FickleKnitterFiend

Don't forget

2005-04-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

to update your bookmarks! If you haven't done so, visit my new blog www.fickleknitter.com

Attention Please!

2005-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Roll out the red carpet and bring on the drink! I bought a domain of my very own. Please redirect all bookmarks and bloglines to www.fickleknitter.com

The blahs have receeded

2005-02-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

I finished Clapotis! So much excitement so little time. *Next sentence is not for the faint of heart* I took scissors to a stitch I forgot to drop. I was too lazy and too impatient to drop back to my mistake. But in the end everything turned out just fine.

I received my yarn for the Rebecca Eyelet Wrap, and for the Flowerbasket shawl. You would think that would be enough to satiate my bountiful yarn-lust. It wasn't. So me and my new friend Clapotis took a trip to my LYS (with a quick stop to Trader Joes where we got trampled to death by granolaesque suburbanites). I was only there to pick up the latest Interweave Knits and some Addis to complete my set.

Suddenly amoungst the yarn I saw it. A beautiful lace shawl knit from Helen's Lace (Of Lornas Lace fame) in Tahoe. The laceweight colorway of my dreams. Did I mention the pattern came free with the yarn? Could I ask for anything more? My upper arms are much stronger now from winding the lace weight into a ball. Amazing that so many yards of yarn could fit into such small shape. And for my Dear Husband, the yarn is a meager $4.16 per hundred yards! A bargain at twice the price I say!

I am a lace woman now. The Rogues, Klaralunds, Eyelet Wraps, and unseemly unseemed officially unfinished items languishing in my house be damned.

A Week of Blah

2005-02-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I decided to drop spindle enough "yarn" to make a kitty toy for our beloved cat.

The "yarn" knit up craptacularly. I knit it on US 5 needles, using bits from Wendys mouse pattern. I say bits, because I quit halfway through the pattern and kludged it all together with a single crochet edge. It's a design element.

It looks rather sheep-like, don't you think?

I bribed Geiger into posing by stuffing a treat in one of the openings I forgot to sew up. I'm thinking of felting the crap out of it to see what happens.

On the knitting front, I'm well on my way to being done section 3 of The Clap. I finished the sleeves on Rogue, and started the grafting process. I'm knitting the sleeves for Klaralund in tandem, making slow progress.

I have 2 projects in the pipeline. I've ordered yarn for the Eyelet Wrap in Rebecca 29, and for the Flowerbaskset shawl from Interweave Knits Fall 2004 issue. I won't lie. I'd love to make the Huntington Castle Pullover from that issue too. But I must show restraint and limit myself to only a mere 10 projects per unit time.

Winds of Change

2005-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

I had a fruitful weekend of knitting. The Hubs and I saw Sideways on Saturday. What an incredible movie! It was directed by Alexander Payne who also directed Election, another great movie.

I brought up the movie because I took my knitting into the theater. And I worked on Klaralund in the complete and total dark while watching the movie, and suffered no casualties.
Speaking of Klaralund I have to say I love the #211 colorway of Noro Silk Garden. It reminds me of childhood cards I made for loved ones. You know the ones where you color block type patterns, then color the whole thing black and scrape off your message? It's a satisfying pattern and a lovely colorway.

I also made some progress on Rogue. The sleeves are completed! Next is the buttonband and the hem I've been avoiding. And sewing up the small dog sized holes I created with poorly thought out increasing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This is my first Typepad entry. I'll be copying to blogger until I get the template and archives set up the way I'd like. I expect it'll be quite a while before I move over entirely to Typepad, assuming I don't destroy my laptop in complete and utter frustration first.

**PS Blogger what's up with the lack of breaks between my paragraphs?

ARG

2005-02-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

All Bloody Buggery Movable Type and no Play make Mishi go Crazy

I am working toward an advanced degree in the Physical Sciences. I have had multitudinous programming experience. I know what DLL Hell is. I can take shit apart and put it back together again. But all this bloody experience has helped me none with Movable Type. My kind and loving Husband suggested I use the Command Prompt window to ftp. I know he is an Assembly Language Zen Master. But my god, the Command Prompt?! I am sorry to say even after downloading the proper FTP Client Software I am still unable to transfer my archives to my new domain. I finally figured out the right directory (Dear Movable Type, please provide a sample directory with the Import help function) after visiting the Movable Type forums. I downloaded a Unix text editor, but it STILL seems I will have to edit. every. post. with. carriage. return. and. line. feed.. Until that time faithful readers, you can still read my ~~ranting~~ blatherings here on blogger.

**Edited to add the following:
Importing entries into blog 'FickleKnitterFiend'
Importing entries as author 'Michelle'
Importing entries from file '10122004.txt'
All data imported successfully! Make sure that you remove the files that you imported from the 'import' folder, so that if/when you run the import process again, those files will not be re-imported.
You would think that snippet would indicate the archival text file would *be* somewhere in Movable Type-land, right? It's not!

Brilliant

2005-02-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

The Many Faces of Clapoti

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

2005-02-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

You've been a trusted confidant to my husband these past two decades. You didn't judge. Not in the days of Flock of Seagulls hair, the awkward growing out stages, nor during the sensitive long hair days. For that we overlooked your asbestos wrapped interior, your suspicious heating element, and your propensity for grabbing single strands of hair and ripping them out one by one with your dilapidated motor. How I'll miss your odorific burnt hair smell, your unsafe electrical components, and 1980's technology. Rest In Peace one of the last vestiges of my Husbands bachelorhood. Rest in peace.

Parade of Distractions

2005-02-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

The following Public Service Announcement is brought to you by the letters D,I,E,and sometimes T. I finally broke my dieting plateau. Only to celebrate by stuffing my face. I feel a little like Homer today. Did I mention the March birthday sweater is now a Summer-y Christmas sweater? I keep ~~stealing~~ swapping needles from project to project. First it was the ~~March~~ Christmas Sweater, then from the arms of Rogue. Now sadly it will be from The Clap to this I should make a scarlet P for promiscuous knitting. Only it would require the same damn needles I need for everything else. I haven't posted the new ~~toys~~ distractions I brought home from Stitches West. I'll try and make that up to you now. (Isn't the sock yarn from my Secret Pal gorgeous?!) My dog loves the smell of sheep in the morning. My Husband gets high marks for this years V-Day gift. Serenity Now.

It had to be Ewe

2005-02-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's insidious. First the Ultra Hip get it, and spread it around. They make a big fuss over it. Do you have it? Did you catch it from someone? Then it filters down to the Less Hip. Through Ultra Hip and Less Hip interactions. Some people post PSAs on how the guilty pleasures start to interupt daily life, and the dangers of such. It's all consuming, bewitching, and beguiling. Being Criminally Unhip, it took a long time for me to contract it. But it is so powerful, I dropped everything to focus all my energy on beating it. *Cue Music* I have... The Clap.

