Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Best Moments of the Year

1. Getting married to the love of my life
2. Moving into our new house.
3. Getting The Puppy, aka Molly
4. Vacationing in Havasupai, AZ
5. Seeing Weezer for the ump-teenth time - I want to say 7.
6. Halloween 08 and my awesome dead creepy bunny costume.
7. Cookie Party 08 - the first of many
8. Making the house more ours than theirs - meaning the previous owners
9. Knitnight planning and actually making it w Nixmusic
10. Learning Xbox better and getting hooked on Beautiful Katamari.


This was actually harder than I thought. Some of course were blatantly easier.

Yay for powercords

Our powercord decided to short out after it met the puppy so I was computer minimalistic the last few days. I figured it was best to just check/pay what was needed and then go from there. Luckily a friends cord works on the laptop so I can be on it a little more til he goes back home on Friday. I'll take it figuring that the new replacement can be shipped since we did get the warranty. (I was apprehensive at first but not having a computer that can be dropped was the reason at the time. I now understand.)

I've picked up the latest knit.1 mag and loving some of the bulkier stuff. I have some yarn that is leftovers from an overbuy that should work. I might have to modify though since I dont have 11 circulars, or rather I want to say no. I know I have an 8 bc that I've been using more so lately.

The Hawks scarf need the last red band and the edging then the knitting part is done. The fringe won't be a problem with the hardest part being deciding the length. I'm planning to have it done by the end of the week so I can work on more WIPs. I'm rethinking the baby blanket that knitted too narrow. I have some pale pastel yarn that I may knit it w the rose and yellow to get a nice color mix + then I can do a faster knit without it losing the cuteness.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

10 New Years Resolutions

I found the Ten on Tuesday dealie on some other blogs and thought, with a day off, it'd be a good day to start them. Fitting too since I had planned to blog this anyways.

10 New Years Resolutions

1. Try something new that is out of my comfort zone, but not dangerously so.
Last year I hiked 11 miles in the Arizona desert (not all flat areas) - Havasupai (Grand Canyon area)

2. Get more organized.
Organized clutter isn't as great as it used to be esp when you have to share stuff with another person now.

3. Continue working on a healthier life.
I work out at my stability ball class once a week, try to do something at home at least once a week, walk more, and balance junk food with better food (not giving up junk food though - no way!)

4. Make sure I make time for me.
It helps keep mental health, social health, and marriage health. Also correlates with the next two.

5. Get the library card reinstated and read more.

6. Finish WIPs and try to keep no more than two on the needles.

7. Travel w The Husband on an us only trip even if it's a short weekend one.

8. Try new reciepes - cooking and baking.

9. Teach Molly a new trick.
She will be 1 this January! EEK!

10. Take more pictures include doing a 365 project.

Monday, December 22, 2008

The guy on the radio said what???

Negative FIFTEEN with windchill. Yes, -15 degrees today. I had last minute stuff to get done and with no blowing snow or insane wind I warmed up the car, pleased with the driveway to not slide into the gate which would not open all the way, and ventured out. I had on my down coat of course.

So the last of the Christmas presents, more so additional parts, are done. I need to wrap and I'm set. The cards are sitting next to me and look like they will be sent next year instead.

I'll be baking most likely all of tomorrow morning - happily though I must say. The double chocolate cookie receipe I have down and so it'll be fast, fun, and sprinkled. I even picked up some white chocolate chips for them as well. I do plan to have the mint chocolate drizzled on some of them but thought to mix it up since we have three family related holiday celebrations.

Right now I'm thinking a large bowl of the hodgepodge chili I made - pound of ground beef, 1/4 of an onion, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 yellow pepper, can of assorted beans, can of stewed tomatoes w celery and green pepper, can of Hormel chili w beans, and my salsa mix I made before - diced tomatoes, frozen corn, canned sliced jalapenos, can of black beans with cayenne pepper, chili powder, and the black/red pepper shaker combo. It has an actual name but I can't remember it - hot shot maybe. So it's been sitting on the stove stewing.

I want to work on some of my knitting tonight. I've been doing well of the Blackhawks scarf. I'd just need to find something to watch on tv to veg out to, something holiday related most likely. I know those movies are so predictable but they are still cute.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Baby, it's cold outside...as in the Christmas song and the weather.

