Because I'm not getting work done anyway!

I would love to say this is a work of art, but honestly it is less than an hours worth of knitting and a pretty button. This is roomy enough for my new camera, and it is made out of cotton ease. Knit on xmas morning with chocolate by my side. Yes, I still have some left over (chocolate and yarn). Either I run out of yarn in the middle of something, or a skein has self reproductive qualities to it. Either way, my camera shouldn't get too bumped up, the whole back is the viewfinder, I need to get a screen protector for that pronto!

Nothing knitting for xmas.

Note: This blogger switch is pissing me off more by autodirecting to the NEW blogger with my gmail account. I have to quickly hit the stop button before it redirects in order to log into the OLD blogger and then update.

I didn't get anything knitting related for xmas! This is weird!

I did get a brand new camera for xmas, and I still can't take a decent photo. I guess the next step is hiring a photographer....maybe a dwarf who can fit in my pocket so I can take all the credit ;)



Merry xmas or whatever the hell you do or don't celebrate. For me, it is gifty time and my loving husband outdid himself this year (you know, besides the house, because that is a damn good gift). I knit a little pouch for my camera, but you don't need to see that just yet. I took a picture, but I forgot to download it, and I have a damn headache. It is stockinette, you aren't missing much.

And yes, I did figure out how to turn ON red eye reduction after my photos were taken. Kthx. I still suck as a photographer.

Whoa

That was creepy, I was logged into google, and I couldn't find my blogs! Hah. Dumb switchover. I guess I have to wait for this to get sorted out.

Anyway, I haven't been knitting at all really. We signed our name on the dotted line for a house. So, no time for knitting, as the husband has deemed that if *I* want a house, I'm to do all the work.

I'd say I'm joking, but honestly, I'm doing everything. And I'm a bit too organized. My knitters bag is now home owners central, with every sort of file we could ever need for a mortgage and buying. It is ridiculous. I don't think I can fit any knitting in it anyway.

So, we'll be living in a cute little house in Brentwood. It is small, but adorable. There is tons of room in the basement too. You know, I gotta stash that yarn somewhere!

Minimalist Funnel Neck

All nice and cosy in All Seasons Cotton. This is a great Rowan yarn. The arms shrank up a bit when I blocked it (I didn't pull) so now they are stretching kind of akwardly at my elbow, but hey, I still like it.

Okay, this took about a week, BUT it is because I could knit on it all day. So today I feel ultra knowledgeable in search engine optimization since I am wearing my "notes" per se.

Headline News

I finished this weeks ago but finally got around to a photo. I really do like it. The plastic in the brim is great. You can't really see the cables, but I swear they are there. It is the perils of knitting in black.

The pattern calls for 200yds, but I used maybe a bit more than half a skein of Cotton Ease which is 207yds. I can weigh it and tell you exactly how much I used, but honestly, "it was quite a bit less than 200yds" is accurate enough for the morning.

Great quick project. Don't be afraid of it, the instructions in Stitch & Bitch Nation are very well written.

They liked it!

I finally gave my boss the puppy baby booties and the hat. They LOVED them! Yay! I'm still blocking (yes, I NEED a sweater dryer, towels just make things annoying) and I still haven't taken a photo of my hat.

Honestly, I just keep on forgetting.

Anyway, binary is coming along. I have the pattern memorized, and it is going to be random as I'm too lazy to remember which digits to do when. I'm doing it on circs too, dpn's would have been figety. I still want to do the "Caution" scarf, but I still haven't gotten to get some bright yellow yarn.

Me, knitting in bright yellow. *shudder* At least the bright green is geeky!

I knew it.

I knew I had that bright green yarn for something!

Well, my DH might like it, but I would too! I have 2 more inches on the last sleeve to do before I try it on and see if I like 3/4 length sleeves. Hrm. I could have knit when I got home, but I had unpacking to do and bunny bonding time. My DH was sick all last week and at home. He had the bunny on the open range pretty much 24/7 since he was there. She wasn't pleased going back into her domain this morning. Though I think I end up giving her bigger pieces of banana, so its all good.

Hopefully I'll remember to snap a photo of my darn hat this weekend. Doh!

Been at a Conference

So I've been at a Conference all week. Since I don't take notes, I have been knitting through the sessions. Nobody seems to mind, or at least the speakers think it is cool.

Which means, I'm almost done my MFS! If I do short sleeves, I can have it done tomorrow by the final session, but I think I might go longer. I have enough yarn, so why not? I tried it on and I LOVE it. LOVE the fit. It was worth the miles of k1p1. Really. It is hugging and flattering and nice. I'm getting some ladders from my dpns with the cotton, but it will block out. Which only means I have to block it before I wear it! Boo!

I can't believe I'm so happy with it. Well, I guess it depends on the sleeves. I'm considering 3/4 length, but I dunno, maybe I should go full. I don't know which I would get more use out of. Hrm. I AM getting tired of the ribbing, that is for sure.

And I let the people at my conference (search engine strategies) know about all the knitting bloggers that are out there (one person knew of a cr*chet blogger). No, we don't just all blog about technology, sheesh. These people are so sheltered. And no, I don't optimize my blog, because I do it for a living and I really don't blog about much that is worthy content. I tend to just report on finished objects.

I am starting to feel bad about that. Maybe I need more content. Maybe I need to not be at a conference that is telling me I need more content. Then again, there are way too many companies who are paying bloggers out there. And they don't have knitters on their lists. Facists!

Hah! Then again, I don't want to be a slave to advertisers. They can all go to hell I say. I'll plug what is good for free. Or maybe a hank of yarn or 2....just kidding ;)

I just realized I finished my Headline News last week and never took a photo. Bad blogger. I'll post that soon, the hat is at home and I'm in Chicago!

Long and skinny

Le scarf. You know... even at 8ft, I'm STILL not done with that damn Snowflake yarn. I think I'm retiring it. I can't take it anymore. However, I do have a nice warm scarf for Chicago.

Doh!

