Knit & Nosh

switcheroo

2008-04-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Time to make the switch. Find the new Knit & Nosh here.

simple is good

2008-03-31T08:57:00.001-07:00

After a morning of research my brain is numb. It has occurred to me that I have spent the past 6 months cramming by brain full of new knowledge. Colleges, International Study, Non-Dairy Cooking, Computers, Blogs, Writing...no wonder all I want to do is knit simple things.

The latest simple thing

Sock Pixie, #1 DP’s. One sock all done, the second at the heel.

We in our household are not good consumers. The living room chairs and sofa are hand me downs. The dining room furniture too. Come to think of it, everything but the mattress’ are probably second hand. We do not replace things, we fix them. We are conscious of the resources used to make things and we usually decide we can do without.

So how did it happen that we are about to have 5 laptops in a 6 person household? The last holdout being only 9 years old. And how crazy is it that we all need to work on computers just to get our stuff done? The kids for school, Husband for work, me for writing.

I know not everyone reading this blog is of my age, but the fact that I am sitting in bed, typing to a world connected by the internet is amazing. I remember the first time I saw a computer. It was housed in a 10’ by 20’ climate controlled room and it did not do squat. 30 years later and everyone has a computer that slips into a backpack. Wow.

alpaca and silk

2008-03-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is what the best mailman in the whole world brought to me Thursday.

Dragon fibers March Fiber O The Month Club.

2oz 70/30 Fawn Alpaca/Tussah Silk. You can not imagine the softness of this fiber. It makes butter feel grainy.

2oz Tussah Silk. Shiny, subtle, amazing.

I think both of these fibers will be spun and knit into a Kata scarf. I am saving them. They will be the first project I spin on my wheel. I do not know when the wheel will arrive, or when I will feel confident enough to spin for a project, but this stuff will happily wait for that day.

My little friend says, "yes".

oh canada

2008-03-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

When Husband left for work this morning it was not snowing. 30 minutes later when I rolled out of bed, it was not snowing. 2 hours later when Oldest Daughter came upstairs, it was not snowing. We decided to go for it.

First stop, the grocery store for road trip supplies. You know the ones I am talking about, chips and red vines and the like. Second stop, the gas station. As we are leaving the gas station is begins to rain, there is a bit of snow mixed in, but just a bit. We make a decision to get on the freeway and see what happens. If it starts snowing we can always turn around.

There is a lot of rain/snow mix, this does not worry me. Once we get north of Everett the rain stops and it is just snow. It snows lightly for a few miles then stops. I am fine. 15 minutes later it snows again for a few miles and then stops. I am OK with all of this.

We drive right through Bellingham, all is well. 2 miles out of Bellingham the snow starts. Real snow. After a few miles it does not stop, in fact it gets heavier. I can hardly see. At some point we realize we are driving along side the ocean, but can not see it. This is bad. We find a diner and have some lunch.

Lunch is spent looking out the window and wondering what the hell is going on. It is the end of March and we are right next to the water, how can it still be snowing. It is too late to turn around, we are practically at the border. We eat our lunch very slowly and hope for the best.

The best happens! The snow lets up, we travel on to the UBC. We take a walking tour of the campus and remain dry! Cold, but dry.

It snowed again on the way home. At some point I thought about stopping and grabbing a hotel for the night. Talked myself right out of that. I was going home, no matter what.

While in Canada I realized that I am an American Idiot. I used to think only the Hummer driving, bomb dropping, Bush lovers were American Idiots. I am afraid I had more than my share of head shaking moments today.

First, we are waiting to cross the border and I see a construction sign for the Douglas Crossing. Douglas Crossing? That sign must have been erected by mistake. Turn the corner and there is another sign for the Douglas Crossing construction. What is the Douglas Crossing? This is the Blaine Crossing? Duh! It is only the Blaine crossing if you are from America. I felt so stupid.

We cross the border and see a sign that says Vancouver 50 km. This means nothing to me. 50 km could be around the next corner or 2 hours away. I felt so stupid.

About 10 miles later I realize that I have entered a foreign country, with a cell phone that may not work, with only a vague idea of where I am going, and it did not even occur to me to bring map. Oh yeah, I am that kind of idiot.

not yet

2008-03-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier I tried a post at Typepad. I was happy up until the final spell check. The spell check made my pictues and typing all wonky. More work needs to be done.

I moved over to Wordpress to try the same post and was immediatley stymied by the photo link. I guess I need to use Flickr with Wordpress, not a bad thing, just an unexpected thing. More work needs to be done.

Tomorrow - Friday - Oldest Daughter, Youngest Son and I have planned to drive up to UBC. We made these plans before the weather decided to snow, in Seattle, at the end of March. In case you skimmed right over that last sentence. Snow, Seattle, March. If it is snowing when I wake up, I am not driving anywhere! Which really is a shame because I authorized Oldest Son and Youngest Daughter to host a Rock Band party while I was scheduled to be gone. If I am here, I have to listen. OY!

Today Youngest Daughter informed me that Passover begins April 19th. I had not even thought about Passover. Considering that we have a dinner for 18+ to plan, I had better get busy.

Blogger's spell check seems to be down, again. I will not swear, OK, I did swear, but I will not share my swear with you. Please be kind with my spelling.

einy meenie miny mo

2008-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your advice. I have registered Knit & Nosh with both Wordpress and Typepad. I will play with them both and see what happens. Whichever is easier and has the best Help section will probably win out.

edit to add

I spent about half an hour setting up Typepad. Pretty painless. The hardest part was learning the lingo. Lingo I should already know, but have managed to avoid.

I then moved over to Wordpress, but did not spend too much time clicking around. I am having issues with the word Blogroll. Yea, its stupid, but the word bugs me. I will head back over later in the day.

Meanwhile there is work to be done. So pesky.

wordpress

2008-03-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I had reached the boiling over point with Blogger. If you were up late reading blogs you may have been subjected to my rant. I deleted the post the next day, it was SO not in keeping with the "not too much swearing" part of my blog title.

Right now my biggest issue is being able to respond to comments. Blogger does not give me an email address for people leaving comments. I would like to acknowledge them and answer questions. It may be time to leave Blogger and move to Wordpress.

I have registered Knit & Nosh over there, but am wondering if it will be a wise move. What do y'all think? Your personal dealings, anecdotes and advice about Wordpress is much appreciated.

peace

2008-03-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Baby Surprise Jacket has been frogged. I know a million and one people have knit the darn thing, but it just does not work for me. If I had a schematic I would feel better about trying to guess what she means with her instructions. As I was reskeining the yarn I learned something important.

I am past the point of knitting for a challenge, or because I feel guilty about not finishing what I start. I knit to relax, to focus, to be at peace. I am at a point where anything remotely stressful, knit wise, will not be tolerated. Life is hard, knitting should not be.

happy purim

2008-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a particularly funny Purim link to post and came across this. Big sigh.

This is my first Baby Surprise Sweater. I know I am probably the last person on the planet to make this particular pattern. I purchased the original pattern from Schoolhouse Press and am having a hard time with Zimmermann’s intuition type knitting. I am all for making things up as you go along, but my intuition does not match hers.

I am using Louet Gems Sportwieght. This yarn is spun so tight that it feels like cotton. It is washer/dryer safe, which is good for a baby sweater, but I do not imagine I will purchase it again.

We do not celebrate Easter, but the kids have always enjoyed an egg hunt. Yes, they are WAY too old to be hunting eggs, but they enjoy it and Husband enjoys hiding them in dastardly places. Tomorrow you will find the kids in the yard and Husband and I on the deck drinking Mimosas. Ah spring.

Happy Easter to all of you doing the Easter thing this Sunday.

stoic guilt

2008-03-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

I was on the phone with my Mom this afternoon. She began the conversation like this.

Mom-“What does a person who knows about spinning wheels know about a distaff? Or, would a person who knows about spinning need a distaff?”

I explain what I think a distaff is for.

Mom – “So maybe this person could afford to purchase the $25.00 distaff at some point in the future?”

Yes

Mom – “Now, what would a person who knows about spinning think about the color choices of clear, maple or mahogany?”

I am laughing pretty hard at this point.

Mom – “No wait, let’s talk about your house remodeling. You put in a wall of built in bookshelves. What color did you stain the shelves?”

I painted them red.

Mom- “Perhaps a spinning person could be surprised?”

Perhaps.