Mother Nature decided to taunt us as was the case for most of the midwest(... U.S.... North America.) Thursday I lucked out in that the snow didn't come until after my stability ball class. I had initially thought it'd be too bad outside so I'd just work out at home but it surprised me. Friday we got it though, and quite bad. The brickwork on the back of the house was iced. I wish I could have gotten a pic but with the big camera sans battery I know my usual everyday one wouldn't get the full deal. It was like recessed bricks mortared in ice and snow - very whimsy. The dogs were and still are amused with the snow. I do plan to get at least one pic of the both of them all snowy snouted.

Luckily this year there was no holiday knitting. I have the few WIPs that I've been working on but nothing that needs to be done in 4 days. I do need to get one more present (tomorrow?) but I have an idea and it's a reason to go to Target again. Wrapping is the next plot as well as deciding whether or not to send more than a few cards this year. I had meant to before this week but never found my intended time to start them minus the signature via The Husband. Realistically, I could sign both of our names and he wouldn't care. Even with the lackluster card-ing this year, I'm really excited about Christmas. This being my first "official" year in the house and the first year with lights on the house it makes me smile.

One more thing smile inducing is how Q101 (www.q101.com)is doing 16 years in 1 days. Basically they are playing the top 101 songs of the last 16 years one year/day at a time. It makes me really happy to be hearing some great 90s musics. Millenium - Killing Joke being one I always smile when I hear on the radio. (I made a lil list of songs I wanted to include and the teeny tiny post-it is now missing. I know I'll find it stuck to something in the next few days/weeks. )Nixmusic and I have been traveling memory lane and getting a good laugh about some of the songs and times associated with them.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Chicago wind-cast

Tonight: Windy with rain early...then a light wintry mix of precipitation overnight. Low 17F. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of precip 90%.


One corner of my house thinks it's a wind tunnel when the weather get blustery. Good thing we took care of the leaves last month. Ditto w the window insulation, aka giant plastic shrinkwrap. I'd hate to hear it esp upstairs. Train noise doesn't bother me one bit mostly since I grew up not too far from railroad tracks. It's one of those feels like home sounds and fitting since I am near them once again.

Potato soup after all

An idea I've had to awhile was to make some sort of potato soup. It's getting colder, or rather down right cold as I can hear the wind whirring past the corner of the house, and soup is always cold weather food. I found a receipe on The Food Network's website that looked both yum inducing and easy. I made it last nite and after adding more mashed potatoes after pureeing it and more cheese than in the recipe I thought it turned out quite well. It's not too photogenic though last nite it did look good in our red bowls. I was just in the "eat now" mindset then getting out the camera.

The whirry weather, as expected in a Midwest winter, is keeping me inside today. Rather that is the plan, to finish up some laundry and knit. The Hawks scarf continues to grow and I think I have the final idea for the WIP baby blanket. She-who-has-not-been-named will be here next month so the holiday time I'm hoping will be some quality knitting time.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Branched


Branched
Originally uploaded by mustbuymoreyarn
I find myself more and more into the holiday spirit the past few years. Perhaps it's being w the love of my life that has added that warm fuzzy holiday feeling even more than normal. He has wanted a retro silver aluminum tree for a long time. We had only seen smaller ones in the stores and our idea of a second tree was a larger one. Our first tree was a tabletop one bought so that we'd have a tree since we couldn't not have one for Christmas. There were trees we looked at in the stores but none made me say "YES that is the one!" and now I'm glad. The tree is true vintage. You can tell from the box,. There were also instructions, and newspapers inside the box dated 1959.

Now the question is how to decorate it. I'd love to somehow make yarn pompons or something fun but I know anything ball shaped made of yarn will just lure Little Cat into climbing the tree. He is already interested it in.

Friday, December 12, 2008

You know your have played too much Xbox when...

I've gotten a chance to play more Beautiful Katamari lately. I took some time, parked my comfy clothes clad butt in the chair, and listened to the odd somewhat chirping cats as they got rolled up. Then I dreamt of being part of some sort of pinball testing group. I actually do like pinball too so that's works even if I'm asleep. Today while out and about I see a piece of an orange at the edge of the sidewalk. While it is not normal in the general sense, random bits of food strewn here and there don't surprise me that much anymore. The odd, well in the normal sense, part was I immediately thought MANDARIN and there was a lil katamari in my head rolling it up. Sad, yes. Amusing to other players of the game, most likely.

