December 30, 2004
LA....ZY
Tonight I did one load of laundry and put away two baskets of clean clothes. That's the most I've done all week. Except knitting of course.
The cabley scarf is 45" long and I think if I watch another movie or two tomorrow, it should be complete. The Divine scarf is only, like, 10" long but I just found another skein of Divine that I forgot I had, so bonus!
I would like these to go on my December FO page, so I see a lot of sofa time in my future tomorrow. Man, doesn't that sound perfect? Sleep late, watch movies and knit all day. I can barely wait.
Why aren't all weekends three days?
The cabley scarf is 45" long and I think if I watch another movie or two tomorrow, it should be complete. The Divine scarf is only, like, 10" long but I just found another skein of Divine that I forgot I had, so bonus!
I would like these to go on my December FO page, so I see a lot of sofa time in my future tomorrow. Man, doesn't that sound perfect? Sleep late, watch movies and knit all day. I can barely wait.
Why aren't all weekends three days?
December 27, 2004
Something snuggly
It's super cold here, so tonight's plans include: a happy movie (perhaps Amelie); some fuzzy yarn; two dogs; and a sofa.
I am seriously in the mood to knit something with beads. I made a couple cute beaded hats for nieces last winter, and there's an AWE-SOME beaded scarf in Knitting with Beads. But first I really need to complete some projects that have been sitting around hogging needles since last year. No, I mean it.
Do you like adding beads to projects?
I am seriously in the mood to knit something with beads. I made a couple cute beaded hats for nieces last winter, and there's an AWE-SOME beaded scarf in Knitting with Beads. But first I really need to complete some projects that have been sitting around hogging needles since last year. No, I mean it.
Do you like adding beads to projects?
December 26, 2004
What to do with 8 extra hours a day
Hi everyone. Had an okay christmas, hope yours was okay too. The knitting-related gifts I received: the Ultimate Sweater Machine from my boyfriend; a Simple Knits 16 month calendar from my brother (I suspect my SIL picked it out, haha); and a way cool lidded basket--for yarn of course--also from my bro.
But perhaps the most pertinent knitting gift is not knitting related at all. My incredibly awesome boyfriend also got me an espresso machine!! Now that I have bypassed the need for sleep, imagine all the knitting I'll get done! He may have had other motives for keeping me awake longer, but he's sadly mistaken. :(
No, I didn't get the cabley scarf done, nor did I take it with me to the family get together since it's attached to this humongous bolt of yarn that's not so portable. But I did complete the Divine hat and started the scarf. Here.
What was your favorite knitting gift (either given or received)?
But perhaps the most pertinent knitting gift is not knitting related at all. My incredibly awesome boyfriend also got me an espresso machine!! Now that I have bypassed the need for sleep, imagine all the knitting I'll get done! He may have had other motives for keeping me awake longer, but he's sadly mistaken. :(
No, I didn't get the cabley scarf done, nor did I take it with me to the family get together since it's attached to this humongous bolt of yarn that's not so portable. But I did complete the Divine hat and started the scarf. Here.
What was your favorite knitting gift (either given or received)?
December 24, 2004
Happy Holidays
First of all, happy holidays, whatever holiday you're celebrating. Second, to update you on last night's drinknitting, you know that saying, "It's not a flaw, it's a feature"? Yeah, if you spill red wine on something and it won't come out the best thing to do is then make that item wine colored. It's like that old fashioned teastained look, but for drunks.
Third, I need help with my circular knitting joins. Sometimes I just cast on one extra stitch, slide the first cast on stitch onto the left needle, then k2tog on my first round. This certainly joins the piece, but I wind up with a step like this:
What method do you use? Do you just let the knitting join itself on the next round? I never have success with that method either, the cast on round just gaps open. Help!
Third, I need help with my circular knitting joins. Sometimes I just cast on one extra stitch, slide the first cast on stitch onto the left needle, then k2tog on my first round. This certainly joins the piece, but I wind up with a step like this:
What method do you use? Do you just let the knitting join itself on the next round? I never have success with that method either, the cast on round just gaps open. Help!
December 23, 2004
Three whole days
I am officially on holiday, can you tell? My bf's first question when I called him was not, "do you have any other shopping to do?" or "should we bake some desserts for saturday?" but "how much liquor do you have in the cabinet?" Love him. So much.
