Flibbertigibbet Knitter

Thanksgiving already!?

2011-10-07T20:33:00.000-06:00

I don't know where the time goes anymore, somewhere between being a mom, working full time, going to school and, well, just trying to keep my sanity I seem to look up and another month has gone by.

I did do the canning I wanted. All in all I got 10 pints of salsa, 15 pints of jams and marmalade (strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, raspberry and lemon ginger zucchini) and 13 pints of mustard pickles.

Next year I might try to do pickled beets too, if my garden cooperates and we don't eat them all (we love beets).

I've also gotten halfway through school, just finishing my midterm and now.. it's thanksgiving.

It's going to be a small one, too many people in the family are busy too and too much has happened lately to get everyone together so I've bought a ham. Mmm.

Of course where does this leave my knitting? In the sinker. I've picked up the needles only a few times in months, so of course nothing is getting done but this weekend I plan to knit! Around other things of course, but I will have time to do so! I'm almost finished my Sunday Socks, I have a few rows and to sew in the ends and they are done! Which means I should pick something else to finish.

The weather we've had lately makes me think I should do one of two things. Finish my Mr Greenjeans and/or my Fiddlehead mittens, so that's the plan I think.

I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!!

Summer, gone.

2011-09-10T18:12:00.000-06:00

September, already flying by so fast I'm amazed.

I imported the posts from the other blog here because I realized.. there's no point in having two blogs. So I think I will rename this one to just Flibbertigibbet because that's what I am and it will be a random blog about my stuff when I think of it.

I'll post more later, right now I need to go start doing some canning! Mmm mustard pickles..

Where HAS the summer gone?

2011-08-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

It's almost the end of summer, August is half gone, vacation has been had (I'll do a breakdown with pictures later, I haven't gone through them all yet!) and a new hobby has been discovered.

Geocaching! (If you don't know what it is, from the website: Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.)

BF introduced it to us as part of our week-long vacation and I must admit I got just a bit hooked. What a great way to get us out of the house (ALL of us) and get some exercise and fresh air while having fun? I've already invested in a GPS (tip, do your research and you can get handheld one at a place like Cash Converters for a lot less than a new one. That is if you don't mind not having all the bells and whistles of course!). Beyond the initial investment of a GPS, it can be as cheap or expensive, hard or easy as you wish it to be.

So far we've been finding easier hides in the parks (Waterton, and now in our own city) and it makes for a good sunny Saturday to pack a picnic and lots of water and plan a route of caches.

So much fun I almost want to blow off being an adult and doing household chores today and going to find a few more. ;)

Lists, lists and more lists.

2011-07-28T23:16:00.000-06:00

That's what I do when I plan.

I make lists of the places I want to go, lists of places where we could stay (and prices!), lists for packing, lists for meal planning.. I haven't yet hit lists of lists, but my boyfriend tells me if I reach that point and move on from there, then I've officially gone 'round the bend.

So far for our camping vacation I have five lists.

Packing lists for myself and son.
Meal planning list
Grocery list
Grocery packing list
Planning list(s)*

Boyfriend is in charge of packing the car, I have yet to make him a list because he knows what he is doing and didn't miss a beat last time when I trusted him to pack everything necessary for camping, so why would I stop trusting him now? If it were just me on the other hand..

I'm not sure if this obsessive list making to make certain I have everything is a result of being a former Girl Guide (Be Prepared!), we always got lists of what to bring before going camping, or a result of the time I went camping with my family and as a teen was put in charge of packing the cooler. I was so proud, I got everything we needed in it and helped pack the car. We got to the site, set up our tent in a raging thunder storm (that immediately stopped once the tent was up.. natch) and started to make supper.. only to discover that I forgot to pack the meat. I can't remember what it was now, hamburgers? Some breakfast meats too. But the grilled cheese and tomato soup were like ashes in my mouth at the disappoint in my father's eyes.

Ok, maybe not so bad as all that, but I was a teenager and don't we tend to be melodramatic at a time like that?

It must be something like that, but you'll pry my lists from my hands when I'm cold, I'd forget SOMETHING obvious and needed if I didn't have them.

But I can't wait to go on our trip!

*Note: This one is very dynamic and started with ideas for where to go, what to do, where to stay and got pared down as the planning fell into place, it is also not so inflexible as it seems, it's more of a set of guidelines with only a few hard and fast points that can't be changed.. and that's only because of things like reservations.

Parks Day: After the fact

2011-07-20T19:52:00.000-06:00

We had quite a fun day wandering Banff. Mostly stuck to the in town touristy things like wandered downtown and hit up the candy shop, the Upper Hot Springs and had a nice lunch out.

There was a fun little celebration in the open space by the Banff Park Museum. Lots of music and information and some fun activities for the kids (my son LOVED making the paddle.. which he promptly gave away to some family we were also visiting lol).

It was a perfect day out to just relax and enjoy ourselves with a change of pace.

Now to prepare and plan for some other things. Upcoming are more festivals around the city (always lots of festivals!), as well as some camping plans and maybe some wandering around elsewhere outside the city.

But coming up this weekend is some Sun and Salsa time (¿Es picante? ¡Si! ) and Fiestaval. Of course with Heritage Day only a week away it's time for all those Historic Calgary Tours, starting this weekend also. Hmm what to do.. what to do..

Parks Day!

2011-07-09T17:33:00.000-06:00

As a single mom, I'm always on the lookout for deals of things I can do with my family on a budget. Free (or discounted) passes are a godsend to summer fun and my budget.

This year is helpful since it is the 100th Anniversary of the creation of Parks Canada so all this summer there are activities all over the place, and next weekend (the 16th) is Parks Day which means FREE entry to the National Parks and Historic Sites all across Canada and lots of free events! Yay!

Combined with the Unplugged Explore promotion happening this summer (if you unplug from your computer and games and explore the Rockies in Alberta your kids can get in free when you purchase the adult pass.. and you can get a pass for less for yourself through them too so that doesn't hurt!) it seems like the ideal time to get away from the city and chill in the mountains for a day or two.

We love going and playing in the mountains, it's nice to get out of the city and I don't know about you but I always feel better for it, so it's nice to find some specials that let me do it for less.

Note: I don't work with or for any of these guys, I'm just happy to have options!

So how much of a flibbertigibbet am I?

2011-06-26T11:15:00.000-06:00

Quite a bit of one it seems.

I've barely been online, life is so busy. And to imagine I used to be an internet addict, it's so far from how I am now it's amazing! Not that I don't keep connected and up to date but I don't have time to sit for hours on end online anymore.

And today is just such a rainy day, so I can't get into the garden to do what I need to do (the garden isn't in yet.. it's almost July!! It's like the universe is saying, not this year, between the busy and the rain the stars don't align for me to plant or to even weed.)

Knitting is getting done, slow but sure, on my Silver Birches shawl, but I also have plans for items to be sewn. I want to try and make the quilts from PS I Quilt that she has quilt-a-longs for. I also have plans to make some items in other ways. Plus I've even started a new blog! Daytrippin' Around (the other names I liked were taken already though they seem to be dead.. so annoying when that happens).

And with all those things I want to do.. I am still sitting here updating my blogs lol. Maybe I'm not so much changed as I thought I was. Or at least for now it's a slip into old habits but soon I will be moving and doing my thing. I hope the rain stops so I can get something in my garden and grown!

How do YOU plan your trips?

2011-06-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

Do you decide to just jump in a car and pick a direction?

Do you have a destination in mind but take in the scenery along the way?

Do you gather every scrap of info you possibly can but toss things to the wind when it suits? Or do you plan down to the minutest detail?

As I sit here surrounded by pamphlets gathered at various happenings and places this spring I wonder these things. I like having a plan, an idea of where we are going and 'oh, I'd like to do this and this' but if I spot something interesting it can all go to the wind.

When I was learning how to drive, my friends and I would do the first. Decide that this night we were going to practice and pick a direction and where we ended up we ended up. Sometimes in a small town with a single gas station and we'd be grabbing snacks at midnight and filling the car before turning around and going home. It's how we ended up on a back road near Okotoks in the middle of a snowstorm in February.

Once we decided we would go to Banff and enjoy ourselves, taking our swim stuff with us to go to the hot springs. After spending most of the afternoon wandering and eating a nice lunch we decided to go to the hot springs.. in Radium. By the time we got home, it was the middle of the night.

Another time, just last year in fact, the same friend needed some companionship on the road as she went to pick up an item from kijiji in Drumheller. She had to be there for 9, and the matter took about five minutes max so we ended up wandering all along hwy 10/56, hitting up the Hoodoos, the Atlas Coal Mine and a lovely lunch in Wayne as well as a few other things.

In other ways I enjoy planning. Where do I want to go? What do I want to do? Not so regimented that it sucks all the joy out of it but having an idea of what is around can be great.

I want to pass on the joys of tripping around to my son, just like my Dad did for my brother and I (and he would make us groan by telling us when we asked where we were going that we were going to LA.. Leduc Alberta).

So here I sit on a rainy Sunday, pondering where I want to go this year and how much planning do I really need to do? We'll see..

New blog..

2011-06-17T22:12:00.000-06:00

Just a random passing thought, why not blog about some of the tripping around I do in the great province of ours? Will update as I go on trips.

Craft slut..

2011-04-08T20:49:00.002-06:00

I love crafting.

Raise a child among a family of crafters (men and women!), add in a few crafting friends of the family and a joy for anything crafty done with Girl Guides this means I'm a bit of a craft slut.

I got to try many things over the years, some of which I still have and some of which I wish I did.. and many more that have gone by the wayside, or I wish they had. Some crafts I've tried: tole painting, knitting (duh), crochet, sewing, quilting, spinning, latch hook, cross-stitch, embroidery, plastic canvas, woodworking (I did say the men were crafters!), scrapbooking, beading.. really, I could go on. I've probably done most of the mini sort-of crafts that happen at camps also (my camp hat probably weighs about five lbs when I have everything pinned to it, no lie).

Of course most fell by the wayside for a good reason, like I prefer to do things with less potential for loss of digits and I really have no room for paints and wooden doodads everywhere. I don't want things taking up space so USEFUL crafts are good. Knitting, crochet, spinning (not too much, not enough to knit a pair of mittens yet! But one day..) and sewing..

Sewing. I love sewing, but my machine has been tucked away for too damn long. The last time I took it out, I was working on the dining room table and made a costume the day before halloween for my precocious boy. Never again, I plan ahead now!

I buy the stuff at the store. :p

Actually, I want to sew more. I see lovely quilts and think it would be great to turn out one or two (why would I need more?), maybe a dress or something.. or even a costume for myself for cosplay!

Tomorrow is the unused fabric sale.. so I am sitting here writing a blog post while i try to figure out what I want to buy. Fabric for cosplay? Quilts? Anything else? Do I really need to add to my fabric stash (almost as large as my yarn stash, but older)? Oooo I dunno.. we'll see.

Stay tuned to see if I will first get my craft room fixed up so I can.. you know.. craft in it!

Hunkering down..

2011-01-08T19:42:00.003-07:00

It's winter, storms are inevitable no matter how we might hope that the Chinook will blow through right until spring keeping it around a nice and toasty 0 with hardly any snow (at least on the roads!).

Well that luck ran out today with the storm that blew in, snow started flying before lunch while we were at swimming lessons and just seemed to get worse as the day went on. Thankfully not as bad as some of the places that have been hit lately, but still blowing around and making roads treacherous while I ran errands. Nearly froze my fingers getting bottles out of the car at the recycling depot, which is a reminder to wear your mittens! Might not be that cold but the wind chill can really mess with that!

Once the errands were done for the day, I settled in and made a big pot of hamburger soup (that seems to be our main cold comfort food, or at least one of them, the recipe came from my Nana) and now that the soup has been eaten and supper dishes put away it's time for a bit more hunkering down.

A movie night in with a friend (Easy A) is the plan, a big bowl of highly buttered popcorn and a large mug of tea and my knitting and probably her embroidery (I'm easing her into the knitting and picked up some of my old cross-stitch also).

What's on the needles?

Well, as always a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I finally finished the outer layer of the Fiddlehead mittens and now that they have been blocked I can do the lining. I've also got to finish my Mr Greenjeans, the multiple pairs of socks and the two shawls on the needles. That's my resolution btw. Finish a sweater for myself and finish as many projects on the needles as I can without starting too many new ones. I have plenty of variety started for my Flibbertigibbet ways, travel size and less so also, so it shouldn't be too hard to do.

Putting a tired Velociraptor to bed and then to settle in for a nice evening.

2010-08-20T18:59:00.003-06:00

I guess I need to prove that I really do knit, and get FO's!

This summer has been a long one with some knitting happening, but not a lot (the story of my life) and of course there are other things I want to do. Like this Quilt-a-long is done, but the instructions are there! I have plenty of fabric and my sewing machine gathering dust in a corner of my craft room.

I also have finally located the instructions for this lovely cross-stitch which I have moved around and misplaced for years (I used to be a fairly avid cross-stitcher, and I still enjoy it but I found knitting more versatile for usable FOs. I have a couple of kits in a box I mean to do.) I also havea gift card for Michael's, which means I can spend it on cross-stitch stuff and then use whatever is left for any knitting supplies I need but don't yet have..

This summer we went off to NS for a week for a family reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone who could make it from Mom's immediate family (all 32 of us, Mom's from a big family!) as well as spend some time at the beach and doing just a little sight seeing.