This is MY box. Go away!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Penguins and cookies



I love Target. I have always loved Target. I love Target even more when the holiday cuteness runs rampant. I love fun mugs and this penguin one is the latest to my collection. I did see more fun stuff included w the theme but I smushed the urge to load up on the cuteness. I'm planning to wait and see with upcoming sales since there is a platter included that'd be cute for our now annual Cookie Party.




This year's party, the first of many, turned out so well that we're already planned another for next year. (The details, of course, to be set up much later though to set a date in stone now would be a smart idea. Getting ten, well eight in final attendance, ladies to find a day in their busy schedules is often difficult but in the end a great time. ) The mulled wine receipe ended up delicious and will definitely be made again. A night of laughter, cookies, wine, with friends is definitely a great way to start the holiday season.

Dusting off the blog

I took a blogging hiatus, or at least the intention to blog was put on hiatus, so I could focus on my knitting. It was a noble effort, to say the least.

I got hit by Murphy's law of knitting which I can say beforehand I had not dealt with of this magnitude. The baby hooded wrap that I worked like mad on ended up too narrow - it's currently in reconstruction/replotting stage since what was done turned out really well. I lost a WIP with circular bamboo knitting needles - sob. The man scarf for The Husband ended up too ruffle and not enough ribbing. When the knitting gets wacked out, the tough take a break and start again. I try not to knit aggrivated since I find that my gauge ends up all wonky.

So things are much better in knitting land. A Blackhawks inspired scarf for the husband is the latest addition to my WIPs. It's a basic ribbed scarf but with a red band at each ends and the fringe inspired by the logo colors. The baby blanket is on hold but I have some cute ideas including using her initials somehow. The other scarf is coming along but slowly. I don't know why it's taking extra time though maybe the three alternating stripe colors is the cause.

I ended up totally by chance finding 9 skeins of Lion Brand Incredible Yarn in Autumn Leaves at one of the dollar/discount stores. All the same color lot for $9 was such a great deal I took it as a sign. It'd be a nice wrap idea.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Recognition truly deserved

I always like feel-good stories esp nowadays w lots of things to grr about. I checked out The Yarn Harlot (or Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - I switch between the two bc how do you address her properly though I doubt she'd care since she seems so laid back at times as per her writing) website today to see the post about her new book which is now #32 in the best sellers for hardcover non-fiction. How cool is that?!?!

Friday, October 24, 2008

sniff sniff knead knead

I had intended to make a quick post then go to bed but rather I'm making a post from bed. Also I'm being glared at by Big Cat since my typing has interrupted his kneading of the afghan I knitted years ago. Both cats seems to enjoy it (though Little Cat is more interested in loudly sniffing things at the moment) so much so that I'm thinking to try some sort of cat bed. I do have some wool blend in the stash.

I've frogged the prior idea for the baby blanket for M & S. It was a decent attempt but baby fine yarn on size 4 needles was problems just awaiting to arise. I decided finding an actual pattern, though the idea I had before I do want to plot out since it'd be quite cool once it took ages to make. So I found this one - Hoodie Baby Blanket and picked up the yarn used as per the site, Lion Brand Cotton-Ease.

I've not used that yarn. The only cotton based yarn I have is the Sugar and Cream cones that will eventually be a summer blanket for when the air is too high in the house. I just haven't decided on a pattern. I digress. I'm quite happy w the yarn choice. I had forgotten the difference between straight acrylic and other yarns. I forsee myself buying this for other projects. There is a sage-ey green that would look nice for a February Lady sweater though I forsee that being a more pumpkin color in my head.

I also stuck w the circulars and got them working. I do not know where I went wrong w circulars in the past. Maybe I was too green to the whole knitting thing and just stuck w that? Nevertheless, they are working well and are much easier on public transportation esp when somewhat crowded (bus more so than el) as was the case today. People are still sticking w public transportation in larger numbers as was the case more recently w the crazy gas prices. Over $4 a gallon is never fun though I had orginally traveled via such. It finally went under $3 today ($2.99 but still) as I noticed making the little kid "ooooh look at that" face.

