Crafting Slacker

Having coffee!

2011-10-03T10:03:00.001-04:00

At Harbor Lights, sipping coffee "working" on my homework. Uh-huh. :)

I need to take a crash course on RC cars - heading to the hobby shop today to see if I can get the parts to fix Youngest's car.

I have not been knitting.

Oops!

2011-08-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

Has it really been 5 months since my last blog post?

Not much going on in the world of knitting and running. In fact, both of those hobbies took a back burner to my trying to finish up the last bits of my degree before I start student teaching in January. However, I'm pretty much done until November so I decided to get back into the swing of things.

Running: I've started the boys (9 & 11) on Couch-to-5K and they are doing fantastically! We inadvertently ran a 5K today - I thought it was just an informal mile for Run for the Fallen, but it was set up like a race. The boys finished in 43 minutes. I was impressed since we are only on Week 5. Next Saturday we'll run another 5K and our goal is to run it faster than 43 minutes.

Knitting: I have several WIPs sitting on the shelf behind the couch. I hope to have them all finished by November - a few wool soakers, Citron, Wintersweet Scarf, another scarf, and Forest Beauty.

STOP THE WORLD

2011-03-08T21:23:00.003-05:00

I want to get off!

I thought teachers took a pretty hard hit when No Child Left Behind was passed, but it's getting so much worse! I cannot comprehend what is going through the minds of politicians that they want to make teachers carry the sole responsibility of a student's grade. A child has many people in their lives, the teacher may be the only positive guiding force in that child's life and it could take all of a teacher's resources and ingenuity just to keep the child respectful. If a child like that learns nothing but respect for others all year long, I think that teacher did a fantastic and difficult thing.

When a teacher has a difficult year ahead - because one child can throw off the dynamic of an entire classroom - they should be able to count on the administration to help them, not fear that they are going to be fired or receive a bad evaluation because the students score badly on a standardized test.

I find it absolutely appalling that in this country - a country that seems to think it deserves high honors in this world - can treat their teachers so poorly. How are children supposed to receive an education competitive with the rest of the world when we treat our teachers like scum? Teaching is a hard profession involving not only the different personalities of children, but of their parents. It involves a lot of paperwork. The work week often lasts much longer than 40 hours. Sure, summers are off but those are usually spent working somewhere else because the pay for the other 9 months aren't enough to pay the bills.

The United States of America is going to find itself slipping down the list of powerful countries because our children will be ill-equipped to deal with the world. Teachers teach because they LOVE their children - who else would spend $80,000+ on an education for a job that pays less than half that per year? Not to mention the money teachers spend on classroom supplies, books and incentives. All of this for very little respect and apparently a whole lot of responsibility.

It's time we treat our teachers like the professionals they are and less like chattel to the slaughter. I challenge you to write your congressmen and ask them what they are doing to respect teachers. I think if they spent one day substitute teaching a classroom while following the lesson plans, they'd catch a glimpse into a teacher's life.

More money, not less, needs to go into our educational system.

I ♥ My Husband

2011-01-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

In a few short days I'm actually flying out to run a race. Is that a bit crazy? I think so. But, the idea was presented to me and it sounded like fun, so why not? I'll be leaving DH and kids for 4.5 days. DH never even batted an eye. I thought for sure he would have some objection - either not being able to cheer me on, or the fact that I was going to his home state without him but nope, he took it all in stride and encouraged me the entire way. I probably wouldn't have done it at all if he hadn't been so open to the idea. I bet he thinks part of it is because I put up with his crazy job and how often it leaves me home alone with the kids - but I love our way of life. It's challenging and stays interesting. I've always been a fan of change and this life of ours is definitely ever-changing!

Anyway, this is just my way of telling the world that I love my husband. He's always supportive of what I want to do and apparently, when and where I want to do it!

Oatmeal

2011-01-03T16:28:00.001-05:00

Before every run, I eat a bowl of oatmeal. My biggest problem with this is I don't really like to eat in the mornings. Trying to spoon bite after bite of oatmeal can get pretty hard. It might be that I just don't want to deal with that consistency so early in the mornings. However, through trial and error (mostly error!) I have learned that I really do need oats before a run. I just baked the best solution: Baked Oatmeal

As many of the reviews read, the finished product is quite crumbly. This didn't sound like something I wanted to deal with so like the picture suggest, I made it in muffin tins. I followed the recipe almost exactly - the only changes I made were to use half sugar and half honey and I added wheat germ. My additions were chopped almonds and raisins. Next time I'm pretty sure I want to add blueberries instead, maybe a mashed banana. The variations are endless! The recipe made 7 muffins, but I could have made 6 larger ones (I wasn't sure if it would rise or not - it didn't).

I need to go make more and freeze them! These will come especially handy before a race when making oatmeal at 4am may not be a viable option.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

Here it is, 2011, crazy how fast time seems to go. I have no resolutions new for the year. I think it's important to remember that our lives are not measured by date, but by moments. Time is constantly in motion at a steady rate, it is up to us to make the best of every second, because every second is one we will never get back. Try not to give 2011 too much power by cursing 2010. Take life one moment at a time, revel in the happy ones and find strength through the difficult ones. Instead of making resolutions for the new year, try listing 5-10 things that happened in 2010 that were good and continue the trend.

