The Devil Made Me Do It

Stick a fork in it.

2009-10-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I had someone ask me about the multiple identities that I use online and how I selected all the different names. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how ill-fitting some of the online identities I have chosen are for me now. So I held a little contest among my online friends, and came up with a new name. And so, this chapter is ending, and a new one is beginning.

Join me... at my NEW DIGS!

P.S. This site will remain active for a while, but all new posts will appear only on the new site!

Um.... yeah.

2009-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

I don't have a witty comment for this. Insert your own if you please.

More info here if you're interested.

The Secret Garden

2009-09-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

I know that I rarely post so close together any more, but I've been on a finishing kick lately and I absolutely love my latest project. I can't stop staring at it. Without further ado:

The Pattern: Secret Garden Shawl

The Yarn: Luxe from The Unique Sheep, Gradience, Deep Waters

The Needles: US 6 and US 8

The Verdict: This was a Knit-a-Long with the pattern release in installments, so I've been working on this since mid-July. The yarn arrived early and we worked each section of the pattern, doubling the size every so often, until the circle grew huge. The last section of the pattern actually added half the size and used half the yarn of the entire shawl. I finally finished this late last night and sat down to block tonight. Wes laughed as I played with the pins (one in each of the 250+ loops), but the result is amazing. What was once a few skeins of yarn, and then a growing lump of an object is a beautiful lace shawl with an amazing pattern. I know I'll be treasuring this one for a long time to come.

Is it fall yet?

2009-09-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

The weather has been strangely chilly around these parts lately and fall is almost in the air! It was, however, sunny yesterday so I was able to get in a few photos!

Accordingly, I've been knitting sweaters. Since May or so, I've managed to finish two sweaters: one more summery and one that I can't wait to wear this fall!

The Pattern: Full Circle

The Yarn: Plymouth Jeanee

The Needles: US 3's

The Verdict: This sweater is designed by a friend of mine and I got to test knit the medium size. It was a simple quick knit - I finished it ages ago and have already worn it several times. It's comfortable and looks great. A really fun knit!

The Pattern: Baby Cables and Big Ones Too

The Yarn: Elsbeth Lavold Hempathy

The Needles: US 3's

The Verdict: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweater. It's comfortable, interesting looking and fits really well. I can't wait to wear it this fall!

Next up: several different lace patterns and more baby garments. Stay tuned!

Baby Surprise Jacket

2009-08-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not pregnant! But many, many of my friends are and it has kicked off a season of baby knits. For the past few weeks I've been cranking out a cute little EZ classic!

The Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket

The Needles: US 3's

The Yarn: Artyarns (Teal & Brown), Dream in Color Smooshy (Romeo Blue)

The Verdict: This sweater is a quick knit with an interesting construction. Garter stitch lends itself to movie theatre knitting which is where I've been working on the bulk of these! I can also customize each with fun yarn and cute little buttons. I have a few more planned for September and October babies!

In addition to catching up on current movies (Harry Potter 6, GI Joe and Inglorious Basterds!) we've also been geocaching. Yesterday we headed down to Paola, KS to visit The BBQ Shack (featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!) and did some geocaching around Lake Miola. We were kept from a couple caches by Muggles, but we managed to find 2 out of 3! (which ain't bad!)

The garden is still growing. So far our biggest successes have been the peppers - we've had half a dozen green peppers and a bunch of jalapenos! We've started the cucumbers again and are just getting some spiky buds. Our tomato plants are finally producing blooms and little tomatoes after we got our act together and got both tomato cages and fertilizer. I hope to have pics of those to show you soon!

Otherwise we're cleaning the house today, doing loads of laundry, hitting up the grocery store, and one of us is trying to squeeze in some knitting. My current project? Sleeves. Badly in need of sleeves:

Deep thoughts.

2009-08-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Recently I've been posting most of my thoughts during the day on Plurk or Twitter but I thought I'd recap a few of the ones that crack me up here.

Hubby brought home roses last night and took me to dinner. Love that man of mine!
There is a cricket in the kitchen at work. If that weren't bad enough I've been told it escaped from the LIZARDS upstairs.
Road Trip Note #1: Sonic is the new McDonald's of the 2000's - there's one on EVERY corner.
Road Trip Note #2: Lake of the Ozarks has ZERO Starbucks - WIN!
Things that are awesome: A cedar cabin with a metal roof in the middle of a huge thunderstorm and downpour.
Knitting round and round on my sweater with this playing in my head.
Nothing says summer like fresh homemade pico de gallo!
It just doesn't get better than this:

A weekend away.

2009-08-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

A while ago Wes and I decided that we were going to take a little mini-trip for our first anniversary. So on Saturday we packed up and headed to the Little Niangua Campground at Lake of the Ozarks. I hadn't been to the Ozarks before but as soon as I looked at a map I realized how big the place actually was. The Lake actually snakes out in a million different directions so there's lots of waterfront. We stayed in the south on this trip!

Originally we had decided to go to the Ozarks for some kayaking. We had chosen this particular campground because it sported cabins boasting air conditioning. The pluses were that we were right on the river, we got to stay indoors in a cute cedar cabin and we were fairly far away from the tourist bustle of the marinas. The downsides were that we had campsite facilities (community toilets and showers) and that we were way off in the middle of no where. Unfortunately it was really hot this weekend (think 90's with heat indexes of over 100's) but we managed to keep busy.

We arrived Saturday afternoon and dropped our stuff and headed out to explore. After lots of driving around we ended up at The Horny Toad for dinner. The food was fabulous and there was live music that was great as well. We even got to sit on the marina for a bit and enjoy the evening as it cooled off. We arrived home late that night and crashed.

On Sunday morning we got up early to beat the heat and got in the water. The water was really clear and slow moving. It gave the whole body a glassy look and the reflections from the trees and cliffs and sky were beautiful. I managed to get a number of great shots, but this is my particular favorite. We stayed in the water a little over 2 hours and then it started warming up so we headed in (well ok I also got tired... I'm a wuss.) It was in getting out at the shore that I managed to dump myself out of my kayak for the first time. Wes is still chuckling at that!

After a shower and some breakfast we decided to relax outside on our front porch for a bit. Between the shade and a bit of a breeze it wasn't unbearably hot yet. I, of course, knit for a while and Wes read for a while. I couldn't resist photographing him.

When it got too hot to sit outside, we got in the car and set off in search of entertainment and food. I knew that there were some caverns and caves around the Lake and had figured it would be a good cool excursion on a hot day. We spent a little time trying to find the place, but we ended up at Bridal Cave for a tour. It was nice and cool, and a pleasant hour underground viewing some of the recordbreaking onyx formations in the world. The cave apparently got it's name back in the 1800's when some Native Americans were married inside the cave in front of one of the formations. Today you can still book the cave for a wedding ceremony! The picture is where people get married - they call the structure The Pipes because it looks very much like an organ (and since most of it is hollow, sounds like an organ in varying tones as well!) For dinner last night we relaxed at a more "beachy" resort, Captain Ron's. Finally we headed back to the cabin for another nights rest.

We had planned to get up this morning and kayak but about 6:30 a huge clap of thunder broke and the great storm started. It was still pouring by the time we packed up and left around 9am. Now we're home, basking in the post-vacation glow, trying to get laundry done before we have to face another week.

If you're interested in more photos, I posted the full Flickr set here.

More on my knitting projects to come soon!

Five and One.

2009-08-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today, I threw caution to the wind, boarded a plane for Las Vegas and met the love of my life. On Sunday we will celebrate our first year of marriage. It's been a wild ride and I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you baby for being my best friend, soulmate, lover, and my partner in crime. I love you more each day we are together and I can't imagine how I ever existed without you!

I still want that golden anniversary so we've only got 49 more to go!

Why hello there!

2009-07-19T16:08:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my six die hard followers who keep up with me even when I'm less than faithful about posting. You'd think nothing noteworthy was happening, but well, that's just not true!

Summer is in full swing here and (shhh don't tell anyone I said it) the last few days have been GORGEOUS. Warm but not hot, breezy, not too humid... almost like an LA summer! We've been enjoying time both indoors and out.

This weekend has been a quiet one. Wes was gone all day with friends, which gave me the time to wash and block quite a bit of what I've been up to lately. It also gave me time to tend to our garden, clean the house in anticipation of a houseguest next weekend, and of course, catch up on more t.v. and knitting.

So here are the projects:

The Pattern: Transition Hat, my adaptation of the Transition Gloves

The Yarn: Dale Baby Ulli in Black, Collinette Jitterbug in Salty Dog

The Needles: US 3's

The Verdict: Love it! This was a work in progress forever, and this month I finally just sat down and did it. It goes with the Twilight Mittens I posted here.

The Pattern: Clapotis

The Yarn: Collinette Jitterbug in Salty Dog

The Needles: US 6's

The Verdict: Another from the Work in Progress pile that sat forever, but was done in just a little over a week. Now I have a matched set with the two projects mentioned above.

The Pattern: Pooling Scarf, mine with a little help from Barbara Walker

The Yarn: Socks that Rock, Mediumweight, Colorway: Chapman Springs

The Needles: US 4's

The Verdict: This one took a little finesse. The scarf is knit width-wise so the first trick was figuring how many stitches to cast on (and in what pattern, on what needle size) so that I could get the colors to stack. I had some great help/guidance from the Ravelry community and I'm happy with this for my first try. Next up... a pooling stole!

I also had a 4th project, but leave it to me to ruin it in the washing. (It wasn't pretty... I don't want to talk about it).

What's next? Oh yes: the garden!

We have a variety of green peppers:

Several Jalapenos:

And we harvested our carrots! (They're kind of small but tasted great!)

Otherwise we've seen Transformers (Punk ass decepticons!) and I've caught up and finished Harry Potter Book 7. I've got a new shawl and a new sweater on the needles, as well as a second sock and a wrap in the works. And I've re-vamped what I'm doing for our wedding afghan (which apparently won't make our first anniversary either!). Otherwise we're loving summer and the extra daylight.

More soon!

Independence Day

2009-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend we headed down to my in-laws' place to celebrate the holiday. We started out by making Friday a lazy morning, and headed out early afternoon. After purchasing a new kayak for Wes, we drove over to Manhattan, Kansas.

On the way there, Wes suggested that we stop in Wamego, a town best known for housing THE Wizard of Oz Museum. Thought we didn't tour the museum, we visited the yarn shop a few doors down, Settler's Farm. I'm trying not to buy but I did come away with a few goodies. We also visited the Oz Winery. We got to taste a few wines and came home with a citrusy white, "Witch Gone Good," and two bottles of an excellent port, "Lion's Courage."

On Saturday we waited out the clouds and mid-morning headed over to Millford lake to take the boat out. We cruised through several coves, and boated around Mrs. Goose Island, where Wes and my MIL were itching to climb aboard and search for a geocache (they went back this morning and nabbed it!). Although it was cloudy, the water and the day were warm and it was a fun ride.

Towards the end Wes decided to give the new kayak a run. I stuck with letting the motorboat do the work!

After the lake we headed out for some BBQ. Then we hung out at home until late in the evening when we set off fireworks and became mosquito food.

Now we're home and conquering Mt. Laundry. I'm knitting and trying to get a handle on my unfinished works in progress. I could use another day of vacation... how about you?