Oh my. I do not know what to think. A month or so ago she asked if I had purchased a wheel. I explained that it was more of a “some day” type of goal. She replied that I should talk to my Grandma about it, because my birthday is coming up. Before you start to think that I am a youngster because I can ask my Grandma for things, let me inform you that not only do I have one Grandma knocking on 100, I have two!! Anyway, I would never ask my Grandma for such an extravagant gift. Especially after she said she would be gifting Oldest Daughter a laptop to take to University. Looks like my Mom took the spinning wheel and ran with it. I am torn by feelings of unworthiness and guilt. It is the specialness of growing up Norwegian AND Jewish.

a winner!

2008-03-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

amysue is the winner of the 2000 anniversary skein. Miss amysue, I do not have an email for you, can you please email me with your address? If you would rather not send that info via email, I am dandelion on Ravelry. Congratulations to amysue and THANK YOU to everyone who checks in from time to time and keeps me typing.

What am I doing tonight? First, I am going to do a little writing, I have something in my head that I need to type out. Then, then I am going to put all my stash up on Ravelry. Husband is out of town. I had planned to do this the last time Husband was out of town, but he took my laptop. This time, he has his own laptop. So late tonight, or tomorrow, you will be able to see my stash, in all its glory. I have to admit that there is not too much of it, but it is all good.

bind off & cast on

2008-03-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Usually I start off my day by bringing a cup of tea and my laptop to bed, then I write before Youngest Son wakes up. I did not realize how much I enjoyed my little routine until yesterday. Yesterday is the day I broke the outlet next to the bed. My laptop’s battery will last less than 30 minutes. That only gives me time to deal with the email, read a couple of favorite blogs, (yh & sq) and do a quick blog post of my own. Then I will need to move to my desk. Don’t get me wrong, I like my desk, there is just something about typing away in bed, in my own little world.

Husband’s socks were finished yesterday.

Diagonal Rib Socks. Louet Gems Merino. Size 2 needles.

Before bed I cast on a plain ol’sock

Well, the pattern is plain ol’, the yarn is SockPixie’s, Merino, Love Letters. I could write a love letter to this yarn. You may recall that this is my February Sock Club yarn. It has been such a long time since I knit a plain sock. Not only does the flat fabric let the colors do all the talking, but it is so relaxing.

The design for March’s Sock Club has net been written. I will probably do that and then cast on this weekend. That will be more of a challenge.

Don’t forget to enter the contest. Scroll down to “2000” to see the yarny goodness I am giving away , then leave a comment to enter.

Happy Purim!!!!

2008-03-13T07:18:00.001-07:00

What's wrong with this picture?

I have an ñ in my last name. To get Word to insert this character I use a keyboard shortcut. Fn and Alt the whole time, then 0241. When you lift up your fingers the ñ magically appears. Unless you inadvertently hit another key at the same time. In that case your display goes all sideways on you. The hardest part about your screen being sideways is that your touchpad mouse will not do what you want it to do. After 20 minutes of holding my computer sideways while trying to make the mouse work so that I could fix the problem I was getting a little nauseous. Now that the problem is fixed my brain is still having mouse issues.

Ah, technology.

i love bluebirds

2008-03-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Please join me on a mental visual. Picture a path, a glowing, silver path with sparkly purple edges. This is the path of writing a book. Now put me on the path, I am happily skipping along, my hair is shiny and swinging from side to side. As I move down the path I turn my head to gaze upon a sweet little bluebird perched in a tree, SLAM! That slam is me receiving a full body check from the publishing industry. It seems I have a little work to do. A great book is all well and good, but I need to provide a "platform". Sheesh, I thought that was the publishers job.

2000

2008-03-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has been a whole week since the last post. Have I ever gone a whole week between posts?

My beans had to be moved outside. They were so tall they had begun to spiral around each other and the “colortop icicles” hanging over the kitchen sink.

They now have a permanent home out on the deck, complete with a colorful wire to climb.

Saturday Oldest Daughter and I went to an International Recruiting event for UBC. They sounded very positive, which is good because today she received a rejection notice from St. Olaf. UBC is her first choice, but it would be nice to have a back up plan. Right now she is a few classes short of an AA. It would be OK with me if she sticks around another semester and tries again as a transfer student. There is a downside to that plan. #1: She is REALLY looking forward to going away and living in a dorm. #2: We have invested almost $500.00 in application fees. That is something I do not want to do again.

The blog counter is very close to 2000,that means it is time for a contest! Leave a comment before Saturday and I will draw a name from a hat for some yarny goodness.

Socks That Rock, Pink Granite. This skein is from the first year of the Rockin’ Sock Club. Yeah, the colorway is now available to the public, but this one has the cool sock club band.

not smarter than yarn

2008-03-04T22:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a cone (and bobbin) of Habu silk wrapped stainless. It is fairly generic. A gray lace weight. I have a design, and I thought this may be the perfect yarn. I did not write anything down, just an idea in my head. My idea calls for this yarn to be knitted double. No big deal, I will make half of the cone a center pull ball and get to work.

WARNING!! Do NOT take this yarn off the cone for any reason other than immediate and permanate knitting. This yarn is not really yarn. It is thread, with memory. You know how thread makes itself into a little knot? You pull gently and the knot undoes itself, you pull hard and the knot will never come out? Well, with this stuff the knot says "screw you!" and all hope is lost.

I spent a large portion of my afternoon trying to unravel a swatch that did not quite work. Thinking the whole time...I am smarter than yarn! At the end? I had to cut it and say uncle. I am not smarter than the yarn.

The worst part of this whole thing is that I still feel this is the right fiber for the project, so I will cast on and try again. I did not realize I was a masochist.

Send Karma.

today's mail

2008-03-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is what Mailman brought today.

Spunky Eclectic Club, February's colorway. This is so not my color. In fact this is the third shipment I have received that is so not my color. I loved the colors she dyed last fall, and I love being exposed to different fibers, but I am done. This is the third bag of fiber that I will not be spinning. I have cancelled my membership. She has TONS of people in the club, she will not miss me one bit. If this is your color then I recommend the club. Very affordable and a wide variety of fibers.

Then there is this

This is the March instalment of my sock club. This is by Sanguine Gryphon. I new yarn for me, as per club rules. It is lovely. The base yarn feels very much like Fleece Artist. The color is Phardo. When I ordered it, my monitor showed it as a steely gray. When I opened the package, in bright sunlight, the yarn was surprisingly green. The next day it was sitting on my dresser, deep gray. Even when I held it and turned it over I could not find a trace of green. This is very tricky yarn indeed. I am looking forward to knitting it up. I will design something Celtic and cabled to match the moody sea colors of this yarn.

a perfectly nerdy evening

2008-03-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Husband and Oldest Son are battling it out in a game of Axis And Allies, They have been at it for hours.

Oldest Daughter returned from her shift volunteering at the local museum, to meet a schoolmate. They are using the garage to make arrows for their Archery class.

The whole crew convenes around the dinner table and proceeds to have a conversation about Lord of The Rings that is truly amazing. Truly amazing. These people know their stuff and they are having a great time talking, and talking, and talking...

It is nerd central at The Rockin' P.

i love the mailman

2008-02-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

I just ordered the sock yarn for my March sock club. I think the waiting is harder when you know what is coming than when it is an actual surprise.

We have a great mailman, he has watched the kids grow and delivered an untold number of birthday packages for them. He brings packages to the door a few times a week and never complains. He has never suggested we get a bigger mailbox. From time to time he will ask what is in the box. Today was a good day. Today he brought this

Dragon Fibers fiber club Merino Bamboo.

It feels like cotton candy. I do not need to spin or knit it, just wrap the whole braid around my neck.

Webs Skein of the Month. This is Merino and silk. It is so soft, perfect for a scarf. No way it would ever even think about being scratchy.

The color is deep and wonderful and not me. My Mom will love it. I have stashed it away in the present drawer for her.

The package also included a pattern and a nifty surprise. This yarn retails for $35.00, lasts month's yarn would have cost me $24.00. The cost of the club is just over $100 a year. Totally worth it! If you join now the cost is prorated. You should join.

its a seattle thing

2008-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Emma, this one is for you.

catch up & laundry

2008-02-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

The past few days have been very productive. I have done a ton of writing and feel really good about what I have accomplished. I have been writing for the book so much that I have been completely spent when it comes time for a blog post. I do not know how Stephanie does it. She writes book after book AND lengthy blog posts.

Time for a little catch up. This is what is on the spindle

Emma calls it Secret Garden, but I am calling it Crab Apple. The green does not show on my monitor, I hope it does on yours. I spun about 2 ounces this morning. As I spin, I think of the crab apple tree my Grandma had in her backyard. To this day, crab apple jelly is my hands down favorite. I come across a jar every few years and treasure the flavors.