And Dim Sum

2005-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

It was a good day for business in Northern California last Friday. Domestigirl and I had Dim Sum to fuel us for Stitches West. As you can see, the food was quite tasty. When we got to the convention center we browsed a bit before both buying Swifts, and a few small notions. We decided to drop our first purchases off at the car. That's when the real fun began. Admittedly not the most flattering picture of me giving the soda machine the one finger salute. But it served a purpose. Directly after the machine ate my $2.oo (!), a Convention Employee came by and brought by two Diet Cokes for me and Kirsten. Those were good times. Kirsten insisted on taking a money shot. We paid a smooth $5 USD to learn to spin at the Serendipity Spinners booth. I felt a lot of emotions while there, and I have to say "Serendipity" was not one of them. Here's Kirsten with her first spin on the drop spindle. Does she look begrudging? Here's a superfluous shot of Rogue Sleeves. Still unfinished. I have a damn good reason for not being finished. But you'll have to wait until the next installment to satiate your burning burning curiousity.

My Secret Pal, Oh How I Love Thee

2005-02-13T18:12:00.001-08:00

I got a wonderful package from my Knitty Secret Pal. I can't wait to knit with the beautiful yarn. My Pal says it's enough to make 2 socks. The plan is to do 2-toe-up-at-the-same-time socks. I love touching the yarn. By the way there was some candy included in this latest package. I'll let you infer it's current location :).

2005-02-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

Secret Pal Valentines Day Gift

Serendipity Spinners at Stitches West

2005-02-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Cookie knows her shit. She showed me how to spin with a homemade drop spindle and some pretty roving. For only $5 you get a lesson, a homemade spindle, and a bit of roving. I need another 2 hands and I'll be competent. Humble Beginnings.

I'm leaving on a jet plane

2005-02-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Domestigirl's comment was too good not to share: Domestic Girl said... I had that same problem with my M1's. I think I was knitting them wrong, but I ended up with big skylights in the armpits of Sherbet. So I did what any intelligent person would do. I cheated. Hell, I was carrying two friggin' pieces of yarn. So I increased by knitting each one separately. It made a very cute tulippy increase. Which doesn't, unfortunately, help you any. But in the process I spent a lot of time looking through my vogue knitting book and I *think* I was coming at the stitches from the wrong side... you have to pick it up from the back and then look reallyreallyreally carefully at how they 'knit' it. It looks weird to me so I'm sure that's not what I was doing. I'm now making one by Knittting 1 in the st normally, then another in the back of the same st. No holes! At least none the size of a small dog. I attempted this before, but I didn't learn it at the time because I was doing a bunch of stuff wrong. I'm telling you, I love Vogue Knitting, but I also love www.KnittingHelp.com. Both have this technique described. I can't wait for Stitches West! I'm making a mental list of what I want, which I'd include, but my Husband has access to this blog, and the ability to google for prices. Why would he need to know how much yarn costs? I say it's a Need to Know area of knowledge and it's just better for all of us if he's left in the dark. My bleary, just having one cup of coffee (Please excuse all typos and grammatical mistakes) eyes are telling me my archive list doesn't appear in the mozilla version of my blog. Anyone experience this and have any suggestions?

Dear Comedy Central

2005-02-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Comedy Central, Thank you so much for showing Richard Pryor's stand up from the 70's. He is brilliantly vulgar, and completely hysterical. Extra kudos for not bleeping out the profanity. However, please remove the "Girls Gone Wild" commercials from your ad line up (Spike tv, this goes for you too). Those commericals put me in a rage, directed mainly to the male species. No, as a matter of fact I don't want to see some drunk, dumbass co-ed's breasts, or as you so eloquently put it "where babies feed." This is an indication to me that you in fact have never seen breasts (other than your worn and stained copy of "National Geographic"), and you have no ability to woo the better sex. Thanks! Fickle Q Public

Ten Hut

2005-02-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

I'm still on schedule! A word of advice however, if you are really hungry, and it's lunch time, don't kludge your way through something you've never done before. I have to rip out my "grafting" of the hood cables to the hood. And I had about 2 inches of purl (only on one row, people!) where there should be knits, so I'll have to finagle my way out of that one too. But I did start the sleeves! And I'm still doing both sleeves at once. I need to find a new way to "make one" because my make ones look like cavernous holes. I pick up the horizontal strand running from the front and back stitches to make a new stitch, and voila, a hole as big as the Sun. KnotInMyThread asked where the Alice Starmore books were selling for $300. I looked at Amazon and found a few expensive selections, like Aran Knitting, Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting, Pacific Coast Highway, and In the Hebrides. Assuming you bought every single one from the cheapest vendor, you could have all four for a mere $840 USD (minus shipping). Can you believe that? You can see some examples of her work Here. According to this post on Knitty Coffeeshop, Ms. Starmore goes after people who violate her copyright. I'm curious why there hasn't been a reprint of all these books, as she doesn't stand to profit one cent from the current resale of her books. Interesting, no? I'm really looking forward to Stitches West next weekend. The marketplace has my name written all over it (or it will after I get there with my credit card). I'm actually hoping to pick up a drop spindle, some roving, and a quick demo. Like I need another hobby.

One is the lonliest number that there ever was

2005-02-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

I have about 20 rows left on the hooodie part of Rogue! Because I did a few other knit related projects this weekend, the boredom of the hood didn't seem quite as bad. I'd like to finish by tomorrow, so I can work on the sleeves (in tandem) this weekend. When I started Rogue I deluded myself into believing it would take me less than a month. Lets just hope I finish before my yarn for Klaralund arrives. And I guess I better work on the Chevron Lace Pullover too, 'cause that's for a March Birthday. Is it wrong I'm already looking for new projects? I'd love to try a Dale of Norway sweater, or maybe another cardigan. I browsed Alice Starmore's work, as I discovered her out of print books sell for THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS! Her work is beautiful, but I don't see anything I must make. And I'm looking for a new purse. Plus I'm coveting an Ipod. All these pesky non necessities taking away from my yarn money.

Just doing my part

2005-01-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

I saw a blurb on Good Morning America's ticker this morning stating consumer spending is up .8%. I would personally like to take responsibility for that increase since going back to work. Don't worry, I already informed my husband. I had *just* enough yarn to complete 2 small mittens. Aren't they sweet? Can you believe there are hands that small? I also did one repeat on the Chevron Lace Pullover. I have to be a knitting camel on the weekends since I'm more tired during the week. Happy Monday!