I am going to finish this entire bottle of wine. And I will no doubt attempt some knitting afterward, so stay tuned for hilarious pics. For now I leave you with some hot math-meets-crafts action.
Are you enjoying some time off?
December 22, 2004
Is that more yarn in your stash?
Yes, I bought some yarn. Why? The yarn I already have is taking over the house. Anyway, it's just some purple Cotton-Ease for a Wavy scarf.
And I started a hat in Divine because I really like that yarn. Oh I just realized you might not be able to follow that link, don't worry, it's just a plain ole hat. You'll be happier if you wait to see a pic of my version, anyway. :)
I'm taking Robbyn's advice and buckling down to finish the cabley scarf. My petsitter will be over on Christmas evening, so that gives me a few more evenings plus 3 hours in the car Christmas morning to finish it. I bet it still won't be done.
See? I had only one Christmas gift to make and I still didn't get it done on time! I need to start NOW for next year. How did your holiday knitting schedule go?
And I started a hat in Divine because I really like that yarn. Oh I just realized you might not be able to follow that link, don't worry, it's just a plain ole hat. You'll be happier if you wait to see a pic of my version, anyway. :)
I'm taking Robbyn's advice and buckling down to finish the cabley scarf. My petsitter will be over on Christmas evening, so that gives me a few more evenings plus 3 hours in the car Christmas morning to finish it. I bet it still won't be done.
See? I had only one Christmas gift to make and I still didn't get it done on time! I need to start NOW for next year. How did your holiday knitting schedule go?
December 19, 2004
It's done, now what?
I finished the Nora hat yesterday morning and it turned out fine. It actually fits--I had my doubts when I saw how loose the fabric was becoming. It's very pretty, but it probably won't keep anyone warm. This has nothing to do with Megan's pattern! She wrote an awesome pattern and I thank her for that. I just happened to pick a not-so-appropriate yarn. Next time I will make it with something warmer.
I also started on a scarf to match. The scarf is just my own concotion, but using the same cables as the hat. I don't know what I was thinking, because there's no way I'll finish this scarf by Christmas eve. I've been working on it two evenings and it's only, like, 6" or 7" long.
So do I continue on? Or just whip up a hat and scarf out of something chunky like Divine (which I happen to have lying around)?
I also started on a scarf to match. The scarf is just my own concotion, but using the same cables as the hat. I don't know what I was thinking, because there's no way I'll finish this scarf by Christmas eve. I've been working on it two evenings and it's only, like, 6" or 7" long.
So do I continue on? Or just whip up a hat and scarf out of something chunky like Divine (which I happen to have lying around)?
December 16, 2004
Bad Example
We had a quick cold snap here and poor Dobs looked so cold and shivery. Since the Big Bird sweater has been set aside until after Christmas, I went to Petsmart and .... bought her a sweater. I know but she needed one right away and it was only $8. Here I am hosting a Dog Sweater Knitalong and I buy one. But she is so cute!
This will be her play-in-the-yard-and-roll-in-poop sweater. The Big Bird sweater will be for strolling about the neighborhood showing everyone how fabulous we are. It so clashes with her collar, too. But at least she stopped trying to eat the sweater once we went outside.
Last night we had a knitting Meetup at the B&N and two new knitters showed up. It was a really nice relaxing time. Unfortunately I had to leave early to do Christmas shopping. But as I was sitting there in the big comfy chair knitting and listening to people tell stories I totally forgot about shopping and the hassles and the traffic. It was great.
Tonight I ditched work early and now I'm going to snuggle with the dogs, watch a movie and work on the Nora for my petsitter. It's a bit of a lacy Nora, so I hope Meghan approves. I am just about to start the decreases. Then I'm going to make a scarf to match--mittens are out, not enough time.
Have you made time to relax this week?
This will be her play-in-the-yard-and-roll-in-poop sweater. The Big Bird sweater will be for strolling about the neighborhood showing everyone how fabulous we are. It so clashes with her collar, too. But at least she stopped trying to eat the sweater once we went outside.
Last night we had a knitting Meetup at the B&N and two new knitters showed up. It was a really nice relaxing time. Unfortunately I had to leave early to do Christmas shopping. But as I was sitting there in the big comfy chair knitting and listening to people tell stories I totally forgot about shopping and the hassles and the traffic. It was great.
