Monkey Knits

Beam me up, Scotty!

2003-08-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Beam me up, Scotty!

Please click here to visit my new home.

2003-08-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

New site
MonkeyKnits is making a move! I am relocating to Type Pad. I'm saying good-bye (and good riddance) to Blogger and hello (and how YOU doin'?) to Type Pad. Come see me... And change your links!

My New Home!

2003-08-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Buh-Bye... Buh-Bye...

It has finally happened. MT has been installed. Monkeyknits.com is on its way to completion. I have a few things to iron out in the template area, but I'm going to start posting to the new site by the end of the week. I will keep you posted on this and I will have a redirect site up and running so you can find me. I'm so excited! No more Blogger. Yippe!

Isn't the blog world fun? Today I signed up to help Matt and Rob with their knitting project. I hope I get picked. Ooh, ooh! Pick me! PICK ME!

That's all I have for now. I'm going to try to work on the template for a while. Then I'm making one of the only things I know how to make for dinner: oven-fried pork chops. Yummy. Then I'm planting my butt on the couch and working on SCC. The sleeves are coming along nicely, thank you very much.

2003-08-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

The TiVo ate my homework?

Argh! TiVo is the devil! It is programmed to record "Sex and the City" on channel 300 every Sudnay. Tonight it decided to override that decision and record some random show on channel 30. It's a good thing HBO replays their shows 27 times a week or else the TiVo would get a stern talking to.

So, there's a lot of buzz in the knit blogging world about what constitutes a "good" or "proper" knit blog. Some people think a true knit blog should be all knitting, all the time. I am not one of those people. Obviously. If I blogged only about my knitting you, the reader, would be bored to tears. The fact is, though I knit all the time (according to my loved ones), I don't seem to produce much. So if I only blogged about my knitting, I would have a post everyday that said, "I've knit another two inches on the pink sweater," or "My list of future projects is growing faster than my lawn." So I choose to bore you with not only knitting, but also other things that happen in my life.

For example, today I went to the driving range with John and his brother, Tim. I have only ever done this once before. I had a good time until I realized that golf is a learned skill. It is such an awkward motion -- keep your left arm straight, bend your legs, keep your head down, watch the ball... SO many things to remember in the span of about three seconds. But I hit a few good balls and I think I may take lessons next summer. Look out, Annika Sorenstam!

Also, some of you may remember that I am graduating this December. I graduated from high school in 1995. It is now 2003. I have been working on my Bachelor's degree for eight years. Now that I'm finally graduating, it occurs to me that I must start thinking about living in "the real world." I will be applying to graduate school but I'm pretty sure I won't get in on my first attempt. This is not pessimism; it is realism. My GPA suffered tremendously during the few years I decided I'd rather concentrate on partying than on studying. It turns out that spending most of your free time at the bar is not the path to making the Dean's list. Who knew? But now I am back on track, thank you very much, and I am on the Dean's list. Nonetheless, I must consider that I may not get into grad school right away. This means that I will have to get a "real job." *heavy sigh* I'm not sure what that entails, but it sounds terrible and it gives me a tummy ache just thinking about it. I am just praying that the job market is a little better in December than it is now because I do not want to work in sales or welding.

2003-07-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Crazy Fun Days

Today, and this weekend, is "Crazy Days" in downtown Vermillion. Actually, someone told me today that it's called "Fun Days" because "Crazy Days" is offensive to crazy people. I don't know if that's true, but there you go. "Whatever-They're-Called Days" is basically a weekend where all the downtown businesses sell all the junk they've been piling up all year. It's like a giant rummage sale. I love it! Today I went downtown to renew my license tabs and stop at the Post Office. Well, the PO is right across from the Hallmark store. I *love* Hallmark stores. SO I just went to look. How could I not? There were about six huge tables of gorgeous, useless crap just calling my name. Then, I heard the voice of the Devil (disguised as a sweet old woman wearing a Gold Crown name tag)... "Fill this bag for only $25." I looked over... The bag was probably two feet wide by 18 inches tall and six inches across. I thought to myself, "I bet I can fit a lot of crap in there!" And I was right (caution: big photo!). I just did the math, and the total retail value of my crap is $150!!! Who knew!?!

Now, does anyone know what I can do with 14 packages of tissue paper? I would've stuffed more in there, but I felt kinda guilty...

On an unrelated subject: What is this?!? Isn't he like, sixty or something??? Yuck! I don't know if I can handle it. I want Aidan back! And I guess now we know that Berger gets kicked to the curb... *sigh*

2003-07-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump Day

This week is cruising along pretty quickly. Part of me thinks that's nice because then the weekend will get here sooner. But part of me thinks that's not nice because then *winter* will get here sooner. I like fall, so I don't mind if that gets here, but I'm already dreading winter!

Have you been to Matt's blog yet today? He posted yesterday with a bunch of great photos of all the yarn they have over at Threadbear. It is absolutely insane! Me and my Knit Along girls are planning to visit those crazy guys in October and I can't wait. We're going the weekend after my birthday, so hopefully I will get cold hard cash or TB gift certificates as b-day gifts (hint, hint!). I'd really like to learn how to spin and it seems like Matt and Rob have the right tools to get me addicted...

I think that working on these swatches is improving the speed factor of my knitting. I'm probably an average speed knitter -- not super speedy but not super slow-poke, either. I am a tight knitter, though. I'm trying to retrain myself but it's pretty tough. I'll remember for a while and then revert to tight knitting. Any ideas on how to "cure" myself of that? I think if I learned to knit more loosely, my speed would automatically pick up a bit. The tightness slows me down because I have to push the stitches around since they're so tight on the needles. My needles probably aren't helping me out any. I have the SCC on my Denise circulars and they are so "sticky" -- even after I got the new cords. I don't think I have the right size Addis though.

And, in completely unrelated news, today is a good day because I get a free Subway sandwich for lunch. I have this.

2003-07-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

I need, I want, I hafta have it!

Is this the craziest thing you've seen all day?

And this is a very cool website, no?

And I don't think I can live without one of these.

And I'm pretty sure I need one (or two) of these to carry all my new stuff in!

2003-07-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Swatch it!

This is what I worked on this weekend. Not super exciting, but it feels so good to actually accomplish something. I also finished the Funky Strandy Thingies scarf. Here's a photo of me wearing it. I'm really exhausted tonight so look for a longer post tomorrow.

2003-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

KIP

Yesterday, at the doctor's office, I cast-on for John's second sock. I was prepared to wait a long time... Turns out I hardly had to wait at all. In fact, I was only on the first round when the nurse called me in. She was absolutely amazed at the fact that I was knitting. She told me that she tried to knit once and that she managed to poke herself in the eye several times before giving up in frustration. She asked me to take the whole project out of its pouch and she looked at it (and its finished partner) for several minutes. She was very inquisitive and she kept telling me how wonderful it looked. The whole ordeal really made me feel good about my knitting. It's very rewarding to receive compliments from a complete stranger. I don't knit in public very often, but when I do I'm used to getting sideways glances and odd stares. It's nice when someone "has the guts" to approach and compliment your work, don't you think?

2003-07-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Sweater.

I have been looking for a pattern like this since forever. I *love* wrap-style sweaters. I haven't been able to find exactly what I've been looking for until now! I don't think the book is out yet, but you better bet I'll be getting it when it's available. Here's where I found it. It's under the "Books" link. It's called "The Cashmere Collection." And here's a picture of it in all its perfect glory. It's a teeny-weeny picture, but I can still tell that I love it!

2003-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Puppy Love

Don't tell John, but last night I fell in love with another guy. He's a little young for me, and I'm not usually attracted to the hairy kind, but I couldn't help myself. This guy is soooo dreamy! What do you think?

John and I went to Fairview Kennels last night to look at puppies. The people (Jeanne and Darrel) were so pleasant and the facility was gorgeous. It was clean (not stinky) and the dogs looked happy and healthy. We could tell that they loved their doggies. They had puppies ranging from a week and a half to three months old. The one we fell in love with (Beaumont) is one of the older ones. He was born on March 28th. He hasn't officially joined our family, yet, but we'll know by the end of the week.

In knitting news, I'm really digging this felted Kureyon bag done with mitered squares (see craftydiva's blog) and I'm going to make a variation as a Christmas gift. Go check this bag out. It's gorgeous. John's sock is still not done. I want to throw it out the window, but I *must* finish it. I'm dreading doing the second one. I think I may have to rip out about two and a half inches because I panicked and started decreasing for the toe too soon. I thought I was going to run out of yarn. I think I'll be okay if I rip it out and add about two more inches. What a pain in the whoo-ha. I will not work on it tonight, though. Tonight is for swatches!

** Update **
I think I owe Blogger an apology. In my haste to blame someone other than myself for my blog malfunctioning, I wrote a little angry comment about how Blogger is dumb and how it wouldn't show you my pictures. Well, umm... I typed the paths in incorrectly. It was my fault. I'm sorry, Blogger. Please forgive me. Check the July 16 (Wednesday) entry or click here to see SCC v2.0 and John's Sock. The sock is a little further along, but since I'm in serious dislike with it right now, I'm not going to post a newer picture. So there.

**Updated Update**
Sure enough... When I tried to post my apology to Bogger, I mean Blogger, it funk-d-fied my post. I guess it doesn't think my apology was sincere. Aftet this, I'm not sure it deserved to be! This thing is driving me crazy!!! I must step away from the computer...

2003-07-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Swatcha up to?

I’ve started on my Swatch-o-Rama-Lamma-Ding-Dong project. I am making 8” square cotton swatches to mail to my Knit Group buddies. We’re making blankets. I’ve got one and a half done. I will try to post pictures, but I don’t think Blogger likes me anymore. It is not displaying photos that I know have been uploaded onto the server. Argh. Pooh. I *have* to get my other site up and running. Maybe that will bet the weekend project. I’d love to say “Bye, bye Blogger!”

A few people have asked how I got the "Strandy Thingies" in the Flirty scarf. Well, *wink, wink,* it's very simple. Instead of wrapping the yarn once around your needle, you wrap it three times (or 2 or 4 times, depending on how long you want your strandy thingies). Knit (or purl) the next row as usual and the extra "length" on the stitches will magically appear. It's like making super lo-o-o-ong stitches. You may have to fiddle-fart around with it to make it behave, but it really is simple. And it looks cool. So there you have it. Wha-lah! Wait, is that spelled "Viola!"? You know what I mean!

2003-07-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Finally with the photos!

A few days ago, I posted about my knitting funk. I didn't feel like knitting. My WIPs were not interesting. I was feeling totally uninspired. On the advice of the lovely women in my knitting group, I knit up a fast and fun scarf.

The only problem is that I have run out of the fancy yarn (Plymouth Flirt) so the scarf is only about two and a half feet long. Sad. It was still fun, and I think it helped lift the knitting funk. Perhaps someday I will buy a few more skeins of Flirt and finish the Flirty scarf.

**Warning: Blogger is dumb and will not display my photos today. Therefore, the links below are temporary broken. Thank you.**
In other knitting news, here's where I am on SCC v2.0. It's been set aside while I work on this. I'm decreasing for the gusset (is that the right term?) now, and hope to finish by the end of this week. I hope I have better luck on this toe than I did on the last one. Me no likey the kitchener stitchy. And I am going to start working on my two swatches for my blanket. My Knitting Group friends are sending me swatches any day now... I can't wait for them to start rolling in. That should definitely help with the knitting funk.

2003-07-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Blechity-Blech-Blech

That's how I feel today. I rarely get cranky, but for some reason, I am today. Everything seems to be rubbing me the wrong way. Argh!

I worked on John's sock last night. I turned the heel with no problems. When it came to picking up the gusset stitches, I did it completely backwards so I had to tink it all and start over. I think it's all under control now. I really hope these puppies fit John's feet. I let him try one on when it was just a tube and it was pretty snug. This is after I went up to CO 70 st (from CO 64 st). Oh well... If they don't fit him, they'll make someone a nice Christmas gift!

I'm also still working on SCC. I love seeing other people's pictures of finished SCCs on various blogs. The more I see it, the more I like it. Should be done sometime this summer! Ha!

Alright, I'm too grumpy to blog. Blech. Maybe this funk will lift and I'll post some pics tomorrow.

2003-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Teaser

I told you I'd post photos and that's just what I'm gonna do... later this weekend. Here are a few to tide you over.

2003-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Rubber Duckie, You're the One

This story made me giggle and miss Ernie.

The women in my KnitAlong group are sending me swatches (think fluffa!) to sew together into a blanket. Each month, another member will be the recipient until all of us have our own blanket. I can't wait till the PO Box starts filling up with swatches. Thanks for the great inspiration, Becky!

John and I are going to look at puppies this weekend. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but I'm really excited about getting a dog. There is a breeder about 30 minutes from our town. We're hoping that she'll be interested in a little bartering because the puppies are pretty pricey (purebred Italian Greyhounds). I'll keep you posted. Happy Friday!

2003-07-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Would you like cheese with that whine?

Caution: venting and whining ahead.

Guilt: Feeling of regret for your real or imagined misdeeds, both past and present; Feeling of obligation for not pleasing, not helping, or not placating another; Motivator to amend all real or perceived wrongs.

Guilt: What I feel for not blogging often enough, not finishing more knitting projects and not being generally a lot cooler than I am.

I know these thoughts are irrational, but it seems like it's just my nature to compare myself to all the great knitters out there who have amazing blogs and knit three sweaters a day. So many of you have children, full-time jobs, pets, social obligations, etc. and you still manage to whiz through projects left and right. My family and friends probably think I knit way too much, but I feel like I should be knitting more. And where does that come from? Am I afraid of the Knitting Police? Do I think I have some sort of knitting quota to fill?

