My Best Friend's a Dork

moving

2006-08-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

come check out the new digs.

New home of My Best Friend's a Dork

You know....

2006-07-31T16:23:00.000-05:00

He should have come with a warning label....

The Boy, bless his heart, on top of the clerestory windows (or rather where they will be). Yeah, I almost had a heart attack when I realized that was where he was. For perspective... The metal ladder is 6 feet and the wooden ladder right up there by him... 8 feet. And I know from experience that there really is no floor until the cement one when you're up in that neck of the woods (coincidently that's how we found out that yours truly is afraid of heights).

This is what one (or rather two) look like when working out in very nearly 100 degree weather (that's actual temp not heat index)..

Yeah I'm wearing part of a bathing suit... It was hot... Don't look to closely.
But in all honesty look how happy the Boy looks. : ) Crazy Bastard. ;)

Very little knitting has been done as of late but there has been SOME... I'm knitting some very basic washclothes in an attempt to get back into the swing of it (and to prove to myself I can do more than swing a hammer).

And since everyone else is showing us their sky I thought I would show you mine.

The Boy's friend, Cam, (also known as my saving grace... he helps at the Lodge... I love him) took pictures of the coming cold(ish) front.

weekend update

2006-07-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

We've all survived a wonderful weekend of houseguests, scroching temps and a birthday party for a soon to be 5 year old. (Five years old already. It seems impossible.)

Despite the crushing heat, Jess' birthday party was a success. We are now knee deep in Playmobil around here.

Now Jess' actual birthday is a little more than a week away, but she had the unfortunate fate of being born the week in between our two family reunions, so we always celebrate early.

Despite the weekend's festivities, there has been some knitting. (even a trip to the yarn shop.)

Behold my new sock yarn.

My LYS had just gotten Fibertrends FELTED SQUIRREL PATTERN. So I snatched that up, along with the new IK.

That red blob is a felted hedgehog; pre-wash.

Then there is also the Perfect Pie Shawl, and the Boobalicious tank.

My read a good book swap book came! It's a mystery set in Manhattan, and the partner even included a map for me. How very cool! Thanks, Liz!

Here we are now going to the south(west) side...

2006-07-25T09:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I dropped Jess off to spend some time with her Auntie, swung by Jennifer's to pick her up and then we made our way to My Sister's Knits.

I have to say that the shop does a lot with it's very limited space.

We got there early, perused the shop made a couple of purchases, and then headed up to Ridge Park to wait for the Harlot speech. We were less than enthused to be in 90 degree heat, with no beverage options in sight. (Well, the park did have vending machines, but they were all broken. What a tease.)

Stephanie was witty, and funny and wonderful, as she always is. Afterwards, Jennifer found Katy and we walked back to the yarn shop, where Stephanie signed books.

The wait in line was pleasant, although we were SO THIRSTY. As we waited, we heard rumors of a water cooler in the back of the shop, and spotted it, right after it broke. d'oh!

Anyway, I saw Stephanie, got our books signed, petted the fleece artist sock, and gave Steph a chicken. It was a lot of fun.

Hmm...seems I have no pictures of my purchases. I bought some sock yarn and some alpaca laceweight. (Made in good ole' Indiana.)

As you all may or may not have noticed, I collect laceweight. I haven't made but one item that has called for laceweight, but I keep buying it. This time I think I bought it in anticipation of Jess' return to school and my three hour break during the day.

my mess.

2006-07-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

My guest room/craft room/etc. (I can't believe I'm actually showing you all this mess.) It needs some serious help.

Saturday I will be having guests stay here. (Yikes!) This week will be a "stuff and go" kind if clean up. But it seriously needs help.

Last night I couldn't sleep so I finished up some headbands for my SILS and made this little eyeglass case for my Ma.

I'm in a serious knitting slump. My WIPs right now are two blankets and 3 or 4 pairs of socks. I don't even want to look at them anymore.

Maybe I'll be reinspired when I see the Yarn Harlot on Monday.

YAWN

2006-07-20T10:02:00.000-05:00

Yeah I've got nothin'.

I've decided that me and my life are just too boring to throw at y'all. I promise I'm not being self deprecating I really think I'm just that boring.

Yesterday the Boy (who is 4 years my junior no less) said something to the effect of when did we get too old to go out and have a good time? My response was something to the effect of when we started building the Lodge perhaps? I have a very un-Carma like urge to put on some "skanky clothes" (ok in the grand scheme of things my view of skanky is probably a little skewed.. but I have a surprisingly large amount of clothes that I think fit in that category... That I NEVER wear) and go DANCING... Like BinWillies, holy crap what happened to Carma.. DANCING. Yeah, Erin close your mouth and probably pick yourself off the floor now.

I assure you this is not generally something I am about. Not that saying going out and shaking ones groove thing is a bad thing I'm just not so much a fan of my particular "thing" that I don't really like shaking it for an "audience" (IE anywhere outside of my empty apartment).

My new boss has informed me on more than one occasion that I could use a boost in the self esteem department... Anyone know where I can get self esteem in a bottle? Or perhaps a can? : )

ANYWAY, it's been hot here. Which means working on the Lodge for more than 3 hours at the arse crack of the day is enough to tire me out for the next, um, week? The construction isn't going as quickly as the Boy would like but we are getting there.... Tonight and this weekend we are working towards a point where we can put the joists for the "shed" roof up (this will be the roof over the loft) so we are getting ever closer to a roof. We even bought shingles last weekend at my home away from home, Menards.

Oh yeah and the heat and the working on the Lodge not real conducive to knitting. I know I suck. Erin, send me some knitting (& general crafty) mojo please. : )

I hope you all aren't melting where you are. : )

Welcome to Texiloy

2006-07-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

We hung out with Jennifer and Zander today. Jessica renamed the park "Texiloy". I have no idea, but the kid gets marks for originality.

Jennifer scored some Ravenclaw Yarn from Sunshine Yarns for me.

Jessica's honeybee socks.
See how far I am?

Last night I had both socks down to the heel turn and I though I would do another fitting before the gussets. They didn't fit. I couldn't even get them past her ankle. They fit two weeks ago. I was crest fallen. I frogged them both and started over.

I found a new way to use my vintage buttons.

On the sewing front, I have more chickens, and a couple of bigger projects in the works, along with a few more aprons to finish up.

My main concern right now is my inhereited Pfaff 360. I have no info or accessories for it. They are all probably still at Ida's somewhere, but I'm not about to drive 5 hours just to find out. So, I've been searching for these things via goggle. I have a couple leads, Pfaff is sending me a photocopy of the manual. The only other info I have is that my Pfaff was made in Germany sometime between 1960 and 1969, and parts are "limited".

I'm also once again considering where we should move our little blog to. I need something that allows multiple/guest bloggers. Typepad has my attention, but I'm not sure I want to fork over the $$. I'm just going to have to think on it.

I'm also thinking about what to do with our guest room/craft room/old computer graveyard. I've been inspired by Dan, and his room makeover, so expect some pictures soon.

weekend update

2006-07-17T23:26:00.000-05:00

It has come to my attention that I have not posted a picture of Animal in a while, so here you go.

He currently is holding the ENTIRE contents of his food dish in his mouth.

Sunday, we spent the afternoon hanging out with Jennifer and her peeps. (She has some great pictures of the kids in the pool.)

Today we broke and turned on our AC. Jess and I attended a funeral today, and by the time we got home we were so hot and wiped out that we both agreed the AC was a good thing.

Before we came home though, we stopped by the toy store, and Jess spent some early birthday gift money to add to her playmobile collection.

Knitting? sewing? Yes, there has been a little of both, but no pictures as of yet.

Thursday

2006-07-14T06:23:00.000-05:00

Jess was wonderful yesterday. We have had some behavior "issues" lately and it was so nice to have my sweet little girl back. I hope to see more of her.

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday!

A thank you from Alison, for helping with Sockapaloooza.

A "Just 'Cuz" package from Wendy. Boy, does she spoil me. Look at the cute little project bag, and matching mini wallet/cardholder. The squirrel iron ons, the squirrel and acorn buttons, the plastic sock holder, the CHOCOLATE soap and lotion.I haven't had a chance to check out the recipes. Missing from the picture is a CD she made for Jessica, who is very excited about getting a gift in the mail.

Last night I hung out with Jennifer at Starbucks, and had my new favorite drink. Tangerine Frappacino. (YUM!)

While Jennifer wrestled with her perfect pie mohair shawl, I finished part of Jess' birthday gift. (the top) and then came home and sewed up the rest. (the skirt) Now I'm just hoping it all fits.

Yesterday was a very good day, exact;y when I needed a very good day. Thank you to Jess, Alison, Wendy, Jennifer, and Zee who made it so.

By the way, Carma, Nate told me your news. I cannot even picture it.

Not for the faint of heart

2006-07-12T00:40:00.000-05:00

Y'all remember my Rogue from the Knitting Olympics right? the Knitting Olympics that I stumbled right before the finish line when I ran out of yarn for the sleeve cap? The Rogue that I ordered more yarn, finished the sleeve cap and then put it aside because I was too mad to sew it up?

Well, today I decided to take it out and sew that last sleeve on. But, before I did, I tried it on, and decided it was too big.

The good news is, I've lost some girth since February. (Yay!) The bad news is, I decided to frog the whole thing.

I'll make another Rogue eventually. It was a joy to knit and something I would definitely wear. But now what to knit with the reclaimed Barlett yarn.

For those of you who are still with me, a picture of Jess in her new yellow dress.

aprons

2006-07-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been too sticky to knit around here. Saturday I woke up feeling awful, and had to cancel my activities for the day. Sunday we headed over to my Ma's to celebrate her birthday, (Which is today. Happy Birthday, Mama! We love you!)

But I did knit a bit while enjoying Ma's air conditioning. I'm working on your basic raglan cardigan for Jessica. I had originally decided to make her the denim tunic from Weekend Knitting, but I was bored to death by the endless seed stitch.

I have also been sewing some. I've made my favorite Stalker a chicken, (No picture, I want her to be surprised.) been working on a dress for Jessica, (Also no picture, because right now it just looks like a pile of yellow fabric.) and some aprons.

They are made from some of the kitchen towels from Ida's.
Jess has picked one out for herself.

short post. no pic.

2006-07-07T00:10:00.000-05:00

Just hanging with the roost.

Some chickens went on to new homes yesterday, so I'll have to make up some more. Jess has claimed three as her very own. She rounded them up in their "coop"(laundry basket) Then asked me what they ate. I told her they were pretend chickens, so I think maybe pretend chicken feed. She decided chicken feed sounded gross, and they would instead eat pretend chips. Jess then proceeded to pick up the very tiny fabric scraps from around the sewing machine, and threw them to her chickens, all they time saying,"Chick, chickchickchick..."

It was damn cute. It almost made up for her complete meltdown that morning.

I'll be your little chicken if you'll be my honey lamb.