In that vein - Good things from 2010 (in no particular order):

Moved to an area I am enjoying
Youngest learned to ride his new bike
We opened our home to foster animals
Ran my first 5k, 10k and Half Marathon
DH home more than any other year in 12 years of marriage
Went back to school
Tons of snow

I know there are many more things I can list, but this is all that came to my sleep deprived and one cup of coffee brain.

Happy New Year!

Tea and Cookies

2010-12-15T10:21:00.002-05:00

Last night I broke open my package of PG Tips tea and had the sudden craving for shortbread. I don't normally eat shortbread, so I'm not sure where the craving came from. But, I had all the ingredients, so I ran into the kitchen to make them. They came out delicious...even if it did take a whole pound of butter.

I'm making some progress on my Mini Mochi hat I hope to get in another pattern repeat or two today.

I started in on the Gorgeous Goddess shawl since sometimes the colors on the hat are just too close and cause my eyes to cross. It's nice to have an easier knit, even though I have to read the pattern for every other row, it's not difficult.

Here is my grouch of a cat yelling at me because I'm walking around instead of sitting. She wants to be in my lap.

She's mad because we have 3 of these little guys running around waiting to be adopted. She'll put up with our dog, since the dog was here first, but she does not care for newcomers at all.

Why I don't celebrate Christmas

2010-12-13T10:54:00.001-05:00

Christmas in the United States has taken on a commercialized tone and the focus is often on whether or not kids are behaving so Santa Claus will tumble down the chimney with presents for all. Christmas, for me, has never been about religion or Santa. It meant opening presents on Christmas Eve because my grandmother couldn't wait til morning, sneaking down to check my stocking before anyone woke up, and finally, waiting what felt like eons to head to the relatives for more presents and food and most importantly, Harvey Wallbanger cake.

But now, I feel bombarded by the "Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas" and people getting their knickers in a twist because retailers have holiday sales and encourage their employees to be inclusive by wishing people "Happy Holidays!" instead of "Merry Christmas!" Christianity does not own December. Christmas is but one day among a month filled with all sorts of holidays, not everyone celebrates it.

So you know what? I'm not celebrating "Christmas" anymore. I've seen plenty of alternatives: giftmas, Festivus, Newtonmas (mmm, apples!). I'm quite content to celebrate on the day of Solstice and appreciate my family and my friends with tokens of my affection - be it gift or acknowledgement. Yes, we have lights and we have a tree filled with homemade ornaments. All parts of traditions that have been around for centuries. I may have been a child of the Catholic Church - and had my moments of fervor now and then - but looking back, I have never been a believer. I embraced the routine, not the meaning. I chose to stop communion at the age of 13 and I have never turned back. It's been a long road, with much studying and questioning of many religions throughout the world, but I don't doubt my outcome. Once I realized I didn't have to choose anything, I felt released. The answer had finally come to me.

I don't hide the fact that I'm an atheist. I don't shout it from the rooftops, either, because it's really no one's business. I really don't care what people believe, as long as they don't assume everyone agrees with them. I won't tell people they're wrong, or mock their beliefs unless they step over the line that impinges on the freedom of others. I respect those who use their beliefs to be a better person. I find myself perfectly capable of being good without a god in my life. I have my family, my friends, my animals and my hobbies. I am happy and fulfilled. "Atheist" means "without theology" no more, no less. It is not a religion unto itself. It's a difficult concept for believers to grasp, I know, because it's hard to separate emotion and faith. Just know that I feel no loss, no hole in my life. I live this life to the best of my ability because this is it, this is my time to shine. Respect me for the decisions I've chosen because I am not asking anyone to choose with me.

So yes, we will decorate in December and put lights on the house. We will exchange presents wrapped in gaudy seasonal paper. We will eat a big dinner and play with our new toys. We will look at the moon and the stars and marvel at the enormity of the universe. We will enjoy the day together. And all this will be done without a belief in a higher power. So, Christmas, it's been a nice run, but I'm done with you. Happy December, Everyone! The Solstice this year falls on December 21st, 2010.

Yarn!

2010-12-10T13:14:00.002-05:00

I have a few planned projects up ahead. A scarf, a shawl and a pair of fingerless mitts. I used my new umbrella swift to make yummy yarn cakes in preparation. From bottom up: Misti Alpaca for a scarf, Kraemer Sterling Silk and Silver for a shawl, and Knit Picks Palette for fingerless mitts.

But, before I get started on those, I have to finish this Mini Mochi hat. I was about 4 inches into it when I realized my hiccup in the pattern so I frogged and I'm starting again. This time making sure I also change needle sizes after the ribbing, too...and marking where I leave off in the pattern.

12 Days to go!

2010-12-09T09:55:00.001-05:00

I have less than 12 days to finish my shopping and wrapping. The kids tossed out a few more requests this morning. Youngest needs new sneakers and they both say they want socks. And tic-tacs. A run to the post office is also on my list of things to do.

Today I am taking a test to complete four more credits towards my degree, woohoo!

