UM...And Another Thing

Whenever I add another element to my life, things end up a bit topsy-turvy for a while. Usually if I try to keep up with everything while incorporating the new activity, I collapse and get nothing done. This time, I am trying to just add in this very new and different thing, and have just let many other things (blogging, email, commenting, and more) fall to the side for a bit. No, it is not a perfect answer, but at least I am not stuck frozen on the couch, in the bed, nor on the floor.

What am I talking about, you ask (yeah, I know no one is really asking, but I appreciate your indulgence once more)? I have begun to exercise outside the home. Yikes! I have never worked out at an exercise facility, but my new health insurance includes this as a benefit. I still do not know what all to bring with me, which classes to try, or how to best work it into my day. We will not even touch on how there are mirrors everywhere, or the preparations I need to make to try out the aquacise class.

While I continue to find my legs in all of this, it was great to come home to a package on the front porch the other day. My prize package from Stacey's fundraising efforts arrived, and I love it all! Everything was so carefully wrapped and it is such a generous collection of lovelies. I am already making plans with the yarn, and making tea, too!

Bootie :: Pattern
User :: Friendly
Child :: Care
Scribe :: Illuminator
Manager :: Micro
Upsetting :: Incident
Puddles :: Accident
Hopeful :: Always
Procrastination :: Yep
Statistics :: Lies

Happily Homebound

The snow is still here, and I love it. I shoveled some paths for the stray cats to get to the food dish. I really dislike the jerk dogs that came and ate most of the cat food. I walked up to the mailboxes, even though none is being delivered for who knows how long. I considered making a snowman, but instead, I made a snow angel.

With most places closed and many roads unsafe for travel, we have been staying in, and that is one of my very favorite things. I have been making good progress on Damask, and have even passed the 50% mark. Knitting with the silk single has been an interesting experience and makes me want to spin some on my own. I happen to have some pink silk ready to go on the wheel or a drop spindle. I need only choose and then get spinning.

Anyway, the shawl knitting is going well, and the rows are getting so much shorter. The first few rows were a little fiddly, but I think the effort is going to be well worth it. I do know that I need to loosen up a little to make the nupps with this yarn. I found that out quickly, and had to fight a little bit on one row, but it was not too bad. I have knit a new-to-me stitch, find its looks interesting, and have been pondering its applications in new lace.

I might finish Damask in the next day or two, or I might get sidetracked by spinning or Donkey Kong. Whatever I do, it will be here at home, and probably wearing something I knit.

UM...For a Moment

For a moment, I considered blogging daily this year. I was high on the fumes of my productivity. I started the first by baking bread, (I had already made the dough and it was ready in pans just waiting to be baked) and then went straight into making black-eyed peas and cornbread. I calculated and planned for my next knitting project, and gave extra thought before casting on for it. Then there was a lot of the Twilight Zone marathon, and now that I think about it, maybe I was not so productive. I have already forgotten what else I did that day, but I could swear there was more.

Anyway, by Sunday afternoon a pang of anxiety that I had not blogged yet struck me, but I shook it off and then wondered why I thought doing the daily blogging was a good idea for me. For now, I am just glad that I could get my brain functioning well enough to get the newest lace on the needles. Seeing as how that involved casting on 297 stitches, I consider it quite an accomplishment.

I am taking part in a KAL for Damask, and have decided to knit the medium size. I really wanted to go for the large size, but I only have 630 yds of my yarn (there is no more anywhere) and that size requires 650. I have chosen to knit this with the handspun silk that I got at Habu Textiles when we were in New York. I have a wonderful image in my head about how this will work, and I really hope I am right.

Speaking of what is in my head...

Carwash :: Blues

Intuition :: Feeling

Desperate :: Needy

Tears :: Clown

Purple :: Color

Storage :: Unit

Duct :: Tape

System :: Overload

Cabinet :: Handle

Manager :: Micro

Square Scarves

These are the latest three scarves I have woven. There is a bit of emphasis on late, though. The gray one was just about six inches away from being finished when we left to celebrate Christmas for everyone, and the other two, well, their lateness is only in their arrival, as I am terrible about getting things in the post.


All of that aside, I really like these scarves. The addition of a pickup stick (actually, I used a ruler) to create this pattern was simple, but added great texture, and a nice squooshy quality to the fabric. This may be my new go-to scarf pattern.

Un-Sheeping Believable

Has it really come to this? It just seems wrong that I am modeling a sweater for a little poodle. At least the tension from knitting and guessing on the pattern rinsed away with the lavender wool wash. It is sure to fit one of the little dogs, and that will probably just encourage her to knit more of these things. This was supposed to be Soho Cables, but she wanted to knit it right.now, and when she could not get it for immediate download, and shipping more than doubled the price of the pattern, she ended up using a free pattern that required a lot of guessing and fiddling with the downsizing, and then there was ripping and cursing, and then in the search for the buttons she spotted me, and that is how I ended up in this superwash--insult to injury, I tell ya--dog sweater.


