and More about Autism
I haven't been able to get much knitting done the last few days. We've been having a new roof put on the house and the contractor has been driving me nuts. He's been doing a decent job, but the guy is a character and things keep happening. I was able to finish my second pair of Children in Common socks and start on a third. These little worsted weight socks go so fast it's wonderful. I hope to get half a dozen pairs done in total if not more. I was hoping to get a hat done for Afghans for Afghans as well, but don't think I'll be able to work that in for this collection. Perhaps for next time. Can you tell I am a dedicated charity knitter? It really gives me a good feeling to do it. I do it all during the year, but a couple of times a year I push everything aside and just do charity knitting and little else. Please consider doing some charity knitting yourself. You will not regret the decision. I've put in some links for charities I support on the blog, check them out.
April is autism awareness month. Did you know that Autism is more common than childhood cancer, cysitic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined? 1 in 250 babies will eventually develop some form of it. On the sidebar you will see a link for NAAR the National Alliance for Autism Research. A wonderful group that raises money for scientific research into this puzzling condition. NAAR runs Walk-a-Thons in many local area around the nation. Please consider lending one of them your support if you hear of it. I'll be mentioning more about autism all month. As the mother of a child with high functioning Autism, (my 14 year old son) this is an issue close to my heart.
April is autism awareness month. Did you know that Autism is more common than childhood cancer, cysitic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined? 1 in 250 babies will eventually develop some form of it. On the sidebar you will see a link for NAAR the National Alliance for Autism Research. A wonderful group that raises money for scientific research into this puzzling condition. NAAR runs Walk-a-Thons in many local area around the nation. Please consider lending one of them your support if you hear of it. I'll be mentioning more about autism all month. As the mother of a child with high functioning Autism, (my 14 year old son) this is an issue close to my heart.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Do Not Adjust Your Set
I've changed the look of the blog because certain things weren't loading right with the background that I had before. I wanted to shift my blogroll to bloglines and for some reason it wouldn't display right with the green screen I had before. I like this new clean look better. What do you all think?
Thanks to Donna, Samantha, and Dani for stopping by and for the kind words about the socks, especially after all my whining about socks lately. (I will spare you all today's disaster suffice to say it involved much frogging and yelling) Samantha, I would love to learn to do socks on two circs. People tell me it's a lot faster and I am too slow on dp's, much as I like them. (yes I am crazy) One of these days I will get a copy of Socks Soar and teach myself. Dani, I will impart what small amount of wisdom I have when I see you, I will also bring an earlier model of the sock for you to see, as well as my favorite sock book. (came out too small DD will not part with the others)
There is a new button on this site, a ribbon made of puzzle pieces. This ribbon is for autism awarnes. Clicking on the ribbon will bring you to a site that will get you more information. Take the time, if you can, to learn more.
Thanks to Donna, Samantha, and Dani for stopping by and for the kind words about the socks, especially after all my whining about socks lately. (I will spare you all today's disaster suffice to say it involved much frogging and yelling) Samantha, I would love to learn to do socks on two circs. People tell me it's a lot faster and I am too slow on dp's, much as I like them. (yes I am crazy) One of these days I will get a copy of Socks Soar and teach myself. Dani, I will impart what small amount of wisdom I have when I see you, I will also bring an earlier model of the sock for you to see, as well as my favorite sock book. (came out too small DD will not part with the others)
There is a new button on this site, a ribbon made of puzzle pieces. This ribbon is for autism awarnes. Clicking on the ribbon will bring you to a site that will get you more information. Take the time, if you can, to learn more.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Socks, socks and more socks
Finished my first pair of socks for Children in Common today, haven't been working on much else besides this project. I am going to try doing some different things with the socks, carrying the ribbing down the instep. Maybe using a pattern stitch on the instep. I've got the pattern down in my head now and it's time to play with it. As I said in a previous entry I am going to make it my business to break out of the rut I am in. Got to stop being afraid of taking chances with the socks.
Kelly d made such lovely comments about my Aibhlinn that I blushed! Thanks for the compliment Kelly. You wanted to know the yarn I'm using it's Knit1 Crochet2's Second Time Cotton. The yarn the pattern suggested. I decided to give it a try as I liked the look of it. It's recycled if you can believe it and that appealed to me too.