These feelings have increased in the last week or so because I've hit a little knitting slump. I got so relaxed over my vacation that I can't seem to get motivated to do much of anything, let alone knit. What do you do to get excited about WIPs? Usually, I would buy more yarn... That is not an option this time as I am B-roke! And I think that part of my problem is that I'm bummed out that I haven't finished anything lately. Maybe I need a super quick little something to make me feel like I've accomplished something. Ideas?

Okay, done whining. In other news, John's latest idea is that we need one of these. Isn't she a cutie? She's an Italian Greyhound. I would love to have a dog, and having a dog that I could knit for would be even cooler.

2003-07-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Back to the real world

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing weekend. If you had half as much fun as I did, then I'm sure your weekend was faboo!

Here's a quick recap of what I did this weekend:

Knitting -- Sitcom Chic and John's Sock
Relaxing -- lots and lots and lots
Shopping -- very restrained trip to LYS
Tubing behind boat -- found muscles I never knew I had
Playing Scrabble -- game called on account of torrential rain and lightning
Eating -- No calorie counting on the Holidays
Loving every minute of it...

My parents have worked so hard to get where they are today and they have made such a nice life for themselves. I'm so happy for them. Imagine waking up every morning to blue skies and having a cup of coffee on the shore; spending the day on the boat; ending the day with a campfire; and repeating that cycle all summer. John and I did not want to come home yesterday. The thought of returning to "real life" was such a drag after spending such a relaxing weekend at the lake. We will be going back to visit again, soon!

The trip to the LYS was short and sweet. The shop, Playing with Yarn, is up the North Shore in Knife River, MN. The drive is gorgeous. I love Lake Superior. The shop is small but plentiful and both the owner and her assistant are just about as friendly as they could be. My only complaint is that the store isn't located in my town! I would love to go there every day. But I guess that could get to be a problem, huh?

I promise to post pictures within the next few days. The batteries are recharging after some pretty heavy usage. Check back tomorrow for knitting photos and vacation photos, too!

2003-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Vacation... All I ever wanted!

I am going on vacation until Monday, July 7th. John and I are bringing the 'lil bro home to my parents' house for the Holiday weekend. There will be tons of food, lots of playing in the lake and hopefully a little knitting, too!

Still working on the sock. I may post pictures, but I kinda think, "If you've seen one sock in progress, you've seen 'em all." Am I right? That might not stop me from posting a pic. The yarn is pretty cool and I'm using size 1 Addis so the tiny stitches are tres impressive to me. I am easily amused. I'm also working on SCC. I'm only just past the second set of increases. It's very easy knitting so far. And I'm liking the Cotton-Ease. Must... Get... More... Speaking of which, does anyone want to take bets about whether or not I will go to the yarn store in my parents' town? Must... Stay... Strong...

In other news, I would really like one of these. They are from Peace Fleece. I'd also like to try some of their lovely looking yarn and other goodies. I made myself an okay knitting needle case, but I *really* like the handmade needles and the story behind them at Peace Fleece. I need a magical Knitting Fairy to bestow unnecessary gifts upon me. Anyone know where I can find one?

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend. See you all on Monday!

2003-06-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

I'm expecting company

Pardon my mess. I'm just tidying up a bit. You probably don't believe me anymore, but I am still working on getting this site moved over to its permanent location. Whew! It's tough work. Good thing women don't sweat.

I'm also expecting a few visitors from over Chicago way. The lovely Bonne Marie is sending her friends over to MonkeyKnits for a visit. She's finished her BNS -- in all its sassy, fish-netty goodness -- and now she's sent her fans westward to explore new territory. If you're visiting MK for the first time, welcome! If you're a return visitor, welcome back! Please look around, make your self at home, bookmark me and come back again. We're glad to see you!

2003-06-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Pocky and other happy treats

I went to Japan several years ago, and besides the great people I met, one of the things I liked the best was the Pocky. These chocolate-dipped sticks of heaven got me through some tough times. I went there when I was a not-so-worldly teenager and I wasn't, perhaps, as adventuresome in the food department as I could've been. Instead of trying new and exciting native cuisine, I sampled new and exciting Japanese candy. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across this website. They have tons of great asian candy. I'm going to have to get some of this and this, among other things. Mmmmm...

In knitting news, I cast on last night for Sitcom Chic v2.0. I'm making the medium (CO 165 st). I had a little brain fart when I was doing some mental math last night. I was thinking about the BNS I just made and how I only cast on 125 for that and the gauge was much smaller (more st/inch). But then I realized that the BNS was knit in two pieces -- front and back -- while SCC is a cardi knit across the whole shebang. I are smart. In any event, 165 st in Cotton Ease seems like a million to me. I've never used it before and I think I'll just have to get used to it. It feels, umm, dry or something. Squinchy? I don't know how to describe it, but I like the way it's looking.

I have so many things I want to do in the knitting arena and just not enough hours in the day. I have the Summer Tweed waiting in the wings. I think it will be two tanks. And I have John's socks, which can't be finished soon enough for his ~~impatient~~ excited self. And I want to make hat/mitten/scarf sets for gifts. If you are on my Christmas list, don't read that part! And I have a ton of great wool for felted goodness. And I want to make myself a poncho. And now I have SCC on the needles, too. When will I find time for all this? I guess Christmas is six months away. I have some time.

2003-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Tornadic Activity

Yes, that is a word. I know it is because the meteorologists used it in every other sentence last night. We had crazy storms in our area, including several tornadoes. It was a bit tornadic last night.

I ripped out the 3 inches of ribbing I had done on John's sock because I dropped a stitch. I tried to recover it, but alas! It was not meant to be. So I frogged the whole thing and started over on smaller needles. I think it will be better in the long run. I'm trying to teach myself how to knit a little looser. I am such a tight knitter. Sometimes my arms just ache because I don't realize how tightly I'm knitting. Who said knitting is relaxing?

Here's my new goal. I'd like to make one of these, someday. Maybe one for me, one for the boy.

How impossible is it? Can I do it? I think I can, I think I can...

2003-06-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Swatch and socks

Here's the swatch that will be in the mail to Becky tomorrow. Hope you like it! I had fun knitting it. It's from Vogue Knitting, my favorite knitting reference.

And, here's the finished sock. I haven't started its matcher, yet. Why, you ask? Well, I'm working on a pair for John now. I had to "hurry up" and finish that sock so I could cast on (immediately) for his sock. He's very ~~impatient~~ excited. He asks me about every other row whether he can try it on yet. Umm, honey? I only have about 2 inches of ribbing done so far! Go ahead... Try it on! Ooops, gotta go. He's calling me from the living room. Guess it's time to get back to work!

2003-06-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Good news/Bad news

The good news is that I have finally finished the BNS. It is seamed, it is blocked, it is ironed. Last night I crocheted around the armholes. I didn’t crochet around the neck because I like the roll-neck look. The bad news is that I don’t really like the way the BNS looks on. It’s probably due to my lack of crochet-ability. The armholes are a bit wonky. I’ll probably just wear it under my jean jacket. Or maybe it will look better after a few washes. I love the way the fabric looks. It just fits funny. It was a wonderful learning experience, though. I learned the three-needle bind off, how to make my decreases/increases look nice, how to seam (thank you Teresa!); how to follow a sweater pattern… I’m glad I did it.

I’m very excited to start on SCC. I just saw the photo on Bonne Marie’s blog of the woman she saw on her tour of Lorna’s Laces. The woman was wearing SCC! That makes me wonder how many people have made that cardie. The KnitAlong group on Yahoo has around 100 members already (!) and a lot of us are working on SCC. Some of us have already made one, too. Mine is going to be just like the one in Knitty – bubblegum pink Cotton Ease.

John has to work all weekend, so I hope to get a lot of knitting done. Becky’s swatch should be done tonight. I need to finish the Regia sock; cast-on for SCC; and start a pair of socks for John. I also have a couple of felted totes in the works, and I’m going to start figuring out Christmas gifts. I think I’m going to attempt mittens again. I tried them right after I learned how to knit and I got so frustrated that I literally threw the whole thing halfway across the room! I think I can control myself now.

2003-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

"What's New Pussycat?"

Some guy on Jeopardy answered “Tom Jones” to the Final Jeopardy question yesterday, and I’ve had this song in my head every since. Make it stop!

I started my cotton square for Becky last night. Not to toot my own horn, but my swatch is cool! I’m not saying anything else until it’s done. Then I’ll post a pic of it. I would love to make a whole bunch out of this stitch pattern for myself and make my own blanket. But, I have a million other things to do first. I want to get started on Christmas presents. And John really wants me to knit him a pair of socks. Last night he saw me working on the swatch and he said, “What’s this? That doesn’t look like my socks!?!” Apparently, I can only work on his socks now. I told him that I wanted to finish the pair I have on the needles right now so that I can perfect my sock-making technique. And that I had to make this swatch for a little change of pace so I don’t get too bored to make his pair. He seemed okay by that.

I haven’t cast on for SCC yet, but I did start to swatch. I thought I had the right size Addis, but I don’t. That means SCC will be knit on Denise. I can’t wait until I’m not so broke, or until a gift-giving holiday comes around, so that I can add to my needle collection. Must… Have… Addis…

2003-06-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

I'm working on the new site, again. Man, that learning curve is steep! Somebody out there has got to know something about Greymatter... Please contact me and help me out. I'm begging you! Here's a little hint of what's to come:
What do you think? New colors, new look. I hope I can figure it out. It would help if I wasn't such a prefectionist at this kind of thing.

In knitting news, I've turned my first heel. I was a little nervous because I've heard some terrible things about how awful and difficult it is. I thought it was kind of fun. Is that strange? I didn't have any troubles, either. I think the instructions I'm using are very clearly written and easy to follow. I really dislike the yarn I'm using so it may be a struggle to get excited about making its matcher. I would *loOoOove* some koigu, but I have to wait a few months. No moola en mi casa ahora. I have some Sockotta that looks fun, but only one skein. I guess I'll have to make a kid's pair of socks. I hope to finish the sock tonight or tomorrow and have pictures soon.

The Sitcom Chic v2.0 is underway. Several people cast on yesterday. I, the "List Mom," was naughty and did not cast on yesterday. Instead, I worked on my sock and my web page revisions. I hope to cast on tomorrow or Wednesday. I have to decide which size to make. Medium would probably be okay, but I will probably make the large. I would rather have it be too big than too tight. Anyone have advice on that one?

2003-06-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Good Mail day

Look what I got. I bought this from Jenn at KR. I got 10 skeins of yarn, the pattern booklet and a homemade soap! What a great package. I should be able to get two shells out of this. There are about 4 or 5 patterns out of this book that I *love*. In case you don't recognize it, it's Rowan Summer Tweed. It's 70% silk/30% cotton. I hope I like it. I've read mixed reviews about it. It feels a bit strange -- really dry or something, but I think that's the silk. The colors are truly gorgeous. One is a bright muted lilac (yes, I can describe it that way!) and the other is a muted light gray. They both have nubbies of other colors -- that's what makes it a tweed. If you've used it and have an opinion, let me know.

The mitered tote bottom turned out extremely kitty-whompus. It turns out I don't really know how to do mitered corners! At least not in the correct way to make a rectangle. And I'm not sure how to turn this into the bottom of a tote. Any bright ideas? On the "glass is half-full" side of the coin (uhh, mixed metaphors much?) it's really fun to knit with Kureyon because you never really know what's coming up next. I just want to knit and knit and knit to see what it's going to look like. I never get bored! I really like some of this fall's colors like #126. When I go off my yarn diet, that's right up there on the list of things to pig out on! I'd love to make a cardie out of Kureyon a la Glampyre Knits. Isn't it lovely? Me likey, likey!

2003-06-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Mitered Mania!

I made the leap from paper to needles. I am almost finished with the bottom of the felted purse I'm designing. Keep your needles crossed that everything works out. Maybe someday I'll have my very own pattern published in Knitty.com!

Ooops, we're leaving for lunch now. More when I get home from work!

2003-06-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

I'm an emotional wreck!

Remind me not to watch Oprah the week before my period. This guy absolutely tears my heart out. What a sweetie. My parents bought me his book set last Christmas. He is such an amazing kid. Excuse me, I have to go get a tissue now...

2003-06-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Updated photos!

Seeing this everytime I go in or out the back door just puts a smile on my face. Arent' they be-yoo-tiful?

I've updated some of the photos on the sidebar. Exciting, no? And here's one just for fun. These guys live in our friend's yard. They let the farmer use their land. And John said he knows someone else who raises these guys so I just might have to learn how to spin...

In other news, I've swatched for the felted tote I'm designing. I sketched it out last night. I'm a little nervous that I'll invest serious time and materials into it and it won't work out, so think good thoughts for me, please. And I'm well underway on my first sock. That's a picture of the ribbing. I've just started the stockinette part. I don't really like these colors -- they're a little garrish -- but I'll keep working on them. It's pretty relaxing, which surprises me bc I don't really like to do ribbing. I think it's just so fun to watch the pattern emerge. I can't wait until I'm able to get some koigu... Mmmmm.

And, finally... The news you've all been waiting for... Ta-dah! Not the best pic, and I'm not showing you my face (bad hair day!). I just wanted you to see "the project that wouldn't end." I still have to weave the ends and crochet along the armpit holes. But for now, it's done. Whew!

Some of you have heard about the group that started out as the BNS Knit Along. We've become a group of about 20 knitters who worked together on Bonne Marie's BNS and in the process we've grown to be pretty good pals. Well, word got out and in order to spread the love, we've decided to create another group. This one is called, simply, KnitAlong. It's on Yahoo! groups. The theory is that each month we'll decide on a new project to "knit along" with each other. Anyone can join and I think it's going to be lots of fun. The main purpose of these groups, in my opinion, is to bring people together to encourage, advise, and appreciate their peers. If you're interested in joining, click on the link below. Hope to see you there. Happy Knitting!

