Knit!

By, Bye Blogger!!

2005-04-28T05:53:00.000-05:00

I've moved and gone through a change!! Visit me at Purls and Pugs!!
http://www.aaswanson.com

Unproductive

2005-04-26T05:50:00.000-05:00

That is the only way I can describe Monday. Not only did I have so many meetings at work, the 'real' work didn't get done, but by the time I got home I had a migraine. I wanted to grill some fish or turkey breast on the grill last night, but I couldn't get the gas to turn on. So we ended up eating out.

Jeremy had picked up a wireless access point for the Tivo so that we could have Yoda slide shows in 52" and listen to our mp3s through the receiver and massive speakers in our living room. He spent all night on that. When I came down to eat breakfast this morning, I noticed the access point was packaged back up into its box. Apparently, the sales guy gave him an incompatible access point (after clearly stating the purpose of the purchase).

I knit like one row on the Tennis Sweater. Then I tinked it. I got to the last 4 stitches and ran out of yarn. Back I went.

So, as you can see we were very unproductive yesterday. Maybe Tuesday will be better...

Life of a dog

2005-04-25T06:01:00.000-05:00

Boy Yoda sure has it bad. My husband once said that he wants to come back as a dog in my family. All the dogs we have every had have been spoiled. Sometimes I wonder if they were more spoiled than my sister and I. So the legacy continues with Yoda.

Saturday she was lounging around using Jeremy as her lounge chair.

Hey, Cabana Boy, bring me a drink!

I think I'll nap right here.

Ohhhh, my face is loving this massage.

In between waiting on Yoda hand and foot, there was some knitting. I managed to get the first sleeve done and on the same needle of the hourglass sweater. The way the weather has been acting, I might be able to wear her before the fall.

Hourglass with sleeve

My new love is the Tennis Sweater. This yarn really makes me happy. It is so soft. It is inexpensive. It is bright and pretty. I can't wait for more Knit Picks yarns....Bring it on, Baby!

Mmmmmm. Soft

Oh, dear!

2005-04-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I've gone and done it! I hit the Jo-Anns in Bolingbrook last night to stock up on some Cotton-Ease. My parents had given me $50 for Easter that I had yet to spend, so I went for the yarn. I still have $.25 left...

Cotton-Ease: Black and Bubblegum

For those of you living in the area, Bolingbrook Jo-Ann's had a tonf of colors and skeins. If you are looking to stock up, I suggest heading out there.

When I did arrive home, I was greated with this:

Knit Picks Green Apple and Blush Shine and Euclean

Since green is the 'new pink', I decided that I shouldn't descriminate--I'll do a pink and green sweater.

So what did I promptly do?

I swatched for the Vogue Tennis Sweater...

unblocked swatch in Green Apple

The guage is pretty much dead-on. And I must say, I really like this stuff. It is very soft knitted up as well as in the ball. The stitch definition is amazing. Those cables really pop. So, I guess I would suggest this yarn to whoever was maybe on the fence.

I also really like the pattern thus far. Maybe I'll make a few of these in some different colors and fibers. It looks pretty versitle--no shirt underneath, collared shirt underneath, camisole underneath...

So, Jeremy got home from class last night and I was knitting the ribbing of the Vogue. I said, "Did you notice that I got my yarn?" He said, "It all looks the same to me. I wouldn't know if you had that stuff for months." Good to know...Muwahahahaha!

Need a paper?

2005-04-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

There are some MIT students that wrote a program that generates fake papers using a Madlibs format...need a paper? I know where you can get one.

Guess I should mention one of their papers was accepted to be presented at a conference!!!

Read Article

Gone forever?

2005-04-21T05:31:00.000-05:00

Disturbing it is.* Lion Brand's Cotton-Ease has been discontinued. While I have not used it yet, I have played with it and have plans to make this. From the blogs I have read and the people I have spoken to, this is probably Lion's most popular of the non-novelty yarns. Perhaps Lion Brand wants all their yarns to have fur in it. Or maybe it is part of a bigger picture and they are going to be releasing some really nice wool and cotton yarns that will rival Knit Picks and Elann. One can only hope.

So excuse me while I plan my route home to include a couple local Jo-Ann Fabrics stores and maybe a Michael's or two...I can't forget Hobby Lobby, either. This is going to take some logistics....**

*Yes, I have begun speaking like Yoda.
**This does not go against the YNBA. This is an emergency!

Half way to the weekend...

2005-04-20T07:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the nice sweater comments. I really do recommend the book. Even if you hate knitting in the round, there are some good techniques in there that can be used on flat knitting as well.

Oh, yeah, Yoda must have you all fooled too because she is not so cute when she is whining for more dog food--even after already eating 2 cups!! We call her piggy instead of puggy...

Not much knitting was happening here, but sewing was on the agenda last night. I laid the fabric out on the floor to iron it and look who took over:

Comfy

I managed to get the fabric all ironed and even cut out. But not much more after that. Yoda gets all weird when no one is paying attention to her.

It may not look like much to you...

2005-04-19T05:17:00.000-05:00

...but this sweater is my first in the round, custom made for me! Remember The Thing? Well, this is my first resulting sweater from it. Obviously, I didn't over due it and went simple. But now I feel comfortable being able to make just about anything I want with the skills I learned from that book. I recommend to anyone wanting to begin designing sweaters. I know, I know, it's not definative, but it's a beginning. So, without further ado, I introduce My Sweater:

Excuse the hair and pj pants...

Pattern: Mine--Based off of skills learned in The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee
Yarn: Patons Merino Wool in Russett
Needles: Denise Circulars size 7
Notes: Yes, this is the Mariah yarn I purchased. I have quite a bit left over, so I think I'll try matching felted clogs.

I still need to wash and block it, but I am happy with it. It is one of those comfy hang out sweaters. I like the Patons, too. All in all, I think this sweater only cost me about $20. Not bad at all!

The other day Yoda and I went outside to enjoy the nice weather. Now, recall that I don't have a fence, so I have to take her out on her leash. I tried to get some action shots, but the leash is a real hinderance. I'll have to get Jeremy to hold her sometime while I snap away. Until then here are a few snaps from our little photo shoot.

Don't mess with the cutest

Puggy Profile

What's over there?

Can I go potty now--without the camera?

Hey! Get out of my yard!!!

FO...sort of

2005-04-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

Alright, so I do have a finished project, but I don't want to reveal it until I have a picture of me in it. That way I am keeping you all off my back!!

Ask and you shall receive

So I wanted some cotton Knit Picks Yarn and my request was granted. I received an email on Saturday from Knit Picks that two fo their cotton yarns are now available. I did not hesitate! I purchased some of this main color and this accent color for the Debbie Bliss Vogue Tennis Sweater. I am getting close to completing the Hourglass Sweater, so I am ready to begin something new.

What a day!

2005-04-14T04:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a loooong day. It was class day. It was also test day. Not to mention is was have tons of stuff to do at work day. I feel beat today, but the bright side is that there are only really 2 days until the weekend. My plan is no yarn work.

Since I have been so busy studying and taking horribly painful tests, there has been little knitting the last few days. So, I don't have any pictures or updates. The one knitting thing I did do was look at the Stitches Midwest booklet I received yesterday. Anyone else going? I was thinking of taking a class or two. Is anyone going that would be interested in learning fair isle with steeks? (That whole cutting thing scares the crap out of me!) I have always said that I should take a finishing class, too. Let me know if your interested... Maybe all the area knitters/bloggers can get together like those Westcoasters did.

Spring has Sprung

2005-04-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a beautiful weekend! The only thing I don't like about the weather turning nice is the yard work. I grew up doing yard work almost every weekend. My parents live on this huge lot with tons of trees, so there was always something to do. I vowed I would have very little 'yard' when I finally bought a house. Jeremy wanted a large yard--so I told him the work is his.

I did help though. We put down almost 100 bags of mulch around the house. That's just around the house. We still have 4 islands and 3 trees to do. My Freelander smells like a cedar closet!

There was some knitting this weekend too:

Hourglass Body

I have to begin the sleeves and then start knitting them on to the sweater. I liked the 390 yards of yarn all in one ball--I didn't have to worry about changing yarns and having loose ends!!

Granted, I will have to put this one away as soon as it is done....I have been thinking about the next project. (Well, of course you knew that--you do it too!). After seeing Kate and Wendy making the Debbie Bliss Tennis Sweater from the new Vogue, I want to make it too. I really liked it in the magazine, but seeing the in-progress sweaters is really tempting me!! I'm not sure how much of an investment I want to make in the cotton cashmere yarn since it is pretty much a 3-4 month sweater. (meaning since it is mostly cotton, I'll only get about 3-4 months of Spring/Summer wear out of it) But if I knit it in wool like I am thinking, I won't be able to wear it until the fall. Maybe Knit Picks will come out with their summer yarns already so I can go 'cheap'!!!

Did I die?

2005-04-08T05:35:00.000-05:00

No. But I wish I had. I am now the lucky recipient of the latest sickness. I have been off work for two days and probably shouldn't have gone back. But I didn't want to look like a slacker--they all have to see me sick to believe I really was, right?

I did minimal knitting while out--most of the time Yoda and I snuggled on the couch and slept. She is a funny sleeper!! And loud. Did I ever mention she snores-loudly? Yup, little dog, big farts, big snores.

So, I think I am actually getting over this sick, and now Jeremy is coming down with it. I guess I should be expecting it to get passed to me again in a week or so.

Stya healthy everyone and have a good weekend!

Boo hoo!

2005-04-05T05:41:00.000-05:00

Well, I stayed up and watched the men's NCAA championship game. I don't really feel bad--you can tell when a team wants to win. And that's all I have to say about that.