Did I finish the Mystic Waters? Well, I realized I wasn't going to do the full size version, but I did finish the smaller version (leaving with with enough yarn for another shawl also of course!)

I didn't take any pictures of it out East, but I got some while wandering at home.

I also picked up some souvenirs while wandering in NS. A new skein of Fleece Artist, some Zauberball and a darning egg (which I need because my favourite socks I knit are already getting holey.. I know there are other options but how could I pass up a handmade darning egg as a souvenir? Useful and memorable!)

Note: I didn't realize they were similar colours until I got back home.. I bought the Zauberball on my first day there at The Loop Cafe and the Fleece Artist the last day back just before our flight at LK Yarns, both in Halifax.

Now that I've proved I CAN finish items.. I need to get cracking!

I'm sorry, I can't help myself..

2010-06-17T20:02:00.004-06:00

Not a lot of knitting happening here. Life constantly gets in the way. Picking at the Mystic Waters shawl slowly but steadily though. Decided I don't have time to do the large version so I'll do the small and should be done by the time it's vacation as long as I stay the course. 60% done and a month away.. can I do it? Yes I can! Betcha once I finish it stops raining.. hopefully the mystic part isn't me making it rain, I'd have a loooot of people mad at me..

In other things, I came across this joke today and I just had to share:

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting!

Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, 'PULL OVER!'

'NO!' the blonde yelled back, 'IT'S A SCARF!'

Tomorrow should be fun as I am off to the yarn tasting at the LYS. Can't wait!!

2010-02-27T19:03:00.004-07:00

Hmm what to update?

So much happening all the time, busy with new friends and old and keeping things sane around the house, but I do manage to squeeze in some knitting now and again!

What's on the needles?

Fiddlehead Mittens, I've finished the outside shell of one, and started the second but not gotten too far as I realized I wanted to finish..

Mystic Waters before I go on vacation, so I can WEAR it. Velociraptor is in swimming lessons now, so that is a whole block of uninterrupted knitting time while he is in the pool I can sit with my knitting and a coffee. The only problem is, with the charts for the above I prefer it as a home project so I bring along with me something a little more portable..

Sunday Swing Socks! Because I have yet to finish a pair since my Saturday Socks (anyone else wondering if there are other days of the week socks? I looked in Ravelry and couldn't find any so I will either need to choose ones and make them for each day of the week or make my own patterns.. hmm..)

And of course because I don't have enough crafts, I was shared a link to this lovely quilt and this quilt along. I have plenty of fabric (mostly cottons) in my bins in my not-yet-set-up sewing room (other bins from my yarn, of course) and I am thinking I need to shuffle my room around, get that darn sewing machine set up and try out some quilting. Just for fun!

I will at some point, not quite this instant though.

And of course today it feels like spring, which has got me thinking of my future garden (the first I'll have that's not just a couple feet of dirt by the front step, good enough only for some pansies and marigolds).

Not enough time for everything!

Oh, and I am debating whether or not to frog Phoenix Rising and start again. There is a MASSIVE MASSIVE mistake in the middle, one even a non-knitter could easily pick out which will only be worse when blocked. So I am seriously considering despite being almost done.

Le sigh.

First Post of 2010

2010-01-02T17:55:00.003-07:00

So it's a new year! I'm hoping this year goes as good as (better in fact, because there were some hiccups that I really, really would rather not have had to deal with.. but I'll manage).

On the crafty front, as always there are lots of plans and no real follow through happening. Which is my own fault being so flibbertigibbet and just busy in general. Plans for this year? Finish the sweater for Velociraptor (thank goodness it's a top down and he's skinny!), finish at least one sweater for myself, one shawl and just really actually finish several projects instead of constantly casting on new ones. I have plenty to keep me busy.

Also, I need to set up the knitting/sewing room. It's currently half unpacked and half boxed up. Mostly organized at least as I know what is in what boxes and the needles and notions are unpacked and in my wardrobe. But this way I can maybe display some things that I otherwise haven't been able to for years.

Of course I am also wanting to do some of my Cross-stitch now that I know where it is. Or mostly. I can't seem to locate one chart for the Alluring Sorceress which I think would just be great to make and put up in my craft room. It's one of the ones that has been floating around my stuff and calling to me but I always forget to go get supplies.. well I got a gift card for Michael's and today was wandering around wondering what to buy there. None of the needles appealed to me, the yarns were okay but nothing really cried out especially since I have what.. two large rubbermaid tubs of other yarns that cry out to me 'knit me!'?

Then I found the cross-stitch aisle. TWO. I don't think I've ever seen that much cross-stitch items in one place before and it got me fired up to do that again. So I went digging and found the charms for the sorceress, but not the chart. I know it's here somewhere.. it will turn up. In the meantime, knitting keeps moving on.

Holiday knitting

2009-11-14T10:12:00.006-07:00

I told myself this year I wouldn't.

The last time I did it, I never got all I wanted done and I still have the yarn floating around, AND I want to try and finish some projects I still have on the needles (mainly Phoenix Rising and Mr Greenjeans) so I can move on to some others like Mystic Waters*, Silver Birches or Elsewhere, the latter which I am thinking of spending my birthday money on to buy the yarn for. Madelinetosh..

But my mind keeps insisting. Budget is tight this year.. you have ALL this yarn, and planned to make stuff anyway. Why not make the remaining tea cozies? (Two.) Make some mittens (three pair). That clears away a few people, and they are small projects you can take with you.

But! I no longer bus it. I have lost all that prime knitting time, not only that but if I do take the bus from where I now live I have about five minutes seated then stand the rest of the way. Not conducive to knitting because if you stumble you might stab yourself or a fellow bus rider.

And! And my knitting is all scattered. I have some pieces here, some things there, a couple tubs of rubbermaid to dig through just to find all the needles and yarn I need for it.

But all I can think is how nice it would be to make some people some gloves or mittens for winter.

Bah.

*We're going to the ocean next year, wouldn't it be nice to have the Mystic Waters shawl to keep me cozy?

Once again..

2009-10-26T18:46:00.006-06:00

It has been forever. Not a lot of knitting happening, mainly I work at my Phoenix Rising shawl when I get a chance. I only have about ~~30 odd~~ 46 rows to go, so I really ought to keep working and finish so I can allow myself to work at Silver Birches! I've decided to skip doing one repeat of the edge like some people suggested because I'm not quite sure if I'll have enough yarn as many people were a little short. But it will look lovely when I finally finish and block it out!

Been also crocheting a little, just some basic dish cloths but I prefer the crocheted or knit ones to the store bought, so much sturdier and much more scrubby power.

Lots to life happening, things are just hectic and fun at times but rough at others. But that's life, hey?

Maybe I should work on the knitting and blogging a bit more..

Long time gone..

2009-08-05T12:12:00.002-06:00

Man it's been forever since I blogged. Far, far too long. I am a horrible blogger.

What's been happening? Lots of stuff. Next to none of it having to do with knitting. I'm steadily working on Mr Greenjeans, now that I have my gauge I've finally moved on from the top part to the cabling. I'm also working on a sock, a Saturday Sock and the special thing about this one is I'm working on it the way Yarn Harlot showed us in the class she taught at last year's M1 retreat. I think I'm finally getting the motions down, it seems to go faster (at least when knitting, purling just doesn't seem to co-operate much).

That's it for knitting, no finished objects, no pretty pictures (too gloomy this week for pictures and I didn't think of it last week when it was 30+ Celsius).

I'm also working on a craft room! Since we moved I have a nice little corner where I can put my stuff. For now it's full of boxes and bags, my sewing machine (still boxed) and my wardrobe (there's no closet in there to stash stuff). I picked up a table at the flea market for thirty dollars and it's a nice sturdy smallish dining room size table which will be perfect for my sewing machine and laying things out (once I get it too set up). I might even be able to display my porcelain dolls again!

Lots to do though. Back to the plotting and working..

New Yarn! Maybe?

2009-04-06T21:55:00.006-06:00

My Blue Moon Funky Sock Monkey kit (I got 3A Thistle and Cockcrow) is here!

Sort of.

Mom was out today, so no one was home to sign for it and thus my sock monkey kit is currently sitting at the post office. *sobs*

So tomorrow, before I go to knit night, I go to pick it up! Yay!

I decided to go with this instead of the Moroccan Days/Arabian Nights kit as my tax return splurge to myself. Partially because I have a lot of laceweight and many patterns I wish to do (*coughs* Year of Lace, and other things) and because I decided I don't like the purple as much as I thought after all, and I never really liked the yellow. So if I DO do that pattern, I think I'd just buy the pattern and pick up some Knit Picks Shimmer in Spice once it becomes available.

Maybe. We'll see. I have other things to spend money on, and most of it has been tucked away for a rainy day.

I'm back to where I need to take the sleeve stitches off for Mr Greenjeans, working steadily but slowly away at it..

ETA: And dare I say it.. but has Spring finally arrived?

Books + Knitting = ???

2009-03-05T21:28:00.002-07:00

You know.. I think it says something about myself and what books I prefer to read when the first thing I think about when I hear of an Edward Amigurumi is not Twilight but Anita Blake.

I'm just not sure what it says about me..

(I've tried to read Twilight, just doesn't do a thing for me. If I want angsty vampires I prefer Annette Curtis Klause, Amelia Atwater-rhodes or LJ Smith. I actually stopped reading Anita Blake awhile ago, but THAT is the first Edward to come to mind.)

Jumping on the bandwagon..

2009-03-03T19:57:00.001-07:00

Myself as a hero!

Make one for yourself here.

Claire Needs..

2009-02-25T21:12:00.003-07:00

I stole this from Dana, google your first name with needs after and make note of the top ten things you need.

I need:

1. a Visit to the Bunny Planet
2. private support
3. Drake
4. shows on MySpace Music
5. help
6. an intern
7. a lake
8. booze to kiss
9. a boyfriend
10. our prayers

We already knew about number nine, I wonder where the bunny planet is and why I would need to go there and most of all why I would need booze to kiss. Really, who wants to kiss booze?

I actual knitting content, Mr Greenjeans is coming along nicely. I think I may need more yarn, but I'm not sure. I'm using a thicker yarn, so I may not.. then again since I will need to add to the sleeves I probably will. So I have to hunt some down.

Oh, and we have windows again. The house is still not put back together, but it is MUCH cozier inside. I no longer have to wear knitted socks AND slippers. The floor is only slightly cool now (pleasantly cool), instead of a glacier.

Packing..

2009-02-11T21:31:00.002-07:00

Why am I packing?

We finally got notice that they were going to replace our windows this week, weather permitting.

Looking at the weather forecast, I don't know if they'll get to it this week (downturn, supposed to snow again and it's durned cold so if they plan to do it when it's like this they better do it fast so we don't freeze).

But we have to pack up and shift everything beneath the windows, move stuff off the walls etc.

So now all the yarn that was in my plastic drawer thingy (which I was thinking of getting rid of anyway as it doesn't work as well as I'd like) and on my bookshelf in baskets (what, you don't decorate in yarn?) is stashed in two large tubs. Not counting active projects and another, smaller, tub for needles and notions.

That is just tonight's work, I still have to box up books and shift breakables down or away, probably pull out one whole bookshelf from my bedroom.. it'll be worth it though, when I can finally put my bed beneath my window and I won't freeze because the cold seeps through. It'll be REALLY nice in summer, when I can leave the window open and not have bugs sneaking through the gaps in the screen (I stapled tulle to the frame to act as a proper screen. You read that right, the windows must be from at least the early 80's because wood was common in windows then, I doubt I'd be able to do that with new windows).

I'd had wanted to go to knit night, but that obviously fell through due to packing.

Thanks..

2009-01-15T20:47:00.002-07:00

for the ideas on what to do for my friend's pup!

They were helpful, and I think I have some yarn that would be perfect to make felted booties for him. It's been hanging around and I didn't know what to do with it.. now I do!

New year..

2009-01-11T20:25:00.003-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted. Soo much happening, between work and then the holidays and now it's the new year and my friend just got married! Yesterday in fact, I even caught the bouquet. (Hmm.. now I need to find a boyfriend..)

Not much knitting time though I've managed to complete a few more rows on Phoenix Rising. Slow and steady.. more slow than steady right now though, I come and go with my projects.

But I have a request. I don't usually do requests, but this is for a good cause. My (just married) friend's shitzu/bichon mix was having issues with his paws this winter. It was so cold that his poor paws were cracking, and he'd go out in the snow and get ice stuck in his paws.. so I've been asked if I can make him some booties.

I told them I'd see what I could do. I figure they wouldn't be too hard, I could find a pattern somewhere on Ravelry and bang them out and bob's your uncle.

Well Ravelry isn't spitting something out, I found a pattern for Doggy Mukluks but there's no pictures (except for one heavily modified) and I can find oodles of sewing patterns around but I think knit ones might be better.

So I'm thinking of doing basic baby booties/socks with an i-cord you can snug them up with. Next issue would be what to knit them out of. Something washable, easy to care for and able to stand up to a dog running around with them, maybe even chewing on them. Superwash of some kind or acrylic probably.

I'll come up with something.

Retreat!