2006-07-06T01:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the flock.

It's the best picture I could take at 1am.

I'm having way too much fun. In a sea of blankets and socks, I think I needed to drag out the ole' sewing maching for a little instant gratification.

what the heck is erin up to?

2006-07-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

How about a little bit of everything.

We had a wonderful holiday weekend. Saturday we went over to Jill's house for a cook out.

Sunday we were spen the day on Lake Michigan in a coworker's boat. Jess LOVED it.

Tuesday, we went to a cousin's cookout. The truly weird event of the day was when my friend, Andy showed up. Turns out he knows my cousin and actually does a little local radio show with him. We all just never realized we all knew each other. Weird stuff.

There has been knitting.

You are looking at the mish mash that are my WIPs.

There has been cleaning. I've been cleaning out our guest room, aka the junk drawer of our home. It's clean enough now to set up my sewing stuff again, hence...

Today is her birthday...Na na na nanana..

2006-07-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

I know you are all busy today with your celebrations, cookouts, picnics, etc. (at least stateside.) But as your and yours are enjoying the day, make sure to tip back a beverage of choice in honor of Carma. Today is her __th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Sweets I hope you're having a bast.

Deja Vu

2006-07-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

My magic yarn ball arrived Friday! It came from Emily (Who was a recipient of some of my stitch markers last summer in the Bead It swap.) in Idaho. The yarn you ask? Noro Iroha. This stuff is SOFT!! I think I'll be making some handwarmers out of it.

The magic yarn ball experience has been wonderful, but the funny part is, I have had some contact with both of these bloggers before. Pop over to Rebecca's site and see the beautiful Sophie bag she made with her magic yarn ball. (She was also the recipient of my sockapaltwoza socks.)

Also while I was out Thursday night, Jess and Nate snuck out to the hardware store to make me a surprise.

My very own PVC Niddy Noddy. But there are two there you say? Yes. Jessica got one too. She is extremely excited about it, even though she doesn't really get what it's used for.

Nap Time?

2006-06-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

I realize that to apologize for my less that frequent posting is kind of silly (because regular blogging hasn't really been my "thing") but with the new job I have had less "regular" access to a computer connected to the Internet AND typically if I'm with the Boy either he's using his computer or I'm just too tired to deal with it.

I do have knitting questions for you all... I've started an easy no-nonsense baby blanket for new nephew, Dominick, and intend to finish it. However another very cool pattern has come to my attention and I'm thinking about making it. This leads me to my questions...

Have any of you worked with Summer Net or anything else from Crystal Palace?

Also I'm pretty non-traditional when it comes to "gender colors" but I'm afraid if I make this blanket out of the suggested colors (celery, strawberry, & misty lilac) Dominick's sister, Sydney, will claim the blanket as her own because pink and purple are pretty high on her list of favorite colors.... (She was the recipent of Aunt Cara's first ever forray into the Big Bad Baby Blanket)... I love the celery color but I'm not married to it. Do any of you guys have any 3-color combo suggestions?

Your input is appreciated.

Tomorrow I'm working on the Lodge with the Boy... Then Saturday it's off to Northern Minnesota to spend a long weekend with the Boy, his sister, his parents, and his grandparents. Yup I decided to bite the bullet and agree to spend the big 2-9 birthday up there (family tradition they've gone up there for the 4th since before the Boy was a twinkle in his daddy's eye...) I think I'm looking forward to it. I had to shop for a bathing suit yesterday (easy way to ruin one's day) but I found some that will work, I guess, so major hurdle over.... : ) We'll be driving back on the 5th (apparently the tradition HAS to include the fireworks on the 4th). We're stopping at Ikea on the way back through the cities because the Boy needs something for the Lodge (or the house)... Best part about this is that my friend, Cari, is going to come down and visit with me (with her two little girls... one of which I have not met yet).

So you all have a FABULOUS weekend and 4th... As my mom would say, "Be careful and all that jazz".

no rhyme or reason

2006-06-29T10:20:00.000-05:00

I submitted my Togs for Toys KAL for the month of June. You can see it here. While you're there you should look at all the great outfits everyone has come up with so far.

There has been knitting. I've been working on a blanket for my nephew,

a pair of socks for an upcoming birthday,

The wicked socks, (they are so slow-going with the size 0 needles and the soft Baby Ull.) and a little wallet-type thing for my polka dot swap partner.

One item is missing from the picture, but you get the idea.

The polka dot swap is my second swap through SWAP BOT. The idea behind this is great. The first swap was the magic yarn ball swap. I forgot to take a picture of the ball before I sent it to Rebecca. I hope she's gotten it. I haven't received mine yet, but the deadline to send is not until June 30th.

Tonight the Stitch and Bitch is "unofficially" meeting and I'm looking forward to getting out of the house for awhile.

I'm still trying to play catch up around here and I'm just not there yet. Hopefully I can get caught up this weekend.

Back to basics

2006-06-27T07:58:00.000-05:00

my trekking sock came with me to the Pioneer Village, and we took in the sights. Well, we took lots of pictures of spinning wheels, and only one of the trail itself.

We stayed at the Inn at Spring Mill, and walked the trail down to the pioneer village. It's very neat, on the weekends they have volunteers there to actually work in the village. They have a woodshop, leather shop, grist mill, weavers house, spinners, quilters, a very pretty garden that's kept up, a distillery, etc. Anyway, like I said, all we have here are spinning wheels to share.

"the low wheel"

"the walking wheel"
Oh, and the sock. I ripped out my original picot-edged sock and just went for my basic sock. I have yet to cast on the second, I have another pair of socks that are due for an upcoming birthday.

back to business.

2006-06-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

Geez, I don't know where to start. We had a wonderful vacation with the In-laws. Saturday we drove to Butler County, Ohio, to celebrate my MIL's birthday. It was very fun. Nate made her a bluebird house out of some leftover cedar from her barn.

Monday we all headed out to Spring Mill State Park. (Watch for a trek with me post later this week.) This year there were no trips to the Bedford ER (Yay!) and a good time was had by all.

We stayed until Wednesday then we all headed to Gibson County, Indiana. We got to visit with Aunt Ida for a bit. She's seems to be doing much better than when we last saw her in October. We all headed to the house to go through some more things in the house.

We scored some kitchen items and a sewing machine, (It's a Pfaff, and it weighs a TON.) and here are some pictures of the some of the haul.

Knitting? well, I've been a bit of a knitting flake. I started a shawl, but I've ripped it out. Same with a blanket and my trekking sock. So no knitting pictures with this post.

back home

2006-06-23T17:39:00.000-05:00

We returned home last night. I'm still unpacking, then there's the grocery shopping etc. I'm hoping to be back in the swing of things by Monday. Have a great weekend.

mini skeins

2006-06-16T11:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so Wednesday we had Jennifer and Zander come over to play. I have no visual record of the event, but Jennifer does, so pop over there for supreme cuteness.

Before they headed over, Jennifer emailed me that she's bring me a bag of wool. (does this girl know how to make my day or what?) So I'm thinking she's bringing me a little shopping bag of these tapestry wool skeins. I was SO wrong. Correct on the tapestry wool, (the skeins are about 40 yds each.) but wrong on the bag size. She arrived at my door witha GARBAGE BAG full.

I already have a plan. It's to be an entrelac throw.

with LOTS left over.

Also, look what was in my mailbox yesterday.

It's a postcard from Lesley while she is abroad in Europe. How sweet!

Tomorrow we start our vacation, so I might not be posting until the end of next week.

Oh, before I forget, Hop on over to Lesa's and wish her a Happy Birthday!

What the...

2006-06-15T09:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the Lodge... taken yesterday.

Ah I think I see why I have no time to knit, or blog, or clean my apartment (oh wait, I'm not upset about that last one...)

To give you an idea of scale... That ladder is 8 feet.

Oh this might also help so you can see where we're going with this...

This is a screen shot from the "blueprint" software the Boy is using to design things...

Random Wednesday

2006-06-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

First allow me to be a proud Auntie (so I’m slow). This here…

…is my simply adorable nephew Dominick. Born into the fam on May 5th (I said I was slow). Mom, Dad (my oldest brother) & big sister Sydney are all doing fabulously. Man, I love being an aunt. Especially when I realized I was holding a baby with a diaper issue & could pass him easily (well…) off to his dad for a change.

I’ve started a blanket for him (NOT in the Big Bad Baby Blanket pattern because I’m right fond of my ever decreasing level of sanity & don’t want to hurry it’s depletion any more than necessary). Of course I get the yarn (with the help of Erin and Michael’s) only to come back to Iowa to find a pattern that I might be in love with from my Pattern-A-Day knitting calendar. It’s knit out of Crystal Palace’s Summer Net and essentially it’s 3 randomly alternating colors knit in a random pattern of stockinette and reverse stockinette with a garter stitch border. Hey, Erin, any idea where a non-DD geek can find a multi-sided die to help with the randomness? I’m still not totally sure I’m going to make the commitment to this blanket (hey I still have a baby sweater on the needles from, um, a YEAR *at least* ago) but it’s fun to think about. Anyone have any experience with Summer Net?

Second, meet Jimmy…

… the wallet whale. I got him at my local “fun shop”, Mohair Pear, & he is another creation of the Queen Bee (link put there especially for Kristen). I think I might starting an addiction. : ) But this one is TOTALLY justified. I have one of her big wallets & love it but it’s too big to work in my “cute little summer purses” but I’m the world’s most unorganized people so if my shite isn’t in a wallet it’s going to get lost. See? I really can justify anything.

I (I’m giving up on the whole numbering thing) would have new shots of the Lodge to show you but the Boy has yet to email them to me. We had a construction crew come out yesterday (e-gads a real live CONSTRUCTION crew, not just the Boy, me, & some of his friends) to put the back 2nd floor wall BACK up. The wind was so gracious to pull it down for us. Yeah, little tip… Any of you get the brilliant idea to build in the middle of a cornfield with cornfields on either side… take the extra time to plant or otherwise landscape some windbreaks &, heck, SHADE before you start to build. TRUST ME it’ll work wonders. Anyway, not only did the crew put up the back wall they put up the smallest (in relative terms) of the LVL beams & one of two of the LARGE ones. Rumor has it the other large beam is going up today (right now we’re getting on and off T-storms but according to the Schnack they should be clearing up later today).

Other than that, not much going on in these parts… My last day at my current job is tomorrow (Imagine me cartwheeling out the door) & tomorrow night I meet with my new boss & our “financial backer” from Vegas. The job “officially” starts Monday. I was told by my current apartment’s manager (& brother in law to the owner of the building/ my current boss) that I am welcome to stay there as long as I like although my rent discount for being an employee ends with my July 1st payment (I had expected this). I’m still looking for a place closer to the new job (in Cedar Falls) and therefore closer to the Boy/ land too but thankfully there is no hurry. Cedar Falls is a college town, so rent is kind of pricey for some less that desirable space. The new employer keeps telling me I can live with either the college crowd or the senior citizens. I chose those seniors any day. I like my quiet sleep. : ) If any of you happen to know any good places (or even good places for me to start searching) I would appreciate it. I’m half tempted to move back to Waterloo (where the ghetto apartment/ my first place in Iowa) was located. Cedar Falls & Waterloo are essentially “sister cities” in terms of geography (they are RIGHT flipping next to each other) but are really world’s apart. The Boy doesn’t want me living “over there” again but I’m starting to think if it’s really that much cheaper… AND I lived “over there” for 3 years before he ever even met me & I was fine.

