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.
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