Kiri

2009-06-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

I realize that as of late I haven't really been updating. I don't know whether it's the summer heat (for the past week we've been in the 110+ range with heat index) or that I'm just spending so much time engrossed in my knitting and Ravelry, that I don't feel I have much of interest to say.

I am, however, knitting quite a bit. And I have a new project to show for it. It only took me two weeks which AMAZES me. I present to you, Kiri:

The Pattern: Kiri

The Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock, 2 skeins

The Needles: US 6's

The Verdict: In this pattern the yarn did all the work. Noro is delightfully dyed and the colors are fantastic. I was a bit apprehensive about the bright orange in this skein, but as it turns out I love the finished product. I love that this photo shows that I didn't make any errors in the pattern, and how clear the lace looks. I'm definitely on a lace kick - you'll be seeing more shawls this summer!

Let's see... what else have I been up to? Yesterday Wes spent the day with friends so I spent my afternoon beating the heat and catching up on Season 1 of True Blood. I only just recently read Book 1 of the Sookie Stackhouse series. The book and the TV show are a bit different, but I have to say that I quite like both. Who thought I would be into vampire series?

We're also still growing the garden. At this point we harvested our big cucumber (it tasted great!), but had to forfeit the rest of the plant. Unfortunately it had succumbed to some kind of root rot or fungus and wasn't growing well. We've cleaned out the container and started with fresh dirt and are putting together another crop! Our peppers are growing great - we've got half a dozen in various sizes and our jalapeno plant is boasting one perfect looking spicy pepper. Remind me not to eat that! Our carrots are harvesting sweet and crunchy. Our tomato plants look full and green and leafy and smell great, but so far we have no tomatoes. We're going to look into fertilizing soon. All told, not a terrible crop for our first foray into gardening!

Hope you're enjoying your summer!

English Lace

2009-06-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this past week I came down with the cold from hell (thank you airplane rides!) and even took a few days off of work. The upside to this is that when I wasn't sleeping or blowing my nose, I did have some extra knitting time. Lately I've been on a shawl and lace kick, and I was able to finish a shawl this weekend!

The Pattern: English Lace Shawl

The Yarn: Cascade Heritage Handpaints, Hollyberry

The Needles: US 6's

The Verdict: This shawl came out quite a bit wider and not as long as I had anticipated. I still love it, however, and in the dark colors I anticipate wearing it quite a bit. The pattern was easy and the lace adds just the right touch of pattern and difficulty to the piece.

Here's a closeup of the lace:

As the vegetable turns.

2009-06-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

My my.... what do I spy?

A growing cucumber.

Some tender green peppers.

A budding squash flower.

Some sweet carrot tops.

C'mon summer.

2009-06-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's starting to warm up for summer and I keep wanting to get out of town. This weekend I did just that!

This past weekend I went to North Carolina to visit Light, her hubby and her adorable little girl! Light and I have known each other since high school. Even though we see each other rarely these days, we can always pick up where we left off and have a great time doing it. Most of what we did this weekend was hang out, eat good food, watch movies and play with her daughter.

When I showed up, I came bearing gifts. Which brings me to the knitting:

For Light's birthday I made her a mesh bag for when she goes to her wonderfully yummy farmer's market right near her house. (We may or may not have had white chocolate baguettes there on Saturday!)

The Project: Everlasting Bagstopper

The Yarn: Fantasy Naturale 100% cotton

The Needles: US 5's and 10.5's

The Verdict: This was a simple easy knit and a great bag. I did make a few mods: I knit the bag with sightly less height, and I tapered the top so it wasn't quite so floppy. Also - while the yarn was perfect for the project, I found the cotton very hard on my hands, so I could only work on this a bit at a time.

I also had to make something for Light's little girl:

The Project: May Day Dress by Vicki Howell

The Yarn: Mandarin Cotton

The Needles: US 3's

The Verdict: This was an easy knit and makes such a cute little summer top. It can start as a dress for a little one and end up as a top, which makes it able to survive more than one summer! I upsized this one a bit and it's a little big for her now, but I'm sure she'll grow into it!

The weekend was a great one away! I had a fabulous time even though I didn't get a lot of sleep (someone is a bit of a finicky sleeper....) But who couldn't love this face?

Take me out to the ball game!

2009-05-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Stitch 'n Pitch 2009 in Kansas City, and so a group of us from MisKnits went to see the Royals play the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately the White Sox won but we had a great time!

We knit, we ate hotdogs and peanuts and cotton candy and drank beer and even saw The Village People! (Photo evidence is coming!) It wasn't too hot, and we snuck to the back of the stadium and sat in the shade so it was a really great afternoon!

Here's proof that I do indeed go to major sporting events... especially when they offer special deals to the knitters!

Honey, I'm home!

2009-05-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Wes and I just returned about an hour ago from a great weekend in Chicago. The l'il sis had the starring role in Measure for Measure, so the fam all met up in Chicago for a weekend of theatre, good eats and fun.

Wes and I drove up on Friday/Saturday and checked into our hotel about 4pm. Then we met up with my parents and some cousins for a fabulous dinner at Francesca's in Edgewater. The food was really delicious, the company was good and the best part is that the restaurant was across the street from the theatre.

We then went across the street and were entertained for two plus hours. The play was really excellent, and we all had a great time. If you're going to be in Chicago any time in the next few weeks you should catch this one!

Sunday we all met up for brunch, and then the l'il sis went off to her matinee and the my parents, Wes and I went shopping and touring. I caught a few fun photos around the city, and my dad took this one. All we need is a pitchfork!

Now we're home, attempting to catch up with Mt. Laundry and get ready for work tomorrow. The garden didn't seem to fare too badly for a few days without water. We've moved it outdoors now and we're seeing some produce! We're most impressed with our cucumbers:

Some carrots:

And of course, the tomatoes:

Presents

2009-05-12T12:25:00.001-07:00

I've been knitting folks! But, everything I've knit lately has been a present so I haven't been able to post them in timely fashion. Here's the recent roster:

Birthday scarf for Miss B

The Pattern: Scarf for Ally by Julie Theaker

The Needles: US 10s

The Yarn: Filatura di Crossa, Golden Line Superior (Cashmere/Silk)

The Verdict: I love this little lacy scarf and I hope the recipient does too! It was a quick knit and the perfect airy scarf for someone who's living in California.

Silky Scarf for Miss P

The Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty

The Needles: US 3

The Yarn: Fiesta La Luz Multi (silk) in Burnished Red

The Verdict: I had these skeins in the stash for a while and was just waiting for something good to make with pure silk. I had also heard that this pattern was difficult to knit, but I found it an easy, fun knit and I really love the way it turn out. Hopefully the recipient will feel the same way! :) And it will make a great accessory to the basic black wardrobe (yes she's a former co-worker!)

Still more on the needles... pictures to come after they're gifted!

Oh what a night.

2009-05-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have pictures of knitting, which will be posted soon, but first I have a story.

I was rudely awoken this morning around 4:30 when I quite literally FELL OUT OF BED.

Yes you read that right. I rolled over to find myself crashing to the floor. I also apparently had a death grip on the covers and took them all with me. So hubby woke up to a great big thump and all his covers being ripped off of him.

I'm fine - in fact I'm lucky. Other than being a little sore, I managed not to hit my head on either the nightstand or the huge trunk of yarn next to the bed. My pride? Slightly wounded.

And yes, I laughed about it all day.

You may return to what you were doing now.

Montego Bay

2009-05-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you see a skein of yarn, you just know what it wants to be. That's how it was when I bought this beautiful skein of Pagewood Farm Glacier in the Bird of Paradise Colorway. I'm not normally a green person, but this yarn, with its teal and yellow flashes just HAD to come home with me.

I had just seen my friends PlazaJen and Beth (not the l'il sis) wear their beautiful Montego Bay scarves, and I was hooked on the braided fringe. And how could a tropical sounding yarn not become a scarf named for a tropical island? I love it! (Although I wish I could head to a tropical island about now...)

The Pattern: Montego Bay by Amy Singer

The Needles: US 8's

The Yarn: Pagewood Farm Glacier in Bird of Paradise

The Verdict: This was a pleasure to knit. The pattern was simple, fairly easily memorized and addictive. The fringe makes the scarf and is even worth the time it takes to braid and trim the ends! I love the colors in this scarf and the yarn was a pleasure to knit with!

That's Entertainment!

2009-05-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

So I actually have finished not one, but TWO projects this week. The gloomy skies and occasional torrential rain have made photographs impossible, however, so you'll have to content yourself with your imaginations today. Instead I'll write about a few entertaining things I've been into lately.

First off, I'm VERY VERY late to the podcast-listening party, but I have arrived. In the last few weeks I've discovered podcasts with a vengeance. Consequently I've spent most of my days listening to the following podcasts:

1. Cast On by Brenda Dane - The quirky and fun knitting tales of an American living in Wales. This podcast features some of the most interesting tidbits of music I've heard and some wonderful stories of knitting mishaps. All of her podcasts are accessible from her website.

2. Lime n Violet - I wasn't sure what to expect out of this podcast. It's a little less polished than Cast On but I think it might actually be my favorite knitting podcast so far. From listening to the show, and following the show notes and links I've found some great fiber artists! And I love hearing about what the girls are knitting. You can find this podcast on iTunes and subscribe!

3. Stash and Burn - This is the podcast of two girls desperately fighting to conquer and knit from their stashes. I aspire to knit from my stash... I think I could learn a few things listening to them. You can listen to this podcast on the site linked above!

4. Sticks & String by David Reidy - David is an "Australian bloke" who chats about what it's like to be a male knitter in Australia. His charming accent is a boon to his amusing anecdotes and discussions of knitting.

Now I know the ones I listed above were a little knitting centric (who me?). However, I've also found that I can follow my favorite NPR shows on iTunes as well. Never more do I have to miss Car Talk and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me again.

Finally I've been trying to get back into reading. Currently in progress: The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and The Know it All by A.J. Jacobs, gifted to me by the l'il sis' man this past Christmas. Stay tuned for book reports!

I'm a riot.

2009-04-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I amaze myself.

For instance, today I opened Google News feeds and gasped when I [mis]read the following headline:

President Obama remarks on Specter changing Panties

Not to be outdone I received the following caution this afternoon:

Swine Flu No-No

Knitting is Science

2009-04-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well ok... more like crochet is mathematics.

Thanks to a former colleague for the heads up!

Lambies, Part Deux

2009-04-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Just in case the picture of me with the lamb wasn't enough, here's a short video that Sarah and I made:

Knitapalooza

2009-04-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

My knitting has been very (frustratingly) sporadic of late due to my weird retail hours. So it was with great glee that I finished my last retail shift (ever I hope!) this past Thursday and headed out for a knitting weekend with my friends.

This weekend was the Sunflower Knitters Guild's "Sunflower Spring Knitaway (SSK)" down in Harveyville, KS at The Harveyville Project. It was a fabulous weekend! We arrived in Harveyville late on Friday. After delicious hors d'ouvres and sweets, we traded/sold/swapped some yarn and headed up to bed.

Because the location was an old school building, the bedrooms were old classrooms. Lunch was in the basement cafeteria, and we did lots of knitting and spinning while sitting in a wide circle in the old gym.