Click to subscribe to KnitAlong

2003-06-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

Fried Pickle Spears

Each week at my new job we are dining at a different establishment in the Vermillion metro area. This is funny because Vermillion has a population of about 3,500 people. There are about 6 places to eat in this town, and none of them are good. Today we ate at a bar with a cartoon leprechaun on the faded sign outside. I had a very greasy, very tasty cheesburger with a side order of fried pickle spears. Mmmm... haute cuisine.

Well, I seamed up the ole BNS the other night. And tonight, I ripped it out. Not the whole thing, just the shoulders. It will now be a square-necked shell (SNS?). I should be finished weaving in ends sometime mid-September (don't ask). And I will take photos of me wearing it this weekend! Yippee!

My goal for tomorrow is to update the sidebar to include new photos. Aren't you excited? I am... Stay tuned.

2003-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Please, hold your applause…

I am so happy! The BNS (Boatneck Shell) is off the needles and blocking. It will be seamed tonight after work. I didn’t follow the pattern exactly. It’s not as fitted as the original, but I think it will be just lovely. I pinned it together and tried it on last night. It actually fits! I am going to have to break out the Vogue Knitting book and study the hows and whys of seaming. I’ve never done that (correctly) before. Should be interesting. If all goes well, I should have pics by tomorrow or Friday.

Now, I don’t want to start a Knit Blog controversy, but I imagine that not everyone out there would be as thrilled as I am to have finished a simple shell (after a month and a half). Those of you who have been knitting for a while would probably whip out a BNS in a few days. But I am not the speediest of knitters (even on a good day) and so I am proud of clearing my little hurdles. We were all there at one time, right?

And I was thinking about something else: I probably wouldn’t have finished it had it not been for my beloved Knit Along group. It’s just like trying to lose weight; it’s easier if you are being held accountable by others. My group is the best. They’re supportive, kind, funny, crazy, caring… I really wish I had more “real-life” friends like them living nearby! Any of you guys want to move to southeastern SD? I’ll take you to see the crabby lady at the yarn store in Omaha!

Next up: Felted Tote Mania! I’m swatching some Kureyon with the idea that I’m going to design my own bag. I’ve never used Kureyon before, and let me tell you… I am loving it. I love the way it feels. I love the way it knits up. I love, love, love the colors. This particular colorway has bright orange, pinks, yellows, purples and blues. I got a pretty good deal on eBay, and I plan to get more. Anyone want to go halfsies on a 10-pk? I think I paid about $55 for the yarn and S/H. Just let me know and we can work something out.

The other thing that I’m going to concentrate on is the sock making experience. I have the two-circs technique down. I’m in the middle of knitting the cuff on my very first sock. Haven’t reached the heel yet. I’m hoping that it’s not as tough as everyone says it is. I guess I’ll find out when I get there!

2003-06-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mmmm... Cough Syrup

"I think I have the black lung, Pop." Started feeling miserable yesterday. Still feel like poo today. I don't recommend trying to knit while hopped up on Robitussin. It ain't pretty. Ripped out the same row three times before finally giving up. Very sad. And why does cough syrup have to taste so terrible? I mean, c'mon... they can put a man on the moon, but they can't make chocolate amaretto cheesecake-flavored NyQuil?

2003-05-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

More Photos!

I promised to post pictures of the surprise, so here it is:

Click here to see a fuzzy-ish photo of the very nice card that came with the surprise... It says, "Good Luck and Happy Knitting from your friend, Sarah Bible, and the devious fellows at ThreadBear!" This yarn is meant for the Suki Knit Along, which I just realized starts on Sunday! Yikes! Sarah knew that I had emailed the guys about these specific colors. I was wondering why it was taking them so long to get back to me, but I just figured they were really busy. Plus, I took it as a sign that I really shouldn't buy more yarn. Sarah got in touch with Matt and Rob and found out what colors I was looking at and told them to send 'em on over! What a great group of friends I have...

And here is a photo of the Noro I'm going to make into a lovely felted tote. And here is a picture of the yarn for Sitcom Chic. Please vote on a ribbon you think would look best for the inside of the button band (a, b, c, or d).

And, finally, here is what my mom gave John and I as a "thank you" for having her stay with us:

My addiction is yarn; her addiction is flowers. Thanks, mom!

2003-05-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Nutricious and Delicious

I can always tell when we haven’t been to the grocery store in a while because that’s when I eat cereal for 2 or more meals per day. Yesterday, it was breakfast and dinner. Today, it is breakfast and lunch. Wait! Today is payday… That means I can go out to eat. Life is good.

The “No Yarn for One Month” group is going well. It’s tough, but I’m a tough lady. I can do it! Don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying that I haven’t been tempted. I’ve just been stronger than the yarn (so far).

That reminds me… I have to tell you my LYS story. Mom and I went to the LYS in Omaha (I won’t say the name, but it’s the only one in the whole city – you can probably figure it out). I was excited to go to a real live LYS, since there are none in my area. In fact, this one is the closest one – and it’s two hours away. I had read a few reviews about this store, but I decided to try it anyway. It couldn’t be that bad, right? Umm, wrong. I’ll start off by saying something good: there are sooooo many different yarns in this store. Quite possibly thousands. End of good things.

I don’t even know where to start, the place is so bad. The store is tiny and cramped. The swatches (if you can find one) are not labeled – no prices, no fiber content, no needle size, not even the name of the yarn! And the swatches aren’t located by the yarn that it’s swatched from. The yarn itself is not priced – you have to look it up in the one price book they have sitting on the one table in the store. Handy. I’m not sure what she was thinking when she organized the store – the yarn is not in order by brand, content, color, price, name. I couldn’t figure out the system and I did not want to ask.

Why, you ask, did I not want to ask? Here’s why. I found a gorgeous pillow in the front of the store. I asked the woman sitting at the table eating her lunch if she knew how it was made. She told me to ask the owner. Gulp. I brought the pillow over to the front counter and this is what transpired:

Me: (nicely) “Excuse me, did you make this pillow?”
Her: “Yes.”
Me: “It’s really beautiful. Can you tell us what kind of yarn you used?”
Her: “All different kinds. None that I have here now.”
Me: (pause) “Oh… Okay. Well, can you tell us how you made the back panel?”
Her: (large sigh, interpreted as, ‘please stop asking stupid questions and just buy something already) “I knit the middle and crocheted the edges.”
My Mom: (pointing to the crocheted part) “So, this is crocheted and the middle is knit?”
Her: “Yes. That’s what I said! Crocheted!!”

Well, then. My mom is not really a knitter or a crocheter (she knows how to do both, but she’s not, umm, addicted like me). But, regardless of whether she’s the next Lily Chin or if she doesn’t know the difference between a knitting needle or a crochet hook, she did not deserve to be talked to that way. As a business owner, I would think that she would want to be friendly and helpful to even the most annoying customers. We were actually being nice to her and she was incredibly rude. It was very bizarre. To her defense, she is obviously having medical problems which might contribute to a bad attitude. But if she hates her customers so much, maybe it’s time to let someone else run the store for a while? I will never return to this store nor will I order from her online. Sad.

The good news is that my mom and I were able to closely approximate what the woman had done to make such a lovely pillow. We stopped at the Hobby Lobby on our way back from Omaha, bought a little cheap-y yarn and I gave her some leftovers from my stash. The pillow is going to be absolutely gorgeous and about a quarter of the price it would’ve been if we’d bought the yarn at the LYS. Thank you, crabby lady!

The story has a happy ending, though. Because the owner was so cantankerous, I was able to stick to my “No Yarn for One Month” pledge. So I say, “Thank you, crabby lady. Have a great day!”

2003-05-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Where's the Knitting?!?

I just realized today that it's been a while since I posted anything about knitting. That's because I haven't really knitted lately. I was so busy getting ready for my mom to come and then I was busy having fun with her, I've neglected my knitterly duties! I do hereby solemnly swear to devote more time to knitting, including, but not limited to, finishing that d*mn BNS!

Like any good knitter, I'm already thinking ahead to the next two or three projects. I thought about joining Wendy's mouse along and making one for this cutie, but I'm not sure I have enough yarn. Instead, I think I'll cast on for Sitcom Chic and some variation on a felted tote. I promise to post pics of Sarah B.'s yummy surprise tomorrow when I can get a good one out in the sunshine. You are going to be jealous! I found some great knitting buddies!!! I also have some Kureyon to be made into a delicious felted tote. Hmmm... can you tell I'm hungry by the choice of adjectives in this paragraph?

I sent my aunt (Margo) her felted tote a few weeks ago. She tells me that she loves it. She showed it off to some women in her parenting group and they went ga-ga over it. One of them said she'd like me to make one for her, and Margo made it sound like she'd be willing to pay whatever I'd charge ($$$). That got me thinking about knitting for money. Some people say, "No way!" Others say, "Okay." I'm not sure where I stand. Probably more towards the Okay end. I love to knit. I feel a bit selfish knitting for myself (in fact, I haven't really knit anything for myself until the BNS). And I only have so many family members to give stuff to... I've heard that a good way to calculate cost for hand knit items is to charge three times the cost of the yarn. I think that would mean between $75-$90 for a large tote. Seems like a lot to me, but that's probably because I know I can make one for myself for one-third that cost!

I have a *very* funny story about my dear BF, John. It's a bit lengthy, however, and I'm exhausted so I will post all about it tomorrow at work. I also have to show you all what my mom gave John and I as a sort of "thank you" gift. They're gorgeous. And, one last thing... Have I mentioned that I'm glad to be back in the blogging world? I missed you guys...

2003-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm Baa-a-a-ack!

Time flies when you’re having fun. I just dropped my mom off at the airport about two hours ago. It was very sad. I wasn’t ready for her to leave. We had so much fun together. Want to know what we did? Read on…

Wednesday: I picked my mom up at the airport after work. We picked up a few groceries and went home and hung out. John helped us pick out a hotel to stay at in Omaha and gave us some ideas about fun things to do there.

Thursday: We woke up early and got on the road to Omaha. It’s about two hours by car and we had no trouble with directions. In fact, we didn’t get lost the whole time we were there. Mom said that’s because it’s an easy city to get around in. I say it’s because we’re so cool. We went to the Henry Doorly Zoo. The weather was absolutely perfect for wandering around looking at animals. I know some people are opposed to zoos, and I think that some zoos are really sad and gross, but this one seemed nice. The animals all looked healthy and happy. I took a million pictures (click here for zoo pics). It started to sprinkle just as we were leaving the zoo. Perfect timing. We checked into the hotel (which, BTW, was a dump – thank you very much, Expedia) and took a short cat nap. Then we found a tourist guide and mapped a course to the best looking shopping areas! We shopped around and got some great deals on clothes. We went to a women’s clothing store where the sales person asked us if we wanted anything to drink. I thought that was strange… Nice, but strange. It was a little bit of a frou-frou mall (fancy-schmancy, you know). That night we also had the yummiest steak dinner. Mmmm… Back to the hotel to watch “The Life of David Gale.” Pretty good movie…

Friday: More shopping! Old Navy (cheap but tasty!) and then on to (drumroll, please…) the yarn store! This is an entire post in and of itself, so stay tuned for details! After that, we drove downtown to see the Old Market area. Lots of cute little shops and restaurants to explore. We had lunch at an outdoor café. Mom got the special: soft-shelled crab with Santa Fe slaw and avocado sauce. Sounds yummy, right? Imagine our surprise when the waiter brought out an open-faced sandwich with an entire breaded and deep-fried crab on a bun. We’re talkin pincers, antennae, the whole deal – right there on the bun! Yikes! We ended up splitting my chicken wrap. More shopping and then back to Vermillion. We got some knitting in before going to bed.

Saturday: Our project this weekend was to cover the windows in the living room and dining room. My mom had previously mailed me some nice black linen fabric so we decided to use that for the valances. Long story short, the finished product is gorgeous, but we would get kicked off Trading Spaces. We stayed within budget, but it took us three days to finish three valances and two sets of sheers. It was all worth it though. They are fabulous. We also had dinner with John and Carol (FILs). They’re great. My mom really likes them and they all get along swimmingly (hee-hee, I’m British for a minute there!).

Sunday: This is the day I started getting sad because the visit is almost half over. We spent most (okay, all) of this day on the window treatments. Lest you think that this project wasn’t fun, I must tell you that mom and I work very well together. We giggled, we gabbed, we sewed, we goofed off. We worked hard, though. I’m so glad we didn’t give up. I love our new look! Dinner with John and Carol again, tonight. Carol’s daughter Janet was there with her two little kids. They are super cuties. They’re staying with grandma and grandpa for a week.

Monday: More sewing! But this is the day we finished. Check out the before and after pictures. Quelle différence ! (Ooh, now I’m French !) Dinner at the Welcome Table
tonight. Then home to relax, knit and watch another movie (“Catch Me if You Can”). At this point I’m already missing her. Mostly, I was just trying not to think about when she was going to have to leave…

Tuesday: Early morning wake-up call. Today is the day mom had to go home. But before she left, we went to WalMart to buy a ton of flowers (see how pretty they are?!?). Then I dropped her off at the airport, hugged her, kissed her and told her how much I love her. I wish it was last week again so she’d be coming tomorrow…

We had a blast. We shopped a bunch, ate good food, made beautiful window treatments, designed a pillow for her to knit, picked out a ton of flowers for my back porch, talked, relaxed and had a great time. I wish you guys could meet her. She’s a very cool person.

In other very exciting news, Sarah B. sent me a lovely surprise today. I don’t know how she did it, but she teamed up with the “devious” guys at ThreadBear and sent me a box full of the Cascade 220 yarn I had been eyeing for the Suki Knit Along! I wasn’t going to let myself buy it bc I made a pledge to buy No Yarn for One Month and I am sticking to it. So a BIG thank you to Sarah B. and when I hear the rest of the story, I will let you know.

