2 years ago
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Next year has got to be better.
I'm determined to survive until the new year.
This year has had a bit of a rough ending. My grandfather died. He was a wonderful person. Ill get a picture from my mother and post it. So handsome! I had some kind of nasty cold at Thanksgiving and now I have strep!
Hey! I did finish a pair of socks, tho! My first!
This is Fleece Artist's Sea Wool. 705 Merino, 30% Sea Cell. Plain Sock. uh...I think its a Flap Heel. made for a foot slightly shorter than mine, and slightly thicker in the ankles. Good thing, because that's how they turned out. :D The yarn was really nice to work with. Smooth in my fingers. Sometimes a little slippery if my hands were dry. I'd suggest wooden needles. I used sz 3, but I think, 2's would have been better. *I* coudln't have gone any smaller, but I think I knit pretty tight. The change in striping is my fault. Changes in stresses and 5 months? between starting the second sock and finishing it.
I liked doing them, and when I was actually working on them they went pretty fast. I LOOOOVE the portableness of them.
Oooh! I organized my WIP's! Now if i can remember *how* I organized them. At least they are all in one place.
Cheers to Next year being a better one!!
This year has had a bit of a rough ending. My grandfather died. He was a wonderful person. Ill get a picture from my mother and post it. So handsome! I had some kind of nasty cold at Thanksgiving and now I have strep!
Hey! I did finish a pair of socks, tho! My first!
This is Fleece Artist's Sea Wool. 705 Merino, 30% Sea Cell. Plain Sock. uh...I think its a Flap Heel. made for a foot slightly shorter than mine, and slightly thicker in the ankles. Good thing, because that's how they turned out. :D The yarn was really nice to work with. Smooth in my fingers. Sometimes a little slippery if my hands were dry. I'd suggest wooden needles. I used sz 3, but I think, 2's would have been better. *I* coudln't have gone any smaller, but I think I knit pretty tight. The change in striping is my fault. Changes in stresses and 5 months? between starting the second sock and finishing it.
I liked doing them, and when I was actually working on them they went pretty fast. I LOOOOVE the portableness of them.
Oooh! I organized my WIP's! Now if i can remember *how* I organized them. At least they are all in one place.
Cheers to Next year being a better one!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Fun Time
So much to talk about, so little time. I went down to Reno to visit some friends.
They were the greatest.
Sara
Friday, June 22, 2007
Sucker Holes and Fiber from LYS's only Read About
A "sucker hole" is a break in the clouds, where the sun shines through and gives you hope. Usually they disappoint you in your hopes that things are going to get brighter, but when the skies have been charcoal for so long, sometimes even a sucker hole can be good.
The kids and I are doing ok alone. Prescribed chemical support and a taste of some freedom have let the sun peek its toes through occasionally. For the kids, too. Better homework diligence. Better help around the house. Lots of visiting and bicycle riding. All is well as it can be for now.
And gifts from afar! Yon fair and thoughtful knight has once again returned, from Chicago! And wherecame he upon Loopy Yarns!! (www.loopyyarns.com) Well known to me is the name of this establishment, visited by me only through the tales heard from afar. Beautiful Alpaca cometh, soft, sport weight, 130 yards of golden olive luciousness. This treasure, I beleive, is bound to become something I can wear close to my face... a lacy hat, perhaps. It's sooo soft.
Knitting is going along as time allows.
I finished the seacell sock, (1). I promised the receiver that she will get a pair (2). She gets them instead of me as the foot is a bit short for me, but she has smaller feet. Lucky lady. I keep learning from them, however, and the pair that ends up mine with be the best effort ever!! Muhahaha!!