Friday, we are taking in four 12-week-old kittens to foster. They need to be litter trained. Yeah, guess who will be locked into the bathroom until they learn? We'll also be watching someone's dog for a week, but she's crate trained so that should be easy enough. Welcome to the Gnome Family Zoo! :)

I'm going to try and whip up one of these little guys - but bigger - to put on top of the tree this year.

Lots on the needles

2010-12-06T09:49:00.001-05:00

As of right now, I am actively working on: Endpaper Mitts, sockettes, a hat and fingerless mitts. The Endpaper Mitts are for me and will probably be put away for a few weeks. The sockettes and fingerless mitts are eventual gifts and the hat is for DH. Hopefully I finish the hat before his birthday in January.

In 32 days I'm running my next half marathon. I think I may be ready for distance, but not for the speed I could be capable of. I still have a month to try and work that. I hope to at least finish it faster than 2:19.

Today I am off to an LYS that is supposed to be a pretty awesome one. I plan on drooling over the spinning wheels, but I am a few years off of really wanting one. I just don't want to move with it.

In other crafting news - we'll be making salt dough ornaments again this year. This time I'm going to color the dough with food coloring. I want to make a little gnome family! Hmm, I bet our paints are all dried up. I need to check on that and probably buy more.

My first Half Marathon...

2010-10-17T10:34:00.001-04:00

...and boy, was I not prepared!

I had been training really well this summer. I felt fantastic the day of my 10k, I thought the Half Marathon would be great. But, then something happened...I got lazy. I wasn't going on long runs, I wasn't really even running short ones. In the three weeks before my Half, I ran a total of 5 miles.

Let me tell you, I'm paying for it!

The Half started off fantastic. I felt good, great even! My pace was on target. Then, at mile 6 when I needed a pit stop, I hit the wall. I just couldn't recover from having to stop for that long. By mile 8, my hips hurt, my feet started aching and my arms felt sore. I kept running because walking felt even worse, so I figured it'd be better to get there sooner, rather than later! I am happy that at least my lungs were able to handle the Half, only my muscles were unhappy with the sudden long exercise. I had energy in my mind, my lungs were going strong, I was just weak. I have another Half in January so I really need to up the training again!

But, regardless, I did it, I finished! And I would have reached my 2hr 15min goal if I hadn't stopped to wait in line for the porta-potty. I crossed the finish line in 2h19m37s - a 10:40 pace, which is quite good for me. My next half has me in a corral to finish in 1hr55m and I would like to keep it under the 2hr mark.

Blanket

2010-10-06T12:42:00.001-04:00

I started this blanket in January. At least it's big and wool so the now six month old baby girl will still get some use out of it this winter! It's made with Dream in Color Classy and its just a basketweave stitch pattern.

New 5k PR!

2010-09-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

My first 5k in June I ran at 30min, the second one 2 weeks later I ran at 27. Today, I had a PR of 24:10 mines! Woohoo!!

Last night we had a pretty severe storm. We live in a duplex. Our neighbor had scorch marks on her upstairs carpet! We had our UPSes fried and the receiver is dead. The PS3 seems a bit tempermental. Youngest's speakers blew. The garage door was stuck closed.

I didn't learn about the garage door until this morning when I tried to leave for my 5k. I had 40 minutes til start time and my car was stuck in the garage. I tried the emergency release, but it wouldn't budge. So I ran.

Yep, I ran just under two miles to the race start. I had about 10 minutes to spare, so I guess I was warmed up! I ran at an average pace of 7:47. I'm absolute shocked! Then I walked the two miles back.

Maintenance came to pry the door loose (it was quite stuck!) and I could go out and pick up my Foster Kitties! (Pictures later). They are inquisitive little beasts. They are checking out the basement rather than cowering under the bed. They are an attached pair - Earl is quite protective of Pearl and attacked my dog for sniffing under the bed!

No turning back now!

2010-09-06T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just signed up for my very first Half Marathon - only 39 more days to train!

I've been working on a baby blanket I started about 6 months ago. Maybe I'll get it finished sometime this year. At least it's on the large size, so it'll make a great toddler blanket.

I've started a Goodreads account (as you can see on the right) to keep track of my Nook reading.

Nook

2010-09-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

I recently purchased a Barnes & Noble Nook ereader. I love it! I can order from B&N, or Kobo, or from my public library! Really, it's the library option I love the most...that, and the touchscreen. A couple of years ago when I was considering an ereader, I was going to go with the Sony, but I'm glad I waited. I think the Nook is a better fit for me. I've finally read all of the Jane Austen books I had been meaning to get around to. I am now making my way through my library list. It'll probably be quite awhile before I actually have to buy another book.

It's 20∘F cooler today than it has been all week. It's time for a cup of tea and bit of a read.

10K Race

2010-08-28T13:57:00.003-04:00

The hub and I ran a 10K race today! I came in at 57:30, and I felt pretty good! I didn't push myself as much as I could have, but I really didn't want to be struggling at the end, either. I'm guessing that's just race experience I'm going to have to figure out.

I might do a 5k on 9/11 and then a Half Marathon in October. But first, I really need to go to Yoga more than 2 times a week. I need to stretch more. My left hip really tightened up on me halfway through the race.

Knitting...I need to start those blankets today!

Sorry, it's been awhile...