I have a feeling this might be an ongoing “issue” for a bit (& before you say anything, saying “Well it’s my apartment & therefore I’m paying for it so it’s my decision” has not stopped the aforementioned discussion).

Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to knit again…. Don’t hold your breath. :)

keep on trekkin'...

2006-06-13T13:56:00.000-05:00

Jess and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful, sunny day. (Oh, by the way, yesterday's illness was due to Jess eating ALL the tomatoes we had bought Sunday, and then topping it off with a spaghetti dinner.)

Jess and I decided a TREK was in order. Although maybe a short one to sort of break us in for next week's trip to Spring Mill.

I grabbed my trekking 108 and decided I was making things far too hard on myself and just a plain ole stockinette sock would do.

So we headed down the road to Sunset Hill County Park.

We wandered through a few trails, and past "No-Can-Do" Pond. (Mrs. Murray would not let anyone disturb her pond. No swimmers, boaters, frog giggers, no one. That's how it got it's name.)

Then we took one of the trails...

...To visit the former owner of the property. He really did pick one of the more beautiful spots to spend enternity.

Oh, the sock? Well, I didn't get too far.

Jess, a camera, and a sock might just be a little too much for me to handle simultaneously.

A rough start to summer vacation

2006-06-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

My very last sockapaloooza post, I swear.
I volunteered to be a "sock savior". A person to fill in for a pal that dropped out, that way, everyone gets socks.

I finished them last night.

the pattern is Gullwing Socks from Socks, socks, socks. The yarn is Shelridge Farms, Soft Touch Ultra. Man they weren't kidding, after washing these socks were VERY soft. I hope the recipient likes them.

I also finished my trekking socks last night. I was hoping to work on these while I contemplated what pattern to use for the other trekking yarn (108) I have in cue. These were Suppose to fill in for my Trek along with me obligations until I picked a pattern for the other yarn. I still don't know what pattern to use. Any suggestions?

Jessica and I are quarrantined to the house today. Our morning started with Jess throwing up last night's dinner, and I don't want to take her anywhere until I'm sure it was an isolated incident.

So, in the meantime, I started my nephew's furry blanket.

and I've dug out all my books and patterns, in hopes of finding the perfect sock pattern, and a tank pattern for this.

Oh, Jess would like to show off her new haircut.

Memewhile...

2006-06-11T23:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know, it's been a while. In hopes to get back into the swing of posting, we'll start off with a meme I've shamelessly ripped off from MamaSnooze.

High School Hell

Fill in the blanks about your senior year. The longer ago it was the better.

1. Who was your best friend?
My senior year was a transition year for me. I was letting go of my bestfriend, who was in dire need of help, but would not except it. I had to let her go her own way. I had a few other good friends, but we did not really hang out due to my psycho--er, POSSESSIve boyfriend at the time.

2. What sports did you play?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh, you're serious...

3. What kind of car did you drive?
A purple (yes purple) chevy cavalier. I called it the jellybean.

4. It’s Friday night, where were you at?
Either working (at Subway) or in the company of previously mentioned BF.

5. Were you a party animal?
I was more of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I was very quiet and studious at school, and, well, you get the idea.

6. Were you considered a flirt?
Yes. shamelessly.

7. Ever skip school?
Yes, but only a couple of times.

8. Ever smoke?
Yes.

9. Were you a nerd?
I was more just considered to be weird, actually.

10. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope, Dr Jekyll, remember?

11. Can you sing the Alma Mater?
A few lines, which is pathetic because ours was quite generic. (Go trojans!)

12. Who was your favorite teacher?
Yhat would be a dead heat between Doc Strange and Frau Bartels, but I will have to go with my German teacher, Frau Bartels. My senior yaer I was not actually IN Doc Strange's class. I had taken physiology and anatomy my junior year.

13. Favorite class?
German. We no longer had a text book, and at that point I think Frau had just given up on us all.

14. What was your school’s full name?
Chesterton High School

15. School mascot?
A trojan. Which was actually just a slip of a girl in plastic armor, riding a horse.

16. Did you go to Prom?
Yes, with psycho BF (which means I had a terrible time) in a strapless, shrimp-colored, vintage, ciffon gown.

17. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
Not for anything.

18. What do you remember most about graduation?
My mother came up, as did much of my family on her side. And it was COLD!

19. Favorite memory of your senior year?
Due to reasons I'm not about to share here, my memories of my senior year are not very clear.

20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall?
Senior wall? 'splain dis to me????

21. Did you have a job your senior year?
Yes I worked as a "sandwhich artist" at subway.

22. Who did you date?
Previously mentioned psycho, possessive, controlling, bf who's name I will omit.

23. Where did you go most often for lunch?
We had a closed campus and were not allowed off school grounds for lunch, which of course meant most of my lunches were eaten at the Taco bell across town.

24. Have you gained weight since then?
Yes. A good bit. I used to lift weights and such in HS. I am nowhere near thae shape I was once in

25. What did you do after graduation?
I went to nursing school, which was not a good fit for me.

26. When did you graduate?
1996.

D'OH!

2006-06-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

Will I ever learn???

An overview

2006-06-06T07:20:00.001-05:00

Thursday night

Carma arrived and, as is protocol, we stayed up far too late talking.

Friday

We decided to go to lunch before dropping Jess off at school and joining the knitgroup, already in progress, at the local B and N.

Unfortunately, Jess in her excitment, started jumping around on the stoop, and no sooner than I tell her to stop before she hurts herself, she does.

Jess fell forward off the concrete stoop, scraped her face on every step and then landed on said face. So, we spent our morning in the ER, to make sure she was ok. Jess was indeed ok, just some abrasions to her face. (but with Jess you never know.)

We then grabbed some lunch and took her to school. (If it had been me, I would have milked my injuries for all it was worth, but Jess really wanted to go to class.)

Carma and I arrived a little later than planned to meet the knitgroup. (I have no pictures, but Jennifer has posted some. Please excuse the odd expression on my face, It was a rough morning.)

After school, Jess had a date with her Aunt Shell, and Carma and I hit the mall.

Saturday

We both did our own thing. Carma had some visiting to do and I had errands to run.

Also, Stepdad came home Saturday evening, I ran out there to see him.

Sunday

We had a picnic and then visited Carma's brother and his family, and got to meet the new baby.

Monday

after a Dr's appointment on my end and getting Jess to her bus,(By the way, do I know how to show my guests a bland time or what?) Carma and I were on a mission to search local liquor stores for beer I was unaware was still even being produced. To my surprise, we found it.

Then it was time to part ways, but (if you're still with me here) not before a few FO's were photographed.

Carma's cardigan. Knit by erin.

Carma's baby blanket. Knit by Carma.

random funk

2006-06-01T07:47:00.000-05:00

I ripped out my embossed leaves sock. It was far too tight.
I also ripped out my ballet tee, and the lotus blossom top I started.
I just wasn't feeling it..for any of them.

I do have my wicked socks out(just a little sneak peak),

and a pair of Gullwings.

Also, I have my trekking sock to kick off trek with me. I'm working on these while I try to figure out what pattern I want to use for my trekking color 108.

Oh, a while back I signed up for the Magic yarn ball swap, and I got my partner today. I don't want to give too much away, but when I saw who my partner was, I just laughed.

so I think today I will try to get back in the groove of things with my magic yarn, and socks. The hike will have to wait (rain today). (YAY! Carma comes tonight!)

Thanks

2006-05-30T07:54:00.000-05:00

First off, thank you for all the well wishes. Details are still a little sketchy, but it seems Stepdad has an infection in his colon. (It just sounds painful annd unpleasant.)

Anyhoo, let's move on to something more pleasant,shall we?

A finished baby bonnet...

...Right before it went into a box headed for Cari.

I started this ribbon top, only to realize that this is not a good look for me.
I LOVE the pattern, but if you look at her picture, the ribbon yarn in the steeks lays so nicely against her skin. Not so with mine. I guess I just don't have enough real estate between my shoulders and my bustline.

So, instead I'll be making a ballet tee from the loop-d-loop book, only in a smaller gauge.

I also bought some Tahki cotton classic to make a tank to go with this skirt.

I've set aside all my socks, except my embossed leaves, but I haven't really been working on them.

After I finish these, I plan to finish the intarsia parts of the wicked socks so they will be more portable.

I've also been commissioned to make another pair of mary jane booties from the Adorable knits for tots book by Zoe Mellor.

And on a very happy note, Carma will be coming to visit me on JUNE 1st! YAY!

2006-05-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

Things will be a bit spordatic this week. My apologies. Stepdad was rushed to the hospital again today. No details as of yet.

randomness

2006-05-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took a long look at my mountain of WIPS, and I have decided there are a few things that get to jump to the front of the cue.

A baby bonnet, using knitpicks merino style.

AND a few pairs of socks.

my re-restarted embossed leaves

my tekking (color101) socks

my deutsche pride socks.

and a pair of petticoat socks.

(There were suppose to be pictures above as well, but they've all come out blurry.)

Also, I got this book for Mother's day., and I've been playing with some of the stitch patterns inside.

Jess has fallen in love with the HoneyBee yarn, so I'll be ripping that sock out and possibly making her some knee socks.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to make the lotus blosssom tank from the summer IK. Like I've said, I have that yarn, but I'm afraid that after I make a few modifications to the pattern, I won't like it.

I also, have ordered some yarn to make this top, as well as some denim yarn for more Sweet Mary Janes.

Bees, Buttons, or Bust

2006-05-24T00:06:00.001-05:00

Ok a modelled shot of the soysilk tank.

You can all thank me later for cropping as much of my self out of it as I could. (It was frightfully unflattering.)

My second package came yesterday.

I have a budding obsession with buttons. (Unless you talk to my mother. She will tell you about the collection I had when I was little.) But the Moustache Factory has been a tremendous enabler. You need to go check it out.

Be sure to read the little descriptions that go along with the buttons.
Here's my new batch that came yesterday, making friends with the ones I previously had on my bag.

Also, proof that I am terribly weak-willed.

Beginnings of my Intertwinement yarn socks. I'm already smitten.

*Come on now, give me some sugar...

2006-05-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

...Give me some sugar, little honey bee
Don't be afraid, not gonna hurt you
I wouldn't hurt my little honey bee*

The tank, she is done. I REALLY tried to get a modelled shot for you all, but it was just not working. Maybe I'll get one today, since I'm wearing it today.