2008-11-10T21:24:00.003-07:00

What is there to say? So much happened, it was wonderful. The classes were awesome. I took Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Knitting with Speed and Efficiency.. (did you know she can knit at 88 stitches per minute? And the fastest knitter in the world at 112? I'm so inadequate at about 20 odd stitches per minutes..) as well as Stefanie Japel's Fitting Your Knits (lots of handy tips, plus I have all my measurements.. apparently when measured accurately I'm an hourglass.. and she has the cutest baby!) and a class on designing shawls with Amy Singer. I would have loved to have taken a class with Cookie or Nancy, but with only 3 classes and five teachers it's hard to pick!

There was lots of wine and food, and loads of wonderful people. It was great meeting new people, and hanging with old friends.

I was amused by how many comments I overheard from people. "This must be a yarn convention.." in reference to our table of yarn and books to buy. "What are all these people doing here? Why are they all knitting?" as we waited for the bus to pick us up to head home.

I learned lots, and had lots of fun. I even got about four inches done on my Green Gables top! I think I should knit on it some more and then try it on to see if I need to add more before putting the stitches on scrap yarn for the sleeves. I think I might do that soon.

I have a few pictures, not many though. I guess I felt a bit shy.. what with all the big names around!

I loved this. My present to myself.

Retreat planning..

2008-11-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

I just spent several hours going through my stash and figuring out which yarns to take.

A ball of Rowan Aran, some Lorna's Laces worsted leftover from my beret (for swatches for some class), some sock yarn (Arucania and Dream In Color) since a couple of the shawl classes ask for fingering weight.. That should be good for the classes. Or should I bring more than a couple balls of worsted? Like say.. a couple or three for the all day class (at least) and a couple for the class I hope to get into on Saturday. They don't specify how much (the lace classes say 50 g and 600-800 yd in the list of what to bring). Maybe I should overpack. Just in case. I'm already overpacking my notions. I think all my straights and DPNs have made their way into the pile of what to bring, plus my whole Knit Picks interchangable circulars and my stitch markers (and I have an urge to go buy more el cheapo Wal-mart ones just to be sure)..

Then what to bring with to work on!?

I've settled on my shawl and a scarf, bringing the stuff for the pair of convertible gloves I plan to make Dad for Christmas (may as well get started and they would mostly be mindless knitting.. prefect for breaks or while drinking..) and I pondered bringing sock yarn to.. well, make socks. I have a couple pairs started so I'll bring one of them.. but I ordered the sock yarn specially dyed for the retreat and I betcha anything I'll be tempted to start that, so I guess I'll leave the socks I already have going at home. Four projects is enough right?

I'm also thinking of bringing my spindle. I tried to spin the last couple of days and I am woefully bad, as I never practiced after my classes ended. It's been awhile since I tried to spin.

Plus I'll need my swimsuit and my yoga stuff, and of course my clothes (layers, and probably winter boots because it's supposed to start SNOWING tomorrow night) and toiletries, mittens and hat, knit socks, pjs, my clock, my laptop (guess I don't really need that, depending how full the bag looks that might just stay home), my camera and lots of batteries (I have a two gig card in it.. that should be plenty, I didn't even use all of that for a week in Florida so I should have plenty of space on the empty one).

Oh, and a bottle of wine and the opener. Should I maybe bring two? Naw.. unless I share that should be good.. plus it's not like there won't be a cash bar in the evening for the spin in/pj party.

Ooooo so excited!

I'm a bad bad blogger..

2008-10-26T23:16:00.003-06:00

I haven't gotten much knitting done either. I ran into a snag with my first Year of Lace kit, and had to rip back and then pick up stitches. I did that finally tonight. At some point in this I had started the fall kit, and started yet another pair of socks. I haven't gotten much past the toes on them though, and I'll give you a hint as to why.

Yup, we went to Disney World.

It was an awesome trip. Lots of sun and Mickey and friends, and a good time had by all. Now I am back and just chilling, getting ready for winter, so the knitting has been slipping out of the woodwork slowly. I don't think I'm doing Christmas knitting this year beyond some crocheted finger puppets since Velociraptor is doing puppet shows with just his fingers.. (is that a hint of some kind??)

And upcoming is the retreat! The Yarn Harlot class is titled Knitting for Speed and Efficiency maybe that's a good thing I chose her class then.. I might get more done! ;)

Not much else happening, just working around as usual.

Something to fill space..

2008-08-19T22:31:00.001-06:00

1. Favorite ethnic food.-
Vietnamese

2. Something you’ve always wanted to do.-
Go on a cruise

3. Favorite color-
Purple

4. Something you collect-
Uh, *looks around* bags.. books.. yarn..

5. Something you do to relax-
Read, knit, watch tv/movies, play online

6. Bloggers I am going to tag-
Whoever wants to!

1. Are you truly politically correct? Be honest. Not really.
2. Will you ever streak in public during rush hour? Uhm.. no.
3. Would you ever do something sexual in public (more than 20 people around)? Done and done.
4. Do you ever not have good table manners? Sometimes. I try to set a good example though.
5. Do you ever fantasize about a public sexual act? Describe. Uhm.. no. Not really. There is the thrill of being caught, but no not in public public.

Dear Internets;

2008-07-30T22:11:00.003-06:00

I have not disappeared, I have been really busy.

Work is busy during the summer, and spare time is taken up by the usual mundane stuff and the odd day trip to Sylvan lake.

Not a lot of knitting happening, some but not much. Maybe once things cool down at work.

Hope you all are having fun. I'm hitting the lake again this weekend.

Nobody knittin' around here..

2008-07-07T22:04:00.003-06:00

Okay, that's not quite true. I've been steadily working on my Montego Bay scarf and I may even finish it this month. I've also gotten past the increases on my son's sweater and need to work on that.

But what's been distracting me?

Well I got my driver's license.. and I just got a car. It's new-to-me, and I got it set up tonight to drive.. so I took her out for a spin.

It was wonderful, but tomorrow morning I get to face rush hour traffic for the first time. At least it's Glenmore Trail, not the Deerfoot..

Now I just need to make a few CD's and we're golden!

ETA: Wow, a month to the day of getting my license I am able to drive. Huh, it didn't quite click with me that it was.

It's raining, it's pouring..

2008-06-07T23:27:00.002-06:00

It certainly is.

I haven't done much knitting, mainly because I was busy practicing driving obsessively in anticipation of today.

Why?

I took my driving test. I've been looking forward to this day for a whooooole year (the waiting period here, then in two years I have to take another test because of the system) but for now..

I am now allowed to drive on my own!

Now I just need to buy a car. I'm more than likely going to snag a lovely dark purple 97 Pontiac Sunfire. Probably by the end of next week, or the week following. Then no more bus riding for me! (Unless of course something happens, but I won't think of it or else I'll freak out).

Of course it rained cats and dogs while I took the test, but I did fine. It was a lot less harder than I thought it would be.

Tomorrow I'm going to pop into the yarn store. It's been forever since I've gone and I want to say hi and see what's happening.

So it's almost June..

2008-05-30T21:05:00.002-06:00

Wow, how time flies.

Things have been busy, so I haven't gotten much done and as always I have too much on the needles. So I need to focus, work on one or two projects and get them done and then focus on the next.

Cardigan for Arwen is not going to happen I think. How long has it been languishing? Besides, I lost about two inches around since I started it (maybe more) and though I like loose clothes I don't want too loose.

I'm working on Green Gable, I had ripped it out and restarted because of adjustment for gauge. When I get to the end of the lacey portion, I'll try it on and see if I need to keep going a little or not before I start the next part.

No pictures right now, maybe later, but I think I shall put in a movie and knit some. If I don't fall asleep that is, it's been a busy week.

Almost time for May long..

2008-05-15T21:12:00.003-06:00

and my weekend looks to be insane.

My plans include:

Helping a friend move (she just bought a house with her fiance and they get possession tomorrow!)

Go to the zoo (we have passes, and though it will be a madhouse due to the nice weather and the long weekend the passes mean we can walk past the huge lineup of people who pay and go wander wherever we want. Sadly, the cownose rays are dying and they don't know why. We got to see them when they first arrived, but before anyone could put their hands in the tank. I wonder if someone had something on their hands that harmed them as we were told when it was opened to touching people would be required to wash their hands before they put them in the water. I'd almost bet that people weren't doing so.)

Go to Fort Calgary on Victoria day and check out the party for the 135th anniversary of the NWMP (aka the Mounties)

Visit with Dad, since he will be down on Monday in the afternoon.

Do you see any knitting time in there? I didn't think so. I'll maybe find some time as I'm about ready to turn the heel on my fruit loops and it's my current bus project.

I'll also be taking my camera with me to go to the zoo and various places (as long as I remember..) so maybe I'll have some nice photos to share.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T13:22:00.003-06:00

Pancakes with a cranberry mango topping and maple sausage

Made this for myself and my Mom, now we're just going to relax and watch some DVDs, a nice lazy Sunday.

Spring?

2008-05-08T20:47:00.003-06:00

I had thought spring had arrived.

I bought pansies and marigolds, I overseeded my lawn, I even washed the side of my house down (amazing how siding gets really dirty and all it does is stay there vertically in the weather.. you'd think it would be a little less dirty..).

That was Sunday, today is this..

Which despite having lots of things on the needles makes me want to grab a ball of my Rowan Cashsoft and make it into a pair of fingerless gloves (maybe another pair of Fetching, it's simple and cute as well as cozy). Do you think I can knit up a pair quick enough to be ready for tomorrow?

We can see..

In yarn news, I have been drooling over the look of this stuff ever since I saw someone showing it to someone else at stitch n bitch one night. I should wander over to the store that carries it here and check it out, I've never been there anyway though I know where it is. Maybe once the weather warms up again I will simply because it's a little hike from the nearest train station.

A finished object!

2008-04-29T21:11:00.003-06:00

So I do finish stuff on occasion.

See?

They aren't that tall on the leg but I don't mind because I like my socks that way (I turn them down when I buy my favourite commercial socks, about the only time I pull them up is if it's especially cold or snowy and today? It's not!)

So now I need to decide what to work on now. Actually, I've been carrying my Montego Bay scarf with me. I noticed that it looks like I messed up in my counts a few times, but I don't mind. It looks fine, and I am NOT pulling out all that work when I am closer to the end than the beginning.

Following the leader..

2008-04-22T20:26:00.003-06:00

Because I feel like it

1. Pancakes or waffles? With or without toppings? You're making me choose? I have a love affair with all things sweet and breakfasty. Give me crepes, pancakes, waffles, french toast, pannekukua (I probably spelled it wrong, basically a Dutch recipe for a baked pancake like thing).. with syrup or jam or fruit.. I'm happy.
2. They say, “Way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” What is the way to your heart? Uhm.. equal parts free space, cuddling and sex..
3. Have you ever gone to a topless/clothing optional beach? Nope.
4. What song reminds you of a previous relationship (for good or bad)? Hmm.. I always think of Jeremy when I listen to Follow Me by Uncle Kracker. I had a huge crush on him and we went on a few dates but things didn't work out. I still think of him though, and that song always seemed to be on the radio at work when we hung out.
5. When, where and with who was your best kiss ever? Ohh.. hmm.. Jeremy again. First serious makeout session. I'll remember it forever.
Bonus (as in optional): Does anyone not currently in a relationship with you have pictures or you or your body part(s) that you would prefer that other people not see? Yes.

Actual knitting content:

I am finally finishing up my Saturday socks. I only have a couple inches to go and if I knit like I did today they should be done tomorrow night.

I also knit an iPod sock (though I don't have an ipod) because my mp3 player was looking a titch battered.

So I am getting stuff finished.

I'm dreaming of a white spring..

2008-04-19T15:03:00.004-06:00

Not really.

It sucks, things were starting to warm up, I was seeing spot of green.. heck I even had a couple weeds in my front yard and now?

For anyone reading who does not live in this area (probably very few of you I think) this is the forecast:

This of course makes it a good weekend to stay cozy inside and knit, which I don't mind too much because I have been horribly sick with a nasty head cold this past week and I planned to stick in anyway to be sure I am rid of it.

I may even have to knit myself mittens because I seem to have lost all my gloves since the last time we had snow. It's horrible, but at least they were cheap ones I bought. Maybe I should make mittens with a string for myself..

What's on the needles.. well Montego Bay is coming along. I work at it in odd times and it'll be done soonish (I think). The socks have all gone by the wayside, as has Mystic Waters, because I got stuck on the first Year of Lace kit. It's a lovely kit and I am finding it isn't a bad bus knitting project because it is repetitious enough that I can do most of the row by rote. It's turning out lovely so far, and I've completed one body rep and started on the second.

I also picked up some wonderful cotton/bamboo yarn at Make1. It just struck me and I drove Amy and Sandra crazy for a little bit before I finally took off with it and the Green Gables pattern (a little after the store closed.. sorry ladies, I try not to do that!)

So I knit a swatch and it came out close so I figured I'd try it and see how it works though this yarn is a lighter weight than what the pattern calls for. This is what I've done so far:

I love how it is knitting up, I love the feel of it and I think the pattern will be perfect to wear around the office at my new position. But I think it is a bit too small. The gauge is definitely off from my swatch, and yet when I hold up what I've done so far it looks like it will fit. So I am thinking of putting it on string and pulling over my head to see if what little I have will work as a start and adjust as I go, or will I have to frog it and cast on more. I already did the math, I should measure myself again though just to be sure, try on what I have and we'll see. I'll probably have to get Amy and Sandra to order in more of the colour I bought, I bought an extra of a slightly darker shade because my math came out to 11 balls that the pattern called for but since I am tall and this knits on a smaller gauge I'll probably need extra.