I knew I was being ambitious when I said my surprise sweater would be done during the game. I got so bored, I switched to the Hourglass Sweater. Not much better...bunches of stockinette. Easy though. Hopefully done soon and on to the next...Hmmmm, what should that be? Suggestions welcome!

My brain hurts today. I think that when my eyes are so tired they burn my brain shuts off, so don't expect too much from me.

Enjoy the nice weather today!! (70s in Chi-town!! Woohoo!)

What difference an hour makes...

2005-04-04T05:49:00.000-05:00

For those of you who never have had to change time due to Daylight Savings Time, you'll never know the pain one hour can cause. This is the time of year we jump ahead an hour (read: lose one hour). I don't want to sound whiny, but I could have used that hour for sleep. It's hard to fall asleep an hour earlier if your body hasn't adjusted, yet. I know a lot of people who are off for at least a week regardless of whether we gain or loose that one little hour. Woe is me, right?

Regardless of the time change, Jeremy and I were work horses this weekend:

We finally got our ceiling fan and the dimmer switch installed. It goes a lot faster if the fan isn't dead out of the box.

We put down 17 bags of mulch in the front yard. While 17 bags sounds like a lot, I'll tell you we probably have another 100 or so to go before we get everything done. But it looks good, so I don't mind. We went with Red Cypress--it adds a lot of color. It's amazing the difference!!

I steam cleaned the carpets--well, half of them. The mulch got in my way, so tonight is the second half before the ILL-INI game.
We also managed to get a table at a local Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Illini beat Louisville. There was one Louisville fan in the restaurant. Not a good idea to taunt the rest of the restaurant, Dude.

My secret sweater is coming together and will probably get done tonight during the game. I know that might be too much to ask, but I can try.

For those of you who can give a crap about the NCAA Tourney, American Chopper is airing the first part of the Caterpillar Chopper. Discovery Channel chose a very bad date to air that, but we are still excited here at the Big Yellow Machine Company.

Since this is a knitting blog and all, I should mention that I cast on for the Hourglass Sweater. Here is what 390 yards of Wool looks like all balled up:

Holy crap! Look at all that purple yarn!

I didn't think it was going to fit on the ball winder anymore!! But I managed somehow. Yoda likes to watch the Swift go round and round.

Here is a close-up of the swatch. I actually washed this too. I know. I amaze myself, too.

All clean and washed!
Is it bad that I am already thinking about my next project? I barely have the stiches on the needle and I already want to move on....Guess that's how it goes.

Are they all bored?

2005-04-01T05:43:00.000-06:00

Everyone at my company is having a baby. Or two. This one guy who works in Peoria just had #2 and his wife is already pregnant with #3. I told him I would buy him a TV if he was boerd. That poor woman!

Anyway, I wanted to make some quick gifts, so Last Minute Knitted Gifts to the rescue. This time I decided to try out the cotton baby hats. When I was at Walmart (gasp!) the other day, I bought some Bernats CottonTots. That stuff is awesome!! I think it's really soft and the yardage will give me quite a few hats from each.
In between exploding pugs, school, and work I was able to churn out a couple of these:

Sunshine and Blueberry

Pattern: Cotton Hats from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Bernat CottonTots in Sunshine and Blueberry
Needles: Denise Circulars size 8
Notes: I decided that since a little boy doesn't need a bow, I tied the i-cord in just a regular knot and the hat is cute, but not too girly

I think Yoda wants a hat...

Tired Thoughts

2005-03-31T08:39:00.000-06:00

So this school crap is kicking my ass. Last night I started to shut down at 9pm. How old am I? I should be partying it up at all hours of the night. Maybe it is a good time to start my goal of becoming independently weathly so I can travel, spa, shop, and knit when I want. Hmm, how does one become independently wealth? Lottery? Guess I better start buying tickets...

Don't read this if you don't like funny stories about little dogs with gas
One of the reasons I feel like a train hit me is becuase one did. No, not really. It's all Yoda's fault.

So, yesterday we had some major storms--Tornado warnings, hail--the fun stuff. It was also Yoda's long day in the cage. I gave her a Jumbone to gnaw on in the kennel. My sister stopped by to visit the little pug and let her out. Becky said that Yoda was fine, but she ate most of the Jumbone, so it was taken away.

Jeremy got home and Yoda did her normal potty/eat routine. Everything was normal. I got home at 10, put Yoda in her Kennel and went to bed.

Around 2am I hear whining. It DOES NOT STOP. I finally decided that if I wanted to get any sleep I needed to get up and take Yoda out. Since we don't have a fence in the yard, we have to take her out on the leash. So, I put her harness on and hooked her up.

She didn't get very far. She ran off the porch right into the yard, squatted and sounded the loudedst fart I have every heard from her (she would rival a large man). She then ran to a different part of the yard, squatted, and sounded the second loudest fart I have ever hear from her. This running around and farting happened a couple more times. Finally, she got it out of her system and came back inside.

I put her back in her kennel after wiping her bottom, just in case. Jeremy asked me what I was doing and told him the fart story. He and I were laughing as much as someone can at 2am. I then said, "If it wasn't 2 in the morning, it would be much funnier." That had him rolling.

So, I don't know if it was the Jumbone or anxiety from the storms, but she was one messed up little dog.

I guess it was funnier if you were there...and I am sure glad you weren't 'cause I would have kicked you out! 2am is too early/late to be visiting someone!!

Damn you Blogger!

2005-03-30T07:02:00.000-06:00

Ok, so some of you have already commented on my weird post today...Please come back and read what I am adding. Please? What happened was that I uploaded the pictures to Blogger through 'Hello' and was going to go back in to edit everything. Only Blogger went down for several hours!! Just to let everyone know, I am in process of moving to Typepad. More on that later... Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled post:

Saturday was a great day for getting stuff done--sort of. Jeremy and two of his friends, one a plumber and one an electrician, were putting in a ceiling fan in our Great Room. Since my car was blocked in and I didn't want to do yard work, I decided to make some things that I had been meaning to do. One of the things on my list was a Springy bag with some Amy Butler fabric. I love stripes!! so you can imagine the fun I had with one. I still need to steam it so it looks nice, but I really like the way it turned out. I didn't use a pattern per se, but I adapted one to fit my needs. Monica, since it is cotton, it is a little flimsy to hold Yoda, but I am sure I'll find bones hidden in it!

Spring Stripes
If I really wanted to, I could use this bag as a reversable bag. The lining is also Amy Butler, and it is all coordinated. I still have some left overs that I was thinking about using for a needle role.

Funky Flowers

I stopped at Barnes and Noble yesterday. I know, it's my kryponite. But I only bought these two magazines. I was pleasenly surprised by the Vogue. I like about 8 designs. I am not usually one for summer sweaters, but these are almost year-round ones.

Spring/Summer 2005

What would a blog entry be without the Yodster? She had just finished defending her yard from a bunch of middle schoolers cutting through our yard. I hope they find some nice presents on their shoes later...Serves them right!!

It's Spring, Mom!

What now?

2005-03-29T05:03:00.000-06:00

Now that I have completed Klaralund, what am I going to work on you ask? Well, I have this surprise project that you see over to the side. I had to rip out both of the sleeves since I did them all wrong the first time. I would otherwise be done. Then it's on to the Hourglass sweater. I think Mariah is not going to happen....

Go Illini

I can't live in Illinois and not give a shout-out to the Fighting Illini. I hate basketball. I was a cheerleader in high school for both football and basketball--basketball was the longest season ever. So, it is amazing that I go home turn on PTI and SportsCenter just to see what the prognosis is for the Blue and Orange. But, while I went to the smaller school about an hour south of U of I, I did take a summer class there one year....does that count as alumni? They keep sending me alumni stuff...Or is it just Illinois Pride?

BTW--why can't the sportscasters understand that the 's' in Illinois is silent? How hard is that?

Alright, Alright

2005-03-27T11:32:00.000-06:00

Since you all have asked ~~nagged~~ me for a modeled picture of Klaralund, here you go:

An Easter Sweater

All Yoda

2005-03-23T07:03:00.000-06:00

Here is Yoda chasing her tail. Yes, she chases her tail. I have even seen her catch it!! She really gets going around, but here she was just finishing up a round.

How can you not give that face everything she wants? What are we going to do when we have kids?! They are going to be so spoiled...

C'mon, Mom, take me out. I'll go potty this time...

Done with Klara

2005-03-22T05:04:00.000-06:00

Completed Klaralund

Pattern: Klaralund from Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Collection Book 2
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden color 201
Needles: Lion Brand size 8 plastic straights
Notes: I shortened the sleeves a bit. I will probably never use Silk Garden again. I am not a fan of the knots, the fodder or the feel of it. It did soften a litte when washed, but not too much.

Yoda and Klara

Yoda likes Klara

She really likes Klara...

Don't mess with my Klaralund!

More Yoda

I promised pictures with the new camera, so here are a *few* to keep you busy!

I'm comfy...

Is it bedtime, yet?

Don't tell Mom I'm lying on her material for the drapes!

Where oh where is Klaralund?

2005-03-21T05:20:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to have a finished sweater to show off today. But after sewing on the same sleeve three times because I had done it wrong twice, I just didn't get it all done. I will finish and take pictures tonight.

Which reminds me that we bit the bullet and bought a new digital camera. We went big, so to speak-- A digital Canon Rebel SLR. We figure that we'll have this camera a while. I am in process of reading the manual since there are sooo many features. But for such a complex camera, it is relatively easy to use, thus far. Everyone will have to let me know what you think of the pictures when I start taking them...Just think, more cute Yoda pics. Oh, yeah, and knitting pics!!