It fits exactly like I wanted it to. I'm very happy with it. The pattern was me just making it up as I went along, with the exception of the cable on the side, which I borrowed from my Rogue pattern.

Look what came in the mail yesterday! I ordered this Honey bee sock yarn from Wendy and it arrived superfast. I love it There's a little fact about bees on the label, it's superwash, and although it's a bit thinner than most sock yarns, but I don't see that as a problem.
Now I just need to finish a pair of socks or two so I can start these.

Wendy also sent me a special little gift.

Squirrel stitch markers. I love them. I can't wait to go back and buy a few more things I've had my eye on.

* this song has been going through my head....bonus points if you can tell me name/artist.

Weekend update

2006-05-22T08:42:00.000-05:00

Progress of my tank.

Now I would have finished this yesterday, if I hadn't ripped out the armhole shaping several times until I got something I liked. As it is now I just have to finish the front.

I ripped out my embossed leaves socks. (I might not have posted these yet, but I had one to the point where the heel is turned) Jess pulled my needles out of it, and the more I tried to feed them back on, the more I screwed it up. I decided to just start over.

Remember my Wicked socks? Yeah I didn't either until I found them the other day. I really need to finish those up.

I sent Carma a package recently, which included her cardigan. I know she has gotten it, but I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet. BUT, she is coming out to see me The first weekend in June, so if anything, I'll have pictures by then.

I'm all excited that Mason Dixon is coming to Indy, and I'm trying to swing a trip down there on the 10th.

what, no sock pictures??

2006-05-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

Well, here's my limited progress on my soysilk tank. I wanted it to have some shaping, but the thought of a plain ole' Stst tank was boring me. So, I dug out my Rogue pattern (You remember my Rogue? Yeah it's still stuffed in a box with just some sewing keeping it from being a FO.) I though I would use the cable pattern that shapes the Rogue by running up either side, on my tank here. I'm not sure if i'll like it, we'll just have to wait and see.

Plus I think I might have a sock problem.

Pairs of sock currently on the needles: 6.

Who knew I had that many double points?

OH! How could I forget Mr. Dangly. (Or as I have been calling him, Mr. Bluedangles.)

Not much else to show. I spent most of the day cleaning the bedroom. I pulled the bed out to vacuum under it and found dog hair. DOG HAIR! I'm not about to disclose when we last had a dog. (She was hit by a car. She loved to wedge herself under our bed.)

Yup, I'm a dork

2006-05-15T16:51:00.000-05:00

So, I had so much fun with Sockapaloooza, I wanted to do something for Alison. (I can't imagine trying to keep up with a knit along that big.)

Also, I wanted to try making a pair of Sweet Mary Janes in Denim Yarn, so the choice was obvious for me. The denim Mary Janes were going to the home of the blue blog.

I'm quite pleased with them. They are custom fitted to her foot measurements, big gauge diffence in the yarn, and I had to allow for shrinkage. I think I might try this again with Elann's denim yarn. It looks like it might be easier to get gauge.

Right now it's all socks and washcloths. (I'm going for portable, washable knits as I spend more and more time outside.)

But I have the awesome soysilk in my stash. I've casted on for a tank of some sort. Still working on the detail. Although, I should be knitting for the recent rash of babies we've had around these parts.

Congrats to Mom, Cari and Big Sister, Faith on the arrival of a sweet little girl.

Plans for today:

2006-05-12T08:17:00.000-05:00

A trip tp the Post Office, to send a package to Carma, and one to Alison. Both with knitted goodies inside.

Pick up SIL.

Drive Jess to school.

Introduce SIL to the LYS for the first time.

Exhibit some self control in said LYS.

insert witty title here

2006-05-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

Well, so far, the demin Mary Janes are going well. They shrank perfectly in the wash.

They now just need their straps, buttons and embellishments. Although they'll need to be washed again after I put on the strap, so they strap will shrink up appropriately.
I am starting to understand a certain knitblogger/author's obsession with ROwan denim.

Yesterday we had a case conference for Jess at her school. This is a yearly thing where we essentially review the previous education plan and then form a new one for the next year.

One more year of preschool for Jess. She's not exactly happy. All her friends are moving on to kindergarten. (The disadvantage to being an August baby.) She's going to have another Autism evaluation done, to hopefully answer that question once and for all. Also, next year she gets a cane. Now I understand the importance of the cane for her, but part of me is a little scared to supply her with a weapon.

Carma, Jess wore your cardigan last night. Mind you, it has yet to be blocked.

Extremely modified Salt Peanuts using Rowan Cork in Gleam.

I really like the lotus blossom top from the new IK, I have the yarn for it, but I am hesitant to make it. I'm going to have to add a good bit of short rows, and I am afraid that once I do that I will not like it.

sockapaloooza

2006-05-10T00:21:00.000-05:00

While waiting to post the yesterday's POST THAT TOOK FOREVER, the grumpy postlady came to my door with a package. A SOCKPALOOZA PACKAGE!

Check it out.
My GORGEOUS socks that fit wonderfully.

And they go well with my fake Crocs.

AND came with with my very own CUSTOM sock blockers!

Thank you Donna and Donna's husband. I LOVE THEM.

Blogger hates me

2006-05-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

So, I’ve been trying to post for HOURS now. We’re in the market for a new blog home, but I just don’t know enough to know what we want.

Anyway, I was just going to show you some finished washcloths.

The start of a burp cloth. (Why am I loving the Mason Dixon book so much?)

Trekking sock.

Deutsche pride for me; these were originally going to be Jaywallkers, but they were coming out too big.

Also, I finished these ankle socks a couple weeks ago and somehow failed to photograph them. They are the leftovers from those mini jaywalkers I made for my niece. (Lorna’s Laces, Tuscany)

I am working on a few baby gifts and tweaking my Sweet Mary Janes pattern to use some Rowan Denim. Not sure how it will turn out, but I'll keep you posted.

I leave you with a very sweet picture of Jess admiring her tulips.

respect

2006-05-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Saturday, we attended Miami University of Ohio's 167th Spring Commencement, to cheer on my soon-to-be-sister-in-law as she recieved her degree.

I must say though, I was very disappointed in the commencement speaker. I would have expected more from someone so "highly touted". A good deal of her speech emphasized respect, and then after she was awarded with her honorary degree, she walked off the field as the other graduates were awarded their degrees.

Hello? what kind of respect does that show? And hell, If I had to sit through her long-winded, disconnected excuse for a speech, she better damn well sit through the next 30 minutes of announcements. Geesh.

Not much else to add really. There's been some covert knitting, and of course some sock and dishcloth knitting, but that's about it.

P.S. My sockpal was Erin. Go check her out.

tease

2006-05-05T07:39:00.000-05:00

Yet another brief post. We leave for Ohio this afternoon to attend my future sister-in-law's graduation, and my brother-in-law's (different brother-in-law) birthday.

So I've been trying to get us ready to go, and there's not much to show today. I have a gift in the works, but no pictures. I have Carma's cardigan sewed up, but no pictures, (Do we see a theme here?)

I'm waiting to see if my sockpal has recieved her package. I have a feeling she should have them by today if she hasn't gotten them already. I don't want to reveal until I know she has them though.

So see, a whole teaser post that gives you nothing. Aren't you glad you read it?

brief post

2006-05-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

Do y'all want to see something unbelievably cute? Go check out Jennifer's blog for pictures of Jessica and Zander bowling.

Are you back? Now, I don't know how to top those darn cute pictures. So, I don't think I'll try.

Where is the world is Carma?

2006-05-01T20:13:00.000-05:00

Alternate title...
"Simply because Erin called me out"

I've said it before and I'll say it again I knew there was a reason I SHARE a blog. Because alone? Yeah not so much with the blogging.

Where to start?
Hmmmm

"Lodge" construction is going well. We have almost a complete 2nd floor. Meaning we have all the floor joists up & almost all of the sturdifloor glued & nailed on top of it. Unfortunately we also have Iowa in the Springtime so we haven't had much in the way of progress in the past week or so. SO.MUCH.RAIN. Which also means so much WORK once the rain finally stops. The goal is to get the back upper wall on the place ASAP so we can get the roof over the second floor & enclose things because of the aforementioned rain. I'll get some newer pictures up as soon as it rain stops. :)

Baby news (STOP not me...shaddap)
I'm about to be an aunt again. Well actually I'm about to be an aunt and a surrogate aunt times two.

Roberta, essentially my sister in law (she's been dating my oldest brother for 12 years and is about to have their 2nd child... we move slow in this family), will be having my newest little nephew this Friday if things don't progress themselves more quickly. She's having a planned C-Section this time around (as opposed to the spur of the moment one with my niece Sydney). My brother is pushing for the name Dominick John, Roberta (and I) don't hate it but don't love it either. I think we both fear he's going to get the snot kicked out of him on the playground.

Beth, my coworker (& friend & fellow knitter), is due tomorrow but the doctor doesn't think the babies quite done yet. Beth is scheduled for an ultrasound Thursday to check on things. Then the doctor will decide if/ when to induce (Beth is hoping the inducing commences a nanosecond after the ultrasound). This is baby numero uno for Beth and her hubby Caleb & they aren't sure if they are going to be the proud parents of a wee little boy or a wee little girl yet.

Cari... another coworker, friend & fellow knitter (she's the only person I've successfully taught to knit) isn't TECHNICALLY due until the end of this month and she's been on bed rest for the past 4 weeks but her doctor put her on "modified" bedrest today & won't plan on taking any "measures" to stop her from going to into labor. Ideally the doctor would love to see her go one more week because then they would consider her "fullterm" I guess (what the heck do I know about birthin' babies... ;)). Cari & I are hoping the Harlot's bookbookbook3 tour brings her to Minneapolis (where Cari is now living) mid-June or later so I can go up there to kidnap Cari to visit Stephanie.

Am I the only one that thinks there's a good chance all of these events are going to happen on Friday? :)

Knitting news... yes I have some, shut it.

I finished Olivia's blanket except for the blocking. But I have to vacuum the floor before I can get to that (& take pictures). I HAVE to finish Nicholas's blanket before the first weekend in June when I visit Indiana for, among other things, his first birthday party. I only have the trim left but I've only had the trim left for MONTHS. I've been knitting squares for Grace (I would link but me and the Boy's parents' Mac are only barely speaking at the moment). I got the link while visiting over at Norma's blog (I know that link is over <---).

The Boy & I went to a wedding of a friend of his from high school this past weekend. It was very nice (although as an aside, dating someone younger than you has a serious disadvantage... His friends have just now started getting married, whereas all my friends are already). When we get pictures from his friend I'll post them. What? You think we managed to remember to bring a camera. HA! Erin will appreciate the 'do... it's a little more "serious in the front, party in the back" than it was when I was out there in September. No, don't worry it's not a mullet just spikey.