While gas is under $3, The Husband and I realized that approximately with tax a milkshake at Oberweis would be about $5... each... for a non-specified size. We ended up not getting them which is in a way a good thing since I'm sitting here in a robe w a comforter, the earlier mentioned afghan, and a wool indian blanket from AZ. I'm starting the cold weather transition as well as learning that turning on two space heaters, no matter that the smaller one is tehnically smaller than the other, will leave you standing in the dark. Yep, I blew a fuse. Not a big deal but enough to laugh about it as I called downstairs for him to reset it.

Totally by chance, Nixmusic, The BFF and I came across a local knitting group that actually meets locally. I say it as such bc there is another group that seems quite cool but w inconsistant bus timing esp w holiday traffic approaching is somewhat not do-able. It was quite fun esp with other patrons looking over to see what was going on. I forsee us going back. There is something quite nice about being able to talk yarn or about how you didn't make it to Rhinebeck but would love to someday or the local signing by the Yarn Harlot and the typhoon during the first scheduled appearance.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Are you deflating a balloon? No, that's just the cat.

Are you deflating a balloon? No, that's just the cat.
I know that cats make noise. They mew, meow, merow, and hiss. However, Little Cat yodels, sings, talks - helllrrooo & MAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOM - and makes the deflating balloon noise when he's sleeping/half asleep. It was something that I couldn't figure out the best way to describe and it finally came to me today - the deflating sound. Hmm well maybe like an air mattress at times too - not as squeeky.

It looks like I may be doing another baby blanket for a gift, being made as a gift for someone else to give. I'm thinking that C & I, if she does want me to make it and not just thinking of a possibility then we'll be off to Hobby Lobby (the fact that they are closed on Sundays so the workers can have time w their families makes me want to shop there more and more} or Michaels or somewhere. Not the LYS though for something to be baby whatevered on.

LYS yarn though is still needing to figure out a plan. I have four skeins of Stacey Charles Rittratro in that pretty dark black/purpley color. I am too lazy to go look it up as well as that it is buried on the yarn shelf - aka the front hall closet shelf where it's hiding from the yarn-chewer/eater. I originally thought to make a shawl of some sort with it since it has that nice sheen to it. I did find some nice projects on Ravelry that used it. I just can't figure out if I should wait til I get the hang of a basic lace pattern or just make something less intricate so I can actually wear it.

I do know that a lap blanket is something that will be on the needles next spring. Cold legs, ankles, feet, basically from thighs down is not fun when the air conditioner is on, car too. Hmm that would be a good idea - a lap blanket w a seat belt loop or something to keep it from sliding down. AH HAH! I will be rich, or more realistically warmer in the truck for roadtrips or perhaps a plane if we end up somewhere this {next?} summer.

I have a list of places to travel, or at least the start of one. The newspaper recently had some places to go in the Midwest that looked really nice. I had not been much of an outdoorsey person - camping and whatnot - pre dating The Husband. {The Husband may be renamed on here. I'm not sure but there will be *s included if I change.} Camping made me go ih. I liked the trails/easy hiking though. One campground based trip that was a lot of fun led to an 11 mile hike in AZ to one of the most amazing places I've ever been, Havasupai. So locally or more so regionally, I've found some nice camping places, cabins, lodges, or even just low key hotels incl chains but in quaint areas. It would be a trip too that I'd bring knitting. Last one I didn't and had hours in an airport that were perfect for it. Flickr is good too. I put in "hiking" and got some gorgeous pictures of places I never knew about.

I was reading on Raverly and people were talking about how many WIPs they have and it makes me feel better and a tiny bit less of a procrastiknitter. I found myself falling back into the land of other stuff to do rather than that and it as a bit of a "waiiiiiiiiiiit a minute!?!" moment. I don't have xmas/holiday present knitting so that works. I remember the year I made a ton of scarves - 4 x 4 ribbed striped were the majority and they turned out great but lots of rapid needles. I've converted a purse into a temporary knitting bag - one of those fabric quilted ones and it's working well. I'm tempted to just make it a full on knitting bag. I just have to figure out how to hang them w/o the kitties playing with them... NOM! NOM!! NOM! YARN! YARN! YARN!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

The knitting on C's baby blanket is done now. All it needs is to be bound off and the ends woven in. I found my yarn needles so that won't be a problem.