2005-03-16T08:55:00.000-06:00

Do you ever want to finish all of your projects so badly that you start something new? Or is that just me? Last night I wanted to be done with Klaralund, my secret project, and those darn sorry socks. So, instead I picked up some old Wool-Ease Chucky and played around with some of the patterns in Knitting on the Edge. I finally came out with a spiral. No pictures since it isn't very pretty. Kind of blah in bulky yarn if you ask me. But cool in design nonetheless.

Maybe tonight I will get something done...or is that pushing it? I really need to learn to knit faster. It's supposed to be about the process and not the project, right? I might beg to differ sometimes...

Sleeve Island

2005-03-15T05:43:00.000-06:00

Here I am on Sleeve Island not sipping a Margarita. I do have one Klaralund sleeve done and one surprise project sleeve done (yes, it has sleeves, but no pics).

Klaralund sleeve #1

I doubt the colors make for a great upclose shot of the extending garter stitch, but it's worth a shot:

Close up of extended garter stitch

I have also been working on my sock. It is a sorry sock in that I should be done already!

sorry sock

Yoda was not happy with the early morning photo shoot...

Yoda stealing back her chew toy

2005-03-11T05:53:00.000-06:00

I have been knitting. Really, I have. Here is proof:

Klaralund Sleeve #1

For those of you that have done this sweater, did you match the sleeves' stripes or did you just knit away in bliss until it was done? See, I'm not sure I want to mess with getting the stripes the same on both sleeves, but then I think it'll look weird if I don't. Suggestions?

Oh, Yoda was helping me take pictures...Here she is running away from the camera. That has to be a first!

Yoda's butt running away...

2005-03-09T05:13:00.000-06:00

As you can see from my side bar, I have actually been pretty productive. It doesn't feel that way. I have been working on Klaralund and have decided that I am really not a fan of purling. I tried. I told myself I would give it a chance. Well, I did, and it slows me down. Guess I'll have to learn a different way to knit so that the quickness of the knit makes up for the purl? Does that make sense? I didn't think so.

This week I am in training for some server monitoring software. How fun does that sound? Yeah, I agree. Yesterday was one of the longest days of my life. Seriously. I started taking my own breaks. Sometimes you need to just get up and move around. I hope everyone's day is more exciting than mine!!

Goat or Pug?

2005-03-07T04:54:00.000-06:00

Yoda has been acting very strange lately. After some careful consideration, we have come to the conclusion that she is turning into a goat. First, she began chewing on shoes. Then used (eww) Kleenex. Now she is climbing on her Kennel:

She must have seen a mouse...

Don't notice the laundry in the corner

On top of the world!

Milestones

2005-03-04T05:18:00.000-06:00

First, I want to say Happy Birthday to Chicago. Yes, this second city is 168 today. And it even survived a cow and a lantern...

Second, the person, or rather the person whose magazine inspired me to learn to knit is out of prision today--Martha Stewart. I learned from an article in one of the Living issues several years back. I have to give her kudos for that.

It's a busy day with all this celebration!!

Speaking of celebrations, how cool is it when your non-knitting friends buy you knitting stuff for your birthday? A really good friend of mine since 5th grade(!) and his girlfriend spent sometime at the bookstore picking out knitting books for me. How awesome! The books I received are:

Well, I do already have two of the books they gave me, so I just acted surprised and happy. The book I got in exchange for SnB and Knitted Toys (plus a store credit):

Here is the book I was allowed to purchase when Jeremy and I went to the bookstore (he got some books too, so it was only fair):

Wow!! Guess I better get knitting so I can use these books!!

Fuzzy Bunny

2005-03-03T05:05:00.000-06:00

Here are the finished Baby Booties from Last Minute Knitted Gifts:

Pattern: Angora Baby Booties from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Yarn: 100% Angora in white
Needles: 2 Denise Circulars size 5
Notes: Oh how I wish I could have a pair of these. They are so soft and cuddly. I found Yoda trying to cuddle with with them!!

Updates

2005-03-02T05:32:00.000-06:00

I was flying along on my sock last night when I realized the heel was not right. I'm not sure what happened, but it just wasn't right. I thought I was going to have to rip the entire thing over because I was starting to not like the pattern...low and behold Lion Brand has a similar pattern with a heel that makes sense. So the knitting on the sock comences!

I have been working on Klaralund. I am working on the sleeve currently. I would have taken a picture, but really, who wants to see garter stitch and more stockenette? Ei, the color I am using is 201. It's supposed to be blue and purple, but as you can see from the previous pictures, that is not always the case!!

Heather, I would love to show you a close-up of the Angora, but it is currently a pair of booties...I just need to sew in a few ends and I'll have pictures tomorrow. I wish I had booties for me in Angora. So soft!!

Denise Needles and socks

2005-03-01T05:26:00.000-06:00

I love my Denise Needles. I really do--I have 2 sets. Only thing is I have broken 2 cables in the short amount of time I have had them. I think one of the sets may have defective needles, but I don't know what set that is AND I am sure all my cables are mixed up by now. I sent in the first needle and they replaced it for me, but the downtime of waiting for the cord can really put a damper on getting things done. Hmpf!

So, while I wait for my new cable, I picked up some sock yarn in my basket and have so far turned it into this:

Simple Sock

Closeup of yarn pattern

FOs and Yarn!

2005-02-28T05:25:00.000-06:00

So I figured I owed my loyal fans a finsihed project and some pictures, so I set out to finish my socks. Actually, I had a doctor's appointment on Friday, so I had some wating room time to work on the second sock. With out any further ado, here is my first pair of socks:

Pattern: Socks Soar on Two Circulars basic sock pattern
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Java
Needles: Clover Bamboo size 3
Notes: I LOVE THIS YARN!! I received this yarn from my first secret pal (THANK YOU!!) and decided they would be my first pair of socks. It is so soft and the colors are awesome.

Close up of the sock detail.

I have quite a bit of yarn left over, so I think I might try some baby socks.
I mentioned I had a doctor's appointment on Friday, so I left work early to drive to downtown Naperville. I sort of had a little time to waste, so I hit the yarn store down there. I wasn't really inspired by anything. Seriously. There were some really nice yarns, but I was sort of upset. I wanted to order some handpainted yarn for an Hourglass Sweater, and I tried. Only when I ordered my iPod, Apple did some weird $.50 charge which my bank thought was identity theft and turned off my debit card. So I tried to order and was denied. Then when it was all worked out, all the yarns were gone. So, I went to the doctor and decided to hit another yarn store on the way home:

What's in the bag?!
I still have some birthday money, so don't freak out on me, yet. I found some great things:

LOOT!
Here are the things I came away with: 3 hanks of Chuckanaut Bay wool for an Hourglass (this stuff is 390 yards for $19) in a deel purple, a hank of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn in blue, some angora for the booties in Last Minute Knittd Gifts (a gift for a co-worker), the Fiber Trends Felted Clog Pattern, Chibi, and regular darning needles.
Want to see a closeup of the Chuckanaut Bay yarn?

Slow going...

2005-02-25T05:45:00.000-06:00

Since I have been concentrating on homework (yes, this is going to go on for the next 3 years! ARGH!), I have been slow going on all my projects. Here is the front of Klaralund:

Don't the stripes look much different than the back?

I'm not sure if I'll just leave it and say that's what happens with self striping yarn. Or if I'll rip the back out and try to get more purple and blue in there.

So, this Winter Slowness ~~laziness~~ that I have been feeling must be going around. Ei posted about her lack of enthusiasm for much of anything...
I think I need a massage and pedicure to feel better...

Yoda is just as cute as ever:

Look at me, I'm cute Yoda...

Here she is waiting to pounce on my hand...

She likes to play this hand chasing game and we are not sure what the rules are yet. So we just try to play along!

How do I use this thing?

2005-02-22T05:49:00.000-06:00

So our digital camera is a couple years old and cost about $1000 when we bought it. I have been struggling lately to take pictures of the details of my knitting, so I want a new camera. Jeremy wasn't on board with that plan. He showed me the macro mode. Um, I never knew that was there. So I practiced on the back of Klaralund:

Then I played around with the zoom function. Here she is at 2.5 zoom (whatever that means):

For being so technical, this camera stuff is like Greek to me. Guess I should read the manual. Maybe I'll take more pictures for you all to see.

I got my mini ipod and loaded her up with some of my ripped albums. I need to check out Audible. Heather mentioned this audio book site...DaVinci Code here I come!

Knitting and Puppies

2005-02-18T05:35:00.000-06:00

Can you guess what this is?

Back of Klaralund

Even though I have been so busy I can't keep up with my favorite blogs, I was sick, and homework has gotten crazy, this is still a quick knit!! The back is done minus two rows. Though the jury is still out on this Silk Garden...

And what would a blog be without a cute picture of the clean (she was groomed on Wednesday) Yoda?

Doesn't she look innocent? Well, just ask her about my fairly new shoes...

cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze

2005-02-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

Yup, that's been me for the last few days. I have been sickly with the head, chest, throat thing. Lovely and fun!

So, today is my birthday. I have yet to decide what I want from Jeremy and my mom (I was given money). I was thinking ipod mini, but I just don't know...Any suggestions?

I hope everyone's day is less sick than mine...off to save the world with a .net app, I think.

Random...

2005-02-10T05:50:00.000-06:00

If anyone is interested in a review of the new Knit Picks yarn, someone sent me this link. I also saw on KR that Clar ais doing her Knit Picks review for this week's newsletter.

So what have I been working on? I have been trying to finish up sock #2. I know I'm slow. I have done the heel and now need to pick up stitches. It should be smooth sailing after that. I've also been working on a mystery project. More details to come.

Who is cuter?

IK

2005-02-09T13:42:00.000-06:00

I guess the Spring Interweave Knits is supposed to be on newsstands soon. I have a subscription, and have yet to see the Spring issue in my mailbox. But after looking at the preview, I might not care. I like the cabled socks, but those were really the only thing that jumped out at me. I think part of my problem is that I am not big into Spring/Summer knitting, so the ideas really don't appeal to me. I'll let you all be the judge.