Oh, and you wanted to know about my intentions for 2011? I intend to not have to wear another dog sweater, but that might be a losing battle, so I will work on acceptance.

Still Here

However, I really do not have much to show for my time. I wove a scarf (mohair is just as much a joy to un-weave as it is to un-knit), helped out with visiting family from out-of-town, baked bread, finished one sleeve, and started another. At one point, I viewed the first sleeve as a metaphor for my life--long, gray, unimpressive, more work than it should be, and curled up on itself. Then I laughed at how ridiculous I was being and started the second sleeve.

Of course, I have been doing other things. There is lace, and it is very good, but it is sooper-sekrit for just a little while longer. Knitting lace is always good, and this pattern is fun and just a little bit different. Making this from fabulous yarn for a great person has also added to the enjoyment. I can probably show this to you next week, but the weather keeps interfering with things. I would cross my fingers, but I really need them to finish my sweater, and the temperatures have definitely been wool-worthy.

UM...Crazy Crackers

Wheat & Graham

Scrabble :: Tiles
Watching :: Weight
Habitually :: Drunk
Gritty :: Details
Slovenly :: Lazy
Canvas :: Blank
Leggings :: Thighs
Thursday :: F.O.A.D.
Attention :: Span
Hypnotic :: Melody

Weaving Wednesday

Not counting some experimental washcloths I still need to finish sewing the ends under, this is my first effort on the new loom. I liked it right away, but when I looked it over, it did not seem good enough for a gift; then I showed it to others. So far, they either have wanted it for themselves or knew just whom I should give it to as a present.

Anyway, I now have something rather different on the loom, and am planning future projects. Thanks to Stacey, I know that the next addition to my library needs to be Textures and Patterns for the Rigid Heddle Loom by Betty Linn Davenport. I think that will help me take my weaving where I would like it to go. I also really want to make a couple of these waffle-y scarves for some people. Then, there are the tartans I want to weave, and the rug for the front door, and the cute little tote, and, and, and.

Just Like Vogue Knitting

It is all Crazy Town, all the time around here. No better time for a niece and nephew weekend, right?

I shared this brilliant animation from Franklin, with my husband and nephew. We were constantly quoting from it and being silly; however, it also inspired thoughtful reflection in my nephew. He considered just how long it takes to knit a cabled scarf for someone, how many stitches are in a sweater, and whether each stitch says, "I love you."

Upon discovering that I had not replenished the supplies of Stretch Magic beading cord, thus ruling out a fun beading session, my niece launched into critical mode. She told me that she thinks I made my Mariner Moose, that there is no such thing as Stitch 'n' Pitch--that I made it all up. Then I showed her the fiber that I received with the bobblehead moose, and that softened her attitude significantly. She loves the colors, and wants me to make it into a scarf for her. Next, she asked whether the new loom could be used to make a blanket, and her view of it changed dramatically, as well.

Speaking of the loom, I wove my first scarf. Just like knitting, it benefited from a dunk in hot water and wool wash. Anyway, I like it pretty well, even though I do see where I need to improve. I learned several things throughout the process, and that is always good. I would show it to you, but we will all have to wait until I locate the camera cord.

Not Drankin'

Nevertheless, I am weaving. Besides my new loom, I do not have anything to show just yet, but I have ideas. There are also many new vocabulary terms for me to understand, as well as a different pattern language to decode, and of course, new skills and techniques to master.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome (I hope) a new lurker. If you are able to and would like to, feel free to comment. I do believe you were trying to give me a clue to let me know you had found the blog, but my brain was not working very well the other day. On the other hand, my it is possible that my brain is still not working well, I am seeing meaning where there is none, and this is all just an overworking of my imagination, and wishful thinking on my part.

I do apologize for the somewhat cryptic message meant for just one possible reader, and appreciate everyone indulging me in this. As a thank you for your support and understanding, I am sending hugs to all of you who like them, and a spore-friendly thumbs-up to those of you who do not.

UM...Meow?

Does it mean that I will bring bad luck when I cross people's paths while wearing this? Black cats may have a bad reputation, but they get good marks in my book for keeping me company.

I also love that I have so much company with time confusion. I enjoy the time change not only for this reason, but also, because for a few more days, I will almost feel like I am somewhere between on-time and ahead.

