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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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