I've started back w the shan scarf. Now that I've back to almost my normal knitting speed, I think I can get more of it in the near future. Being away from knitting from before had me a bit slower than normal. It was flattering though when you are thinking you're a bit on the slow side to have someone say that you knit fast w that sort of wow look on their face.

Little Cat is back to his yarn antics. This time though I lucked out and could get the camera, well more so let him have a little extra time to roll about with it then take the pictures. Being in a Ravelry cat related group I'll be posting pictures sometime soon.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Intended post saved but not blogged from friday nite...

I had a Bridget Jones moment, well rather moments, this morning enroute to work. I was wearing a skirt, as in the case for most days when it's spring/summer (so I'm attempting to cling to the concept of warmish weather as long as I can) which decided it had a mind of its own - turning, inching up, just being bothersome. Luckily I had a longer coat/light jacket on so it wasn't a full eek moment. The coat/jacket however decided to start bunching on on shoulder, of course the shoulder that had my purse & overstuffed bag - knitting needles sticking out of one side as well - causing both bags to slide. I'd fix both skirt and shoulder area mixmosh and then my coffee would slosh out. (I've decided one starbucks/foo foo coffee a month is my new allowance. Then I don't feel horrid for spending $4 for coffee.) So it was my version of the pepto bismal song - skirt shoulder coffee sloshing as I shuffled down the street. Th entire time all I could think of was the part in Bridget Jones (the book not the movie - which I'm reading for the umteenth time)when she and Daniel are messaging about her skirt being sick.

I have about an inch left of C's doll blanket which makes me happy for two reasons -- it is beautiful and it will be done so I can move back to another WIP. It looks like, however, I will have leftover yarn from this one. It's a nice ombre that I know I can use for other things. The wool-ease that Little Cat stole this morning would look nice.

Yes, Little Cat was a yarn theif. He managed to get the small ball (Charcol colored) out of the closet w/o me knowing. I just see this piece of yarn trailing along and a bwahahahahaha kitty face attached to the end of it. He was not pleased when I took it away. A small amount is one thing, enough to be small arm warmers or a collar scarf = he gets ran after with BAD KITTY being hollered. Little Cat being a cat and all, while he does get cat toys, would rather bat them around til they get lost (usually under the dining room closet door) and then latch on to random household items or kitty designated/given things. The milk jug rings are thrown to him. The bottle caps he throws off the counter and runs amuck.

Monday, August 11, 2008

I'm waiting for a door to dry.

Seriously, I am waiting for door paint to dry. I put on the second coat and it's still tacky so I can't close it just yet. Grr.

This weekend was door weekend. The Husband helped The Dad take off the old doors and put up the new ones. They are pretty, if you could call a door "pretty," let much more light in, and do not look at all like the grate for some sort of fortress.

I'm a bit behind starting for Ravelympics Summer 2008 due to said doors. My stash also lives in the closet that was blocked during the work. If I had realized how long it would have taken I would've pulled the yarn out sooner.

Photoshop decided to be a brat last nite and killed a design flow that I was quite pleased about. Non-working programs are quite problematic. Luckily the parts saved and I have the sketches though my sketches others don't oftrn decipher. I'd be working on that instead of on here but I know if I get on a roll it will be time to close said door and finish errands.

I keep looking at sweater patterns thinking I'd actually start one. Start being the key word since I have too many WIPa now. Plus I'd have to figure out measurements and I'm not sure if I own a measuring tape. I've used tape measures for stuff before but it's a but different when it's something you are spending hours upon hours to make.

I'm a firm believer in clothes are made for a size for a reason. Too many times have I seen people with some aspect of their body squished out or hanging out of their clothes. Same with people wrapped up so tightly that the fabric becomes see thru or rouches when there isn't any intended. It's not like you are at home in comfy or whatever clothes but in public. I think it's from watching the makeover shows on TLC etc. One size larger = great looking outfit. I know it's a pain for even one sized bigger because I've had to deal with it. (Being set in one size for years and then being one size up does make you go what? wait a min.)