Whew! What a long post. And I still didn’t post about everything I wanted to post about. I promise it won’t be another week before I post again. I just wanted to soak up every minute of my mom being here. I knew you’d understand…

2003-05-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Happy

I'm in such a good mood today. People are being nice to me and I haven't felt like screaming at anyone on the phone yet today. I pick up my mom in 3 hours. I am sooooo excited for her to be here. She's my best friend and I miss her so much. I think we're going to have a blast. We're going to Omaha tomorrow to go to the zoo and to see Old Market. I'm trying to get a nice hotel room for the night, too. And there will be many games of Scrabble, all of which will be won by me!

Sarah B (One Stitch Short) sent me an email today. She said she is going to send me a surprise... Actually, she asked if it would be Okay if she sent me a surprise. Umm, let me think... YEAH! I love surprises! I can't wait to see what it is. She wouldn't tell me. I'll keep you posted. I'm outta here for today. I may not be posting much until my mom leaves... Don't miss me too much!

2003-05-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

T minus one and counting

My mom arrives tomorrow! I can't wait. I haven't seen her since March and I miss her so much. She gets in tomorrow around 6 o'clock and I can't wait to give her a big ole hug (carefully, of course -- she has a torn rotator cuff). I think we're going to go to Old Market in Omaha, and maybe to the Omaha Zoo, too. We're also going to do a lot of relaxing and gabbing and Scrabble playing. She knows hot to knit, so maybe we will knit a bit, too. Have I mentioned that I'm excited for her to get here?

Still plugging away at the BNS. Will I ever finish? I'm absolutely amazed at people who whip out fairisle sweaters and cardigans like crazy. Where do they find the time? I guess I used to have a lot of time to knit when I worked in the computer lab. Now I work 8-5 and I come home and I just want to vegetate. I get maybe 5 or 6 rows in and then it's time for bed! Sad, sad life. I really need to just bite the bullet and ask if it's okay to knit at work. The worst they can say is "no" and then give me a real job to do, right?

2003-05-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

The big clean

Whew! I am stinky and tired. John and I spent the day cleaning the house. Well, we got most of it done. I'll have to go through one more time and "freshen it up" before my mom gets here. It's sorta funny... She knows how, umm, relaxed we are about keeping things tidy. But we still give the house a thorough cleaning before she arrives. I really love it when our house is totally clean. I feel like I can really relax once it's finished. And yesterday, I worked all morning and then came home and mowed the lawn. Then John and I went to a party for Carol (John's stepmom). She's leaving her job and her co-workers threw her a really nice party. It was fun, but we stayed forever and I was soooo tired when we got home. I couldn't even stay awake for SNL.

The garden is growing like crazy. We got a lot of rain last week and that definitely helped our situation. Maybe I'll have some pictures of flowers soon!?! For now, check out this and this and this. Isn't it pretty? I got the Festival "Happy" because I like the name, but I think it's just Baby's Breath.

During the cleaning today I organized my yarn stash. Doesn't it look nice? Here's what prompted the re-organization. Like the sticker? Now I can see some of my yarn and I think that will help stifle my urge to buy more! Also, I've joined the "No Yarn for One Month Club" at Knitter's Review. That should help, too. Oh yeah, and I'm broke so that should really help!

Okay, I'm off to work a little on the BNS before I crash into bed. Have I mentioned that I'm exhausted from all this work?!?

2003-05-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

I know how you feel, Mom

Tonight, John and I are going to his nephew's orchestra concert. I think it's very cool that he's in the orchestra. He seems to like it. So I'm excited to see him. But there are going to be something like 1300 kids performing at this thing -- it's an all-city concert. Now, I was in band in high school. We had a couple of hundred kids in all the bands. Our concerts were usually around three hours (or longer). I was always part of the show, so I didn't get bored. But I can imagine that it may have been a bit much for the folks in the audience. My poor parents and grandparents and other family members -- they sat through so many band concerts! This is why I am excited yet not excited about going to Brendan's show tonight. I am going to bring my knitting and try to get some work done on the BNS. I'm sure John will get embarassed, but I'm sure he'll get over it.

I have such a terrible urge to buy, buy, buy more yarn. It's terrible. So far I've been able to keep it in control, only because I don't have any money. I may have to use some of the yarn I already have. That is a wonderful idea, no? Here's a list of things I have yarn for:

Cotton Ease for Sitcom Chic (knitty.com)

Noro Kureyon for felted tote

Bartlett Yarn for 2 Christmas stockings

Enough sock yarn for 5-6 pair of socks

Curly cotton eBay yarn - no project in mind, yet

Rowan All Seasons - free tote project

Tagliatelli - no project in mind, yet

Several skeins of LB Homespun

Lots of Wool Ease

Lamb's Pride for Bucket Hat (chicknits.com)

Tahki Cotton - another BNS?

Lots of Sugar n'Creme cotton

Much, much more...

I also have 10 skeins of Rowan Summer Tweed on the way (hopefully) from Jenn at Moonglitter. I don't know what that's going to be, yet. That's all I can remember from my desk at work. I'm sure there's more. It's a bit crazy when you start doing inventory. You realize how much you really have to work with. I guess I don't need more yarn right now. Maybe I need to get rid of some yarn! Hmmm... anyone up for a little yarn swapping???

2003-05-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Frustrated lady

I'm trying to get monkeyknits.com up and running and it is just not doing what I want it to do. Argh! We have the domain registered. That's a good thing. We have Greymatter installed. Good. I just don't know how to use the darn thing. There are a bunch of templates available, and I've downloaded a few, but I don't really know what to do from there. Maybe the BF can help.

Not much news in the knitting world. I want to do the Suki Knit Along. I emailed the guys at threadbear regarding the Suki kits. They're going to email me with a few color combos. I can't wait. I think of it as a headstart on Christmas present knitting...

I'm still working on the BNS. Sheesh! How long can a sleeveless top take, you ask? Well, it will be a month old, tomorrow. And she's still not finished. I haven't given up on it, though. It's just taking a while! And I've also got a sock on the needles. I'm not sure if I can knit at work, but I'm going to find out. I don't see why I wouldn't be able to. My job is to answer the phone. When the phone is not ringing (which is most of the time) I surf the net and update my blog. I think knitting would be no different than either of those activities, right?

2003-05-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Liar, liar... Pants on fire!

I know, I know… I said Sunday. Well, life gets in the way, sometimes. John and I had a full weekend. I worked Friday and Saturday and it was very busy. This weekend was graduation in our small college town and the town was bursting at the seams with family and friends of the lucky graduating class. Sadly, I was not among that class. Saturday morning, John and I planted our front flower gardens. I think they’re going to be beautiful. I took photos, but I haven’t uploaded them from the camera yet. I’m not sure when we’re going to tackle the big ole vegetable garden in the backyard. We still have to get it tilled and buy some seeds and some plants. John wants to plant a bunch of sunflowers in the backyard, too.

On Sunday, we drove up to Sioux Falls and had lunch with John's Mom and Grandma. John's brother, Tim, and his family were there, too. We ate at the Olive Garden. It was a nice time. Then we went to Home Depot and looked at lighting fixtures. We also got a great deal on pots.

In knitting news, I got the rest of the yarn for the BNS and I’m working on the second side. I think it’s going to end up being the front. I’m a little nervous about finishing it. I don’t really know how to seam. Any suggestions for a website with good info on how to do seams? I’ll probably use my Vogue Knitting book, too. And, I’m very excited about this news, I’m finally learning how to knit socks. I’ve mastered knitting in the round with two circulars. I’m using Regia Jacquard in Las Vegas. I’m at work right now, but I will try to get some pictures taken when I get home and post them tonight, too.

The other thing I’m working on is a major overhaul on my blog. Like someone else in the knitting blog world said, I know it’s a little young to need a facelift, but I think it will be much more user friendly and easy on the eyes. John and I are still trying to figure everything out. I hope to unveil it sometime next week. Keep watching!

2003-05-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Still here

I'm working on some major changes to MonkeyKnits.com so I'm not going to write a long post. I promise to get you all up to speed by Sunday. In the meantime, enjoy some photos of the other fun thing I've been working on (see sidebar). Pictures of the "finished project" will also be up by Sunday. Have a good weekend!

2003-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Times they are a changin'

Keep your eyes open for big changes at MonkeyKnits! The excitement will commence in the next few days... Stay tuned!

2003-05-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

How do you spell relief?

No More Calculus. Ever. I had my final last night. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. I am soooo glad it's over. What a stresser. I usually don't get worked up over that kind of thing, but man, I was freaking out last night! I have one more final tomorrow morning and then I'm done. I'm taking one class this summer and I think it'll be easy. I'm not even thinking about fall semester yet. Yikes!

John bought a new computer. This one is going in our living room, I guess. That brings our total number of computers to seven, I think. That doesn't include the ones he has at work. What does a person need with seven computers, you ask? I have no idea. Plus, we got our TiVo back last night. It was MIA for a whole year. I never have to watch commercials again!

The BNS is on hold until the yarn comes in. I broke down and ordered more blue. I just think all those crazy stripes would mean crazy weaving of ends and that would mean crazy me. I just want to get it done. Maybe the next one will be crazy stripes -- but knit in the round. The only bad news is that of course the yarn store didn't have the same dye lot. I'm crossing my fingers that it won't be noticeable. I did the whole front in one dye lot and the whole back will be in the new one. Shouldn't be too bad, right? I'm sure my tag-board will be inundated with dye lot horror stories now...

I think my next project is going to be a poncho. I've wanted to knit a poncho since I learned how to knit. There's a cute pattern in Rowan All Seasons Cotton. But it takes 15 skeins of All Seasons, so I'll have to find a reasonable substitute. I wish it was my birthday. I need presents. HeeHee. Oooh, that reminds me. I am going to call to make an appointment for a massage. That's my reward for surviving calculus.

2003-05-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

All talk

John and I had big plans for the weekend. We were going to buy flowers for the front flower beds and do some major planting. Well... that didn't happen. We almost didn't even make it to the grocery store. I worked Friday and Saturday. And then on Sunday, we just lazed about. We played no-limit Texas hold 'em. John likes to watch the World Series of Poker (I think it's on the Travel Channel). We have "real" casino-grade poker chips, so we felt like real high rollers. We had a good time. I could never do it with real money, though! And we'll get to the garden later this week.

The front of the BNS is off the needles and blocking. This is good news. I thought I was going to through it out the window for a moment or two. I could not, for the life of me, figure out the instructions for binding off the neck and shoulders. I did it over and over and over and kept getting the same screwy-looking results. Finally, I just left it. Hopefully it will look OK when it's seamed together with its equally (I assume) screwy-looking backside counterpart. I'm still debating about whether to call the yarn store to see if they have more blue cotton or to just give in and do the crazy stripes on the back. Will it look strange with a solid color front and a crazy stripe back? Will I go crazy with all those ends to weave in? What should I do?

And in the category of "In My Dreams," if any kind reader has an extra one of these hanging around, looking for a loving home, email me and I'll give you my address. Substitutions in size, shape and color also accepted.

2003-05-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Felting Maniac part II

M's tote is finished! I may wash it one more time because I think I used too much dish soap and I don't think it all came out. It feels squinchy. It turned out good, but I think it's pretty big. I hope she likes it. The yarn is really cool. It's black with red, yellow, green and blue specks. It felted nicely. This is what it looked like before felting. You can see finished pictures here and here.

Now, I only have one project on the needles: the boatneck shell. I'm almost done with the front. I know I say, "I'm going to finish it tonight," all the time, but I think I might really finish it tonight. Here's a picture of the decreases on the armpits. I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out, except there are two places where I did some funny bar thing. I don't think it will be noticeable when I'm wearing it, but I'll know it's there. It doesn't bug me enough to rip it out. I just really hope this bugger fits me.

In other news, my mom is coming to visit in 19 days. I am very excited. I'm not sure what we're going to do. She just found out that she has to have surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Ouch. Maybe we will just relax and recuperate. I'll need a little R & R after next week. I have my calc final on Tuesday evening. The good news is that I never have to open a math book again in my life. The bad news is that this final is cumulative and can make or break my grade in that class. I'll be happy when it's over.

I registered for my summer class, Film Appreciation. It's an online course. I'm not sure what that entails, but it fulfills a requirement and helps me graduate a little earlier. I also registered for fall. I have an 8 am class. That is going to be tough for me. I had a hard time making it to calc at 10 am this semester. And the 8 o'clock class is biochemistry. Yuck. Wish me luck with that! And I emailed one of my favorite professors from last semester and asked if she'd be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my application to PA school. She said she'd be honored to do that. I think it will be beneficial because she's on the admissions board at the med school. I'm also going to ask the medical director and the PA at the clinic I used to work at. I'm sure they'll be willing to do it as well. Now I just have to pull up my GPA a little bit and cross my fingers and wait it out.

2003-04-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Felting Maniac

When I was a little girl, I thought it would be so cool to be a stylist. I loved doing my friends' hair and make-up. Actually, my friends still ask me to do their make-up when we go out. I'm sure I would've made an excellent beautician except for one small problem: I can't stand the feeling of wet hair on my hands. I could never deal with the idea of other people's wet hair in my hands. I hate it when I get my own hair in my hands when I'm washing it in the shower! It creeps me out. This makes me wonder why I love felting things so much. I like designing them, knitting them and seeing them transform from giagantic monsters into nice, useable finished projects. But I hate taking them out of the wash machine and pulling the fuzzballs out of every crack and crevice. It's sheep hair, you know. I'm felting M's tote as we speak. It was super humongous, so I've run it through the wash cycle 4 or 5 times now. I just pulled it out to check on it and there are hairballs everywhere! This yarn is really hairy. I don't wanna go back down there!