Thank goodness this is a top down right? I've never done top down before but then I've yet to complete a top of any kind for myself.

I'm planning to do a quickie project this weekend also. My MP3 player needs a cozy, before it gets too battered in my purse (it's not an ipod, I've had MP3 players for about 5 years now but I don't want an Apple one).

I'm also going to the retreat, because I really really want to. It'll be fun and yay the Yarn Harlot is coming! Besides I need a small vacation of my own. Otherwise, I wouldn't get one.

I'd better go pop in Pride and Prejudice (watching for the first time) and grab the yarn and needles for the cozy I want to make!

Where has March gone?

2008-03-24T20:50:00.002-06:00

It's nearly over that's for sure. Plus Easter just leapt out at us from nowhere, and I went to visit family on spur of the moment (Dad called the week before said you wanna come visit? I said sure, so we hopped on a bus after work on Thursday and got a ride back Sunday, I didn't get home to my own bed until late).

It was a good weekend, lots of fun and crazy busy seeing most of that side of the family, plus making a crazy decision (well, my Dad's idea it was) that we go to West Edmonton Mall.

On a Saturday.

During a long weekend.

Anyone who has been there knows how crazy this is. It was packed and we didn't do much of anything except have lunch, wade through the crowds, and stand in line (for bumper boats, which are new since I last went there.. same with seeing the seal, they had dolphins still the last time I went.. shows how often I go there).

Not much knitting content at the moment, because I haven't done much but I got my Year of Lace kit! I went and picked it up today and it looks sooo pretty, but no spoilers cuz some people don't have theirs yet and anyway I wanted to try and finish another project before I start this one. Just trying to keep things even and not too much to overwhelm me, plus I just want some nice stuff for spring.

The garter toes are coming along okay but I may have to rip out the heel as I tried them on and realized it wasn't deep enough. Should've followed the pattern but I was sorta winging it after reading through the pattern once (I do that sometimes with simpler stuff.. gets me in trouble or turns out awesome).

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

2008-03-15T14:04:00.000-06:00

Yes, today is officially St Patrick’s day (the church will rearrange it if its usual date falls during Holy Week as it does this year).

I have been buuusy, but not much knitting happening. What has been happening?

Well, practicing driving for one (a couple more months and I can take the driver’s test!) as well as various spring cleaning things and organizing (slowly). I still can’t get things for my shelves to hold them up, because the guy at the hardware store lied to my Mom about them having them and ordering them in. So I may just go buy a new shelf for my yarn and stuff because it is all over the place right now (I had taken out my old system in anticipation of being able to easily and quickly put up shelves.. so now yarn is scattered in bins around my room, along with the books and such.. this was weeks ago) and keep trying to find what I need to set up my old shelves and use them in the basement for organizing there. The old shelves are the sort meant for use in a garage or basement anyway.

Ah well, it’s a Saturday and I’ll figure this stuff out.

Actual knitting content, the finished socks for my best friend:

Which have already been appropriated by her mother, so I’ll have to make another pair in a bit. 

The Wasonga sock yarn project:

Garter Toes, which is knitting up nicely. It looks skinny, but be assured that it stretches, and since my feet are size 10W that’s very good. Knitting toe up like this is easier than I thought too, I was able to start with magic loop instead of doing what I had done with the previous pair top down (start on DPNs and switch to magic loop). You probably can do it top down without doing what I did, but it seems haaaaaard. ;)

I’ve also started the knit Easter eggs, or one of them.. I hope to get two done (maybe) before next Sunday, because I wanted to put them in Velociraptor’s basket. It sorta snuck up on me it seems.
And just for kicks, a meme grabbed from someone on my blog list (I forget who now)

Things I love more than a throat punch today.
Coffee and porridge for breakfast (good porridge, the kind that sticks to your innards, made with steel cut oats)
New books at the library
Hugs from my son
Stuff to keep me busy
A mostly sunny day

How I'm spending my Saturday..

2008-03-01T15:51:00.002-07:00

Well, since I had to be up and out to do stuff this morning, when I came home after lunch I immediately changed into my lounging clothes and go to work on these socks.

I'm probably meeting a friend for lunch tomorrow, and these are her (late) birthday present. At least I'm on the toes so I just need to finish the decreases and kitchener it together.

While I'm working on those I am watching a movie, see?

One of my favourites (bonus because it is based on Taming of the Shrew.. also a favourite of mine!) but this watching is bittersweet. It's the first time I've watched anything with Heath Ledger in it since he died, so seeing him running around as Patrick in the stands of the high school and sing to Kat on the soccer field.. so lively and bright. It's just sad is all.

Maybe I should have picked a different movie. Since it's over I think I will put in something else. Much Ado About Nothing or As You Like It perhaps. I'm on a bit of a Shakespreare kick today, and have just reminded myself I wanted to rent She's The Man.

Wait.. I have Shakespeare in Love somewhere around here..

I wish I had more time..

2008-02-29T19:26:00.002-07:00

Time to do all the projects I wanted to do, not to mention the money to buy them.

Stuff like this (found at Lime&Violet's blog).

But I have at least two shawl projects I want to complete and I have signed up for the year of lace, plus I have all the socks and bags and other patterns I want to do and the items already on the needles.. so I'll just sit here and sigh longingly.

PS. The last post wasn't finishing for comments, but thank you. ;) I'm not much of a commenter myself, though I read a fair bit.

Maybe this weekend I'll get some pictures up. Somewhere when I have the time, got plans!

Y'know..

2008-02-28T18:49:00.004-07:00

Blogger isn't bad but one thing that annoys me crazily is that I when I get a comment on a post I can't email back to them, or post a reply easily to a person. I'm spoiled by livejournal I guess. Does Wordpress do something like that? I can install it on my hosting, which I need to do something with anyway since I am paying for it.

It's scary though, blogger is easy peasy. (And I claim to be a geek sometimes *snorts*)

But to answer Raining Sheep's question (and one I am sure all of you who read my blog* have) is what is that yarn from my last post?

That would be the Wasonga sock yarn from Curious Creek in colourway Birches in Norway and bought from the lovely ladies at Make1.

I did start the sock, but I need to finish other socks so I haven't gotten very far. And anyway, I had spinning class last night. I'm enjoying it, and a wheel is tempting but I am sticking to a spindle because a spinning wheel is definitely out of the budget this year, and a spindle is more likely to get used not stuck in a corner and forgotten (like my poor sewing machine most of the year).

No pictures again. I need to work more on my shawl, and finish those socks, but for now I think I'll have a mug of tea and go to bed. Getting back to my usual sleeping pattern after it being whacked by illness is always a treat.

*I can't be the only one who is surprised when she gets comments, right? I'm not very amusing or witty like the people I read and I often feel like I'm shouting into the wind off a mountaintop. So who would read MY blog?

On my feet..

2008-02-21T20:22:00.002-07:00

Amazing what one day, a long sleep and a dose of cold meds will do for you.

I finally feel.. normal. Or not normal, you know how you feel when you're finally well after being sick? How the world is your oyster and you have SO MUCH ENERGY and you are WELL so you can take on the WORLD!?

Then reality sinks in, the laundry and the dishes haven't been done properly for a week (the only plus side is there isn't many because you hadn't cooked much in a week either) and you need to stock up on groceries and shovel out the kleenex.. but for a couple hours this afternoon I was high on LIFE.

Then I am confronted by this:

This was taken with my cell, so the quality sucks but I think I get my point across. Ugh. This is Calgary in the midst of a warm spell during winter (+11 today! I don't think there was a Chinook though, usually I freeze anyway cuz of the wind.. I dunno, I'm not a weather person). It looks like blah. Brown and nothing.. you didn't see the grey everywhere too (from the dirt that had coated the grass after spraying up in the form of slush).

So I did what any knitter would naturally do. I bought this:

Green, yellow, joyous green! I was surfing around at work and spotted it on the blog.. so I got curious and looked and just could NOT help myself. So now I have to finish a pair of socks tonight/on the commute/at lunch (for my BFF's birthday tomorrow night!!!) before I will allow myself to cast on a pair of garter toes in glorious spring-like GREEN.

Don't remind me of all the OTHER projects I have on the go, and planned. I think the order of the day is green.

And for those who missed it, a slightly blurry attempt at night photography of a lunar eclipse by moi:

PS. Can you tell I'm just a TAD bit hyper now that I feel better?

Is it over yet?

2008-02-20T18:35:00.005-07:00

Winter that is, and the flu.

This week I have been laid low by the flu, or a cold, or something. I'm not sure what really, because I didn't go to the doctor (okay, maybe I should have but if I can't take time off work to be sick, I can't take time off work to go to the doctor and I only just found out there is a walk-in clinic that is open late hours and even *deep breath* on the weekend..).

So my long weekend was spent huddled in bed, doing nothing but sleep, with short trips to the bathroom, the kitchen (for tea, toast, and more cough syrup). I didn't do any knitting whatsoever. In fact, I haven't done any for a bit, and I am sitting at home now when I should be on my way to spinning class because I am just now recovering (it hit me Thursday, really hit me Friday and then proceeded to keep hitting me over the head with a frying pan until today) and do NOT want to pass this around to any of the other ladies if it is still contagious.

So many projects I want to work on, but one cough and I'll lose a stitch on my lace and plain socks don't appeal right now so I'm being quite lazy and just recovering. I haven't even been following the blogosphere that much! My computer was beginning to feel deprived of company..

At least it seems to be warming up today, a little chinook to get the spring feeling buzzing before dropping us back into cold for a bit more.

But for those of you on Ravelry.. anyone else having issues? I can log in fine from Opera and IE but when I try to go to the site from Firefox I get an error message.. weird.

ETA: I just deleted cookies, it works again. No weirder than when the clock was off.. by 6 years. Took a bit to figure out what was wrong because the time was about right. Little Velociraptor got into what he shouldn't.

One last winter taking the bus..

2008-02-08T20:16:00.001-07:00

That's what I keep telling myself anyway, if I can manage to get some refresher and pass the test in June (which is when I'll be allowed to even attempt the test..) and even afford to buy an old Honda Accord (which is what my brother tells me is a good car to get second hand, he had one, and he's the car dude).

Okay, I'd have been stuck in traffic for ages even in my own vehicle but I'd at least be able to pick my own route and not stop every block or so. The only blessing is that it is winter and the.. well, the odor of hard working man who hasn't bathed in a week was minimized. I just had to deal with the assault of the remnants of cigarettes and marijuana as well as the liberal splash of some cologne that makes my sinusitis worse and my stomach turn over.

With how bad I've been feeling I didn't even pick up the needles on the bus today, instead I just closed my eyes and listened to my audiobook.

The worst of it is, I didn't go to charity knit night. I went home, had a huge mug of tea and a big bowl of stew that had been simmering for a bit and changed into my big fluffy blue robe and I'm grateful that I don't have to be out in this tonight.

I'll see about making a hat or something though, like I had intended.

Happy New Year!

2008-02-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

Chinese new year that is. It's time for the year of the Rat. I'm not sure what they are saying it will be like for Dog's (of which I am one) but I hope it's supposed to be good..

In knitting news, I am turning the heel on my second Saturday sock amd I finally finished clue one of Secret of the Stole II. I was working on Mystic Waters but I'll come back to that later since I put it aside. Feels good to be actually moving on things though. I'll get pictures later, I didn't take any yet and it's getting to be bedtime so I shouldn't be scrambling to take pictures. :p

I spotted this over at Lime and Violet blog (like everyone else I suppose) but I am thinking of making them. I just need to pop over to the dollar store and then the craft section of wally-world for some appropriate elastic. They'd come in handy since I knit socks on the bus.

But I am off to sleep..

Hope everyone has a good new year!

Cold..

2008-01-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we all know it's cold out. Which is why I stayed in and didn't go to knitting tonight. I also got a ride home and decided not to turn it down.

Been knitting on my socks more, cuz my knit socks keep my toes warmer in this but I only have one pair done so far. I'm slow, and I'm lazy. :p

I have yet to start spinning and already I drool over this spindle. And the spinning wheels! So pretty.. but, let me learn to spin first and see how I do.

I had intended to rearrange my knitting storage section of my room, but I found I am missing the pegs to put up the gorm shelves in my room. Just the pegs to hold the shelf up, and I can't get to Ikea to see if I can get some from them.. so now I don't know what to do. Hit up the Home Depot I suppose, see if there is something I can rig up so I have selves for my baskets of yarn, my magazine rack, and my cases of needles and assorted..things.. this would also solve the problem of some items on my bedroom floor. I can get them off the floor, and onto the lower shelves.

Ah well, methinks I shall curl up under my down quilt with a mug of tea and my sock and put Batman Begins on my computer. That's a cozy way to spend the night in.

Playing around..

2008-01-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

got a little bored today, and sick of the half finished look of the blog because the template I used wasn't quite working. So I fiddled with it and came up with this.

Nice and streamlined, it's just a basic blogger template, but I made the image in photoshop (it was a ball of yarn I'd taken a picture of when fiddling with camera settings.. it turned out all blurry and the colour was weird but I thought it looked cool and figured I could use it as a blog header.. some very minor photoshopping and tada!)

Looks a lot better than the old one did.