Tonight I ditched work early and now I'm going to snuggle with the dogs, watch a movie and work on the Nora for my petsitter. It's a bit of a lacy Nora, so I hope Meghan approves. I am just about to start the decreases. Then I'm going to make a scarf to match--mittens are out, not enough time.
Have you made time to relax this week?
December 12, 2004
Now I have to wait!
The bf and I went to Michael's today and he bought me an Ultimate Sweater Machine for Christmas. Yes, we used a coupon, so it was only $98. Of course now I have to wait until Christmas to start playing with it, but that's probably best since I need to finish all my gift buying/shipping before I start something new.
I took Shannon's advice and I'm ordering some claw weights (as soon as they're in stock) and silicone spray for the USM from Knitting Today. I guess I'll have to play with it before I decide what other gizmos I want.
In case you think I'm "cheating" as my boyfriend calls it, I am really planning on using the USM for charity knitting. We make blankets and lapghans for hospice patients and lots of hats/gloves for a homeless shelter. I feel like I could really donate a lot more if I could work faster, and hopefully the USM will make that possible.
Any machine knitting hints?
I took Shannon's advice and I'm ordering some claw weights (as soon as they're in stock) and silicone spray for the USM from Knitting Today. I guess I'll have to play with it before I decide what other gizmos I want.
In case you think I'm "cheating" as my boyfriend calls it, I am really planning on using the USM for charity knitting. We make blankets and lapghans for hospice patients and lots of hats/gloves for a homeless shelter. I feel like I could really donate a lot more if I could work faster, and hopefully the USM will make that possible.
Any machine knitting hints?
December 11, 2004
Mrs. Laura Moore
That will be my name when I marry A.C. Moore, if he/she is even single or a real person. I went to the A.C. Moore in Dover today for the first time and I was impressed by their yarn/needle/pattern selection. They had the Gedifra Highlights 42 that I've been wanting! No, I didn't buy it. [Must not buy self anything in December.] Anyway, didn't buy any yarn because I need to frickin' do something with all the yarn I have. But I will definitely go back right after the holidays--when I'm ready to make something fun.
But I did buy Cast On mag and it's pretty cool. I had heard of it, but never seen it so I snatched it up. I like how the patterns are more challenging, because frankly, there are enough easy patterns already out there. And did you notice the cover shot is actually the hoodie worn backwards? How silly...
And for a dose of holiday giving spirit: my dad gave me a flat screen tv today. I know! He does rock. He won it in a shooting contest and already has enough tv's. Now I haven't owned a tv for almost ten years--intentionally. So I'm deciding whether to keep this tv and break my decade-long productive streak or give it to my bf to put in the boys' room. That way they can play Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas while we watch CSI:.
What do you think of Cast On?
But I did buy Cast On mag and it's pretty cool. I had heard of it, but never seen it so I snatched it up. I like how the patterns are more challenging, because frankly, there are enough easy patterns already out there. And did you notice the cover shot is actually the hoodie worn backwards? How silly...
And for a dose of holiday giving spirit: my dad gave me a flat screen tv today. I know! He does rock. He won it in a shooting contest and already has enough tv's. Now I haven't owned a tv for almost ten years--intentionally. So I'm deciding whether to keep this tv and break my decade-long productive streak or give it to my bf to put in the boys' room. That way they can play Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas while we watch CSI:.
What do you think of Cast On?
December 06, 2004
Destruction and Creation
You know those "indestructible" dog toys? They obviously haven't been tested in my household.
I could show you scores of other "tough toys" that have gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but then Dobby might try to eat the computer. Anyway, I have been creating some crafty stuff, but can't show you for obvious holiday reasons.
But I can introduce you to my Secret Pal, the one I had, that is. Uli from Uli's Needlework World. It's been fun reading her blog--which I'll continue to do--and picking stuff out to send her. She still has one more package on the way so I won't ruin the surprise by telling you.
And in closing may I just ask what the FUCK is up with a knitted uterus? Seriously. But to each her own.
I could show you scores of other "tough toys" that have gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but then Dobby might try to eat the computer. Anyway, I have been creating some crafty stuff, but can't show you for obvious holiday reasons.