Everything :: About You
China :: Doll
Essence :: Ecstasy/Nothing Lasts Forever
Immediate :: Gratification
Obstruct :: Bowels
Force :: Hand
Constellation :: Project
Intuitive :: Simple
Complain :: Whine
Train :: Wreck

Just Nod and Smile

Check out these fabulous gifties my friend, Laura, sent me! They showed up on a long, rainy day, and gave me just the lift I needed. I absolutely love this little guy. He is so freaking adorable I can hardly stand it. My new bobblehead knitting Mariner Moose watches over me, encouraging me on my NaKniSweMo journey and more. I am being good and not getting the fabulous fiber on the wheel until I finish the current fiber. It is very motivating, and that is always good. Mariner Moose is nodding in agreement.

Inauspicious Beginning

NaKniSweMo is here, and I am playing, (Halloween Vest) however the start has not been what I had hoped. I was checking which size I would knit, measured myself, (eek!) and cast on for the appropriate size. Just a few rounds in, it seemed off by more than a little. Then I got out the calculator and checked numbers with the gauge in the pattern, and was glad I had not gone any further. If I continued with those numbers and that gauge, I will have a garment about 5" larger around than the size I was knitting. For now, I am tossing it aside and playing Wii.

Since we're all friends here, I'll show you what it looked like off the needles.

Proof of Spinning

Well, it just did not work for me to make it up to the little fiber event in Tennessee over the weekend. It was a two-steps forward, three-steps back situation, and while I was a bit disappointed, not going was the right choice. Besides, I might have wanted to pick up a little bit more fiber, and I already have quite a bit here. Just thinking of what awaits me in the stash is more than enough to keep me happy at the wheel.

I finally finished spinning the pink singles I began during the Tour de Fleece. I tried something a little bit different with these. I did not completely spin one bobbin of singles and then the second. Instead, I alternated between the two. This was a tip from the dvd, The Gentle Art of Plying. We will see whether I notice a difference. I think this is going to become a lace scarf, but I will wait to decide until after I see what kind of yarn I have when it is finished. So far, I am really pleased with the results, as it seems softer, squishier, and sproingier than anything I have ever spun before. It is still in the process of drying, and I only gave a half-hearted attempt at guessing yardage. I think I might have somewhere between 750-850 yards, but I will definitely do a re-check before picking a pattern.

Next up on the wheel was a fail. Everything about that wool was a battle, so I stopped and looked for something else. There was a small adventure with silk, but the skin on my hands was not right for it. Time spent in the wash water for the pink yarn saw to that. Then I grabbed some lovely alpaca, and then I divided the fiber for a three-ply yarn. Kiwi is loving the different oil I used when I changed the bobbin and pulley, and I think I am liking the yarn I am creating.

I would get back to the wheel now, but my Salt Peanuts cardigan is in need of attention. I noticed something was not right, and had to frog a bit. I have checked the errata, and am back on track. I would be more irritated that there were mistakes in the pattern, but I am just enjoying the knitting of this sweater too much.

Hugs for Friends

As you already know, I have been knitting some shawls. You have seen parts of them, but pictures of the finished pieces had to wait until after I had gotten them to where they were meant to be. To me, when I make a shawl for someone, I think of it as a knitted hug. And hugs were exactly what I wanted to send to three friends from long ago.

When the Time is Right, Right?

It seems that I think about it at all the wrong times. When the heat of the summer seems like it will never end and I am longing for Fall, it creeps into my mind, but the idea of that growing fabric of stranded wool covering me pushes it away almost as quickly as it entered, and it stays away for a while. When I think about it in the middle of winter, it feels ridiculous to knit it, as the next occasion to wear it is so far away. Then there are times like now, when it would be quite natural to be knitting it, if it were not so close to the big day and finishing it in time is more pressure than I want, and even if that were not the case, it is an unrealistic timetable for completion.

However, what might be more ridiculous than any of these, is having the yarn and pattern and just letting it sit. That makes me want to form a plan. I considered just casting on now, but I worry that pressure to finish before the end of the month might take away some of the enjoyment, and it might mess up my tension, and that is even more trouble on a stranded project. The next logical time (in my mind, at least) to cast on would be Groundhog Day. That idea really appeals to me. You know how I like to celebrate Groundhog Day in the biggest way I can, although my options are usually quite limited. Still, that is months away, life is short, and I forget things.

Then, I began to think about other events coming soon, and whether I would participate. NaBloPoMo will be here before we know it, and along with it is NaKniSweMo. While I do not really feel like the former, this could be excellent for the latter. While not a complete sweater, I think all that is involved qualifies it. Besides, I really do not think the innerwebs knitting police are interested in what I am doing.

UM...Swatching Saves?

Well, I hope it does. I was desperate, and despite hitting more record highs, (though the rumors are for cooler temperatures soon) I have started swatching for Salt Peanuts. I needed to find something new to knit, and I was in a hurry. I had made the mistake of knitting a couple of rounds on a long-hibernating sock, and it nearly stole my will to live.