This is what a couple of days of dance classes and doctor appointments will get you

Louet Gems, Diagonal Rib #2’s. Husband has worn these socks before. He put them through the washer and dryer and was so upset when he realized they no longer fit. I am making him a new pair. This pair is going very slowly, there is so much other stuff on my plate right now.

I spent today sorting toys. When our friend asked if we would help I was expecting to spend a couple of hours dealing with toys, it turned into 5+ hours! I should have brought a camera, because this pile of toys was HUGE!. A friend of mine, had a friend of hers, give her a PILE of toys and clothes. This pile of toys and clothes belonged to her two sons. After going through the toys I imagine the sons are now off to college. The kids and I sorted through 100s of pounds of Legos and Star Wars action figures and army guys. After the sorting they were put into gallon size Ziplocs and then into totes for a specific charity. The kids on the receiving end are going to love the bags!

Part of the deal with having my kids sort toys was their ability to tell the difference between Lego and Playmobil and Papo and Star Wars...and their reward was being able to cherry pick the things that wanted most. I am so proud of them. They understood that the toys were going to kids that did not have Lego and Playmobil buckets stacked high in the closet. They chose carefully, and well.

The one extravagance they gave themselves was a Nintendo DS and some games. The family that donated the toys had an embarrassing amount of game systems. Truly, embarrassing. I allowed the kids to choose one to bring home. Again, they chose wisely.

For the past couple of months our washing machine has been letting us know that it is at the end of its lifespan. This thing has worked like a champ through 3 kids in diapers (the 4th was disposable all they way!) and 17 years of washing a family of 6's clothes. It is time to replace it with one of those water efficient front load models. Do you have one? What would you recommend?

shiny, shiny

2008-02-21T17:45:00.001-08:00

While waiting to leave for my Physical Therapy appointment I pulled out the concertina. I do not think I have posted photos of my new sweetie

She is old and shiny and I love her.

I have been a musician my whole life, so me picking up a new instrument is not really that big a deal. But what I want from this experience is different. I am a classically trained musician and have always played from written music. With this concertina my goal is to learn to play by ear. I can’t wait to see what happens.

My Physical Therapist was so mean to me today. More reps, more weights, new exercises. If I can get out of bed in the morning I will be surprised.

My concertina needs a name. Do you have any suggestions?

3 stars

2008-02-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Is anyone out there Jewish? A friend asked me why the Sabbath ends on Saturday when you can see 3 stars in the sky. After pouring through most of the Jewish reference books on my shelves, and a couple of hours of internet searching, I have come up empty. If there is someone out there who knows the answer and can point me to a reference/resource, I will be oh, so, grateful. Until then, I will put on another pot of tea and return to the books.

1800?

2008-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago my blog counter rolled over 1700. This took almost a year. Today, before I even mailed out the package for the lucky #1700, the counter has rolled over 1800. OMG! I will keep posting, y'all keep reading, as we get close to 2000 I will rummage through the stash for another yarny goodness giveaway. I have very little stash, and it is all good.

I spent most of yesterday trying to reinvent the wheel. After a long day I am back where I started. But fresh and with rested eyes. Truth be told, I make a little progress everyday, and feel really great about the whole process.

Today Youngest Son has a dentist appointment, last one for a while. I cancelled his tap lesson this week. Good thing becasue both daughters see Ortodontist today. Then there is the after dinner dance class. I so dislike having to bundle up and head out after dinner. I prefert to have wine with dinner and change into my jammies. What about you? What time is your time to feel like you are "in for the day"?

No knitting progress. Yesterday I knit and ripped and knit and ripped and knit and ripped. See the whole reinventing the wheel from above. Good news, Oceanwind Knits holds up well to such torture.

My bean grew a whole inch

I love my bean!

I need to start a small project to take with me. What will it be? A soon as I am done with this post I will go stash diving. Knitting progress to follow.

Please, let me know, at what time of day do you say NO, it is too late.

sprouts

2008-02-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Spring has arrived here in Seattle. We are having a bright beautiful weekend. There will be rain all week, but temperatures around 50 and no more night time freezing. It feels so wonderful to be sitting in the sun. The next non-rainy weekend will be spent preparing the deck, bringing out the furniture and potting new plants. That is one of my favorite weekends of the year, full of anticipation.

Look what else has arrived

my intentional bean. It is very appropriate because I plan to spend the whole day writing.

edit-
I had planned to spend the whole day writing, Husband through a wrench in my plan. He is at work and I need to make arrangement to go pick up some plants and drop off some baby stuff. Before I pick up the plants, which are being rescued from a co-workers yard, I have to go to the nursery to buy pots and dirt. Of course I can not lift anything, so I have to wrangle kids into helping. This is going to take hours, so much for writing all day. I am mad because I have to do this and guilty for feeling mad because of the long hours Husband has been working.

flowers?

2008-02-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Our local Trader Joe's has a large pillar in front of the main door that is circled by potted flowers. Cut flowers are piled deep on either side of the entrance. This morning as I walked in to pick up a few things I actually laughed outloud at the site before me. 5, count 'em, 5 men standing in front of the flowers, hands in pockets, looking more than a little shell shocked. I could not help but laugh.

I had a great Physical Therapy session this morning. I am going to put that whole usgly Epidural Cortesone Injection idea right out of my head. I see light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in almost 2 months.

Time to get cooking. Happy Valentine's Day to you all!!!!

too busy

2008-02-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

Too busy to post yesterday, but the first Flap Mitten is done

Malabrigo, #4 needles, 48 stitches around. This mitten is perfect! It is soft and thick and my design came out just right. I am anxious to see how much yarn it will take to make the pair. I do not have a scale and my fingers are totally crossed that one skein will be enough for 2 mittens. Now that we are coming to the end of mitten weather, (sorry Steph, our spring will appear MUCH sooner than yours), I think I will squirrel these away for Youngest Daughter and Hanukkah 2008. I am not a last minute kind of gal.

This afternoon I returned home and found this

It is a valentine present from my aunt. She is so wonderful. One of the truly good people of the world.

Last Sunday's Writer's Group was moved to this Sunday. Too many of us were sick and unable to attend. At the time I thought, "Yipee, I will be able to get so much more done before next Sunday." My continued optimism continues to amaze me. This week has been crazy busy. I have not had time to do much more than order some reference books. I came across a gem of a list. The books are all out of print, but available through the magic of the internet. I suppose I could count that as work. Searching for all those titles, pulling the debit card in and out of the wallet...

Kim is having a book contest on her blog, check it out.

a prize

2008-02-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

To the first person who reads this entry,
Please leave a comment and I will send you some yarny goodness.

i could use an Alfred today

2008-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Holy algorithms Batman! The counter on this here blog is about to hit 1700. I rememebr when it turned over 100, I was so surprised. 1700? I am floored!

There will be much knitting done today. Why? Well...yesterday the girls and I were walking around Seattle Center trying to find the Emerald City Feish. Just as we realized we were coming up on the right place, the pavement slipped out from under my left foot and I completely bent my ankle sideways. Sideways! We were far away from the car, so decided to watch the competition and deal with the ankle later. We did eventually make it back to the car. Once home I took off my sock and OMG. There was swelling and dark colors and red lines. Nothing that should be associated with an ankle. So today I sit and deal with the Sciatica in my right leg while tyring to rest the left ankle. OY.

Looky, first FO of the day

Dandelions in Summertime. Rio de la Plata, size 1 needles, plenty of yarn left.

Now its onto Flap Mittens

I have 2 meetings tonight. Will I be able to finish the first mitten? Tune in tomorrow. Same bat time, same bat channel.

more yarn

2008-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a project that was finished a few weeks ago. Oldest Daughter put it right into service and I did not have a chance to take a picture. Last night I found it lying on the table and I grabbed the camera.

It is a Nintendo DS cozy! When I saw the pattern I could not decide if the idea was cute or dorky. Oldest Daughter assured me it was so dorky that she had to have one. Stash diving brought up a skein of MMMMalabrigo. You can kinda see the cables. There are simple alternate cables on either side and more intricate cabling in the center panel. The pattern is from the Stich N Bitch page a day calendar. I altered it by working about 20 fewer rows and I did not add the hole for the strap. A quick knit received with a very satisfiing squeel.

The mailman is so good to me

Loveletters by SockPixie. 100% Merino. Lovely to look at, delightful to hold. You could practically lick it.

fiber, finally

2008-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a good old fashioned fiber post.

Up first, Youngest Daughter's 3rd pair of socks.

Do not know the specs. It is good yarn, worsted, with her first cable.

She will soon be making an identical pair for her best friend. She did this with her first/second pairs as well.

Banded Iguana.