Oh & Erin... We have LOTS of quiet here in Iowa... just sayin'

More randomness

2006-05-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

Look! WARSHCLOTHES!!!

I restarted my Wicked socks. I really wanted to have the design to fit twice around the sock, but it kept coming out too big. Finally, I was able to size them right, by going down to size 0 needles. The intarsia in the round is going smoothly. Hopefully I can finish these by the end of the month.

my corset.

I don't have pictures of my K8's, my Deutshe Jaywalkers, or my crochet army, hopefully these will be forthcoming.

Lately I've just been a bit frazzled. Nothing major, just little things coming at me all at once. And I really miss "quiet".

What do I mean? Well, let me start off by stating that Jess and I have a blast together, but lately, every single conversation we have together feels like I'm stuck in the middle of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on first?" routine and I swear it is slowing unravelling my sanity.

I got an email today from my Sockapaloooza sockpal to update me on my sock status. I cannot wait to see them. I'm hoping to send my package out tonight, or if not, tomorrow morning.

Are any of you wondering what's going on with Carma? Yeah, me too...

back to your regularly scheduled blog-- already in progress.

2006-04-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

Jess is back to normal now and back in school. (thanks you for all the well wishes.) Stepdad comes home on Saturday, whether he's ready to or not(he's so not). And I now have knitting time.

so, FO's first

These mini-jaywalkers are for my niece. I made her a pair of socks in January that do not fit, so she gets a new pair. Jaywalkers, loads of fun.

I've gathered up my sockpal's package and I'm getting ready for the big mail-out day.
(Fellow sockapalooozers, are you driving yourself mad trying to figure out who has you as well?)
You might recognize some ballband warshclothes in there. Warning: those things are addicting.

Ok, onto the projects. My Lucky K8's

Heh? you say? I cannot get friggin' gauge! I have even tried with the recommended needle size. Do not fret. I will win over the laceweight yet.

My silk--er bamboo corset.

A pair of toe up socks, because heaven forbid I don't have at least one sock in progress.

Right now I am SERIOUSLY coveting this top. She has the pattern up on Craftster.

I crocheted some poo for Piddleloop, but it's not quite as cutesy as that which she was coveting. (No picture yet.)

I have to go work on my Togs for Toys entry for this month.

In case you were wondering...

2006-04-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

Here's what's been going on.

1. scrambling to prepare for Stepdad coming home this weekend
2. spring cleaning
3. warshcloth knitting
4. hanging out with Jennifer and Co. at the anything goes sale
5. managing sockapaloooza updates and trying to seek out those I have not heard from.
6. taking care of a puking little girl.

Jess sees the doc today and hopefully we can fix her up. She's mad she cannot go to school, she's mad she cannot keep anything down, and just mad because she's so hungry.

Hopefully things calm down and the blogging can resume.

In the meme time...

2006-04-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy week, and I got nothing for today,(How do I follow cute Jess pictures?) and I saw this over at Piddleloop so...

Five minutes to yourself: how would you spend them, ideally?
doing absolutely nothing that could be considered "productive"

Five bucks to spend right now; how would you spend it?
CHOCOLATE!!!!

Five items in your house you could part with, right now, that you hadn’t thought of already?

Gosh we are (by we I mean I)going through things right now to get rid of old stuff.

1. my fabric scraps (Hey, "Two Happy Hounds", do you take donations?)
2. some clothes that just don't fit right.
3. our old tv stand
4. the bedloft in the shed
5. the old compudyne in the shed.

Five items you absolutely, positively could never part with in your house?

This one's hard. Only five?

1. some of Jess' artwork.
2. my wedding ring (which has not fit past my knuckle in several months)
3. the poems and letters Nate has written for me.
4. my Mother's suede jacket
5. the boxes and boxes of photographs.

Five words you love?
1. fetterchicken alfredo (jess's term for fetticini alfredo)
2. purdy
3. skills
4. snarkies
5. heh

five things i’d remove from this meme...hmmmm...I don't know

Weekend update

2006-04-18T07:01:00.000-05:00

Our trip to Ohio was very nice. For those of you anxiously awaiting a picture of Jess in her Easter attire.

Cute, ain't she? Yup, she knows it.

Now since laceweight and many little girls do not mix well, I needed to take a very portable project I could put down and pick up without screwing it up. Enter the Lorna's laces and the two socks I have finished.

The (mini) jaywalker, and the "let's see if I can get a whole 'nother sock out of the remainder of this ball" sock.

Also see what I snagged on this trip?

Ida's sewing...bucket. It's awesome. She still had a table cloth and napkins she had started to embroider in 1973. (I know because she had a note in with it that said just that. That Ida, she's so cute.)

Also, these were in there.

They are to be pillowcases. Hand embroidered. They have yet to se sewed up, but I'm not sure how I want to hem the scallop edge.

stuck on socks.

2006-04-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

I've been playing catch up this week, nothing "blogworthy", losing a weekend can really throw your routine off.

I've been trying to think about what to include in my Sockapaloooza package. Alison suggests a postcard so the recipient has an idea of where his/her socks came from. I haven't been able to find a satisfactory postcard. I have opted instead to make a photo CD of the sights to include. Good idea, or too dorky? Maybe a few odds and ends will make it into the package as well.

There has been knitting. Not much, but some.

Carma's Cardigan, the Extremely Modified Salt Peanuts. I have one sleeve to go. (Sorry, no more pictures until it's in Carma's possession.)

Jess's Red Petticoat Socks.

My Six_Sox_Along project. The Sixth Sense Sock.

I'm trying to finish up a few things before I start my Lucky K8's and my Togs for Toys project.

KAL and contest winners

2006-04-10T08:16:00.001-05:00

We've had a dilemma here, a dilemma I've decided to nip in the bud, before it gets out out of had. What is it you ask?

NAKED BABIES! They are everywhere. These were just the ones I found in the living room. In order to get a handle on this on going problem, I've joined Wendy's Togs for toys craft-a-long. It's a pretty simple concept. Here's the basic description.

Idea:Making one piece of toy clothes every month for 4 months. You can make the clothes using any technique you wish. (knit, crochet, felt, weave, sew, staple, tape, glue,...)
Rules:Must have sent a picture of your toy wearing the item you made by the 28th of the month.
Prizes:For every submission you get your name put into the fish bowl. Multiple submissions are welcomed. Random drawing will be picked on the first of the month for the previous month's submissions. Prizes will very from month to month.

If you need more info, contact Wendy. I was hoping to make a kicky little button for it today, but I'm way behind as it is.

Contest

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I'm had a bit of trouble deciding. I'm going to have to opt though for something I can make from my stash, so the winner is...

LavenderSheep with Lucky K8 gloves

She wins (please email me with your addy so I can get this to you.)some trekking sock yarn and a cute little tote.

and my randon winner (chosen by my handy eight sided D&D die)is:

trek who wins (Please email me with your addy too.)some MORE trekking yarn and a set of zippered pouches.

Thank you all. For those that need it my email is:

pinkerbell44@gmailDONOTSPAMME.com

Craptacular...

2006-04-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

...pretty much explains my yesterday. It's left me a bit overwhelmed.

Yesterday my SIL called to ask if I was plannign to go to the funeral or just the wake.--HEH? My grandmother died, and she was asking about my plans. I told her I didn't have any since no one bothered to inform me that she had passed, and I woiuld have to get back to her. Granted I had been informed the night before that she had a stroke, but that was only in passing.

Unfortunately, the funeral is Monday and we just cannot swing it, so we'll be heading to Geneseo,IL for the wake on Sunday.

On a happier note, I talked to my Mother yesterday. (Just to clear up any confusion my grandmother was my Stepmother's mom.) It seems that Stepdad is doing very well with his post surgery rehab and is expected to come home almost two weeks earlier than planned.

Are we happy? YES! Are we completely wigging out because we have not yet begun to make their home handicap assessible? YES! Very much so! Especially since this weekend, we will be out of town and then to visit to inlaws for Easter next week.

knitting? Oh yes, knitting. Please remember the contest to suggest a new project is ongoing and to comment here BEFORE Monday April 10th.

In the meantime, I've joined the Six Sock Knitalong. I've been admiring Susan's socks for ages, and it hadn't occured to me that it was an ongoing knitalong that still accepts members.

I've decided to use my orange sock yarn for the current Sixth Sense sock. I cast on last night so there's not much to show.

contest.

2006-04-05T13:39:00.000-05:00

so I was sitting here, waiting for my fried zuccini to cool, (my ultimare comfort food.) and finishing up the sock mates to the little girls socks I posted a few days back. I got to thinking. what am I going to do next?? I really don't know. With the exception of some orange socks for me and red socks for Jess. I don't know.

So, I've decided it's contest time. Suggest something for my next project in the comments. There will be two knitterly prizes (which I'm still putting together.) One for the suggestion I choose and one chosen at random. All entries must be submitted BEFORE Monday, April 10th. Thanks in advance.

time filler

2006-04-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

who wants to humor me?

Take My Quiz
- on -
QuizYourFriends.com!

sugar and spice and leftover sock yarn...

2006-04-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

...that's what little girl socks are made from.

One petticoat sock done. I really like this phildar yarn. It's very soft, although a little splitty.

One plain self striping sock. I think it's online yarn.

My sockapaloooza socks are done! YAY!

Based on Tuulia's pattern with koigu

Jess has requested a red pair of socks and with all this sock knitting I decided it's time to make myself a pair of orange retro ribs.

Oh, and to update. Jess surrendered my glasses Saturday morning.

A week in review.

2006-03-31T09:46:00.000-06:00

ok, let's catch up.

Tuesday I took Jess to her first movie. We saw curious George and she had a wonderful time.

Wednesday we went to Brookfield Zoo. Again, a good time was had. Jess really liked the Bison, and the sea lions and walruses in the underwater viewing.

Wednesday night we were all up as she was ill all night and then feverish all day Thursday.

Today we are all much better. Although Jess woke up a bit before I did and now my glasses are missing. Thank goodness a have a few spare, especially since my contacts perscription now calls for really uncomfortable and expensive lenses.

Jess admits to playing with them, but cannot seem to tell me where they are. But she has decided to reward herself for her good behavior this week. (Note to self: Self, NEVER leave the reward stickers out.)

Ok, onto sock progress.

One sockpal sock almost ready for the toe. I can't seem to get a decent picture, so you'll have to wait on that one.

One little girls petticoat sock. (I love this pattern. It's in Weekend Knitting, in case you are wondering.)

Also, I have started Pullover Flair from spring IK, but I'm only about 2 inches into it. I'm ujsing some patons classic merino I had in the stash.

2006-03-30T15:21:00.000-06:00

I meant to update you a some knitterly progress, but Jess came down with some sort of stomach bug last night, so we're all trying to get some rest. Hope to have apost for tomrrow.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

2006-03-28T07:37:00.000-06:00

...for my sockpal. I feared that the River Rapids I was working on might be too lacy for my pal, so I have scraped them. I have opted instead for some handpainted Koigu and Tuulia's Green sock pattern. Which was originally brought to my attention by Laura.