Strike a Pose--Vogue!

2005-02-08T05:27:00.000-06:00

I promised to show everyone the sweaters I liked from Vogue Knitting Winter 2004/2005. So, here they are (you can click on the pictures to see more detail, but I am sure you already knew that):

I LOVE Adrienne Vittadini desgins. I think they are classic and stylish. I could wear this to work or out at night. I was thinking this yarn could be a good fit for the budget concious.

This is the epitome of classic. A nice silk blend would be awesome for this design.

This cardigan is supposed to be knit in Cashmere, but who really has the budget for that? I was thinking this or this doubled would work. Still cheaper than cashmere

I like this jacket, but I am still not sure if it will look good on me. But just in case, this should do.

Yeah, so the yarns I am considering for these projects is all from the Knit Picks collection. Why should I pay any more? I of course cannot purchase yarn right now, and I want to wait and see what everyone who has bought the yarn thinks. But why should I spend $15/ball or more when I can get half a sweater for that price?

National Holiday

2005-02-07T05:54:00.000-06:00

The day after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday with everyone getting the day off. It really should.

So, I survived my in-laws, but barely. My husband said we should invite them over for the Super Bowl just to get it over with. He really isn't a big fan of his family, either. Poor Yoda was chased around by a 3 year old all night, and when she didn't want to come out of her cage this morning, I couldn't blame her.

I had wanted to get some knitting done during the game, but that really didn't happen. I had to be a good hostess and get people drinks and food. Darn, I was a good girl and did homework all weekend so I could have Sunday afternoon/evening to knit and relax. Nope.

Sorry I am so boring today, but I really am tired. My eyes are burning, just to give you an idea of the tired. The day after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday with everyone getting the day off. It really should.

Hurray for front loaders?!

2005-02-04T05:23:00.000-06:00

Who would have thought that my front loading Whirlpool Duet machine would play an integral part in my knitting? Over at Knitter's Review about Felting and Front Loading Machines. Basically, felting in a front loader takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r. It's because there is no agitator to rough up the yarn. But, there is an upside to a front loader. Ok, at least my brand of front loader. I have a wool cycle. Yes, you heard me right--a wool cycle. The nice thing about it is the low spin. You can wash your woolens, take them out, and they are not sopping wet. This is very nice for blocking pretty cabled scarves:

And a close up:

"But Amanda, how did you take care of the fuzzy felted ends?" you ask. I used a little bit of this on the strands and they cooperated long enough to sew them in.

So, you all miss the Princess Yoda? Ok, here are a couple pictures of her helping me block the scarf:

She was really quite helpful. She moved the scarf around to fit her needs...It was great.

Now, we all know that Yoda is probably one of the most spoiled puppies around, so how much more spoiled can she get? I was reading the new Vogue Knitting magazine (bought with money gifted to me by my mom, so no breaking the agreement) and noticed a small little blurb about the Craft Yarn Council's latest idea. This idea benefits puppies everywhere--Check it out!

Speaking of Vogue Knitting...
I have read that a lot of people are very disappointed in the new VK and that it is going downhill...blah, blah, blah. Come on, people. Are you looking at the garments themselves or the way the outfits are put together? I'm not saying I like everything, but there are four patterns that I would love to knit--all depends on when I get to the others on my list! I think the price is right for 4 patterns. I'll scan some pics later to show you all which I like.

BTW--I hit a bunny this morning on my way to work. I feel awful and I think that is going to set the tone for today, so think good things for me (and for the little bunny).

2005-02-03T05:58:00.000-06:00

I wanted to show everyone the finished 'Here and There' today. I really did, but I can't. It's not because the camera is broken or because I lost(!) the scarf. It's because I fell asleep last night at 7:30 and didn't complete it!

I sat down after dinner to do homework. I told myself I would read a chapter of economics and then get to knit. Somehow I manged to finish the chapter. That was the last thing I remember before Jeremy was standing over me telling me to go to bed at 8:30. He went too, by the way. We were beat! I blame it on the change in weather...it's supposed to be in the 40's (F) today!

Knitting?

This is a knitting blog, so I guess I must talk about my future plans. Right now I am finishing the mate to my sock. I am cleaning up my side bar!! I think I will continue to work on those projects (unless I decide that I really hate them at this point) until I get the Klaralund pattern. That will be my next biggie project. So socks, Klaralund, and maybe a new Yoda sweater...You know, this could all change.

99% there...

2005-02-02T05:50:00.000-06:00

I have managed to finish the knitting on the 'Here and There Cables' scarf. now I only need to sew in the ends and block it. The other day I said that won't be a big deal. I may have been wrong about that. I started to get the hanging strands ready last night for sewing and I noticed they are felted together:

Here I have taken the strand apart, but you can see the fuzzy of the felt.

Any ideas? Anyone? I tried to sew in one set last night and those sides became very fuzzy...

What next?

Well, I am kind of waiting on Mariah. I decided to wait and see the finished products and then decide what I want to do. But I can almost guarantee that I am not going to knit that pattern for myself. I need to be knitting classic things I can wear at work, and while I could wear Mariah on casual days, we don't have them very often.

I am expecting to get the Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Collection Book Number 2 for my birthday to make Klaralund (February 16), so she is on my list. It should be pretty quick and easy while classes are in session.

I really like the knitted Hourglass Sweaters from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. But there is that whole non-yarn buying thing in place, so that'll have to wait.

I do have quite a bit of sock yarn from my secret pal sitting in my basket...hmmm.

More on this topic to come...

Good bye, Thing...

2005-02-01T17:34:00.000-06:00

It's done! The Thing is officially complete. Well, as far as I am going to take it. Here is one side. You can see the two color work (which was surprisingly fun in the round), the knitted belt, the sweat shirt pocket, many different stripesm the knitted cord, and the cord bind off.

Here is the other side showing off the lace bind off and the knitted loop. There are some raglan decreases in there, some increasing...you know all the fun stuff you should expect from a sweater.

Pompeii and such

2005-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to mention that last night Jeremy and I watched Pompeii: The Last Day on the Discovery Channel. It was actually really good and interesting.

I've actually visited Pompeii and thought it was an awesome archeological site. The town is still only partially unearthed, too. One thing I learned last night was that more than just Pompeii was effected by the volcano and that no lava came oozing down the side of the mountian. I can see this topic being the next big Hollywood Blockbuster. Kind of like Titanic...

I think it is being replayed Tuesday night, so check it out if there is nothing else on TV.

Now, Monica has tapped me to play along in this little music meme. This was hard, but here goes:

1. Total amount of music files on your computer?
I think I have no songs left on my computer. When I got my DVD burner, I put them all on a DVD--about 2 GB. When I had a computer at work that could play the DVD, I listened to them at work. Now I can't because my laptop doesn't play DVDs. I don't own an sort of MP3 player, either.

2. CD you last bought?
The last CD I bought was with a gift certificate--Jet. I used to belong to BMG and bought CDs like they were going out of style. Guess they are...

3. Last song you listened to before reading this message?
The last song I heard on the radio was "Breath" by Anna Nalick. It was the first time I heard the song, so thank goodness for those displays on the radios!

4. 5 songs you often listen to, or which mean a lot to you?
About 5 years ago I think this would have been an easy question for me to answer. I barely listen to more than a couple of artists now voluntarily (not on the radio).
a."At Last" by Etta James (Our Wedding Song...even if the DJ screwed it up!)
b."Dream a Little Dream of Me" done by Chicago. (I swear they did this song. I can't find it anywhere, but I know I heard it!!)
c.Anything from Matchbox 20
d.Just about anything by Bush
e."Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik" by Mozart (I think Mozart was one of the first Classical Composers I really liked)

5. Who are you going to pass this onto and why?
I've begun to know some great bloggers on each edge of the US...
a.Heather
b.Kate
c.Melissa

Good Bye, January!

2005-01-31T05:48:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of January...I hope it takes its snow storms and extremely cold weather with it...A girl can hope, can't she?

Going back to school really cuts into knitting time. There was about 7 hours this weekend I did homework instead of knitting. Boo. Guess I'll have to keep telling myself that when I am done I could be making more $$ to buy yarn with...

Updates

I worked on the Here and There Cables scarf. Almost done. I have one ball of yarn left and then I am done with the knitting. There is still the weaving and blocking, but that is minor. Next I think I need a hat. How did I manage to get through the winter so far without a hat? No idea. Maybe that hood that is attached to my coat helped...

"The Thing" is mostly done. I'll have to finish it up and take pictures. The next step is a "Son of a Thing". All that means is a custom sweater for myself. Hmm...But there is still Klaralund and possibly Mariah...

Speaking of Mariah, I think I am going to wait to cast on. I'll wait to see what the finished ones look like and then decide if I want to do it. That's the safest thing to do. Don't worry, the yarn will not go to waste! Besides, at the rate I am going with school, it would take me a year to get it finished. Maybe I should stick with small projects for a while.

2005-01-27T05:48:00.000-06:00

I did it!! I did the lace bind off. I think I did it right since all the stitches seemed to work out. I think it looks funny, but that could be because the yarn is worsted weight--something a little less substantial may make it look pretty like lace is supposed to look. Thanks, Amy for your suggestions!!

Should I?