The yarn I received from my other friend, the part wool acrylic is slowly being knit up into a blanket. It will be strips of stitches, whatever catches my eye as a stitch for as long as I'm not bored with it, in whatever color comes to hand, till I run out of that ball. I'm going to have to look for some more of that yarn. It is not knitting up like most acrylics, no squeak. Probably due to the wool content, and it is nice and soft. I suspect it will wash well, also. The first panel started in a large bamboo pattern. Its about 48 stitches wide, which I think is 4 repeats... so 8 "sticks" of bamboo. The next bit is going into a basketweave, using the "sticks" for the guage of the weave.
I think this will be fun and a good pick-it-up-anywhere project. Keeping it in the strips means it wont get tooooo big. I will probably crochet an edging aroud it. Easy peasy.
again-pictures when I can scrape up the time.
The kids and I are doing ok alone. Prescribed chemical support and a taste of some freedom have let the sun peek its toes through occasionally. For the kids, too. Better homework diligence. Better help around the house. Lots of visiting and bicycle riding. All is well as it can be for now.
And gifts from afar! Yon fair and thoughtful knight has once again returned, from Chicago! And wherecame he upon Loopy Yarns!! (www.loopyyarns.com) Well known to me is the name of this establishment, visited by me only through the tales heard from afar. Beautiful Alpaca cometh, soft, sport weight, 130 yards of golden olive luciousness. This treasure, I beleive, is bound to become something I can wear close to my face... a lacy hat, perhaps. It's sooo soft.
Knitting is going along as time allows.
I finished the seacell sock, (1). I promised the receiver that she will get a pair (2). She gets them instead of me as the foot is a bit short for me, but she has smaller feet. Lucky lady. I keep learning from them, however, and the pair that ends up mine with be the best effort ever!! Muhahaha!!
The yarn I received from my other friend, the part wool acrylic is slowly being knit up into a blanket. It will be strips of stitches, whatever catches my eye as a stitch for as long as I'm not bored with it, in whatever color comes to hand, till I run out of that ball. I'm going to have to look for some more of that yarn. It is not knitting up like most acrylics, no squeak. Probably due to the wool content, and it is nice and soft. I suspect it will wash well, also. The first panel started in a large bamboo pattern. Its about 48 stitches wide, which I think is 4 repeats... so 8 "sticks" of bamboo. The next bit is going into a basketweave, using the "sticks" for the guage of the weave.
I think this will be fun and a good pick-it-up-anywhere project. Keeping it in the strips means it wont get tooooo big. I will probably crochet an edging aroud it. Easy peasy.
again-pictures when I can scrape up the time.
Friday, May 25, 2007
More leakage...
Empty and hollow,
When like a zombie some nights,
He lies next to me.
This came to me all at once, one night last week.
People tell me, I'm at the bottom and things can only get better, but they keep getting worse.
I did learn a new phrase from himself the other day. "TTL" He uses it for 'talk to you later' but says it is used in his profession and means 'Time To Live' I like that better, and it is leaking into my brain. "Time to Live"
In all the confusion, I'm trying to find something to concentrate on. For some reason Knitting isn't working. I think I have to have more brainpower or less shaky hands. So, I have been trying my hand at spinning. Since I am a complete tyro at it, I figure the hands dont matter and neither does the end result at this time. I'm spinnning some stuff that has about a 1" staple. It's horrid, I think it is meant for felting... like needle felting or something... not really for spinning. I am working very hard at drafting and the short fibers involve some serious singular point concentration. It seems to help somewhat. I'm catching on, I'm sure of it. I'll post a pic of the results later. I just found my lost camera. (YAY!!!) and need to take tons of pictures.
TTL (almost)
When like a zombie some nights,
He lies next to me.
This came to me all at once, one night last week.
People tell me, I'm at the bottom and things can only get better, but they keep getting worse.