I took a photo of my long skinny scarf (I couldn't take it anymore after 8ft) and I forgot my camera at home. I'll post a pic tonight.

I cast on for the Minimalist Funnel Neck from Magknits late last night. I'm using some Rowan All Season Cotton that I bought from the UK. I bought a bag on clearance, but I didn't realize that they yardage is pretty tiny, so it only amounted up to 980 yds. It is a nice grey called "Slick".

I might take my Handwork Cora from Elspeth if I get quite far on this before leaving for for my trip to Chicago to start Rusted Root. I'm not sure yet.

Anyway, I'll be sure to post pics this evening or tomorrow. It is just a plain black scarf, honest.

Oh, and I got the plastic in the mail to finish off my Headline News! But she sent brown instead of clear. She's sending the clear, but I'm unsure if I should use the brown (which she said to keep). I don't want any sort of brown peeking through the brim! Maybe I should wait for the clear, but I'm getting impatient!

THIS one is from my SP!

This package was from my SP! I love it all, and those cards are ultra handy! Thanks so much.

PS: The other package was from a cool contest I won. Doh!

Thank you

If this is from my Punk Rock Secret Pal, thank you! There was no note to say who to thank!

Almost done

So the Headline News only needs the plastic in the brim. I ordered it on ebay because it was cheap, and I would have spent more in gas than in product to get to a craft store. Okay, and I'm lazy. I think I was too reliant on living really close to a Joanns and a Michaels when we were in California. Oh well.

So I'm stashbusting my darn Snowflake yarn and making a long skinny scarf. I'm just using my swatch, since I didn't bind off. Mind numbing, but I'm unsure of my next project anyway. There is a woman in accounting down the hall who is really starting to show (her pregnancy). We chat every once in awhile (she does payroll, and helped me out when I was sick), maybe I should use up that baby homespun and make a blanket. I have to get rid of it sometime! I don't know the sex, and I'm not about to go up to her and ask. I'm sure people are in her face enough about it. I'll have to give my boss his puppy booties and hat soon, as his baby is due in the beginning of January. I don't think they are having a shower here. Fine by me!

I'm wearing Grace today. It is pretty comfy, and I think I like it. That's a good sign.

I love my new bag, but it is so big. I'm not used to that. It is going to be awesome to travel with though. I have to go to Chicago in December, so I will be breaking it in. Hrm, how many projects to I take? Heheh! I guess I'll have to have something to knit before I leave! It is only a few weeks away!

It's My Perogative!

Okay, I changed my mind. I'm going to make Headline News out of SNB Nation instead of the Later Gator Mittens. I will probably make those too, but I really want a hat. And since I was just at Hobby Lobby (and they are NOT open on Sundays, facists), I ordered a few sheets of plastic canvas via ebay. I didn't want to pay $5.00 for shipping from Joanns or somewhere online, and I was REALLY trying to be good to not buy any yarn.

I swatched this morning with some Cotton Ease (my last little ball, so sad) and it looks like it should work.

Oh Amelia.

You are just freakish looking. And I don't like you. And you are kinda big (and I got gauge dammit). AND there is something wrong with your construction. Oh well. The Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap was a bust. Like 90% of my hats.

I guess I'll start my mittens next, and then another hat or something. I'm hating all of my hats but my bunny hat, which is for extreme cold weather. And that is WAY too dorky to hate. I love it!

It's my birthday

Today is my birthday (Yay!!!) so I decided to break out my Simple Knit Bodice. No, I haven't blocked it, and I should I guess. I like the fabric how it is. ANYWAY, this thing is so hard to keep on! It is a little big (no, I shouldn't be knitting a size SMALL, and YES I got gauge) and keeps on slipping off my shoulders. It makes it hard to walk and hold a cup of tea.

Anyway, I'm getting a lot of compliments on it, maybe I'll wear it again some day. Maybe I'll fish out some mini saftety pins when I get home to keep it on my shoulders.

Heh.

One Row Wrist Warmers

Well, the short scarf left a lot of yarn! So I made my brother a pair of wrist warmers. They have the 1 row pattern at each end and stockinette in the middle. They are knit flat and just seamed up minus the thumb hole. Super easy, took maybe 2 hours.

One Row Scarf

Isn't it nice when someone asks for a short scarf? My brother wanted a plain scarf, and this is what he got. He likes it, and it comes in "short" at 50" or something around there. Made out of Simply Soft, because he specifically wanted washer and dryer friendly.

"Plaid" Mittens

"Plaid" Mittens, done in black Sidar Snowflake. Less than 1 ball. They are kinda tight, but darn warm. I don't ever suggest this yarn, but hey, I have a lot of it left.

OTN: Yarn Harlot's One row handspun scarf. In a plain grey for my brother. He wanted plain, and this is as plain as I could get without offing myself from boredom.

Not much but mittens!

So, I've been casually working on a pair of fuzzy mittens made out of my leftover Sidar Snowflake. Now, this is fuzzy yummy yarn, but it has no stretch. The 2x2 ribbing is a mess. These will probably end up being car mittens, and that is fine, but when I do ribbing, I want a bit of stretch and shrink, you know? I guess the leftover (since this stuff is neverending) will be a scarf, since well, it is very warm. Warm, fuzzy, and no stretch. Yes, I knew all about this, I just can't leave yarn sitting in my stash!

So next I guess I'll finish that off, since I'm already trying to deplete this darn stash. Then I need a hat! Then my brother needs a scarf to match his new winter coat (grey). I had to go the Simply Soft route again since well, he needs something washable and while he does his own laundry, he doesn't need the hassle of hand washing. I'll need better mittens for myself, and maybe some fingerless gloves for all of us.

It is winter here, at least in my books!

Zonda's Fixation Socks

Thanks Z! These fixation socks are pretty funky. Especially with all the colour! I didn't do the slip stitch heel, as it wasn't comfy for me. The black pooled in exactly the same place, so I do have matching socks. Yay!