I have not measured the WPI, but it looks very Fingering. This is a Merino /Tencle blend from Dragon Fibers. I LOVE Dragon Fibers. It is the first time I have spun this blend and I was surprised that it did not fluff up much in the soak. The finished skein is displayed on the CD wall. I do not have a clue of the yardage. I aslo do not have a clue what I will do with it. My brain has been working for process, not product. For now, it is beautiful on the CD wall.

One sock of Dandelions in Summertime is done. The heel of the second sock is in progress. Oops, I thought this was a picture of a finished sock, oh well, you get the idea.

As soon as this pair is finished I will start on my February Sock Club yarn. The yarn is not actually here yet, but on its way. Loveletters.

are you serious?

2008-02-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Specialist said, “epidural cortisone injections”. He also said that if it did not work it would be time to call Neurologist. I do not know how I feel. I want the pain to stop. I want to be a whole person again. I do not want someone sticking needles into my spine. It has been an emotional morning. Too early for wine, I guess it will have to be tea.

no one told me it is personal

2008-02-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

Writing is so much more personal than I ever imagined. It makes me feel open and vunerable in a way that I am not used to feeling. It has me wondering if I want to continue with this whole blog thing.

I have a couple of friends who are far away, and they enjoy reading the blog to see what I am up to. I have a couple more people I have met through knitting adventures on line, and we enjoy each others daily blog posts. What I am not ready for are people who read the blog and then see me, face to face.

This has happened 2 times at local yarn shops. "Are you the Terri that....?" "Yes, that is me." And then again yesterday. I posted a comment on a blog, not realizing my blog was linked to the comment. When I saw this person she mentioned that she had taken a quick peek. I was mortified. What had I written? Nothing mean or spiteful, but what about quality and spelling and dangling participles? What about wine consumption and swearing? Then there is the whole revealing aspect of it all. What have I revealed online that I would be uncomfotable revealing in a casual conversation?

The truth is I need to get over it. Writing is personal. People I meet through writing are going to know me in ways I am not comfortable with. The same thing is probably true in reverse. It is a courageous stretch we make, to meet people and make art and trust we will not be hurt. I am still not comfortable with it, but I am willing to try.

show me the money

2008-02-01T22:16:00.001-08:00

Well, Oldest Daughter has applied to 4 colleges. She has one more on her list and should get that application finished up this weekend. Now for the really hard part. You guessed it, the money. So the scholarship search begins. It is all so much work. I do not remember it being this much work when I was looking for a school, &*&*years ago. I took the SATs (aced them, thank you very much), and I applied to one school. I do not think I had to pay an application fee. Soon after I applied I got a fat envelope in the mail asking me to chose a dorm. Painless.

Oldest Daughter's experience is VERY different. She chose 5 schools based on a couple of college fairs and a small forest's worth of solicitations. She had to get references from 3 teachers. Those references had to be in sealed envelopes and the teacher had to sign across the seal. Then there were transcripts from her high school and 2 colleges. Her high school credits are mostly homeschool credits, which makes for a whole new set of forms. She had to submit personal statements as well as essays. On top of all this there were application fees for each college ranging from $55-$100! Holy crap.

4 of her college choices send out acceptance letters in March. The one she wants to attend the most, sends their letters out in May. I am praying to God that she does not have to accept anything before the May letter arrives.

I need another glass of wine.

Sorry about the spell check.

smack

2008-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

I have hit a wall with the second chapter. I need more research materials and will be heading out to the bookstore as soon as they open. I can only do so much research on line. In the end I like to hold paper in my hands while I am reading.

Is anyone else having problems using the blogger spell check? Apolagies all around for the spelling in the last few posts.

Many Doc appointments and dance classes this weeek. Here is what my first Dandelions In Summer look like after a week in the wating room

I am very pleased. The colors are much brighter in real life. It is pretty cloudy here today, I will try another picture once the sun arrives. The pattern would be perfect if I would have knit it toe up. But me, toe up? No thank you. You may remember that I pulled out one whole sock (size 11 men's) and the second sock up to the heel becasue I could not bear to do another short row heel. The ends had been woven and everything. I hate short row heels that much.

all is well

2008-01-31T14:28:00.001-08:00

Youngest Son is fine. It is amazing the difference this current dentist has made. I am grateful we found him. If your need a referral for a Pediatric Dentist in the Seattle area, I can help.

I have spent the past two hours sitting on the couch knitting the Faux Russian Stole. I made myself stop to write a little. I do have a dealine approaching. The Writer's Group meets on the 10th and I would like to get a first draft of 2 chapters to them by the middle of the week. One chapter is done, the second has a good start. If I am going to be able to finish the second chapter I need to put the knitting aside and concentrate. "Stay on target."

Posting to the blog is not goofing off, it is actually helpful. It gets me sitting at my desk, focused on putting words to paper.

Speaking of blogs...here is a new favorite. Do not click if you are hungry, or if you should be thinking about work, not the warm & gooy things that could be coming out of your oven.

open wide

2008-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

Youngest Son has a dental appointment this morning. He is going to have some worok done, for the first time. He is very nervous. I am going to give him some medicine before his appointment that will make him sleepy. Dentist will give him the gas at the office. With any luck he will fall asleep. This appointment will be followed by 2 others. A lot rides on how well things go this morning. Send good thoughts this way.

so much

2008-01-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

On any given day my desk looks like this

neat, tidy, void of all the crap the family tries to put here.

Those of you that have been reading the blog for a while know that I can not function in clutter. Here is my desk today

OMG! It is a mess, even if you can not see the glass of wine hiding behind the computer. There is so much to do. The funny thing? I do not mind at all. I look to the right and see Youngest Son and I drawing comics about his upcoming dental appointment. I look left and up and see all the numbers I need to keep handy as I muddle through this whole Sciatica thing. I look left and see writing. Books for my research and a second chapter from a member of the Writer's Group. This is not clutter, this is work in progress. It is all good. I am not sure if I could live with this for more than 24 hours, but right now, if feels very productive. Who knew?

For the first part of the month I blogged everyday. The past few days have been silent. Not because there is nothing in my brain, but because there is so much. I am overflowing with energy. Too much for one post. I will back up a bit and try to keep it small.

First, and furthest past. Writer's Group. You may recall that I was practically nauseous at the prospect of attending this group. At the same time, I was trying to be strong and courageous. So I attended. I went into this meeting nervous about sitting down with real writers. As we went around the table for introductions the nervousness turned to terror. The friend that invited me to join this group is a well known published author. The members of her group are multi-published, VERY respected authors. I felt a little shaky. As the afternoon wore on the shakes calmed, and I was struck by how welcoming and genuine and just plain wonderful these women are. Wow. I left feeling confident and included and energized. A truly amazing afternoon.

Not only have I been working on my non-fiction piece, which is at the top of the pile, but I have also done a bit with the fiction. It flowed so naturally. I have heard interviews with writers where they talk about how things pour out and characters take shapes of their own. I did not believe it was true. It is true. The fiction is spilling onto the page and I am amazed at the events unfolding.

Our next Writer's Group meeting is fast approaching, and I need to get all my notes together and turn them into paragraphs, so that I have something to present at the next meeting. In the meantime there is an Inbolc party and I am invited. How cool is that? What will I plant? I am not sure if it is suppose to be a secret. Can you guess?

update

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

Bee Fields will remain on the up next next list. Instead I chose to start Morning Glory Wrap. In thinking about colors for this wrap I was leaning towards an indogo. I checked the pattern for yarn requirements and was happily surprised to see I needed 700 yards of DK. A trip to the cupboard produced this.

I love this yarn with all my heart. Instead of indigo for the flowers, it will be green for the vines. I am very happy. Please excuse me while I set up the ball winder.

I am off to camp this weekend. See y'all on Monday.

details, details

2008-01-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

I had planned to make the Invisibility Shawl my next project, I spun the yarn a couple of months ago. Now I am bored with that idea. Maybe as Halloween nears I will be in the mood? So what next? I am thinking Bee Fields. I do not have the yarn, so a search begins.

A couple of people asked about the sock club. The Sound Socks club is of my own making, just for me. It works like this. Once a month I find a sock yarn I have never tried before, in a colorway that I love, and make arrangements for it to come to my house. Sometimes the mailman will bring then, sometimes they will be chosen from a LYS. When I purchase this yarn, it is only this yarn, not part of a larger stash enhancement purchase. That keeps it special. Choosing colors I love means I do not have to feel guilty about not knitting up the variegated neons. I also do not need to spend a lot of time knitting the purple yarns only to have them end up in my give away pile. It helps if the color I chose gives me a good pattern idea. From time to time I may include a doo dad, cause that is always fun. I realize as the year rolls on that it may become more difficult to find yarns I have not knit in colors that I like. I will find a creative way to deal with that when it happens.