2010-08-14T17:34:00.003-04:00

Let's see, last I left this I had just started the Couch to 5k Program. I am happy to say that, since then, I have raced two 5Ks - I even improved my time! I am running a 10K at the end of this month with DH and I am registered for the Disney Half Marathon in January. My running is coming along quite well.

In knitting news, I'm sure I've finished a project or two and I have several on the needles. I hope to get started on some blankets for my nieces in the next couple weeks, but school is keeping me quite busy.

I also hope to start sewing soon. It's not something I've ever been overly interested in because I think it takes more precision and attention to detail than I'm willing to give, but I know there are a few, simple items I could make and be quite happy with. I just have to take my machine in for service.

I've added yoga to my hobbies last week. I have much more time available to me since we moved and I can't substitute, I'm trying to make the best of it!

C25K Week 2

2010-01-12T06:40:00.001-05:00

Week one went pretty well. I ran outside twice and at the gym once. Day 3 was in 28F temps, my lungs were not too happy about it, but the rest of me handled it well. It was sunny, at least.

Today will be Day 1 of Week 2. I haven't decided if I will run in or out. The high today is 36F, but its overcast so I think I'll be too cold. I think I'll set the treadmill to a program to include hills, that way it is more representative of running outside. If I'm ever going to do a 5K or longer, I need to be used to inclines.

C25K

2009-12-24T07:46:00.006-05:00

Couch-to-5K anyone?

It's been years since I've been able to run and, let's face it, I'm getting older and need to keep up on this stuff. I'm already having enough problems with my physical health with the scoliosis and numbness. I need to get moving!

January 4th will be the first day of the first week. That means I'll have until January 10th to get in 3 sessions.
And because this is my crafting blog...here is a picture of my latest WIP:

Cabled Armwarmers

2009-10-11T22:36:00.001-04:00

Sadness

2009-07-28T08:44:00.001-04:00

We went to New Jersey for the weekend. I left my Monkey Socks made from Knit Picks Imagination in the Frog Prince colorway at the hotel. *Sniff*

On a more serious note:

On July 21st, a Ravelry friend passed away a few days after we discovered he was in the hospital. I love how quickly the AAC group got together to make blanket squares for him. I can't wait to see the finished product. Here are my contributions. Goodbye, Bruce. You are missed.

Muzzlepuff Glynis

2009-07-12T13:44:00.001-04:00

I hope to finish this sock by Wednesday...and then hopefully cast on its pair immediately. The yarn is a lovely lavender from Muzzlepuffs. The pattern is Cookie A's Glynis from her Sock Innovation book. I want to go through that book in order and just make one pair after another. We'll see how long that takes me.

Knitting Woes

2009-06-04T19:23:00.001-04:00

There is so much I want to do, but I just can't get it done. I don't see myself finishing my summer wrap in time for our summer trips. I have my Clapotis which will work lovely against the air conditioning, but it doesn't match everything I own (but almost!).

I have several baby blankets I want to make, plus a few other mommy-to-be gifts. I wish I could knit all day every day and not get bored, but I do. I'm constantly interrupting myself to get on the computer or play the PS3. Here's hoping summer brings about more motivation.

Hat in a weekend

2009-05-27T09:32:00.001-04:00

It's always nice to be able to start and finish a project quickly. I wish I did that more often. A friend put out a call for chemo hats for the 8yo bestie of her daughter. I went straight to my stash and pulled out my cotton (KP comfy, I lurve this stuff) It is Honeydew and Blackberry. I know, the picture is awful. I'm sorry about that. I can't take more since it's already packed up and ready to ship.

Kids

2009-05-22T07:51:00.001-04:00

At our neighbor's 6th birthday party, his 10yo sister was fascinated by my knitting. She wanted to know if I could make these glove-things but instead of going around the hand, it just wrapped around the middle finger. I have no idea what these things are called. She designed one on a napkin. I went home that night to work something out. Here is the finished product. She is very happy with them:

Yesterday afternoon, the two neighbor girls (the one above and her 8yo friend) came by asking if I could teach them to knit. I rummaged through and came out with two sets of circular needles and some cotton yarn. I don't normally like to teach dishcloths first, but it was all I had to spare. I taught them to cast on and they did really well. We'll probably continue with the instruction this afternoon.

My 9yo couldn't take it anymore, I guess. He's seen so many people recently ask me to teach them how to knit, he must have decided it's actually a cool thing to do (hmm, wonder what he'll say at school today!). So, the three of us all sat on the couch knitting. The 7yo thought it was fun to know something the 9yo didn't. "Look, watch me, this is how you do it."

Oh! And the 9yo saw the finger puppets on the back of the KnitPicks recent catalog and he wants me to make one for his Webkinz! Crazy boy.

Stash Management

2009-05-14T16:26:00.001-04:00

My husband being the military man that he is, we move often. By often, I mean every 2 years or less. The good thing about this is that my stash stays pretty small. Unfortunately, during this last move, I decided to use a hall closet for my stash. Ummm, the closet was getting difficult to close.

So, I decided I need to use a piece of our furniture for my stash. Since it moves with us, I can use it to keep my stash in check. I buy with a project in mind and not "just because" but my recent jump into socks has made buying yarn a whole lot easier.