Grace

Grace, from The Daily Knitter. Made from Schoeller Stahl Portofino (cotton/acrylic/nylon). This turned out much shorter than expected, but this goes with what is "in style" so it is all good. I hated it seaming it up, but it looks nice and casual (and warm) on. It used a lot more yardage of my sub yarn than expected but it was black so reordering was easy. I single croch*t'd around the edge and was too lazy to figure out the "shrimp stitch". I think it looks fine.

Oh, and obviously I had to lighten the photo, couldn't be bothered to change tanks!

Sorry!

Sorry for falling off of the face of the earth. I've been ultra busy at work. I'm still trying to get some energy back, and I have yet another doctors appointment on Monday. Ugh!

As for knitting, I'm done knitting the sweater, I need to put the last sleeve on and seam up that side. I think *I* will try to crochet, at least a single chain. Hrm. I could always pick up and add a border too. Anyway, I haven't had time for it.

This weekend looks busy! Darn holiday weekends! I got in my shaving brushes, so it looks like I better get my act together and start my shaving soap formula. I'm just too busy!

Punk Rock Pals Rock!

Lookie at what my Punk Rock Secret Pal sent me! I got it last night and love everything to bits. That yarn, it is 100% Alpaca, and 110% wonderful! It is mainly grey, with fades to blue and black. SO nice. I'm thinking of a wonderful scarf for myself, or maybe a hat! Oh, I can't decide!! I have about 220yds and it is worsted. SO yummy. Same with the pastilles. I opened those first ;) The stitch markers are really darn pretty, and came in that cute box. I needed something for my growing stash of stitch markers. I need to clean my tub so I can use the bath salts! Boy do I need to relax! It has been a tough week.

Is it bad to take your car for an oil change/tire rotation/car wash (all free) and tell them to take their time so you can knit? I went out for a quick bite with my husband when I dropped it off, and they were done 15 minutes later! No knitting time! I had to come back to work instead. Good thing it is beside a bubble tea place or else I would have been grumpy. Oh well. I got the yarn to finish off the sweater, so I'm working on the last sleeve. I hate the last bit of knitting, I always just want it done.

Diagonal Scarf

I had to go to work today, but at least I had a warm scarf.



Excuse the double chin look. Turtleneck plus scarf and a down angle just aren't all friends. Anyway, I really like this one. Made out of 2 skeins of Yarn Bee (Hobby Lobby house brand) Aurora in Arctic Night. It is super cute! And long!

Pattern:
row 1: kfb, k to end
row 2: k2tog, k to end

Easy peasy!

OOpsie, I ran out of yarn ;)

So I knew I was going to run out of yarn. Pretty positive. I didn't knit really this week at all. So on Friday night I finished up my last ball and ordered 2 more. I should need 1. I have maybe half a sleeve left. I've already seamed up everything besides the one side. Oh, and it looks pretty bad, but honestly, I'm not really caring, as it should be comfy enough for work. And the back was WAY shorter than the front, which is never good. But I forced it, and it is together.

Oh, but there is cr*chet on the neck edges. I might bribe Ben's coworker to do it. She loves my baking, and honestly, I will bake for cr*chet. WTF is a shrimp stitch, and why don't they give instructions in a damn knitting pattern. Sheesh!

So last night I started a new scarf with the yarn Raquel pushed on me months ago. I couldn't picture it as anything, but I did pick up another ball last week in hopes of a scarf. I had fully planned on a drop stitch scarf, but my heart wasn't in it. I opted for a diagonal scarf. It is looking really darn cute. I think I'm going to make a pair of puffy mittens out of my snowflake yarn. It is getting cold here, and I'm not liking it one bit.

I go back to work tomorrow. It isn't a good sign that I can barely keep my eyes open huh? Going knitting this afternoon and then my hubands belated birthday dinner (with family) tonight. See, if I'm exhausted and in a weak dispostion, I can get in and out of the restaurant quickly. They haven't seen me since my surgery since my mother inlaw has been in a cast herself (foot surgery a week before my surgery). She finally has a walking cast, but is back at work. I'm dreading tomorrow. I should have taken that 3rd week. Doh! You know it is bad when you get too tired to knit, but can't sleep!

Awesome news!

I thought that you would all like to know, I'm cancer free! Yay! There was no cancer found, but it looks like the tumors were growing and I would have had to have them out anyway. So now me and my happy face shaped scar (so embarrassing) are going to go eat cake.

No really, I had nachos last night and we got cake to go since it was my husbands bday. So there IS cake to eat! I tried to bake yesterday and that was a big mess. Oh well. At least I finished the back of my sweater.

Puppy Slippers

Puppy Slippers from Knit Baby Head to Toe. So cute! They are more brown, but I'm too tired to mess with the colour. They did have tongues in the pattern, but I had no red alpaca. I'm always bad at embroidering faces, oh well. Perfect for my boss who loves doggies and is having a boy. A super easy pattern too.

Kyle's Kap

Kyle's Kap, from Knit Baby Head to Toe. Done in Filatura Di Crosa Adhoc Maxi (100% cotton). You double the yarn and knit it on way too small needles. Cotton. Yes, I am crazy. The hat turned out cute though. Or at least I think so. Not your average baby knit!

Beatknit Shrug

Bell Sleeve Shrug, by Beatknit. I ended up with 3/4 length sleeves, and I figured out what went wrong. "Work straight st st until piece measures 26 (30, 30, 31) inches long." I did that, from the bottom. I'm assuming, if you work 26" long from the end of the decreases for the cuff it would be the right length. Vague free patterns. Sheesh ;) It looks cute on, but my neck looks pretty sick right now. Made out of Caron Simply Soft.

Simple Knit Bodice

Simple Knit Bodice, found at Stitchdiva.com. This took as you all know quite a bit of time. Just because I wasn't in the mood to knit. It isn't blocked yet, that is the only thing missing. I subbed SWTC Soy Silk for the Tilli Thomas silk and it is very soft. The gauge is a bit off though, mostly because I subbed the gauge of the pattern, not the gauge of the yarn. You can't see the hematite beads that are studding the lace, they are subtle and pretty.