Now you have all the information you need to start your own Sock Club For One. Knit on!

shawl part 2

2008-01-24T20:40:00.001-08:00

It is true, I am a bed blocker

close up of the leaf pattern

au natural

I am VERY pleased with this project. Oceanwind Knits, merino sock yarn, Vancouver Island, 4 skeins (I had most of one skein left) size 5 needles.

music and lace

2008-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

I just placed a bid on a concertina. You may remember that one of my New Year's Goals is to learn to play. There are actually 2 on ebay that I am looking at. I will be at camp this weekend when the auctions close. I hope I do not lose it at the last minute. Maybe I will get one of the kids to deal with it while I am away.

There is a set budget for this new toy. If all goes well I will be able to buy this musical toy AND a fiber toy. Cross those fingers.

What am I doing to day? Packing for camp, a little house cleaning, a trip to the grocery store and blocking a lace shawl! Yep, I finished last night and will commence blocking as soon as I finish breakfast. Pictures this afternoon.

sound socks

2008-01-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the first installment of my very own monthly sock club.

Rio de la Plata sock yarn, in a color I am calling Dandelions. Also included in my club are a pattern, written by me, called Dandelions in Summertime. Lastly, a set a beautiful abalone stitch markers.

I wish the picture were better. There are 4 abalone and 2 jade markers in the set. They have been handcrafted by SeeJanyeKnit and are quite beautiful.

I am very pleased with my first club installment. I had planned to bring a pair of flap mittens to knit while at camp this weekend. This may have to go first. They will be my first socks of the year.

My club needs a name....well, since I spend so much of my day gazing out at the waters of the Puget Sound, I think Sound Socks is appropriate. Yep, I am loving this. You too should make a sock club for yourself.

I wonder what February will bring?

you make my day award

2008-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Gosh, Tan is so nice. She has given me a "You make my day" award. There are rules to be followed...

"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

Here are my top ten faves:

Vortex of Chaos

slowknitter

Yarn Harlot yes, we all read her, but if we all do not chose her, thinking someone else will, that would be bad.

Wendy Knits, see above

Sheri at The Loopy Ewe

Thank you to all of the bloggers who make me laugh and try new things and think.

my work is done

2008-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have spawned a knitter. A sock knitter. My work is done.

not a winner

2008-01-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

I did not get into The Loopy Ewe sock club. Disappointing to say the least. So no sock clubs at all for me this year. I wonder if it will effect how many pairs I turn out? I wonder if I will miss the clubs, or feel free to make my own sock of the month club? Treating myself to a new and different yarn, and maybe a doo dad every month? That has potential.

All prescription pain medications have been stopped. They were freaking me out in so many ways. Yeah, it hurts like hell, but I would rather deal with the pain then the side effects of those meds. I start physical therapy on Tuesday. God I hope it helps.

Yesterday I did something scary and completely out of my comfort zone. I met a friend for coffee. (that is not the scary part) I love this person and our families work so well together. She is a Writer. The "has published many books and gets paid" kind of Writer. So, we were talking and she asked if I had ever thought about writing. I confessed that I had. She asked about my ideas and thought they were great. She then invited me to join her Writer's Group. My first reply was a polite maybe. But she is persuasive, and before I knew it I was asking what time I should be there, and saying yes to adding my name to the email list. So this is it. I have said my goal out load and stepped onto the path. OMG

i'm a winner

2008-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

My Inbox contained a very happy email.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have been chosen as one of the lucky 101 winners of Storey Publishing's Skein-of-the-Month Sweepstakes! You will receive one package each month of 2008, each with a free skein of yarn that has been carefully chosen by the experts at WEBS--America's Yarn Store.

I did a little happy dance. The club is not very expensive if you would like to join in the fun. There is even a Ravelry group.

dinnertime

2008-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is what is cooking for dinner this week.

MONDAY
Minestrone
w/ sauteed greens on the side

TUESDAY
Vegetable Cassoulet with Biscuits
This is a time intensive dish but so worth it.
I use whatever veggies are in the house and the biscuits bake on top of the stew.

WEDNESDAY
Big Salad
homemade bread
In our house a big salad is a large bowl of greens surrounded by many bowls of assorted vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, hard boiled eggs and avocados.

THURSDAY
Quiche
Fruit Salad
I substitute the pastry crust with sliced steam potatoes. The filling is eggs, smoked cheese, red peppers and a green vegetable. I think it will be peas this week.

FRIDAY
Lasagna, vegan style
1 pan plain, 1 plan with zucchini and sauteed greens
I LOVE my vegan lasagna!

This weekend I am off to camp and the family diet will go all to hell. There will be much bacon, hot wings and ice cream consumed. But it is OK, I do not have to cook or eat it.

If you want a specific recipe just ask and I will type it out.

patience is over rated

2008-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

I could not wait to ply the singles

they turned out great. A little thicker than I intended. I can not seem to remember that the yarn is going to fluff up quite a bit after it goes for a soak. The colors are wonderful and I am very happy with the results. Maybe I can combine this with some commercial yarn and get socks? HHHMMMM, the wheels are turning.

round and round she goes

2008-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

This is the current spinning project as seen on Thursday afternoon.

This is what it looks like Friday evening.

I love the colors and it spun up like a dream. Faulkland, I think.

It may be a few days before I am able to do the plying. I am not sure if I will have enough to make socks. I am hoping to use this fiber for my first pair of handspun socks. I am thinking Flower Power.

My plan for the weekend was to finish the Leaf/Sand Dollar Shawl. I had 8 rows of edging before the cast off. No. The chart for the Medallion/Sand Dollar pattern has an error. After much furrowing of the brow I thought I had figured it out. Turns out my fix was not quite right, after a couple of repeats I was unhappy with the result. So I ripped back about 25 rows. Considering that the rows are now about 400 stitches, this was a huge set back. I decided to ditch the medallions and the chart error and add ripples. I am now half way through one ripple repeat. I am also off by one stitch. After the first chart error I am not confident the new chart is correct. The mistake is very hard to see, at least before blocking, and this is a shawl for me, not a gift, so I think I will soldier on for a while longer. She says while crossing her fingers and wondering what sort of good luck talismans are in the house.

spindles

2008-01-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

I just ordered a spindle from Butterfly Girls. I am in search of a new all purpose spindle and thought Etsy would be a good place to start. There is a lot of stuff on Etsy but this is the cream. Go, look, buy.

looky here

2008-01-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

The MRI was fine. The calmest 30 minutes I've spent in longer than I can remember. Results in a few days.

Even though I skipped the last Loopy Ewe Sneak Up, there have still been fiber related purchases.

My new Lazy Kate

It is a Kromski, in Walnut. No more trying to ply using toilet paper rolls and a laundry basket. Woo Hoo!

Spinning goodness from Dragon Fibers

Banded Iguana is a 50/50 Merino Tencel blend

The Rhubarb is BFL. I talked myself out of ordering a 2nd braid of the Rhubarb. I wish I had not, it is lovely.

So, I had planned to spin Pie In The Sky as a single for socks. Now I have to make it a 2 ply so that I can take the new kate for a spin.

no thank you

2008-01-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Last night I received a Loopy Groupie email alerting me to a Sneak Up. Know what I did? I hit the delete button. I feel so proud. Like I just said no thank you to my drug dealer.

This morning as I was sitting in Doctor's waiting room I was composing a blog entry about rest and how I hate to pay good money to have someone tell me to rest. I thought it would be funny to ask Doctor to write a note to my insurance company so that they will pay for the replacement maid and cook and teachers. Oh and a shofer would be good too, because it hurts like hell to drive. Boy do I wish that was the end of the whole thing.

Turns out I have Sciatica. I had x-rays today, an MRI is scheduled for tomorrow and I will begin physical therapy as soon as the MRI rules out surgery.

I am having a tough time with the whole thing. For one, I am not old enough to be old. And 2, of all the adjectives I have for myself, fragile is not one of them. I hate that my whole lifestyle has to change. Pisses me off actually. GGGRRR.

Tomorrows MRI will take between 30-90 minutes. And I am pretty sure I will not be able to knit while in the tube. Too bad because I am coming to the end of this.

I am planning one more medallion/sand dollar repeat and then the edging. I might have enough yarn for 2 more repeats before the edging, but I do not want to travel that "might have enough yarn" road, too stressful.

fresh off the spindle

2008-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

My day began at 6:30 AM with the sound of the recycle truck in the neighborhood. The truck is not suppose to be here until lunch time. Here I go, wool coat over the jammies, Dansko without socks, into the cold to bring the bins to the curb. Husband had done it last night. All that panic was pointless.