Last night was a bust..

2008-01-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

between the Roughnecks losing to the Stealth 13-12 and finding no less than 3 errors in my mystic waters shawl, I've ripped it out and started again but I was finding the rhythm of it, so I think it will go smoother now.

Stupid refs. We had one goal where they said we were in the crease but the replay showed he wasn't, at all (unfortunately refs don't consult the replay when deciding calls). And then the final goal happened just as the buzzer for the end of the fourth period went, or milleseconds before. You could hear the crowd jump up and start screaming for joy when the ref made the sign that it didn't count and shoved us into overtime where the stealth broke the 12-12 tie and won. Blah. (Lacrosse btw, for those who have no clue what I'm talking about lol).

I'm also tempted to try the Secret of the Stole II and I signed up for year of lace with what remained of my birthday money. This is certainly a year of lace for me, and it's barely started!

Socks are going slowly, but steadily since I carry them with me to work and am taking a new route that I for certain get a seat on. Only one transfer now, instead of two. I was forced to by the buses, because they changed the schedule which made my usual bus more likely to be packed and zip right by me (very annoying, and makes me late) but it's working for the best. Even if I have to be up earlier than before, which is pretty darn early for a night owl.

I might even get more knitting done at home now, the movie store up the road is going out of business (lease was up, the building was sold and going to be turned into parking for new condos) so I picked up a number of movies on the cheap.

Thoughts

2008-01-04T22:39:00.001-07:00

All this talk of plans for what to do with knitting in 2008, I think mine is simple enough. Complete a sweater for myself.

I think I may rip out the Cardigan for Arwen, I long ago became disenchanted with it and no longer am sure of what I am doing or if I am even doing it okay.

So I am thinking of frogging and starting instead the Central Park Hoodie. I think I like it a little better. I dunno.

Or maybe I'll just let it sit for a bit and start working on Jazz. I don't know, but I'll have to commit one way or another soon if I want to make this happen.

Otherwise I'll just work on my Mystic Waters shawl for now (I just finished part A! 8 more to go..)

Happy (almost) New Year!

2007-12-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm at home, cuz I generally like to stay close to the abode on this night. It's cold, and there will be lots of drunks on the road, I'll stay home with Air Farce and knitting and maybe a glass of wine.

I hope Christmas was good to all of you, it was kind to me (and I can't wait to spend my gift certificate over at Make One!) and I got to see most of my family and most especially the joy on my son's face as he opened his presents.

Right now I'm debating sticking with the projects I have on the needles, or starting the jazz kit I had bought. I wasn't going to make it to the boxing day sale, so I bought it before it disappeared.

Ah well, I'll read the pattern and decide though I'll probably stick with the socks I am working on. The Velociraptor is in bed (earlier than he has been for most of the past week) and hopefully he drops off right away. We shall see.

I've made a couple of small resolutions, I'm not big on them because it's too easy to break them but it's stuff I need to work on anyway and I want to continue to work on for 2008. No diet resolutions (not when the last time I weighed myself I was 5 pounds less than what the doctor weighed me at, which was ten pounds less than the last time I weighed myself. I don't think I need to resolve since I wasn't aiming for weight loss anyway, just better eating habits. ;) ) these ones involve organizing and personal life.

But now I'm rambling and Air Farce is on and I'm missing it, so enjoy your evening and may 2008 be an awesome year for you all.

Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring..

except for the crazy knitter who hadn't finished her knitting.

Actually, that's a lie. I finished almost all of it, and the tea cozy that isn't done is almost done and won't take long (just needs another 1/4 of it and the i-cords.. easy peasy) and won't be gifted until after Christmas anyway.

I finished some finger puppets, I don't think I'll get to the rest but I can make them later. He got a couple for now at least, and so did his friends. These ones:

(Don't mind the dust, you know, you never realize how dusty your desk has gotten until you snap a picture with flash..)

They all love them, and the adults thought they were cute too.

But now it's time for coffee and breakfast, to make a few Christmas cards with Velociraptor (who is VERY antsy for Santa to arrive).

May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

3 Sleeps to Christmas

2007-12-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'm done my Christmas shopping, but one present isn't here yet. Fedex messed up, badly, and my package should be delivered on Monday (a month to the day that it shipped.. yes, I ordered this in NOVEMBER). I hope it will be, but if not this means I have to go get something for backup. My coffee maker broke also, and I CANNOT live without coffee, so I have to go to Walmart to get a new one.

Oy. Why did it have to be NOW? Seriously? And actually, it didn't break so much as Mom forgot to add water and turned it on and now it won't work.

In other news, my cousin's bag is done.

And I need to get some crochet hooks. Metal ones, so I can do some of these finger puppets for stocking stuffers. I'm not sure why I had plastic ones, but they are very bendy and catch the yarn so bad. And I'm about 50% done my Grandma's tea cozy (we won't see here until a couple days after Christmas, so I have time). That's it though, no more to do since I pared back my list.

My friend loved her purse, she immediately called her mother to brag and tell her she couldn't have it lol.

Oh well. I'd better go take a dose of cold fx (guys at work had colds, and were passing it around.. I KNEW I'd get it when the first guy showed up with it and I kinda feel it but not right now) and eat an orange and then stop somewhere for a coffee.

7 Sleeps to Christmas

2007-12-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

And I have yet to felt (well, full) the bags. I got the second one done tonight, and I am nervous.

I won't felt until tomorrow, it's a little late right now to get the washing machine going when I have to be up early. I'll take before and after pictures and keep my fingers crossed that it works, because otherwise I don't know what I will do.

At all.

One purse is a gift that I'm giving on Thursday.

EEP! I hope she'll like it. Otherwise no handknit socks for her birthday.

8 Sleeps to Christmas

2007-12-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

And so the countdown continues..

This Thursday I'm to meet my BFF for supper and exchange presents. I have most of her stuff done, except for..

Her purse

I'm halfway done, I think if I drop in a movie and knit I can maybe finish it today, if not then I'll have to finish it tomorrow because I'll need to felt it Wednesday so it can be done and dried by morning (meeting after work, no time to come home and then go out again).

So what am I putting on? A quintessential Christmas movie.

Die Hard 2.

But for some Christmas spirit, here's our little Christmas tree.

We set it up on Sunday.

And just to show I am getting some stuff done, this was sent off to the East Coast yesterday. Here's hoping it gets there on time, Mom sent it regular post.

13 sleeps to Christmas

2007-12-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

That's what I tell my son when I tuck him into bed at night. He's 3, and he's not all sure on the Santa thing (he's just this big guy who dresses in red and is only around at Christmas) but he knows that he'll be getting loads of loot.

Why? Because not only is it Christmas but he is turning 4. It's a big day for him!

And I am still working on my Christmas knitting. I have a couple things done, a couple need last touches (felting, sewing). Now that I'm done school, done my final project and I don't have to worry about exams I can concentrate on my knitting. I really clipped back on my initial list. I always do this, because I overestimate myself and underestimate my procrastination skills.

Things are moving along, we'll see how far I get.. and some pictures. :)

Procrastinating..

2007-11-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Found when doing some back reading on some blogs (I will do some homework shortly, I promise).

Mark with bold the things you have knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl (in progress)
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL (couple in progress)
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Participate in an exchange
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies) (knit a few dishcloths and am working on tea cozies)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s hand-spun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning (Grandma taught me how)
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Free-form knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

I'm kinda annoyed I had to skip knitting group last night. Okay, I suppose I didn't have to but what with it being the first big snow and the crappy roads and my having to take transit for at least one more winter, AND being stuck on a bus for three hours sitting on Glenmore that morning (okay, the full three hours wasn't on Glenmore, it was only half of it.. the rest was spent on another bus and train..) I was not up to doing anything more but going home (which took me two hours), heating some french onion soup, making a pot of tea and going to bed soon after Velociraptor.

This week is taking a chunk out of me. I'll be happy once class and driving lessons are done, then I can handle Christmas and hopefully things will look up in the new year.

ETA: My blog design is borked, I need a new one but I suck with css and I don't have time or inclination to search through premade ones to find one I can live with. Oy.

Retreat and Christmas knitting musings..

2007-11-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

The retreat was a total blast. The bus ride out was fun, got to meet some people and knit and drink and we made it out there without any hitches. Friday was basically check in, supper (a lovely buffet at Cilantro and more drinking, then we could do what we wanted which for me involved going to the outdoor hot tub for a bit (in the snow!) and then back to my room to attempt to light the fire (didn't work), read a bit and then to sleep.

I almost overslept, but the people below me banged around a bit so I woke up (forgot to turn on my alarm before I went to sleep). We had breakfast, then a class with Annie and lunch and more class/sessions and knitting and about 4 most of us scattered. I was so tired for some reason so I ended up starting a fire (yay!) knitting a bit in my room and then falling asleep for an hour. That evening was a sit down dinner, again at Cilantro, where I learned a way to tell what was the bread plate and my drink in a formal setting. I also learned some new things with my camera, and how to say bad words in sign language. A very informative dinner. ;) After supper was a PJ party in the lodge, with lots of Baileys and hot chocolate and a really cute bartender.

Sunday was easy going. Up by 9, packed and checked out by 10ish and then brunch buffet at 11. We all then hung out for a few hours until the bus came. I decided to walk to the bus instead of taking the shuttle across the bridge, and of course on my way I managed to slip and fall down a small set of stairs as it had snowed off and on all weekend and, being right by the lake, it was a wet snow and so got icy. Then a ride back to Calgary, and a new friend got me a ride home with her sister in law and her.

It was great. :) Wish it could've been longer actually.

I also got a bunch of pictures! Mostly of the scenery, but it was great.

Now that I'm back and recovered from the drinking (seriously, dropped shortly after my son did most of this week I was amazingly tired still) and I am now pondering my Christmas knitting. Taking stock of truly where I am, how much I can do, and can I do it all?

We shall see.

The list so far:
3 felted purses - one knit, needs felting
1 pair fingerless gloves - not started
1 hat - almost done
4 tea cozies - one started
2 or 3 sets of finger puppets, crocheted - not yet started

32 days to knit/crochet them in. I was trying to finish socks, but with the others I've decided bus time will be better spent on quicker projects and the socks can be saved for the February birthday (same person, just a couple months later).

And two of the cozies must be mailed out to Nova Scotia from Alberta. EEP!

Will I make it? Do I have time?

I dunno but I've got my mug of Christmas tea, my new dvd set of Heroes season 1 (which I got for my birthday!) and one set of needles and a big ball of alpaca. Maybe I can bang off one, or most of, a purse tonight before I need to sleep because tomorrow will have little knitting time. My bro is coming down, and I have picture plans, family dinner and driving lessons. Plus I need to find time somewhere to work hard on my final project, barely started and due in less than two weeks.

Insane? Yup, that's me.

Weekend Retreat Prep

2007-11-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

So I sit amid the wreckage of my plotting what to pack and I am going crazy.

I'm not worried about the clothing, or the packing itself. I was a Girl Guide, I can PACK. That's fine. I even have snacks.

It's the 'what and how much knitting do I bring?' that I'm snagging on. It's only three days, lots of knitting time to be had but not my first inclination to pack one of each project and sort it out when I get there.

I know I want to bring my lace, for while I'm out there. Maybe I can finish up a clue or two of Mystic Waters. We'll be doing a scarf as our project out there, so no scarf brought. I must bring socks. Debating bringing a new skein and working on the Synesthesia Socks or just motoring on with the basic socks I have on the needles as my bus project. Do I want to bring the sweater I've got going? Naw.. I'm stalled there, totally. Even vaguely pondering frogging, being so ambivalent towards it means it would be bad for a trip. I should also bring at least one Christmas project. I have the hat nearly done, so that can stay at home. It'll hold until I get home unless I finish it tonight after I pack. Probably bring the first tea kozy or perhaps the convertible gloves? Those are smallish. I could even bring enough for two tea kozies, a couple extra skeins won't be too much.

*ponders*

I think that might be it. The kozy, socks, the shawl. That should be plenty, with enough variety to keep a flibbertigibbet like me from growing bored with what I have to work on. Make sure to tuck them into different bags, plus the scissors, the measuring tape, the needles. *ponders* I'll have to wind a skein at the store. Tuck all my patterns I need into those see through coloured report covers I discovered at the dollar store.

Oh! And can't forget my book.

And yes, I'm evil. I haven't been putting all my stash up on Ravelry. I have a bunch of Noro I ordered online, and some lace weight I'm working on mystic waters with, and some new sock yarn I JUST bought, and I have more lace weight on the way because I couldn't pass up some of the knitpicks sale/clearance stuff. And a bunch of stuff for mittens. Lots. Lots and lots.

Well better go finish sorting things out and then packing them away.

Remembrance Day

2007-11-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

On this remembrance day, I find myself thinking not of the homework I need to do but of other things. More important things.

I think of my cousin, the one who is currently serving in Bosnia with the Army. My other cousin, his younger brother, who will will probably go into the military also and be deployed who knows where.

I think of my father and uncle, who served in the navy and army also when they were younger.

I think of my Grandfather who join the air force but WWII ended before he could be shipped out.

I think of my Great-grandma who was just a girl when her and her family emmigrated from Germany, either just before or just after the start of WWI.

I think of the men and women who died then, and who are out there now.

And I pray for them and the people who are torn by war.

I won't forget.

What have I been up to?