In Good Company

2005-01-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

If it's wrong to love Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace, I don't want to be right. *sigh* Just mere hours after I posted the picture of the Lionbrand Cottage Socks yesterday (made with South American wool), doggie found them and pulled 2 very long strands out. I don't know where they belong, but I'll fix it as soon as the drool dries. Queen of the Damned So I'm in Hoodie Hell. This is the longest thing ~~I swear *%$@&~~ I've ever knit, this hood. Longer than all other projects combined. It is never ending. I have a minimum of 50 rows left, Kill me now. In order to jump to purgatory, I swatched for the Classic Elite Venue Chevron Lace Pullover (could I add anymore nouns?!). It's a rare departure from my beloved wool. The yarn is kind of hard and scratchy. But I think the recipient will love the drape and the lightness of the fabric when it's done. You may also notice 2 balls of Brown Sheep Co's Nature Spun in the most recent picture. Being as I diligently swatched for the CLP, I had to add some excitement to my life. I'm hoping those two smallish balls will equal one pair of mittens for my adorable nephew. I'm living on the edge. Ain't he cute?! I almost forgot to add my coolest non-knitting-related purchase of the week! Domestigirl told me about the wonders of Cooking Light magazine. You scoff. This magazine is the best invention ever (aside from the wonderous BCP). I was giddy when I stumbled upon Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2005. I am one happy eater!

2005-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hoodie Hell

2005-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Warm Tootsies

Hit the Road Jack

2005-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm through the back and front shaping save two rows! I admit I did a ~~frustrating amount of~~ little ripping to get the throat cabling to look right. Next is the hood, and then sleeve island! But my little pretties, I'll be knitting you both at the same time. After I finish with Rogue I have to crank out a sweater for a March Birthday. I'm using Classic Elite Venue, with a pattern called a Chevron Lace Pullover. The Venue is a light purple, and it's made from cotton, linen, and nylon - perfect for Southern California weather. Now that I'm back to work making money, I'm planning to go to Stitches West with Domestigirl. And I've decided to jump on the Klaralund bandwagon, albeit a few months late. One day I'll get back to that sock....

My Favorite Movies

2005-01-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

Inspired by FX's showing of Alien today. In no particular order Alien Aliens Alien Cubed Dune (with Kyle MacLachlan) Amedeus The Princess Bride Godfather Godfather Part II Excalibur The Shining (Stanley Kubrick) Das Boot (German version from '81) Seven Samurai Movies you should watch Vampire's Kiss (with Nick Cage) The Wicker Man La Femme Nikita (French Version only please) Ray Bend it like Beckham My Big Fat Greek Wedding Merlin (The Hallmark version from 7 years ago) Pirates of the Caribbean Conan the Barbarian

2005-01-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Secret Pal package No. 1

Walking on Sunshine

2005-01-21T08:43:00.001-08:00

{Rave} Look at the fabulous gifts my Knitty Secret Pal sent my way! I love it, the sheep soap, the Belgian Chocolate (A rare indulgence), and the French Tin, perfect for stashing notions, scissors, etc. And I was worried I didn't come across well in my Secret Pal Questionaire. Either I expressed myself properly, or my Secret Pal has ESP and a direct line to the things I like. {/Rave} I've made great progress on Rogue. Partly due to Newbie-Sweater enthusiasm, and partly to doing nothing but knitting. Sadly I went back to work this week, so my progress will slow down. But I admit at work, when I'm feeling uninspired, I calculate how much yarn I can buy per hour based on my wages. It helps the doldrums. If only I could knit and work at the same time.... If anyone has any ideas on how to get myself and my good buddy Roberta into the Long Beach TNNA Tradeshow, please let me know! It seems they don't allow "Civilians" into the show. I have one day to figure it out. Any suggestions are welcome! I'm not above parachuting in ;).

2005-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Rogue Progress. Do you see the Kangaroo pockets? And the invisible cast on to avoid tough hem questions?

Button, Button, Who's got the Button

2005-01-14T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, modifying the Rogue Pullover was a wee bit more complicated than I thought. It involved drawrings, excel spreadsheets, and nail picking. The modification instructions state: Divide pocket in half, and knit each side. Sounds simple, right? That ended up being 39 lines in excel for each pocket. But don't be fooled, I loved every moment of it. The brain teaser aspect is part of the reason I'm attracted to knitting. I bought goodies for my Knitty Secret Pal. It was an enjoyable trip to a LYS I don't normally frequent. AND I can't wait to get my first package in the mail. I can barely contain my excitement. I'll just sit here and drink my fat free sugar free Hot Chocolate, topped with full fat and full sugar mini marshmellows. Have a great weekend!

2005-01-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

Secret Pals are the best kinds of Pal. They give you cool stuff. Which is good to have.

2005-01-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

Rogue Knit-a-long. 'Cause life isn't complete unless you're in a Knit-a-long!

2005-01-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

This little bit of fabric represents newly-learned chart reading, pattern modification, and lots of anxiety. All on my first real sweater!

2005-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Staging Area

The Blue Mile

2005-01-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

My lovely Husband repaired my computer. However the faulty hinge is spitting out screws once again. *sigh* I finished my second Irish Hiking Scarf yesterday during the 7 hour long power outage. I've discovered I need electricity. I need the background noise, either the tv or music in order to knit. In a weak moment, I bought the pattern to make Rogue. I carefully swatched for Rogue in the round, as suggested. And then I decided to make the modified Rogue Cardigan. And I started knitting, using an invisible cast-on to avoid the hem issue that was giving me heartburn. But I was knitting for the pullover version. So I frogged it, and restarted. Only to realize about an inch in that I'd swatched in the round and was knitting back and forth. Luckily my gauge is about the same. The chart reading took a bit to catch on to, but I got it! And I got to use my tiny cable needle. Life is good.

2005-01-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

The Blue Mile -or- My Second Irish Hiking Scarf.

Hey Ho, Let's Go

2005-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Live from the Fickle house (wearing a Naked Tofu shirt, accompanyed by my rubber chicken pj pants no less), I present my new blog on ~~cuisine~~ food and ~~torture~~ dieting: FickleFoodFiend I've been off and on miserable with this cold. I've had 2 days of actual knitting in the past week. It's on those days that I know I am feeling better. I finished the Fiber Trends Felted Clogs, except for seaming, end weaving, and felting. They are a very fast knit, on big needles, with chunky yarn. And fun. I really enjoyed knitting them, and I learned a few things during the process, such as wrap and turn, and how to make the roll brim cuff. I was puzzled by the instructions for the cuff, but I got it eventually. Roll Brim 3 Needle Bind off in progress. I admit the clogs made for my Husbands size 13 feet fit over my head. I may or may not have paraded around the house with a clog on my head calling myself Bubcha. Thankfully there is no photographic evidence. Now that I'm done with the clogs I'm going to push to finish the Hiking Scarf. What will I do with myself after I finish these projects? I'm thinking about making a sweater with the Filatura I got at the Yarnlady sale, and perhaps a sweater with the Cascade 220 I'm awaiting in the mail.

Embarrassing Admission Time

2005-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

In Honor of being doped up on cold medicine, I figured today would be a good day to air it all out. (I have fluid behind my eardrums, plus an upper respiratory infection going on.) I think I'll be able to leave the house when my ears get back to normal ~I read in Folk Socks, that the pattern called for one ball of each color. I neglected to realize that meant 100g balls, not 50g balls. So, I have enough for one sock. ~I didn't swatch for the socks since I don't have circs smaller than US size 1 ~I took said socks to the Dr's office to help pass the time. I flaked and forgot to do a decrease row, which I did 2 rows too late ~And I'm a stitch short, with no dropped stitches ~I don't know if these socks are mens or womens socks. Which leads to the last of todays embarrassing admissions. My Dear, Loving, Kind Husband thought the Welsh Country Stockings were for his size 13 feet.