I'm very pleased with them so far, but I'm nor sure if I want to continue the pattern stitch down the heel or not. If not, I was thinking of making a plain heel in a solid color. What do y'all think?

What Carma's weekends are made of...

2006-03-27T13:55:00.000-06:00

Anyone who says construction isn’t hard work is on crack.

This is this weekend’s progress….

We have steel and a couple walls (the ones the steel is resting on). Remember this is a garage (say it with me now, “Uff da”).

The next step is the downstairs wall along the back of the garage. The Boy is hoping that will go up easily this week, he claims this is the easiest part of the whole shindig. But once that goes up we’ll have something to stop the wind.

So needless to say I haven’t been knitting all that much. By the time I get home and cleaned up all I have the strength/ gumption to do is lay on the couch & then get up and go to bed.

I’m hoping to get something knitterly done tonight though. It’s raining here so no constructing and if I don’t do some serious laundry I’m going to have to start going commando in either the worn out sweats that really shouldn’t be seen outside of one’s home OR the really fancy cloths that you keep “just in case”.

Keep your fingers crossed. :)

Oh & send some parental love in Erin's direction... This week is Spring Break.

Insert Clever Title Here

2006-03-27T09:13:00.000-06:00

Stepdad is well, but in a good amount of pain. (Understandably) He has asked that we not visit him yet. He's not ready for visitors.

Today is the start of Jess' Spring Break. Please excuse the lack of knitting that will commence this week.

I did work on somethings this weekend though.

Finished Sweet Mary Janes for my SIL. The yarn is Wooly stripes, and Lambs Pride.

Jess' mini sweater for her Easter dress. Yarn is Baby Ull. I still need to weave in ends and sew on buttons.

Still plugging away at all these socks I have on the needles, but nothing picture worthy yet.

Hangin' in there.

2006-03-24T21:03:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to add a note that StepDad's surgery was a success. He is in good spririts, and already making "stumpy" jokes.

This is a huge relief, because due to Stepdad's very weak heart, any surgery is especially scary. He's got a long road ahead, but he has a successfule surgery out of the way, which makes us all more at ease.

Now, To keep my mind off things today, I dug out some of my old crocheted toys, that I had mentioned to the girls at the knit group, and thought I would post pictures.

I want to thank all my sockapalooozers who are helping me with my update this week. I appreciate it so much, and I thank you all.

My Grandmother, Great-Aunts and Mother crochet, so I had a LOT of crocheted toys, and these are just a taste.

Mr. Monkey.

Smurfette.

Lambikin.

Knit, knit, rip.

2006-03-24T10:34:00.000-06:00

Sorry, no knitting content to show. I mean I have been knitting, but I've been ripping out a lot too.

Yesterday waas a little rough and today isn't going to be much better. Stepdad goes in for surgery to amputate his leg today. so I'll be sitting home, knitting, ripping out and worrying.

double dog dare

2006-03-23T08:24:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I met with Jennifer and helped her with her pie shawl, as I started my Wicked socks. I'm learning "intarsia in the round" which sounds far more intimidating that it truly is. THese ends will drive me batty, but that's intarsia.

No pictures of the failed felted sweater project yet. I have not finished them.

Last night I got distracted by Jennifer's plea for crocheted poop. (Hey I love a challenge.) It made me realize that I am the knitting equivalent of that kid on the playground that you can make do anything by laying down a dare. Yup, that seems to be me.

No rest for the Wicked...

2006-03-21T16:12:00.000-06:00

Carma's cardigan has been growing. I'm up past the armholes. I hope to have the body finished and start on the sleeves next week.

We received some bad news yesterday. After two weeks of medical staff trying everything they could to save StepDad's leg. They've decided they are going to have to amputate it at the knee. In more positive news, they have stopped giving him Morphine and he is now awake and alert, and far more cognitive.

I couldn't sleep last night and embarked on "recycling" a failed wool sweater into felted coasters. Pictures as soon as my camera charges.

Also, finally have all the Baby Ull I need to make some Wicked socks I've been planning to make for a friend's Mom. She treated a group of us to tickets to see Wicked in Chicago last July. (Yes, last July I know I'm behind.)

Weekend Update

2006-03-20T11:40:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for the compliments on the baby cardigan. There's no pattern to it. I just have a general schematic for a 3 month old sweater that I use as a guide.

I was hoping to have a finished squirrel mitten to show you, but this is all I have:
front

back

I had most of it done on Saturday, but I had to rip it all out because it was puckering. Saturday we went to my Mom's, took her to lunch then we all went to see my Stepdad in the hospital. (Yes, he's still there and likely to be there for at least another week.)

It was horrible. He is so doped up on Morphine he cannot stay awake for more than 30 seconds, and when he is awake he is not aware of what's going on. My Mom has more than once, and not quite so politely asked if they could put him on a different painkiller. They are still hoping that they will not have to amputate, but it doesn't look good. Mom is just so exhausted and stressed.

Not much else to post. I have been working on Carma's cardigan.

And I need to finish up my FIL's socks, since there is a good chance he'll be visiting this weekend.

Oh! Wendy has pictures of her daughter modeling the Kiri I made as a thank you for my kickass needlecase.

Top o' the mornin'

2006-03-17T08:31:00.000-06:00

So I used some odd balls of Cork I had sitting around and I thought it would make a cute little cardigan for Tara's little bundle.

I went rummaging through my vintage buttons and came up with these plastic red ones. I'm not sure when they were purchased, but a card of eight cost 8 cents at JcPenney back in the day. I'm not sure when I'll get to drop this off.

Today we're (family) all working on getting together and visit my Stepdad in the hospital. We haven't seen him for a couple weeks. He's had some fairly serious health problems for a while now, and it looks like they'll be amputating some toes next week. (A lesson to us all the take diabetes seriously. Especially, when it is further complicated by some serious cardivascular conditions) He's actually extremely lucky they are not taking the whole foot, which was the original plan.

Ok, enough heavy. We don't want to start the weekend that way. After all, it's the Sacred celebration of St. Patrick.

Wendy emailed me a while back (I'd link, but for some reason her page is not coming up. I hope her shawl has arrived.) with Hello Yarn's Squirrel mitten pattern. Yes, I have about three socks on the needles, an unfinished Rogue, and about a third of Carma cardigan, but I NEED these mittens. So I'm off to search the stash for some Yarn

Thursday is progress day.

2006-03-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

So, I have been cleaning out the guest room. This has forced me to somewhat organize my yarn. Now I'm not going to use the term "yarn diet", but I've decided that if we are seriously looking at moving, I really don't want to move this much yarn.

So, Instead I'm putting up a very vague project list and seeing how much I can get done.

1. I NEED to sew up my Rogue, but I'm still kind of mad at it. (WIP)

2. Carma's cardigan. (WIP)

3. sock pal socks. (WIP)

4. FIL socks. (WIP)

5. Lace tablecloth. (WIP)

6. crochet cat. (WIP)

7. one throw. (WIP)

8. Nate sweater.

9. About 3 shawls.

10. about 6 pair of socks. (2 WIP)

11. about 4 bags.

12. Countless Sweet Mary Janes.

So, let's see what I can finish up.

whoa baby

2006-03-15T07:19:00.000-06:00

Tara from my SnB just had her second baby boy on Sunday. I have since abandoned the previous (secret) project I had been working on for this little sweet baby, (I really didn't like the way it was turning out.) and since started a few more. What is it about babies that makes us want to knit everything we possibly can for them? I'm hoping to have them fiished by next week.

Other than that there is not anything new knitting or otherwise. There are still some goings on but they are not very blog worthy and sort of depressing, so I'll spare you all.

I'll leave off with a pile o' wips.

Mama's got a brand new bag

2006-03-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

My Lexie Barnes bag came on Saturday! It arrived on my stoop on Saturday and has since been my constant companion.

I finished Nate's retro rib socks. Blooger's not letting me uplaod a picture, so hopefully I can get a modelled shot for tomorrow.

Not much else to post. It's been a busy weekend, both good and not so good. I think I might lay down for a catnap once I get Jess on the bus.

Pie shawl photo shoot

2006-03-10T07:17:00.000-06:00

*the role of (not quite so)adorable finished object model will be played by erin today*

Yesterday Jennifer brought her mohair pie shawl (named Animal) to see if I could figure out what went wrong. We got it fixed and she's back on track (and I got a free lunch to boot. Thanks, Jen)

She also took pictures of my pie shawl for you all to see.

Perfect pie shawl, found in the Weekend Knitting book.

6 balls of Lite Lopi in Rust

Granted, I'm not nearly as cute as the model in the previous post. But hey, at least my hair has been recently brushed in the pictures.

Green for Spring

2006-03-09T07:50:00.000-06:00

Ain't she cute?

She's modelling the Odessa I made for her. Doesn't she look all sweet and cute. You'd never know the grief she's been giving me lately. (I think we're all back on the right track now though.)

Not much else to tell lately. Jennifer and I are getting together for lunch so I can help her with her pie shawl. Maybe if I ask nicely she'll take a picture of mine for me.

BORK!

2006-03-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

You Are the Swedish Chef

"Bork! Bork! Bork!"
Your happy and energetic - with borderline manic tendencies.
No one really gets you. And frankly, you don't even get you.
But, you sure can whip up a great chocolate mousse

The Muppet Personality Test

randomness....now with pictures.

2006-03-07T07:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have no real reason to post today so we're just going with some complete randomness.

We celebrated birthdays for my step dad and my brother this weekend. (By the way, it took my brother about five minutes before he busted out laughing at my "Raised by Squirrels" shirt. He was impressed to hear I had drawn it.)

My doc has put me a birth control temporarily, which seems to be inducing random Narcolepsy. I apologize to everyone I have passed out on this weekend.

I'm still working on a secret project for someone who may or may not be reading this blog, so I still cannot talk about it.

Retro ribs.

Right now it's all about socks and Carma's cardigan. (Besides the secret project.)

Sockapaloooza socks.

As always, (half of)a pair of Sweet Mary Janes.

Jess is having some "behavior issues" on her bus ride home. This week she will not be on the bus (I will be taxiing her instead) and today I go to spy--er, observe her at school, and try o to figure out what is going on.

2006-03-06T15:17:00.000-06:00

You scored as Serenity (Firefly). You like to live your own way and don't enjoy when anyone but a friend tries to tell you should do different. Now if only the Reavers would quit trying to skin you.

Serenity (Firefly)

100%

Deep Space Nine (Star Trek)

81%

Babylon 5 (Babylon 5)

75%

Enterprise D (Star Trek)

75%

Millennium Falcon (Star Wars)

69%

Moya (Farscape)

69%

FBI's X-Files Division (The X-Files)

63%

SG-1 (Stargate)

63%

Bebop (Cowboy Bebop)

63%

Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix)

56%

Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda)

44%

Galactica (Battlestar: Galactica)

44%

Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics)
created with QuizFarm.com

Have a great weekend.