2007-11-02T21:13:00.000-06:00

These:

And this:

(Start of the Mystic Waters shawl, I joined the KAL on a whim and now I want to find the time to knit!)

And learning how to link to photos from flickr.

I've also been busy with school and work and learning to drive, plus completing halloween costumes (he was a jester.. okay, same as last year but I finished the hat this year! Next year I'll have to make something else..) and going trick or treating and already plotting what I'm doing with my weekends for the next two months.

Seriously, I'm practically booked to the new year and it's barely the first week of November. But the retreat is coming up! A fortnight from now, I will be sitting in a lodge in the mountains with lots of other knitters and relaxing. Yay!

It's so sweet..

2007-10-18T18:32:00.001-06:00

Amy and Sandra got married!

I'm so happy for them. :)

Check out their pictures (linked from Amy's blog)

You've got mail!

2007-10-17T19:18:00.002-06:00

Specifically.. packages.

Okay, not many. But I got a few. I went a little wild you see. I ordered Romantic Hand Knits and an abacus counter (THIS oneand some of those GORGEOUS stitch markers that hug the needles from from HIDEandSHEEP (I got my order in before they showed up on Lime and Violet though. HA!)

Last week I got some Noro Kureyon. Gorgeous colours.

Then what did I do? I spent more. I blame my Mom though, she's an enabler. I showed her the yarn and what I was going to do as gifts (and for us!) and she said oh so innocently "Can you buy more of this? Make one for my Mom and other sister?" How could I say no? Especially when she's helping to pay. ;)

Then I joined up the Mystic Watrs KAL. How could I not with a description like this?

Have you ever found yourself staring into a deep ocean pondering the mysteries beneath the surface?
Or swam in a dark lake at sunset?
Do you feel the lightness of the summer rain?
Water has many forms and faces, and yet they are all the same - simple H2O.

Presented in an original design, this triangular shawl show some of the many faces of water.

The laciest thing I've made is the montego bay scarf (as yet unfinished.. it'll be done by next spring lol) but this called to me. And I must've had a premonition cuz those stitch markers? Are the size of the needles called for in the pattern (of course I may have to go up or down a size, but let me have my moment..).

So of course I had to order some lace weight, from knitpicks. And while I was at it, looking at the needles and realized I didn't have any in the size called for.. and then mentally calculated what I've been paying for just in needles.. and slipped and fell, clicking on the options set (not the harmony though).

And I had to buy enough yarn for mittens for the men in my life.

So I'm going to hope that my review is good this year, and gets me a raise, just to pay for all this! Or maybe I'll be using my gain share to pay for it. That's what I did last time I went on a splurge like this. This will keep me busy for ages!

Oh, and that bag I am working on? Well, I have yet to felt it (still) but I found some really cute buttons at Make1. One of which will go for this purse, and a couple for future purses (one for me, and one for BFF for Christmas).

Mittens..

2007-10-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

I think I'm starting to hate them. I've knit two mittens, in an attempt to make the mouse mittens for Velociraptor but I keep running into problems.

You see, when I followed the pattern exact, needles and all, I ended up with a mitten for a baby. Not the 3-5 year old that the pattern said (or maybe my almost 4 year old has huge hands.. both I think). Obviously my gauge was way off, so I went up 3 needle sizes and followed exact and I ended up with a mitten that just fit him. As in, it's nice for now but since he's at that age where he just grows suddenly I'd be making a new pair by Christmas.

So I guess I'd better do my math and make another mitten, slightly bigger. I'm also tempted to buy a set of dpn's just cuz I have a bunch floating around but only in certain sizes, A wider range would be nice rather than this constant grab a pair when I need another size. Cheaper on the pocketbook too.

I have mostly finished at least one project also. It's the squatty sidekick purse, which I still need to felt and then find my copy of Interweave Felt to get how to make the button. Not sure where I left it *sighs* Gotta clean up around here. I've never been miss happy homemaker, though when I'm not working I can keep a pretty nice house. The rest of the time it's like a tornado hit.

My socks!

2007-09-23T21:23:00.000-06:00

I know I said I'd post them but I got distracted. But I have socks, see?

Thank goodness, because I've been wearing them this weekend. Nice and cozy while it's cold and rainy outside.

Now I'm working on finishing a felted purse, I'm also way behind on where I wanted to be for my hoodie *winces* and I started mittens for my son, but they were WAY too small on the recommended needle size.. I think I knit really tight, or something, so I gotta up the size and do those. And I have a few other things on the needles as always.

But I have one finished item.

ETA: And I can't quite get my template to work, so maybe I need to find another one. *sighs*

FO!

2007-09-18T23:30:00.001-06:00

I finished my socks, in the jitterbug! It's late though and 6am comes early, so I'll post a picture tomorrow.

My toes are so cosy now!

But now, sleep.

Lots to do!

2007-09-18T19:24:00.000-06:00

So many things going on, and I'm already looking ahead.

As the forecast calls for snow I've decided I really must finish my plain socks so I can start my son's mittens (no more putting off, I could probably finish them tonight while I was Merlin which I borrowed from the library), I've joined a holiday KAL/CAL (which took me too long to realize the KAL/CAL meant Knit/Crochet ALong) to get started early this year (I have a bunch on my plate, though most is relatively small), I want to try and finish my sweater, which the pace I'm going I'm not (I have about 3 inches on the front left panel and two months to do the rest of it and the second, which is all the front, sleeves and hood) and..

I'm tempted to join the Halloween mystery shawl. Even though I might not ever wear a shawl. But a Halloween shawl! Actually might be good to wear around the house and when handing out candy.. no. I shall refrain. Maybe when I have less to do I'll try one of the mystery shawl things going around. They won't just all disappear that quickly I think anyway.

ETA: Looking at the cost of the reccomended yarn has put an end to that idea. Yeouch.

ETA2: Okay, found one a little more palatable for cost. But still.. no.. not enough time, too much to knit and other things to do.

I can't be the only person to get ideas this way can I?

2007-09-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

Last night, as I was drifting off, it occured to me.

A pattern idea. Using stuff I already know.

Thankfully I keep a notebook by my bed, because my mind finds just as I am drifting off to be the ideal time to insert ideas in my head, which I often forget if I don't write down. This one I wrote down.. but I haven't forgotten.

It's a good idea I think.

I'm looking around at similar patterns and don't see the exact same idea there.. so I think I shall work on it next and if it works out I'll share.

A cool September day

2007-09-07T13:08:00.000-06:00

On this day, my mind turns to warm knits. It's definitely September, cold, chilly and grey. I even heard the dreaded word on the news last night!

Snow.

Not for us, but for the west of us, in the mountains.

I've got lots of things on my needles though, so I'm actually making progress on the second sock out of Jitterbug that I started ages ago (linoleum floors, they're quite chilly and I'm wearing my slippers but they are kinda heavy for the weather yet so I look at the one and a half socks and think.. 'Those would be perfect to wear..' so I'm working on finishing the foot). But I'm also pondering what to do for winter knits.

Velociraptor will be getting a pair of mouse mittens for winter, and I'm thinking Mom needs an Irish hiking scarf and a nice hat made out of Misti Alpaca (in the light blue to match her jacket). Those will knit up fast. Maybe one for Dad for Christmas too.

I'm also slowly making progress on the cardigan, thanks for the tip of colouring in the squares Gina that did help and it at least looks right now, though it is slow going. Once I hit my stride it'll move faster though.

I'm also pondering a Here and There Cables scarf from Scarf Style, which my friend showed to me when she was here on Wednesday. So I'll have to find something to make that out of. But that isn't an immediate concern, I have a scarf already so it can wait.

I'm also eyeing some finger puppet patterns as presents for Christmas. With all the toy recalls I'm leery of what I will buy for Velociraptor, he might like finger puppets and they can easily travel with me on the bus. (They're crochet too, so I'll get to learn to read crochet patterns since I only ever did what Grandma told me or made up as I went along!)

Lots to do, lots to plan and hope I have time for. But for now while my boy has his nap I'm knitting socks and watching a romantic movie. It's been a nice week off for me, but soon it'll be back to the usual grind.

ETA: and I just discovered (remembered?) I had 5 balls of Patons Shetland Chunky in a very nice blue-grey colourway. Enough for 2 Irish Hiking scarves, or one and other stuff. Since I don't have enough of the Misti maybe I'll make one for Mom out of this, it's still blue just a darker blue than the other..

I don't think I like charts..

2007-09-02T19:54:00.000-06:00

Today I have started, and frogged back, the start of the front left panel of A Cardigan For Arwen 4 times. The first time I realized I was reading the chart wrong, the other times once I got going it just looks wrong like nothing is really lining up as it should.

One more attempt tonight, then I'll go work on something else before I drive myself betty. But this time I photocopied the charts and am writing in k, p etc on the darn squares. Maybe that will work better.

Things are moving again!

2007-08-23T22:38:00.000-06:00

Last post was just a tad self pitying.

Things are moving, albeit crazily at times.

Got things straightened out with the college (I hope, I really want this to be my last class for diploma, then maybe I can get a slightly better paying job).

Got the sock moving again, I managed to finally get around the heel with the tutorial from Cosmic Pluto Knits! and lots of patience and audiobooks on the bus. I added a couple more rounds and then did it and the heel fits fine.

Here's my big foot in it:

Now I just need to find some time to work on the sweater. At least the classroom portion of driver's ed is almost done, so that'll be two nights a week back to myself again. Maybe I can get some rearranging done and then manage sit down time with some dvd's (I STILL have yet to watch all of Buffy and Angel) and work on the sweater.

Oh! And at least one completed sweater :D

Life goes on.. whether I want it to or not.

2007-08-21T23:07:00.001-06:00

Sooo update.

Knitting? Not so much. I keep trying to do a short row heel on the Saturday socks, and it's not working so well. I've ripped back a few times, searched and printed off several tutorials and am working on it again. I swear, if this doesn't seem to be working this time I shall just do as the pattern says. Thing is, I want to try and do a reasonable short row heel, and just see if it would work for my feet (big feet, I think it might end up not working for this pattern.. high arches you see).

I've also decided I need to do my Arwen cardigan before the retreat. And I've stalled as I realized I'm adding length to it because I am TALL. I need to add at least an inch to the sleeve and an inch to the body so it'll fit nice. Been going over my calculations and praying it's right.. and then I never have time to knit because..

I'm taking driving lessons. I don't think knitting and driving work together at the same time. And I've been doing stuff around the home and doing crazy things.

Oh, and I'm going back to school to, so I can just get this diploma done and have that be DONE.

Maybe I'll get more knitting done when driving lessons are done and I can go back to Stitch n Bitch night every so often.. I was getting comfy there.

So much to do! Not enough time!

Maybe I need some lessons in time management?

Maybe this is good for something after all..

2007-08-06T16:52:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was such a nice day I took my son to the park.. and I twisted my ankle.

So today I've been sitting with ice on it, up on a pillow.. and getting some knitting done. Browsing on Ravelry also gave me a little push to work on my Cardigan For Arwen, so I'm now just over halfway done the back panel. As I was working I also realized.. I'm going to have to adjust. eep!

What? Well I'm going to make it longer, so it actually stops at the small of my back like it's supposed to, not above my kidneys like it almost would be if I followed the pattern exact (I can hear Grandma's voice in my head 'You'll catch a chill and get sick!') I'm going to have to add on to the sleeves too, make them a little longer so it actually covers my wrists.

This is going to be fun, I did measurings and math.. I just hope it works out right. *bites nails*

Ravelry

2007-08-02T21:16:00.001-06:00

I made it! I'm one of the cool kids now!

Is it bad that when I checked my email at work and found my invite I [i]immediately[/i] signed up and then proceeded to spend the rest of my day hanging out there when I had a spare minute?

It can't be bad that when I got home I wanted to run to my stash and start taking pictures of absolutely [i]everything[/i] to put up, right?

Right?

I'm not addicted I tell you!

ps I joined the second sock group, because it called to me.

Nothing to see here, move along..

2007-07-24T19:21:00.000-06:00

Nope, still no knitting happening. Well, maybe tonight. I think I'll pull out the sock and work on the heel while watching Hell's Kitchen taped from last night and Top Chef from a bit ago.

I should do some knitting, especially since a look at the Make1 blog shows new yarn and gives me urges to go and buy Buy BUY!

Except I have plenty of yarn, several projects on the needles and even a spindle with some roving while I attempt to teach myself to spin. I have a decent stash, I can't buy more until I finish a few projects (and have a little more money, that's not earmarked for things like a car next year when I get my license.. yes I'm an adult, I just never felt the pressing need for a car and license until recently).

No yarn, no nothing.. I'll have to figure a way to get in and out of Make1 without buying anything since I need to put more money down on the retreat. I haven't had a decent vacation in ages. No relatives, nothing, just me.. relaxing.. Actually, I've never had that. I've been on retreats before as a teen though, and summer camp would be the closest to away without family. I can't wait, but I keep reminded myself to enjoy the summer and November will arrive soon enough. (I even booked that Friday off see how excited I am?)

But see? Nothing to see here. Maybe I'll finish that second sock soon.

Wow, most of a month gone by..

2007-07-22T22:45:00.000-06:00

And I've done nothing.

Well, not nothing nothing, but not much of note. Mostly I've been trying to keep cool, playing with the new computer, reading (currently - you guessed it - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), working, and getting stuff together for driving lessons (next month!).