I registered for fall semester. How fun does this schedule sound: microbiology, biochemistry, sensation and perception (psych), human development (psych) and intro to criminal justice. "One of these things just doesn't belong here, one of these things is kind of the same. Can you guess which one is doin' its own thing. Now, before our time is done... (duh-duh-duh) And now our time is done!" For those of you who didn't watch PBS, I apologize for the random Sesame Street outburst. Criminal Justice is taught by a friend of the family. He is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. So when I met him a year ago, I knew that I wanted to take one of his classes. I'm not a CJ major (or even minor) but this class fulfills a requirement and it fits perfectly into my schedule. I'm also applying for entry into the P.A. program for fall 2004. I talked to the secretary at the school today and she said I should go ahead and apply even though I haven't finished all the pre-reqs yet. Never hurts to try. If/when I don't get accepted this time, I will apply again next year.

2003-04-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Decorating ideas?

I have to paint my kitchen. The wallpaper has got to go. I think it may have been white at one point; now it's grey. It is covered in tiny strawberries. Yuck. Here's the trouble. I have no idea what color(s) to paint it. The cupboards are dark wood and I think I'd like to paint those, too. We retiled last summer with a nice neutral ceramic tile. No worries there. I'm leaning towards terra cotta or tomato-ey colors, something warm and spicy. Thank goodness my Mom is coming to visit next month. She's good at this kind of thing. Hopefully, she'll have some inspiring advice.

John and I took a trip to the big city today. That's Sioux Falls, SD for those of you not familiar with my surroundings. I used to live in St. Paul and I miss "big city" livin'. We went to Target (love it, love it, love it!). I got a new summer wardrobe, including two pairs of shoes (aren't these cute?!?). I also got several nice tops... Now I won't have to go nekkid this summer. Happiness abounds!

In the knitting world, I'm so close to finishing M's tote. I've posted new photos, although they aren't the greatest. My camera doesn't like to take photos of knitting unless there is natural light around. These pics were taken at 10:30 last night. I have one strap to finish and then they need to be grafted onto the tote. Then I can felt the whole deal! ETA: tomorrow or Tuesday. I'm working my last overnight shift right now which means that I'll be pretty useless by about 2 pm tomorrow!

The BNS has been placed on the back-burner lately due to M's tote and school hecticness (I assure you, that's a word). I worked on it a tiny bit, as you can see from the progress photo. I'm almost to the arm pits. And, after my successful trip to Target today, I will actually have something to wear with it when it's finished.

2003-04-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

School Daze

I have been a bad blogger and a bad knitter. Next week is the last week of classes and then I have finals. I've been tying up loose ends and getting ready for a hectic two weeks. I have a calculus test tomorrow and two tests next week. The good news is that I only have two finals: one in calc and one in alcohol studies. I met with my adviser yesterday and it seems that I could graduate next fall. I have to decide what I'm going to do after graduation. If I decide to apply to med school or the P.A. program, I'll have to take a few more science courses and I won't graduate until spring. If I decide to apply to grad school in clinical psych, I could graduate in the fall. Now, what do I want to be when I grow up???

I'm still plugging away at M's tote. The BNS is on the back burner for now. I worked on it a little bit the last few days. I'm slightly frustrated with the whole thing bc it's taking me forever. I guess that's partly bc I hardly work on it! I'm pretty sure it's going to fit. But I still have to work out the whole stripe pattern thing. Maybe I should just buy some more purple yarn and call it a day.

2003-04-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Slow and steady

I had a nice long weekend... The BNS is coming along nicely. I've just past the last increase and I'm coming up on the armhole decreases. Two of our knit-alongers have already finished! I'm not even halfway done. But, there are others like me. And Stefanie (whose shell looks great, BTW) is starting on a second one so she can keep knitting along with us slow pokes. Actually, I think we might be the normal-paced pokes and they are the speedy pokes. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's not a race...

I finished the body of M's tote last night. I hope to finish the straps tonight at work and felt it tomorrow. It is humongous. Enormous. Gigantic. It's really big. I'll post pictures later tonight if I'm not too tired after work. The novelty yarn part looks great. I did that part with the purl side facing out. Someone on KR told me that novelty yarn usually "sticks out" on the purl side. They were right! When I made a tote for my grandma, I just did stockinette stitch all the way through and I had to go back and pull all the little fringy things out to the right side. What a pain in the butt! I still have to do a little pulling on M's tote, but not nearly as much. After this, I don't have another tote planned, but you never know!

The weather here is finally getting gorgeous. I think we'll have a week of really perfect weather before summer gets here and it's 90 degrees every day. I really need to buy some summer clothes. They had a nice looking silk sweater twin set at Sam's Club. How weird is that? Any suggestions on where to get nice, cheap clothes online? I also need a nice pair of summer shoes... Momma needs a new pair of shoes!

2003-04-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

Mmmm... I had a great Easter dinner. John and I went to John & Carol's house. They made pork loin and all the guests brought something. I made fresh green beans sauteed with red and yellow bell peppers, garlic, bacon and slivered almonds. Yum! We also had cheesey potatoes, salad and cheesecake for dessert. We ate at 2 and I was full until about 9:30!

I didn't knit on the BNS at all today. I'm almost done with M's tote, though. I have about 10 rows left and then the straps. Then I just have to felt it. That's the fun part. I hope it shrinks down a lot bc it's huge! I guess I always think the totes look huge, but they always shrink down to the right size. I don't have class tomorrow. I just have to work for 2 hours at the B-School lab. My guess is that there will be nobody in there. I will be able to knit, knit, knit.

I have to write a short story for my creative writing class and I have writer's block. It's author's choice, so I can write about anything. Any suggestions?

2003-04-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Lazy, rainy days

I've been working hard on my BNS. I'm closing in on the third increase. I really need to decide what I'm going to do with the whole stripe thing. I am sure that I'm going to run out of the purple color. I'm thinking some multi-colored stripes across the boobish area and then a totally randomly striped back with all four colors. So far I've just used the purple color,so I guess this is the front of the shell.

My lovely BF complimented me last night, I think. He took my shell, felt it a little, looked at it, flipped it around a bit and said, "This is a lot better than anything else you've done so far." Umm, thank you, I think! He meant it as a compliment. And he wants me to make him a sweater out of this yarn. He likes the feel of the cotton. I told him that it would take me forever to knit him a sweater in this gauge. And he'd have to get me a weekly massage to get the tension out of my shoulders and neck from knitting so tightly. I told him I'd use a little bit bigger yarn and he whined, "No, I like this one!" Okay, honey! Sheesh! He's a 3X tall. Where will I find a pattern to fit him? And how the heck long is it going to take me?!? The big question is, do I really believe in the Sweater Curse? I think I kind of do... But I still want to make him one. Call me crazy!

2003-04-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

T.G.I.-Thursday!

I don't have class tomorrow. And I just found out that I don't have to work tonight! Yeehaw and Hot Diggity! This is good news.

More good news is that the BNS is in full swing and it's going well. A few of us got together last night for a little chat. We found out that most of us either live in or are moving to Washington, D.C. It was nice to "meet" my new friends in real time, even if it wasn't real life. Maybe that will happen at a later date?!? You can see my progress here and here. I'm finding out that I knit much more slowly with cotton than I do with wool. My other WIP is a felted tote and it's knit very loosely. With this cotton shell, I feel like I should be knitting really tightly. My neck and upper back muscles start screaming after about 30 minutes of knitting and I have to take a break. Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? Maybe I'm just mental. I really hope this thing fits. It's my first attempt at a wearable item where size matters. I'm pretty confident that it'll turn out great bc I have a ton of great support!

In other news, I got an email from Becky at fluffa! the other day. She wrote to thank me for mentioning her blog as one of my favorites in a KR forum. It felt oddly like getting an email from a celebrity. Her blog and her knitting are so well done. I aspire to make as beautiful things as she does. Someday... *sigh*

2003-04-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

The long and winding road...

I got a new toy.

It's so wonderful. It will be even more wonderful when I get a swift. It's not very swift without it. But it's more swift than hand-winding. I use a special foot-winding technique. I can almost make it through a whole skein without my foot falling asleep.

The BNS is off to a great start. Some of us are cruising right along, while others of us have hit a few snags. Of course, I include myself in the latter group. I had about 4" done (including the ribbing, which I hate doing) when I realized that my finished shell was going to be 49" around. Now, I carry a few extra pounds around my tummy, but I think 49" is too big. I'm going to re-cast-on and aim for 42". I think that might still be a bit big, but I want it to be a little loose.

2003-04-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's like Christmas Eve

We cast on tomorrow for the BNS. I have one little problem, though. I did my swatch and finally got the gauge right, but I don't remember which needles I used. Argh! What a silly thing to do. I think I used size 7s. They might have been size 8s, though. Do I have to reswatch??? Or should I just wing it?

I need a little guidance on M's tote. I think I know what I want to do, but I would like a second opinion (and third and fourth...). Do you like design #1 or design #2 or design #3? Keep in mind that these are just rough sketches done in PhotoShop. The actual bag will look much less cartoonish. This is just to sketch out the color scheme. The colored dot parts are where I will carry along the novelty thread. It's little squares of color. After I get the votes, I will tell you which one I like. Hopefully you guys will pick the one I like and the choice will be easy. If I do red straps, I thought I would do a whipstitch around the edges in black... So many decisions! And I have to get this done so I can work on the BNS. I don't think it will be done by tomorrow, but hopefully by this weekend.

2003-04-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

What is he talking about?!?

How will you feel if you get beat by a girl?

“I don’t know. I’m just glad I’m not playing,” says Feherty.
“I would be right there on the 18th green
to shake her hand and take it like a man.
And inwardly, I’d go and have a good cry. I’d watch Oprah.
Yeah, I’d learn to knit.”

I watched 60 Minutes tonight and they had a segment about Annika Sorenstam. She's the woman golfer who is going to be in a PGA tournament. It's pretty cool if you ask me. Anyway, they interviewed this sports commentator guy. Leslie Stahl asked him what he would do if he lost to a woman. They guy said that he would shake her hand on the green, go home, watch Oprah and learn how to knit! I don't even know what that means! What a silly man.

John and I had lunch at his mother's house today. She wanted him to fix her computer so we drove up there for the afternoon. He wrassled me in the front yard. It was pretty silly. Then we went to his brother's house and got me a new used car. This is bittersweet news. I really, really, really love my Focus. She's so cute and peppy and new and cute. But I have no money to pay for her. That means I have to sell her. So John is buying this new used can (oops, that's a typo, but it's kinda funny so I will leave it!) from Tim. It's 8 years old, a Nissan Sentra and charcoal grey. The A/C works. I drove it home from Sioux Falls. It's a stick, which I like. I've never owned a stick before. I will only be driving it around town. If I have to go someplace far away I will borrow John's car.

M's tote is a little more than 1/2 done. I can't remember if she wanted black AND red, or just black. I think I'll put a little red in there. Then the top will have this cool novelty yarn. Funky. The Yahoo group for the knit along is up and running strong. We cast-on on Tuesday. I hope John doesn't notice that I'm starting another new project! He's going to wonder where all this yarn came from! My aunt bought me a ton of yarn last time I was home, and I bought the BNS yarn... I don't have a problem. Really! My Rowan club stuff came the other day and he did notice that. But he buys computers on eBay all the time. Okay, so he's the one making all the money, but, SO! I need fun stuff, too...

2003-04-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Knit Along Update

The Boatneck Shell Knit Along starts on Tuesday! Are you excited yet? Those of you who are knitting along, here's my idea. I'm going to try to get a little forum type deal set up on the knit along page. That way we can check in there, ask for help, etc. It might be similar to KR or it might be on Yahoo. Does everyone have Yahoo accounts? They're easy enough to set up. I will keep you posted.

Last night, I worked like a maniac on M's tote. I want to get it done before Tuesday. I am pretty sure that I am allergic to wool. My eyes are mad puffy today. And i was itching my hands in my sleep last night. They are raw and scratched up today. This makes me very sad. But I will not stop knitting with wool... I'll just have to wear gloves and safety goggles or something. It's strange bc some wools don't bother me much at all (Brown Sheep is usually okay). M's tote is Jamieson and there is a lot of fuzz coming off the yarn as I knit.

I really don't want to work tonight. I work at the Coffee Shop. My shift is from 3-7, but when you close you're there till 8. Unless there's entertainment tonight. Then I won't have to close. That would be sweet! I just want to be home with my baby. And it's the season finale of Ed tonight. I can't miss that! Who will he pick?!? I like them both, although Frankie is getting a little annoying...

2003-04-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here fishie, fishie, fishie...

We got a piranha. Yikes! He came with the giant fishtank we bought. I sorta hope he doesn't make it so we can get nice, pretty fish. Isn't that terrible of me? Okay, he's kinda cute, but I don't want to ever watch him eat. John is going to bring home live goldfish to feed him tonight. And he doesn't have a name, yet. Any brilliant ideas? I thought maybe Angry Pete. He always looks mad.

In knitting news, I'm mailing mom's gift today. I posted photos on the sidebar. Mom, if you're reading this: Don't look at the pics until you've received the gift! I'm trusting you not to ruin the surprise! Also, I emailed Becky at prettyposies.com. There might be an opening for me there in a month or so... That would mean no more Blogger. Awww, wouldn't that be sad? We'll see what happens.

My local knitting meetup was cancelled again this month. Apparently nobody in this area knits. It's very sad. Amanda and I told each other that if it was cancelled, we'd have our own knitting meetup. Just the two of us. I'm not sure why we haven't done that already... We both go to the same school in a town of about 9,000. Can you believe we haven't met yet? Amanda, are you avoiding me? heehee...

Alright, I'm off to the P.O. to mail my mom's gift. Yippee! Now I'll be all ready for the BNS knit along in 5 days!!! You still have time to join if you haven't yet...

2003-04-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

No willpower, whatsoever. None.

I am the worst. I was unable to talk myself out of my online shopping today. On the way are two sets of Addi Turbos (size 1 and 2), some Regia Jacquard and a new ball winder. I talked myself out of getting the Socks Soar book by reasoning that I can probably figure it out on my own. This website is helpful, I think. I don't need no stinkin' instruction manual! Now I just need a swift. That is one thing I will not buy for myself.