Hack Hack Cough Cough

2005-01-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

There's nothing quite like being sick over the holidays. Also in a moment of weakness I joined Weight Watchers online. Don't get me wrong. It's a great program. It just gives me knitters rage. Or more factually, being hungry gets me cranky. What makes me happy on the other hand, are beautiful handcrafted Christmas gifts. These two lovelies were made by a good friend. She's very talented as you can see. I finally got started on the Nancy Bush Welsh Country Stocking from "Folk Socks." I'm pleased with my progress, especially that I managed Fair Isle. I can't wait to do the next Fair Isle project whatever it may be. And I'm waiting on my Fiber Trends Felted Clog pattern in the mail. Other than that I have the Doctor's appointment for tomorrow to look forward to. Anyone want to place bets on either an ear infection or bronchitis?

I have a carb face.

2004-12-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

We got a Breadmaker. Did you know it can even make bagel dough? It's a modern miracle I tell you. Pour the raw ingredients in, push a few buttons and it does everything but eat the bread for you. Good thing we also got Dance Dance Revolution under the Christmas tree. I've heard there is a Virtual Personal Trainer for xbox. I'm thinking of getting it to help fufill those pesky health goals for '05. Tomorrow we're going to the LYS to pick up some yarn for Fiber Trends Clogs. My Hubby actually requested a knit item. This is a momentus occasion. Can you see the pair of us eating fresh bread, while playing DDR in house clogs?

Southeast Asia Relief Effort

2004-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Red Cross Disaster Relief 100% of all donations go to the Red Cross. I've donated, I hope you will too.

Santa ate all my cookies

2004-12-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

I got the best, most helpful knitting book thus far: Vogue Knitting. I finished the pieces for two baby sweaters (I have prolific friends) weeks ago. They were languishing in my new rubbermaid bin waiting piteously to be seamed together. The seaming technique wasn't clear to me until I saw the Vogue explanation. There are pictures, but the explanation got me through. I assume it's the mattress stitch, it's labeled as "Invisible vertical on St Stitch." v_v v_v v_v v_v My interpretation of the seam is this: After connecting the two pieces, I put the tapestry needle from front to back picking up the two bars on the right side. The bars live between the knitted v's in stockinette stitch. Then I picked up the two bars between the two rows of stitching on the left hand side. I pulled until the two pieces looked like one column of v's. Then I picked up the next two bars on the right hand side, then the left and so on until the end of the fabric. I'm pleased with the results. vv vv Pieces look like one piece after seaming. I added a double crochet edge to even out the collar. Here are both sweaters, waiting to be sent out. I finally got the nerve to give Fair Isle and Intarsia a go. This time Vogue Knitting pictures helped get me through. Have I mentioned I love this book?? It was much easier than I thought it would be. I prefer the Fair Isle, and it makes sense after doing it a few times. Intarsia is ok, but I dislike all the yarn hanging from everywhence, getting tangled and messy. Now I can make the Nancy Bush Welsh Country Stockings I've been lusting after since I got Folk Socks Christmas was really nice. I got a beautiful Rocking Chair. I'm already planning on knitting a chair cushion. I was disappointed at some of the reactions from my knitted gifts. And the gifts I sent to my parents have not arrived yet, and I fear the package lost. But those that appreciated the thought, time and money that went into their gifts will receive more in the future. I've learned an important lesson about handmade gifts, only those that appreciate them will receive them. From me anyway ;) Now that Christmas is over I have a new list of things to make, including an adult sweater for my wonderful Step Mother In Law, and a cardigan for my adorable Nephew. But first I plan on doing some knitting for me!

Merry Christmas to Ewe

2004-12-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

The obligatory family function is ovah! And amazingly it was mainly functional. We'll go to Doggy Beach after we gnosh on leftovers and open gifts tomorrow. I got to open my stocking early and I scored! I got some chocolates, Macadamia nuts, Shrek 2, and some golf paraphanelia. Which means I'll have to go for a quick nine soon :). Or at least to the driving range. I got myself the new Shopaholic book which I'll pick up tonight after Curb Your Enthusiasm is over. A thoroughly enjoyable Christmas experience thus far. My wrist hurts from all the painstaking purse lining stitching I did yesterday (I am so getting a sewing machine), as a consequence not much knitting accomplished. I'm over halfway finished my second baby raglan sweater, and done my first skein on my second Irish Hiking Scarf. I have to weave in the ends on the Tea Cozy but I swear that's it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Why god WHY

2004-12-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

What in the hell possessed me to go to Target? I should have turned back when I realized there were no shopping carts to be found. I'm writing this entry from the fetal position, trying to wipe the memory from my mind. Does sewing in a purse lining and adding handles count as stuff left to do before Christmas? I have to weave in some ends too. But that's it. Seriously.

O Christmas Tree

2004-12-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

I can't install Hello on my Husbands machine (mine is still broken) to upload pictures until my ~~husband~~ administrator installs it. For future reference, the email blogger function doesn't know how to show attachments. ~~*Attempting to link to ofoto*~~ Christmas Tree Bah Humbug! Photo linking courtesy of my friend Domestigirl. Thanks Domestigirl!

Addi Turbos

2004-12-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

I dropped my US 5's behind the couch, and wanted to make a 2nd baby raglan sweater. So I opted to use the Addis I just bought rather than fool with the monster couch. In short the Addi Turbos hurt my hands. The needles are heavier and with my limited experience on them I knit slower. I still plan on using the Addis for finishing items. In fact I finished another Noro hat using them via the Magic Loop method. It was very pleasant. But for regular knitting, I'll continue to use my Denise Interchangeables. Wishlist for the New Year I discovered Schoolhouse Press carries Inox needles, so over time I will continue to order circs in long lengths so I can avoid DPNs. Also on my wish list, any of these kits I'd also like a drop spindle and some roving This stamp is the cutest ever, the Saturn Stamp Some Peruvian Highland Wool More Brown Sheep Co. Lambs Pride And finally an Ott light

Am I 8 or 28?

2004-12-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Weasley Along, I want to make one!