2005-01-26T06:14:00.000-06:00

I am seriously rethinking doing Mariah. I like the sweater, but I think I am trying to move away from things that resemble things I wore in high school and college--as comfortable as they are! I was thinking about using the Patons for a sweater in the round...I am learning all those fun techniques...So,

Thing a-long

Some of you are not sure what "The Thing" is, so I pulled this from the book:
"The Sampler [aka 'Thing'] is your opportunity to experience the whys, the wheres, and the whens of knitting a sweater. As you work from stitch to stitch exploring the more obvious how-to’s, this underlying focus becomes apparent; reason emerges as the key to a perfectly constructed sweater. Combine this perspective with your own wits, wisdom, and natural flair, and you’ll have the makings of many a variation. And varied they will be, for timidity and hesitation will be gone Proudly, and without a second thought, you’ll be adding a pocket here, a bit of lace there. This new “nothing-to-it” attitude will spark your enthusiasm for knitting."
~Jacqueline Fee, The Sweater Workshop

I have learned quite a few techniques from doing this sampler. Things I probably wouldn't have tried in a sweater if I had never done them before. Someone left me a note yesterday that they are doing the sampler, too...who are you? You forgot to leave your name and I can't send you a shout-out if I don't know who you are. Aside: Maybe a good reason to rethink Blogger...

It's Cold Out There, Baby!

2005-01-25T05:51:00.000-06:00

The knitting I have been doing has been focused pretty much on one thing--staying warm! When Elann had their Peruvian Wool Bag Sale, I got so excited that I bought two bags (one black and one grey). I didn't read the details, so I didn't realize it was 60 yards of wool each ball and that the guage was much smaller. I thought I was going to get another Ribby out of it...um no. That's ok, though. This stuff is not very tightly spun and much softer than the original! After looking through a couple books, I found the pattern to knit--Weekend Knitting's Mittens were it:

After braving some snow and cold, I decided that the Glorious Gloves, while pretty, are not warm enough. Boy are these mittens warm, too!

Here and There Cables

My other bag of Highland Peruvian Wool is being used to make this beautiful scarf from Scarf Style

This is how it will look blocked:
Isn't it pretty? Who would have known?!

Thing Update

As you can see, I have been busy learning new skills on "The Thing". I believe this is the front of it in relation to a sweater.

Here is the other side. I am on the cast offs. They are pretty interesting and different. This cord-type cast off could have been used on the Ribby Cardi if I was going to do the roll collar. This rolls no matter what!!

This is a knitted belt. It was actually a really cool technique! I still need to add a button and then put it on "The Thing".

A close up of my first attempt at two color knitting. Not bad if I do say so myself!

My boring life...

2005-01-24T06:03:00.000-06:00

I have been a bad blogger as of late...I haven't posted much, no pictures...It's just that my life has been pretty boring. I haven't really completed anything, which means I haven't really been knitting. I've been bad at getting back to people who left me comments--which I truely appreciate! I've been bad about leaving comments on other's blogs. Please forgive me.

I do have pictures today...not of knitting, but pictures. It snowed on Friday night. We didn't get as much snow as the east coast (thank, God!), but we got quite a bit in the Chicagoland area. Here is a picture of snow removal:

As you can see, we have an island in the middle of our circle street. For some reason a regular plow cannot get in there, but a medium wheel loader (it is a CAT!) can. Here are a couple of more pictures Jeremy took of this fiasco:

The snow did Yoda in, too. She was pooped just thinking about going outside to potty:

BTW, I am still working on my "Thing" from Jacqueline Fee's Sweater Workshop. I've come to the lace cast off. I have not done lace before, so if someone can help me out with the YO2, I would appreciate it!!

2005-01-19T05:51:00.000-06:00

By now, you all should have heard about the new KnitPicks yarn collection. Hell, I think I even mentioned it a couple of days ago. Well, within that time, I have received my KnitPicks catalog. I read all the descriptions of all the yarns. I have to say the most impressive part of the catalog was the way they put together a whole slew of projects that would be appropriate for each yarn. It was pretty nice to see what substitues nicely. It looks like the website also has a couple of 'recommended projects' when you look at the details of the yarn. Very neat!

So since I am on my self imposed YNBA, I must use up what I have at home...Speaking of the YNBA, I have come up with some rules. Since I don't have rooms and rooms of stash, I felt that I needed to address such things as running out of stash! Eek! Could it happen? I don't know, but we better plan for it just in case:

The Rules:
1. No purchasing of yarn, needles, patterns, magazines, books, notions to do with knitting.
2. If a gift of money or giftcard is recieved, it may be used to purchase knitting supplies mentioned above. (My birthay is coming up for crying out loud)
3. If finishing of a knitted item is dependent on a zipper, buttons, etc. then those items may be purchased after the garment has been seamed.
4. For gift knitting- An appropriate gift must first attempt to use stash yarn. If there is not appropriate yarn, yarn may be purchased under the supervision of the husband.
5. If stash is depleated durning YNBA, yarn may be purchased for one project at a time.

Let's see how that works out...

P.S. Alias tonight!! I need a personal trainer to help me get the body of Jennifer Garner (She is HOT!)!!

Back to Work!

2005-01-18T07:15:00.000-06:00

Well, not really. I had yesterday off for MLK Day, but I still worked from home. Makes sense right?

And the school semester has officially kicked off. What was I thinking? I am taking 2 8-eight week classes for the first half of the semester and another 2 for the last 8 weeks. It sounded like a really good idea to sign up for the Saturday morning class from 8:30-12 in Naperville. Doesn't sound so great right now. Funny, but the thing I am most worried about is that I will probably need to get on the toll road and I don't have an i-pass. For those of you not keeping up with Illinois politics and highway travel, there is a situation. Our Governor, he's a gem, has decided that the tolls need to double in Illinois. If we buy one of those handy dandy little electronic transponders that we put $$ on (i-pass), the tolls are the old price. I have yet to purchase one of those little i-passes because my mom is buying me one for my birthday--in February. Maybe we can move that gift up....

My finger is much better! So I did some knitting when I wasn't working yesterday. I made some more progress on the elusive "Here and There Cables" scarf. Don't worry, a picture will ensue when the scarf is done. The reason I am working feverishly on the scarf is that, well, it's cold out there!! I heard there is a town in MN that is -52 degrees (F)--that is without windchill. Damn cold! That and I am to the point on the "Thing" where I start color work. That's new and kinda scary. I want to be able to sit down and take my time learning how to do it. Not rush through it because Yoda has to go out right now!

Think warm!!

Brilliant!

2005-01-14T06:05:00.000-06:00

That was me last night. I was baking some biscuits for dinner. I had used the potholder to get the cookie sheet out of the oven. I was taking the biscuits off the sheet and they were sticking to to the foil I had put down. So I decided to hold the foil in place on the hot cookie sheet--sans potholder. Um, yeah. I burnt my left index finger. It hurt. It still feels weird. It blistered immediately. So you all know what that means--no knitting.

Brilliant! (said just like those Guiness cartoons...)

Japanese Knitting

2005-01-13T05:33:00.000-06:00

In addition to the reason I wanted this book, here are a couple more very cute projects from the Japanese knitting magazine:

Resources

Now obviously I don't speak, read or even look Japanese. So, I am going to need some help. There are a few very good explainations of the charts online. For those of you who might try some Japanese knitting, here they are:
Japanese Pattern Basics

How to Read Japanese Graphical Charts

Japanese-English Knitting Dictionary

Japanese Characters-Kana

SugarCubed's Quick Japanese Pattern Help

Japanese Pattern/Charting Instructions

Free Japanese Patterns

Scarves

Fall/Winter Women's Patterns

More Fall/Winter Women's Pattern's

Kid's and Baby Patterns

Men's Patterns

Knitting of a high Class Patterns

Spring and Summer Women's Sweater Patterns

Spring and Summer Shawl and Stole Patterns

Japanese Dish Scrubbies

It's going to be a long 4 months...

2005-01-12T15:20:00.000-06:00

So, I saw on the Mariah knit-a-long that KnitPicks has some new yarns--their own line. They have merino wool, Puruvian wool, silk/wool/cashmere blends, alpaca...The list goes on and on. The best part--the price. They are very, very reasonable!! For example 110 yards of Puruvian Wool is $1.79. Huh?! Is that legal?!? So, for all of you that can shop, here is the link to KnitPicks' Yarn

2005-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Because it always seems like a good idea to pass someone on a two lane road in the country (for those of you in the city, it is much darker in the country) in dense fog... That was my drive to work. This, as we say in the IT world, ID10T (that is said eye-dee-ten-tee and error is usually thrown in there) tried passing a guy in the fog on a dark country two lane road this morning while there was massive oncoming traffic. I just about wet myself and the car. I was driving behind this genius when he jumped out into the left lane and decided to pass this other car. Um, I saw headlights through the fog before he jumped out there. Luckily, no one was hurt. But man, the adrenaline was pumping!!

Last night I went to Fringe to meet up with Monica to get my Japanese Knitting Magazine. I had a good time hanging out and talking. I couldn't stay all that long since Yoda was in her kennel again. She needs to be out sometime, right?

I didn't get to scan any pictures of the patterns in this book, but I was very impressed. There are over 60 numbered patterns and if there is a hat or bag also pictured, you get that pattern as well. All in all it cost $16, and I also gave Monica some Richesse et Soie and the Glorious Gloves pattern as a thank you.

For those of you who are wondering how I am going to figure out the directions, because I am obviously not Japanese and don't read it, I am going to rely on the help here. If not I have a friend in the Army that was learning Japanese....wonder if he would have any free time to translate?

What happens when you are still bored at work....