I did learn a new phrase from himself the other day. "TTL" He uses it for 'talk to you later' but says it is used in his profession and means 'Time To Live' I like that better, and it is leaking into my brain. "Time to Live"
In all the confusion, I'm trying to find something to concentrate on. For some reason Knitting isn't working. I think I have to have more brainpower or less shaky hands. So, I have been trying my hand at spinning. Since I am a complete tyro at it, I figure the hands dont matter and neither does the end result at this time. I'm spinnning some stuff that has about a 1" staple. It's horrid, I think it is meant for felting... like needle felting or something... not really for spinning. I am working very hard at drafting and the short fibers involve some serious singular point concentration. It seems to help somewhat. I'm catching on, I'm sure of it. I'll post a pic of the results later. I just found my lost camera. (YAY!!!) and need to take tons of pictures.
TTL (almost)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Tarot
Me? So it says here... Take the Test to Find Out.
You are The Moon
Hope, expectation, Bright promises.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
D'Artanian d'italiano
Yeah, forgive the poor spelling and the mixed and probably improper languages.
A knight today returned from travels afar, bearing gifts of great consequence!
Anon shall I reveal this treasure, but shall I first begin with A Tale of Illumination and great Gallantry!
Once upon a time, in a small keep nearby the Emerald City, a great and gallant man did watch over his companions, going forth on quests to conquer dragons, and do not harm to them, but stike up negotiations, for the mutual benefit of both the dragon and creatures of the forest surrounding the dragon, and the keep and its denizens. And the man was dutiful and most wonderfully victorious, and the keep prospered.
So came a time when this gentle man was sore haggard and he took his fair Lady in hand and set forth to Far Lands, exotic and soothing in clime and outlook of the natives. Gracious were the clime and the people and rested were the man and his lady.
Anon strolled they down the thoroughfare. "Hark", cried he, "just the thing I would be minded of!" For there, and they all unknowing, appeared a vendor. A board attesting a vendor of fine woolen materials, fit for the garments of kings and their betters! "Hence", Cried he, "knoweth I of just the one in great dispair, that a gift of such quality would Greatly Cheer."
Thus proceeding to the vendor, did he proclaim, "Hail and good health to thee. Procure for me a gift, of sunhine and warmth to bring light into darkness, and of a texture gentle to a sorely used soul"
The vendor produced a fine fiber of full softness and the colors of a warm summer sunset, just as the sun disappears below the horizon. And all in awe, purchased the fair knight of the vendor the fiber to convey on his return to the keep.
Graciously pleased was the one so gifted with this piece of warmth and thoughtfulness and so wrote down the story, and considered baking a great plate of chocolate chip cookies.
********Translation*********
A very kind co-worker, escaped for a trip to Italy (lucky guy) recently with his wife and fell into a yarn shop! Knowing how down I've been (and being a really cool dude anyway (and remembering my begging)) he brought me back a lovely skein of mohair blend called Quarzo trends #46 pretty pretty pretty. Thank you so much friend. Its beautiful and soft and I am hugging it right now.
here is a link to the yarn,
http://www.beatriceyarnshop.com/catalogo/prodotto.asp?ID=10016017
Color 64
I'll get a pic of it up Asap...yeah... like the others.
and a link to the shop he got to visit!
http://www.beatriceyarnshop.com/
A knight today returned from travels afar, bearing gifts of great consequence!
Anon shall I reveal this treasure, but shall I first begin with A Tale of Illumination and great Gallantry!
Once upon a time, in a small keep nearby the Emerald City, a great and gallant man did watch over his companions, going forth on quests to conquer dragons, and do not harm to them, but stike up negotiations, for the mutual benefit of both the dragon and creatures of the forest surrounding the dragon, and the keep and its denizens. And the man was dutiful and most wonderfully victorious, and the keep prospered.
So came a time when this gentle man was sore haggard and he took his fair Lady in hand and set forth to Far Lands, exotic and soothing in clime and outlook of the natives. Gracious were the clime and the people and rested were the man and his lady.
Anon strolled they down the thoroughfare. "Hark", cried he, "just the thing I would be minded of!" For there, and they all unknowing, appeared a vendor. A board attesting a vendor of fine woolen materials, fit for the garments of kings and their betters! "Hence", Cried he, "knoweth I of just the one in great dispair, that a gift of such quality would Greatly Cheer."