Little Cat and Big Cat are on the desk next to me. They are playing nice for the moment. I am awaiting the yowling mass of fur to start. It woke me up this morning as well. A day I can sleep in luckily meant sleeping in a bit. If they had woken me up way earlier that wouldn't have been fun. Sometimes I think they watch wrestling when we're not home due to the crazy moves and pins these two goofs do. Speaking of goofs, the dogs are quiet. I better go check on them.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

As I realize it had been a month for posting....

as well as that I STILL haven't taken pictures of the intended.

I've learned that making dishclothes/washclothes work incredibly well with public transportation. Small, easy pattern, not alot to lug around. It all started as an attemped to make a blanket for in here - the office - as well as decrease the stash a bit.

I got almost beened in the head with a cone of yellow blend cotton yarn about a week ago. That could have been bruise inducing.

I can see it now...

Person: Oh wow, what a nasty bruise on your head. What happened??

Me: Yarn fell off the closet shelf and hit me.

Person: (tries to keep from laughing) You got hit in the head with yarn and it left a bruise?

Me: It was a POUND CONE of yellow sugar and creme yarn... there's cardboard in it too!

The Raverly olympics start in two days. It's working out well timing wise to make a doll blanket for my cousins daughter. Since I've started knitting the family tradition of the doll cradles has had a knitted blanket included. It'll be fun and easy to complete in the amount of time. I just need to decide on the yarn. Right now I'm thinking a mix of hot pink and white that is in the stash. The last one was light pink/white.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

see image here...or not

I was just on Ravelry and realized I REALLY need to take pictures of my WIPs and stash.

Perhaps it's another inspiration to go through boxes...

++ looks up towards stairs and sighs ++

Boxes be GONE!

The internet connection at home has been on the fritz lately. I think though that it thinks it is a turn signal due to all of the constant blinking. The tech support person was supposed to come last weekend but he never showed. I'm guessing either the job request didn't go through correctly or the giant hole in the one front hedge ate him/her.

The Yarn Harlot event was a total OMG moment and it would have been blogged about if only the stupid internet.... There is something "odd" and amazing at the same time to be sitting in a room full of knitters listening to someone talk about knitting making it all not seem so odd anymore. I could see The Husband in reactions regarding knitting. I laughed. I cackled. I waited to meet her, have my book signed, and got to hold The Sock. It was great and I am grinning like an idiot in the picture w her reminicent of a 3rd grade class photo of me.

I beat a migriane to do all of this as well. A migraine. I know! The nonfrequency of them made it one of those noooooo moments. Of all days that I had been waiting for it was that day. (I often fret a bit about one appearing on days-a-migraine-is-not-wanted, ie wedding day, camping/hiking trip ((will speak of that later)) and whatnot. Ok back off the tangent train.... Nixmusic and I waited in line, a LONG line but it was totally worth it. (While waiting in line, I blabbled - I think - when I saw Franklin from The Panopticon and that he was leaving.
I got a picture w him. I said hello. What else I said? I don't know. I was caught offguard that he was on his way out, didn't want to delay him if he had to leave. What I should have said was something along the lines of I read you're blog, plan on buying your book and I think your comics/drawings are hilarious. Oh well. Perhaps there will be another time.)

I'm currently in a semi war w the shrubbery out front. At the end of the walk are two shorter bushes/evergreens that don't try to scratch off your skin/not sure actual name if you couldn't tell. They were far from equal in size/shape/height so I attached them w THE Hedgehog a ways back. They look better but not "done" yet esp since the one that needs to be a smidge shorter has a big BLECH of dead in the center. You can tell they were left to grow and not trimmed down often by the old owners. I'm hoping they do something growth wise.

The other semi war is the boxes. Oh the boxes! They stare at me. They keep me from working on my WIPs. There is a weekend decree that by the end of the weekend the boxes will be gone through/repacked/moved from the living room/cursed at frequently. Though there is excellent natural light in here so being able to sit and knit/read/watch the cars go by will be nice.

We'll just have to start looking for furniture... again. I KNOW the couch I want is out there. I am being patient. It is out there... all nice and currently free of cat hair. lol.

Nixmusic had given me a washcloth pattern a ways back. ACK a washcloth but NOOOO it will be a blanket. A nice bannaberry - yellow to deep blue multi yarn is the start. I'm thinking a nice bright yellow as smaller panels/pieces then a deep blue/mid blue elsewhere.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Yarn Harlot event: take two

I'm gonna keep this short since it's late and that stupid migraine is still lingering. Yes, a migraine on YARN HARLOT DAY! (I kept muttering to myself "But it's Yarn Harlot day?!" in the Empire Records styling of "But it's Rex Manning Day?!"