2006-03-03T16:00:00.000-06:00

ok, Wendy's kiri is blocking. Step dad's slippers are drying. and I'm plugging along on the retro ribs. I have another project in the works, but it's off limits until it's been gofted. so although I have been putting in a good bit of work on it, I cannot tell you about it yet.

I can tell you what's next. I (finally) have a skein of yarn en route to my mailbox so I can finish Rogue, and two projects waiting in the wings. My sock pal socks, and Carma's Cardigan in Cork (say that five times fast.)

There's not been much blog worthy going-ons here this week. Hopefully I'll have something for you next weeek.

Random knitterly thoughts.

2006-02-28T08:26:00.000-06:00

Well, the second skein has been located, so Rogue will (eventually) be finidhed.

I've got nothing today to share, except some knitterly progress. Sorry for no pictures, but these are gifts for those who read the blog.

The felted clogs are done and washed. Pictures to come.

I have turned the second heel on the birthday retro ribs, and now more tedious ribbing to go. I have to say even though the ribbing gets old pretty quick. the finished socks are awesome, and very stretchy.

I'm on the last repeat before the edging of Wendy's kiri. then it's some blocking and off to Wendy by next week.

Remember my green Odessa? I had started the decreases, only to realize I had missed a couple beads. I ripped it out and started over.

My friend's baby girl turns one next week, and I've promised the little girl a bunny hat. It just needs a face.

I've decided against putting the lace edging on my pie shawl, I owe you a modeled shot.

I'm hoping once I finish up some of these gofts, I can get to work on my sockpal socks.

Hey, Brother, can you spare a skein?

2006-02-27T09:45:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all your comments on Rogue. I'm not so much upset about not finishing on time, as I am that I have run out of yarn. When I went to order more, they were out. (Does anyone have a skein of Bartlett Rangley 2 ply in winter berry hanging around?)

But I have had a pair of birthday gift retro rib socks, a pair of birthday felted clogs, and Wendy's thank you kiri to console me. (Wendy, I'm two repeats from the end. I'll be needing your address soon.)

Also, for those of you who might be concerned about my mention of doctor appointments, do not worry. Nothing major if afoot.

fall before the finish line.

2006-02-26T09:38:00.000-06:00

Erin is too upset to blog today. Yesterday, as she was working to finish the second sleeve of her Rogue. She started her sleeve cap, only to realize the shad only 9 inches of yarn left. No Olympic gold here.

Why do I do this to myself?

2006-02-24T14:00:00.000-06:00

I have one Rogue sleeve. Yes. One. Actually not even one. Will I finish on time?

Not if I continue to gallavant with all these other projects. Last night it was baby bonnets. or rather writing baby bonnets patterns.

I'll be posting the free (and tested) pattern here. I'll post pictures this weekend. as soon as they are dry.

The New, Improved, long awaited...

2006-02-24T00:26:00.000-06:00

(Red is side view, blue is folded with top edge and bottom edge touching.)
...baby bonnett pattern.

Baby Bonnett

Size: Newborn to 3 months
BLUE
frog tree alpaca, 137 yards. (sport weight)
Size 4 needles or size needed to obtain gauge
3/8" Ribbon
2 Stitch markers
Gauge:24 Sts= 4 inches

Size: 3-9 months
RED
some sort of Dale of Norway(Dk weight yarn)
Size 6 needles or size needed to obtain gauge
5/8" Ribbon
2 Stitch markers
Gauge:
22 Sts= 4 ins

Instructions are the same for all sizes of bonnets. They are worked in different gauges to achieve the different sizes. I would imagine this pattern may work with worsted weight yarn, and appropriate needles for an older child, but I have yet to try it.

The lace trim is borrowed from the book, Knitting on the Edge, by Nicki Epstein.

Knitting definitions

k- knit
k2tog- knit two stitches together
p- purl
pm- place marker
p2tog- purl two stitches together
sl m- slip marker
sl 1- slip one stitch as if to purl
sk2p- slip one stitch, knit two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over stitch just knitted
st- stitch
St st- Stockinette stitch
yo- yarn over

Bonnett
Cast on 63 sts.
knit 2 rows
row 3: k2tog, yo,*k3, sk2p, k3, yo, k1, yo* repeat to last st, k1.
row 4: purl
row 5: k2,*yo, k2, sk2p, k2,yo,k3* repeat to last st, yo,k1
row 6: purl
row 7: k2tog, yo, *k1, yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k1, yo,sk2p, yo* repeat to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1
row 8: p2tog, purl to last 2 sts, p2tog (63 sts)
row 9: knit
row 10: knit
row 11: k1, *yo, k2tog* repeat to end
row 12: knit
row 13: knit
row 14: *k1, p1*, repeat to end
Contine one by one rib for 2 more rows. (rows 15, and 16)
row 17 through row 22, work in St st.
row 23: k23, ssk, pm, k13, pm, k2tog, k23
row 24: purl
row 25: knit
row 26: purl
row 27: k 22, ssk, sl m, k13, sl m, k2tog, k 22
row 28: purl
row 29: knit
row 30: purl
row 31: k21, ssk, sl m, k13, sl m, k2tog, k21
row 32: purl, removing markers
row 33: k34, k2tog, k1, turn
row 34: sl 1, p12, p2tog, p1, turn
row 35: sl 1, k13, k2tog, turn
row 36: sl 1, p13, p2tog, turn
Repeat rows 35 & 36, working to first stitch before gap until all side sts are used up.
Bind Off

Pick up 43sts along the bottom of bonnett.
Work one by one rib for 3 rows.
next row: Bind off.
sew side edge of ribbing to edge of lace trim on left side. Repeat on right side.
weave in ends

Thread ribbon through eyelets and block lightly.

2 sleeves to go...

2006-02-23T11:47:00.000-06:00

Will I make it? I think I can.

I finished the hood yesterday. It's ginormous. Seriously. Check it out.

It's so big I couldn't fit it all in the picture.

I wore the thing yesterday afternoon, then decided I should probably sew up the hem.

Now I'm curious as to how many other people out there wear their works in progress. I do this a lot. I'll wear the torso of a sweater while I work the sleeves, or one sock while I work on the second. Does anyone else to this? I can't be the only one.

I have to run up to the YS today. I keep losing my #2 doublepoints. so I'm just going to buy more. You can never have enough double points.

Slow going

2006-02-22T07:55:00.001-06:00

I've got about 30 rows of hood and two sleeves to go. I'd show you a picture but the pictures are not coming out. Will I make it? Maybe if I can stop picking up other projects. Yesterday? I worked on a baby bunny hat. I had to have a sonogram yesterday. (No, the baby hat is NOT for this family. Don't get any ideas.) Could I have taken Rogue with? Yes, but it's too stinking heavy to be lugging around with me.

Today, I have bloodwork. Again, Rogue will not be tagging along. I guess I could start on the sleeves.

It's come that time of year to clean out my craft closet. Stay tuned for my virtual garage sale.

Always happy to entertain...

2006-02-21T08:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Nate discovered the blog. (He's known about it. He's just never read it.) He was at work, and he and his co workers were especially tickled to see me knitting at Farm Aid.

I finished a whole five rows on the Rogue hood last night. At this rate I'll never make it to the 26th deadline. Kiss my "gold medal" goodbye. Eh, oh well.

1,082 Miles

2006-02-20T12:46:00.000-06:00

That’s how far I traveled this weekend…. From my little apartment in Northeast Iowa to Evansville IN and back. Why did I do this you ask? The Boy collects vintage washing machines & dryers (among other things but that is perhaps a story for another day). He has a friend in Omaha that actually bought a washer/ dryer combo from a guy in Evansville off eBay but never got the opportunity to pick it up. This friend in Omaha said the Boy could have it if he made arrangements to get it from Evansville to Iowa. Having it shipped would have cost over $600 so… road trip.

My Dad lives about 3 hours or so from Evansville (actually he probably lives a little further but to say that my Dad drives like a bat outta hell would be a HUGE understatement) so he drove over to have dinner with us… And, more importantly, meet the Boy. That went well. They didn’t really have a lot of opportunity to talk because two of the Boy’s friends came with us (did I mention the machine we picked up was 350 lbs?) but hey it had to start somewhere right? I will admit that I was a little nervous. This will surprise none of you that know me, I’m neurotic on a whole host of levels (What if Dad doesn’t like him? What if he does?!?!?!). But it did go well I think. If either one of them where shocked or offended or anything they hid it very well. I think the Boy might understand me a little more now. J Or at least understands where I got some of my “interesting quirks”.

I am however a dork. I took knitting with me… Did I knit even one little stitch? Nope. Not a one. To be honest I thought if I got out the knitting I would “accidentally” impale someone with my needles & I have determined that knitting should be used for good not evil. And I determined as I was running through my apartment trying to decide what I was taking with me that I need to seriously organize the knitting. I think that also means I need to breakdown and get myself a ballwinder. I passed over several items because the balls of yarn were going a little nuts. So I think it’s time. Any suggestions on where I should look into getting one? I pretty much have no local yarn shop so sadly that’s not really an option. I have Hobby Lobby and Wal~Mart for the in-person knitting fix.

Tonight my plan after work is to knit and sleep. We’ll see how that goes.

My boss sent out some pictures from our company holiday party back in December. The first is an actual good photo of me and the Boy. He almost always takes a good picture; I, on the other hand, very rarely do. The amount of horrid pictures of me are indeed vast and horrific (Erin can attest to this and show you many many fine examples). So in order to redeem myself.

*picture added later*
Well isn’t this lovely? Apparently redeeming myself isn’t the cards at the moment. Apparently the picture I have is too big for the folks at ImageVenue to handle & I’m too technologically challenged to make my copy of the picture smaller so they can handle it (and I know of no other site that might be able to help me). So the redemption will have to wait for another day. I assure you it’s a cute picture though. :)

I’ll also throw a picture of the new washer/dryer on here if I can get one. J (The is probably the only one of his machine’s I’m actually interested in… I mean a machine where you can throw in, say, a load of towels… press go… then come back later to clean dry towels? Why doesn’t everyone have one? :) )

Added later:

Well here it is, the reason for the road trip. :)

Complete lack of focus.

2006-02-20T09:10:00.000-06:00

I'm now behind schedule for the knitting Olympics. It's my own fault. I was distracted.

I made my Mom a newsboy hat(black), I worked on Kiri, I put and edging on my pie shawl(note: there is no edging on my shawl. I got halfway through and decided I didn't like it and ripped it out.) I started a bunny hat for baby Sara's birthday, and started the second sock for my FIL's birthday. The other sock is in the kitty pouch. Isn't it cute. I absolutely LOVE it. If you'd like one, head over to Piddleloop's store and pick one up

Complete lack of focus.