As for me, I took a few dye classes. The first was an acid dye class, where I created a beautiful semi-solid skein of 1500 yards of Shetland Lace. I combined colors like Violet and Crimson, sometimes adding a little black. I hope to use this to make a wonderful lacy shawl.

I also took the Kool-Aid dying class. Here I decided to have a little fun and dyed 770 yards of Kona Superwash sport weight in Berry Blue and Orange. It's bright and fun and I LOVE it.

While out in Harveyville we got to mingle with the chickens and the sheep and the lambs. That's right, I went into the sheep enclosure and held one of the new baby lambs, Ronnie. She's only a few weeks old and so sweet!

Last, but certainly not least I got quite a bit of knitting done this weekend. I did some that I can't picture yet, but I did manage to finish a great pair of socks that have been on my needles forever.

The Pattern: Seaweed Socks by Wendy Johnson

The Needles: US 1's

The Yarn: Trekking XXL in Green (I like to call it Seafoam!)

The Verdict: I liked these socks. They kept getting pushed aside for other projects, which is why they took so long to finish, but they were a fun, simple knit and I love how they turned out!

That's all the news for here. I arrived home this afternoon about 5pm and I'm getting to bed early because I start the new job tomorrow. More to come!

Pictoral Update

2009-04-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the blog loop for a bit, but I've been busy and happy!

Last weekend Wes and I started experimenting with mead. We're trying new flavors this month: Apple Cider, Ginger/Vanilla/Peach and Blueberry Pomegranate. We'll let you know in a month or so which one turns out best!

This weekend we headed down to my in-laws'. Little did I know that the Easter Bunny (and my mother-in-law) love showing a 30 year old Jewish girl what she has missed all her life. There's dying eggs:

And of course... there was an Easter basket with chocolate:

Epiphany

2009-04-03T18:21:00.001-07:00

One of the things I love about knitting as a craft and a hobby is that I am continually learning and discovering new things. Part of the reason that I find knitting the same item twice to be boring sometimes has to do with the fact that I enjoy the challenge of a new pattern or a new technique.

Right now I am in the beginning stages of crafting an afghan for Wes and me. It is going to be a good year-long project most likely, and involves a very large and complicated chart (held together with packing tape!). Tonight, after already knitting 30 some-odd rows (out of 500) I had a minor epiphany.

Most knitters knit stitches from the left needle onto the right needle. That is, they insert the right needle into a stitch on the left needle, work the stitch and transfer the resulting new stitch to the right needle. Because of this, most patterns and especially most lace patterns (in charts) are worked from right to left.

I learned how to knit from a right-handed knitter, but I am left-handed. This means that I insert the left needle into stitches on the right needle, create the new stitch and transfer it to the left needle. Now for years I have been knitting charts from right to left, with the resulting pattern being the mirror opposite of how most people finish the garment. It has just occurred to me in the last few days that I could knit charts from left to right and produce the exact same pattern, rather than the mirror opposite. I know... DUH, but it's a major epiphany and excites me to no end!

****

In other news, I realize that in my happiness yesterday I forgot to mention a few details. I don't normally discuss work on here in specific terms for fear of being Dooced, but I will say this. I am extremely happy about this job because it provides me an opportunity to continue the kind of work that I was doing with USC; namely to help brilliant researchers do their research. As of April 20, I will be joining the Office of the General Counsel at the Stowers Institute for Biomedical Research.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled broadcast....

2009-04-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

With a special announcement:

I GOT THE JOB!

Second Verse, Same as the First

2009-03-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I knit a really enjoyable project, I start thinking about who else might enjoy one. The recipient of my double-dosed madness this time was the l'il sis who's celebrating her birthday today (Happy birthday B!).

The Pattern: Celtic Tote from Interweave Knits

The Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted in Heathery-Brown and Charcoal

The Needles: US 9's

The Verdict: I like the teal one for me, but I was sure that l'il sis would like the more muted colors. I also had a little overfelting accident with this one so it's a bit smaller than I had intended, but I like that it's sturdier than mine. She seems to like it so I think all's right with the world.

Spring has sprung

2009-03-24T18:10:00.001-07:00

The trees outside seemed to have budded and blossomed over the weekend and my second favorite time of year is upon us (the first favorite being fall when the leaves change). Everywhere trees are boasting small white, pink or yellow flowers.

I also seem to have developed a fully blossomed cold. Blech!

I've been knitting lots, and have plenty of photos to post, but some are gifts to be given, so it will have to wait. In the mean time, our garden is growing.

The cucumber plant has flowered, delicate yellow flowers that I hope will soon turn to cucumbers.

Our new "floor plan" seems to be working out well as the cucumbers are taking over the neighboring planters.

We also have the tenderest of carrot tops.

And of course, the tomato plants continue to flourish.

Eureka!

2009-03-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

I have finally found it, my friends. Quite possibly the most perfect white elephant gift ever:

I mean, who couldn't love this rooster?

Brought to you courtesy of everyone's favorite neighborhood department store.

Spring?

2009-03-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well the weather isn't quite spring-like yet, and I haven't seen buds on the trees, but our garden is growing. This photo is almost a week old now, and woefully inadequate, but here it is:

Our cucumber plants are growing curlicue vines that are wrapping themselves around the tomato plants with a fair amount of tenacity. At this point we have separated the two since the cucumbers can't seem to play nice.

We are also closing in on harvest time for our green beans. I probably won't get more than one evening's side dish out of these, but for 6 seeds, we've got an impressive number of these little babies.

Not bad for a little indoor apartment garden huh?

Two in a Row (aka Happy Birthday Mom!)

2009-03-03T19:34:00.001-08:00

Although she'd probably rather not acknowledge it, my mother is about to celebrate what we in my family refer to as a "Birthday of Significance." Based on this I decided to step up my knitting a bit and give her a super-special present. I've been waiting to post this until she received the package (don't want to spoil the surprise!) but she has now so I'm free to post. Her birthday is on Thursday, but she's already enjoying this:

The Pattern: Ene's Scarf from Scarf Style

The Yarn: Filatura di Crossa Golden Line Supreme, Cashmere and Silk

The Needles: US 6's

The Verdict: I love it, she loves it and all is right with the world. As I told her today.... enjoy it for many, many more to come!

A sweater is born.

2009-03-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

I started knitting this sweater around Thanksgiving time. I bought the lovely charcoal alpaca last spring at the Sunflower Knitters' Guild's Kansas Yarn Crawl. I just saw it at Yarn Barn in Lawrence and had to have it.

And then last fall I saw the perfect pattern for the yarn. And apparently so did everyone else, because before I knew it there were twelve million of my perfect alpaca sweaters out there. I finally got around to knitting the sweater at Thanksgiving time and in my usual fashion, I finally got around to FINISHING the sweater last week. Today was the perfect day for a photo shoot.

The Pattern: Francis Revisited

The Needles: US 7's

The Yarn: Charcoal Alpaca from Yarn Barn

The Verdict: I worried halfway through this sweater that the supersoft alpaca that I loved knitting with would be scratchy on my neck. Well I put the sweater on today and it was fine! I wore a thin shirt underneath just to be sure, but this sweater is definitely soft to wear and is going to see a lot of play. Today I just enjoyed the last bits of snow for a fun photoshoot.

Time

2009-03-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can hardly believe how fast or slow time passes.

For instance, this past week, work has lasted an eternity at the store. Without sales going on, we've had very few people in the store. Each 8-hour shift has been interminable; wandering, searching for customers, straightening the shelves, and waiting. I HATE being unproductive and just standing and waiting.

Then I think about the last year of life. The fact that it seems like I just turned 30 and that here it is early March only a few months from my 31st birthday. I think of this weekend, the first full weekend I have spent with Wes in a long time. I managed to read not one, but TWO books and we went on a real date - dinner, shopping and lots of laughter.

I've been knitting too.... since I last posted I have finished a beautiful grey alpaca sweater that I started around Thanksgiving and finished this past week. I have also whipped together a tank top. Clearly I'm anticipating summer even though it snowed almost 4 inches this weekend.

And life is looking a little more hopeful. I had a phone interview this past Friday for one job, and I have an in-person interview this Thursday morning for a job that I think I'd really like.

Stay tuned for more news and pictures of our growing vegetable garden, more knitting on the needles, and hopefully new career news!

I resemble that remark.

2009-02-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

I have alternately been laughing at and identifying with this cartoon since Ndef sent it to me earlier this week:

Real credits and copyright go here.

News... now with more pictures!

2009-02-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

In addition to working and ranting and raving over here, I've had some projects in the works. Although I can't show you all of them yet (March is Birthday month for the family!) I do have a few peeks into what I'm doing that I can share.

First on the list is the indoor garden. As you can see we're doing pretty well. From left to right that's our cucumber plants, little tomato plants and, of course, the BEANS of DOOM. Not really pictured is the planter with tiny carrot green sprouts.

The lettuce, onions, and broccoli have been declared failures since none took to the new planters well and pretty much ceased growing. They have been replaced with red and green bell peppers, and some seeds that Wes pulled from a pepper at our local On the Border. Remind me not to eat those. Finally we have transferred the herbs. So far we've got lots of little basil plants and some cilantro. I can't wait to have fresh pico de gallo!

The other project that I finished recently was a knitted bag that I've been eyeing for a while.

The Pattern: Celtic Tote from Interweave Knits, Winter 2007

The Yarn: Lamb's Pride, 3 skeins of Tahiti Teal and 1 skein Charcoal

The Needles: US 8's

The Verdict: I love this bag! I modded it to make it just a bit bigger envisioning it as a project bag. I purchased some plastic mesh at my local Michael's to make the bottom a bit sturdier, and frankly the bottom of the bag design is really genius! This one felted up pretty quickly with only one cycle through the washer. I still plan to line the bag, and I have some interfacing to add to it in the hopes it will create a sturdy durable bag. I'm 100% pleased!

Things that piss me off.... today.

2009-02-18T20:39:00.001-08:00

1. Octo-mom. No one has business bringing 8 children into the world when he/she cannot support them. And by support I don't mean "depend on others to pay you money to keep your children fed and clothed" - I mean YOU make/have enough money to take care of their needs.

2. Guvernator Schwarzenegger. You got elected because you said you were better than the "girly men" in government and you would balance the budget. Well here it is 2009 and you've done a damn crappy job. In fact, now in addition to furloughing employees and cutting their already scarce paychecks, you're going to send out 20K pink slips. Do you have a tumor or something?

3. Law suits against tobacco companies. Don't get me wrong - I think what the tobacco companies did for years was despicable. But seriously... no one FORCED people to go buy cigarettes and smoke them. So when your relatives file a lawsuit, and the tobacco company gets forced to pay out 8 or 10 million dollars, all I can think of right now is how many mortgage payments that would make for people who can't pay their bills because they got laid off (by the Guvernator and the like).

4. Madoff and his cronies. Like the world isn't a hard enough place to live in now that the bottom has fallen out of the market and people don't know how they're going to manage to eat and keep a roof over their heads. I don't really believe in hell, but if I did, there's a special place in hell for people like that. Ditto for Stanford, the Enron folks, and anyone else who has reaped huge profits from intentionally duping the average American.

5. The peanut thing. I almost don't have words for this. Despite numerous health code violations and POSITIVE SALMONELLA TESTS, one company knowingly shipped tainted and unsanitary products. This is a lesson in ripple effects. Not only did the company have to close it's doors and layoff employees, OTHER companies are now going bankrupt trying to recall their products (that used the tainted products in some way), and keep consumers safe. Please send these folks to the same place that Madoff goes.