Frankenmittens and the Broken Computer

2004-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

Despite my devastating computer failure, I went to Suzoo's Wool Works sale this Saturday with Roberta. I wisely left my Husband at home. I got so many great things for only 77 cents above budget! You realize when a yarn is 25% off and you buy 4, you are essentially getting one free, right? So I got some great stuff! For $100 USD I got: 2 Balls Rowan Big Wool 2 Balls Berreco Plush* 2 Hanks dyeable Lambs Pride Worsted (75/25 Wool/Mohair) 1 Skein Lambs Pride in grey 1 ball Crystal Palace Merino Frappe 1 US 5 Addi Turbos 32" for Magic Loop 2 Cable Needles 1 copy of Stitch'N Bitch The Knitter's Handbook 1 copy of Knit Socks! The Countess of Frankenmittens In my excitement I decided to undertake a new mitten pattern, by Kate, in Berreco Plush*. Now normally I'm a dyed in the wool (heh) Elizabeth Zimmerman, wool-is-th-only-suitable-yarn knitter. But I saw a set of mittens in Plush and they just looked so divine. So I cast on for them although I was completely exhausted. And the mittens knit so quick, one mitten is a one sitting project. Did I mention you can't see the stitches in plush? And you sorta need to see them to complete the pattern? And the pattern had at least 3 new techniques? And I was seeing double? I redid one row FOUR times, and after the thumb I reversed the wrong side with the right side. Good thing you can't see the stitches. And then I discovered I have freakishly long hands, making the cuff too short. Fast forward to this morning, after the second mitten was done perfectly I picked up the stitches on the bottom of the Frankenmitten,. Using the magic loop method, I added another inch of length to the mitten. And then I stupidly used the regular binding off method. Meaning, no stretchy edge. When I finally find my last nerve, I'll undo it and find a more suitable method. It wasn't all bad. I found this cool website, which has free video clips of all sorts of techniques Knitting Help . And I realized my foray into Novelty yarns would be brief.

Death by Chocolate

2004-12-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

Truffle (not the stinky mushroom kind) Recipe** The Weapons

1 lb room temperature butter (if not I pop it in the 'wave for 15 seconds, but not until melted)
1 cup confectioners or powdered sugar, sifted***
1/2 box of Hersheys Cocoa, sifted; plus additional cocoa to coat finished truffles

The Means

Fold sugar and cocoa with spatula until evenly mixed. Add butter one stick at a time. Work mixture with hands (body heat melts butter quickly!) until the whole mix turns dark chocolate brown. Use additional cocoa to shape mix into bite sized blobs. The Cocoa is unsweetened, giving the truffle a dark chocolate taste. Refridgerate until hardened.

If you make this, would you be so kind to send me a picture and tell me how you like the truffles? **I won't be held responsible for any resulting increases in Cholesterol levels, Weight Gain, nor crimes committed during truffle induced haze ***My original recipe called for 1 lb of sugar, I used one cup. It's a darker chocolate taste. For sweeter truffles use 1 lb powdered sugar.

More amusing commentary from Roberta

2004-12-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

I saw shoes and I love them. They loved me too, but the store did not love me and wanted me to pay a shitload. Well, at least more than I had, but now that I am home, I'm thinking about just buying them. They were these green tweed low heel Steve Madden pumps. I love them so much. I want them. And they want to be mine. I will be getting this green corderoy blazer and these shoes would go so well with that. (Why couldn't the solid state paper be a 5 page paper on shoes and why they are so wonderful) Well, just thought I would let you know how much I love those shoes. Does she remind anyone of the Shopaholic? I don't know if I'm a good friend or a bad one, 'cause I said, just buy the damn shoes. I must be an enabler. She got the shoes. And they are glorious.

2004-12-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

My Socks.

Christmas Cards, Cookies, and Parade of the Finished Objects

2004-12-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

They better be finished, 'cause I'm going to post them by 5pm PST. You hear me? 5pm, that's my deadline. The knitting is done, ends are woven in, cookie tins, and gift bags are purchased. My Husband even stayed home from work today, he's going to help make the cookies. Sadly I had to dash his dream of exotic Lemon Bars, and "the worlds best Sugar Cookie" as the ingredients are a bit complex for a 5 pm deadline. I also have a few Thank You notes to send out, because it'd be embarrassing to send a Christmas Card to a family that hadn't received a Thank You note from our May Wedding.

2004-12-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Finished Irish Hiking Scarf

2004-12-17T11:17:00.001-08:00

Easy Lace Scarf

2004-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Crochet Hats and Knit Scarf

2004-12-17T11:16:00.001-08:00

Noro One Skein Hats

2004-12-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hats and Gloves, all finished!

Proof positive, it ain't just me

2004-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Getting out of the car with a garbage bag of yarn, hoping that my roommate wasn't home, so I didn't have to explain the garbage bag of yarn, I realized, I am a yarnaholic. Yarn Buddy and Dear Friend, Roberta Everytime a knitter admits her addiction, an angel gets its wings. Or, I go buy some yarn. I have two thumbs on two mittens to complete for family of knitted gifts. I am dreading it. Last time I tried the thumbs, I ended up with garter thumbs, and stockinette stitch everything else. In more exciting news, I cast off the Irish Hiking Scarf. It's so pretty, I was feeling guilty for keeping it myself. So it may end up a gift yet. Did I mention we're having the roof redone? Day one: *Thump thunk, stomp, grunt, hammering* rinse repeat for 8 hours. Don't ask me how I managed a nap late in the afternoon. The quiet actually woke me up! Day two: The shingles --Description to come tomorrow--

The Duh Files

2004-12-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

Who knew you were supposed to weave in blasted ends with a largish yarn needle and not a crochet hook? It goes much faster with the needle, I am wholly embarrassed to say. Now I just need a finishing class so my technique looks ~~perfect~~ acceptable. All is not lost, I have 2 scarves and 3 hats drying on my homemade blocking board (board making process can be seen here, here, and here). Plus a number of other gifts that have been "officially" completed. I need to start sending packages out to have them at their homes before Christmas. Is sleep optional?

My First Sock is Finished.

2004-12-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

And everything else has been temporarily pushed aside. Except for the Christmas decorations. At Home Depot the tree employees throw away the bottom branches. I asked if I could have some, and so far I have 2 smallish wreaths out of the loads of branches I brought home. I got some floral blocks, and I'm going to artfully add garlands. The upside, my house smells great! Currently there is enough gingerbread dough to make 3 dozen cookies in my fridge. Any guesses on what I'm going to do tomorrow? Pictures to follow... PSA Home Depot has 6-7' Douglas firs for $23

It's crazy I tell you

2004-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

I cast off the last peice on my Raglan baby sweater. And then I started Lion Brand's Cottage Sock pattern using Serendipity of South America wool. Which is the completely ridiculous. I will have to weave in ends on FO's every single day until next Christmas before I am done! I'll have so much more room in my storage when I get down to the much despised nitty-gritty ends weaving. I better get to it, as I need to start sending out gifts. As Soon as Humanly Possible. But in the meantime, back to my socks...