2005-01-11T13:37:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Kate's blog and since I am bored decided to play along:
Grooming Products
Shampoo--Pantene, Herbal Essence
Moisturizer--Oil of Olay (body) & Cetaphil
Cologne--Emporio by Armani
Razor--Venus
Toothpaste--Colgate Total
Electronics
Cell phone--Motorola flip phone
Computer--Dell, Home grown, 2 dell laptops (work)
Television--57 inch HD Sony
Stereo--Yamaha receiver, JBL speakers
Home
Sheets-- Eddie Bauer
Coffee-maker--um, not a fan of coffee
Car--Land Rover Freelander
Stationery-- sheet of computer paper (would love some crane's)
Beverages
Bottled water--Ice Mountain
Coffee--again, yuck
Vodka--had a bad experience once with some absolute once....
Beer--Amstel Light
Wine -- Riesling (most brands are pretty good)
Clothes
Jeans--Levi's
T-shirt--old college/sorority shirts
Briefcase or tote--it was a CAT bag until the tomato soup episode
Sneakers--Adidas
Watch--Ann Klein
Favorite Places
Home, The Parthenon Restaurant, anywhere but work!
Necessary Extravagance
Dog grooming, new carpet, technical gadgets

Kill that boredom and the stash!

2005-01-11T11:05:00.000-06:00

What does one do when in "wait" mode? I am currently waiting on several people to get stuff to me for work. So, pretty much I am bored out of my mind. I did the internet thing-still bored. I did the IM thing-still bored. Oh what can kill this boredom?

For a geek, it all involves a pda, excel, and a yarn stash. I started going through my yarn stash, my needle stash (omg), my notions stash, my books, patterns, and magazines and putting them into an excel spreadsheet. Right now I am just going from memory with a little help from Amazon. With the yarn, I am also specifying the project for which it was originally purchased or what project for which it should be used. I am getting quite a good understanding of what is going to keep me busy for the next four months.

Now, I don't have the stash that some people do...mine is confined to a large Pier 1 basket. But I have enough yarn to try some new things and to get some sweaters done. Then it is purchase a project at a time and knit that--nothing to distract me! Good plan, right? We'll see...

(Free) Knitting pattern of the day: Knit Bunny

I can do it!

2005-01-10T05:40:00.000-06:00

After my little episode at Barnes & Noble last week, I needed to do something to curb my addiction. So after thinking about it, I came up with a plan...Most of you have probably noticed the little button to my right by now. Yes, a Yarn Non-Buying Agreement. Only I am going a little further with this. I am going to extend this to all knitting books, magazines, patterns, supplies, etc. Monica was nice enough to order a Japanese knitting magazine for me, but after that--no more until April. I have enough. I really do. I can keep myself occupied for four months on the supplies I have. Not only that, my time is going to be severly restricted since I am beginning school in the next week or so. SO, I can can do it....and anyone else that wants to jump on the band wagon is more than welcome!

Peer Pressure

2005-01-07T09:38:00.000-06:00

Aside: What do you get when you have a blogger who spent 30
minutes putting together a post and a temperamental Blogger software? I'll tell
you--an eaten post. I have been thinking about changing services lately,
but I just am not sure if I want to take on that task right now. But be
prepared! It might happen sometime.

So now, I'll try to recreate my post!

After visiting Amie's blog yesterday, and reading all about the finished projects and knit-a-longs from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, I decided a trip to the book store was needed. Now, I don't know why there aren't ankle bracelets for people like me. I am addicted to books. I cannot leave the bookstore without buying something or lots of somethings. (This little problem was all the fault of my mother. When my sister and I were young, she would buy us anything we wanted from the bookstore. I guess she thought there were way worse things to be buying. I then became on of those children who was reading War and Peace in fourth grade. I kid you not.) So after spending some time in the knitting section, I decided on these books:

Buster N Me is where I was inspired to purchase the toy book. She knit the monkey. He is too cute! I have always wanted a pet monkey...

Now, I just don't understand why the bookstore needs to tempt me by putting the sewing books next to the knitting books! I picked this one up because it was inexpensive ($14.95) and had tons of cool ideas:

But, wait, my bookstore adventure is not complete! I headed over to the magazines! Oh, darn, we all know where the is heading...

This one is in conjunction with Lion Brand Yarns. There was an article on felting, which I found very odd. Unless Lion Brand has come out with some new yarn, the only one that I know of that felts well is the Fisherman's Wool. There actually were some advanced looking patterns as well. I really didn't get a chance to look at it in depth last night. Oh, and the ponchos were not the reason I bought it!! Will they every go away?

Now, I normally don't stray from IK, FCEK, and Vogue knitting magazines (or a derivative thereof), but I flipped through Creative Knitting and found two reasons to buy it...

Here are the reasons:

Yes, those are dog booties and a scarf. I told you she is ~~a princess~~ spoiled. There were some wraps and stoles that looks pretty, but I didn't have a chance to look through this one in depth, either. But, you can view all the projects on their site.

As I said, I have no self control when it comes to books. Well, reading materials.

Glorious Gloves

Thanks to everyone that complemented me on the Glorious Gloves. To answer Eilene's question about how tedious they are to knit. Honestly, they really aren't tedious. My problem was that this was my first pair of gloves and I was obsessing about getting the fingers to work (without holes in between). But, like I said, I was starting to figure it out by the end. I also learned a lot while doing these gloves. So, if you are contemplating them, go ahead and give them a try!!

Just in time for snow and cold...

2005-01-06T05:44:00.000-06:00

...Glorious Gloves! Yes, they are finally complete. I started to get the hang of the fingers by number 8 or 9--a little late, huh. I guess I'll do better the next time. Which won't be too soon--I'll try mittens and fingerless gloves next!

Here are the palms...

And on my hand. I tried taking a picture of the right hand, but damn if that didn't work!

2005-01-05T05:26:00.000-06:00

My how the "thing" is growing!! I have thus far completed the garter stitch; the stockinette; K1,P1 rib; twisted rib; and K2,P2 rib. I believe the next section is going to be color! Guess I have to go looking for some in my basket.

Yoda says, "Hi" to all you bloggers as she takes a break from her bone chewing. Note: those are thow pillows that go on my bed--not Yoda pillows!

"Thing" Update

2005-01-04T05:48:00.000-06:00

Here is the first section I have completed on my Sweater Workshop sampler (aka: Thing). This shows seven rows of garter stitch and ten rows of stockinette. I am using Red Hart yarn in the color Linen. I have heard people say that the feeling of acrylic is very much like plastic. I never understood that--until now. I only am using this stuff since it was $2 for 8 oz and no one is wearing it. I would never wear anything knit out of this crap(?). I am very glad that the baby acrylic is much, much softer.

Here is the next section of K1,P1 rib. Now on to twisted rib....

Other knitting:

I said yesterday that I am finishing up some of the projects on my sidebar. I didn't want to take partially finished pictures, but the gloves are almost there--two more fingers. Then the fixing of holes. I will finally be done--and none too soon. The weather map shows crazy snow for the next three days. It was just 60 degrees (F)!! Gotta love Illinois weather. I always say you can get every season in one day, and then some!

I haven't looked at the other projects sitting there--partially so I could focus on the ~~Evil~~ Glorious Gloves. If I don't complete them before Mariah begins, I will only work on those until they are done. Then I can think about Klaralund and anything else that tickles my fancy (I'm dreaming of cables--lots of them).

Yoda:

I don't know how we got so lucky to have such a well behaved dog. And so cute. Heather, you can babysit anytime...you just need to find a way to Illinois!

Well, the second day of work is harder than the first. I am already exhausted! That's what I get for gettin so much rest over my vacation!! Good luck to everyone on their first or second days back!

What are you doing?!

2005-01-03T05:26:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what Yoda was up to, but I don't think it can be good...

Nope! I don't think she found what she was looking for. She's still cute, though.

Well, I am back to work. As you can see it is 5:30 am and I am blogging. I should be more regular with my posts now that I am on a schedule again. That whole "I have nothing to do so I am not going to do anything" sure doesn't work for me. I need structure or things don't get done.

As you can see on my side bar I have joined a "thing" knit along. This is to make the sampler from Jacqueline Fee's book The Sweater Workshop. It is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann's ideas. The sampler has all the techniques you'll use to create a sweater. I have been meaning to begin mine for quite some time, and the knit along gets my butt in gear. If you are interested, pick up the book (or dust it off) and join on in!! Learn something new...

I also have one month until Mariah begins, so I am finishing up the stuff that has been languishing on my sidebar. I also began a new project--a scarf for myself. I felt so left out at Christmas when everyone opened a hat or scarf or both and I had no gift of warmth, so I pulled some yarn from the stash and went to work. Jeremy challeneged me to try and finish it before he beats his new LOTR Xbox game...I think I am winning.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Family Circle Easy Knitting

2005-01-02T10:03:00.000-06:00

The new issue is out and I stumbled upon it New Year's Eve while picking up some groceries... There is a simple cabled turtleneck pattern that I like and this cardigan:

Still a lot of ponchos being shown--are they going away yet?

It's Complete

2005-01-01T20:29:00.000-06:00

It's complete!! I finally sewed the zipper in the way I like it. The trick was to use the zipper foot for the sewing machine!! What a genius I am. I guess it was practice for Mariah!

Project notes:

Yarn: Elann's Highland Puruvian Wool in (3075) Antique Blue and (294) Chocolate

Needles used: Denise Interchangeables

Gauge: 19 sts/ 24 rows over 4” Stockinette Stitch using #7 / 4.5mm needles

Pattern: Chicknits Ribby Cardi by Bonnie Marie

Music Meme 2005

2005-01-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

1. Total amount of music files on your computer?
I think I have no songs left on my computer. When I got my DVD burner, I put them all on a DVD--about 2 GB. When I had a computer at work that could play the DVD, I listened to them at work. Now I can't because my laptop doesn't play DVDs. I don't own an sort of MP3 player, either.

2. CD you last bought?
The last CD I bought was with a gift certificate--Jet. I used to belong to BMG and bought CDs like they were going out of style. Guess they are...

3. Last song you listened to before reading this message?
The last song I heard on the radio was "Breath" by Anna Nalick. It was the first time I heard the song, so thank goodness for those displays on the radios!