6. The general state of the world. I am INCREDIBLY lucky right now to have a job, a home and a wonderful spouse. But it pisses me off that we all live in a world where people who could afford to retire last year now have to work longer, where those of us who made the time and financial investment in education are working low paying jobs and forced to be grateful for them, and where hard-working people in all stages of their careers are getting laid off left and right. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it's a very long tunnel.

/rant
Check back for knitting content tomorrow.

The Daily DOH

2009-02-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

Random thoughts for the week:

Apparently there's a Valentine's day dance at a few local schools. Ask me how I know?!?! Well the 12 women standing in dress shirts and ties screaming into their cell phones "what color is her dress again?"
Today I learned about knives and crystal. Yup the Henckels rep and the Waterford rep came to the store. I learned more than I ever knew about both. Now I just have a lust for fine things. DOH!
And the final Daily DOH: Apparently when trying to transfer money into my mother-in-law's account I inverted the "From" and "To" categories and managed to transfer money FROM her account into mine. Don't ask why they let me do that with an account that is OUTSIDE my bank and NOT IN MY NAME.

Sweet Baby Jayne

2009-02-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I fielded a request from a high school friend who is expecting his first son in April. The request was simple: use my mad knitter skillz to create a baby size Jayne hat for the baby's birth announcements.

The Pattern: Jayne Beanie with modifications.

The Needles: US 3's

The Yarn: Sisu and Lanett

The Verdict: It's awfully cute. And thanks to my model Oswaldo for pitching in!

I hope the parents like it!

25 Things

2009-02-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

a.k.a. The STD-like plague that's sweeping the Facebook Nation

1. I love to sleep. There are few things I enjoy more in life then sleeping late on a weekend morning or taking a nap in the warm afternoon sun.

2. I am not a pet person. I will watch your pets for you if you go on vacation. I might think they are a wee bit cute and cuddly (that’s your kitties Sean!). But I don’t want any pets of my own…. Unless we’re talking fish and a self-cleaning tank.

3. I quit my job last year to move to the Midwest with my husband. Since then, and especially lately, I have had a lot of trouble finding work. I am working as a department store clerk right now and for the foreseeable future. Part of me is proud of myself for finding a job and doing what it takes. Part of me is angry that I can’t get a better paying job given all this education I paid for. And part of me feels like a failure.

4. Knitting is like breathing for me. I knit a few stitches every day, and often a few hours of stitches. I can’t imagine life without it.

5. I have never been drunk.

6. I am neither a packrat nor a hoarder by nature. About every 6 months I get a cleaning bug and I get rid of all sorts of things and create order. But let me loose around yarn and it’s like I’m a whole other person. I have entirely more than I could use and I can’t stop collecting.

7. I like all kinds of music. Teenybopper pop makes me want to dance and I have a soft spot in my heart for country music.

8. I hated my teen years. I didn’t even like my college years that much. I finally REALLY started enjoying life when I turned 25. I was excited to turn 30 because, hands down, this has been the best year of my life!

9. I never thought I would get married. I just didn’t think I had it in me to love one person forever. Now I can’t ever imagine my life without loving Wes. And I made him promise me we’d be married at least 50 years, so I don’t think I have to worry!

10. Although I’m a little rusty, I speak French with a near perfect accent. So much so that when I speak with a native speaker they always think I’m a Francophile rather than an American.

11. I rarely wear makeup. I like the “wow” effect it has when I do.

12. I am a total geek. I LOVE learning new Excel techniques. I love playing with new technology. I have: played D&D, met my husband on a MUD back in the 90’s, skipped a social event to stay home and chill with my computer, met some of my closest friends on the internet.

13. I love to read. I don’t care whether it’s teen fiction (Twilight), 18th century lit (Jane Austen), business buzz books (Malcolm Gladwell) or non-fiction. I once joked that my dad’s reading list on his nightstand was going to require a public storage locker – well I’m getting there!

14. When I was little, I always complained of boredom. My father told me that he was NEVER bored and that when I grew up I would understand. Now I do. I could be reading or knitting or spending time with hubby... there aren’t enough hours in the day to fit everything in!

15. I have many virtues. Patience is not one of them.

16. The person I miss more than any other is my grandmother. She taught me how to knit. Weekends we stayed with her were full of cooking, shopping, crafting and having fun no matter what we did. I didn’t appreciate it enough then, and I wish I had more time now.

17. The house I grew up in didn’t have a saltshaker. (Well ok it did, but it was for company). My dad always had high blood pressure so we ate salt free pretzels, and low salt foods. As an adult I have discovered I love salt on a few foods: eggs, potatoes and popcorn!

18. I always wanted to learn to roller skate or ice skate, but unfortunately I can do neither. I was always jealous of my sister because she took so easily to both.

19. All through elementary, junior high and high school I did musical theatre. In college I performed with a vocal jazz ensemble. The idea of getting onstage and singing today terrifies me. How was I ever that brave?

20. A corollary to #17: I always wonder how my life would have been different had I decided to pursue a career as a singer.

21. My blog just hit its 4th anniversary. Who knew I had so much (or so little) to say?

22. I love the Hollywood Gossip. I used to work in an office where three of us would trade the gossip daily including photos and the latest stories! Not surprisingly, Wes isn’t nearly as enthusiastic when I try and share the gossip with him.

23. I love word games. I grew up playing Scrabble with the family. When Wes and I got together I taught him to play. Now he beats me almost every time.

24. Sometimes I wish I were a little more domestic – that I cooked better or cleaned the house a little more. Then other times I just want to order a pizza and hire a cleaning service.

25. I always thought I would live and grow old and die in Los Angeles. I NEVER thought I would come back to the Midwest after college. Just goes to show that you really never know.

Behold

2009-01-31T12:21:00.001-08:00

I CAN HAZ COT GARDENZ.

MAH BEANS OF DOOM.

Lumpy.

2009-01-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

So this week brought some new little hurdles, just as life always does.

On Sunday morning, I woke up with an extremely painful and swollen lymph node under my jaw. I wondered briefly what illness I was getting and went on my way to work.

By Monday morning, my day off, it had spread to the lymph nodes behind my ear. Thinking I might have some kind of blocked tube, I took a long hot shower, and then headed up to a health clinic to get checked out. The doctor wasn't really sure what was wrong with me, but prescribed antibiotics and said to come back if the condition worsened.

By Tuesday, the infection had spread to most of my ear and was starting to appear on my face. The skin was red and itchy and swollen. By Tuesday afternoon I ended up in the ER getting IV antibiotics, bloodwork and a CT scan.

Thanks to my dad who told me to go, and the great doctors at the ER, I was diagnosed with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that is super serious, but treatable. I think if you cut me open right now I'd bleed antibiotics, but I'm FINALLY starting to see small signs of improvement. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow and another week of antibiotics, but I seem to be on the mend.

This week I'm thankful for my family and my friends, my improving health, and even my department store job which has been wonderful and guaranteed my job despite my absence.

It's like Ohmigod!

2009-01-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

You can say many things about me. I possess many talents. Gardening, however, is not one of them. In fact I'm spectacularly bad at it. Since moving to Kansas City, you might say that I have a one way relationship with potted plants and cuttings, one of virtually assured destruction.

My only briefly successful foray into the growing world was the Aerogarden escapades of this past spring/summer. And I have to say it was kind of cheating. It was grow lights, water, prepackaged seed pods and food pellets.

Last weekend Wes and I decided to try our hand at growing again. We spent a little while at Home Depot pondering our options and ended up with a Burpee Grow Kit. The kit comes with a plastic tray, a watering system (reservoir and absorbent mat), and some "magic" dirt pellets (they expand when you add water). At the end of the evening our newest project looked like this:

We planted a variety of vegetables and herbs. From our previous experience we expected the herbs to sprout within a 7-10 days and be ready for harvesting and transfer within 4-6 weeks. From reading the vegetable packets, we expected our plants to be transferable in about 6 weeks and mature in 60-90 days. We reasoned that this would be at earliest, March, and at lastest April, perfectly warm.

A mere 6 days later, this is what we have:

Those there on the left are the BEANS OF DOOM with root systems already OUTSIDE the plastic tray. In the middle you can see a melange of tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and onions. Those big sprouts on the right are the broccoli.

Not much action from the herb section:

Apparently the hubs and I are genius gardeners huh? We're also in SERIOUS trouble.

Back in the swing.

2009-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

So I had been delaying posting because I wanted to post some great pictures of my newest finished object. However, the weather hasn't been cooperating (it's the Midwest, who's surprised?) so I'm back with projects and all sorts of reviews (books, movies, etc.)

First things first. This past weekend I finished my first big lace project and I'm absolutely in love with it!

The Pattern: Shoalwater Shawl

The Yarn: Malabrigo Laceweight, 3 skeins, Pagoda

The Needles: US 6's

The Verdict: I LOVE this shawl. This was a pleasure to knit, even though it took me over a year. The Malabrigo laceweight yarn is light and soft and creates the warmest, softest fabric I've felt in a long time. And using my new lace blocking wires (courtesy of my wonderful husband!) blocking was a snap. Stay tuned for more pictures of this one!

***

I haven't been posting much of late. I think it's a combination of lack of funny tales to tell, lack of time to knit, and lots of time spent at the department store job. I'm still looking for full time employment, but so far I haven't had much luck so I've been staying on. I seem to have made it through a variety of books and movies though.

* Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - I ripped right through this one and enjoy it as much, if not more than the previous books. I don't know why I couldn't get into the series the first time, but I'm really enjoying it now. I'm looking forward to reading the sixth installment soon. It will be the first book of the series that I read without having seen the movie first and I think it will be great to experience the book with no clue about what will happen next.

* New Moon - Yes, I'm hooked on Stephenie Meyer's series. I don't know what's more bizarre for me - that I'm reading vampire books and loving them, or that I'm reading teeny-bopper fiction and ripping right through it. Again, I think the most interesting part of the books to me is how the author takes all the common legends and stereotypes about vampires (and in this book werewolves) and turns them on their heads. I still haven't seen the movie and part of me doesn't want to, because I love the way I imagine the characters. I'm sure I will though.

* The God Delusion - The third book I'm still working on is Richard Dawkins'. I borrowed this from Dad when I was home for Christmas. Though the theory is sometimes a bit much for me, I'm enjoying reading his arguments against the existence of god. The book is humorous too - I find myself laughing aloud fairly often. I suppose if I'm going to be damned to hell I might as well have a good time getting there.

* Death at a Funeral - I Netflix'd this one after hearing great things about it and we weren't disappointed. This was truly a zany British farce and if you're up for some insanity I'd definitely recommend it!

* No Country for Old Men - Despite the fact that this movie won so many Oscars, and I'd been anxious to see it, neither Wes nor I enjoyed it very much. I found it hard to watch with all it's scenes shot in low light that were barely visible. We both found the dialogue kind of forced, and at the end we kind of wondered what the point was. Overall, I can't recommend this one.

* Burn After Reading - I laughed out loud at this movie. The cast was excellent, the material crafted very well, and the end result a winner. If you're up for some inappropriate situations and whole movie about the stupidity of people, you have to see this movie!

You know you want to.