Domestic Feminism Warning, Non-Knitting Material Ahead

2004-12-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

A little Missive on Roles The old fashioned, traditional roles for women in our society are the new black. I've been questioning my belief system regarding my role as a human being, as a woman, and as a wife. To examine let us first ask the question, what is a wife? Main Entry: wife Pronunciation: 'wIf Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural wives /'wIvz/ Etymology: Middle English wif, from Old English wIf; akin to Old High German wIb wife 1 a dialect : WOMAN b : a woman acting in a specified capacity -- used in combination wife> 2 : a female partner in a marriage What does being a wife entail? Can such few words embody our obligations and responsibilities to ourselves, our happiness, and our husbands? Is it the capacity, to quote Merriam-Webster that changes from generation to generation? A good place to start is the time before I was a wife. I was fiercely independent, crowing to the world how I would be a career woman. I put myself through college, in a field dominated by men. Was I still vying for my position (in front of the boys) as the number one spot in a pick-up game of four square? Showing the world, and myself that I could do it, if I set my mind to it? Well for brevity I'll say I kept up with the boys. I made it through to the end of the pipeline. I left behind my starving undergrad robe, and took on the robe of wife and graduate student. Aside **I should mention that my ill thought out dream of getting a PhD was left behind, not due to familial pressures but due to my unwillingness to devote such time, and resources. I also may have become a bit embittered over the experience, as it's hard to play with the big dogs while suppressing what makes you different.** My new role involved a cross-country move, which I did merrily. It wasn't until I made a home with my Husband {then fiance} that I started to feel the pull toward domesticity. Domesticity snuck up on me like a fox in an overflowing henhouse. Wedding planning opened Pandora's Box. It started small, sifting through all my Husbands ~~crap~~ stuff. Then onto bigger things, like framed photographs, curtains and throw rugs. Finally leading to crafted items. You may wonder about the status of my education during my time of craftiness, I was (and am) still involved. Still pushing to get that final degree after Eight Years of College. But my self image was shifting, and evolving. Into some entity I had never even considered. A common phrase in our home is my Husband saying, "Boy I bet you never thought you'd be {knitting, crafting, decorating} five years ago when we first started dating!" And he's right. Can I say my interest in handcrafted items is a rejection of multi-national corporations and options forced upon the consumer by big business? As an antithesis of the work-outside-the-home Superwoman of our parents generation? Perhaps. But it is also due to an inexplicable desire to make my home and life better. Taking disorder and making order. It's fun to be the creator. For these reasons, I'll keep crafting. I can't say I know the reasons that so many other women of Gen X are turning to handcrafts. I don't know if it'll be a generational trend. But I hope the collective "we" keep finding fulfillment in creating. Whatever the consensus, these times they are a changing. Today's post was inspired in part by the letter D, for Domestigirl, and the letter F for and Feminism and the New Domesticity

2004-12-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

My Husband, the bastion of maturity :)

2004-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

Poor, neglected Irish Hiking Scarf.

2004-12-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Baby sweater front, exciting stuff.

Yarn Sale and Other Nonsensicals

2004-12-07T15:21:00.001-08:00

Since I had a five page paper to ~~bullshit~~ write, I decided to cast on for the baby raglan sweater. 5 cups of coffee, 2 cups hot chocolate, one passable paper, and 24 hours later I have the front of the sweater done. I am giddy to start the sleeves. Who knew a sweater could be so thrilling? I plan on adding a duckie via embroidery after I'm done. And I'm using Acrylic. Red Heart to be specific. It was in my stash from my first forays into knitting some months ago. I'll make no excuses. Besides, it's cute. And acrylic is not nearly as obnoxious on plastic Denise Interchangeables. Convinced yet? What's that? You want a recap of the Yarnlady bag sale? Well you got it. My friend Roberta and I arrived at the sale at 9am. The sale was in full swing. There was no point in which I wasn't elbowed in the kidney, the stomach, or the kneecap. Even when taking cautious baby steps. There were knitters and yarn everywhere! I saw a lot of discontinued Trendsetter, Filatura, and even some Camel Hair. The prices were half off. So in other words, if the yarn was originally $10 a ball, a bag of 10 was $50. Are you curious what I bought? I moped around piteously for at least an hour and a half. I couldn't justify buying the Camel Hair (half off of a lot is still a lot). And I'm a natural fiber snob. I like 100% animal fiber. Or at least 80%. Finally I found some yarn. First it was a bag of the Mimosa by Filatura Di Crosa at $3 a ball. Did I mention it's 100% wool? Then I found a second bag (sweater here I come!). Roberta and I wizened up and stood by the bin where frantic women were throwing back yarn at the last minute. The check-out line extended out the door and wrapped around the outdoor mall. We decided we'd hang out, scope the thrown back yarn, and relax. Then we found out there would be another truckload of yarn. Did I mention we'll be going at 10:30 am next go round? Then I found it. The 65% Cashmere, 35% Silk Bollicinia. Yes it was $75 for 13 balls, and YES they are not the same color. But I can over dye cashmere/silk right? And find a few more balls to make an uber luxurious sweater, no? So that's what I bought. My wallet was a bit lighter, but it was worth it. I got more than a few compliments on the Irish Hiking Scarf when I was ~~showing off~~ knitting in public. I also got a few requests on how to make the Scrap Scarf I made for Roberta. I admit it, I am a Knitting Attention Whore. To my dear Husband: if you've read this far I want you to know I got you a super cool Christmas gift. Have you gotten mine yet? :)

2004-12-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Does it look like a sweater yet?

2004-12-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

Cashmere and Silk blend. Yarnlady bag sale find.

2004-12-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Look at me!