This is a really pretty sweater. I'm still unsure about the neckline, but I really have to block it and wear it before I decide.

FInished!

I finished the Bell Sleeved Shrug I started in the hospital yesterday. Er, I'm a giant or I can't measure, but I got 3/4 length sleeves. It still looks kinda cute. Photos tomorrow with the other sweater!

It would be nice to sleep now, but I can't. UGH!

Cross post

I'm better and left the hospital this morning. The trip to Walgreens sucked, but it would have been worse without pain pills. Hehe! As aergern stated, the surgeon is pretty sure it isn't cancer, but official tests results come back late next week.

They did give me a cool travel mug, and I got leg massages. Glad to be out, even if my throat does say "YES" on it and I can't get the damn marker off. The staff was really awesome, I'm so glad. Also, my loving husband bought me pizza for dinner. Hey, I don't think I can eat nachos for a few days, so this was the best choice dammit!

Do you know how hard it is to knit with a numb thumb? Sheesh. I think that some of the numbing agent for the IV hit a nerve or something. Boo!

Now for another nap.

Psst, it's done!

I finished just a few mintues ago. Now I need to hop in the shower and pack for my sleepover. Thanks everyone for the well wishes, I'll try to get some photos up soon, but no guarantees!

ps: I'm hungry!

pps: I'm thirsty!!

Heheh!

I'm usually organized

So this morning I tore apart my office. Well, not really, but I moved a lot of crap to see where a damn book went to. I'm missing my Knit Socks! book. I love that little sock shaped book! It has some keen patterns in it, and I wanted to use a basic pattern I've used before to make me a pair of fixation anklets (so I didn't have to figure out a pattern while drugged up). I guess I'm not making anklets, since I'm waaayy too lazy to write something out before surgery, and I'm smart and don't trust myself while I'm hopped up on drugs. Maybe I'll start that kaleidoscope afghan.

I need step by step for this weekend ;)

Things are looking good on the SKB. I have 2 more lace repeats on the final sleeve, then I'm off of the bicep and moving on down. It all depends on how long errands (and the extra large dinner I have planned) take on Thursday, but then again my surgery isn't until LATE afternoon on Friday, and I'll need something to occupy myself from not eating for 13 hours. Or drinking. This is my personal version of hell people. I eat every 2-3 hours, and I drink water constantly!

I don't think I'm going to make it.

So, I don't think I'm going to finish my sweater by Friday. There is still hope, but I'm doubting it. I went to bed at 6:30pm last night and slept till 7:30. Our cat has been howling all night for the past little while (no, she's fixed) and then my husband yells and then I'm awake and exhausted. So, last night I caught some sleep (yes, she howled last night but I took care of her with cuddles) and didn't knit one bit. I have 2 inches before my final 10 rows and then a whole sleeve.

I guess it was stupid to expect to finish my sweater before surgery. You know, so I could model it. There is no way in hell I'm doing that with a big gaping wound in my neck. I do have some excellent photoshop skills, but I probably won't be up to it.

Okay, and I had it on, and I don't like the neckline. It calls for 15 rows of purl ridges. That is 3 ridges. Everywhere else has 2. I don't want to take it out though since I sewed it down pretty darn fiercly. And it is kinda big. WTH! So, I haven't even been motivated to finish it. UGH.

I'm getting there!

So I'm done with the body. I need 2 sleeves and the neckline done. You can't really notice the beading, but I swear it is there. I'm really liking this one.

I hope to have it done before I go in the hospital on the 29th. That way I don't have to think about finishing it up after surgery. Yes, I'm having surgery. I have some nodules on my thyroid that are quite big, and they can't seem to figure out if they are cancerous or not. SO, I decided to have it all out and be done with it. I should be fine. If I have a big scar, my husband has promised me a pretty tattoo. I might be incommunicado for awhile, as I'll probably want to sleep a lot.

So I have a lot of knitting to get done. Oh, and work too. Ugh.

Damp

Just as I told the group I was going to go to knitting, my loving husband dumped a whole glass of green tea iced tea all over my knitting. He saved everything BEFORE of course picking up my knitting. The only saving grace was that it was unsweet. Oh, and my knitting is black.

Thanks. That free Patternworks catalogue really needed saving before my damn soy silk that you paid for buddy!

So I tried to wring it out and put it infront of the fan. Let me tell you, it is uncomfortable to knit soy silk when it is damp and you are using needles that are too small for the gauge (the lace bit calls for smaller needles).

I did it though. Because this wasn't going to break me dammit. I got 1 repeat done and then just gave up. Things go so slowly when beading. And counting. And trying to wring out your knitting.

So hopefully sometime early this week I will be done with the lace and move on to the bottom of the sweater. I'm looking forward to dry knitting.

Beads

I'm adding beads to the lace, as opposed to some of that crazy carry-along yarn being used. As my loving husband put it, I'd look like Charro (and not in a good way)with some of that crazy stuff. So I took the middle road. Some simple seed beads spaced nicely to dress it up a bit. Not plain, and not insane.

I think.

Anyway, it calls for double counting, but it kinda works well with keeping the lace on track. Even if it does make things slower. So I have 1 repeat done, and need a ton more. This thing isn't going to grow quickly. I'm sure I'll be working on the beading still at knitting on Sunday.

Yes, I'm planning on going. I even tried to move plans for the Clayton Art Festival to Saturday. The next week is Rob Zombie so I will be missing knitting that day since we're planning on hanging out with friends beforehand. And I need to figure out what kids wear to concerts these days ;)

Progress Photo!

See? I do knit. Sometimes. Okay, maybe I posted this to just sneak in a photo of Raven. Heh. She's so cute!! I'm about 5 rows from starting the lace. Fun stuff.