2009-01-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Go ahead. It won't hurt, I promise. Heck I've been up since 3:30am, so just leave me a little comment m'kay?

Reflections on working at a department store.

2009-01-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Coming into a dark, deserted department store is really creepy. You start to think maybe that mannequin over there IS a real person.
I thought it would be a little like Claire Danes in Shopgirl. It's really more like "Cleanup on aisle 3."
Standing on your feet for 8 hours a day is hard. Even in good shoes.
No one ever tells you when (like today for instance) it's "bring your bitch to the department store" day. It kinda makes you never want to go back.
Any department that doesn't have dressing rooms to clean is a GOOD department.
Unfortunately we simply cannot stock every item in every color, shape and size at every time. I'm sorry this is inconvenient for the customer, but yelling at us and telling us how much we suck doesn't really change that I can't magically make the item apparate at will.
Some days, when I'm opening store credit card accounts for people I feel like I am just further damaging this crappy economy. Multiply that by 10 if it's for a college student.
Some co-workers are nice, helpful and willing to answer questions. I am continually thankful for them.
Many aren't. May they be transferred to a department with dressing rooms.

Goodbye 2008, hello 2009!

2008-12-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

As I went through my blogroll today, I saw many people who were announcing how glad they were that 2008 is coming to a close. Sure I have high hopes for 2009. I could use a new job. I hope the economy improves. But we have achieved so many wonderful things in 2008. This has been a good year.

Wes and I finally got to live together this year. We celebrated my 30th birthday together. In August we embarked on this journey called marriage and enjoyed a fabulous Alaskan honeymoon. I picked up and moved cross country and, to my delight, it has been a wonderful experience. I miss all my friends back home, but I've met so many wonderful new people here and I'm really and truly happy.

On a more macro level, the world sustained quite a few hardships this year. We pursued wars on various fronts, we watched our home economy take a nose dive and we watched the mortgage industry collapse. But we also lived through a historic first - we elected the first black man to be the President of the United States.

For me, this has been a good year. I wish you all happiness, health and prosperity in the new year. I hope 2009 is even better than 2008!

It's the most wonderful time....

2008-12-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had great Christmases! I'm sorry for the little absence, but we've been busy enjoying our time off! We spent Christmas Eve and day with Wes' family. There was a small tree, amazing food, and lots of presents. And of course I forgot to take photos until after everything was over and done with. I managed to document the tree:

And Wes in his usual humorous style managed to document the aftermath of presents:

Not pictured: the cat who LOVED the ribbons and paper. You would have thought it was her own personal Christmas celebration. This year we decided to go smaller on presents, given the wedding and honeymoon and expenses this year. But everyone managed to get something fun. I got my long lusted-after blocking wire kit (now I need to finish the lace shawl I'm knitting to use them!) and the full set of the Twilight series. Lots of reading in store!

My favorite gift that we gave this year is the one we gave my mother-in-law. She had told Wes a while ago that what she really wanted was one of those glass cubes with pictures laser-etched inside. Given the wedding, we had lots of photographic material from which to choose. And what we came up with was this:

I love pretty much all of our wedding photos, but I love how this one got captured within the glass.

Finally, there was, of course, lots of knitting. With the Christmas rush over, my work schedule has been a bit less demanding and during slightly more normal hours. So I've had a lot more time to be knitting. Which brings me to these:

The Pattern: Winter Twilight Mittens

The Yarn: Collinette Jitterbug (Teal) and Dale Baby Ulli (Black)

The Needles: US 0's

The Verdict: I LOVE LOVE LOVE these mitts! I always loved the pattern, but when I found the deep teal colored yarn I was settled. I started this project back in October and, as it was my first foray into colorwork, it took me a while to get the hang of it. The first mitt took a few weeks and a little bit of ripping. The second one went like lightening though. I cast on Christmas Eve, and finished it this morning! Now I just have to decide what I want to do about making it a set (I have enough yarn for matching hat and scarf!) I'm thinking about making a tam mocking the pattern in the gloves and then doing something lusciously cabled for a scarf.

Of course today it is 51 degrees out and too warm for mitts! But I'm sure I'll be using them soon!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T18:21:00.001-08:00

Ralphie and I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a wonderful New Year!

In love.

2008-12-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Since I started the retail job, I've been pretty exhausted. Some nights it's so bad that I don't really want to knit. However, with the impending cold (it's already single digits today) I decided I needed to whip up another scarf and fast.

So I succumbed to the Yarn Harlot's latest passion, the striped Noro Scarf. And I'm in love.

The Pattern: Jared Flood's Noro Striped Scarf

The Needles: US 8's

The Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, 3 balls (1 each of 279, 84, and 86)

The Verdict: This pattern was totally addicting. Though it was super simple knitting, watching the color changes and interplay in the yarn made me want to keep knitting to see what would happen next. I didn't have to mess with the colors too much; only once or twice did the colors get a little too close to each other. Thank heavens for spit joins and natural fibers!

In other news... I've been interviewing again and am keeping my fingers crossed that I'll have some offers soon!

Snow day.

2008-12-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

No one told me it was going to be a snow day, but here's what I saw when I woke up:

My hunch was further confirmed when I went to go to the market and found this:

Why did I leave California again?

P.S. And why do I still have to go to work?

The department store that ate my life.

2008-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

I'm still here, and I'm still surviving. It's just been a rough week (few weeks?!?!). I've been working pretty much every day at the new gig since last week. Some days it's just for a few hours, some days it's for full days. Some days it's at the crack of dawn (did you know we open at 7AM?) and some days it's closing (does anyone really shop Sunday nights at 10pm?). I've had my fair share of customer issues, store issues, a few co-worker issues. I've sized and racked and re-sized and re-racked, and re-re-sized and re-re-racked clothes. You get the idea. I also find an unhealthy amount of pleasure in ringing people up at the register. (Don't worry Mom and Dad - it's not gonna be my next career move!)

In the mean time, the world has gone on. I've managed to craft a few things, but they're getting gifted at swaps in the next few days so photos will have to wait. Mostly I've been pretty tired, sometimes too tired to knit. (I know - OMG WTF?!?)

I have however acquired a few new toys. The best so far is an early Christmas present from Wes - a Chumby. I have named my Chumby Bob, or as we like to call him Bluebob. Basically Bluebob is a neat little device that operates on Wi-Fi and can pull my rss feeds, Facebook and Twitter updates. It can also be used to play games - everything from Daily Sudoku to arcade games to puzzle games. Bluebob has a touch screen and is sensitive to changes in direction so sometimes you play a game by moving the Chumby around. Overall it's a superfun toy and has provided both of us with hours of amusement! (PS If you get one I'll be your Chum!)

The second toy I acquired is a new phone. I was all ready for my "New in Two" phone with Verizon. In fact I was ready MONTHS ago. This time I got an LG enV. The big feature that I wanted was a QWERTY keyboard and a flip screen. The enV is not touch sensitive and it doesn't promise me everything plus a bag of chips, but it can access the internet, text, hold some information for me, and make phone calls. And it's RED!

Some Assembly Required

2008-12-04T18:00:00.001-08:00

I'm keeping busy crafting for the holidays over here and absolutely NONE of it is bloggable since it's all gifty goodness. So instead I'll talk about what I've been reading and watching.

On the way out to Los Angeles, Wes suggested that I pick up a copy of Twilight. (It turns out some airport shops will let you return it when you're done reading and give you half your money back!) I had been wanting to read the book for a while, especially before I take in the movie. I'm not lovestruck. And I didn't rip through the book because the writing was so good, although it wasn't bad. The reason I enjoyed this book so incredibly much is because of Stefanie Meyer's creative take on vampires. She essentially took every myth about vampires and spun it on it's head. And THAT's what kept me reading from cover to cover within the span of a 3-hour flight. Now I can just hope I get the rest of the set for Christmas.

Before I left Los Angeles, my father recommended a bevy of books to me. Turns out that top of the stack was another foray into vampire mania, Christopher Moore's Bloodsucking Fiends. So far it's gritty, bizarre, a little violent and NOTHING like Twilight or the Anne Rice novels. I also have a few more Christopher Moore books that should keep me company during my breaks at the job.

I was overjoyed this morning to receive an email from Netflix that instant watching is now available on Macs. I took advantage of this immediately, and enjoyed a quirky little French film this evening, Seducing Doctor Lewis. The movie is set in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere that is struggling to become the site of a new factory. But the factory will only open if the town has a permanent doctor. The rest of the movie is about how the town seduces one Dr. Lewis. It was quirky and hilarious. As long as you're up for subtitles, I'd totally recommend this one!

Tomorrow I give up my crafting and reading to work a full shift in the home department of the department store. Wish me luck!

Letters to the Editor

2008-11-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dear California:

Thank you for the lovely weather during the Thanksgiving holiday. Although some folks like their Thanksgivings to be nippy, I loved our long walk through 70 degree sunshine on Thursday afternoon.

I also have to thank you for your lack of traffic during the holiday weekend. Other than getting in and out of the airport you were an absolute delight. Let's see more of that m'kay?

Love,
The Little Devil

*****

Dear Kansas -

You were lovely when we left - 50s and 60s and sunny. WHAT happened? Now you're spitting snow upon us. I hope you know that I'm not planning to leave my house until you get a better attitude. No matter how long it takes.

Icily yours,
The Little Devil

*****

Dear Smoking Man -

When I arrived home from Thanksgiving week last night, fresh from beautiful sunny California to snowy, icy Kansas, I was already a little disappointed in my homecoming. Add to that the fact that it was midnight, I had no heavy coat with me (please see letter to Kansas above for reasons) and that the Blue Bus took over a half an hour to arrive. So please understand me when I say I really didn't need you to chain smoke through the waiting period and hack that terrible cough in my ear forcing me to HAVE to take an extra shower at 2am just so I could go to sleep without smelling like your ash tray. You could learn a bit of common courtesy about standing away from crowds of people when you feel the need to indulge in your disgusting habit. Because really, if I ever see you again, I'm going to have to resist the impulse not to ash directly on you.

-The LD

*****

Dear Family and Friends:

Thanks for the fabulous time. I miss you all and enjoyed seeing you and sharing wonderful meals. Photographic evidence is below.

Holiday whimsy

2008-11-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

I call this two little monkeys jumping on the bed:

The Pattern: BMFA Funky Sock Monkey

The Needles: US 5's

The Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy (Blue Lagoon), ShiBui Knits Sock Yarn

The Verdict: The pattern comes in two sizes and I think the larger size would probably be easier to work with. They came out really cute though and I just hope my niece and nephew love them (Xmas gifts!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful turkey day. The hubs and I are off to LALA land for the three best F's: food, family and friends!

Random Tweets

2008-11-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Whoever started calling the Point of Service system the POS either had a great sense of humor or absolutely zero intelligence.
Sweet jeebdus I need a real job so I can shop at yarn stores as a profession.
My husband is an amateur carpenter and turns water into wine. Did I marry Jesus?
I should go to the DMV, but the couch looks much more inviting and less filled with freaks.

If you want to see more, you can follow me here.

Orts

2008-11-21T13:35:00.001-08:00

I do believe I am following in the steps of my friend PlazaJen when I do a post of random orts!