Thus proceeding to the vendor, did he proclaim, "Hail and good health to thee. Procure for me a gift, of sunhine and warmth to bring light into darkness, and of a texture gentle to a sorely used soul"
The vendor produced a fine fiber of full softness and the colors of a warm summer sunset, just as the sun disappears below the horizon. And all in awe, purchased the fair knight of the vendor the fiber to convey on his return to the keep.
Graciously pleased was the one so gifted with this piece of warmth and thoughtfulness and so wrote down the story, and considered baking a great plate of chocolate chip cookies.
********Translation*********
A very kind co-worker, escaped for a trip to Italy (lucky guy) recently with his wife and fell into a yarn shop! Knowing how down I've been (and being a really cool dude anyway (and remembering my begging)) he brought me back a lovely skein of mohair blend called Quarzo trends #46 pretty pretty pretty. Thank you so much friend. Its beautiful and soft and I am hugging it right now.
here is a link to the yarn,
http://www.beatriceyarnshop.com/catalogo/prodotto.asp?ID=10016017
Color 64
I'll get a pic of it up Asap...yeah... like the others.
and a link to the shop he got to visit!
http://www.beatriceyarnshop.com/
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Needle in a haystack?
I couldn't find my needles. The Lorna's Laces dried beautifully, so I was all ready to start again and Poof! The bag with my sock needles disappeared. So I went to the LYS yesterday and got new ones. Guess what? Yep. Found them this morning. The trip to the LYS did score me another ball of sock yarn, though. >.< I'm so bad. its pretty. uhh....digging out the lable... Fleece Artist's Sea Wool Sock in a green/purple/yellow/pink mix. Spring-y colors to try to help my mood today. It is a bit heavier weight than the Lorna's and I think the size 2's will be just the thing. Im doing the ribbing with 1's though. I like me some firm ribbing.
Im mostly through with a hat for D, based loosely on the stitch pattern for the Snickett socks. I'll try to get a link up for that. It's not on Knitty, it's on another online knitting mag. I love the pattern. It looks like chain link fence to me. Slow going for this beginner with all the cabling, though. Even working without a cable needle. Looks great if I do have to say so myself.
No respect.
Pictures and links to come... when I have more time.
New Yarn Sea Wool : http://www.flickr.com/photos/90227533@N00/492614124/
chainlink hat: http://www.flickr.com/photos/90227533@N00/492614120/in/photostream/
Im mostly through with a hat for D, based loosely on the stitch pattern for the Snickett socks. I'll try to get a link up for that. It's not on Knitty, it's on another online knitting mag. I love the pattern. It looks like chain link fence to me. Slow going for this beginner with all the cabling, though. Even working without a cable needle. Looks great if I do have to say so myself.
No respect.
Pictures and links to come... when I have more time.
New Yarn Sea Wool : http://www.flickr.com/photos/90227533@N00/492614124/
chainlink hat: http://www.flickr.com/photos/90227533@N00/492614120/in/photostream/
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Frogs-A-Lot
Sooooo.... got that same sock to the same point...
and Frogged it again. Arrgh.
The first was on Size 1's. Decided size 2's were too big. I bought a pair of 1.5's. I'll do the ribbing with 1's because I think that that part turned out alright.
The yarn was very kinky and I had noticed the difference when I started the sock the second time, so I hanked and damped and hung it. It looks great now. I'm going to cake it up tonight and give it another try. I love the yarn. I love the abuse it is happily taking. It's Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in a color I don't remember right now. It's dark pink and orange. About enough for a round in each color in the sock, it will pool at the instep, but I don't care. I love the colors and it is fun to see what it does. More time to be fussy about stripes and such later... once I actually finish a sock. I know i can do this.
I have two other beautiful sock yarns waiting for me when I figure this out. I cant wait.