4. 5 songs you often listen to, or which mean a lot to you?
About 5 years ago I think this would have been an easy question for me to answer. I barely listen to more than a couple of artists now voluntarily (not on the radio).
a."At Last" by Etta James (Our Wedding Song...even if the DJ screwed it up!)
b."Dream a Little Dream of Me" done by Chicago. (I swear they did this song. I can't find it anywhere, but I know I heard it!!)
c.Anything from Matchbox 20
d.Just about anything by Bush
e."Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik" by Mozart (I think Mozart was one of the first Classical Composers I really liked)

All it needs is a zipper, again

2004-12-30T10:45:00.000-06:00

I know you all have been wating to see the finished Ribby Cardi, and I don't blame you. I have been done since before Christmas, but I am not happy with the zipper!! This is about the 5th or 6th time I am sewing it in. This time I am doing it all by hand first and then going back with the machine. The by hand sewing it taking forever, so I am not sure when I will be 100% complete with it. I'm hoping soon...

A short holiday tale

2004-12-27T09:28:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the wild and wacky life of Amanda and her little pug Yoda. This Christmas was filled with tons of dog toys?!

While little Yoda looks like she was bad, she really was very good at putting the toys everywhere!! But that's not all folks! Yoda, who is styling in her new coat, also is one of the best dressed pugs in her new muscle tee:

But who could forget how happy she looked in her Santa hat:

Now, Amanda was also very good this year. In addition to underware and pjs, she recived the gift of books:

Let's not forget the gift of time:

Best of all was the bag of Noro Silk Garden in color 201 (blacks, purples, greys) for a long anticipated Klaralund. Only she now needs to buy the pattern...

So as you can see, the holidays were kind to the wild Amanda and her little pug, too!

A Ribby Cardi, soon...

2004-12-21T14:54:00.000-06:00

Here is Yoda in her sweater trying to help with Mommy's sweater. I sewed in all the ends of the yarn that was used to knit the pieces....now it is time to sew it up.

Here is a picture of the pieces ready for seaming without Yoda!

Almost there!!

2004-12-20T09:27:00.000-06:00

Here is sleeve one of the ribby cardi. I guess my knitting became a little looser so at the top, my cap was enormously long...I ripped and reknit *tighter*.

Here is sleeve two. I am almost to the cap shaping. You know what that means...I'm almost done!!

Mariah yarn has arrived!!

2004-12-16T13:10:00.000-06:00

Mariah yarn has arrived!! Here are the nine balls of russett I ordered from Joann.com. I think this color is going to look awesome with the cables. Speaking of cables...

I also received this pattern book. I really like the cardi on the front. Yes, I am obsessed with cabled cardigans. Gotta problem with that?! Cables keep it interesting!

So yesterday was my first day of vacation. Ever notice how vacation turns into "Stuff I am going to get done while I am off since I couldn't get it done while I was working"? Well, yesterday I was up early and got my car serviced (3000 mile maintenance), took Yoda to the groomer, when 'grocery shopping' at Costso, bought some gifts at the mall, picked up Yoda, wrapped the presents, fell on the couch exhausted. I was going to go to knit night last night, but I was more tired running around than when I work!! Jeremy said he gets the same way. At least I know he might understand when we have kids...

Tomorrow I am helping my sister in her classroom. They are making gingerbread houses. One mom baked all the pieces for every kid!! That is one over achieving mom!! I would take picks, but I think there is some rule against posting the kids pictures on the internet--I can understand why. Maybe I'll get some picks of the yummy houses!

2004-12-14T06:32:00.000-06:00

Last night I put off the fingers again. But for a good cause--Christmas knitting. I have one more project that I must finish by Christmas: a Sophie Bag. I am knitting the body at this point. Quick and pretty easy.

Speaking of the Sohpie bag, Julie, the designer, is from the Joliet/Plainfield area! How cool is that?! Anyway, she is now the Organizer for the Joliet Knitting Meetup Group. I signed up because the possible meeting spots are very close to my house. There are a couple of groups that meet in Naperville, but I can't always get out there--it can be an hour drive each way. Gotta love Suburban Chicago traffic! Though I am thinking about going Wednesday night....today is my last work day of the year! I had so much vacation that I didn't use, and it is a use it or loose it sort of thing. So, happy end of the year to me!

Happy knitting!

Still Glorious?

2004-12-13T05:31:00.000-06:00

Remember these gloves? Well, I am still working on them. I am already on the fingers--my favorite part. I will just take my time and get it done. Then I will forever done with the Glorious Gloves. And from then on, I will only knit mittens. Though, I am not sure if I should try the type Stephanie is doing...

Here is a back of the hand shot. The cables look surprisingly even. I can tell that my knitting became a little looser, but that's ok. It'll still fit.

I just want to mention that I have officially joined the Mariah along and the Ribby Cardi along. I'm glad about the Ribby Cardi since I have a few questions about the sleeves. It always helps when you have others that are in the same place you are!

I want to say sorry to everyone who has been reading lately. My posts have been kind of paltry. I've just become very busy with the holidays. That and leaving when it is dark for work and coming home from work when it is dark has not inspired me to take pictures.

2004-12-10T04:57:00.000-06:00

Here is the right panel of the Ribby Cardi. It is curling a bit, but that will be fixed when I add the seed stitch band.

Here is the left panel. Now I just need to work the sleeves...

It's already beginning....

2004-12-09T04:03:00.000-06:00

The Knitty knit-a-longs, that is. Eklektica! has already put out a call for Mariah knit-a-longers. What did I do? Well, I signed up of course! I even hopped on over to Joann.com and ordered my yarn. It was only $3.99 a ball--good deal. I ordered the Russet color. It sounds like a potato, but it looks like a rusty brown:

I wanted something neutral, but not my normal black or grey. The brown will work.

I also wanted to thank Monica that I met at a knit night a while back. She offered to pick up that Japanese knitting magazine for me from a Japanese bookstore in Arlington Heights. Monica, I sent you an email--if you didn't get it, let me know.

In other news, I am to the decreasing on the left right panel of the Ribby Cardy. I know I said I would have pictures, but I watched The Terminal with the husband last night and didn't get a chance to take the pictures I wanted. I think I might rip that sleeve I already did. I don't like the way it turned out. Since I have to do another one anyway...

What is the exchange rate in Yen?

2004-12-08T05:39:00.000-06:00

Ei was gifted with the Japanese magazine with this pattern:

How beautiful!! So, I found the magazine on Amazon.co.jp. It costs 1050 yen. I think that comes out to be $9...hmmmm. Not sure about shipping though. I think some of these yarn stores need to start carrying the Japanese magazines, too. They have French, German, British... Just my thought. If anyone knows of a store that carries them, let me know!!

BTW, I am still working on a couple last Christmas gifts, the Ribby Cardi, and the Glorious Gloves. Yes, those are still around. I need to get through the second one so I can finish my Cherry Tree Hill Socks! Pictures of progress tomorrow.

Yoda says, "Hi!" to everyone. She is licking my hand as I type, so I think that means I am done...

2004-12-07T05:06:00.000-06:00

I picked this up with something in mind--labels. I know it is a little late for Christmas gifts, but for future use. You just design what you want, print it, and it works like fabric. There are 3 sheets in this fabric for about $5 at Walmart. I know you can also get it at places like Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, and quilt stores. This way I can try out different looks before I decide if I want to order woven labels.

Is she a cat?

2004-12-06T04:36:00.000-06:00

I wonder sometimes. This is what happens when a Pug Princess gets a hold of some red chenille yarn. Chaos!

The Winter Knitty is up! There are a couple of patterns that I really like: Leftovers, Mariah, Tempting, and Pasha. Now, I do have to mention this--I am all for women's power, but I think Womb is a little much. Yes, it is what you think it is. Why would anyone want a knitted...Anyway, I can't wait to read the articles. The technical articles are very good. I learned to kitchener from one of those articles. Happy knitting!

Happy Friday!

2004-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

I worked a bit more on the left front panel of the Ribby Cardi last night. It's moving along pretty quickly. I thought it would be like the sleeve anticipation, but it really isn't that bad.

I'm really boring today, and don't have much to say. I'm tired and work is crazy as per (recent) usual.

Good Luck to the Romeoville High School Spartan Cheerleaders tomorrow. They are in competition and trying to qualify for State. (My sister is the coach of the JV and we are both RHS cheer alumni)

What is it about December?

2004-12-02T06:31:00.000-06:00

Did you notice that as soon as December 1 rolled around, your life became much more hectic? I don't think we can really blame it on Christmas. I mean we've known for twelve months when it is--you'd think we would all start our shopping, crafting, knitting a little earlier to avoid the stress.

Now, I'm not saying I'm stressed, but I noticed that all of a sudden I had quite a bit more to do at work and it is all supposed to be done by the end of the year. Considering I am taking the last two and a half weeks off, my end of the year is a little closer than most. (BTW, we all know when the end of the year is too--um, spead out the work?)

I am very close to finishing all my Christmas knitting. Only a Yoda sweater (Howel from SnB) and a Sofie Bag for a friend left. From now on, unless I really have an urge to make gifts for someone else, I doubt I am going to put myself through gift knitting any more... I'm selfish, what can I say? I have too many projects that I want to get done--not have to get done.

Sorry for my bit of craziness today. I woke up and realized that I really don't have any significant knitting progress to share from yesterday and that there is just tons to do overall.

It's Ribby Craziness!

2004-12-01T04:31:00.000-06:00

The back of the Ribby Cardi in Antique Blue. I am doing the plain pannel version. Next will be the ribbed...

I decided to do a sleeve before I began the rest of the body. Kind of trying to beat the sleeve blues. But I am not sure I am happy with it, so it may be frogged and reknit--after I do the rest of the body!