I went to the drive-up ATM today and watched not one, but two people park their cars more than 3 feet from the ATM and GET OUT to use the ATM. PEOPLE! They are drive-up ATM's, you use them FROM YOUR CAR.
Yesterday night I was all in a tizzy because I had missed a call from the HR Director at the great place I want to work. I needn't have bothered to get anxious since it was just another "we don't have a decision yet" call.
This means I have to enter retail hell on Monday. SUCK.
Since this is random orts, look at my cute little sock monkey!
This morning I woke up to a terrible beeping noise. The battery in the smoke detector was on its last legs, only I couldn't reach it - even with a stepladder - because I am vertically challenged. EPIC FAIL. Then I used a coat hanger to whack on it a little and got the battery out. Still that infernal beeping. Then hubby suggested I get furniture involved. I gave in and built a pyramid of furniture and FINALLY reached the detector to change the battery. Ahhh blessed silence.
Then I went to the post office and building maintenance came in and changed the batteries. Again.
Next week is Thanksgiving and I'm excited. I get to see my friends and family and go to LA! I get to knit myself a sweater during all the travel time! Can it be here now?

Reality Bites

2008-11-17T14:07:00.001-08:00

Why is it that at night, as I lie in bed and wait for sleep to come, I compose beautiful bloggy prose in my head and when the morning comes and I can finally type it all out, all that remains is "I can haz cheezeburger?"

Last night, for instance, I had this whole beautiful post about how my life is going right now. How I got a call about 6 weeks ago to interview for a great position at a local company. How I sailed through three rounds of interviews (one with the CEO) and how I was happy and excited and nervous and buoyant all at the same time. And then how in the last week or two I seem to have hit a wall. They have my number, but they just don't seem to be calling me. How I have no idea if I did something wrong, or if they're still working on it or if they're "just not that into me".

And then I started thinking about how I felt when I applied to colleges. How when I visited Cornell I fell in LOVE with the university and how I wanted to go there so badly I could taste it. And then the unthinkable happened - I wait-listed. And suddenly I had to pursue a plan B that I hadn't even started thinking about. I had to suck it up, get over it, and get on with my life.

Which is what I did today. I'm now a seasonal sales associate at a major department store. It isn't my dream job (although I'm sure it's a perfectly great job) and a little part of me is dying inside that I had to suppress both my bachelors and my graduate degree to even get the job. But I'm moving on, finding a paycheck and working through this period of limbo.

Now that wasn't poetic at all, but there you have it. Reality bites.

Outdoors

2008-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

After last weekend, the last thing I expected was good weather this weekend, but it's the Midwest and you just never know. Yesterday was cold and there were a few flurries, but today it was in the 50's and we got out and did some geocaching. Sadly, we only found a few of the caches we were looking for, but we had a good time and enjoyed being outdoors. We saw the usual assortment of trees and bridges, but I was quite taken with this section of railroad track.

I've continued with the knitting and have cranked out another child-sized sweater for a LYS a shawl to donate to the Sunflower Knitters Guild supported charities for the holidays. I've still got plenty on the needles and will share some of those accomplishments later this week.

A picture is worth.... hmmm...

2008-11-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Wes and I stopped by Dillon's to pick up a few groceries and were astonished to see THIS in the toy vending machines:

Apparently THAT'S what they do with leftover campaign merchandise once the election is over. And how's that for a pretty crappy rendition of McCain?

What's even funnier than this, is that last night at our girls' soiree Jo Minor piped up "you're NEVER going to believe what I saw at Wal-Mart!" We both whipped out our handy-dandy cell phones and compared photos. You can see hers here (when she posts it there will be a link!).

Just in case you didn't know...

2008-11-11T19:58:00.001-08:00

According to this source: The American Medical Association says that texting while driving is bad.

With all deference to Daddy DevilWorks who is a physician, and an upstanding member of the AMA, I think we have to thank the AMA for their OBVIOUS COMMON-SENSE wisdom. (Dr. Obvious anyone?) Any thing else we should know about?

P.S. Thank you H Enthusiast for giving me a good laugh and adding your own perspective:

"The AMA also concluded that running with scissors, putting forks in wall outlets and sticking your tongue on a frozen light pole are also bad."

And fall is over.

2008-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Just like that, the trees have shed their leaves, the temperatures have dropped and snow is in the forecast. Fall was beautiful but short and I miss it already. I'm really cold.

This weekend we headed down to my in-laws so that Wes could finish up a curio cabinet that he's building for his mom. This meant LOTS of knitting time for me.

My favorite accomplishment this weekend was finishing the first of two fingerless gloves that I'm making myself.

The Pattern: Winter Twilight Mitts

The Needles: US 1's

The Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug & Dale Ulli

The Verdict: LOVE LOVE LOVE these! These are going to be a part of my new winter set (well yeah winter is already here). It's my first big stranded project and I had a little trouble with tension at first, but then seemed to get into the groove. I still have the second one to do, but I'm hoping that it will go faster now that I know what I'm doing!

I also managed to mostly complete a commission order that I'm working on, a newborn baby bunting. (Yes the sleeves are still missing - hope to finish that up today!)

The Pattern: My own, adaptation of EZ's February Baby Sweater for the yoke and then all my own.

The Needles: US 5's

The Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, Off White

The Verdict: This is turning out pretty well for a hare-brained idea of mine. I found the red star buttons in my sewing box and thought it would compliment this unisex pattern (Grandma doesn't know whether it's a boy or a girl!)

Finally, I managed to finish a big sweater that I've had on the needles for a bit. This is a sample that has already been mailed to A Mano.

The Pattern: Shawl Collar Openwork Jacket, Tahki Stacy Charles, Fall 2008

The Needles: US 10's

The Yarn: Brown Sheep Lanaloft, 7 skeins.

The Verdict: I really loved this pattern and I think it makes a great cozy jacket. Having done a few openwork patterned projects, I have to say that I don't care so much for the knitting of them - more for the final product. This is another one that may find it's way into my queue again!

This week is pretty open. I have a few more commission projects to crank out while I'm waiting to hear about jobs. Hopefully I should know more by the end of the week. Hope it's a great one for you!

History

2008-11-05T09:05:00.001-08:00

I honestly don't have words eloquent enough to describe what I watched last night; the tension, the elation, the sense of relief I felt. I feel proud to be an American today.

I would also like to say how impressed I was by both speeches last night. Senator McCain was gracious and patriotic, and respectful to President Elect Obama. I admire him more for his speech last night than I have during his entire campaign. I found President Elect Obama's speech moving as well. He was hopeful, but also serious about what challenges lie ahead. I can't wait for January 20.

Halloween Mayhem

2008-11-01T22:00:00.001-07:00

There was toxic green punch, there was inappropriate conversation, there were LOTS and LOTS of laughs, and there was knitting. Thanks to Grasshopper for hosting a fun shindig at her house and to my wonderful friends PlazaJen and Miss Carmen for a great evening.

P.S. Miss PlazaJen is a Yip Yip. If you don't know about it, learn more here.

A little Halloween music.

2008-10-31T19:16:00.001-07:00

It just isn't Halloween without the Monster Mash. Bonus: this version is set to scenes from Arsenic and Old Lace!

Guess what I did today?

2008-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today, on Halloween, I experienced a first. Although I've voted in every Presidential election (and some of the state ones in between) since I turned 18, I have never physically gone and voted. Today I waited in line for approximately an hour to vote early. I can't wait until next Tuesday so see who our next President will be.

Happy Halloween!

Beautiful fall.

2008-10-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today I put Round 3 of interviews to bed and I'm feverishly hoping that soon I'll have good news to share. Until then I'll leave you with (of course) more knitting and some lovely pictures of fall.

The Pattern: Mega Cabled Scarf

The Needles: US 15's

The Yarn: Sheep Shop, Sheep Two

The Verdict: This was a really fun, quick knit. Since you're using bulky yarn and big needles the scarf goes like lightening. The only thing I might change is that I'd make the scarf wider across - a slightly larger, wider cable to keep me warmer. This one is going to live at a The Studio.

**

With our recent cold weather, the city is beautiful right now; full of gloriously colored leaves. My favorite trees are the ones that look orange and yellow and red, but I like all the leaves. I've been dying to shoot a few fall pictures and I got my chance yesterday wandering through midtown on my way to UFO night at MisKnits.

And here comes round 3.

2008-10-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

The big news of this weekend (well Thursday and Friday) is that I have now progressed to Round 3 of job interviewing. That means that on Thursday of this coming week I will be meeting with a whole new set of potential colleagues and bosses, including the president and CEO of the company. Let's hope this goes well so that I'm happily employed soon!

Things haven't been too exciting around here. I've used my copious free time to crank out a few projects. I've done a second cowl for another local shop in another scrumptious yarn, I've progressed on several other projects I've got going and I finished another commission - an Elizabeth Zimmerman February Baby Sweater and hat. The yarn is VERY VERY pink, but the client brought it to me to make something cute for her granddaughter.

I've also managed to catch up a bit on reading. I'd had The Other Boleyn Girl on my must-read list for a while now, especially since I wanted to read it before I rent the movie. I tore right through the book and it was a pleasant read. I find myself sort of engrossed in the Tudors now having just watched Season 1 of The Tudors on Showtime and having pored over the internet today trying to learn more about the Boelyns and Henry VIII.

I've also gotten sucked into Mad Men. I'm now mid-Season 1 via my old friend Netflix, and I'm loving it so far. My only complaint is that I can't get the DVDs here fast enough to devour them!

The weather here has really turned to fall. The leaves are changing, and it's crisp and cold out. We've been down in the 40's at night, so the first frost can't be far off. All of this makes me want to knit up tons of warm sweaters and get myself ready for fall. Today was sunny, although a bit cold, and Wes and I managed to take a couple-mile walk through the parks and trails behind our house. It's been interesting living here over 9 months now and watching the area change with the seasons. Today I noticed how bare the trees are becoming and how the colorful leaves are burying the paths. I love the change in the seasons and I love fall, so I hope it sticks around for a while. No need for snow just yet!

Just knittin...

2008-10-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yup that's me, still knittin'! Had a great second round of interviews yesterday and now the waiting begins for the response. In the mean time:

Pattern: Tinky from Berrocco (Baby poncho, size 2 years)

The Yarn: Dark Horse Fantasy, Filature di Crosa Bambi

The Needles: US 7's

The Verdict: I was skeptical about this one at first, but I have to admit that it came out really cute. I don't recommend knitting with fun fur of any type (even the premium stuff), but it does look awfully like something in which you'd want to dress your adorable little oo-ums.

I've got plenty more on the needles. Stay tuned!

And the world keeps turning.

2008-10-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Not much to report on the job front lately. I'm in between temp gigs at the moment and enjoying a little home time to catch up on knitting (LOTS and LOTS of commissions) and get myself together. I did have a promising interview this week and round two is set for next week, so wish me luck!

In the mean time I have a little craftiness to share:

The Pattern: Ridged Lace Cowl

The Needles: US 8's (16")

The Yarn: Sheep Shop, Number 3, Silk/Wool

The Verdict: This was a quick knit (less than 48 hours!) and very satisfying. The yarn was wonderful to work with and is quite warm despite the lace. None of the photos quite capture how bright this semi-solid purple is, nor it's subtle shading throughout. It's off to a LYS, but I might just have to make one for me!