Official Local (and not so local) Yarn Shop Reviews

2004-12-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

***copied from my original post on Knitty Coffeeshop*** ***A little bloggie told me the new Knitty is coming out Monday*** I've been to a few yarn shops, mainly in Socal, but I went up north for Thanksgiving. I'll only note the shops I'll go back to visit again. Socal: Suzoo's Wool Works http://www.suzooswoolworks.com/onlineshop.html They are open by appointment. That means you can call them and ask them to come open the store. I had a great experience there. The people that own the shop are fantastic. They have mainly fashionable yarns, Berreco, Noro, Crystal Palace, Debbie Bliss, Rowan. This shop is where I discovered Brown Sheep Wool-which I love. The shop is focused mainly on rug hooking, so the knitting selection is not as huge as some stores, but as sweet as the owner was, I'll be going back frequently. The prices were about industry standard. They have a good selection of books, needles and notions too. Alamitos Bay Yarn Company http://www.yarncompany.com/index2.html They have plenty of classes and are open a decent amount during the week. I'm excited about taking the 2 hour knitting cruise (the shop is on the bay). Otherwise they are a very high end shop. This place is for you if you like Koigu, Recycled Sari Silk, etc. When I visited the shop was quite busy so I didn't get a feel on the staff, but they didn't leave a negative impression. California Yarn Sales (714) 965-0018 9542 Hamilton Ave Huntington Beach, CA 92646 This is a shop where you find buried treasure. I've gotten mohair for $3-$5 a ball. The owner, Miki makes these custom blends of yarns that are beautiful and strike me as being european. She's been in business for 35+ years so the shop is stacked from top to bottom with yarn, EVERYWHERE. I hope she organizes it so I can find 100% wool, I know she has some in there. There was a knitter in there working on a sweater on size 1 needles. I felt intimidated by her (the knitter). Great shop if you like bargains, and or digging around. Velona Needlecraft http://www.velona.com/ I love this shop! I wish it wasn't such a long drive to Anaheim Hills! The owners are VERY sweet. There were a lot of knowledgeable knitters there. The selection was huge, and displayed neatly. There is yarn for every knitter here, from Lionbrand to Noro. They have lots of notions, purse handles, and even embroidery. I was very impressed with the kindness and attentiveness. The prices were industry standard. The Yarn Lady http://www.yarnlady.com/ I went to the yarn sale yesterday! I would suggest coming at 10 or 10:30 instead of 8am. They restock the sale yarn, and the crowd is gone. The yarn on sale is from seasons past. If they don't sell it, it goes back into storage until the next sale. I got some great deals {and spent too much money as usual}. I'll probably go back this summer. The shop is beautiful! Probably the nicest I've been in thus far. Great selection of yarns, from novelty to silk to wool. Only I didn't find Brown Sheep. But I'll go back for the reasonably priced Alpaca and Cascade 220 that I keep reading about. My only other complaint is they didn't have Inox needles, BUT they certainly had everything else! Great width and breadth of selection here. Also there were many knitters there, many many samples made from the yarns, and a great book selection. The staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable. NorCal The Yarn Place http://www.theyarnplace.com/ I was highly impressed with this place! Mainly by the knowledgeable staff. They have a great selection (silk, wool, name brands), prices were standard. But I can't emphasize the awesomeness of the staff enough. They catered to EVERYONE whether it be sparkly scarf knitters, or people foraging into socks like me. The employee (maybe the owner?!) I was working with brought out her knitting to show me the magic loop with 2 socks, no less! If I lived in Norcal, this would be my shop.

Wisdom from my Dad

2004-12-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

In honor of his birthday, a few things he's taught me over the years. The fanciest, most expensive golf clubs do not make a competent golfer. The smartest person in a room doesn't have to tell you how smart she is. Live together before marriage. Don't let people borrow library books with your card. Follow your heart. Keep going, even through adversity. Speak softly and concisely, less is more. A healthy sense of humor is mandatory. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Long Winter Days

2004-12-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

My skin is drying out! People always sing the praises of air that has less humidity (than say, Virginia where I grew up). But my skin, hair, and lips are dry dry dry. I never thought I'd miss humidity. Since Wendy uses a ball winder I guess I better get one :). Ok, ok. I only mentioned it because I'm thrilled she answered my question. How cool is that?! I got a skein done on my Irish Hiking Scarf. It's amazing how much knitting I can get done when I should be doing everything else. I am saving my pennies for Yarnlady Bag Sale Me and a friend are going on Saturday. I will be leaving my husband at home. And maybe employing these tactics Have I mentioned I want Inox needles in the smaller sizes?

2004-12-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe he eats couches.

2004-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

One skein and counting!

2004-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Another Irish Hiking Scarf perhaps?

2004-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Irish Hiking Scarf Progress

2004-12-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

Irish Hiking Scarf KnitAlong

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit

2004-12-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

Ok. I know Christmas is coming up. And we are all working feverishly to finish all the gifts we want to give out. But I had to do it. I had this gorgeous Kureyon just lying around, waiting to be knitted up. This pattern called to me Irish Hiking Scarf And I joined the knit along (my first KAL). To justify my actions, I'll post my "gift giving" list to show off I am about done for the season. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. Sister In Law's Purse 95% Sister In Law's Scarf Done Sisters Mittens 90% Step MIL Scarf Done MIL crochet hat Done Friend Tea Cozy Done Mom Hat 85% Dad Hat Done Nephew 2nd Hat Done Brother In Law's Hat crochet Done Brother In Law's Hat 85% **Done does not imply woven in ends ;) I'm pausing on the socks. I don't have a crochet needle small enough to pick up the stitches I dropped. I'm considering changing to a different sock (wildefoot is just barely thicker than thread), doing the Welsh Stockings I really want to do, or a practice sock. Before I can jump into the Welsh socks, I need to learn how to knit in 2 colors. Any suggestions on where to read up on it? I'm also planning on picking up Inox needles for the small sizes that didn't come in the Denise set. AND the yarn sale is coming up Saturday. I'm going to have to start advertising "will knit for yarn."

Evil Tea Cosys from HELL

2004-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the thing. The monsterous beast has yarn dangling everywhere, a bit of dust from being dropped on the floor, and is half sewn on the right side. But it's done. I won't look at it again til my Christmas Eve finishing dash. You know. To quickly weave in the ends ('cause you know I love that). Make the item look presentable as a gift. I'm off to address Christmas cards and watch Love Actually. Hugh Grant, I forgive you for being with Divine.

2004-11-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Look how quick she knits! My Martha Stewart Friend's second project :)

2004-11-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

My Martha Stewart Friend's first project. Look at the beautiful eveness of it all. I'm green over here :)

2004-11-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

My first knitting pupil and her first project. I am swoll with pride!

2004-11-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

It tasted as good as it looks. My friend is Martha Stewart. Only not incarcerated.

Socks and Tea Cosys

2004-11-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

I promise pictures soon, as soon as I find my camera cable. I taught two people to knit over the holidays, and I have photographic evidence! It was very exciting for them and me. Maybe my addiction will be less now that I've passed along some knitting knowledge. I won't hold my breath. We went to a fantastic store in Northern California, called The Yarn Place The employees were the most helpful I've seen. They were very patient, offering great ideas to the eyelash sparkly yarn scarf makers. Continually circulating asking everyone if they needed help. There was a new room devoted entirely to sale items (I was so tempted by the Cashmere). Perhaps the best part was when an employee helped me in my sock quest. After the 2nd Horrific Hat Incident of '04 I thought I'd love to try socks with the magic loop. The employee pulled out her MAGIC LOOP WITH 2 SOCKS on it. I was a knitting fan boy at that moment. Hell, I'm still a knitting fan boy. I was in great company. So. I bought Socks & Circs and a pair of US 1 and 2 40 " circs by Inox. I bought Folk Socks elsewhere. I'm using both books to make classic socks for my husband out of Brown Sheep Co's Wildefoot yarn. The magic loop took some learning (as did the size 2 needles). After I have those under my proverbial belt, I plan on making the Welsh Country Stockings. I have the yarn all ready to go. The Ull tea cosy is meandering along, knotting the whole way. Infuriating me. Thankfully only 6 more inches to go. I'm afraid I may run out of yarn. That would be ironic. Or something. I started my first washcloth in 100% cotton. I can't wait to use it! I'm doing it in garter stitch. I'll be making a few for kitchen use, and a few for home use. When I can, I'll experiment with cables and other undiscovered patterns. I picked up a copy of Rebecca Magazine. I have my eye on quite a few sweaters. I am however slightly disappointed that some of the GGH yarn is synthetic. And expensive. I'm hoping to find the yarns the 5th at the Yarnlady bag sale. So if you are going, and you want GGH yarns, watch out for me ;)! I had a Chinese "massage" at the mall on Black Friday. I believe "massage" is a misnomer because I was pummeled. My wrist is sore from the abuse. So I'm trying to take it easy, spend my time on schoolwork {dreaded, unfun schoolwork}. After this week I'll be finishing the gigantic pile of mostly done projects for Christmas. And then into the realms of undiscovered sweater country. Onward and Upward!