That panic was followed by the stress of a new Dentist for Youngest Son. Our regular dentist recommend a Pediatric Dentist because there were some issues at his last appointment. I was at that last appointment and I can tell you that Youngest Son's reactions were justified. We left the office knowing he would not be going back.

Anyway, new dentist. Son is scared and they would not let me back with him. What is up with that? So we arrive home and I call Orthodontist for his recommendations. He gives me a name, I check the newest guys website and it sounds like they do not want parents with the kids either! Can someone please explain this?

I have always been able to sit with the kids. Even if they did not need me to be next to them the whole time I was able to walk around and peek at them and see how things were going. So I need to see if I either Dentist will make an exception. Tomorrow.

Today is very busy and I need to let go of the whole dentist thing until tomorrow. Here is a nice picture.

This is what I have been spinning this week.

This is just short of 4 ounces of Faulkland. It is just short of 4 ounces because I was so sick of the colors I could not make myself spin the last little bit. This was not for a project, just practice spinning. I gave myself permission to be done.

The roving was ordered online. The colors are not what I would ever spin or knit. It was good practice. I was trying to spin a thicker yarn. The yarn will reside on the CD shelf as a place holder.

When we finished the built-in shelves, the alphabetized CD's needed spacers. I separated the CD's with balls of yarn. It looked nice, but not quite right. Over the past few months I have replaced the balls of yarn with skeins of handspun. It is like my own little fiber art gallery. If you have the space, I highly recommend it.

first goals of the year

2008-01-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

OK, goals for the year...

1. Become a Writer.
This goal is very personal and highly subjective. It has nothing to do with being published, but has everything to do with learning the skills needed and allowing myself time to do the work.
2. Say goal #1 out loud and often.
3. Help Youngest Son become a fluent reader and confident writer.
4. Write Grandmas once a month.
5. Garden.
6. Find someone else to be Twilight Camp Director. ~ still undecided ~
7. Finish Faux Russian Stole.
8. Learn to play the concertina.

This is a good list. I do goal lists throughout the year, it helps keep me moving forward. There has already been action related to the list. I purchased Office 2007 so that I can actually save files AND retrieve them. I have been fighting with the 97 version for just over a year. Enough already. Then there are the online writing classes I am taking. Not so much content as grammar and structure. This will help with both basic skills and my mindset.

Damn!

2008-01-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

I have spent the morning doing something strange and unusual. I have been sitting on my bed, reading blogs and knitting and drinking tea. I have been doing this for hours. I think I can safely say I have never sat in one place for so long in my entire life.

Almost 3 weeks ago I pulled a muscle in my leg. Not only has it not gotten better, it is getting worse. I have begun taking lots of Motrin. I figured it would get better if I would just rest. There are 6 active people in this house, there is not a lot of time for rest.

Then Husband scared me. It went something like this:
Husband-How is your leg?
Me-Hurts.
H-What are you going to do about it?
M-Nothing.
H-What if it is a surgery thing?
M-What? No, I just to rest it.
H-What if you walking around while it is hurt is turning it into a surgery thing?
M-Damn!

So, this weekend I am doing my best to do nothing. If it begins to feel better, great. If not, I will go to the doctor.

a funny thing happened on the way...

2008-01-04T22:21:00.001-08:00

...to buy a spinning wheel. I talked myself out of it.

The family did not give me a wheel, as I expected. Instead they told me to go pick out a Concertina. A Concertina is another something I have been wanting. Another expensive something. I am excited to go out and find a nice squeezebox. Most of the instruments I play are woodwinds and this will be a fun addition.

Now, my Grandma (yes, I still have BOTH my Grandmas) wrote me a check for $500.00. That does not quite cover the cost of my wheel, but its close enough to send me running to the computer to order one. I did not do it. I have spent the last week spinning. I had some frustration because I was trying to spin a thicker yarn and my spindle did not seem to be the right tool for the job. I thought about buying a new spindle, or buying a wheel and decided a could collect a good number of practical spindles for the price of a wheel.

Is there still a wheel in my future? Yes! But I would like to wait a bit. I am in no hurry. Right now I am spinning for specific projects or practice. I do not need the speed of a wheel. I can wait. I will however be purchasing a lazy kate and bobbins for plying. I will be able to use those items after my wheel comes home. I also purchased a new spindle. MMMM Good.

Could I be having a fit of denial? Will I change my mind next month and hit the ORDER button? Only time will tell.

Resolutions are coming, really.

new year, new blog

2008-01-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

Here we are, 2008. My 1 year blog anniversary. WOW. What a year it has been. When I began I did not think I would be able to keep a blog for one year. I did. When I began I did not think that people would read the blog. They did. Now? Now what?

90% of the past years content has been knitting related. This will change. I finished an amazing number of projects last year. This year I will be doing a lot of spinning (still spindle) for larger knitting projects. Progress will be slow and boring to everyone but me.

I have this whole vegan/non-dairy/vegetarian/MSG allergy/carnivore household cooking thing going on and it requires a fair amount of brain cells. Some tasty stuff has been coming out of the kitchen. Still working on pleasing more than 50% of the people at any given meal. I will share the good stuff.

Oldest Daughter will be going off to university this year. OMG. This also requires brain cells, but at this point I am denying the cells that need to be allocated. I figure I can put of off until acceptance letters arrive.

Not only is Oldest Daughter going off to University, but Youngest Daughter has elected to attend the local public high school. AAAHHHH. Can you please scream with me? AAHHHH. Yes, the local public high school is a "good school". People perform all sorts of perjury to get into this school. Still, it is a public high school, with 1800+ kids. I am very apprehensive while trying to be supportive for her.

The boys are great. No taxing issues at all from them.

I have a big New Year's Resolutions list. The biggest one ever. Should I share?

aspen

2007-12-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

Spunky Eclectic Fiber Of The Month Club, September - Aspen.

The camera did not pick up what a wonderful sheen this stuff has. OK, the camera probably has that capability, it is the photographer who is lacking skills. The yarn is a Merino/Tencel blend. Soft and shiny, lovely to look at and hold. There are only 2 ounces so I am not sure what to do with it. I wonder if there is enough to make some lacey wrist warmers? Maybe a pretty headband? Only I do not wear headbands, so that means I would have to give it away. I do not think I want to give it away.

December Spunky Club should arrive this week. Last STR club also. Yahoo!

Remember that whole What Was I Thinking When I Agreed To Make A Pair Of Leg Warmer's For Youngest Daughter's Giraffe Legs? She has used the yarn to make her very first sock. I am pretty pleased. If she sits right down and makes the match I will know she is on her way to becoming a fellow Sock Knitter. How great would that be?

this week's dinners

2007-12-18T05:36:00.000-08:00

MONDAY
Youngest Son's birthday. He does not want a cake, or a pie, or doughnuts, or pudding or anything else that you can think of. Instead he asked for pretzels. Big, soft pretzels. For both dinner and dessert. He is so cool.

Matzo Ball Soup
Pretzels

I do not have a written down soup recipe, I always make it up as I go. The Matzo Balls come from the back of the Streits Matzo Meal box. I beat everything longer than I think it needs and use bubble water instead of plain water.

TUESDAY
Sloppy Joes aka Snobby Joes
salad

WEDNESDAY
Vegetarian Cassoulet
noodles or rice

THURSDAY
This is the only empty calendar day this week. I will play this one by ear. Because there is nothing on the schedule for this day, I have time to make an elaborate meal. Because there is nothing on the calendar for this day, I may prefer to knit all day and bring home a pizza. There is no way to know until the days arrives.

FRIDAY
Husband will not be home for dinner

Pasta w/Marinara Sauce and fake meatballs
Braised Greens

2 new recipes, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

the last birthday of the year

2007-12-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

It is Youngest Son's birthday. He is beyond excited. Husband is at work and most of the present opening will need to wait until he arrives home. But to keep things from getting too ugly he is able to open the present from our neighbors. These are the neighbors from Denmark, whose own kids and grand kids are very far away. They spoil our kids something fierce and we love them. This is now in the house. Talk about cool!

I have finished spinning 4oz of Spook. It is possible I will not have enough for the Invisibility Shawl. (the little boy has the shawl on his head) If not, I have another 4 oz braid I can spin. I will wait and see. It would be nice to use the other braid for something else.

I am very happy with the results.