Punk Rock Gift Exchange Questionaire

1) How long have you been spinning/Knitting/Crocheting? Many moons.
2) Do you consider yourself a beginner, novice, or experienced Yarn Artist? Experienced.
3) What type of fibers have you worked with? Lots of them, from acrylic to silk.
4) What types are you dying to try? Sea Silk!!
5) Are you allergic to anything, (Fibers, Food, Smells that make you want to puke, etc.)? WOOL and Lanolin (I'm allergic to the fiber and the lanolin, please don’t send me any)
6) Do you have any Disorders, ex: Diabetes? I'm a vegetarian. My husband considers that a disorder.
7) What is your Favorite Time/Style period, ex: Romatic, Grecian,Metal, Goth,etc? Casual gothic.
8) What fibers do you dislike? Wool. It is the spawn of satan.
9) Name some of your favorite Artist, Movie wise, Television if you watch it ex: I heart Keanu, some things cant be helped, and Rachel loves Mike Ness !? Er, this is a weird question. My favourite artist is Tissot. I watch a lot of TV, I’d say my new favourite is the new Doctor Who.
10) Whos your favorite Character ex: Jack or Cpt Jack? Um, Daleks! Exterminate!
11) Do you prefer natural colored fibers, or handpainted/dyed fiber? No preference.
12) What are you favorite colors? Black and blue. Purple kicks some butt too.
13) What colors do you dislike? Pastels, brown and yellow. In that order.
14) What projects are you currently working on? Simple Knitted Bodice.
15) Do you have a wishlist? Yes, on amazon and froogle.
16) Do you have any other favorite hobbies? I’m sticking to knitting these days.
17) When your birthday? November 14th.
18) What is your favorite food, candy, scents that you love!! Etc.? Chocolate. Japanese candies, gummy worms. Scents? Lately it has been Blackberry Sage and Peach (I own a soap company)
19) Are you pierced at all? Any tattoos? Can you/would you wear jewelry that isn’t real? I’m allergic to metals so no more piercings for me. I have a full back tattoo (peacock wings). I can wear necklaces and such, but earrings are a bad scene.
20) What do you like Culturally, ex: Celtic, African, Devil Worshiping, Kidding!? The Norse.
21) What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Pretty darn cool needle holders my earlier SP's got me.
22) What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) 80s retro gothy stuff. Yep, MP3s are great!
23) What's your favorite season and why? Summer. Because it is nice and hot!
24) What season do you abhor? Winter, because I turn blue.
25) How about Sports, any that you just cant get enough of or do they make you throw up in your mouth just a little? I've been playing tennis. Okay, if only to get a cute black tennis outfit and bounce around like a dork. I'm pretty bad. I also like Ultimate Fighting, but er, not to participate in. That would hurt.
26) What is your family situation Do you live alone? I live with my husband, bunny and kitty. My brother is currently living with me as well.
27) Do you have any pets? Said bunny (raven) and kitty (bella)
28) Do you like handmade gifts? Of course!
29) What’s your favorite thing to make, knit/crochet or other craft wise? Gifts that are appreciated. Or clothing for myself. I really like to make plush animals though.
30) Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular. I don't use straight at all.
31) Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, and I love them both.
32) Tell us how you learned to knit/crochet? My grandmother taught me when I was 3. I gave it up for a long time though.
33) Do you enjoy getting helpful hints from others or does it just piss you off? I ignore the rude ones. I guess I like people being helpful. Especially if I ask for help.
34) How old is your oldest UFO? A little over a month. I only work on 1 thing at a time.
35) Is there anything that you collect? Bunnies.
36) Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Barbara Walker Treasuries, One Skein, Older Rebecca and Rowan (I only have #39? for Rowan) magazines.
37) What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have if any? I don't have any I pick up Rebecca when it comes out and others if they look okay after browsing.
38) Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Not planning on any, but when they come up I try to tackle them.
39) Do you enjoy knitting socks? How big are yer boats (feet)? Yep, but not with wool. My feet are a size 10.
40) When is your birthday? (mm/dd) November 14th!

I didn't knit last night

I didn't knit last night, but I planned! I went though most of my books and I'm severely lacking in my baby patterns. I turned to my only baby book Knit Baby Head & Toes for some inspiration. I did make the jesters hat from this book.

My boss is having a little boy. And they love their dogs. So I am going to make him the felted puppy slippers. In alpaca of course. I hope I can get the stink out ;) I'm making them in a darker brown, not the one shown (but the darker brown is in the book). And a cute hat too. In brown also to match the booties. Well, as much as they can match when I'm using a completely different yarn. I still haven't ordered, and I'm still stuck on a chestnut colour or dark blue. I'll have to decide by Friday.

Yes, I'm going to knit

I haven't been to the weekly knitting in weeks! I'm just plain exhausted, and Sundays is the only day I generally have to do household errands and catch up on things. Blah!

The Simple Knit Bodice is now part of the Sexy Knitters Club so now I have some inspiration to get that done. They also chose Sizzle, which is on my list too. I did knit a bit yesterday while watching Pride Fighting (my brother watches a lot of fighting shows, I'm generally more into Ultimate Fighting, but that's another entry that has nothing to do with knitting) and I'm almost ready to seperate the sleeves. Uh, that's not amazing for me. I would probably be done 2 of these by now, but it isn't a race. Oh, I knit on Wednesday when I was in the hospital. It was for tests, I didn't go in a panic.

So I really want to get my butt in gear. It will be fun once I get to the lace. I was planning on adding beads, it should be pretty!

I haven't knit all week

I'm just feeling kinda blah lately and not wanting to knit. I didn't even make it to knitting this week since I was busy running erands. Grr. Then again, I had 6 other days to knit, right? Oh well, I don't have a deadline.

But last week, I got an amazing Secret Pal package, AND a reveal!! Yay!



I really need to improve my photo skills, but darn, Becka rocks! I have loved all of her packages, and she sent me many a postcard. I felt really spoiled this round, and I'm glad to have a new friend. Did you notice the black bunny trivet? Damn she pays attention!

Yay, babies!