2004-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Evil Noro Hat.

2004-11-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Yarn that Broke. Can you see the tied together color transition?

Yeah I went there.

2004-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

I decided to use Baby Ull Dale of Norway Sport weight (using a double strand for worsted weight equivalent) for the tea cosy in Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. Do as I say, not as I do Another warning sign I chose to ignore: Baby Ull doesn't have a center pull and an outer strand as Brown Sheep Co's Sport weight. I ended up with a horribly tangled mess. So I took out the scissors. That's right folks, I cut my yarn. And then I untangled it, and found another use for my Asthma Inhaler. I placed the end of the yarn in the mouth part of the inhaler and afixed the cap. Then I proceeded to make a quick and dirty center pull ball, complete with an outer yarn strand. It knotted again! And a few times after that. So an outer strand it became, paired with the second skein of Ull (I was trying not to use it, as to return it for store credit). C'est La Vie. I'm now happily knitting along on my tea cosy. The recipeient has 3 or 4 teapots, so I'm sure the cosy will fit at least one! I'm also adding some tea from Upton Tea for all you tea snobs in cyber space. Thanksgiving Miracle We're visiting some dear friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. The hostess is a Domestic Goddess! I hope my husband doesn't pick up on all the wonderful things she is cooking (involving food processors, kitchenaid Mixers, puffy pastries, homemade pies, brined turkeys, and more!). Or worse expect me to acquire these amazing cooking skills. The good news is it inspired DH to ask for snooty cooking magazines. I can never have enough magazines! Happy Thanksgiving and Black Friday Shopping and to all a good night!

Things I like

2004-11-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needles (bent ends) Denise Interchangeable Needles Plastic DPNs Kacha Kacha Row Counter Rubbermaid bins for yarn stash Wool Brown Sheep Co. (Newly discovered!) Small Yarn Shops Crocheting hats Last Minute Knitted Gifts Noro Kureyon Size 5 Needles Cashmere (from afar of course) www.purlsoho.com www.woolneedlework.com Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears Knitting Sutra Mohair

The Second Horrific Hat Incident of Ought Four

2004-11-20T22:32:00.000-08:00

I was two decreases from finishing my second Noro Hat. Then stitches started to fall off of the right needle as I was fighting to do the final K2 togs. So. I'm trying to pick up the stitches (decreases dropping like flies), and the stitches fell off of the left needle. Falling stitches everywhere. So I decide to pick up stitches one at time with a crochet hook and loop the end of the yarn through the stitches and finish off. I do this successfully. Until I find one last dropped stitch. Can you guess what happens next? The fucking yarn broke. BROKE. In multiple places. Say 2 or 3 places say ye? No. More. Stitches truly are everywhere. Obscenities abound. I own Knitting Without Tears. Shouldn't that be defense enough against such calamity? But the moral of the story is, pay attention to the warning signs. Sign Numero Uno: The Noro had the last color transition tied together. Not spun together. Tied. As in a knot. Sign Numero Dos: I was at the lab taking data when I cast on for the hat. I had the wrong size needles. Read the tea leaves people! I need a drink.

Born to Lose

2004-11-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have 47 inches of Easy Lace Scarf. ~~I typically make scarves as tall as I am. That means I have 17 (ok 16.75) inches left to go. If I run out of my third skein of Noro 100 so be it. I'll block and pray.~~ Upon a second look at the pattern Easy Lace Scarf I realized the instructions said to bind off at 48". Well I had that and I did. Hurray! {Off it goes to the bound off pile to await weaving in ends} I haven't hit the mittens in a few days, but I bought replacement "weaving in ends" needles today at a LYS. Did I mention I hate to weave in ends?

2004-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

You see yarn, I see 2 pair of socks, an adorable earflap hat for my Nephew, and some gorgeous wool that I just want to pet all day. Because wool won't eat your couch.

2004-11-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

Bad Dog

Quiet on the Western Front

2004-11-15T18:15:00.001-08:00

-------Edited to Add Martha Stewart Living Sock Knitting Article Commentary-------- The model is using 3 DPNs on the sock. She is knitting from the 2nd to the 3rd. There is no fourth needle that is discernable. Oh the horror! Not too much progress on the knitting. A few more rows on the Easy Lace Scarf (I'm almost done 2/3 skeins of Noro colorway 100.), and all I have to do other than the thumbs on the mitten is decrease the second mitten. Here's to hoping I didn't do any drastic changes in the pattern on the first go. I'm going to frog the "Decadent Scarf" and try a more open pattern. It's for me, and I keep frogging it. Angora, not so easy to frog. My wonderful Husband has installed a hanging pot rack, a stemware rack, and special hooks for my measuring cups. If I hadn't married him already I'd do it on the spot :). Note the calm doggy and kitty. This is a rare occurance in the Fickle household. In Honor of my going back to Vegetarianism (well 85-90% of the time anyway) I'll post the recipe I made up: Spinach Soup 1 Onion diced 3 Tbsp minced Garlic 1/2 package Morning Star Ground "Beef" 1/2 package Egg Noodles 6 Cups Water 1 Can Veggie Broth 2 handfuls Spinach leaves 1 loaf French Bread & Butter Combine all ingredients in stew pot except spinach. Simmer for 20 minutes. Wash Spinach. Add in noodles. When they are done, stir in spinach until it just wilts. Toast French Bread with butter and Serve.

2004-11-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Reason No. 1 Why I love my Husband

2004-11-15T18:14:00.001-08:00

Reason No. 2 why I love my Husband

2004-11-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

Reason No. 3 Why I love my Husband

2004-11-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Good only when sleeping

2004-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

New Blog Ring (Pending approval ;))

A tisket, a tasket, a Christmas Ornament Basket

2004-11-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Basket(s). I whipped them into shape with Natural Floral Wire. I have the wounds to prove it! I haven't quite decided on how to get the yarn to stay in a cohesive ball, or how to permanently attach the yarn to the baskets, but I'll get there. I'm knitting away on the Easy Lace Scarf, the Mittens, and the Decadent Scarf (for me, maybe). This week I'll have to finish up the bag for my SIL's birthday. I just need to felt it, and add the handles and lining. Guess that means I need to learn to use the handheld sewing machine! Good Times. My computer is repaired! All I had to do was use my Husbands til he wanted his back, then he fixed mine :).

2004-11-13T22:02:00.001-08:00

Decadent Scarf

2004-11-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Mittens, almost done!

2004-11-13T22:01:00.001-08:00