What brought on this sudden lack of willpower, one might ask? Well, I am so frustrated with trying to use DPNs that if I don't find a way to circumvent using them, I will never learn how to make socks. I will give up. And I don't want to give up. The ball winder, well, that stems from the many skeins of yarn I have waiting to be wound into balls and the dread I have in needing to wind them all by hand. I hope it works without its buddy, the swift. We shall soon find out.

I don't think I got any knitting done yesterday. I had good intentions to, but I got sidetracked. John's dad called us to tell us that their hot tub was "open for business." So John and went on over and had our selves a hot tub! It was so nice. Their old one broke so they got a new one... Mmmmmm... It has jets that move up and down your back and they're all adjustable. You can make it soft or hard or anywhere in between. And it's so fun to be outside in a swimsuit when there's snow on the ground!

2003-04-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

It's not dark out!

I love it... It's almost 6 pm and it's not even starting to get dark out, yet. Unfortunately the snow from this weekend's blizzard reminds me that it's not quite spring, yet. It's trying really, really hard to melt away. Hopefully that was the last of the winter weather for a few months. By the end of June I'm sure I'll be wishing for cooler weather, but right now I say, "Bring on the heat!"

This is my latest strangeness. Every time I work in the computer lab (which is everyday except Friday and Saturday) I surf the web for online yarn stores. I fill up the cart with the things I think I need (OK, want) and then talk myself out of it. Here's a list of things that seem to go into every cart:

Socks Soar on Two Circulars
Addi Turbo size 2 circs (24")
Koigu Painter's Pallette Merino
Noro Kureyon for more felted totes!
Ball Winder (I *NEED* one desperately!)

Some of these things may actually be purchased after I get my tax money. We'll see. I have some bills to pay and I think I'm getting a new car. A new, used car. This is a good thing because it means I wouldn't have a car payment anymore! Yippee! But I would have to sell my car and make up the difference btw what I sell it for and what I have left on my loan. That could be a big chunk of change.

2003-04-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

You swatch my back, I'll swatch yours?

Today is all about swatching. I knit up a swatch of the new popsicle yarn. I really like it. The colors flow nicely. There are no muddy areas. The yarn itself is like buttah. It smells really good! It knits up quickly. It is beautiful. Judge for yourself...

John stayed home from work today bc of the blizzard. He drove me to school. What a nice guy. He's so sweet to me... except when he tells me that I can't knit until I've finished my calculus homework. Then I don't like him so much! Good thing I can knit at work... I'm so sneaky.

2003-04-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Blizzard

I like the kind from DQ. I do not like the kind that is sweeping through our town right now. It was 80 degrees last week and now it's a blizzard. Argh. When will spring come for good? I don't think this snow will stay bc it's still pretty warm, but I think I will have to shovel tomorrow. Yuck.

F.O. Alert!!! The last part of Mom's birthday gift is blocking as I type. I have to seam it up and hopefully it can be in the mail tomorrow. Yippee! I'm still plugging away at M's tote, too. Slowly, but surely. I'm washing the boatneck shell knit along swatch. I hope it comes out nicely. I have to swatch up the popsicle yarn. Maybe I will do that tonight at work. It's Sunday so that means I work in the computer lab from midnight to 4 am. After this semester, I won't have to work overnights any more, ever. That's a happy thought.

On a school-related note, I have to meet with my advisor this week to talk about (drum roll, please): GRADUATION! After nine years of college (off and on), the finish line is finally in sight. Well, sort of. I'll probably be going on to some sort of grad school. But getting my Bachelor's degree is very exciting. It's been a long time in the making. I am definitely ready to switch from checking the "some college" box to "college degree." I'm hoping my advisor will tell me that I can graduate after fall semester. Wouldn't that be a nice Christmas present?

Time for a little cat nap before work... Zzzzzzzz.....

2003-04-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

I have good news...

And I have bad news. Let's get the bad news out of the way first. I had a calculus test on Friday. It didn't go so well. I don't know what I got on it, yet. I know I always say that I did poorly and then it turns out okay, but this time I really think I did poorly. It was very difficult. For those of you who know calculus, we were doing infinite series and Taylor series and Maclaurin series... I admit that some of it is pretty cool. I just don't want to be tested on it.

The good news is several things. John and I had a lovely date tonight. We had dinner with another couple. John used to work with Joe at the University. We went out with him and his wife, Molly. They are very nice. And then we saw "Old School." It was hilarious! I love Will Farrel. He reminds me of my John. So we had a nice time tonight. Also, my Crafter's choice books arrived. I got the Twisted Sister's book, Knitting Fair Isle Mittens and Gloves, The Knit Stitch Bible, an afghan squares one (really cool) and a knitting journal. And they threw in a free tote bag. It's pretty cheesey, but it was free! I also ordered the Vogue Knitting Reference but it's back ordered so it hasn't arrived yet. I'm going to make some swatches from the KSB as soon as I finish M's tote and Mom's b-day present (which I think I will finish this weekend). I also got the eBay yarn (popsicle). It is lovely. I haven't swatched it yet, but I think it will work well for the Knit Along. I haven't decided yet. It was a good coupla days at the post office!

I got an email from my good friend Jaime. She lives in St. Paul and I got to see her over spring break. I taught her how to knit (see photos of the yarn on the sidebar). She sent me the following statement in an email:

     Dearest Jen, You have created a monster. I didn't cook tonight.
     I didn't do my laundry tonight. I didn't iron the shirt I want to wear tomorrow tonight.
     I knitted. I've been learning various ways to cast on, because I kind of suck at it
     and need to get better, so this is what I've been doing. This scarf is dedicated to you.

Isn't that cute? I made a new addict. I'm so proud... Friends, Family: Beware! You could be next!!!

2003-04-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

Blog-O-Rama-Lamma-Ding-Dong

There are some really good blogs out there. I added a few new links to a few that I like. The thing about liking all these blogs is that I'm disappointed when they don't update everyday bc I check them everyday. And I have been sucked into blog-mania. I think I "blog" more than I knit now! Yikes! No, that's not true. I knit a lot.

Last night I had a very strange dream. Those of you who know me won't be shocked by that. I have very strange dreams, a lot. And I remember them, a lot. Last night in my dream, I was taking the MCATs (med school admissions test). I got all the way through the test, no problems. We got our scores back and I got a 37 out of 39 (I don't know where these numbers came from). I was so happy... until the exam proctor realized that he had given me the wrong test and I had actually taken a PSAT test. That's the test you take in 9th grade, I think. I guess the moral is: don't count your chickens before they hatch? Strange.

2003-04-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away...

It is so unbelievably gorgeous outside today. And I agreed to work for someone on my afternoon off. Aren't I nice?

I really like this warm weather, but there is a downside. I have no summer clothes. Well, I take that back. My summer clothes no longer fit me! So I've been looking online for good deals. Then I have to get the OK from the man with the money... That sounds like I'm a kept woman. I'm not. I'm just a broke college student. I am going to have to buy some clothes or else I'll be a naked college student. Lord knows there are already enough of those! They are everywhere on campus! And the amazing thing is that they are all tan. Yeah, you look incredibly natural when you've spent the winter in South Dakota like the rest of us yet you are bronze like the natives of South Beach. And they're all skinny, too. I hate them all. But I take comfort in knowing that they are the same silly girls who freeze their butts off all winter in the name of fashion ("I can't wear a hat - it'll mess up my hair that took me 2 hours to do this morning! I can't let the frat boys see me with messed up hair!") while I was snug as a bug in my hand-knit, gloriously fashionable hat and scarf ensembles. Maybe that's why they're so skinny - they froze their butts off.

Not much news on the knitting front. M's tote is comin' along. I have a busy week school-wise this week so I may not be posting every day. And I think that's all I have to say today!

2003-03-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

It's official

I officially live in South Dakota. I now have a SD driver's license and SD license plates. Weird. I probably won't be able to find my car now bc I'll be looking for my old MN plates. It's just weird.

I'm working on M's tote, again. I want to get it finished before we start the boatneck shell knit along. Plus, I want some "mindless" knitting to do for a while. I've been really tired lately and it's hard to concentrate on anything too intricate. Susan (from cherry ducky) and I are going to try socks soon, too. I want to get the Socks Soar book and learn on two circulars. I hate DPNs. I am no good at them. I am not improving. I have no desire to improve. If there is a different way to do it, I will learn it bc I hate DPNs. But I do want to learn how to knit socks. Lucky for me there is the Socks Soar method. I'd really like some Cherry Tree Hill or Koigu merino. Yummy. But I'm going to be a grown-up about it and wait until I know what I'm doing before I drop $20 for a pair of socks that only a mother could love.

I posted a few new pictures. The swatch for the boatneck shell looks really blue. In real life, it is a lighter periwinkle purple-ish blue. The photo of just the yarn is more accurate, I think. And the photo of mom's original gift idea is up, too. Mom, even if you say you like it, I think you'll like your new gift even better!

2003-03-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

He works hard for the money

I just re-read my last post and now I feel really spoiled! Yesterday, while I worked for 8 hours, John drove to Sioux Falls (an hour away from where we live) to go to work on a Saturday. He got up there at 9 am Saturday and he came home at 7 am today. He worked for 21 straight hours! He did not sleep. He barely stopped to eat. And all this for a company that seems to care less if he is miserable. When he got home at 7 am, he crawled into bed and slept until about 12:30. And now, as I type this, he's driving back up to Sioux Falls to work on this project, again! I wish I would win the lottery so he didn't have to work so hard...

And when I win the lottery, I'm going to organize my very own knitting retreat right here in the midwest! KR announced the annual November knitting retreat. I really want to go. I might go, actually. That's plenty of time to save some money. I'd love to meet the people that I "talk" to everyday. I have no idea how much it costs, but I think airfare is pretty reasonable. At this stage, I'm just in dreaming mode, though. Mom, how'd you like to go to Virginia in November?!?

Only two weeks until the Boatneck Shell Knit Along starts! Are you excited? I just found some lovely yarn on eBay that I might have to use...
What do you think?

2003-03-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so spoiled

This is how spoiled I am. I actually feel overworked when I have to work an eight hour day. I worked 10-2 at the Coffee Shop this morning and now I'm working 2-6 at the computer lab. To put it in perspective though, I do go to class 14 hours/week and work 30+ hours/week, 7 days a week. That doesn't even factor in knitting time, either. I guess I am a busy girl!

I talked to my mom the other day and she had some sad news about my grandpa. He woke up from a nap and couldn't see out of his left eye. They went to the hospital and found out that he had a blod clot in his retinal artery and is now permanently blind in that eye. He's so funny, though. Right after he got the news, he told the doctor that he'd be OK. He said he'd just get half of a seeing eye dog. He said he's going to get the back half of the dog so that he doesn't have to feed it. And he told me that he thought he'd probably lose some weight now since he'd only be able to see half the food on his plate. What a weirdo! You just have to love him...

On the knitting front, I'm working on the second part of "The Real Gift." It's a three part deal. Tomorrow, I'll post pictures of the original gift. I'm not sure what its fate will be. Does anyone else have a birthday coming up? Speak now or forever hold your peace!

2003-03-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

What day is it?

I think I lost a day somewhere. I've been a little preoccupied this last week. I have terrible spring fever which means that I'm finding it difficult to concentrate. But, at the same time, my classes are getting intense and I find myself having to *gasp* study! The good news is that there is only a little more than a month of class left this semester. The bad news is that it's not getting any easier... Have I mentioned that I hate calculus?!?

John told me today that he can install Moveable Type on one of his boxes at work and register my domain name for me! What does that mean to you, the dear reader? Well, for one thing, the website address would change to www.monkeyknits.com so you'd have to change your links. I know you've all linked to my site, right? And, more importantly, I think the site itself would be easier to navigate. From what I've heard, and what little I know about MT, it's easy and it makes your site look dy-no-mite! Yippee!

And, Mom's b-day present is finished. But it turns out that it's not really "her." So, I'm busy making a much better gift for her. I am one-third of the way done with what I will call "The Real Gift." And, on a related note, I went to the post office to get the mail today. What to my surprise should I find there? My Mom's birthday card marked "NSW," which I think means "No Such Way." It should've been marked, "WADA," which means "What a Dumb Ass." I put the wrong address on my own mother's birthday card! Sorry, Mom. I've remailed it with the correct address and given myself 40 lashes with a wet noodle.

John and I went to the coffee shop tonight for the monthly Vermillion Literary Project Poetry Slam. I had to go for my creative writing class. John had to go bc he's my boyfriend and he loves me. Plus, I cooked dinner for him. The Slam was OK. I definitely will not put it on my list of things to do if you find yourself visiting Vermillion. Hmmm... Come to think of it, that list is pretty short. Maybe the Slam does make the list.

I went to student health yesterday to get my puffy eyes checked. They are red like a baboon's butt. And I really like monkeys, but I don't like it when my face looks like a butt. The doctor was very nice when I explained that my eyes had been red, puffy and irritated since October of last year. I'd already seen someone at student health a month ago. He gave me some goopy stuff to put in my eyes. It made them feel better while it was on, but it didn't make it go away. So, this nice doctor gave me Prednisone. For those of you who don't know, this is a steriod. It makes me a little crazy. Think PMS on speed. It's a pretty low dose and we're tapering down, so hopefully I won't be full-blown psycho. And she told me to get "one of those masks like movie stars wear to sleep in." I didn't have one, and I couldn't find one in Vermillion (surprise, surprise) so I asked John to stop at WalMart in Sioux Falls to pick one up. He whined a little about how silly he'd look, but he went anyway. He couldn't find one. The idea is to smear my eyes with Vaseline and then wrap the sleeping mask in Saran Wrap and wear that to bed. The Vaseline will moisturize and the Saran Wrap will keep it from getting rubbed off. I improvised. I wrapped my winter headband in Saran Wrap and wore that. It was pretty silly. It got way too hot and I had to take it off in the middle of the night. Tonight I will try Vaseline with no winter gear. I hope this works. And I'm glad she didn't tell me that knitting was the culprit because I ain't stoppin'!