And the secret pal is....

2004-11-30T04:46:00.000-06:00

Look at all this amazing stuff from my secret pal!! My secret pal is Sheryl Hahn! She sent me the most awesome package: Hip to Knit, Knit.1, a sheep measuring tape, a cable and bobble hat pattern, new Daisy knitting needles in size 11 (I like the pretty blue), brass pin stitch markers, The Little Snowman Kit, a pad of snowmen sticky notes, a Yankee Candle Car Freshner, a snowman book mark, 2 balls of Regia sock yarn, 2 balls of Plymouth Galway Colornep yarn in blue tweed, and a package of Victor Allen's coffee. Whew! I hope I didn't miss anything. Sheryl, you are the best!!

2004-11-29T05:11:00.000-06:00

I wanted to get some cute pictures of Yoda for our Christmas cards, but I am just not happy with these....Doesn't she look like the dog from the "Grinch"?

a different angle...

What's up with that tongue?

She wasn't so happy at this point!

poor baby!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2004-11-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

At least I didn't buy a casket...

I found both of these kits at Costco yesterday for $13.99 each. Who says you can't get knitting stuff at the Wholesaler Superstore!?

This kit is put together by the same person who does Sublime Stitching. I loved the patterns, so I knew I would like the kit that has some different ones.

This was made from the Knit Knack Kit's ribbed hat pattern. I used Cascade 109 LE (bulky Puruvian Highland Wool) in color 4923 (it is actually more of a blue than purple...). It is very soft and stretchy.

This is a London Beanie for Jeremy for Christmas. I used the same yarn, but in a grey color. The lighting is making it look brownish.

Some Finished Objects

2004-11-23T09:53:00.000-06:00

Being off work sure has helped me to finish somethings up and to take pictures:

Pattern: Yarn Girl's Guide to Easy Knits hat pattern
Yarn: Lion Brand's Imagine in White Sparkle

Pattern:Inspired by Rown Babies scarf
Yarn: Unknown in Grey & White

Pattern: Irish Hiking Scarf
Yarn: Classic Elite Lush in Black

Pattern: Pick Up Sticks Lady Bug
Yarn: Cascade 220

Pattern: Reverse Rib stitch
Yarn: Unknown wool in Brown

Pattern: Seed Stitch scarf
Yarn: Paton's Melody in Peacock

Mitten Pattern

2004-11-21T17:14:00.000-06:00

Click picture for bigger detail
Here is the pattern for those thick mittens I made about a week back. I am sure any bulky weight yarn will suffice if you are not a fan of acrylic.

I think 11 months is long enough....

2004-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have not taken any vacation time this year. Next week I am going to combine the usual two Thanksgiving days with a couple of vacation days. Mmmmmm. I am so ready for some time off. My eyes hurt.

On the knitting front, I finished knitting a baby blanket for a co-worker last night. Today is sewing in ends and passing it on to the person who is putting a basket of baby stuff together. Made with the idea that the baby is going to be a girl, I bypassed the usual pastel pinks and went for Melon and Lilac:

I just keep getting comments on the colors.

I bought two more bags of Elann's Peruvian Highland wool. At $18/bag how can you go wrong? I envision a couple more ribby cardis.

I hope everyone has a great day. I'll be focused on 3:00pm--when vacation begins!

Great deal!!!

2004-11-18T10:38:00.000-06:00

Elann is having a bag sale on their Puruvian Highland Wool at $18/bag (10 balls/bag)!! Go SHOPPING

How has knitting affected my shopping habits?

2004-11-18T05:37:00.000-06:00

I saw a topic over at Knitter's Review the other day that said, "How knitting has changed my shopping" or something to that effect. I started thinking about it and my shopping habits have changed. I am more aware of what things are made of and the costs associated with them.

Example: I was shopping with my sister at Ralph Lauren. They had tons of beautiful sweaters--cashemere for close to $200 (which I find to be about right). They also had some very nice cabled pullovers. I looked at the price-$70. I looked at the label-acrylic! Now I don't mind acrylic--it can be washed at home, some hold up very well. But I know that I can make a very nice sweater in an acrylic and wool blend for much less than $70. I realize most of that cost was the "label", but seriously folks! I find it is a little harder for me to part with my money on something like that.

There is a flip side, too. I was at Gap and they had wool, acrylic, cashemere, angora blend cardigans for $14. Um, I bought two. I could never make something in those fibers for $14.

Maybe I am a little bit more fiber saavy?

The plan was for pictures

2004-11-16T06:22:00.000-06:00

Seriously, it was. But then Jeremy's mom broke her ankle, Jeremy had a test, and he stole the card reader for his brother to borrow. So, instead I took a trip to Home Depot to buy paint...you would think that more than one person would be working the paint counter. Maybe that was just me and all the people waiting in line to buy paint...

I had been working on a baby blanket off the knitting machine, but everytime I attempt a blanket on that thing, it never turns out. I have resorted to hand knitting doubled fingering weight on size 17 so I can be done by Thursday. Not sure it is going to happen. I just want to work on the Ribby Cardi! and the other cardi, and the glove....

Yes, I am still working on the glove. I'll soon be to the thumb part. I don't want to hear it. I am only finishing this glove so I can finish my socks. Damn me for being smarter than myself! I hate tricking myself! Ok, so I hate it now. I'm sure once I have both projects done I won't be so pissy.

Happy knitting?

It's like 6-in-1

2004-11-15T06:05:00.000-06:00

Ever since I saw the Ribby Cardi on the ChicKnits website, I couldn't wait for the pattern to become available. When Bonnie Marie did put it up for sale it sort of coincided with Elann getting more Peruvian Highland Wool in stock. Coincidence? I think not. Anyway, this pattern is such a deal for $4.95. First, you can virtually make 6 different sweaters (plain front, ribbed front, rolled neck, crewneck, and mock neck options). Also, the Peruvian Highland wool is only $2.25 a ball! So an entire sweater is no more than $40. This first one I am making is similar in colors to the prototype--blue with brown. I think it is very "Martha Stewart". I'll try to get some pictures tonight. This weekend was just too eventful....

So our heat is fixed, but not after a slight fiasco. The original guy we had fixing it got the part he needed, installed it, got paid, left, and the heat still didn't work. We woke up on Saturday to about 60 degree weather in the house. Um, that's not right. So we called another company who promptly charged extra for the weekend, but this time it is fixed. The sound of the furnace kicking on it so wonderful...

Yoda is one year old!! What a big girl! She received the gift of heat for her birthday!! We were so busy dealing with the furnace, there had been no time to get her presents. She'll get them, and I doubt she'll know the difference.

Hope everyone's week go wonderfully!

My totally cool Secret Pal!!

2004-11-12T14:22:00.000-06:00

My secret pal is pretty cool--she sent me a video card! It was BNL singing the Chimpanzee Postcard song. How did you know I want a Chimp instead of a child?!?! That really made my day!! "Chimpanzeeeeez! And everyone is addressed to meeeeeee..."

It's cold IN my house

2004-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's official. The furnace is broken. We've been dealing with an HVAC guy for a couple of weeks now, and he finally has the part we need (I hope!). I couldn't get the heat to turn on last night, so I turned up the electric blankie, added another down comforter and had Yoda jump into bed. It was very close to the being in the fifties this morning when I woke up. Too cold for tropical me...

I had a small finishing party last night--gotta love weaving in those ends. Most everything I finished was a gift, so you'll have to wait on the pics...

Tomorrow is Yoda's first birthday. I need to go present shopping. She is very good at "killing" her stuffed toys--and they are her favorites!! So, I have some I can replace. Don't worry--no puppy party.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

I'm kind of mad at the USPS

2004-11-11T05:34:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to have some yarn for you all to see that I purchased from Elann, but I was the dumb one and chose the regular USPS shipping instead of the express. Now I am waiting. Then it is Veteran's Day, so no postal service today. Poop! That's the rant for today...

Christmas Knitting

2004-11-10T05:35:00.000-06:00

I don't have any pictures of progress because frankly, I've been trying to finish up some Christmas Knitting. The Yarn Harlot had to go and remind everyone that there are only 46, um, 45 days left to Christmas. Doesn't sound that far away. I think next year I am going to just stick to the purchasing route!

Stitching Away...

2004-11-09T05:45:00.000-06:00

Sublime Stitching sent my Tea Towel Starter Kit on Saturday

The kit has everything I will need to begin embroidering. Can we guess where I will be using these skills?

They can't be any easier

2004-11-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

The Lion Brand Jiffy Thick and Quick Mittens only took an hour and $3.50 to make. Very quick and very cute. They are knit flat and then seamed on one side.

FO!

2004-11-05T15:21:00.000-06:00

Sock #1 is done! Now on to Glove #2

Featuring Bobbie...

Someone over at Knitter's Review was talking about how great the Yarn Barn's new catalog is. That day I recevied it in the mail. I know everyone is loving Audrey from Rowan 35, but Bobbie was featured in the Yarn Barn catalog. Also done in Calmer, I think Bobbie is very classic. Add it to the list...

2004-11-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what I think of Bloglines. It is nice to see all the blogs that have been updated, but I think it is slow. I also miss some of the good blogs I used to read because they don't have an RSS feed...then you have to make an extra click (I know I sound lazy) to leave a comment. So I leave less comments...

Anyway... I am still working on my sock, glove, cardi, and felted bag. I think I may finish the sock either tonight or tomorrow while waiting at the oral surgeon's office. Then I must work on the second glove.

We got our NetFlix dvds last night and Van Helsing was among them. I was so excited to see it. Then it couldn't be over quick enough--what a very boring action movie. It seriously felt like the movie would never end! I think tonight might be Supersize Me. I need some motivation to not want fast food. Not that I have eaten at McDonald's in several years, but you get the idea.