My boss just found out his wife is having a boy! Yay for knitting stuff! I have it pictured in my head to make a little doggie or panda or some sort of animal hooded sweater. Okay, mostly because *I* wear a bear hooded sweater still, they are super cute on kids. His wife is due in January I think, so I have loads of time.

Also, it will be mega cold here, so I'm not afraid to make something warm! What is your favourite item to make babies?

Mildly irritating.

The soy silk is divine. SO soft. Really nice.

However.

My first skein was broke in 4 places! 4! And I didn't notice the last one until I was up on it. I had to pretty much toss the first bit of it all. So now since I'm up to over 200 stitches or so across, I have a break I need to weave in. Ugh.

It is really soft.

And I washed my swatch. Wow, it shrunk up .5 inches and grew a whole 1.5 in width. That would be seriously messed up if I washed this. If you ever make this sweater, note that the gauge is to be achieved at tight knit. So when blocked, my fabric is kinda airy instead of mostly solid. This is because the yarn was 18 sts per inch, and the gauge was 20. I was planning on wearing a tank underneath anyway!

If the next skein has as many breaks, we are going to have an explicit vent published.

Oopsie, I bought another pattern.

I'm so bad. I bought another pattern. At least I think I have the yarn for it!


Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle.com.

I *think* I might make this in Shine Worsted. I have that! It would look good in dark green though.

I only have about 2 inches on my current sweater worked out, so it won't happen for awhile. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the soy silk. SO nice.

I wasn't going to...

I wasn't going to join any new swaps. I wasn't going to join SP9, but well, I don't know until the last minute if I will or not. I have a feeling I won't. It's not because I have a crummy pal! In fact, I have a kickass SP8 pal. And I like spoiling my person too. It is just because...well. I don't know. I'm getting over secret gifting?

Well I was. Then E sent me a link to the Punk Rock Gift Exchange. I even used BlackCrow's button in my sidebar (I love her dollies!!)

So there I am. Signed up for the exchange. And it falls within my birthday! Oh! That's coming up!! Yay!

Feather and Fan Finished

I finished this on Monday, but I took a day off from online activities to sleep yesterday. It is actually much bigger than it looks in the photo. Made on size 15 needles with the extra ebay nylon I bought so long ago. It will make a good baby blanket.



In other knitting news, I've swatched my soy silk (came in on Monday) and cast on for my Glampyre Knitted Bodice. SO SOFT. A question to those who add beads to knitting: Should I look for 8/0 seeds or should I go down to 6/0? My gauge is 20 st per inch, so I just don't know. I'm thinking 8 might be fine, but I don't really know! I have to get one of those mini cr*chet hooks too. *sigh*

Wow.

I wasn't impressed with "Molly Ringwald" in the new Knitscene. Until I saw kathyruth's version on craftster!

It's actually kinda cute! Very me without the lame blouse underneath. I need to look this up again!

No new knitting news. I'm sick, but at work. So when I get home tonight I'll likely lay on the couch too tired to knit (That is after cooking dinner, doing laundry, wrapping up soap and packing up all the soap of the month subscriptions). I am almost done the darn feather and fan! Webs has shipped my yarn for my sweater. I ordered WAY too much. But really, can you ever have too much Soy Silk? I didn't think so either.

Also, I need some beads for said soy silk, and an itty bitty crochet hook. I didn't like any of the carry along yarns. No, I won't wear sequins. But black irridescent beads? Oh ya. I think my seed beads are too small (11s I think).

I can't believe it is 100 degrees out and I have a damn cold. I rarely get sick!

I'm crossposting.

I'm crossposting from my regular journal, aka non-knitting journal because it has to do with knitting. A friend asked to see my stash, and since I left work to work from home I took a current pic.


Black stash


"Other" colours.

It's getting pretty darn big for the girl that doesn't stash. Whoops!

Okay, I'm working now, really!!

Oops.

I didn't mean to sound cryptic or confuse people in my last post. The words "Knitters Review" were a link to what I was so peeved about.

Link here.

Just the old "I'm allergic to wool, but not merino/whatever else that is wooly" crap.

In other news, I'm not knitting much. I'm bored with my feather and fan thing, and I really want to start that Stitch Diva sweater. Grr. This week supposedly. But then I have to buy the yarn. Figures.

Hey, what can I say, it's monday. At least I have cookies. Mmm...cookies!

Grr.

I need to just stop reading Knitters Review.

It just makes me an angry bitch. And that's not polite!

Pretty much on the knitting front, I'm waiting for the new Glampyre pattern to come out on Stitch Diva. Of course, it doesn't have yardage, so I have to wait to buy yarn or use what I have. Grr. I love this damn pattern.

I think I might make Sizzle next, and hope I have enough yarn. Maybe not. I'm still deep in feather and fan world.

Figures.

Dear Knitpicks,

I thought we had an understanding! You produced nice cottons for the summer, and pretty alpaca yarn for the winter. What the hell is up with all the new yarns for fall having wool in them? Do you really not like my money? Is it because I returned my Knitting Nature book?

Fine. Be that way. I didn't need to spend money anyway.

Shannon

Everyone's Doing it?

Well, whoopsie. I ran out of yarn. I didn't think it would be that small. Hah.



I was done this Friday, but just got around to posting about it tonight. It's cotton, it's tight. Eh, oh well.



No harm done. I'm still on a "use up stash" spree, and I'm making a feather and fan shawl (or blanket, depends on how much yarn I REALLY have on that cone) out of the purple space dyed nylon fake mohair stuff. Of course I started it on Friday and haven't really knit much this weekend.

I was bathing suit shopping. I completely flaked on knitting on Sunday because it took 2 days. Ugh. I finally have a pool suit, and a few on order from online. At least now I can do laps and my top not come off. See, that is a problem when you have the wrong size suit, and er, I don't need the extra attention.

On another note, I think I just made the best butter tarts ever. And you won't understand if you don't eat Canadian food. My brother has inhaled 5, that's a good sign. Unfortunately, I only made 16!

Decisions.