I think I should be able to finish still on time. Last week I had a couple of days I took off from Rogue. (This thing's getting heavy. I look forward to finishing the hood, so I can move on the the LIGHTWEIGHT sleeves.)

Thanks goodness for blog fodder.

2006-02-17T13:47:00.000-06:00

Jess has been especially needy today, so all I have for you is the Meme Lynne tagged me for:
(lynne's got a contest for hers, go check it out.)

4 jobs I've had:
1. "sandwich artist"
2. Gas station clerk
3. CNA
4. Craft store Sales associate.

4 movies I can watch over and over: (aww...just 4?)
1. Arsenic and Old Lace
2. Any Mel Brooks Movie
3. McLintock
4. Pirates of the Carribean (mmm...Johnny Depp..)

4 TV shows I love to watch: (mind you this is limited since we only get like 4 channels. Fox, Pbs, Upn, and the bible channel.)
1. Arrested Development (there's still hope, right?)
2. House
3. Any of the "house" series on PBS (i.e. 1900 house, frontier house, Regency house party..)
4. everything ekse I used to watch either sucks this season or has been cancelled.

4 places I have lived:
1. Griffith, In
2. Chesterton, In
3. Hammond, In
4. Highland, In

4 places I have been on holiday:
1. Orlando, FL
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Seattle, Wa
4. Rome, NY

4 of my favorite dishes:
1. Huevos Rancheros
2. pizza
3. Turkey Schnitzel
4. tamales

4 websites I visit daily:
1. Google mail
2. yahoo mail
3. bloglines
4.

4 places I would rather be right now:
1. someplace quiet. :)
2.
3.
4.

4 bloggers I am tagging:
I'm leaving this open. If you'd like to do it, leave a comment so we cal go take a gander.

the mailbox overfloweth...(picture heavy)

2006-02-16T14:12:00.000-06:00

Holy Postal booty, Batman!!!

Wendy most definitely came through with my Beatrix Potter Needle case. It's awesome.

Check out the stitch markers too!

Then, Cara had asked If I would make her a sweater, which I of course said no problem to, and her yarn came today.

With a little something for me.

My lone Lopi skein arrived.

and my squirrel shirt has arrived.

Check out this case. It has Jeremy Fisher on the flap (One of my favorites) and The address label was Squirrel Nutkin (My other favorite.) It's wonderful, Wendy Thank you so much. (Your shawl is coming along.)

the plan

2006-02-15T08:39:00.000-06:00

So, this has been the plan for the KO. Rogue is going to use 7 skeins of yarn. So I figure if I go through a skein of yarn every two days, I'll be right on schedule. so far this has been working. I'm still working on the back, but I'm going to have to stop and wind another skein of yarn soon.

Today Jess has a dentist appointment, so I should have some extra knitting time, being that I can lug this sweater around. (It's starting to get heavy.) Tomorrow I have a dr appt myself. (read: more knit time. Although this appt. has me a bit nervous.) Being that Jess has Friday and Monday off, I'm actually looking forward to waiting rooms.

I have word that my lone lopi skein is en route to my house, so the pie shawl should recommence soon. I'm hoping the different dyelots won't be too noticeable.

guilt

2006-02-14T15:11:00.000-06:00

Ok, so in case you were still unsure about my feelings for the holidays, I'm very solidly anti-Valentine's day. But then, I've never been much of a romantic either.

My hand is feeling much better, thank you all. I think I just needed to rest. But resting time's over and here we have a Knitting Olympics progress report.

Also in order to have something a bit more portable, and to finish it in a timely manner, I have started on Wendy's Kiri. (Sorry no pictures until Wendy recieves it.)

I honestly picked Rogue thinking it would take me much longer than it has. (Of course I have yet to do the cabling on the hood.) I think I might have underestimated things.

My lone skein of lite lopi should be arriving any day, so that I may finish my perfect pie and move onto the edging.

You know, I realized today, that I really like to knit, but I find it hard to justify keeping things. Take the Lady E I finished recently. I've worn it once in order to take pictures of it. Other than that it sits folded up on a shelf. I feel guilty because everytime I look at it now, I think about how much I spent on the yarn and how it could have been spent elsewhere. It's gorgeous, but I don't enjoy it.

VD

2006-02-14T09:03:00.000-06:00

To quote a good friend of ours, "Valentine's Day and Venerial Disease share the same initials. Coincidence? I think not."

My (hindered) progress.

2006-02-13T09:01:00.000-06:00

Here's my Rogue. (next to it is a baby bonnet.) I have one more cable repeat before I divide the front and back. so far I'm ahead of schedule, and I must say this surprises me. Saturday, instead of working on Rogue, I taught my Ma and SIL to knit. Then Sunday, I did not have much progress due to a pain.

I have a scar right under my right thumb. When I broke both bones in my arm completely through, and the idea was to insert a rod into my wrist and down my arm. Unfortunately this did not work and they had to go back into my forearm and install a plate. Anyway, sometimes this still hurts. Like it did on Sunday and still does today. It sucks because it even hurts to hold a pen. So today I have to take a break. I'm hoping to be able to pick rogue back up tomorrow.

In needlecase news, Wendy has volunteered to make my case, and had actually finished it yesterday! I am planning to make her a kiri shawl as a thank you.

Seriously.

2006-02-09T14:06:00.000-06:00

Who can I bribe to make a me a needle roll like this.

Seriously. I'm open to a barter. Any takers?

Foreshadowing?

2006-02-09T08:26:00.000-06:00

This is where I ran out of yarn on my perfect pie. I have a third of the last wedge to go. Still waiting for the extra skein to arrive.

Yesterday I realized I had missed a bead on the second beaded row of my Odessa and I ripped it all out.

I hope this is not an omen of what's to come.

I think I'll go knit an orange square.

Please bear with me

2006-02-08T23:38:00.000-06:00

My Best Friend's a Dork is preparing to move, so please excuse any funny goings on that might occur in the process.

Help me choose...

2006-02-07T10:31:00.000-06:00

...I cannot decide on a sock pattern. The info I have from my pal is that she would prefer tall socks that are more textured than lacy. There are a few I like in Knitting Vintage socks, but I don't have it in the budget to buy another book.

So far I've narrowed it down to these.

Retro Ribs (IK winter '04 I cannot find a link with a picture.)
These socks
Almost Argyle
River Rapids

Discuss...

In the meantime, I'm knitting what I can with my last ball of lopi, and I've cast on a green odessa to hold me until Friday. :)

random knitting thoughts

2006-02-06T13:15:00.000-06:00

Well, I broke down and just bought another skein of yarn for my pie shawl from the shop I had originally ordered the rest from. (Lambikin's Hideaway, if you are wondering. It's the closest yarn shop I have found to my in-laws, although I have yet to be able to sneak in a trip there on our visits.) The have Lite-Lopi for 3.25 a skein, so the body of the shawl has cost me $19.50 (minus shipping)for all 6 skeins. I have picked up some yarn for the edging at my LYS. The color match is not perfect, but close enough for me. It's 2 ply Shetland Spindrift. I'm hoping 2 skeins of the will be enough. (If so the shawl will be under 30 bucks, which I'm pretty happy about.) It doesn't look like it will be finished by Olympic stime, so I have decided to finish what I can and when the yarn arrives, take a break from my Rogue to finish my shawl. Just to add a bit more pressure.

I still haven't decided on my socks for my sockpal. I want to go with a more textured sock, but I'm not sure the patterns I have been looking at will be a comfortable fit, or if I'll have to modify the pattern.

I've also picked up some yarn today for my corrected baby bonnet pattern, so I can test knit it and put it up here. (Especially for Ann. See, I haven't forgotten.)

I have the back of my sweater I'm designing. But I think I'll be ripping it out and starting over. I had an idea of what I'd like to do differently while I was about two thirds through the back. I had thought about submitting it, but I think i'll just post here when I finish it.

I bought some yarn to make a Odessa today as well.

I have also been tweaking a couple of other patterns I had requests for, so hopefully I'll have those up soon.

Ruh-roh

2006-02-05T10:19:00.000-06:00

The yarn I chose for my sockpal has arrived.

Pretty huh? It's Shelridge Farms, Crocus. I'm still trying to decide on a pattern. Among those I'm consodering:

Embossed leaves (IK winter '05)
Jaywalker
Almost argyles

There are a few others I'm contemplating.

I'm trying to finish my Perfect Pie before the Olympics start. I'm almost to the halfway point of the third wedge. I think I may have a problem. It looks like I might be a half of a skein shy for this project. I know exactly why. I went up to a size 11 for this shawl, because I liked it much better than when I was using the reccommended size 10s. The only problem is when I ordered this yarn, I only ordered 5 skeins, and although my LYS carried Lite Lopi, they do not have this color. My only hope, other than placing another order is to check out the yarn shop in Highland.

Hahahaha!

2006-02-02T00:03:00.000-06:00

Look what was in my inbox this morning. (My time stamp is off, and for some reason I can't change it.)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ecard-pickup/35736-97750-7487/002-3887590-0280810

It made me laugh my tookus off.

So, after poking around on my sockpal's site, I've gone and ordered my yarn, and I'm in the process of narrowing my pattern choices. I have a few days before the yarn arrives to hear back from her and make up my mind.

My wrist is still bothering me a bit, so I have no real progress to show. Sorry to disappoint.

My Best Friend's a Dork

moving

You know....

weekend update

Here we are now going to the south(west) side...

my mess.

YAWN

Welcome to Texiloy

weekend update

Thursday

Not for the faint of heart

aprons

short post. no pic.

I'll be your little chicken if you'll be my honey lamb.

what the heck is erin up to?

Today is her birthday...*Na na na nanana..*

Deja Vu

Nap Time?

no rhyme or reason

Back to basics

back to business.

back home

mini skeins

What the...

Random Wednesday

keep on trekkin'...

A rough start to summer vacation

Memewhile...

D'OH!

An overview

random funk

Thanks

randomness

Bees, Buttons, or Bust

*Come on now, give me some sugar...

Weekend update

what, no sock pictures??

Yup, I'm a dork

Plans for today:

insert witty title here

sockapaloooza

Blogger hates me

respect

tease

brief post

Where is the world is Carma?

More randomness

back to your regularly scheduled blog-- already in progress.

In case you were wondering...

In the meme time...

Weekend update

stuck on socks.

KAL and contest winners

Craptacular...

contest.

time filler

sugar and spice and leftover sock yarn...

A week in review.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

What Carma's weekends are made of...

Insert Clever Title Here

Hangin' in there.

Knit, knit, rip.

double dog dare

No rest for the Wicked...

Weekend Update

Top o' the mornin'

Thursday is progress day.

whoa baby

Mama's got a brand new bag

Pie shawl photo shoot

Green for Spring

BORK!

randomness....now with pictures.

Have a great weekend.

Random knitterly thoughts.

Hey, Brother, can you spare a skein?

fall before the finish line.

Why do I do this to myself?

The New, Improved, long awaited...

Today is her birthday...Na na na nanana..