2003-03-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Mom's present is blocking... It's almost finished! I'm so happy with it. I think I will have to make a matching one for myself! Then we'll have to get matching mother/daughter easter dresses and we'll be all set! I plan on finishing it tonight, mailing it tomorrow and posting photos on Friday. Stay tuned...

I watched this weekend's Trading Spaces episode, the one in Las Vegas with the lady who hated brown. It was hilarious! I wonder why some people go on that show. You know that the one thing you ask them not to do is the one thing they'll be sure to do. And some of those homeowners say, "don't touch this or this or this or this. And don't use brown, red, orange, green, blue or yellow." Hello?!? What is the point of being on the show? I would love to have a room done by Vern or Edward or Genevieve. I love Gen. She's so funky. Actually, I'd like anyone but Frank (no offense, Frank). He's just not my style. And I don't like Kia's theme rooms, either, but I haven't seen her in a while so maybe she got the boot.

This is annoying. My tag-board is not working. Pooh. And when my page loads it says I have a bug. Pooh. Double Pooh. I think it's bc tagboard.com is down. Hopefully that will resolve itself in a timely manner. I have to go study for a calculus quiz tomorrow. Wish me luck.

2003-03-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Everyone say, "Happy Birthday Patti!" It's my Mom's birthday today. I love you, Mom. Wish I could be there to celebrate with you gys and eat shish-kabobs. Your present will be done by tonight (I hope).

A while ago, I bought some yarn on eBay. It was garbage. I could get the same thing at the Civic Council (like Goodwill) for a quarter. Plus, when I got it, it smelled so bad! I emailed the seller and told her that I wasn't going to be able to use it bc it was too stinky and she just told me to wash it. So I did and it's still pretty stinky. Now I'm reselling it on eBay with the disclosure that it now smells like smoke covered up by the scent of dryer sheets. Someone actually bought it, so I have to get down to the post office today and mail it off. Is that bad karma on my part? I think from now on if I buy yarn on eBay, I will only buy from the stores I've heard good things about. I've bought from the Cucumber Patch and Toadal and Juliepoolie and they're great. Love 'em. But no more yarn for a while as I am broke.

On a totally different note, does anyone know anything about Moveable Type? I really want this site to look more polished and I don't know how to go about it. I've noticed that sites "powered by MT" seem to look very nice. I want it, too. But I don't really know what it is or how it works. Help?!?

2003-03-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

Love the city, Love the movie!

I'm so glad this movie won. I loved it!

2003-03-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

What weekend?

This will be my response to people who ask me how my weekend was. I feel like I didn't even have a weekend. I worked straight through it. Last night, John and I had dinner at John and Carol's house. Carol's daughters were all there with their kids. They have some darn cute kids. I arrived separately form John because I came straight from work. When I walked in the door, I was immediately greeted by Erin and Jordan inviting me to play Polly Pockets. I think they're both 4 years old. Erin and Jordan are cousins and there's a bit of cousinly rivalry there. Both girls were pretty sure that the three of us couldn't all play together. They wanted me to choose who to play with. Luckily, it takes them a good half hour to prep for playing Polly Pockets and by that time I was able to sneak off to join the adults.

Today has been pretty laid back so far. We're going to John and Carol's tonight for a little Oscar party. And I have to work at midnight, so I've already taken a nap. I'm also almost done with Mom's b-day gift. And when I say "almost done," I mean that I'm probably about halfway done. I really like what I'm making so I hope I have enough yarn to make one for myself!

2003-03-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Folk Music Hell

No offense to those who enjoy folk music, but I just spent four hours in folk music hell. I worked at the coffee shop tonight and we had live "entertainment." At least we stayed pretty busy so I didn't really have to listen to the music. Yuck.

I think I got the gauge right on the boatneck shell cotton. The yarn says to use a size 6 but I have to use a size 8. i got the same gauge with a size 6 and a size 7 (6 st/inch). It was only slightly better with the 8's (5.5 st/inch, but I'm calling it 5). What does that say about my knitting skills? I still have to wash the swatch. I'm expecting it to shrink a little, so I still may use the size 6 needles.

I cast on for M's tote but I haven't really worked on it too much. I sent G her tote today so she should get it tomorrow or Monday. I hope she likes it. And I'm going to figure out which projects I'd like to knit from the Hip to Knit book so that I can photo copy them. Maybe it's time for a little yarn inventory... I have no idea what I have. I'm also working on a present for my Mom's birthday (which is on Sunday) but she reads my blog so I can't tell you what it is. She's going to have to wait though, as it is still just an idea in my head! Alright, I am tired out from all that folk music. I gotta go to bed.

2003-03-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

I'm hip... I'm "with it..."

I just checked out Hip to Knit from the local library. Actually, my library didn't have it so I got it through inter-library loan. I think the most recent knitting book at my library is from 1978. Sad. But I'm glad I could get this book. It's got some cute things in it, but not enough for me to buy it. I think I'm going to make the "No Sleeves Funnel Top." And/or the "Must Have Cardigan." Like it says, I must have it. Has anybody used this book?

I'm naughty. I am getting so anxious for the Knit Along... I had to start swatching! It's a good thing I did, though, bc I might have some issues with gauge. I may have to tinker a while. But I like the yarn (so far) - Tahki Classic Cotton. And I've heard that it washes up nicely. I'm also working on my first sock. I don't work on it very often, though, so it's coming along V.E.R.Y. slowly. Good things come to those who wait???

I had a very frustrating customer service experience yesterday/today. I have to deal with this bank to solve a problem from four years ago. I won't name names, but for the sake of this post I will refer to said bank as "the Devil". So I call the Devil yesterday and talk to Megan. Megan is rude to me right off the bat. That really pisses me off. If you're going to be rude to me, at least wait until I've given you a reason to do so, OK? Megan states that she can’t help me with my problem and the only person who can has already left for the day. She also says that she’s sure he won’t be able to do anything for me because, “we just don’t do that here.”

Well, I take my chances and call the Devil back today to speak with the branch manager of the Devil (we’ll call him BM for short – sorta like bowel movement, which is what he reminded me of). He is also very rude to me straight away. What’s with the Devil? It’s as if the employees hate their jobs, their lives and everyone they come into contact with. BM tells me that he indeed has helped people with this problem in the past, but it is their policy not to deal with said problem. I asked if I could get a copy of that policy and he told me that he didn’t think it was written anywhere. ARGH. If it’s not written anywhere, and you’ve done it in the past, what is preventing you from doing it again? Is there no sympathy in your sorry shriveled excuse for a soul? I’m not asking you to donate a kidney, for pete’s sake! Then, I ask him if there is anyone else who might be able to help me with my situation as I felt like I was bothering him at work. He tells me that he’s the BM and there really is no one else. So now I have a call into his supervisor. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear from me. At one point, I may have been willing to drop it, but after being talked to like a child by several employees of the Devil, I’m angry and by golly, they are gonna hear about it!

Whew! Good to get that off my chest… Are you still with me? I have to do a little homework now and then work on the sock. I’ll keep you posted on my dealings with the Devil.

2003-03-19T21:14:00.000-08:00

What next?

"On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance ..."

Well, it's started. It's hard to concentrate on much else... I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. My only hope is that it's quick and minimal, although I'm sure it will be neither.

On a brighter note, I've posted pics of G's tote. It turned out great, IMHO! Also, tonight, out of the blue, John said, "Why don't we make something with your sewing machine." He amazes me sometimes! So, check out the pics of what we made... He says he's really going to use it. Won't his co-workers be jealous?!?

I cast on for M's tote. I hope it goes as smoothly as G’s did. On a related topic, I'm beginning to think that I'm allergic to wool. Ever since I started knitting, my eyes have been puffy and red and irritated. I could not for the life of me figure out why. My only hunch is that the wool bothers my eyes. This is very sad for my eyes because I will not stop. Has anybody heard of such a thing?

That’s all for tonight. I’ve had a long day and I just want to crawl into bed with my Baby and have some pleasant dreams… Take care.

2003-03-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

2003-03-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

the wonders of technology

I love Blogger when it works, but when it doesn't, I could just pitch it out the window. I had a whole entry typed up and the computer ate it (I think that's what happened, anyway). You can see its ghost right above this post. Just an empty blog entry. So sad...

G's tote is done! It's taking forever to dry. Pictures will be up as soon as the camera batteries are recharged. Tonight, I will cast on for M's bag. And then, I think I will make one for myself. I have the patterns from knitkit.com for My Constant Companion and 3 or 4 others. I think I will try one. Also, I taught myself how to crochet today. What brought that on? Well, my Granny taught me when I was 6 or 7 but I only knew how to make "snakes." Today, I learned: a) that the technical term for "snake" is chain, and b) how to make rows and rows of crocheted goodness. I'm working on a Sugar n' Cream face cloth. Funsies!

2003-03-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

the moment of truth

G's tote is in the washing machine felting right now. I just realized that I forgot to take a "before" photo. Ooops. Well, it was really big. And I didn't pull all the fringies through because it woulda taken forever. I'll post finished pics tomorrow.

2003-03-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Monday, Monday...

The next line is supposed to be, "So good to me," but I'm going to replace it with "I need some sleep." Those overnight shifts at the computer lab really mess with my circadian rhythms! Whew.

I posted a few new names on the Knit Along page. I think we're going to have a smallish group. That's OK, though. It's more friendly and intimate that way, right? I can wait to start. But I'm not looking forward to winding the rest of my cotton. What a pain in the butt that is turning out to be! I really should invest in a ball winder.

OK, I'm going to leave work now, go home, and study for a calculus quiz. I hope it's not raining because I biked to campus today. I really want to finish G's tote, too, but we'll see how far I get on the calculus. I just have to knit the straps and felt it. I don't think I'm going to pull all the fringies through. I started and I think it would take forever. I think it'll look fine without doing it. Cross your fingers.

What's next on my list after G's tote? M's tote, of course. And I'm still trying to learn the whole sock thing. Also, I may start on the Christmas stockings, too. We'll see. I just can't wait for school to be over with. All that math homework gets in the way of my free time!

2003-03-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

G's tote is coming along well. I've added the novelty yarn (Salsa by Plymouth). The only snafu seems to be that the little fringy things are mostly ending up on the inside of the bag. I guess I'll have to go back with a tweezers and pull them all through to the front. Argh. But I think it will be worth it in the end. I really hope it felts up well. Pictures will be up soon!

On a different note, the weather here is so gorgeous that I'm feeling inspired to plant a garden. Flowers in the front yard and possibly a veggie garden in the backyard. I have no idea what I'm doing, but how hard can it be (giggle, giggle).

2003-03-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Spring has Sprung!

It is a balmy 60 degrees outside today. I rode my bike to school today. It's been a while since I could do that. It was lovely.

John is leaving this afternoon to visit his friend, Lee, in Kansas City. It's about a 5 hour drive from here. I'll be home alone all weekend. You know what that means! I should be able to get some knitting done. Oh, and homework. But I bet I will miss my John...

Grandma's tote is coming along quite well. I've never used this bulky of wool on a tote, so I'm debating about whether or not to change the pattern a little. Maybe I'll make it purse-style instead of tote-style. I hope to finish it this weekend. I think I'll work on it right now!

2003-03-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

To cook or not to cook?

OK, I posted some new photos. They're all WIPs. Hmmm... You may think I never finish anything, but you'd be wrong. I have finished several things, but I seem to have given most of them away without photographing them. Oh well, they were mostly scarves. Not that scarves are any less important than anything else I might knit. It's just that if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all (for the most part). It is a little disheartening that the WIP list keeps growing and changing while the Finished Projects list stays the same. *sigh*

But, I'm cruising along now on G's bag. I found some bamboo circs that love this bulky yarn. Next up will be Margo's bag (my aunt). Then, in April, we're starting the boatneck shell. Some people on KR are wondering what size it's going to turn out to be. I got so excited about the whole thing, I didn't even think about that. So, I'll just knit and modify and if it doesn't fit, one lucky reader out there will be the proud new owner of a boatneck shell! Wahoo!

This morning John tells me that we're going to have dinner with John and Carol. That's good because I haven't seen them in a while. But, John doesn't know if we're eating at their house or our house! He's not sure if I have to make something for dinner or not. I work till 3 pm so I guess I'll go to the grocery store after work and just assume that I'm making dinner for four. My friend Jaime gave me an awesome recipe for General Tso's chicken... Yum-yum. Hope they like chinese food!

2003-03-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

workin' again...

I feel like I'm always at work. Or at class. Or doing homework. I'm amazed I am able to find the time to knit! heehee.

I will update photos soon (probably tomorrow night). I'm working on my grandma's tote right now. It's going well, but I'm a little frustrated. I have the Denise interchangeable set and I'm using it for the tote. I'm using Lamb's Pride bulky, which I *love*, but it's kinda driving me up the mental wall. The yarn really wants to stick to the plastic cord and I have to stop about every 15-20 stitches to push and pull the bag around to be able to knit more! Argh!

[Just an aside: I'm at work in the computer lab right now, and I just witnessed a real, live "secret handshake" kinda thing go down right in front of my very eyes! The two guys shook, then grabbed, then slapped, then punched and ended with a snap. Wild.]

Back to the tote trauma: I don't have any other circulars that are long enough in that size. Any great advice out there, fellow knitters? Buying a new pair isn't really an option since a) I have no LYS, and b) I have no money! I guess I just deal with it for another hundred rounds...

On a happier note, it really felt like spring today. The snow is melting, the birds are singing, and it's starting to smell like cow poo. I haven't experienced a spring in South Dakota yet, but I think that's one of the signs it's here. It's truly lovely.