Okay, I bought this pattern



I couldn't help it. Sexy tank! Here's the problem (or 2):

I wanted to make it out of the SWT Beyond I got from Hollis, but I only have 4 balls. Okay, I don't want to make the 38, because the final is 39", and since 90% of the things I make end up too big, I'll go down to the 34. That ends up being 3" negative ease, and its a bit scary, but I'm making it out of cotton. It should hug and stay there. If I make the 34, I *might* have enough yarn. You see, I don't know. If I calculate the balls and yardage I get 600, and I have exactly that. If I look at the yardage requirements, it's 650.

If I go up to my size, I definetely don't have enough.

I bought this yarn for the Cream Tea tank. Which I kinda hate now. Now, logically, if I can make a tank that covers the schmeebs that much with a high neckline, I can make one that is low cut with the same amount of yarn, ne? Okay, it has lace, but I'm ignorning that. You see, my Beyond isn't black, it's navy. Therefore dyelots do count, but I could end up needing it just for the neckline and armholes, right?

Ugh. I hate decisions like this! Maybe I should just wait until my knitpicks return gets processed (I returned Knitting Nature), and make it out of shine sport. Or mess with the Hand Work Cora I have to get gauge, or buy something.

Goodies!

This weekend I didn't really knit. It was our anniversary, and I decided to acknowledge my dear husband's existance for a change. I mean, I notice he's there most of the time, but he generally has a book or a laptop glued to his face. This weekend was a nice change from that.



Since there isn't much "knitting" news, I did get a super great awesome package from my Secret Pal 8!



It rocks so much from the gummy eggs (so weird) to the Lenore comics right down to the bunny stitch markers. Oh, and check out the scarf she made me! Nice!

And bamboo...mm...bamboo. I need a perfect pattern for that lovely stuff! My SP8 rocks!!!

Stars Redux

More stars. These are seriously fast, and easy. Could be blocked better, but honestly, they are supposed to be dishcloths, and they get wet.

The pink one is made out of Sugar and Cream (I still have enough left for little noses and such on stuffed animals and things) and the black is that never ending Crystal Palace Cotton.

Never ending I tell you. I'm going to make the Everyone's Doing It Shrug from craftster, mostly because I don't know how much I have left! It should be pretty quick.

Bats in the Belfry

Bats in the Belfry. My own pattern, kinda. The bat motif borrowed from Barbara Walker. I just put a basic eyelet edging on it. Made of GGH Safari (I had left over) - 2 balls and size 5 needles. I got 8 repeats out of it.

It's done.

Well, I ran out of yarn. 8 bats later, my belfry is full! Yay!

I'll post pics and stats when I take photos. This morning was full of post office errands.

Now, to knit another star!

Oopsie I snuck in a project.

Ya ya. I know. More than one project. No, the world is not going to implode, but the bats are getting restless.

Made with my Twilleys Freedom, this took a LOT less than the 93 yds in the ball. Which means a pink one is in order, and at least 1 striped one. The pattern is from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL yahoo group.

Its super cute, ne?

Of course it works for Project Spectrum too! Heh!

Hey look, colours!

I promised pictures!

Bats! I'm already on the second ball, and that was with 4 bats. Er. Not good. However, it is 2 placemats long. Which means, um, that its longer than 1 placemat!

Okay, so lame. I know. It would be a pretty head scarf if it was half width. Though, it might make a pretty hip scarf or something. *shrug* It will be different after I block it. I just don't really know what to expect anymore.

Also, I bought some yarn on ebay. I thought it was going to be a bit more deep in colour, but it is called "Silver Streak". Duh.



Its nice. I'm just not in love with the white bits.

Off to visit my inlaws!

I've figured it out.

I've figured out why its taken me oh....3 weeks to do 3 repeats of this scarf.

It's a scarf.

Now, there's nothing wrong with scarves, I kinda dig them at times. Especially cold times. However, there's a big issue between myself and scarves. There's nothing to look forward to.

Well, you can look forward to the finish or the end of a repeat, but its not the same. When you are knitting a sweater you can look forward to doing the front, the sleeves or the collar. You get the idea? When you are knitting a scarf, it's best that it go fast, because that's all it has going for it.

So that's why things are slow going with Mr. Bats in the Belfry. And I appologise, its really my hangup. Of course, we got in a fight last night since row 21 didn't appreciate all the mistakes, but hey, we solved it (my way).

Okay, another excuse is that I'm taking care of the kitty above us, and well, she likes yarn. A LOT. Poor hyper kitty, I can't even bring my knitting in the same apartment as her, because she rips it to shreds (I found that out last time). Then again, last night she was chewing on the electrical cords, climbing up the back of the couch, and trying to eat my toes.

Awww, pets.

I think I hate it.

I finally got Knitting Nature in the mail on Saturday.

And I hate it.

Well, I guess I don't hate it. I'm very not into it. In fact, I can't see myself making any of the projects. The spiral scarf is kinda cool, but why are almost all of the sweaters turtlenecks?

I'm not even inspired to mod the patterns.

Maybe I should stick to my Rebecca and Rowan infatuations. I need Rowan magazines, not a book on Knitting Nature!

I bet its because of my strong dislike of the outdoors ;)

Now I'm totally bummed, and have to unload this book. Boo!

Oh dear.

A brief glance into my little world. This is how I see things usually:

TNNA

TNA

T&A

*blush*

Now I can see why so many people want to go to IN! Hah!

And if you don't get it, good. I'll schedule you an appointment for corruption later ;)

Wow, I didn't knit

I just wasn't into knitting last week. I have half of a repeat more then the end of last Monday. Wow. That's slow for me.

I joined the Sexy Knitters Club and hoped that the next project would be cute and sexy. Turns out its Tempting II. Well, I did the first one and kinda hate it, so I'm going to pass on this round I guess. If I'm going to do another ribbed sweater, I have a lot of them in the list of things to do, like Cookie's Katrina for instance.