I've been having fun with the RAOK ring the last couple of days. So happy to be part of the group. Nice group of people and I've already been the recipient of RAOK's twice! I'm going to send out a package or two early next week. Got to Pay it Forward!
Kelly d made such lovely comments about my Aibhlinn that I blushed! Thanks for the compliment Kelly. You wanted to know the yarn I'm using it's Knit1 Crochet2's Second Time Cotton. The yarn the pattern suggested. I decided to give it a try as I liked the look of it. It's recycled if you can believe it and that appealed to me too.
I've been having fun with the RAOK ring the last couple of days. So happy to be part of the group. Nice group of people and I've already been the recipient of RAOK's twice! I'm going to send out a package or two early next week. Got to Pay it Forward!
Monday, April 04, 2005
I Couldn't Resist This Quiz
You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.
http://marniemaclean.com
What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Charity Knitting
I spent some time knitting for Children in Common yesterday. They support orphanages in Russia with supplies, and money and deliver hand knit items whenever they go on a trip. So I decided I'd be part of the current sock challenge to be completed at the end of the month (you can knit any time you want but doing a challenge is fun I think). I tried a pattern I got off the net for toddler socks and really didn't like the shaping on it so I'm going to try the pattern in the Knitter's Handy Book of Pattern's for the first time. I am using some Lion Brand Fisherman's wool that I not so successfully Kool Aid dyed. (it's not too bad for a first time) Children in Common requires that the items be made out of at least 50% wool and this is an inexpensive 100% wool yarn. I may also do a vest for the group but will most likely stick to the socks as I will be able to do more that way.
Thanks to knitnana and ruinwen for your comments on Aibhlinn. I am really enjoying making it and find that it is going very quickly. I've been putting a lot of time on it lately as well, I want to have it done for the end of this month if I can. I see this as a three season garment because of the yarn being used. I just wish it didn't corkscrew so much, I am always having to let the thing hang down to unwind.
Thanks to Tina for linking to me. I am trying to put together a good comprehensive list of knit blogs as I come across them. I may actually set up a webpage one of these days with reviews and links. But that's for the future. Lord know I have enough to do right now!
Thanks to knitnana and ruinwen for your comments on Aibhlinn. I am really enjoying making it and find that it is going very quickly. I've been putting a lot of time on it lately as well, I want to have it done for the end of this month if I can. I see this as a three season garment because of the yarn being used. I just wish it didn't corkscrew so much, I am always having to let the thing hang down to unwind.
Thanks to Tina for linking to me. I am trying to put together a good comprehensive list of knit blogs as I come across them. I may actually set up a webpage one of these days with reviews and links. But that's for the future. Lord know I have enough to do right now!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Lost in Sockland
I'm about to start a pair of socks for myself but am hesitating because I'm not sure how to handle something. I'm going to use the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns and they call for using a smaller needle on the foot than on the leg. To use the patterns in this book you have to have a gauge swatch in order to know what part of the chart to work from. Problem is that I have no idea which set of needles to pull my gauge from the bigger (#2) or the smaller (#1)? My guess is the smaller but I am totally paranoid. I put a note up on the Socknitters message board about it and hope I'll get an answer, but in the meantime I'm afraid to start. This is the same thing that keeps me using a basic sock pattern and stops me branching out into more interesting territory. Using this less specific pattern is my way of breaking out of the mold a bit. I am considering using a Seed stitch for the instep even though the yarn is a pattern yarn that makes stripes (Fortissima Colori Disco). But if I like the pattern in this book I may just do that with some single colored Kroy I have in the house. Don't know what it is about socks that scares me into this little box, but they do. Much as I love making them. I am making it my mission to get out of the box.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Busy Bee
DS has special needs and we were unable to find the right school for him here so he goes to school out of town. (about 2 1/2 hours away) He was in for a week for spring break so I was not really on line enough to update the blog. It was wonderful to have him home and great to see how much progress he has made. It's hard having him away, but we do get to talk to him daily and see him as much as is possible. Sad that the educational system could not make a place for him, but the school he is in is amazing.