During the photo shoot I found this little guy in the peanut gallery:

Visiting with the Yarn Harlot

2008-10-13T19:59:00.001-07:00

Ok so maybe I didn't so much "visit" with her, but the Yarn Harlot was in Kansas City tonight and I got to hear her speak. To the right is a somewhat blurry photo of her doing her thing (check her blog tomorrow or the next day to see the other side of this photo).

Stephanie was funny, witty, charming and just as wonderful as I remembered her (from when I saw her in Los Angeles). I've been waiting to read my now-signed book, waiting to savor her words and laugh out loud. At the end of the event, I got to meet Stephanie. I even have photographic proof. She held my boob and I held her sock.

Knittin' Titties

2008-10-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yes you read that right. I am knitting for Kansas City Knitters for Knockers. During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kansas City knitters are joining in to knit prosthetic breasts for breast cancer survivors. What might a knitted prosthetic breast look like?
Well, like this:

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some boobies to be knitting.

When it Rains it Pours.**

2008-10-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to be having much luck on the job hunt lately. I had a position that I interviewed for twice, and thought I was going to get, but as it turns out they decided I was overqualified, so they went with the less qualified candidate. I'm still with the temp service and given the economy, and the problem I'm having finding good jobs that fit my qualifications, I think I'm going to be with them a bit longer. Clearly my job juju needs some adjustment.

My knitting mojo, however, seems to be on fire. I'm in the midst of finishing up a few more store samples. I've also got a couple commission projects going. Then this morning, at my reception gig, several women came up asking if I made baby sweaters for order. Apparently the store sample and birthday present I'm making for Miss Melly have attracted quite a bit of attention. Suddenly I have a bunch of commission orders and even some super top secret special knitting work. Could I really be moving towards making my living as a knitter?

Probably not, but I guess I'll enjoy it while I can. I even ordered MOO cards today. My title? Knitting Superstar.

P.S. Please just don't let it pour any time soon. I came out of knit night last night to find an 18 inch crack in my windshield and several chips missing at the point of impact. There goes my new-earned commission income.

Desperately Seeking Button Band

2008-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

I love love LOVE little knits because they're so quick and so unbelievably cute. I've cranked this one out in just a few days and it is ready to go except for, of course, the button band.

The Pattern: Little Boy's Cardigan, Dark Horse Yarns

The Yarn: Dark Horse, Fantasy (2 skeins brown, 1 teal)

The Needles: US 8's

Got Mead?

2008-10-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

One of Wes' hobbies is brewing mead. For those not in the know, mead is honey wine. It starts as warm water and honey and with the addition of yeast, and sometimes flavorings, as well as 3-6 months fermentation or more, it turns into a wonderful wine.

Today was a work day around the house, and Wes mentioned that he had some mead which was ready for bottling. I'd never participated in this event, but I was eager to taste the blueberry mead that has been fermenting in our apartment since we moved in.

We began by setting up the siphon and filtering system and sterilizing the bottles.

After about 20 minutes we had bottles ready for corking.

And at the end, of course we had the most important part: a taste testing.

Sweet. Mellow. Perfect.

Finis!

2008-10-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I've had a lot of projects on the needles and not much completed work to show. Well, last night I impressed even myself by finishing not one but two projects! Don't worry, there are many, many more in the wings, but I thought I'd share these two.

The Pattern: Diamondback Shrug, by Sarah Wilson

The Needles: US 7's

The Yarn: Malabrigo Seleccion Privada, 3.5 skeins

The Verdict: This was a fun knit. You start with the back in a log cabin square and progressively add on. I'm not 100% behind the yarn colorway, but the Malabrigo was fabulous to work with. I think if I make one of these for myself (and I probably will!) I'll stick with a semi-solid color. This baby is destined for A Mano!

The Pattern: Clapotis (freebie on Knitty!)

The Needles: US 6's

The Yarn: Trekking Hand Paints

The Verdict: I love this pattern. It's fairly mindless, a quick knit and looks so classic and elegant. Other than the great yarn debacle, this was a pleasure to knit. It's now en route to a friend in Seattle. I hope she enjoys it!

What's a girl to do?

2008-10-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do when she gets sent on a temp job that's 35 miles and at least an hour from home? Well.... find a new yarn shop on her lunch hour?

Thanks to Amber for suggesting I use my fiber beacon and hone it in on Liberty's Old Mill Stitchery. It's a charming little shop in downtown Liberty that boast selections of fiber, needlepoint, beads, framing and probably several other crafts that I didn't happen to catch. I didn't have a ton of time for exploring (today is homecoming so downtown was MOBBED!) but I managed to pick up a little something. Now to think of something lovely and lacy to knit with it!

Seeing Red.

2008-09-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Each year the Orphan Foundation of America puts out a call to knitters during their annual Red Scarf Project. On Valentine's Day, the OFA sends care packages to college-age orphans, individuals who due to their age have left the system, but still have no family to send them care packages. OFA asks knitters to knit unisex red scarves to be included with these package.

At the last meeting of the Sunflower Knitters Guild a group of members decided to contribute. It's been almost a year since I did any charity knitting, and I've missed it. That there is something I can do within a hobby I love for someone else who needs it is rewarding. My goal is to get 3 scarves out the door. I have a feeling I'll have to settle for two. So far I have one.

The Pattern: Drop Stitch Scarf

The Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, Autumn Red

The Needles: US 7's

The Verdict: Warm, snuggly, washable!

Doing the Hulu.

2008-09-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

My temp work has been a little spotty of late, so I've been home the better part of this week. Looking for entertainment, and finding none on live television, I have checked out Hulu.com. I have to say that I'm loving it.

The first few days I caught up on recent episodes of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Then I caught the infamous Tina Fey/Amy Pohler Palin/Clinton SNL skit. I also managed to grab the Heroes season opener - which frankly I thought was a little boring.

Then I fell headlong into Dirty Sexy Money, an irresistibly horrible angst-filled drama with Donald Sutherland and Peter Krause. I managed to watch all 10 episodes from the first season, so that I'm now ready for this season to begin!

When that was done I trolled the rest of the archives and settled on Lipstick Jungle. Though I don't think I'll be catching this in Prime Time, I loved it too!

So now I have a new source of fun. You should check it out - if you miss an episode, couldn't start a series, whatever!

P.S. I have an interview tomorrow.... wish me luck and maybe I won't need Hulu QUITE so much in the near future.

Awash in squash.

2008-09-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us (officially today!) and squash is in season. For the past few weeks we have been receiving generous portions of squash in our CSA basket. So Wes and I have been trolling recipes and experimenting. We made this one last night and it was TASTY!

Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
courtesy of Cooks.com

1 butternut squash (cut in half)
1/2 lb. Sweet Italian Sausage
3 slices of bread, cubed
1 egg, well beaten
1 small onion
Garlic
1/8 to 1/4 cup parsley.

Place squash cut side down in greased shallow baking dish. Bake at 350 for 40-60 minutes until squash is tender.

Meanwhile, remove sausage from casing and fry until brown and crumbly. Add onion and garclic and saute until onions are soft. Stir in egg, parsley and bread. Remove from heat.

Scoop seeds from squash. Remove squash meat and add to sausage mixture.

Spoon mixture back into shell. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes until top is golden brown.

P.S. In full disclosure, I sidelined myself last night early in the game with the knife, so Wes did the actual cooking. DELISH!

The knife set is out to get me.

2008-09-21T14:56:00.001-07:00

Just sliced finger with the wedding knife set AGAIN. I think it hates me.

The Apocalypse is here my friends.

2008-09-21T08:40:00.001-07:00

My husband woke me up at 8am to go running. AND I WENT.

That is all.

A wonderful Saturday.

2008-09-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an absolutely fabulous day. It started early. We got up around 8:30 to get ready for a day at the Renaissance Faire. With a few errands and a bit of breakfast we arrived a little after 10:30am to the huge Faire grounds in Bonner Springs. We'd bought our tickets the night before so we sailed on through the gates and started exploring. For the next few hours we wandered and saw lots of things.

There was the petting zoo for children. They had goats and pigs, and even a few alpaca!

We wandered through various shops of leather, glass, jewelry, clothing and more. We saw a variety of faces.

We watched the jousting tournament while enjoying good food and beautiful weather. We saw the king and the queen.

And we even indulged in a little fibery goodness - hand-dyed merino!

Around 4pm we packed it in and headed out north of the city. A former boss of mine was in town visiting his in-laws and there was a big party out on the farm. He invited us to join in promising great food and a band. He didn't lie.

The estate was beautiful - over 600 acres of forest, soybean planted farmland and a beautiful lake. We enjoyed catching up with him and his wife, and meeting new people.

We took a hayride in a tractor.

And enjoyed a sunset.

And oh the food - several different kinds of smoked meat (smoked all day next to the lake - smelled wonderful!), and salads and sides, and dessert.

All in all a pretty spectacular day.

The deadliest read.

2008-09-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

A while ago a friend of mine hooked me up with LibraryThing, a site for avid readers and bibliophiles. Aside from great book reviews, and being able to list your collection of books, the site hosts an Early Reviewers feature. Each month LibraryThing receives a few hundred early review advance copies of books, and you can request books. A lottery system determines if you win or not. So far I have been requesting books for a little under a year, and I've won twice.

Which brings me to today's book review, Time Bandit. This is the story of brothers Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand and their Bering sea crabbing boat the Time Bandit. You may think these names sound familiar - that's because they're one of five crews who are also part of the Discovery Channel's The Deadliest Catch.

Crabbing, according to the brothers, is like the most extreme of extreme sports. This may explain why I'm not always tuned in to the series, and why I didn't have super high expectations for the book. (Those of you who know me know that I'm not into anything with the word extreme in it, unless it relates to knitting!)

I was, however, pleasantly surprised. The book is really gripping and chilling, and was an enjoyable read the way Into Thin Air was; if you put aside your horror at what these people are doing, they are truly amazing individuals, much, much different from you and I. I learned a lot about fishing and crabbing, as well as a lot about Alaska (although I don't think it improved my diplomatic relations with Russia, unlike some people....).

I would heartily recommend this book!

Knitting Crisis

2008-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

I know you're thinking I'm being overdramatic here, but here goes.

You remember the other day when I mentioned that I had a ball of yarn that could not, WOULD not become a pair of socks? Well I've been sailing right through the scarf I'm making with it, except it's only about half done and I have only a small amount of the ball left. Ruh-Roh.

So late last week I started looking into where I might find more yarn to match mine. The original ball was purchased at MisKnits and the store is sold out of this colorway. I checked another local spot, The Studio and found a ball of yarn but, to my dismay, it is no where near the same dye lot and looks very different. I then turned to my old pal Ravelry to see if I could find one there. What do you know? There's a ball that LOOKS like mine and is even for sale! Except that I emailed the woman about it and I haven't heard back and it's been several days already. And I MIGHT be getting a little panicky. See if I don't find another ball the same color my options are:

1. leave it ridiculously short
2. start with the new color and have the two halves look completely different
3. rip out what I have done and start again, alternating yarn every few rows

As you can guess, I'm not pleased with these options. Enter The Loopy Ewe. Last night PlazaJen suggested I email Sheri and try to purchase a skein similar to mine in coloring. When I got home last night, around 9pm I did just that. And she replied IMMEDIATELY. By 9:15 she had already pulled out her stock, let me know what she had and told me I could purchase one and return it if it wasn't what I needed! How's that for service?!? I slept on it overnight and decided to give it a try today. And I may have just bought a few little goodies for me. And I definitely just found my new favorite online yarn source!