But that's far away. I did buy Krista awhile back, and was considering swatching my Interlacements yarn for it. I'm just worried that my regular ball winder won't handle the yardage. Will it? Blah, I don't feel like cutting it.

Maybe I'll make a little shrug. Right now, its all about bats!!

Yesterday was all about cravings.

Yesterday after picking my brother up at lunch, I had mad cravings for pancakes. So since we were in Creve Coeur, I decided to treat us to lunch at First Watch.

Okay, I notice there is no knitting content in that, bear with me.

It was good btw. Mmm....Banana Crunch pancakes!

Anyway, FW is across the street from Threadquarters, so I decided to take 5 minutes and stop in. Its mostly a needlework store, but they do have yarn. And a quite a bit of Alpaca! Prices were the same as usual, until you got to their 75% off bins. And look who was all alone in a sea of insane colours and novelty yarn?



Poor things. Its actually pretty nice, and $3.00 for both! I rarely impulse yarn purchase, but $3.00 on a $6.00 a ball yarn with no shipping? Aw, it had to come home with me!

Not like I got to knitting anything last night anyway, I had to deal with soap stuff!

Okay, its much easier this way.

I keep on forgetting to post about my first SP8 package! My SP8 rocked my socks and sent me some Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora. Wow, this stuff is soft!!



Sooooo soft. Mmm....

Thank you SP! It's nice and black!!

Memorial Day Lace

I've gotten started on my Amazing Lace stuff. Meet the team: GGH Safari and Me



After 1 repeat (wow this needs some serious blocking) I don't think I have enough for a scarf. However, I don't really wear scarves, and this will be a little wide. So its going to be pretty much household decoration.

A table runner? A wall hanging? Draped gracefully over the leather sofa or chair?

I don't know, but I'm not buying more Safari for it.

Also note: I'm following the chart!

Pink still isn't the new black.

Okay, I still probably have enough pink sugar and cream for 2 more, but well, I got pinked out. These were made better by skull and crossbones and of course bunnies. They will look way better once washed.

Pink is NOT the new black.

What the hell?

Okay, I go to stitches, and dodge the Blue Moon booth. Mostly because people are going insane chanting "Socks that Rock" and are fighting over the damn stuff. Okay, they wern't chanting, but that booth was quite insane.

Err, nobody told me they had cotton sock yarn. WTH! Please tell me Sock Candy only comes in lame colorways. I mean, I don't expect it in all black. Honest. Sheesh.

And of course, now I can't find it.

FIGURES.

I KNEW it!

I've been telling you all for ages.

Sheep are evil.

Now you all must believe me!!

MUAHAHAHAH!

Its getting hot in herrr....

Nothing like "modeling" a sweater (nomatter how mini) in 88 degree heat. Woo hoo!



The Antropologie Caplet, ala Tim Burton. Pattern on craftster.org. Lionbrand Jiffy, less than 2 balls. I'm wearing it "inside out" since its striped.

Sorry, all the photos of the back are blurry. It looks like a mini sweater from the back, you'll just have to trust me!

Insane? Why yes please! I'll take two!

How ridiculous is it to think that I should make the Psychedelic Squares Afghan? I mean really? With lots of black. Or maybe not! I almost got sucked into the fish, but I came out of that unscathed.

The problem? Well, I can't decide on a colour scheme. I don't want clown barf in my home. I thought about always keeping black consistant and then having other bright colours throughout. If I did happen to take on this project, I would not be monogamous anymore. There is no way I'm sitting through a mitered square afghan without working on something else. I already know that's crazy talk.

I don't know. Shine Worsted comes in many pretty colours, but hell, so does Simply Soft. Shine comes in smaller quantities, which is ideal mind you. I also prefer the garter squares, since they don't really need a hefty blocking.

This is the kind of thing I think about when I'm supposed to be working.

Its done, and I'm on a roll!

The Antropologie Caplet from Craftster. I'll post a pic of me in it when I get around to taking one. I couldn't handle it this morning ;)

And since I was knitting yesterday, I did 2 baby hats for charity.



Okay, odd colours for babies, but they are soft and maybe not every mom wants pastel pink or blue. Anyway, it works.

And now I'm just fiddling away on some dishcloths until I start something new!

Also: Would the person in Indiana please stand up and take some credit for sending me some cool packages! Its not my SP8 or my Knitty SP! Who are you?

Green, er, black Gables

Here is my Green Gables! All fresh from being tossed in the washer and dryer. I was hoping it would shrink more, but it didn't. Its very work appropriate. Made of the Crystal Palace Cotton cone yarn that Elspeth sent me. On size 5 and 3 needles.

I finally have something I can wear to work!

Oh, elann is so quick!

Okay, I ordered a bunch of stuff on Saturday. Of course it didn't process till Monday, but look what I got in the mail yesterday afternoon!



Hey look color! And no, that's not for my SP, its for me. Muahah! Oh, the 2 hanks are from a knitters review stash reduction, they are so pretty. Anyway, my kinda review of the elann yarns:

>Endless Summer Collection Connemara (the green):
Much more earthy in person. I like it a lot. It feels nice, and doesn't seem as heavy as most cotton. Probably because I'm working with a very heavy cotton now. This is for the lace top that they have the pattern for on the product page.

>Peruvian Collection Baby Silk (the blue):
Wow. This stuff feels SOO nice. I need to get a metric ton of this in black. After I figure out what to make in such a fine gauge. Hell, maybe in green and other colours too.

>Schoeller Stahl Micro Cable:
This feels really quite nice for an acrylic. Cheap too. I'm planning on making >Angelica with it. It also came with the free pattern pictured.

>Schoeller Stahl Portofino:
I can't believe I bought this bubble yarn. And you know, its going to make a fun comfy "curl up and read a book with a pot of tea" wrap sweater. Its lightweight but looks warm. Hey, less than $13.00 for a funky sweater? I'm planning on making Grace with it. Not fancy, but hey, I might need something dull after all the lace I have planned.

And now off to try to figure out why my percentage bar says 100% on a pc. It doesn't on a mac. Figures.