2003-03-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

I get to go home in 45 minutes and take a nap. I'm so tired, I don't even feel like knitting!

Today was the first day of class after spring break. We didn't have any calculus homework (yay!) and I've already read the short stories that were assigned for creative writing. That means that I can work on grandma's tote tonight while watching trashy TV! But first, naptime...

2003-03-10T01:41:00.000-08:00

so sleepy

It's 3:30 a.m. and I am so tired. My eyes feel like sandpaper. My words of wisdom at 3:30 in the morning say don't try to wind itty-bitty cotton yarn into balls at 3:30 in the morning. You will be sorry. And cranky. Later today (at a more reasonable hour, like 3:30 in the afternoon), I am going to try the Black & Decker mixer method of mechanical ball winding.

I added the Knit Along page... The link is on the left side of the page. It's a button that says "knit along." Clever, no? I'm very excited about this, except I'm crabby at my yarn right now. I wound one ball and I have 7 left. That does not make me happy because the yarn will not behave. It's very naughty (knotty?).

I taught my friend, Jaime, how to knit when I visited her this past week. I bought her some Brittany birch needles and some Waterspun felted merino yarn (don't you wish you were my friend, too?). We had to wind the yarn before I could teach her how to knit. She asked me why the yarn comes in hanks instead of balls. I told her that some yarn does come in balls and some comes in hanks. I didn't really know the answer, and I didn't know why some came in balls and others came in hanks. I thought maybe it was because it looks nicer and is easier to display when it's in hanks. Or maybe it's done that way to keep the ball-winder companies in business. Does anyone know the real answer? And, coincidentally, what's the difference between a skein and a hank? These are the thoughts that wander through my head late at night...

2003-03-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

She's Ba-a-a-a-ack!

I'm home from my spring break vacation. It didn't feel like spring break since it snowed everywhere I went! But it did feel like vacation. It was so nice to see my family and just relax and hang out. It was all pretty low key. I did some shopping, some knitting, saw a few movies, went out to eat...

I visited an LYS in St. Paul, MN for the first time (but not the last). I thought the LYS in my parents' town was nice (and it is), but this one was so much fun. OK, the staff wasn't as friendly as my favorite LYS in Duluth, but maybe that was because I didn't really have time to hang out and get to know them. Actually, when I lived in St. Paul, before I turned into a knitter, I worked with a woman who worked at this LYS. Too bad I wasn't a knitter then. Maybe she coulda gotten me a nice discount!?!

So, now I have enough yarn for 50 women... Oh, who am I kidding? I have a lot, but can anyone really have too much? I've started my grandma's felted tote. I'm using Lamb's Pride bulky and I like it alot. It's quick and easy. I also have a scarf cast-on. And I started my first pair of socks. Three WIPs is not so bad, considering how much new yarn I got on my vacation. I think I'll post a list of "Future Projects" so you can be excited with me!

Oooh, I also bought my yarn for the boatneck shell knit-along! I'm going to put up a link to a page that will list the participants and their yarns. I chose Tahki Cotton Classic. Mine is going to have some stripes across the chest area. It will be mostly purpley-blue with khaki, white and lime green stripes somehow worked in. I'll post pics soon. But I can't start it yet. We're all starting on April 15th. Maybe I'll just do my swatch.

And now I'm back to "real life." I'm working my graveyard shift at the computer lab. Our new 24-hour schedule went into effect today, and lucky me, I get to work midnight to 4 am! Yippee! Then I get to go to class at 10 am, and then work again until 3 pm. It screws up my sleep schedule for the whole week! But, I'm not complaining because I get to do homework and knit while I work. Guess which one I do more of? heehee...

2003-03-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Knitting Frenzy!

I had breakfast this morning with my aunt and my grandma. The food was deliscious! Then, my aunt and I went to my parents' store and did a little shopping. Margo bought me a cute red hooded sweatshirt. After that, we went to the LYS... fun, fun, fun! They both want felted totes so we were shopping for wool. Margo picked out black yarn with confetti colored speckles and a very funky-cool novelty yarn for the top. Grandma gets a red and black tote with another cool-funky novelty yarn. Then, Margo saw a very cute Christmas stocking pattern that she thought I should make for myself and my BF. So she bought that plus the yarn to make them. I also got a felted mitten pattern. We kind of went crazy. It was fun.

Then, I drove her home and thanked her very much! And then I went back to the LYS to pick up the yarn that the woman wound into balls for me. She "talked me into" trying to make socks, so I bought a few balls of sock yarn and size 1 and 2 toothpicks, I mean DPNs. I am going to be busy, busy, busy! Two felted totes, two Christmas stockings and figuring out how to knit socks! Whew! I also have to get some cotton for the boatneck shell knit-along but I didn't have the pattern with so I guess I'll have to go back tomorrow... Aww, shucks!

Alright, I'm going to cast-on a sock now. Wish me luck!

2003-03-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

more things I have to knit...

The new Knitty is out! Check it out at knitty.com.

Also, the forums are back up at KR. I was having serious withdrawal symptoms for a few days without it! But, I've survived because my parents have a slow dial-up connection so I haven't really been online too much since I've been here. I'm spoiled with a high-speed connection at home so apparently I've turned into some sort of speed snob.

I'm going to the LYS tomorrow to buy yarn for the chicknits boatneck shell knit-along. Yippee! I hope they have something beautiful for me. I'm sure the problem will not be finding something to buy... It'll be finding anything I don't want to buy! WIsh me luck and willpower!

2003-03-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it to Duluth. Actually, I got here on Friday. The drive was long, but I bought the new Norah Jones CD to listen to and I had 2 books on tape. Last night my family and I went to a belly-dancing recital at the North Shore Theatre. My cousin was in it. Wow. The woman who owns the belly-dancing studio is maybe my parents' age and she is gorgeous. She has muscles and curves everywhere! It's absolutely amazing how they can move! And her daughter does it, too. I was amazed.

We also went shopping yesterday because there was a big sale at Younkers. I got 3 sweaters and a pair of jeans for $50! One of the sweaters is a cardigan knit with what looks/feels like Tagliatelli... Bee-yoo-ti-ful! It was originally $60 but it was mismarked at $28 plus I got 30% off and then I had a coupon for another 20% off. I think it came out to like $13 or something!

Today is just going to be a lazy day. Knitting, chatting and hanging out. I haven't gone to the knitting store, yet. I'll probably go Tuesday. My aunt and my grandma want to buy some yarn for me to make them felted totes. That's exciting for me because I like to knit for others... And I like to knit felted totes... And I like it when other people buy the yarn! I'm also going to see if someone at the LYS can help me learn to knit socks. Or, at the very least, I'll see if they have a good "how-to" book. Any suggestions?

2003-02-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Friday Five

1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)?

I am a magazine whore! I buy Glamour, Marie Claire, Cosmo (yes, I'll admit it!), and InStyle every month. Sometimes I buy Martha and Oprah, too! I also like reading novels, but I don't have much time for that since I took up knitting. I haven't figured out how to knit and read at the same time, yet.

2. What is your favorite novel?

My favorite of all time is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!)

Funny you should ask... I'm in two English classes right now (Lit and creative writing) and we just finished up our poetry units. I like e.e. cummings, W.H. Auden, and, even though I don't really get most of her work, Sylvia Plath. I don't really have a favorite, but I like this one.

4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read?

I wish I had more time to read the back of the cereal box in the morning.

5. What are you currently reading?

Right now, I'm mostly reading stuff for classes and various magazines. I also pick up Naked by David Sedaris once in a while before going to sleep.

- - - - -

Isn't that fun? I just thought I'd post before leaving for the week. It's 8:30 and I'm ready to go. I have calc class at 10:00, but I think I'm going to skip it. I have almost 8 hours in the car ahead of me... Sitting through class just doesn't seem like a good way to kick that off. Ok, I'm just going to leave, get outta dodge, skip town (and class). I got Harry Potter (the fourth one) on tape for the drive. I'm gonna stop at work and pick up my paycheck (and a double latte) and then I'm outta here! See y'all later!

2003-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

What a great day! It's beautiful sunny weather. I feel healthy! I got a 97 on my calculus test! I'm packing to go on spring break tomorrow... LIFE IS GOOD.

I finished the Prism scarf (see pics). I like the way it turned out. I don't know if I should fringe it, though. I'm 50/50 on the fringing idea...

So, I'm just doing a little laundry and then I'm going to work on the gap scarf a little. And I have to figure out what to bring on my trip. I wish I could figure out a way to knit while driving!

2003-02-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

I finished the Prism/OneZero/Chicago scarf. I'm blocking it now. It turned out really nice and really long! I just added onto the ends of what I had already knitted. It's a little loud for my taste, but I think one of my friends will find it just perfect as a gift!

My other WIP right now is a simple garter stitch scarf made out of Lion Brand HomeSpun. I know a lot of people hate acrylics, but it's cheap and the colors are nice. Also, since I don't have an LYS, it's one of the few yarns that's available to me. It's one of those last minute gift kinds of things, so it works just fine. I don't think I'd make a sweater out of it, though. I also have that gap scarf to finish... Then I'm not sure what's next. I've been on a crazy scarf bender. I have so many odds and ends that just seem perfect for scarves. I also want to make a shawl. I think I have enough blueish-purpleish mohair to make a nice one, but I haven't found a pattern that I'm gaa-gaa over. Oooh, and I want to make a poncho, too. So many projects, so little time.

2003-02-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

Happiness abounds! I woke up this morning miraculously cured. I feel like a million bucks. I still have a bit of a stuffy/runny nose, but I am so much better than I was yesterday.

I took my calculus test this morning. I studied last night hopped up on NyQuil. I think that's the way to go, because I think the test went pretty well. I didn't feel panicky during the test. And I think I knew how to do all of the problems. Sometimes when I think that, I end up doing poorly because I just thought I knew what I was doing but really I had no clue. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

The Prism scarf is turning out just lovely. My goal is to finish it tonight and then keep working on the gap-style scarf. I have to get some of these WIPs finished so I can justify buying more yarn on my spring break trip. I'm going to try to buy supplies for a sweater... Possibly the Top-Secret pattern from Knitty.com. The other thing I want to do is learn how to knit socks. I've read that it's addictive, and I'm all about addictive activities! I'm always looking for another addiction. I'm addicted to addictions? I think I'm still loopy on NyQuil.

2003-02-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

I still have this crud. And it's not getting any better. It seems to just morph from one bad set of symptoms to another. Today it is congested head and earache. I still have the stuffy/runny nose. John (my dear, dear boyfriend) came home early from work to be my nurse. By that, I mean that he brought home 7-Up and cold meds and then went into his basement office to work from home. What a guy!

I just finished working on a portfolio that's due tomorrow for my creative writing class. We just finished our poetry unit. I'm happy with the way a few of the poems ended up. And I have a Calculus test tomorrow. Yikes. That class is my nemesis. It's just awful. Is there anything worse than studying for a class that you hate while you feel like poo? I suppose there is, but I can't think of it.

On to more important things: Knitting! I've decided to heed the advice of the few people who gave it regarding the scarf issue. So far, so good. I've posted a few pics to give you an idea. The only thing that's funny is that it's the same colorway (fancy word!) but different "strengths" because of the different types of yarn. I think it'll look great when it's done. And I'm still working on scarves for late, late Christmas gifts. I'm so naughty!

I'm gonna go eat some chicken noodle soup now.

2003-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

It is incredibly cold outside today. I bet it's not even 0 degrees. Tell me again why I live here? Oh well, I guess it's a good excuse to knit more warm clothes!

I'm at work now at the computer lab. I'm still sick, but I dragged myself outta bed this morning to go to calculus. We have a test on Wednesday so I have to work on this stuff. I am so not a math person. But, I will do my homework and study hard so that I can work on my knitting!

Speaking of knitting... I started a scarf out of Colinette Prism. It's a K2P2 rib. And I ran out of yarn when the scarf was about 3' long. I did not panic. I calmly shopped on eBay and found some Chicago and One-Zero in the same color (aztec). So, here's the question: Do I frog the whole scarf, start over and make it in alternating stripes of each yarn? Or do I keep what I have and just stitch three short scarves together to form one long one? Or do I add on to each end of what I have now so the middle is Prism and the ends are striped with Chicago and One-Zero? So many choices!?! Let me know what you think.

I'm getting very excited to go home for spring break. It's my little brother's birthday. And my cousin is in a belly-dancing show. And I get to go to the LYS! And then I get to see my friends in St.Paul/Minneapolis... It's going to be so much fun! I just hope I get healthy before then.

2003-02-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

It's snowing today! We've had an unusually small amount of snow this winter. I hesitate to call it a winter, but technically I suppose it is. It's nice to see fresh whiteness outside. That's the payoff for it being only 7 degrees today!

I still feel like poo. I feel like I got hit by a truck. But I got some knitting done last night. I am going to visit a few friends next week and I'm knitting like a crazy woman (is there any other way?) to try to finish some scarves as late, late Christmas gifts. I probably won't get them all done, so the back-up plan is this: Each friend will get to pick out a yarn (within reason) and choose hat, scarf or *gasp* mittens. Then they just have to wait patiently for me to find time to knit them. That seems fair!

It's 3:30 and I haven't showered yet. Don't you just love being sick? Time to start the day...

2003-02-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

Alrighty! I think I'm done tinkering... What you see is what you get! I've added the message board. Please let me know you've been here. And I think I got the Photo Gallery links working. And I promise that I will talk about knitting at some point. I just needed to get up and running.

Now that that's done, I've gotten sick just in time for the weekend. I woke up this morning with a stuffy head and thought it was just "morning snot." I went to work at 7:30 feeling okay-ish, but by 11:00, I was dragging. I had to leave an hour early. I went straight to bed. Now, every bone in my body just aches. It actually hurts to type this! But I'm still going to work on some knitting. Which reminds me: I need to go to Target to get fresh batteries for the camera.