The Leaf & Sand Dollar Shawl is getting bigger and bigger. It has moved to the Loopy bag and my next task today will be to order longer cables. Yeah, yeah, I should have ordered the longer cables last week. I am so good at denial.

its all good

2007-12-15T22:14:00.000-08:00

Here it is 10:14 on a Saturday night and I am actually bored. Boy does it feel great. I can not remember the last time I had enough time to feel bored.

Presents are wrapped. The shawl has grown by 20 more rows and is resting from such hard work. The current spinning is done and hanging over the heating vent to dry. I have just caught up with my favorite knitting blogs and ogled my future spinning wheel. Now what? I even did some Girl Scouts work, that is all done until January.

Picture me, whistling, twiddling my fingers, looking out at the lights on the island...

I think I will go start a new spinning project. That would be better than sitting here trying not to order a spinning wheel.

holy crap

2007-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

I just spent $95 mailing packages and I still have one left to send out. Perhaps it is time to have a conversation about continuing this whole Christmas present exchange thing. It may make more sense for people to purchase another present for their household then to spend extra money on shipping. Maybe we could send pictures of what we would have purchased for them and they can decide if they would indeed like that to be at their house? They could use the money they would have spent shipping a gift to us and visa versa. I think this idea has some merit.

Wednesday’s dance class gave me 9 more rows of lace. I am really loving this shawl. The yarn is so soft and is knitting up beautifully. The pattern is just enough to keep me interested. I am using considerably less yarn that I had calculated. I am almost done with the leaf repeats and am also almost done with the first skein of yarn. So I have altered the plan. I will knit leaf repeats until I have used 2 skeins. Switch to the sand dollar repeats with the third skein and begin the edging when it is time for skein 4. Yes, this will be a big shawl. It will be glorious!

I do not want to take the knitting off the needles and pin it out to get a good picture. You will have to take my word for it that all is well. It is currently on 32""cables and I hope it does not need to go up another size. I suppose that is me practicing denial and I should pull on my boot straps and order longer cables. The project no longer fits comfortably in a little project bag. The only other knitting bag I own is a big Loopy Groupie bag, which feels too big.

No more knitting will be done today. Boys begin arriving at 4 for Youngest Son’s birthday party.

what's cookin'

2007-12-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

When I was first married I could not cook a can of tomato soup. Really! I burned it every time. Some of you may be asking how this happened. Well, home cooked food never really happened at my house as a child. My mom was single, she was dating in the evening. She would pick me up from Hebrew School, we would hit the closest fast food, she would get me settled in at home and then head out for the evening. Seems strange now, but not so strange then. BTW, we did not keep Kosher.

As a young adult/college student I did not cook. I ate out all the time. Crappy food, but what did I know? See above fast food upbringing.

As young married people we also ate out all of the time. Better food, but still...

As a bride, Husband and I talked at length about raising children. We knew that we wanted one of us to stay home with the the baby(s). His job was WAY more conducive to raising a family, so it became me who stayed home. When making this decision it did not occur to me that I would be cooking.

The whole learning how to cook thing was not good, (this was WAY before Food Network). I checked out books from the library that told me to do things I did not know how to do. It was really hard. But I pressed on. After many years I felt I could hold my own in the kitchen, We began entertaining and before you could say, "come on over " our house became the go to spot for any celebration,

~Picture me here, doing the touch down dance, spiking the ball.~

Now, MANY years later I find that I am bored with cooking. I have been putting dinner on the table for 18 years and I am just plain tired. But there are still hungry people in the house to deal with, so I soldier on. We have a new dietary issue in the house, that makes for a new challenge, which I enjoy.

Background...2 vegetarians, 1 lactose intolerant, 1 MSG allergy, 3 who blissfully eat anything they want but are vocal about like and dislikes. GGGRRRR.

Here is what is cooking the week. If I take recipe word for word out of a book, I will list the reference, but not the recipe. Check it out from the library. If I have made the dish up, or sufficiently altered a recipe, I will post it. Hope this works for everyone. If not, let me know.

MONDAY
Latkes
I have been making this recipe for years. I have to admit that I no longer use the
actual recipe and now make a doublish amount. Very rarely are there leftovers.

4 cups grated, russet potatoes
1 onion, grated
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper

Mix it all up and fry in olive oil. Using your hands pull 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture out of the bowl. Plunk it into the hot oil and spread it out a bit. Not so thin that you will burn your fingers, but not so thick that it will not cook through.
About half way through the batch you will notice a lot of moisture collecting at the bottom of the bowl holding the potato mixture. At this point I put what is left into a colander to drain. I know some people actually wrap their potato in paper towels to remove moisture. I feel that also removes quite a bit of starch and the starch is what gives the middles a creamy texture. Just drain it, its fine.

Applesauce
Don't buy it, this is so easy. If you have teenagers at home get them to peel the apples.

5 apples - any type will work, the more variety the better
1/3 cup unfiltered apple juice
2 tablespoons honey (I never use it)
a sprinkle of cinnamon (if you are so inclined, I never am)

Peel and quarter the apples and put them and the apple juice into a glass dish with a cover. Vent the cover slightly and microwave on high 10 minutes. An immersion blender works great here, but a food prosessor will also do the trick. Blend it to the texture you would like, chunky, smooth, whatever you like.

Sour Cream
Non-dairy will work if that is an issue at your house. Because of the MSG allergy we can
not use the off the shelf fake sour cream. The Uncheese Cookbook has a good recipe.
For me, latkes are special and I am willing to use the real stuff. Lactose Intolerant boy will not eat either variety, so we are good.

leftover roast chicken
Costco

TUESDAY
Ribs
I am not comfortable cooking or touching meat. I buy Lloyd's pre-sauced and bake them
in the oven. The carnivores approve and I do not get my hands dirty,

Kugel
1 pound wide noodles, cooked
1 small onion, diced fine
1/4 cup butter, non dairy is fine, Earth's Best Vegan Non-Hydrogenated is my favorite
6 eggs, beaten
salt & pepper

While the noodles are cooking saute the onion in a couple tablespoons of butter. Let them get nice and golden. Once the noodles are done toss them with the remaining butter, add the onions and eggs and salt and pepper. Stir at all around and pour into a baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so. Uncover for the last 15 minutes to just barely brown the tips of the pasta.

Coleslaw
I like it lightly sauced. If you prefer more, go right ahead.

1 small head of cabbage, sliced thin
1-2 carrots, shredded
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 jalapeno - seeds and stems removed, diced very fine
1/4 cup mayo - fresh, fake, whatever you like
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
salt and pepper
Mix the vegetables. Whisk up the sauce. Toss.
Not so good the next day, so just make as much as you think you will need.

Wednesday
Wednesday's are hard because we walk in the door from dance class at 7:15ish. I need to make most of the meal in the afternoon. I made the hummus early in the day and put pita in the oven to warm and salmon burgers on the stove as soon as I walked in the door. We were eating 15 minutes later.
Hummus
2 cans garbanzo beans
1/3 cup olive oil, as tasty as you can afford
3 tablespoons tahini
3 cloves garlic
juice of one lime
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
lots of salt
pepper
water to thin if needed

Pulse the beans in a food processor then add the olive oil. Get the mixture fairly smooth then add in the other stuff. Keep scrapping down the sides and processing until the Hummus is very smooth and creamy.

Salmon Burgers
I purchased the Salmon Burgers from Spud.com. You could make your own.

THURSDAY
Potato and Kale Enchiladas
This recipe is in the new Veganomicon by Isa Moskowitz. She is a genius!
Beans
I make them in the pressure cooker, adding salt and 2-3 whole jalapenos at the halfwayish point.

FRIDAY
Pasta
I am using Angel Hair
Quinoa Croquettes with Mushroom Sauce
Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse. Its own flavor is quite bland. That means it can easily be mixed in with other flavorful things to make healthy, tasty meals. I have made this recipe before, it is quite good. I am thinking that this time I made add a bit of pureed chipotle to the croquettes.

I do not plan Saturday and Sunday meals. This leaves some flexibility in my schedule. Maybe we decide to have friends over. Maybe it is a nice day and we feel like BBQing. Maybe we take off for the day. Maybe the fridge is stuffed and we need to eat some leftovers. Maybe one of the days I planned I was too damn tired and/or stressed out to cook and we have ingredients for that meal still sitting around....We eat for 7 days on a 5 day plan all of the time.

So what are you cooking for dinner? I can use some inspiration.

stress

2007-12-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

I am up late when I should be sleeping. I guess I am feeling a bit of the Holiday Stress.