Voila:

Knitting

2009-05-12T08:28:00.004-04:00

The problem with being a substitute teacher is the ability to make plans. I like to be available until the very last minute. Because of this, I have not been able to make it to knitting group since I learned about it several months ago. Today will my second time attending (well, 3rd if you count the field trip). Aside from my completed Monkey Socks and my spinning, I wonder what I will bring. Maybe my Aquaphobia-Muzzlepuff socks.

That picture in the last entry is for a shawl I'm trying to finish before our little weekend getaway to The Bahamas. It really doesn't look like it's going to be done by then. Even with the hours of knitting time I'll have in the car driving to FL.

I tried listening to a few knitting podcasts yesterday, I just can't get into them. There is all this talk about designers and ease and lots of other terms I just haven't fully integrated into my brain yet. I am not a Capital K Knitter, that is for sure. I'd like to be, but I just don't see it happening.

Bah!

2009-05-11T13:46:00.000-04:00

I want to work on this, I really do! The class is at art for an hour
and it's an excellent time to work in some knitting. Sadly, my head
and neck hurt too much I'm afraid I'll screw it up. It's not a
difficult pattern at all, but I don't trust myself.

I'm playing with email posting which is why you are getting this
really boring and pointless entry.

Spinning Attempts

2009-05-10T12:56:00.001-04:00

Everything I know about spinning I saw at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I have no idea if I'm doing this right or not. I need to watch a few videos and I may head down to Bowie some day to see about a class.

I want to spin up my roving and then dye it...and then make it into a blanket because I don't think I could reasonably turn it into anything else.

More Socks!

2009-05-09T17:35:00.002-04:00

I decided to knit these on 3s since I have a big foot and the slip stitch pattern isn't particularly stretchy.

I'm loving Muzzlepuffs yarn! It's very soft and the colors are coming out quite lovely. I never know what to expect from hank to ball to project.

E the Amazing

2009-05-07T19:35:00.001-04:00

I taught Ethan how to knit this weekend. He knitted a whopping five stitches. He didn't touch it again until tonight. He scooped it up and was knitting away before I could even get to him. He remembered how!!

In other news, I'm making something for the neighbor girl. A wristband thing that goes up the hand and around the middle finger. Apparently it's part of Hannah Montana's wardrobe? I have no idea. It's black with a pink peace sign. Hopefully it fits her, I didn't measure her hand. Just in case, I'm not cutting any yarn!

Monkey Socks and the next step

2009-05-02T13:52:00.004-04:00

First off, I finished my Monkey Socks made with KnitPicks Imagination in Frog Prince colorway:

Which I then got to wear to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival where I bought these items:

A "trindle", 245g of undyed roving and two jars of dye - pink & brown. I can't wait to get started! The Ravelry meetup was good as well, even if I didn't really talk to anyone. I'm crazy shy in person and just can't bring myself to talk to people.

Following in my footsteps...

2009-05-01T18:07:00.002-04:00

E asked me to teach him how to knit (he's 7). I asked the 9yo, but he has no interest. E's a natural, even if he only did 5 stitches before he realized the other kids came out to play.

Improvising

2009-04-12T15:52:00.002-04:00

I don't own a swift - don't really see the reason for one at the moment, either. Here is my way of balling up my hanks:

Works great as long as the dog doesn't bump into one of the chairs while I'm winding.

In other news, I finished my first Froggy-Monkey sock. It only took 30 grams of yarn. I think I'm making a cowl out of the leftover sock yarn. It's just a garter stitch on size 1 needles, but it looks neat so far. We'll see what happens with it.

Friday Nights

2009-04-04T12:25:00.001-04:00

I love quiet weekends. We are geeks in this family, that means a lot of gaming on the weekend since not a lot of gaming happens during the week. I've drifted away from gaming in the past year or so since I'd rather have something to show for my time.

Last night was a perfect Friday night for me, although more than one teased me about my "granny" lifestyle. I had a lovely cup of PG Tips, a stack of books from the library, my half finished sock and my laptop. What else does a knitter need, right?

My library doesn't have the most outstanding knitting section, but I am new to the Knitting Genre, so they are all something I haven't seen before. I found a couple things in the felting books I wouldn't mind taking a shot at, but I'm not sure I'm ready to dive into felting just yet.

I do, however, want to make myself an alpaca shawl for summer (yes, you read right, I said summer) - I've added a lot of tank tops to my wardrobe this summer, but air conditioning causes me to freeze. I think I might mosey on down to the LYS today to see what they have for alpaca lace. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival is too late for me to start.

So many things to make, so little time...

Yummy Yarns Are Calling To Me - Can You Hear Them?

2009-04-03T13:09:00.002-04:00

I've started sock knitting simply so I could buy those yummy little skeins of yarn I keep seeing around. They are just so pretty. I love the worsted weight ones, too, but I just don't know what I would do with a little skein of worsted weight yarn. What does one do with one of those? I'm starting on Knit Picks sock yarn, because if I really do end up not wearing these socks, I want to make sure I didn't spend a lot on the yarn. I seem to become disillusioned with the sock once I make it past the heel.

Like my froggy? This is how I procrastinate: I stand in the rain taking pictures of my frog ornaments.