On the knitting front I finished DD's socks and could not get her to take them off for a couple of days :). Nice to be appreciated. I will put up a new picture of them as soon as I get a chance. I want to thank everyone for the nice comments about my work and for stopping by to see the blog. Kitt wanted to know what stitch I used for the blanket, it was feather and fan stitch. I like to use it for baby blankets especially if they are for summer babies as this one is. (Sympathies about your blog Kitt I wonder what happened) I am now working on another baby blanket in the same stitch but in cream for the other pregnant niece.
I promise to put up a picture of Aibhlinn on the needles ASAP. Fun piece to work but you really have to be careful with it. The spiral rib is deceptively difficult. You really have to pay attention or the whole thing can be thrown off. I've had to tink from time to time, fortunately not too much. The yarn I am using is a bit of a pain. It's the recommended yarn for the piece and while it has a good hand and lovely drape it splits like mad and corkscrews constantly so you have to keep hanging the work to let it unwind.
I had gone to the Meet-up website to see if there was a knitting group near by me and found that there was a Stitch'n Bitch about 30 minutes away so I tried them out last night. Tons of fun and a great group. Got a few ideas for new projects, had lots of laughs, lots of knitting and a new group of friends I think I will be back.
On the knitting front I finished DD's socks and could not get her to take them off for a couple of days :). Nice to be appreciated. I will put up a new picture of them as soon as I get a chance. I want to thank everyone for the nice comments about my work and for stopping by to see the blog. Kitt wanted to know what stitch I used for the blanket, it was feather and fan stitch. I like to use it for baby blankets especially if they are for summer babies as this one is. (Sympathies about your blog Kitt I wonder what happened) I am now working on another baby blanket in the same stitch but in cream for the other pregnant niece.
I promise to put up a picture of Aibhlinn on the needles ASAP. Fun piece to work but you really have to be careful with it. The spiral rib is deceptively difficult. You really have to pay attention or the whole thing can be thrown off. I've had to tink from time to time, fortunately not too much. The yarn I am using is a bit of a pain. It's the recommended yarn for the piece and while it has a good hand and lovely drape it splits like mad and corkscrews constantly so you have to keep hanging the work to let it unwind.
I had gone to the Meet-up website to see if there was a knitting group near by me and found that there was a Stitch'n Bitch about 30 minutes away so I tried them out last night. Tons of fun and a great group. Got a few ideas for new projects, had lots of laughs, lots of knitting and a new group of friends I think I will be back.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Welcome
Welcome to Interwoven my new knitting blog. I hope to chronicle my adventures in the world of fiber and perhaps a bit of my personal life as well.
A bit about me. I've been knitting since I was about 6 years old. So long that I cannot remember learning how to do it, but I'm pretty sure my mother taught me. A neighbor and one of my brothers' girlfriend's (now his wife) also had a hand in refining my skills. Now many years later knitting is what keeps me sane, calms me down and gives me my creative outlet. When I had to give it up for a time due to an injury I thought I'd lose my mind. I even read books about knitting some of which I will talk about in this space (and no I don't mean technique and pattern books though I'll talk about those too).
Usually I have a couple of projects going on at any one time. Right now I'm working on a baby blanket for one of my nieces (two of them are pregnanat I've already finished one blanket), Aibhlinn from Knitty.com, and a pair of socks for my DD. The sock #2 will be finished tomorrow but I'll post a picture of the one I've aready done, as well as the baby blanket I finished, for you all to see.
Please keep checking back as the blog evolves and changes.
A bit about me. I've been knitting since I was about 6 years old. So long that I cannot remember learning how to do it, but I'm pretty sure my mother taught me. A neighbor and one of my brothers' girlfriend's (now his wife) also had a hand in refining my skills. Now many years later knitting is what keeps me sane, calms me down and gives me my creative outlet. When I had to give it up for a time due to an injury I thought I'd lose my mind. I even read books about knitting some of which I will talk about in this space (and no I don't mean technique and pattern books though I'll talk about those too).
Usually I have a couple of projects going on at any one time. Right now I'm working on a baby blanket for one of my nieces (two of them are pregnanat I've already finished one blanket), Aibhlinn from Knitty.com, and a pair of socks for my DD. The sock #2 will be finished tomorrow but I'll post a picture of the one I've aready done, as well as the baby blanket I finished, for you all to see.
Please keep checking back as the blog evolves and changes.
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