But I can introduce you to my Secret Pal, the one I had, that is. Uli from Uli's Needlework World. It's been fun reading her blog--which I'll continue to do--and picking stuff out to send her. She still has one more package on the way so I won't ruin the surprise by telling you.
And in closing may I just ask what the FUCK is up with a knitted uterus? Seriously. But to each her own.
December 05, 2004
Soft jewelry
You can call off the hounds, I found my #5 dpn. It was under the recliner at the bf's house along with a bunch of legos and candy. Today I broke down and bought a cable needle--I know--but one of the reasons I keep losing my dpns is because I use them as cable needles. I've tried cabling without a needle and it's okay but I can't do it for every project. Like the Nora that I started up again using some white acrylic boucle of which I happen to have 5000 yards.
And I finished a present for Niece #1 (didn't think she existed, did you?). It's a couple felt bead bracelets. They are super cute and comfy and easy to make, but DAMN! those beads take a long time to make. I just untwisted about an inch or so of some leftover wool and filled my kitchen sink with really hot water and felted each.bead.by.hand. I'm glad I didn't plan on a necklace.
So I obviously need to add something to this gift. Maybe a felt headband? Perhaps put some leftover beads on barrettes? Or should I totally skip the felt and get her something else?
And I finished a present for Niece #1 (didn't think she existed, did you?). It's a couple felt bead bracelets. They are super cute and comfy and easy to make, but DAMN! those beads take a long time to make. I just untwisted about an inch or so of some leftover wool and filled my kitchen sink with really hot water and felted each.bead.by.hand. I'm glad I didn't plan on a necklace.
So I obviously need to add something to this gift. Maybe a felt headband? Perhaps put some leftover beads on barrettes? Or should I totally skip the felt and get her something else?
December 04, 2004
Where dpns go to die
Dang, I've lost one of my Bryspun dpns. I've only had this set a WEEK! Where do dpns go anyway? They're like the sock-in-the-dryer of the knitting world. True, I have been toting them around to work, the bf's house, the in-laws' house, all in an open bag so who knows where it could be. And I'm going to need that fifth needle when I get to the body of the Big Bird Sweater.
Speaking of that sweater...we've made it to the first try-on checkpoint--right before I start the front legs. Do you know how much fun it is to dress an insane maniac dog in a half-finished sweater with the balls of yarn still attached when all she wants to do is eat it? It's fun, trust me. So I apologize for the poor angle of this photo, it's the best I could do.
Don't those colors look great on her? It's much more complete than it looks, the working edge is curled up at least an inch or two. I only have 5 or 8 rows until I start the leg holes. This is the first complex project (meaning not a scarf) where I've doubled the yarn. It's not so bad but then again this is very simple yarn and it's acrylic so it sticks to itself.
Have you done much with the yarn doubled? Did you have problems?
Speaking of that sweater...we've made it to the first try-on checkpoint--right before I start the front legs. Do you know how much fun it is to dress an insane maniac dog in a half-finished sweater with the balls of yarn still attached when all she wants to do is eat it? It's fun, trust me. So I apologize for the poor angle of this photo, it's the best I could do.
Don't those colors look great on her? It's much more complete than it looks, the working edge is curled up at least an inch or two. I only have 5 or 8 rows until I start the leg holes. This is the first complex project (meaning not a scarf) where I've doubled the yarn. It's not so bad but then again this is very simple yarn and it's acrylic so it sticks to itself.
Have you done much with the yarn doubled? Did you have problems?
December 02, 2004
Some things I like
I bought the knit.1 and VK Holiday mags yesterday. The knit.1 has some cool stuff and some dorkass stuff. I like the roses, the pot cozies (flower pot, silly!) and the "Cutting Room Floor" sweater. The VK had some neat things with cables galore. Oh and... ME=In love with Delphine Wilson. Yes, that's what I'm talking about!
And I think I've f'd up the Nora hat. The yarn I'm using is way too big and I kinda knew that before I started. So now I have to A.)find a better yarn for the Nora and B.)find something to make with the too-big yarn.
Do you ever get lazy and just keep making a project with the wrong yarn?
And I think I've f'd up the Nora hat. The yarn I'm using is way too big and I kinda knew that before I started. So now I have to A.)find a better yarn for the Nora and B.)find something to make with the too-big yarn.
Do you ever get lazy and just keep making a project with the wrong yarn?