So not much knitting has been happening. A row here and there, and that's about it. I really should work on it if I want the scarf done before summer ends and to do my sweater before it gets cool again (though it doesn't feel like it will at all right now, just like in winter it seems like the cold will never end and summer will never return).

Ah well.

I'm going to go curl up in front of my fan for another chapter of Harry Potter and then try to get some sleep. But just for fun, here's this!

You Are Psyche!

Eternally in search of purpose and insight.
You're curious and creative with a total sense of wonder.
Totally empathetic, you pick up on other's moods easily.
Just be sure to pamper yourself as well!

What Goddess Are You?

Happy Canada Day!

2007-07-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

Wow, today has been fun.

We went down to Prince's Island for some of the festivities, made puppets, had lunch, wandered around, ate some ice cream and splashed in the splash pool (I was SOAKED!).

Probably won't get to the fireworks. After 4 hours of chasing around an excited velociraptor I'm pooped. So I'm going to pop in a good action flick while he naps and lay down and hope I don't go down for the count too!

Thankfully I have tomorrow off, so I can recover from today.

Mmm yarn

2007-06-23T13:18:00.000-06:00

That was great. I made it to the store (and I was first in line, don't listen to the people who showed up and then left again for breakfast ;) ). Chatted with some wonderful people and bought up some really cute yarn.

I even managed to stay ON BUDGET and not go totally crazy. I think the reason I was able to, was because I knew that I have enough for 2 sweaters at home and that is enough. For now. Until they are knitted up.

I did do a silly thing though. I bought a spindle, and some roving.. and I don't know how to spin. And watching the video I found on YouTube and reading the instructions and I'm all nervous. So I may just have to go take that spinning class. :p

But I got some more cute sock yarn, and some worsted weight. Enough for two of those Squatty Sidekick bags on Knitting Daily, in different colours. I think one for me and one for my cousin (for Christmas.. planning ahead, see?).

I also took a bit of a walk around Bridgeland, and since it's so nice I think that when Velociraptor wakes up we may just have to go check out all the noise at the Greek festival. I have a hankering for some spanakopita and ouzo.

More yarn (soon)!

2007-06-22T19:59:00.000-06:00

Or there will be, and soon.

Make1's Solstice sale is this weekend and I plan to be down there by shortly after 9 if the buses co-operate. *grins* I'm going on a dive for sock yarn and maaaaaybe some roving.

Just a little.

And a drop spindle.

Just a small one.

But mostly sock yarn. I'm also pondering something to make my aunt for Christmas (I may as well get it now and start soon, knowing what a flibbertigibbet I am).

The Montego Bay scarf is coming along, slowly but surely. I tucked it into the pocket on my chair and forgot to take it all last week on the bus though, so I'd better pull it out and tuck it back in my monster of a purse.

Then tomorrow night I'm finally going to get out. Now I just need to convince my friend that she really does want to go to the grand opening of the new bar in the city (I put our names on the list to get in the door, I know what I want to wear, I WANT TO GO DANCING DAMNIT! It's been too long, the clubs are always crowded and expensive and stuff but it's been a year. I want to work off some energy and dance with a few cute guys before I return to my everyday single mom self. I don't cut loose enough.)

I'll try to get pictures of the Chill Chaser. It's really cute, and Velociraptor loves it, but currently it is WAY too hot to wear jackets of any kind. Summer certainly is here. He was wearing it the other week though, when it was cooler.

And I know I'm a day late, but Happy Solstice everyone.

WWKIP Day

2007-06-08T21:02:00.000-06:00

Yup, that is apparently tomorrow. You never really hear anything about it (at least not where I go). knitting in public is what I do though. I knit whenever, I bring it to keep me busy on the bus and in lines etc.

And since I will be out and about anyway, I shall have my knitting with me. So if tomorrow you come across a tall woman dressed quite casually with a turquoise knit pouch attached to her belt and a bright orange rolling shopping bag dragged behind.. that'll be me.

I'm hitting the Farmer's Market. I haven't been all winter and I want to see what is showing up there currently for fruits (if any). Plus I have a real craving for tzatsiki and pita bread, and the best place I've found is at the market. That and the Greek Festival (in two weeks, so I will be found there on the Sunday since that is the same weekend as Make One's Solstice sale where I plan to be on the Saturday).

Maybe the yarn lady will be at the market? She's not there all the time, but from time to time she shows up with yarn (and roving, and knitted items). One of the stalls also has recycled sari silk yarn, and I get a craving whenever I pass by, but I manage to stop myself because it sheds. Shedding drives me batty. :p Some I can live with, but too much.. ick.

25 dollars and a short time later..

2007-06-03T16:36:00.000-06:00

and the corner where I tossed my bags of yarn/knitting supplies/books/projects on the go is now ten times more organized.

I just picked up a 3 drawer cart at Walmart, sorted my knitting out into it and voila! It looks SO much better than the brown paper bags of yarn and odds and ends and stacks of books I had sitting there.

I also worked on Velociraptor's sweater last night, so I'd better do some work on it tonight and then it ought to be done. My sewing might need some work though, it's really different to sew knitted pieces together than it is to sew cloth. Have to concentrate more to make it look nice and even. But I only have to sew the side together and the hood together and on and then.. done!

That's about all the knitting content I got right now lol.

In other randomness, this video is quite beautiful.

And now I must be off to mow my weeds and make supper.

May.. now with extra snow!

2007-05-24T19:59:00.000-06:00

It snowed today, and I dislike it when it snows like this. I had to stumble out of bed, shivering my butt off, and go dig out my winter gear (packed away the past weekend). Brrr.

This was the view out my window this morning:

and this was right beside my house.

It broke the light right off the light standard, but that and the tree appear to be the only casualties. Unlike other places in town (and not that far from myself either).

So I needed a summery project, said screw it, and started this:

I might need to figure something else for pictures. These are rather big. They'll just stay this way for now though.

Oh! And for the seven utterly random factoids meme.. I rememberd an eighth. How I could forget, I don't know.

I am a character in a novel. A published novel. If you pick up EE Knight's Valentine's Rising (book four of Vampire Earth) you will find a character by the name of Arsie/RC.

That is me! Not pulling legs or nothing, he wrote me in. :)

Busy as a bee

2007-05-16T00:03:00.000-06:00

is what it seems like lately.

So much to do, plus it's so nice out I don't want to be inside and my friends want to get out, as does my son. And it's hard to take knitting on a hike up to Stewart Canyon by Lake Minnewanka!

So no real knitting has been done in awhile, nor finishing either (the sweater will be done soon, I guess I'm just dragging on it because.. well, I don't know why. I guess I don't quite want it to be done).

But, Gina fingered me in this meme so I figured I'd do it and here goes.

7 Utterly Random Factoids About Me:

1) I seem to have inherited somehow a crafty gene and can do a variety of crafts (huge surprise there, I know). I may not be wonderful at them, but I can do the basics in many. Lots of this was gleaned from Grandma, Aunt's, Friends of the family, Guides and Mom. I have all sorts of samples of my works kicking around (or long since disappeared) and was complimented on my small even stitches and suggested I take up quilting (by hand). I refused, as I rather enjoyed my cross-stitch at the time (another craft put on hold until little boys learn sharp needles = pain)

2) Paleontology has been my dream since I was small. How small? I'd say I was 4 or 5 when I first saw a dinosaur exhibit at a museum (in BC!) and I was hooked. Over the years I had plastic models, books, tons of those crafty kids books where you did stuff like trace a map of the world in a certain way to create Pangaea or Gondwana. And, to be quite honest, it still is my dream. I see it as put on slow for the moment though.

3) The previous one leads into the next one. In grade 4, I won first place in the science fair when I did my project on, you guessed it, dinosaurs.

4) This one is also led into from the paleontology love.. I got to go on a behind the scenes tour at the Royal Alberta Museum and got to hold this Wooly Mammoth Tooth. It was a wonderful day.

5) All scars and major injuries were caused by really silly things. Not even silly things that are amusing or just childhood craziness.. I mean really.. really.. silly things, like I broke my collarbone by falling off a swivel chair and I have scars from a parrot, helium tank, fridge and grocery cart. Need I say more? I was fairly clumsy as a kid, but especially during my teenage years. I blame it on getting so tall, so fast. I'm not as clumsy anymore. Thank goodness.

6) In grade 9 we had something called a 'Turkey Trot' at school, where we walked or ran around the field (1.something km) after telling our guess of how long we thought it would take us to the teachers (who wrote it down). We started all at once and at the ending line a teacher told us our time and we went in to give it to the original teachers. Well, I was the one closest to my guess for my grade.. and I won a frozen turkey to bring home. If I had gone with my gut number, I would've been exactly on but I gave a slightly different number (that matched the girls I was planning on walking with) instead.

7) I have been on both coasts of Canada (and traveled a fair bit in Alberta and the East coast), but nowhere between Alberta and Nova Scotia except for a few hours in an airport in Ontario.

I tag.. whoever wants to do this.

Oh, and I picked up the newest Interweave Knits today (at the news store I pass on the way home), and am extremely excited to discover a pattern for a gorgeous scarf using the Handmaiden Sea Silk.. of which I happen to have a skein that I bought awhile ago, in the amount needed for this pattern. I started the scarf pattern that came with it, stalled out and just left it while I did other things despite LOVING the yarn. But now I know what to do with it.

Is this where the excitement of stash shopping comes in? I've never truly done it before!

Finally! A finished sock!

2007-05-03T22:16:00.000-06:00

Or not..

I finished a sock. I truly did. Thing is, once I finished the kitchener stitch and tried it on I realized.. it's too small.

Ok, not TOO too small, just my feet are big (since I am 6'1, and inherited high arches and wide feet from my Mother).

So that got ripped out and frogged back to where I started the toe decreases, so I can add.. oh, say another couple centimeters. I could have worn it, but the heel (specifically the BACK of the heel) was pulled under my foot and it was pretty stretched out. I figure a couple of centimeters, then the decreases and the heel will sit properly and it won't drive me batty.

Then I just have to knit the next one.

Once I've got them done, I will post a picture of them. I have to show off finished socks!

Oh, and I bought some new sock yarn. Didn't get to the store for stitch n' bitch (and thus missed out on the Oceanwind) but when I went the next night I got some real nice stuff that they haven't put out front yet. Or hadn't really planned on.

I already wound it into a ball, and it's such a pretty blue (they had some wonderful greens and a rust and reds there too, but I kept myself to one skein). I'll get the name later, I left it downstairs in my bag and I'm a little lazy at the moment (considering I should already be asleep..) but it's nice. I like it, and I'm looking around for a pattern to use with it. Maybe this one?

But now I'd better get some sleep.

Spring has finally sprung! (I think)

2007-04-22T14:01:00.000-06:00

Last week was just crazy.

Between the snow/sleet for 3 days making everything mucky, studying like mad for the final exam yesterday and no time to do anything knitterly I'm amazed I survived.

Thankfully it's warmed up now though, no more snow on the ground (except in the odd small patch in very shady areas), the final exam is done (won't get marks back for a few days so I'm all nerves about that) and.. I have lots more time for knitterly things.

Well, more than I did before.

So I'm working diligently at the Chill Chaser. In the 24 hours since I finished my exam, I have finished the button band and the button holes and now all that remains is all the sewing. Thankfully, I don't mind sewing by hand. I even have a stuffed toy that I made that way (it was a kit, in junior high, but I took it home to cut it out and got bored so when the next class came around it just needed to be stuffed and finished).

So it should be done soon, which will make Velociraptor happy. Me happy too, because then I can start on the project for myself. Or, work on it rather. I did start it, but I haven't gotten very far (only a couple of inches along the back) because I want to get the other done first.

And it'll be perfect weather for him to wear it.

Easter

2007-04-08T12:40:00.000-06:00

Joyous Easter to all out there in blog-land.

It's a low-key event in our household. A little chocolate, a new stuffed animal or two and a quiet day spent with family.

May it be a good one.

Me + extra money + yarn = crazy

2007-03-24T11:22:00.000-06:00

When I've got extra money (like, say.. my tax return) do not let me loose in the yarn store.

Yeah, I wandered over to Make1 the day I got my tax return since I had also seen on their blog that they had this new yarn from Sublime, an Angora Merino in DK weight that is ohhh so soft. It looked so yummy in their picture that I just had to check it out.

So of course I went over, and ended up spending lots of money since I bought enough for a cardigan, and needles for it (because I buy as I go and I knew I didn't have that size at home yet). You see me and.. uhm the one I talked to at the store (I'm so bad with names, forgive me) figured that it would work beautifully for the Dollar and a Half Cardigan in Spring Interweave. I also bought yarn to make this for my uncle, whose birthday is coming up. Actually the guy who designed it looks a little like him, only younger heh.

And of course I bought a new bag, by a local designer. It was just so cute and spring-like that I didn't want to put it down. So I didn't.

I was shaking when I bought the stuff lol. It was like a yarn fix. That happen to other people? Or maybe it's just because I was spending so much. I was shaking like that when I bought myself a a Jone New York suit (because it was the only one I could find that fit me right at the time.. but worth it).

I really really want to start on one of my sweaters, but I promised to finish my son's before I start on one of mine. That way I'm not distracted and he'll get his sweater before he grows out of it lol.