I didn't get a stitch of knitting done today. It is time to pick up the children and head to the library. I plan on picking up a couple of knitting books while I am there. No idea what the boys plan to get. We're new to this regular library visiting thing. I think they are still overwhelmed by it.

Two blogs in one day? What am I thinking?

Knitting Spot & Pets

2009-04-03T09:18:00.004-04:00

I have a couple of knitting spots in my house. I rotate between three spots settling into one for a few weeks. Currently, I am on one of the living room chairs with the ottoman at my feet, computer and coffee next to me, of course.

Here are the animals wondering when I'm going to stop taking pictures and sit down with them again:

Penny is our 2-year-old Beagle/German Shepard mix. We got her at 12-weeks-old from a shelter. She is not the kind of dog that snuggles up to you, but she loves attention. She's anxious for attention. When it is just her and I in the house she sleeps. Except, of course, when I'm taking her picture:

Amari is our 2-year-old mice-chasing kitty. She is also from a shelter. She was one and already had a litter of kittens. She is a great cat, if very demanding of attention. She's the strangest cat I've ever had though. She will only eat her dry food - no wet food, no people food - she only wants her particular brand of dry.

My current "wanna finish" project - Cookie A's Monkey Sock in KnitPicks Imagination sock yarn in the Frog Prince colorway. I'm enjoying the pattern, but I'm not crazy about the heel. I do love the yarn, though.

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Blogger annoys me - I don't want all my pictures to be uploaded to the top! I want them uploaded where my cursor is like my last blog did. I may be on the lookout for a new blogging service. Any suggestions (that are free)?

Many Projects

2009-03-29T15:31:00.003-04:00

In Interweave Knits Spring 2009, there is an article by Vicki Square telling people to start as many projects as they can. At first I thought "yeah, right! I'll never get anything done!" but then as I read on, I realized what she was saying is exactly what I've been struggling with.

I have quite a few projects - big ones, mostly - that I really want to finish, but at what expense? If I tell myself "no more new projects until you finish those!" then they are going to start collecting dust because they become a chore. I would no longer be finding joy in my hobby. I will probably always have a project (or 4 or 5) that will take me several months to complete. There are also those projects you are just itching to start and don't like to put down until complete. I can't deny myself the actual joy of knitting stitch after stitch simply because I have too many projects on the needles already.

Today I did a pattern repeat on my blanket, and a few rows on a baby blanket, but then I cast on a new pair of socks and I'm having fun. After all, that's what a hobby is supposed to be, right?

Rainy Weekend

2009-03-28T10:08:00.003-04:00

It is supposed to rain all weekend. We have nothing planned for the first time in a long time. I would stay in pj's all weekend except I have to go apply for a passport today. I'm seriously considering putting it off until Monday. I know me, though, and next thing I know it'll be May and I'll have less than a month to do it.

I should spend the entire weekend alternating between knitting and cleaning and fewer hours on the computer. So far, though, the computer has logged more attention. I'm feeling too sleepy to knit. I'm already on my fourth cup of coffee, so I really shouldn't feel this way. Maybe getting out and about will revive me.

I want to get the Very Harlot Poncho done this weekend - I think I only have about 10 inches left to do.

I just added several more projects to my queue. I want to pick one or two to shop for at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I'm thinking Sidewinder and maybe Emerald. I plan on trying Emerald with more of a fine mohair for a more whimsical look instead.

Progress!

2009-03-27T07:42:00.002-04:00

I finally finished the wrist warmers out of Queensland Rustic for Reesie and mailed them out. I only started them in January...

This week I made Lifestyle Socks out of ONline Supersocke 100 Holiday Color. It knitted up very scratchy, washing it didn't help a whole lot either. I just did a simple stockinette sock - and I need to remember to decrease stitches for my leg. Apparently what my foot needs, my leg does not.

I just needed to get passed my Second Sock Syndrome and get an entire pair done. I ordered some yarn from KnitPicks and plan on making FrootLoop with one of my choices.

Hey Beautiful!

2009-03-11T16:11:00.002-04:00

Here is my gorgeous friend Mandy modeling the Shifting Sands scarf I made for her. Nothing beats seeing someone happy over a handknit!

Irish Hiking Blanket

2009-03-06T10:41:00.002-05:00

I started one of these ages ago - it was going to be a baby blanket, but it was too narrow. I was going to pass it off as a stole instead. Never did get very far on it, though. I decided my needle choice was just too small and it was going to take me over.

So, here is Take 2: 10 skeins of Knit Picks Worsted Comfy Cotton in Blackberry. I'm hoping it will be a small lap throw for the living room. The Blackberry matches the purple in my curtains perfectly.

Snowy Day

2009-03-03T13:24:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a snow day. No school, no work, no power. Thankfully, the power wasn't out for too long, but long enough that I had morning tea instead of morning coffee. Thank goodness for gas stovetops.

I didn't actually get any knitting done at the Monster Jam. The seats were narrow, the man next to me taking up quite more than his fair share, and Ethan was so bored he would not stay still.

I am currently working on Reesie's poncho and an Irish Hiking Blanket for me. I have also picked up a navy blue yarn for Garrett and a dark brown for Ethan, but those are on the back burner for quite awhile. Hopefully those blankets will be gifts this holiday season for them.