All will be well, when the decisions are made and we can all get on with getting on.
and Frogged it again. Arrgh.
The first was on Size 1's. Decided size 2's were too big. I bought a pair of 1.5's. I'll do the ribbing with 1's because I think that that part turned out alright.
The yarn was very kinky and I had noticed the difference when I started the sock the second time, so I hanked and damped and hung it. It looks great now. I'm going to cake it up tonight and give it another try. I love the yarn. I love the abuse it is happily taking. It's Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in a color I don't remember right now. It's dark pink and orange. About enough for a round in each color in the sock, it will pool at the instep, but I don't care. I love the colors and it is fun to see what it does. More time to be fussy about stripes and such later... once I actually finish a sock. I know i can do this.
I have two other beautiful sock yarns waiting for me when I figure this out. I cant wait.
All will be well, when the decisions are made and we can all get on with getting on.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Leaking thru...
I am all alone
with him standing beside me,
but not by my side.
Crap from the rest of my life leaking through. but I like the way it turned out.
Knitting news-
I frogged my sock start. *cry*
There were too many errors and it was bothering me. When I came to an error in the pattern, I figured it must be me... but no. I'd read it multiple times, and decided just to go with it and see what happened, there were that many errors in MY knitting, maybe I was wrong, new knitter, first sock, all that. Uh, no. Heel decrease at the top of the instep? Right on the top of my foot if I was wearing it? Check the directions again... nope that is what it says.
So, it croaked.
But... I've started it again. Decided to go up a needle size too, because the fabric was tight. I took it in to my LYS with my little postage stamp size swatches for a second opinion. Yep. Move up a needle size.
I HAVE to find someone to knit with locally. Someone with convienient times and location. I need the second opinion, the examples to follow, the interactive assistance. And a friend or two.
Pics when I can...
with him standing beside me,
but not by my side.
Crap from the rest of my life leaking through. but I like the way it turned out.
Knitting news-
I frogged my sock start. *cry*
There were too many errors and it was bothering me. When I came to an error in the pattern, I figured it must be me... but no. I'd read it multiple times, and decided just to go with it and see what happened, there were that many errors in MY knitting, maybe I was wrong, new knitter, first sock, all that. Uh, no. Heel decrease at the top of the instep? Right on the top of my foot if I was wearing it? Check the directions again... nope that is what it says.
So, it croaked.
But... I've started it again. Decided to go up a needle size too, because the fabric was tight. I took it in to my LYS with my little postage stamp size swatches for a second opinion. Yep. Move up a needle size.
I HAVE to find someone to knit with locally. Someone with convienient times and location. I need the second opinion, the examples to follow, the interactive assistance. And a friend or two.
Pics when I can...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
First Sock
Work is dominating my time. Ive started a sock, but at the rate I am going, I'll not finish it until after I retire. I get a round or two done on it each day. I like the way it's turning out though.
Update: Struggled vainly through turning the heel and halfway through the gusset... Let's lable it a "Learning Experience" ...ribbit ribbit...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Introducing...Me!
Welcome! from the perpetually gray Northwest, just north of Seattle.
I started knitting about 3 months ago. I had been crocheting for years, having given up trying to learn to knit... about 5 failed, but honest, tries to learn. Sometimes things just don't click... and then sometimes they do! One day, I was browsing around and *CLICK* "What! You're s'posed to wrap counter clockwise on purls, too?" Eureka, managably loose knitting happens!
So, I have been "hooked" ever since.
Here's what I have been doing...
I started knitting about 3 months ago. I had been crocheting for years, having given up trying to learn to knit... about 5 failed, but honest, tries to learn. Sometimes things just don't click... and then sometimes they do! One day, I was browsing around and *CLICK* "What! You're s'posed to wrap counter clockwise on purls, too?" Eureka, managably loose knitting happens!
So, I have been "hooked" ever since.
Here's what I have been doing...
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