Lists are good. Lists also help keep an eye on Little Cat who wants my Southern Style Chicken sandwich from McDs.

- I attain my first victory against a migraine.
- Once again it rained. No downpour but it rains.
- I laughed my butt off. She is hilarious.
- I got a picture w Franklin from here - http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/ thanx to the lovely Nixmusic going over there.
- I got a picture w Stephanie aka The Yarn Harlot aka omgitstheyarnharlot
- I got to hold the sock.

Ok more later include lizards, sand, and the 11 mile hike in AZ + pix. My head hurts so sleep it is. Once I get The Puppy and The Dog to stop harassing each other as well as the cofee table.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

dpn... don't point north... or rather point everywhere

I need work w the dpn adventure. I say adventure because I thought that 9:30 on a Friday would be a good idea to start learning. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Um, nope. I found a pattern that looked cute and somewhat beginner - oh baby baby booties on Ravelry. I just need to get a hang of them. Good thing that Baby G isn't due til end of summer. I found a cute gender neutral color too. I found some adorable lilac baby yarn but alas even if the royalty spin is used, some dad's wouldn't been keen on that. Now if I do Cubs ones for them, he's loved it. I don't think she'd honestly care.

I've always found it amusing the color choices/turn offs of people. I, for the longest time, hated pink. I'll blame grunge and my ever present favors towards greens and its fellow cool colors buddies. I learned one thing when I first started making scarves for people.. ASK before you think you know what to buy. It saved me from navy yarn when a friend wanted hot pink and black stripes. Either would have turned out, but a gift always works when you know the person will wear it. THAT is also why some patterns I keep finding to save for later. Later = when there is no more unpacking and painting to be done.

I've realized I didn't realize how much stuff I had until I moved. True, we've had the house for awhile now but there is still quite a bit that I need to unbox/de-crate/de-bag. (Hey, you use what you can when overstuffing your car w tidbits you didn't realize you still had yet during packing you thought you still needed.) The MIL has a table in a future church yard sale. I'll be there selling some stuff, incl the outdated encyclo-factoid books the previous owners left here in the house. Hmmm this yard sale may result in more yarn. Hmmmm. I can't believe I didn't think of that. My stash isn't huge, though mismoshed most def. I found Target dollar section dark sky blue/lightest more blue than green teal yarn that I had "lost" in storage. I had planned a light scarf with it and still think it will be a good idea. (The fact that it was TOO COLD FOR MAY this morning seconds that as well.)

Big Cat has decided his new place to sleep is under my bedside table. I don't mind this too much since the evolution of his sleeping places were a.) above my head b.) on my hip c.) right next to my feet so turning over became interesting. You have to also remember this cat is over 18lbs. (Kitty diets are slow to provide results.) I looked up some cat beds. Some are really cute. I have a feeling he'll be the "oh look something for me, I'm not going to use it."

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mom's Day to the moms out there

I am having one of those weekends.

One of those weekends where anything that can fall when you are in a hurry decides to, The Puppy pees right before you can get her crated so you can go out of the house, and deodorant decides to explode out of the plastic applicator when you need to be at your parent's house for Mother's Day in 10 minutes. I was about ready to start looking for the hidden cameras in the house. (Maybe one was hidden on Little Cat. He was extra affectionate this weekend.) Best of all a weekend when your perfectly good cell phone has an identity crisis, thinks it's a dirty sock, and takes a trip to washing machine land. Being overtired yet wanting to be productive is NOT a good idea. So now I am the "proud" owner of a new Blackjack II. A perfectly good new phone, a quite pretty one at the moment but money spent that could have been spent of better things, like yarn.

So I park my butt at the kitchen table w the laptop, 90s Janet Jackson music playing - an odd choice but her Ms Nasty era has that don't mess w me element that is working well, and the latest sugargy goodness discovered at the dollar store...Toffifay. Whole hazelnut in a caramel cup w chocolate. Can't go wrong w chocolate. It works so well when you'd rather be knitting but I've found being aggrivated and knitting equals much frogging later. THEN I check Raverly and LO and BEHOLD!