Changes

2009-03-01T20:15:00.000-05:00

If you've visited my blog before, you see there is some change in the works. I think this is mostly how it will stay (for now) but I want to tweak the header some more. The brown stands out too much.

Thanks, Tater, for the help! I think I'm starting to understand this CSS stuff....just so hard to let go of html :P

Monster Jam

2009-02-28T08:13:00.003-05:00

My husband and sons are dragging me to a monster truck show. I think I decided on dishcloths for the duration. That way I won't mind if something gets spilled on it or if I'm eating something messy while I knit. I might crochet one or two as well. I have no idea how long this show is, but I'm sure I can pound a few out.

Shifting Sands Scarf #2

2009-02-27T15:28:00.002-05:00

My second Shifting Sands scarf, this time made with China Palace Silk DK in Jade Tones. It is for my lovely friend Mandy. It's thin and light, ideal for Florida "winters" where it is more for show than warmth.

Random

2009-02-24T08:07:00.002-05:00

I still have to finish Reesie's wristwarmers (I'm really bad about getting around to the finishing touches!) and her poncho. The poncho is just going to take time. It's getting wide enough now that it takes a good amount of time just to go around once. It's good tv-time knitting, though. Too bad I don't watch more tv.

I want to make something for my boys, but I can't decide on what. I think a teen-friendly blanket (here's me hoping a blanket I make now will still be holding up when they are 16). Every time I start in on a baby blanket, they ask if I'm making a blanket for them. I think that's a Neon-Flashing hint-hint signal I'm not acting on.

I'm not sure what yarn I should use. I'm going to have to put a little research into that. I want something soft, sturdy, worsted or bulky, and non-pilling.

Celtic Neckwarmer

2009-02-24T07:18:00.005-05:00

I finished the Celtic Neckwarmer for my hubby. I really have no idea if he'll really wear it. He says he will, but I'm not all that convinced. I think it'll look great with his new leather jacket. This pattern was really easy. The only change I made to it was to shorten the number of rows before and after the button holes. I'm not really sure why except it was already 24" long after 4 repeats.

A couple of my projects

2009-02-12T08:03:00.005-05:00

Here are some projects that I'm working on. A Celtic Neckwarmer for hubby that is so amazingly soft I keep holding it to my cheek so it's taking me a long time to knit (Plymouth Earth Mainland in colorway 6). A Shifting Sands scarf for Mandy made from China Palace Silk DK in Jade Tones.

Too many projects

2009-02-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

I think I am up to 7 projects on needles (I started a new one yesterday!) I really need to get something finished. I haven't figured out what I'm in the mood to work on today.

Baby Blanket

2009-02-03T14:11:00.002-05:00

I never did take a picture of this blanket finished, but maybe someday I'll have one with the recipient all wrapped in it. It's a basic stockinette with a seed stitch border. The yarn is Knit Picks Crayon in lime. I love this yarn. It's very soft and perfect for a Floridian baby.

Clapotis #2

2009-02-03T14:03:00.003-05:00

I went to Stitches East in an orange mood. Every yarn that I loved and had to touch seemed to be orange. I came home with 5 skeins of Southwest Trading Co's Bamboo in Tequila. I had intentions to make a Mariposa shawl, but decided on another Clapotis instead. This one would be bigger than the last.

Cast On, Knit, and Purl

2008-10-15T14:42:00.004-04:00

Here are two videos - one of a Long Tail Cast On, and one of the Knit and Purl stitches. Feedback is welcome!

Knitting For A Cause

2008-09-07T08:48:00.003-04:00

I started scarves for the 2009 Special Olympics. It is sponsored by Coats & Clark (Red Heart), which means using acrylic, but so long as my a/c is running well, I don't mind so much. I'm hoping a vinegar rinse helps soften it as I don't want to risk skin irritation for any athletes (or their supporters) with sensitive skin.

I'm doing a garter stitch one now, I might make one in the round, and I think I may also take the opportunity to do something new - mosaic or intarsia.

I have 3 skeins each of Delft Blue and White so there are lots of scarves to be made!

Video Tutorials

2008-09-02T07:58:00.003-04:00

I'm planning on posting some how-to videos on here. There are times where I search for a technique - and being the visual learner that I am, I really prefer video. I can't always find one I want, or sometimes I like to see multiple how-to's to really understand.

What video would you like to see?

I have an idea...

2008-08-25T10:26:00.002-04:00

I have an idea for a pattern, but I really need to do some housework before I start it. Its nothing complicated at all, because my skill is not that great, but I do hope its something that hasn't been done before. I will post it once I finish it.

I made a little headway on the BYOB I'm making.

Told ya I was a slacker...

2008-08-23T19:51:00.002-04:00

I do have a good excuse, though. I moved from the middle of the country to the east coast.

I finished the Clapotis but it ended up a bit smaller than I had intended. I also made a striped baby blanket from KnitPicks Comfy Cotton that I really liked. I started a bag and I continue to make dishrags - I think they will turn out to be Christmas gifts for everyone.

The kids start school on Monday which means more time for knitting! I'm looking forward to it.