You figure I could finish most of it this weekend? I only have the top of the second sleeve and the hood to knit (I finished all the decreases last night during Top Chef, we're a season behind up here). I figure finish the sleeve and watch a movie tonight and knit.. then I can block it and do the finishing in the evenings (when not doing homework of course). Hmm need some buttons too.

Pictures!

2007-03-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

Yes, I got pictures. Gina bugged me, so I did it lol.

I must admit why I probably don't put pictures up is I'm not that confident in my photography skills. Sometimes I manage to get some really nice shots but mostly I think they're not that great. (Remind me to find some from the summer I went hiking in the rocky mountains and scan for you. That was an amazing summer camp, very tough for me but I learned some things about myself. I know I have one already scanned somewhere, but I should find another one or two that I thought were good from that and other, easier, camps.) I do realize that even good photographers don't take great pictures all the time, but I don't like to admit that they can be fallible too. ;)

Buuuut on to the photos.

As per usual, the crimson sheet backdrop. Really, it's the best place I have to take pics that's not covered in paper or toys. I must get better organized. Working on that.. slowly.

The much talked about Chill Chaser.

Front and sleeves:

Back:

Obviously it is not blocked yet. I planned to get it all together before I did that, because I don't think I'll have the patience to knit while parts of it block. Once it's blocked I'll want to finish it right away. For those curious, the yarn is Rowan Cashsoft Aran in Kale (main colour) and Burst (obviously the contrast colour, which is also what I plan to do my seater out of). I have a thing for the rowan cashsoft. I love it.

What else? Well, the Pithy Hat for one. Which really, I should just finish it. It's practically done, just needs a couple more rows I figure then finish it up which is the work of a minute. Why haven't I? Because I'm nervous. Wondering how it will look on me, if it will work, or if it will just end up on my 'not a good look for me' pile of hats (hats don't usually look good on me).

The model is my penguin, Sigmund, and yes it is a little blurry.

Love the colours though. This is that Lorna's Laces I was talking about. I could really fall in love with this yarn too, though it takes a harder hit on my pocketbook.

March.. March.. March..

2007-03-14T12:28:00.000-06:00

That's March for you.

We've had gorgeous weather, gorgeous enough to wear just my hoodie and go on an afternoon trip to the zoo this past weekend, just like quite a few others! Thankfully we have passes so we bypassed the loooooong lineup.

Then we got a huge dump of snow the next day, requiring bundling up again. That's March here. We go from winter to spring (even summer!) weather in such a short time. Thankfully it's still nice out, not crappy winter weather but the kind of winter weather that you just want to run around and play in.

Today I am home because my son had a doctor's appointment. Nothing major, just a checkup. I figured since I had to take him in I might as well take the day and go do some other things (like get our eyes checked and just hang out before I have class).

Since he's napping I'm at loose ends, so I figured I'd pop on and do an update. Chill Chaser is slowly coming along. I will get pictures, sometime. It's not that hard, just I'm such a flibbertigibbet that it takes me forever. Honestly, if I sat down and did it I'm sure I'd be finished knitting by the weekend and then have only finishing to do. I'd have been finished ages ago if I just sat and did it.

So maybe I'll do that. While he naps I'll pop on Pretender and finish up this sleeve before starting on the hood.

I got mail!

2007-02-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Wow..

So, I just got my Namaste bag. This thing is GREAT!

It's big. Bigger than I thought it would be (for some reason that always happens).

Inside is split in half lengthwise by a zippered pocket, with another zippered pocket at the back (like most purses) and 3 open top pockets of varying size. Two flapped pockets at the front, then another in the top part you fold over. It's deep and can seriously carry everything. I can fit my knitting and accoutrements ie pattern and notions, mp3 player, gameboy, book, wallet.. everything. I'm thinking of throwing it all in there tomorrow and just carrying my lunch kit and it instead of the whole backpack like I usually do. Just to try it out. Heck, maybe I can fit my lunch kit in there too!

Well worth the $110 I paid when you take into account the exchange rate, quick shipping and customs fee (I probably wouldn't get it cheaper if I went to the LYS that carries it.. I'm not even sure where that one is though, nor how to get to it on the buses).

Scout's Swag was great also. Sent it off right away (and so polite about it.. note to self, email her your thanks).

Working on the Pithy Hat pattern. It's coming along really nicely, so I can't wait to finish it.

Knitting and Faith

2007-02-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Faith Lessons from Knitting.

I'm not much one for faith. Somewhere along the way between childhood and adulthood I lost a lot of that wonder and peace that having faith can give. But sometimes I find it again in the oddest of places.

Knitting is one of them (as is yoga, church, a circle, many places..)

Go, read. There's lessons even in our humble knitting.

It feels like spring!

2007-02-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Not quite yet obviously, but the Chinook has been bumping the temperature up and the wind for once isn't too cold.

So of course I want something to celebrate. What am I making? The Pithy Hat using a skein of Shepherd's Worsted from Lorna's Laces in the beautiful Black Purl colourway.

The Chill Chaser is still coming along nicely, I plan to have that done before spring truly arrives.

And ten of course I shall start on my Sweater for Arwen and maybe after that a little naked man (and some clothes for him) and a strawberry tea cozy.

Lots of things to do, so I think I'm going to take the last bit of free time today to watch Pretender and knit before Velociraptor wakes up from his nap. Oh, and he really loves the Lorna's Laces. He wanted to run off with it and play with it when I brought it home! Was holding it to his cheek and just smiling. He's a great kid. Maybe I should teach him how to knit?

Is 3 too early to learn?

Tendonitis, knitting, shopping and other random thoughts

2007-02-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I hate that stuff. I managed to strain my wrist last September at a Dropkick Murphy's concert while fending off crowd-surfers in the mosh pit (man that was SUCH a blast, I wish I could've gone to Billy Talent and done the same..) and ever since then my wrist likes to act up.

I'm also on the computer most of the day at work, and I'm an internet junkie at home (when I can spare time between life of course) but even the jelly wrist rest for my mouse pad doesn't help a whole lot (don't have one for the keyboard, awkward to put one on my set-up and how I type).

So as I knit tonight I can feel my wrist hurting just a little, the precursor to possibly more hurting and icing and taking motrin while sticking it in a brace to immobilize it. And no knitting.

You really don't realize how much you use your wrist in everyday actions until you stick it in a brace. Knitting becomes a very awkward thing when you have to keep your wrist straight. Try doing it if you don't believe me.

But, it seems to be fine again for the moment and I've finished the front panels of Chill Chaser (sorry, no pics.. I really will get around to taking them, some day) and have got a few inches on the first sleeve. When I work on it, it really goes fast. I'm just such a flibbertigibbet that I don't work on it much (since I also have those socks that I'm still working on, and I really ought to finish the Ravenclaw scarf in time for the last Harry Potter book). I'll find time. Somewhere.

My son is really excited about the sweater though, when I pull it out to knit he wants to sit next to me and hold the ball of yarn. Which is really cute, but doesn't work so well when he holds it tight enough that I can't pull more yarn out to keep knitting. It seems to be turning out good so far though *knocks on wood* and soon as I do the rest of the knitting I'll be doing the blocking and finishing.

I've never had to seam a knitted item in my life. Thankfully, I've got books to help me.

In other news, I did a crazy thing. I saw the Namaste bag on Subway Knitter and I bought it (in chocolate, not there, elsewhere, as I heard some not good things about their shipping of bagsand found better reviews at Scout's Swag). I must've been feverish. I really do not need another bag (knitting or otherwise). I don't know what has happened to me, but me.. the tomboy, the hater of shopping, has started a collection of bags and purses.

Now I must admit, I haven't taken it too far. All the purses and bags in my posession I do use on a regular basis. Purses get rotated as the mood and occasion strikes, bigger bags and totes get used to store knitting and books, or other things (for example I have the huge ugly straw looking bag that hangs on a hook on the back of my door to hold all my bandannas and belts and the like) but if I keep going like this I will be buying tiny useless bags that I will not use.

Someone needs to stop me!

Or distract me with yarn.

But now, now is the time to go rest my wrist, drink a lot of water and pack away my knitting. The bus has been emptier lately on the way to work, so I can sit and knit! I've also gotten a few more audiobooks (the first three Dresden Files) and grabbed some radio shows (The Shadow, Roy Rogers, Tales of the Texas Rangers, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) to listen to. In some ways I really will miss my bus time when I finally get my license and a car.

Shopping..

2007-01-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

No, I do NOT need a new bag, no matter how tempting 25% off of a Zelda tote from Offhand Designs may be.

I have plenty of tote bags that I've co-opted for knitting purposes and work just fine once I toss my notions in a small bag from a set of Winnie the Pooh zipped travel/make up bags that I used to use for my stationary..

*slaps hands* I don't need it, money can stay in my pocket.

I'm about halfway done the Chill Chaser, I need to finish the last quarter of the front, the sleeves and the hood. Will get photos whenever I get around to taking some..

Frogging..

2007-01-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't been finding much time for knitting since I got back. Keeping up with a busy 3 y/o and working full time doesn't leave me a lot of time for ME and to be honest I don't feel like pulling the needles out on the bus lately. In the mornings it's crowded. So crowded that it's very awkward to knit with needles and elbows and everything.

And then lately by the time I am heading home, despite the bus being less crowded, I really honestly just want to veg and marshall my resources for herding cats.

And of course when I do get a chance to knit I realize.. whoops I was reading/doing the pattern wrong and thus the back panel that I was so proud to have finished? Well I need to tear it back to the start of the decreases and start over again.

Not until after I finish the right front panel though (another reason why I don't knit on the bus.. balancing a pattern, plus purse, backpack and knitting and trying to concentrate on the proper decreases does not mix well). So of course the panel is taking longer. I have a couple videos out from the store though (Mrs Henderson Presents and The Lake House), and the plan is to watch them tomorrow and Saturday, so I'll have knitting time then.

Oh, and what else eats into knitting time? Currently I'm taking a night class so I can finish my college diploma (this one, then one more and I've got it!). Started Wednesday, and I need to pay attention there so knitting in class is out.

Crazy!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little late. I'm not a flibbertigibbet for nothing y'know!

I was away for a bit, but now I'm back and I got some knitting done while away. I finished the whole back panel of Chill Chaser (I just realized they have a website, so THAT is the sweater I'm making for my son) and have gotten a start on the right front panel. The colours I'm using are a dark grey and the contrast trim is actually the red colour I'm going to make my hoodie out of.

If I keep going at a healthy clip, I may even get it done while he still fits it. Actually, I should. He's long and lean but not bulky so the 3/4T size that I cast on for should fit just fine for the next little while. I'd been holding up the piece to his back as I knit to get an idea if I needed to go up a size or not, and he's all excited about it.

Every time I get him to 'come stand here and let Mommy hold this up to you' he goes 'My sweater!' and gets all hyper. I'll give progress pics when I get a chance to dig out the camera from the trip and find a place to photo from.

I did get one hat done (which my brother tells me will sit in his truck until it gets cold enough to freeze his ears and then he'll use it) and the fingerless gloves which were well recieved. One hat didn't get finished though, ah well. I got him other stuff he liked.

I've also crossed off several things from my wish list! I now have a knitting needle case (well, I can cross off the straight needle case...) and another large bag to store my knitting at home and carry between upstairs and down. I fnally got a copy of Stitch & Bitch and Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter which had me in stitches and tears alternately. I plan to read it again soon, and buy more of her books. I also got two seasons of Pretender to watch while knitting! Now I've gotten plenty to keep my hands busy, and plenty to keep my thoughts busy too (hopefully not so much that I distract myself from one or the other..)

But now is the time to relax and bask at home in the joy of being at home, so I'm going to go hang out and do some more knitting. See how far I can get on this piece..

Boxing day sales, knitting & you..

2006-12-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

So I DID get to Make One for the boxing day sale, and I went crazy.

As did several other people! I've never seen the place that busy, but everyone was polite as we scootched our way between the furniture and people eyeing skeins as we all stuffed our bags that had been handed out to us as we stood in line. (Who'd have thunk? A line up outside a yarn store on boxing day!)

I spent over three hundred dollars, but from what I've figured I saved well over a hundred from if I'd gone shopping on a non-sale day and I got all that I ~~wanted~~ needed plus a little extra.

What did I get?

I got enough yarn to make myself A Cardigan for Arwen from Interweave Winter 2006, plus needles since I have been buying as a project needs (unless I already have them of course). I also bought a pattern to make a hooded sweater for my son, along with the appropriate yarn and needles and more row counters since the ones I have are already on projects. The only thing I need are buttons for that.

I have also promised myself two things.

1. No more yarn shopping until I finish the majority of the projects I have everything for (which, all together includes seasilk scarf, Harry Potter scarf, mouse mittens, 3 hats, fingerless gloves and now two sweaters, one adult and one child). That is more than enough to keep me busy for the next long while, I don't need to buy any more. Oh, and two of those hats need to be done in the next four days. The fingerless gloves have just a few more rows and a thumb and finishing.

2. No casting on for Arwen until I've finished the hats.

Guess I'd better get knitting hmm? Because my hands are VERY itchy to start Arwen.

ETA: I guess I should add my socks in that list too shouldn't I? Oy, too much!

Christmas knitting..

2006-12-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm extremely lucky that I won't be seeing some people until the end of the month.

That gives me an extra week to finish off:
fingerless gloves
2 hats

Thankfully!

Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas!