Are You Insane?

Click here to find out! :)

I found a couple of New (to me, at any rate) Knitting Blogs! Howdy Folks!

Dorcas Knits

No Idle Hands (aka The Lady Who Knits on the Bus)

The Spirit Trail

Wallis Knits

So.....

*Puts hands in pockets and rocks back and forth whistling*

How ya doin'? Nice day we're having here. A touch cold, but sunny...

My hair? No, I haven't done anything to my hair. Nope, didn't lose weight. Nawww, I've been wearing these glasses forever!

Something's changed? Why, I'm sure I don't know what you mean...

Got out of the Valentine's cards easier than expected! *phew*

I convinced the small one that some Scooby Doo cards would go over even better than home made ones (heck, they're only 4!), and she agreed. Of course we couldn't find Scooby, so she picked...Barbie. I guess. I mean, I played with Barbie and I turned out OK. (Speaking of Barbie, has anyone else seen the ad for a pregnent Barbie doll called Happy Family Midge? I dunno. It's just kinda...weird. Creeps me out for some reason.) Anyhow, she latched onto them and wouldn't let go. And I actually managed to get her to write her name on some of them on her own! WooHoo.

And, yes, proof that I have been knitting

I've made it about one third of the way up the back so far. I'm learning to read a stitch chart, instead of writing out the entire pattern row by row, which is what I usually do so I can keep track of where I am. Of course it helps that it's an easy pattern, any major changes only happen once every 12 rows.

And now Biography is doing Clara Bow! Hooray! More quality knitting time!

Strange

We've got a white-out going on outside right now. Was that suppose to happen today? (All those sick of snow raise your hand and yell "Cabin Fever!")

It was good knitting tv for the past two nights, watching the Westminster Dog Show. I'll admit the I was rooting for the Newfie, but that's because I have a thing for big dogs. And isn't that Pekingese just the funniest thing? It reminds me of nothing more than a tribble.

And for all of the good knitting time, I managed to accomplish remarkable little. I've got some ideas percolating that I'm trying to work out. I'll just have to see how it goes.

Today we're going to have to start getting ready for Valentines Day. Irina wants to make all of the Valentine's for her classmates. She won't be convinced to go and buy a box of Scooby Doo valentines. Oh No! She has to make them herself! (Which means I get to make them, and she'll sign her name to the first three before she gets bored) I'm expecting a messy afternoon!

Today's Blog Brought to You By the Letters C-R-A-Z-Y

The short one's cold hasn't been getting any better. I would in fact say that is decidedly worse. And she was up for a good chunk of the night. I know because I was up with her. And she just absolutely refuses to sleep in her own bed! She'll start out there fine, but by three a.m. she's moved in with us and it's driving us nuts! Any suggestions? Anyone?

So this morning I am going to get her out of the house for a while by dragging her up to the Fabric Place to see if they have the spring edition of IK (which I can't find yet), and fondle yarn that I can't afford to buy right now. And as I know that she only got a few hours sleep last night I am almost guaranteed a nap (please, please,please!)

It's going to be a heavy coffee day, methinks.

Thank You, Thank You! :)

There is so totally nothing going on around here! I picked up a great basket at work yesterday to put my WIP's in, but I'm way too lazy right now to find fresh batteries for tha camera so I can post a picture. And while I have started the Ropes and Ladders cardigan for myself I just can't get into the rhythm of the pattern right now. I may be making it more complicated that it needs to be, but for whatever reason it just isn't grabbing me.

But I think that I've found a substitute pattern to do for myself. I'll find out if some of my stash will work for it. If not then I'll just have one less WIP for now.

I think she's feeling better...

If the fact that she's been boogie-ing around the living room to David Bowie and the Doobie Brothers is any indication. (Yes, I am exposing her to the good stuff) OK, the dark circles burned under her eyes don't look great, and she willingly took medicine so she could breath through her nose; but there were signs of life for a little while.

Sewed a sleeve on. Took it off again. It just didn't look right. And even though I've sewn the bottom hem edge and it isn't rolling anymore, it still wants to flip up. Hmmm...

Fixed it
(Yaah! Hooray!)

Now I'm slowy working on getting it finished, but Irina is in the process of coming down with a mega cold (poor kid's nose won't stop running), and is clinging to me tighter than a barnacle on the hull of a sunken pirate ship.

Actually, what I should do, now that she's temporarily detached herself to lie down on the couch, is go take a shower while I can!

I did it.

I sewed. I cut. I sewed the shoulder seams. I started picking up the neck stitches.

And it started falling apart.

After judicious application of chocolate/chocolate chip ice cream to my wounded self confidence I figured out what I did wrong. Instead of shortening the stitch length on my machine I (deep breath) lengthened it.
I can fix this. I will fix it. Tomorrow morning I will pull my machine out again, fix it so it is *not* sewing six stitches to the inch, and just sew around the neck and armholes again. Then I will knit the neck, sew on the arms, and be done.

Funny. I have to admit that I didn't panic when I realized that the stitches were coming out. Well, not completely. OK, I did swear. But, ya know, this is also the first time that I've ever done this, so I was kind of expecting something worse to happen.
And I did make it through the cutting! It was just like a friend of mine (who is an amazing seamstress) says: "When you're working with a piece of fabric that cost you $30.00 a yard the first cut is the worst. After that you realize that it's just another piece of fabric."

So, with best Scarlette O'Hara attitude in place, I will continue tomorrow, because "Tomorrow is another day".

We Now Return You to our Regular Blogging Topic
{Thank you to everyone for your comments/notes :) Mwah!}

I am so close to finishing the ABC sweater. I am literally at the casting off row...and it's taken me 24 hours to do it, because once I have the only thing left to do will be (cue dramatic music)...

STEEKING!!!
(crescendo)

I'm afraid. I'm very afraid.

I may just put it aside for a few days and think about it. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just do it and get it the heck over with. Maybe. Am I decisive or what?

Updates as updates are warranted. ;)

Beginning to bounce back

This is going to fall under the realm of TMI, I'm sure. But if it makes one person stop and think about themselves or someone they know, then it will be worthwhile.

I don't hide the fact that I live with depression. I don't like to say "suffer from" because I find that the phrase alone has negative aspects. Nope, I live with it on a daily basis. It is part of my life and part of what makes me who I am. I am not defined by the fact that I have a chemical imbalance, but it is in the definition of me (KIM: Wife, mother, knitter, garden center employee. Likes mystery novels, trips to Vermont, and her kid's crazy laugh. Can be seen frequently on the computer. Lives with depression)

However, I am unusual because I do talk about it! So many people don't because they are afraid of how others will see them. It's nothing to be afraid of, you can't 'catch' it like a cold, and it doesn't mean that I'm crazy. (I don't need depression as an excuse to be crazy!) It is just something that not a lot of people understand. But they should! Oh they should, they should, they should!!!

One of the aspects of my depression is something called Premenstural Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Yes, the chemicals in my body that make me 'happy' are out of whack, and when I'm PMSing they sometimes get one hell of a lot worse. This goes beyond the usual cravingforchocolateI'mcrankyleavemealoneIwanttocry type PMS. No, no! This is more like giant industrial sized PMS with steel pointed toes mashing me to a pulp.

I mean, I'm sitting here typing this feeling OK, knowing that I'm up way too late and will pay for it in the morning, but relatively at peace with myself and the world. Two days ago, well...I can't tell you just how black my view of life and the world was because I don't know how to describe it so you would understand. It was a sudden plunge into a very deep hole.

And it can be just as quick a recovery, because when 'that time of the month' rolls around the chemicals in my body realign themselves once more the fog in my head lifts. It really can be like emerging as a whole new person. (And a much nicer one at that! I can be a real b!tch, above and beyond b!tch. Remember Mommy Dearest? That's mild.-not that I aim it at my kid!!! I try hard not to!!!)

Anyhow, that's where I've been the past few days, locked inside a black hole. Part of what gets me through is knowing that it is a temporary state, and that in a few days it will have passed. But it can be a very long few days. I'm coming out of it now, which is a relief. I even think the cramps are a good thing!

Anyhow, if you made it this far, click on the link above and learn more about PMDD. (btw-I answered yes to every question on the test). And if anyone ever wants or needs to talk, my mailbox is always open.

Going through a hard time right now.
Taking a few days off.
Be well.

Lookie look!

It's another Massachusetts knitter! Hi!

Kim, Alison, and Amy doing our best to promote Starbucks!

Yaah and Hooray! We three took over a table and didn't move for about two hours. Alison's husband gets extra brownie points for letting her come out to play on their anniversary!

A good time was had by all (at least as far as I know, I had fun!), and there are plans afoot to do it again next month. I know that I must have more to say on the subject, but my caffine level is dipping perilously low...

OK, the internet is having meltdowns again today.

I didn't mean to do the last post twice, and guaranteed this post and another one like it will show up!
Grrrrrrrr

Tonight's Knitting Night!
(yaah)

Well, I'm feeling pretty darn stupid.

I just opened the freezer door to have the container the we keep the ground coffee in fall out.

Yup. All over the floor. It was full, too.

C-c-c-can't g-g-get w-w-w-warm

I am so freakin' cold and I am really tired of it! The talking weather heads on tv say it's going to make it to over 30 degrees tomorrow. I'll believes it when I sees it.

The small one has gone on a field trip today. I'm sure that a good time is being had by all.

I'm going to go huddle under a blanket, watch Comedy Central, and knit. Stay Warm!

Mental Vacation
sigh...

A Post in Search of a Title

I made a phone call to Creative Warehouse yesterday to get more information about the sweater designing contest. I didn't get much more than that: yes it is being sponsored by Berroco, and the deadline for submission is in May sometime. I was given a partial list of the yarns that could be used but I have to admit that none of them jumped out at me screaming that they absolutely wanted me to work with them. (Is it a sign that when I hear the name of a yarn I instantly get a picture of it in my head? A sign of what, I don't know.) I'll go pick up a contest rules sheet anyway. As I said, I have until May to figure something out.

I did start a new sweater over the last few days. And I am going to restart it! I screwed up in the gauge and when I held it up to Irina it would go around her, but it stretched tight. I was going for more of a boxy look, and it wasn't cutting it. Back to the drawing board I go!

Am I feeling guilty for not working on the ABC sweater? A little bit. But I know that I'll get back to it. I have just realized that I am not happy unless I have at least four big projects in the works. What I need to do is catch "finishitis" to go with my "startitis"!

Tomorrow will be a day of knitting, making stuffed shells, and FOOTBALL!!! No, my boys didn't make it this year (though Tom Brady looked mighty fine trying), but we will enjoy it anyway.
Except for Shania.
I can't stand Shania.
Boo to Shania.
:)

Oh Yeah...

I Finally Finished It!!!

The pieces were done for so long, and the collar knit, and I just decided that it was time. I was afraid that it was going to be too narrow and wasn't going to fit, but Thankfully that wasn't the case!

And, I don't know if I'm the only one that this happens to, but when I'm working on something I kind of get "tunnel vision" about it. People will be saying that it's neat, or that they don't know how I've done what it is I'm doing; but to me it's just, I dunno, another project. It isn't until I've walked away from it that I can actually see just what I've done.

(And it's kind of gratifying that she refuses to take it off!!!)

Left hand doesn't know what right is doing

I got a card in the mail from one of my LYS's saying (among other things) that they are having a kid's sweater designing contest and to come in for details. (Tony being the one to point out the fine print on the card so, just for future reference, It's HIS Fault!). So this morning I dump the child in the car and head out to Creative Warehouse. And of the three women working there this morning, no one had a clue as to what I was talking about! The think that it has something to do with Berroco, but otherwise were blank. I was told to call back this afternoon. We'll see.

Well, by 9:30 this morning Irina had all of the cushions off of the couch and has been busily making houses for the cat. Of course, if the cat is actually going to go into them is another thing entirely, but I do have to admire her single mindedness!

I am planning on having a terribly knitty sort of day today. Lets see if the Demons of Housework that Must Be Done conspire against me. That, and I have to wait until the short one decides it's OK to put the couch back together. Which could take a while...

One of those things that makes you go "Wha...?"

I went to pick the girlie up at preschool yesterday. I was just happy that I had survived another day at work (which is sooooo incredibly boring right now, don't get me started...) Anyhoo, when I got there the teacher who works the end of the day was all excited and directed me to a wall where some pictures of simple shapes that the kids had done were hanging.

She told me that they were in the process of doing evaluations on the kids, just making sure that they were cognitively where they were suppose to be. Part of that was asking the kids to draw simple shapes. Now, most kids, when asked to draw a square would do this:

Mine does this:

She drew a three dimensional figure. At the age of four. A concept that she shouldn't understand for a few years yet. And she used it properly. (When I asked why she drew it that way she said that it was because that was "what the square in her head" looked like.

I know that no one cares but me, and maybe Grandma (Hi Mom), but this kid blows me away with the sheer amount of knowledge that she has on a regular basis.

So, I'm thinking...

Wednesday night. Barnes & Noble in Chestnut Hill. Cafe. 7-ish. Knitting.

Anyone?

And now for something completely different

What I've been doing the last few days



Yes Mom...

The basic body design came from Jan Messent's book Knitted Historical Figures. I'm not planning on this actually being anyone from the book, but I will use it to figure out how to do things like the hair, clothing, and the like. I think she's telling me that she wants to be some sort of flower fairy. (It's one of those things when you get an image in your head and just can't get it out!)

Oh. Well. Dang.

The light that we use the most in the livingroom, the one right behind the couch, that has really good adjustable spots so I can see really clearly when I work at night...fried today. Pbththththththth. What a pain in the tush.

Is it really only Wednesday? Dang!

This is day 3 at home with the small one. Her case of the sniffles seems to be over, fortunately, and I suppose that we could head out into the world; but that just takes so much energy at this time of year. Maybe if she starts bouncing off of walls later we will find someplace to go. For now, I'm happy to stay in where it's nice and warm.

I have a few little things that I can do. I still need to wind the Lamb's Pride that I frogged the other night into balls (now that it'a dry). And if I think I'm going to be able to do that without an assistant I've got another thing coming! I've also got another side knitting project that I started yesterday. It'll be a little bit before I can see how it's coming out. As is typical for me, I started it following directions, hated the way it was coming out, and have decided to just use them as a general 'guide' and not follow them absolutely. I'll borrow the technical stuff, and wing it on the rest. (And I did learn that mercerized cotton wasn't going to work for part of the project. Ah, learning experiences!)

Hopefully I'll consider myself far enough along tomorrow to post some pictures.

Whoever has this web address:

http://valeria/newlook/myhome.htm

Who are you?!? I see you in my sitemeter, but I can't get to you, and it's driving me out of my mind! (After all, you're kind enough to visit me, I'd like to visit you in return!)

'Cause I'm a shameless copy-cat

No, scratch that...Because I was inspired by Theresa and Bonne Marie's little adventure I too decided to take a dive into the frog pond. I took apart the back and a sleeve of a big coat type sweater that I had started who-knows-how-long-ago that just wasn't thrilling my soul (And I can't find the pattern, and I don't remember what size needles I was using, and...,and...,and...)

The only real problem I encountered was the fact that I had been using a Lamb's Pride bulky and a Plymouth Encore worsted doubled to make the gauge I needed. Trying to seperate them was a treat, but I somehow managed, and this is what my bath tub looks like this morning:

Irina was much amused by the yarn floating in the water.

I have plans for the Lamb's Pride, provided that I am ever allowed to knit something for myself again...

File Under: I Can't Frickin' Win
(Another whine. Feel free to ignore me, everyone else does)

So the short one and I are down for the count with head colds. I have no patience, and she's melting down at the slightest thing. I want to curl up in a ball, and she's looking for constant attention. I want to go back to bed and she won't let me. I am not enjoying being a Mommy right now.

This too shall pass...

Not for the faint of heart (aka: The Walk of Shame)

Yes, it's my first sweater. The giant green acrylic ick. It was buried in the bottom of my closet and is looking somewhat worse for wear.

Ok, for what it is it really isn't all that bad. And I had the extra added benifit of learning to use a cable hook before I realized that it was suppose to be "hard".

I found another early sweater with this one, but I'll save it for another day

The girlie's hair came out cute. Short, yes, but it really does look good on her. My hair? Well...it's hair. Not too much different. (I'd show ya but I'm shy)

Yesterday was just a hanging out sort of day. Gave myself a break from the ABC sweater to start working on swatches for my next project (the sweater for Tony).

Then Irina has picked out the next sweater that she wants me to do for her (I WILL substitute the yarn on that one, considering the yarn in the pattern is 50% silk! Silk for a 4-year-old? I don't think so!!! What are some kids sweater designers thinking???)

Then there's the baby sweater, but there's no rush on that, and I'd really like to do the 'Ladders and Ropes' cardigan from the new issue of Knit it for myself, and who knows what else I'll come up with...

Oh, and I found my First Sweater yesterday (and the one that I think was my second or third as well). Pictures coming when I get the chance to take them in daylight...though the dark may not be such a bad idea...

It's Mommy/daughter haircut day, and it's about durn time! Irina is insisting that she's going to get her hair cut short, which is a boohoo to me. But I will admit that it is in her face and driving her crazy all the time. I'll let her have it cut however she wants, but that doesn't mean that I won't cry afterward!

I'm tempted to have mine all cut off too. We shall see...

The body thus far:

It's driving me slightly bonkers because the lower edge is constantly curling (it'll be a straight hemmed edge, no ribbing to hold it down) I can't wait to block this thing, and I never block anything!

*Phew* I admitted it. Blocking just ain't my thing. I also have what might be a bigger knitting heresy confession to make...but I digress...

I also can't wait to finish the stick figure motif! I just can't get into a rhythm with it, but I've only got two more rows to go. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can".

I waste no time

I've already found the pattern that I want to make for our friend's expected baby. Just my luck that I'm going to have to translate it into english!

(aka: "Oh goody! A challenge!"...like I don't have enough to do...)

Migraine

I actually prayed for my head to explode at about 4 this morning, to get some sort of relief from the pressure. No such luck, though. It's abated a bit, but I'm still really sore. Tony took the kiddo to preschool this morning, so I get to be here all by my lonesome. Which would be a good thing, if I had the ambition to do anything, which I don't.

I dunno. I've got nothing exciting to say, just complaining.

WooHoo!

We just found out today that, after a looooooong time trying, some friends of ours will be having a baby in August!

It's not too early to start planning knitting, is it? (Hehehe...an excuse to knit baby stuff!)

Well, today turned out being harder than it really needed to be. Pbthththththththth...

I have started putting together my pictures of my finished knitting projects (The few pictures that I have, that is)...(Psst! Janet! I put the info about the 72 hour sweater there!) And I may actually have around here (a la Joe and Wendy) my First Sweater!!!

Thought I sincerely hope not! It was a big cabled pullover, hugely turtlenecked thing that I wore as a coat during the winter. I seem to remember that the pattern came from Vogue Knitting, and I know that it was done in 1985! (Which should give you some idea as to the *cough* style of it.) It was also done in some really bad, chunky green acrylic yuck of a yarn. I also know that it has some burned (melted) spots on it from where I dropped hot ashes and the occasional cigarette butt on it.

I wonder what ever happened to it...

Snow! Snow! Snow!

We got about 9 inches over about the last 12 hours, and it is a winter wonderland! Tony bundled Irina up in (I think) every piece of clothing that she has and took her outside to clean off the car. The first thing that she did? Find a pristine patch of snow and make a snowangel! Oooh! She is going to be soooooo cold when she comes in!

(that pink splotch in the center is her. so hard to get a pic through the fire escape)

I, personally, think it's the perfect day to hunker down and knit away. I'm onto the body of the ABC sweater. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes me. 191 stitches in the round. At least it has a pattern to keep me interested!

Ugh!

My poor kiddo was awake from about 1 this morning until at least 3:30, and as a result we were mostly awake. Double bummer as Tony had to be at work extra early to do the month end computer stuff. Irina's also being extra touchy this morning, Oh Joy!

I should get the second sleeve of the ABC sweater finished sometime today, and will hopefully make a start on the body. It all depends on how many games of Monoply Junior (TM) I get stuck playing today. And who was it who gave the game to Irina for Christmas? You should know that you've created a monster...

Patting myself on the back

I haven't had a cigarette for six years as of today! Astonishing...

I don't make resolutions, after all, who actually keeps a resolution? I set goals instead. Granted some are easier to meet than others, and some I fail miserably on, but I at least make an attempt.

My goals for the coming year are (in no particular order):

1) Exercise more
2) Knit more
3) Be more patient with my daughter
4) Avoid toxic people
5) Tell the people in my life that I Love them more often.

Now I'm going to go watch the Rose Parade with my family.

Happy New Year, my Friends. May the coming year be a wonderful one for you!

Echo's really decided to call it quits. I, for one, shall miss her.

Vacation from knitting? Riiiiiiiiiiight...

(I've got to lighten this scan a bit. There's way more contrast than it looks)
(edit: ok, maybe not as much as I hoped)

I'm working on my first Dale of Norway pattern. I ordered it from Bea Ellis Knitwear.

Though I'll admit that I'm not using the specific yarn for it. I'm using Emu Superwash that I ordered from Elann. It's working rather nicely I think.

Another 72 hour sweater this ain't going to be!

Knitting vacation

Vacation from knitting?

All I know is that after my recent marathon knitting spree is that my hands hurt! :( I think it comes from a combination of using larger needles than I'm use to (8's & 9's instead of 1's & 2's) and supporting the weight of the items that I made. I mean, how much does a sock weigh? Nada.

A girlfriend at work suggested that maybe I was getting arthritic. I did suggest that she take her suggestion and, um, well, nevermind...

So I'm taking it easy on my hands and giving them a chance to loosen up. OK, I'm not entirely not knitting, but I'm not using any needle larger than a 3.

And now I just feel in need of a nap!

Well Santa was a Knittin' Dude!

My sweetie gifted me with some Noro Silk Garden (enough for a big scarf), some needles, and a couple of knitting books. My Mommy Santa gave me an awesome gift of a wooden umbrella swift and a ball winder! Irina 'helped' me test it out last night ("But Sweetie, this is Mommy's toy.") And, finally, I can show the little knitting I did for the holiday this year.

Two Silk Garden scarves (the red for my Mom and the purple/gray for my SIL) and a purple hat for Irina (That turned out too big, but it is made out of Cascade 200 so I just felted it down)

She put it on and didn't take it off. She also thought the elves made it for her! ("Wow! Those elves sure were busy this year!")

And the result of two days of mayhem was that we were all sound asleep by 9:30 last night! (OK, I was asleep by 8:30 )

Didn't finish knitting in time?

Or, didn't knit everything you wanted? Feel free to print a few of these up!

Big file, so give it a moment to open. And, yes, I know there's no space between "too" and "busy". So I screwed up! 'Kay?

And with that I wish everyone a Merry Christmas (or just a nice day off!) Two days of nutsy-ness begins at 2:30 this afternoon, so I'll see you all in a few days!

iwillnotgetstressedoutiwillnotgetstressedoutiwillnotgetstressedout

And here's my favorite model...
showing off what I am calling the "Amazing 72 Hour Sweater" (aka: the result of crazed weasel knitting)

It's kind of funny. That was the fastest I have ever made a sweater, of any size. I mean, I really pushed myself to get it done as quickly as possible. With something like that I'd expect mistakes (especially from me); but this has turned out to be the most technically 'perfect' sweaters that I have ever done. I am really rather pleased with it.

And yes, my silly kid has big blue eyes...

It is quiet here.

Tony has taken Irina out to his parents today, giving me the chance for some nice, quiet, unstressful time to myself. My single goal for today is to finish Irina's sweater, which shouldn't be too much of a problem. I have one button band to knit and then just have to finish seaming it up.

I'm trying to decide what to do about the buttons. I'm considering breaking out the Fimo and making them, but I think that those might to be taken off every time the sweater is washed. And I am way to lazy to consider that! I think a quick swing down to Jo-Anne Fabrics after work tomorrow will be in order.

8,734 stitches later and the back was finished at 11 last night. *Phew*

And, oh yes, To the woman who was tailgating me down Route 9 yesterday, and then blew past me, in the breakdown lane, and through the red light:

Nyah, nyah, nyah!!! Didn't expect the police car to be sitting on the other side of the bridge, did you?!? :P~~~~~~~~~~

Crazed Weasel Knitting

That's what I'm going to be doing over the next few days.

I made, and finished, the Homespun sweater for Irina...and it really, really, really sucked! (Pardon Moi French) I mean, it turned out really, really, really bad! (Really? No, really!) I won't even post a picture of it because 1) Irina refuses to put it back on, and 2) I don't want to be responsible for anyone hurting themself from falling off their chair laughing.

So the short one and I took a trip to Creative Warehouse late morning and I picked up some Plymouth Encore Colorspun in a really pretty rose to gray blend. My goal (hahahha) is to have a sweater finished for Irina to wear on Christmas eve. I started at three this afternoon and have 3 inches left to do on the back.

Funny thing about going to the LYS now, knowing that there are other knitbloggers in my area. I look at everyone in the store, wondering if I know them. Wondering if I've emailed them or left a message in their comments. Read their blogs and been alllowed into a part of their lives. Hey, Philip's Mommy, are you reading this?

I know, I'm strange. So I'm going to go knit now...

(btw: crazed weasel knitting is a phrase that my friend Liz came up with. A highly technical term that any knitter can relate to)

My daughter's idea of telling a joke

Her:"Knock knock"
Me:"Who's there?"
"Yarn"
"Yarn who?"
"Knitting needles" (goes off in gales of laughter)

Ahhh, four-year-old humor

(And, yes, we are both feeling better! Hooray!)

Double crumb (and yuck!)

Irina came home from preschool with a nasty stomach bug that's been going around. Sigh. Hopefully I can keep her low-keyed over the next few days.

Nope, no can win.

Oh crumb

I think I'm getting the flu that's been making the rounds. Can I not win? Even a little?

And so why am I awake? Wassup wid dat?

We ended up having a crazy busy sort of afternoon. It turned out to be a day of sorting and organizing. All to try to fit in the tree! How cleaning out Irina's closet fit into that scheme, I don't know...but it somehow ended up being done.

And in her closet I found a sheizer load of yarn that I forgot I had! I think my stash increased by a third. I feel like such a dork! Anyhow, after looking at what I pulled out of the closet (most of which was Red Heart), I decided to have Tony take it to his church. There are ladies there who do a lot of charity knitting and if they can use it they are more than welcome to it! I'd like to say that I'd keep it and do the charity knitting here, but it is a *TON* of yarn, and I'd feel guilty because I'd never get to it. Send it where it can get some good use, I say.

I did run across some Woolease Homespun that I've decided to use for a cardigan for Irina. Actually, at 2 stitches per inch on size 10.5 needles, I've already finished the back!

Well, my spelling is going downhill rapidly, and the letters on the keyboard keep rearranging themselves, so I guess it's time to go to bed!

Well, Yay Hooray! I can see me again. I know, I'm more thrilled than anyone else.

Today is going to be a finishing day I think. I've got a bunch of things that are 'almost' done. That's the intention, anyway. I've decided to call it quits with Project X. Truthfully, I haven't worked on it for two weeks. I mean, the thought was great, but it really has been less that inspiring to work on. I'll keep working, but calling a Christmas gift is just plain silly. (I got an awesome alternative, anyway.)

Am I the only person tired of that damn Staples ad? Yawn.

We've got to get a Christmas tree today!

I watched Frosty the Snowman with Irina last night! It was the first time that she had seen it. When it started she wasn't terribly interested. After all, compared to today's animation, it is visually slow; but when the magic top hat landed on Frosty's head and he came to life!!! The look on her face was beautiful...It was great because I was able to watch it for the first time all over again just by watching her face.

Ohhh, The Temptation!

Clara is going to do her best not to gloat at her score, but have you seen the prices at the store in Denmark that she ordered her new knitting kit? If you haven't, GO! Shoo, shoo! (And here's a handy currency converter what it'll really cost ya).

Hmmm...Virtual chocolate and angora socks for cold tootsies...Both very happy things indeed! And, yes, Kat, you are close enough!

...Must...Have...CHOCOLATE!!!...

The Safety of the Universe IS at Stake

Anyone got some time to share with me?

I went and picked up some Noro Silk Garden to make a scarf for my SIL for Christmas (Lisa, you don't read this, do you?) I just lurve it so! I figure this way I get the benefit of working with it without the guilt of spending $$$ on myself! Irina is also insisting on a black scarf, and picked out a skein of yarn for me to use.

Now I just need 4 or 5 more hours in the day.

I really hadn't planned on knitting for christmas. Next year I will change my mind earlier...like in January!

That fuzzy fellow off on the left...
(getting the neck scratch of a lifetime) would be our resident fur baby, Topper. 18lbs of purrin' lurve! And he is quite happy that we have finally acknowledged that he is of royal lineage...

We are lucky that he has consented to live with us for the last 6 years.

(No, he's not fat at 18lbs! He's just bigger than most small dogs!)

I need some happy thoughts.

Home again today

When a major depression bout is in full swing it's nice to have happy things to look at. And my two happy things for today are the new edition of Kitty (I see socks that I may just have to make!), and that Darilyn's knitting message board is live!

Both are very cool and you must go visit. Now. What are you still doing here?

You don't knit with forks, so I see no reason to eat with knitting needles.
-- Miss Piggy, on eating Chinese food

So I'm looking around for a picture of Eleanor Roosevelt knitting, and number 4 in the Google search is our very own Fab Miz Carolyn! I should have known she'd have one!

Another cold day here in the NorthEast, and we're waiting for it to snow. A good day to stay in, hang out with the girlie, surf blog rings, and knit. Now if I can just convince Irina to go along with my lazy plans!

Am I the only person who lulls herself to sleep at night looking through knitting catalogues fantasizing about which yarns I'd like to use next?

Oh my...

I have discovered, really fallen hard for, Noro Silk Garden yarn. I spent a good long time in front of a store sample yesterday just fondling it. And the colors! The COLORS! I've always wanted to do a sweater with the colors of the sunsets that we sometimes see out our windows. Though at $11.95 for 110 yards it's not going to happen any time soon!...maybe a scarf...

Now I'm confused...

I keep seeing referals from one of the other Knitblogs on my site meter, and I can't figure out why, because that blog doesn't have a link up for me! Not that I'm complaining in any way, shape or form! Not in the least! I'm just confuzzled...

My soundtrack for this month

(scroll down and play #8!)

Ack!

The order of Knitblogs ring has changed! I can't find anyone! Panic setting in!

Ok, it's not that bad, but it is a little disconcerting. It's like someone came into the house, rearranged the furniture (leaving a few new pieces in the process), and left again.

I've been through two days of retail chaos. Nothing like the first two days after Thanksgiving to get the hysteria level notched up to high. Everyone kept coming into my office, where I gallantly womaned the phones, saying: "I can't get through the aisles out there!" I took it upon myself to remind them that that was a *good* thing and hopefully it ment that we might actually be getting bonuses at the end of the year. (Actually, I'm not holding my breath on that one)

My car rides have been a chance for me to come up with some design ideas. Now I've just got to find the chance to write/draw/chart some stuff out. Maybe tomorrow, after sleeping in and a nap!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I've knitting to do, family to hang out with, and newly downloaded Paint Shop Pro 7 to play with, so I give this to you now, just in case I don't get to it later:

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED - THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.

SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.

BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.


MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

Have a great day!

(I can't claim credit, it came from an email from one of my many SIL's)

Wow

Theresa made me Aortal! How cool is that? (I'm suprised that you're not blinded through your monitors by my grin!)

*My* No Hole Technique

Alison asked how I avoid the holes when I'm doing short row wraps on my sock heels. I think what I do is a mix of things that I picked up here and there that works for me.

First: I slide my wrapped stitch from my left hand needle to my right hand needle.

Second: I lift the two wraps up and over the "working" stitch, creating three seperate stitches.

Third: I slide the "working" stitch and the first wrap back to the left hand needle without twisting them so they look like an upsidedown 'U'.

Fourth: I slide the second wrap stitch back to the left hand needle, but I twist the stitch so it wraps around the needle.

Fifth: I knit all three stitches together through the back of the loops.

Clear as mud, yes? As I said, it may not be the classic method, but it works for me! :)

Umm, remember how I said that I wasn't going to work with the yarn that was delivered to me at work until after the holidays?

Nevermind.

I have a nasty case of 'Startitis' right now. Tony has agreed that there is no hope for me, for a cure is not known. Now I just wish that I could catch 'Finishitis' so at least I'd have some balance!

Sometimes I Have to Remind Myself...

That just because I don't agree with things that someone says, even if they make me angry, that doesn't mean that there isn't something that I can't learn from that person. Some days I have to remind myself of that more often than others.

Turn and Turn Again

Almost got the heel of my sock turned the other night then I decided that I hated the way that it was coming out, so I ended up ripping back to the start of the heel and doing it again. I was much happier with the way it came out the second time. I don't get why some people have such a hard time doing short row wrapped heels, make such a bit deal about it. It can be time consuming, yes; but I like the results.

I got yarn in the mail at work yesterday! WooHoo! S.E.X. at work, gotta love it! I'm planning a major Fair Isle project for myself for after the holidays. Now I just have to convince myself that there is absolutely no, no, NO reason to even think about starting until then! Right?

Yawn

I feel like I should have something to say, but I don't. I got to spend a very nice couple of hours knitting yesterday, feeling somewhat guilty all the while that someone elses babysitter was looking after my kid too. I'm thinking that I should have offered her something for her time. But I got a good half dozen plus rounds done on Project X. Which, at 240 stitches per round, ain't hay. It just seems like I haven't gotten far because I am working in the round, rather than back and forth.

And I had a coworker call me crazy today because I was even considering steeking (once I explained to her what it was). "Well that's dumb. Just work back and forth on the front and back when you get to the arm holes." *sigh* Everybody knows what I'm doing better that I do...

Today is one of those days when I could really use a cigarette! (Nope, I won't)

OK, I'm going to stop bitching and go do some knitting. I'll turn the heel on the first funky stripe sock tonight, so I'll feel like I accomplshed something today.

Great American Smokeout!

A subject near and dear to my heart. I quit smoking almost six years ago now, and I have done easier things (giving birth comes to mind); but I did it!
And if I did it, so can you. Won't you please give it a try? And if you want someone to hold your hand, and slap it if necessary, I will gladly be there for you!

Going Knitting!

Hooray! Today I get to go hang out with a couple of fellow knitters! And with the offer of free babysitting, how can one say "No, not today, Thank You". It would take a much stronger soul that I, I assure you.

It also helps that we have kids around the same age, so they amuse each other.

What a perfect way to spend a gray day.

See me in French! (Cool!)

Irina wore her Kokopelli sweater to preschool today. When I picked her up one of her teachers went absolutely ga-ga over it! Turns out that she's a Kokopelli addict, had him on three silver rings and everything. When she found out that I made the sweater she asked if I could make one for her. I did tell her that it wouldn't be cheap. She was like "40? 50 dollars?" I said "More like $200."

"Oh, I'd pay that for a hand made sweater."

Hmmm, we'll see if she's serious.

I'm trying another new commenting system (agaaaaaain!) Hopefully this one will work more often than not.

Rough day today

Have I ever mentioned that dealing with depression sucks? It do. I'm coping with the day by hanging out, knitting, and watching theWeather Channel . (Am I the only freak of nature who can watch it for hours on end?)

I'm almost done with 3.5 inches of k1, p1, in the round, on size 4 needles for 176 stitches. I'm majorly procrastinating putting the sleeves on the snowflake sweater, but I plan on getting it done this week. Really. I do.

Things That Really Tick Me Off

I received this email today as part of a group mailing from a friend. I have reprinted it here with her permission

Dear ones...

This has been a doozy of a couple of days. My son has
made me so very proud of him...herewith the tale:

Steve has worked for Whole Foods (an upscale, socially
responsible, healthy food store) for a couple of
years. He's been one of their "prepared foods"
managers - the guy who runs the deli and manages the
crew of folks who bring you healthy and delicious
taste treats. And life has been pretty good for him -
he has been looking forward to year-end and the rather
large bonus to be paid to all employees because of a
profitable year.

About six months' ago he was "written up" and
"reprimanded" for feeding a homeless person. You see,
prepared foods have a "holding time" and then must be
disposed of. He was getting rid of the food (putting
it in a dumpster) when this guy came up to him and
said he was hungry. Steve did the obvious. He gave
him food. And was "written up".

On Wednesday, there was a repeat of this scenario...he
was dumping food (unsellable but very edible) and a
homeless person came up and said he was hungry. Steve
gave him food. And this time he was fired...for
violating company policy.

The disparity between Whole Foods' policy of "social
responsibility" and the obscenity of throwing food
away in the face of hunger is unbelievable.

I am hoping he follows up, both with the Whole Foods
regional office and with one of the local newspapers.
It's completely up to him, of course, as to what
course he will take with the situation.

He can always get a pretty good job as a cook (he has
run small restaurants and done short order cooking
before coming to Whole Foods)...and meantime, I am
very, very proud of him.

mj
proud mom

This man was penalized for having a good heart and having the courage to do what was right. If this has bothered you as much as it has me, go to Whole Foods and let them know!!! Check with the Whole Foods and Bread & Circus stores in your area and find out what their policies are. If they can afford to throw food away, they can feed a homeless person. There is no excuse.

What Type Of Retro Gal Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Working on the Next Generation

I took a quick trip to the lys yesterday to pick up a size of circular needle that I did not have (Yes, they do exist). While I was there I picked up a pair of short wood needles for the small girl. We had had a short knitting lesson the other day and trying to use long needles was very hard for her. When I came home she was very excited to have her very own knitting needles and started "knitting" right away! (OK, so she's just stabbing the ball of yarn over and over again with the needles, it's a start!)

When she woke up this morning she came and crawled into bed with us for an hour. (Is there anything better than snuggling up to a warm kid?) I woke up to hear her saying: "I have to get up Daddy. I want to go work on my knitting."

Starting Again.

Even though I was most of the way up the back of Project X I've ripped it out so I can start again. Why? I just decided that I didn't like what I was doing. It didn't feel right. I wasn't enjoying it. And hey, if you're not enjoying it, why continue?

I've already started again. I'm winging it this time. I'm not following a specific pattern, but using a mix of some of the ideas in the Philosophers Wool Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified book. Why? Because I'm crazy enough to think that because I've read the book and can understand the concepts even though I've never tried them before.

Or it could just be because I'm crazy.

Wait a minute!

Christmas is in SIX weeks!!!

How the heck did that happen???

I finally finished knitting the second sleeve of the snowflake sweater last night. It came to me yesterday that I was having such a hard time finishing it because I'm afraid that I screwed up really badly and made it too small. Mind you I'm pretty, reasonably, almost, sorta, not even close to certain that it's going to fit properly.

Oh damn, I really just don't know. I know that there are parts of it that I'm not crazy about (I don't like the arm increases, for instance), but I'm the only one who's ever going to notice them. At least I hope that no one's going to be running around lifting my kid's arm to look at them! For some reason I'm feeling strangely panic-y about this sweater. I think I just need to finish it and be done with it.

Am I being weird?

My hair stayed longer, Irina's got shorter, yarn was picked out, and I paid a whopping overdue fine (which would have been worse but wednesday is half price fine day).

I have to admit that I'm not too crazy about the yarn that Irina picked out, but this is her sweater. Now I'm concerned that I didn't buy enough of the main color, which is the red. I know that there were two more skeins of it left so after I do the back I'll have to judge if I need to go back and get them.

Planning the day...

The short one and I are having our hair cut this afternoon (I am torn between letting my hair grow long again and saying the hell with it and having it all cropped off), so that means she needs to be dumped in the tub and scrubbed this morning. We usually hang out so Irina can play with my girlfriend's son but she sounded like she was on a fairly tight schedule today, so I don't think it's going to be an option.

Then I want to go to a LYS to scope out yarn for Irina's design. I know that yarn that I want to use, but I don't know if the colors will be in stock or if I'm going to have to order them online. Ordering them may be the better choice, but I want to fondle fiber and see the colors next to each other.

After that it's off to the library to return some overdue books (One a Philosopher's Wool one that has me really interested in this steeking thing. Maybe I could do it after all!) The only hassle I have with the library is that they expect you to bring the books back! The nerve of them!

Time to get motivated on the day!

Hey Boston area knitters! Martha is putting together a list of reviews of local/Massachusetts LYS. Check out the list and see if you can help out. I've already put my two cents in (Ok, it seemed more like .85, but that's because I'm wordy.)

I still haven't gotten the sleeve finished; but I am so freakishly ready to start a new project. Irina drew a picture of a sweater that she brought to me and asked me to knit for her! How can I resist? She even colored it in so I'd know what colors to make it.

*sniff* My baby's a budding knitwear designer. Makes a Momma proud!

I only have eight rows left to do on the second sleeve of Irina's snoflakes sweater. So why can't I seem to get it done?

I hereby declare my current redesign done! ('bout damn time) I had a large, screen size picture for the background, but it took forever to load! Now I can go and do some knittng...

I think I'm a frustrated web designer. It's the only excuse I can come up with changing this thing so much.

Comments are missing, I know how to fix it, but I just ain't going to do it right now. BTW, the yarn in the picture was a gift from a friend! Bunny angora! Gotta love it! (Thanks YarnFairy! I Love Ya!)

Ok, I know it's a little hard to read. I'm going to work on tweaking the text colors tomorrow. I though about having the table scroll over the background image (I know I've seen code for it somewhere), but the more that I thought about it the more that I realized that actually bugs the heck out of me on pages that do that. I'm always getting distracted by the background not moving.

Anyhow, I started doing this three hours ago! I did not intend to do all of this tonight, but I got a little carried away...

They're coming to take me away, ha ha, hey hey...