"753 people are ahead of you in line"

YAY! Happy dancing, whislt sitting ensued. Not as happy as the eeping squeeking when I found of the Yarn Harlot is returning when I will be able to attend. The Husband of course laughed because he doesn't understand. He understands that knitting is my thing. He plays paintball. That's his thing. I've gone to the paintball shops with him. It is interesting but after awhile my eyes start glazing a bit and he'll realize this and we'll leave with him to return to the shop w/o me later. I don't mind at all. I have not taken him to a knitting shop. He's survived Michaels mostly due to the other items in the store that he can look at whilst I'm in happy lala yarn land. I don't think he'd have fun at a yarn shop as I ooh and ahh over the multitude of goodness. He runs around shooting little gumball sized bits of pigment at others, I sit w two needles and make things. To each their own, and it works.

Speaking of two needles, I did pick up sock needles set. I have a set of 2 size 3 double points that were my great-grandmothers but the patterns I've found are smaller. I'm thinking to try a sock. Try being the key word. I have the monster scarf that has been on the needles for over a year. It's taller than me so there's a bit of allowance for that but mostly it's being lazy/bored with it and wanting to start something new, the wedding/house/moving, and pretty much being lazy. It's gotten so huge that it fills one of my knitting traveling bags. I should just sit down one night and finish it. I did find the mini notebook w the pattern in it in a box this weekend. I think it is a sign. Ditto w that I need to work on my stash better. Little Cat though the gorgeous more expensive that I usually get yarn splurge yarney goodness was the perfect skein to pull out of a bag - up top a ton of stuff w the thing folded over - to play with. Luckily he didn't wreck it but he did get a yelling at... speak of that cat. He has just invaded my lap.

Friday, April 25, 2008

At least it wasn't raining sideways...

After living in the Chicago area your entire life, there is one thing that is always unpredictable, the weather. (Well that is unless it's 15 mins before I leave work, then it will rain/snow/sleet/srain/lob ice chips at your head or one of my favs - be so windy you get trapped up against a pole/post/side of building.) The Yarn Harlot event was cancelled tonite since Stephanie couldn't leave Toronto to get to Chicago. I was really really hoping it all would have worked out when they said that she was delayed due to the flight but after reading her blog, while inhaling a uber nutritious McDs dinner, I can see that the chance was super slight that she'd even make it. The event is to be rescheduled so N and I will be heading back there. We both just hope that we're not out of town on already scheduled trips.

It was really cool to see the various knitters though. (I said hello to a few but w this being one of the first time in way to long I saw N we chatted ourselves. ) I've never joined a knitting group mostly bc I do not know of one that works w my work schedule. The all ages aspect of it was cool down to the ity bity in the baby sling w the frog hat. Of course now a frog hat is on my list, though I think making an actual hat should be done first.

I added to my yarn stash today by buying this wacky lime green blue mix. It's nothing fancy quality wise but I think it'd be a fun idea for my first sock attempt. I have the double pointed needles. Now I just have to find a good pattern. Worse case I can try baby booties and use The Puppy as a model. I don't know if she'd like it but it'd be funny. Ok I take that back. If I do doggie booties I think I'll use old post-frogging yarn.

Though thinking of dogs and knitting, I'll prob end up making her a sweater. I have the dog knits book from M. The Husband will be rolling his eyes. That I know.

Yarn Harlot

Tonight is the meet/greet/book signing for the Yarn Harlot's latest book. I'm so excited. N & I have been talking about going to a coffee place to chat & knit for ages. It all kept being pushed back due to whatever random thing and most recently the wedding/house stuff. This will be amusing esp since I plan to wear my knitting shirt.

I'm tempted to try to get on Ravelry since I've heard raved reviews about it but I know it is a yarn-ey vortex of goodness. One that will suck me in and not want to let me go so I can finish the other projects around here. I know I'll still go ahead and sign up.

I've been all excited about gardening this week and now have a day off today. It's windy, like screen door will try to attack the side of the house windy if you don't hang onto it. Oh well. Maybe it's a sign to cut faster? The bushes need it. I'm thinking perhaps blitz mode.

Now the true test is if I can get errands done in less than 2 hrs. I highly doubt it. :p