Two Cuties

2008-09-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite men... Wes and our nephew Evyn.

Off the Needles.

2008-09-15T07:03:00.001-07:00

This weekend was fairly quiet. It threatened to rain most of it, so we opted to stay indoors for the most part. We did a fair amount of cleaning, managing to make several trips to the dumpster and fill my car up with stuff for Goodwill. We also managed to clear a lot of the wedding clutter into the newly cleaned closets, hang some pictures and generally make our place more presentable.

Sunday I went knitting for a bit with the girls and then hubby and I watched some good TV/DVDs. We just started The Tudors, Season 1, which I've rented through Netflix. So far, we like it quite a bit. We also watched the re-airing of Fringe on Sunday night. The first showing we came in about halfway through the episode, and I have to say it made a lot more sense this time around. I'm LOVING this new show - it's a few parts X-Files and a little bit CSI-ish. I really like Joshua Jackson and Anna Torv.

Finally, I finished up a knit that has been on the needles for a while.

The Pattern: Roped Shell from Interweave Knits, Summer 2008

The Needles: US 4's

The Yarn: Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette, 3 balls blue, 2 balls brown

The Verdict: This is a great looking top. I found the finishing work to be a little tedious (the i-cord edging at the sleeves, and the cabling at the neck) but I'm very pleased with the result. The yarn is wonderful to knit with: a blend of alpaca, merino and silk that is so very soft. I think I would probably make one of these for myself! This one is going to A Mano for display.

A different way of looking at things.

2008-09-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

I was just completely bowled over by this post from one of my favorite knitters/bloggers. It's so simple and yet the world is such an infinitely interesting place through someone else's eyes!

Busy today.

2008-09-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Worrying about people in Ike's path and building ark after rain in Kansas for 12 days straight.

My next career?

2008-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

You too can be a Jedi Knight.

Knitterly Observations

2008-09-11T07:45:00.001-07:00

Normally I'm a very level-headed person. Sure I have a touch of OCD, but typically I'm pretty restrained. However, get me around yarn (my current kryptonite is Wollmeise) and all bets are off.
I HATE purling. Whenever possible I knit backwards. It can't be faster than purling, but damn I hate purling.
I used to be a project monogamist. I'd knit large afghans and nothing else. Now? It's like I have knitter's ADD. Right now I have 4 or 5 projects on the needles.
I have no knitterly logic. Oooo you're having a baby? I'm going to knit a BLANKET. Never mind that I could knit a cute little baby sweater or a hat and booties in a fraction of the time ... let's do a BIG project!
When knitters say they don't have the yarn they need (despite having trunkfuls stashed at home) it's not at all like looking at your full closet and saying "I haven't a thing to wear!" What they mean is that they don't have the right fiber, color or enough of anything to complete the project. Shopping trips are a necessity. After all, you wouldn't wear pants that are 6 inches too short to an interview. And I can't knit a sweater if I'm 400 yards too short or at the wrong gauge.
Knitters (and crocheters!) are the nicest people! They are constantly sending each other care packages. A knitter will rescue you if you run out of yarn and can't find the same dye lot. They will tell you where the best knitting stores are so that you are never without a fiber fix, no matter whether you're travelling or at home. They will adopt you when you move new places and welcome you to their folds. They will help you if you're having trouble mastering a stitch, or need help choosing a color palette.
Knitters are EVERYWHERE. You find them where you work, standing in line at the post office, in airports, libraries, parks, restaurants...
If your yarn does not want to be a certain pattern it won't be. For instance, I have been trying to make socks for a friend of mine out of a beautiful skein of Trekking. A few pattern (and frogs!) in, the skein has told me it WILL not be socks. Apparently it is much happier as a scarf.
Sometimes knitting is naughty (knotty?) and needs to be put in a time out. You, as the "parent", need to take a deep breath and control your anger before you deal with that rascally rapscallion.

Late to the party.

2008-09-09T07:16:00.001-07:00

Back when the Harry Potter books first came out, everyone was all atwitter and engrossed in the adventures. I saw the movies and thought they were entertaining. I even picked up books 1-4 on sale and sat down to try and read them. But I got stuck in the juvenalia of books 1 and 2, and just couldn't get into them enough to enjoy them.

Fast forward to the last month or two. I decided that since they were on my shelf, I either needed to read them or ditch them. (What's the point of keeping books if you don't think you'll ever read them?) In my current temp job, I'm allowed to read during the day, so I packed up the Harry Potter volumes and brought them with me.

And lo and behold, I was sucked in. In the last week and a half I've devoured all 4 books and now I'm looking at the remaining stack of unread books on my shelf (the one's I should also be reading), and wistfully thinking about buying books 5-7 instead so I can keep going. I actually think I'm going to be sorry when I finish book 7 and there just isn't any more!

So yeah, I'm a little late to the party, but apparently I have arrived.

P.S. I tried the House Sorter apps online and apparently I'd be a Ravenclaw. I guess I need a scarf... with a patch!

A little art of my own.

2008-09-08T15:36:00.001-07:00

After yesterday's trip to the art museum, I was eager to finish a little creation of my own.

The Pattern: Loosely inspired by the Giotto pattern, GREATLY inspired by Sugaroni.

The Yarn: Two Windows Dye Company, Knitty Bits

The Needles: US 0's

The Verdict: I LOVE LOVE LOVE these socks. I don't know whether it's the simple picot edge and yarn over rows, or the beautiful yarn. The picture doesn't even do the yarn justice. Deb of Two Windows is an indie dyer here in Kansas and her work is AMAZING. (Yes I might have another skein or two lurking somewhere around here!)

James, get the hacksaw.***

2008-09-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

This has been a relaxing weekend. Yesterday Wes and I lazed around for part of the day, then ran some errands and caught a showing of The Mummy 3. It was decent entertainment - nothing to rave about, but we enjoyed it.

Today we decided to explore Kansas City more, and spent the afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Wes and I aren't HUGE museum people, but we spent the whole afternoon wandering the beautiful halls of art. We opted to skip the contemporary wing for today, and just hit the pre-1900's art. We're saving modern and the sculpture garden and grounds for another visit. The best part is that the museum has free admission, and inexpensive parking. So it was a fun, free day!

The highlight of the day for me, and possibly the museums most well known piece, was this:

Yep, that's right. They have a few Monet pieces, but I sat and stared at the Water Lilies for a bit. I love impressionism.

It was also interesting for me to see what Wes and I gravitated towards today. While he was more apt to go study the furniture pieces or the sculpture, I was the one to wander to the paintings first. We honed in on our own favorite pieces, and spent most of the day in contemplative silence, together but in our worlds. Occasionally we called each other over to point out some detail to the other.

The morning we mostly spent with European artists. Midday we arrived at the Tuscan inspired cafe, and decided to have a snack. They had delicious sandwiches, soups and chili and we got to sit peacefully enjoying this courtyard.

The afternoon was more Asian-inspired. There were plenty of awe-inspiring pieces, including a huge wood and lacquer Buddha, but I liked this carving the best.

As the afternoon drew to a close we headed back to the car, but not without a quick stop at the gift shop. No new magnets for the collection, but we did spot these guys - who were awfully cute!

***The title has no relation to the post... but you figured that out!

We interrupt...

2008-09-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

your regularly scheduled knitting news to bring you this important announcement.

Oh sweet Jeebdus I hope this is true.

Found courtesy of Jamie.

The only way I'd vote Republican....

2008-09-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Current status: SCARED SHITLESS FOR AMERICA.

Like a Train Wreck

2008-09-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Being back at a temp job means that I once again have time to surf the web. However, it is my wonderful friend PlazaJen who brought this little gem to my attention. In the market for a lovely piece of real estate? Check out the Lovely Listings!

My life in Bullets.

2008-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Let's try this update in bullets, since I'm probably a bit scatter-brained as it is.

Operation "Find a Job" is in full swing. Unfortunately the mission isn't even close to accomplished yet. Actually I forgot how depressing it is to look for work, especially in a city without my full professional and personal network behind me.
Labor Day weekend has been a weekend without labor. My thank you notes are completely done, most of the presents are put away, and I even managed a little cleaning. I also managed some meals out with the girls, quality time with hubby and lots of knitting.
I have a HUSBAND! (that's still new!)
Knitting progress. I seem to have a parade of knitting in progress as I'm currently rotating 4 projects (and I've got more to go!) From top to bottom: a lush Cozy Cable Scarf in Angora for The Studio, the Roped Shell from Interweave for A Mano, and some socks out of yummy hand-painted for me!
My new temp job as a receptionist starts tomorrow. Let's hope the internet isn't blocked cause nothing but phones for 2+ weeks will be a challenge.
Packrat on Facebook is an addiction. I can stop any time I want... NOT.
As Jon Stewart would say: Clusterfuck to the White House 2008 is in full swing. I was totally inspired by Obama's speech at the DNC. I was totally uninspired by McCain's choice of Veep - apparently Palin's family values include her 17-year-old daughter getting knocked up and married.

Cliched.

2008-08-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

I feel like a walking cliche. Every bride grows her hair out for the wedding for gorgeous photos. Then she goes home and gets her hair cut into a short sassy new 'do. Now I didn't intend for it to be THIS short, but here I am...the Cliche Queen.

August Knittin'

2008-08-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that even during the wedding and honeymoon festivities I managed to sneak in a bit of knitting (and thus maintain some shred of my sanity). I took way more than I needed to in terms of projects but a guaranteed that I was never without a project. So without delay, the finished objects:

Peanut's Winnie the Pooh Blanket

Pattern: My own.

Yarn: Plymouth Encore in Red (2), Yellow (3), Green (2) and Blue (2)

Needles: US 8's

The Verdict: I LOVE this project. When my dear friends old me they were expecting I knew it would either be a Hello Kitty project if it were a girl, or a Winnie the Pooh project if it were a boy. There is a distinct lack of usable Disney patterns, so I made up my own. It came out a little abstract, but I still really love it. It was also probably a bit more of a challenge than I needed combined with the wedding planning, but it was worth it to be able to give it to them at the wedding (which is good cause Peanut will make his debut any day now!)

Mockery Socks

The Pattern: Mockery Socks

The Yarn: Blue Ridge Yarns, Kaleidescope Colorway

The Needles: US 0's

The Verdict: This was beautiful yarn I got in trade for some sample work. I didn't expect it to stripe as it did, but that made the Mockery pattern all that more interesting and dimensional. I finished this pair while we cruised around Glacier Bay and they're my vacation pair of socks for Summer of Socks.

I also managed to start a pair of simple socks on my honeymoon in my favorite KnittyBits sock yarn dyed by Two windows Dye Company, as well as the Roped Shell (from Interweave Knits, Summer 2008) for A Mano. Also on tap are some February Baby Sweaters for my two favorite babies first birthdays this fall, some socks for a friend, and a few projects for me!

Finally in knitting news, I did manage to acquire a bit of stash on this trip. I gave in to temptation and bought a skein of Qiviut in Alaska - I just couldn't resist this oh-so-soft and beautiful yarn. I also bought a few skeins of local hand-dyed yarn with wonderful Alaskan colorways (like Sitka Rose) and can't wait to knit some socks with them.