Clapotis

2008-06-16T19:32:00.001-04:00

pronounced Cla-poh-tee

I'm using two strands of lace weight instead of worsted, and thanks to Ravelry I learned a tip to save me from using 18 stitch markers.

This pattern is available free at Knitty.com

A wishlist

2008-05-31T10:19:00.002-04:00

I started a little list for myself of things I'd like to get. I really just need to get myself the ball winder. I never do because I figure I can ball up by hand, but then while I'm doing it I wish I had ordered it.

I started (and restarted - twice) a stole I hope to wear next week. I think I finally have the dimensions the way I want them and will probably finish it tomorrow.

My iPhone Cozy

2008-05-23T23:56:00.002-04:00

I love my iphone so much I had to make it a little cozy. It's in a hard plastic case as well, the cozy is to protect it from the brutalities of the inside of my purse. It was an easy knit and I learned a new cast on method, so it was educational, too.

2008-04-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

I started it! This is the Irish Hiking Baby Blanket based on the Irish Hiking Scarf by Adrian Bizilia.

Finished Blanket

2008-04-10T08:56:00.004-04:00

I've finally finished that garter stitch blanket I started last month for the 10-year-old of a friend of mine. I just need to wash it and get it in the mail.

I am now about to cast on a cabled blanket for a friend's baby due in August...after I clean the house, that is.

2008-02-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Halfway done with another pair of Peekaboo mittens, then I'm starting on a AAC-KAL: Subway Mittens from Interweave Winter 07 Issue. The designer is a Bostonian and she designed these to hold her Charlie Card.

I'm thinking about making some wristwarmers (basically a fingerless and thumbless sock worn on the hand/arm) - which I've always found a little odd, but I think I've found a use for them. My friend's daughter is allergic to a LOT of things and she's often breaking out in rashes. I think wearing them during lunch in the cafeteria could save her some skin irritation from certain foods her friends may be eating. I'll talk to the mom first to see if this would be useful, but it'd be really nice to make them if its something that can help.

2008-01-28T10:16:00.002-05:00

Shifting Sands is done, now I'm working on another pair of mittens!

2008-01-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

Shifting Sands is almost done, I started the third and last skein yesterday. I started my night classes last night (7-9:45pm) and the Prof gives us a 10 minute break at 8 and 9 so I managed to get some rows done during those breaks. I really want to finish this scarf and start and finish my Peekaboo mittens before winter is over.

2008-01-15T17:10:00.000-05:00

Friday night at Loopy was a lot of fun, I wish it didn't have to be an occasional thing, but distance and time make it that way. Not that I got any knitting done, but petting all that yarn was so nice. And I can't wait to make something with my new skein of Manos kettle.

Still working on the Shifting Sands scarf, hope to start the Madge hat soon.

2008-01-10T10:22:00.001-05:00

YAY! Its DONE!

2008-01-01T19:33:00.000-05:00

My first go at cable - I like it! And cabling without a cable needle is easier than I thought it would be. This is the Shifting Sands scarf by Grumperina

Almost finished everything

2007-12-27T17:37:00.001-05:00

I did manage to finish the peekaboo mittens for E's teacher, but I didn't finish the shawl/stole for G's. I'll have it done by the time they go back. I showed it to her and told her it would be late anyway.

So, now I am out to finish some projects for me. I recently finished a wrist rest, which is just a stockinette around a Hanes T-shirt. It serves its purpose and matches my laptop. I want to finish my Sweet Dreams throw and start a hat, scarf and mittens for myself. The scarf will be my first try at cabling.

Wrist rest:

Throw:

Wish List

2007-12-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

By request, a simple Knitpicks.com wishlist :)

Ball Winder

DPNs Tube

Project Bag in Natural

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts Book

New Gifts to be...I hope

2007-11-29T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hoping this scarf/shawl will be for Garrett's teacher and Peekaboo mittens for Ethan's. Garrett's teacher attends the opera, and I think this is a nice dressy scarf for things like that, or a nice summer shawl. Peekaboo gloves are just ideal for kindergarten recess - with untied shoes and whatnot. I'm not making her the brown one shown (that's my test) making a purple pair instead.

Its a start!

2007-11-16T20:57:00.001-05:00

Here is a bib - made with Sugar n Cream cotton and a burp (or wash) cloth made from Knitpicks Crayon Pima Cotton. The ends are not cleaned up, nor are they washed or blocked.

Baby Stuff

2007-11-09T16:46:00.001-05:00

E's teacher is expecting and due in May - time to start on some baby items or I'll never get them done. I want to make a couple of bibs and burp cloths, and if I have time I'll make a neutral pair of Doodlebugs. I'll give her the pink ones I made if she has a girl, however.

Time to buy some cotton!

Longies!

2007-11-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

I had no real reason to make these other than I wanted to. But, at least I did have someone to give them to!.

I really liked the Doodlebug pattern better, although it came out much smaller than I expected. And, yes, the pictures are awful, but I'm working on taking better ones.

Just to share...

2007-11-06T16:16:00.000-05:00

Starting a new blog to share projects and some thoughts. I may start with some old projects, I really need to finish my current ones, however.

2007-11-01T08:30:00.000-04:00