Anyway, although the cardi from Verena is prettier, I feel more like knitting something a bit plainer and looser fitting. As for the sock, I will return to it soon, and it knows the score--grow or go.

UM
Intruder :: Bedroom
Repelled :: Attracted
Trench coat :: Flasher
Lipstick :: Stain
Humongous :: Ginormous
Oven mitts :: Burnt
Case :: Champagne
Daughter :: Mother
Attorney :: At Law
Shaken :: Stirred

Winning at Unclaimed Baggage

Last week was Fall Break and we were looking for something different to do. None of us was really up for much of a road trip, so we went to Unclaimed Baggage. If I had been there on my own, I would have spent my time there differently, but instead, it was a bit disjointed and random. Actually, that describes me a bit, but that is neither here nor there. Anyway, I finally made my way out to the annex building and found a little bit of yarn.

The first find was a bag with a partial blanket on the hook, a partial top on the needles (might be a cotton/linen yarn), a skein of handspun, a partial skein of either Noro or Boku, some kitchen cotton, as well as a few extra dpns. Next up was a full bag of some Knit Picks seconds yarn. As the paper states, it is a little overspun, but I can think of several ways to make it work for me. I had better, as I now have ten skeins of this sportweight yarn. Besides, I knit with my handspun often enough, and it is often overspun, too, so I should be good. Anyway, the last bundle I found was very interesting. I was hopeful as I looked through a sealed plastic bag containing Knit Picks Essential in Multi and Tweed, Wool-Ease, and Cascade Pastaza (some of which was in the form of several knit mitered squares). I was a bit concerned upon opening the bag, as the yarn inside had a heavy, perfumed scent that was not my favorite. However, after a dunk in some hot water and wool wash, a rinse in the morning, an afternoon on the clothes rack, and I have some fabulous new yarn.

Fall is Fabulous

I love the weather we have been having lately. Cooking and baking are much more pleasant now that they do not make it so hot in the house. I have a few loaves of bread in either the oven or cooling. I am also getting ready to bake a coconut cake for a party this weekend.

The cooler temperatures also make me want to knit sweaters. It is good that I am not fast at knitting a sweater, as I do not really need too many, but I have quite enjoyed looking at patterns lately. I think I might knit Salt Peanuts in grey. I think I have enough of a yarn that will work in the stash, so that makes it something of a front-runner. Then again, Helen gave me this lovely magazine, and among the many lovely patterns inside, the cardigan on the cover really calls to me. Of course, I am smitten by the Exclusive Orenburg Shawl, but for some reason could not convince any of my friends that it should be the next knitalong. Then again, I might need a moment before tackling that 50"x98" triangular shawl, but back to the cover cardi. I actually think I might have a good yarn in the stash for it, too, so we shall see what I do.

By the way, do you see the bit of red laceweight yarn lying on the magazine? That is what was left after binding-off the Medallion Lace Shawl. Someday, I will perhaps have more stories of the red, lace yarn of abundance, but for now, I have blocking, photos, and mailing to do. Yes, we all know how spectacular I am at that last one.

UM...Fingerless Friday, Now with More Random

I brought these Serpentine Mitts out of hibernation for travel knitting. It worked out well, and steered my mind toward portable knitting. They have been nice to keep with me to work on while we have been out-and-about on errands and in waiting rooms. Their small size and ease of working on while on the go almost makes me want to knit socks again--almost. I have been able to work on these mitts a bit more, and I only have one more thumb to knit before I have a finished pair.

However, before finishing those, I decided to begin some others. I used Fetching as a starting point, and ended up with these. If I knit them again, I will make 2-4 fewer increases on the thumb gusset. Still, I like the pair, and they stretch and snuggle most any size hands.

We have been doing some home maintenance and improvement. Last night was painting, and it required having the door open for a bit. This let a few mosquitoes in for us to swat and squish. More got in than I had figured, as I discovered over two dozen bites on my feet when I was getting ready this morning. That was a bit of a puzzler, but I spent more time thinking about the odd dream I had just had.

It was a bizarre one that had many celebrities. I cannot remember most of them, but eventually I ended up in a yarn store where the yarn was 50% off, but the prices were already too high, so the discount only brought things down to a few cents below what most stores charge. Anyway, Bill Murray was working there, by the Cascade 220 if I recall correctly. I sat down on one of those stability balls across the display from him, and he is going on with some anecdote. I could not tell whether he was eventually going to try to talk me into or out of buying yarn when the alarm clock sounded, and I was awake and the dream was over.

After reading about my dream, you would probably feel cheated if I did not share my Unconscious Mutterings for the week, so here they are.

Return :: To Sender
Alarms :: Ringing
State :: Your Business
Picture frame :: Crooked
Wreath :: Holly
Arrest :: Punishment
Sincere :: Apology
Nathan :: Cousin
Bag :: Fake
Arched :: Enemy