The extended family is all done and wrapped. I need to get things into boxes and then stand in line at the Post Office. That will be done Wednesday or Thursday. Mostly it is the kids I am working on right now. In the past we have stuffed stockings and given one gift to each child. This year I am afraid it will be 2 gifts per child. Only because I did some shopping before making my list and speaking with Husband. I am having a hard time with Youngest Daughter. She is the hardest one to shop for. She is so practical and at the same time the things she wants are quite expensive. Now that I think about it, that means she takes after me. Bummer.

Oldest Daughter's big gift is/are tickets to Mark O'Connor's string extravaganza. I bought 2 tickets, center orchestra row L. She will love it.

Oldest Son's big gift is a sporran to wear with his kilt. I thought I would buy him a Utilikilt instead, but their base model is $140! He can wear his new sporran with his old kilt.

Youngest Daughter? She has asked for a PDA. Tonight I learned that Riverdance tickets go on sale Friday. I will probably buy the tickets, but then what will her small gift be?

Youngest Son is so easy. He chose a Playmobil Pirate Set the last time we were at the toy store. I am also planning to purchase a leather jacket for him, a la Indiana Jones. He will be in heaven.

I am not a shopper. Would rather poke needles in my eyes than go to a mall. Most of our shopping is done with local artists or online. One of our favorite places to buy gifts for grown-ups is Bedrock. Boy did we drop some money there this year. So some of the stress is coming from the actual shopping. I am not a good consumer. Spending money makes me cranky. Then there is the whole time factor. My days are jam packed. Now I have to add shopping into those days. There is not time for all of this.

No knitting or spinning took place from Thursday through today. Today is a 2 dance class day. That equaled 20 rows of lace. 20! Oh yeah, it feels good.

Tomorrow I will post my menu plan for the week.

holiday music

2007-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Before I get to the music...

A favorite dyer is offering a fiber of the month club. She only opened it to 6 people, as of this typing it is down to 4. I have spun her stuff a couple of times and LOVE it. If you are inclined to join a club, this has the potential to be a great one. Dragon Fibers.

Just now, I began my holiday music list and hit what I thought was the TAB key, but in reality must have been CAPS LOCK or CAPS LOCK and something else. It made the computer go dark and lock up. My computer NEVER locks up. Be careful out there people.

Favorite Holiday Music:
Christmas - old
Christmas with the Rat Pack
looking up the link for this disc gives me LOTS more to investigate
Charlie Brown Christmas
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Little Christmas

Christmas - new
Brian Setzer - both
Los Straitjackets-Tis the Season For
Raul Malo - Marshmallow World

Hanukkah
The Leevees-Hanukkah Rocks
Kenny Ellis-Hanukkah Swings

Crossover
Bare Naked Ladies-Bare Naked for the Holidays
The sweetest new Hanukkah song and the Elf's Lament ("I make toys but I
have aspirations..."). LOVE this disc.

What are your favorites?

a funny thing happened

2007-12-05T21:49:00.001-08:00

Oldest Daughter is 18 and has 1 1/2 years of college under her belt. She is a fine and wonderful person. I am excited for her to go out into the world, sow her oats, find her niche, make her mark... this is going to happen at the end of the summer. She will probably not go to university close to home. She will probably go to university abroad. I have been totally OK with this, until this afternoon.

This afternoon Oldest Daughter was late to return home. I was not concerned until I realized that she did not have a phone. Dad had the black phone and the silver phone was on my desk. I had not seen her since 7AM when she walked out the door with a grunt. Did she need me? Would she ask a stranger to use their phone? Did she have money? Had she eaten? Was she stranded? Did she need me and I was not there? This is a bad feeling for a parent to have. REALLY bad.

It was time to leave with Youngest Daughter for a dance class, but I could not leave without knowing that Oldest Daughter was safe and sound. I told the kids I was going to see if she was stuck at the transfer station. I took a phone in case she showed up. The drive to her transfer spot was not good. My imagination ran wild and I was full of the fear that she needed help and I was not there to help her.

Yes, she was there. She had missed 4, count 'em 4, buses that afternoon and was doing her best to limp her way home. She was fine. Hungry, tired, pissed off, but fine.

Me? Not so good. If this is the reaction I have to her being "on her own" while 5 miles from home, how am I going to cope with her being an 18 hour plane ride away?

I am going to need a Passport. And lots of wine.

Happy Hanukkah/Birthday

2007-12-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

I love the first night of Hanukkah. Opening the new boxes of candles. Setting out bags of gelt for the kids. Latkes. MMM latkes.

A few months ago Youngest Daughter switched dance studios. The studio is fairly new. They have lots of kids in the beginner program, but only 4 in the advanced program. We are slowly getting to know people. Turns out that one of the other families is Jewish, so we had three girls with bellies full of latkes at dance last night. This may not seem unusual to people living in New York, or LA, but here in Jewish free Edmonds it is pretty remarkable. If Edmonds had a golf course it would probably be restricted!

Things have changed a bit in my knitting world. How? No socks. I am officially in a sock free period. For quite a while I have been winding balls, casting on, hating it and frogging. Over and over. Clang! OK, I get it, I need to stop socks for a while.

All last week I worked only on the Russian Stole and spinning. I got up early this morning to finish up page 2 of the pattern.

I am at the halfway point!

It is so exciting to move from the wrinkled marked up page

to a clean shiny copy.

And spinning? I am spinning so that I can start The Invisibility Shawl as soon as the Russian is done. There is a good weeks worth of spinning left. I will take pics when it is finished.

This no sock thing left me with a dilemma. What am i going to carry around to dance classes and doc appointments if socks are on hiatus? Another shawl? What else am I going to do with all this socks yarn?

This one is my own design pulled from Evelyn Clark's Knitting Lace Triangles. A good travel project in its earlier stages. This yarn is so nice. REALLY! The colors are knitting up beautifully and it is super soft. Oceanwind Knits, fingering, Vancouver Island. I purchased the first 2 skeins from Loopy Ewe and ordered the next 2 skeins directly from the dyer. Lovely.

Today is Oldest Son's birthday! I have a pie to make. He requests pies, not cake for his birthday. Beef Stroganoff is his dinner of choice, he has a thing about mushrooms. Last time I made this dish I did the sauce part the same as always but instead of the normal sliced steak I threw in some veggie meatballs. He never knew the difference and it turned into a meal the whole family would eat. I get a little thrill when that happens.

There are also cookies to be made today and delivered tonight to our neighbors. That means a full day in the kitchen. Better put on the tea kettle.

mm mm good

2007-11-27T05:01:00.001-08:00

The lasagna turned out great. Right up until the moment I took my first bite I was unsure of the whole thing. It was creamy and yummy and will definitely make its way into our dinner rotation. I used Basil Tofu Ricotta from Vegan With A Vengeance. The cheesy sauce part of the lasagna recipe from The Uncheese Cookbook. A jar of Newman's Marinara and Rozoni oven lasagna noodles. If you are thinking about making it, do not worry that the cheesy sauce starts out very thin and does not taste so great before being cooked. It comes out of the oven thick and yummy. I have been using the Rozoni oven lasagna noodles for years. They are the perfect size for a Pyrex bread pan.

The Goblin Eyes fingerless mitts are done.

I am quite happy with the results. The fiber is Romney and this is my first time spinning this variety. It has a very long staple length and comes out of the soak much softer and fluffier.

Another sheep I have not yet spun is Faukland, the variety in this month's Spunky Club.

Pie For Everyone. I am going to let it sit on my dresser for a while so that it has a chance to tell what it wants to be.

first knitting, then food

2007-11-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

I'm baa-aack. What a long, busy week this turned out to be. I began the week with high hopes of knitting. After all, the week held 3 dance classes, 3 doctor appointments and 2 meetings. In the end I knit while waiting through one long doctor appointment and that was it.

I did manage to finish Husband's socks on Saturday. No evidence, they are downstairs in the laundry room, and I am too lazy to drag them back up for a photo shoot. Trekking bamboo is not on my list of yarns to knit with again. I know lots of people like it just fine, but it is not for me.

My happy knitting began on Sunday with my handspun being turned into a pair of fingerless mitts.

This is the first time I have spun a fiber with a project in mind. While the Goblin Eyes colors washed away (see previous post), I still like the finished product and plan to wear these all winter. It is so cold at my desk and my fingers will thank me.

I feel a bit of a handspun to fingerless mitt jag coming on. Anyone care to join me?

Now for food talk. I have probably mentioned that I have an MSG intolerance. It is not something I like to talk about, if only because it is such a pain in the ass to deal with. There are a couple of things that I REALLY miss not being able to eat. One of them is flavored potato chips or plain chips and ranch dip. OMG I miss Ranch. Today I stumbled upon a pretty damn good substitute.

Behold Vogue Cuisine Vegetable Base. Because of the MSG thing I have given up stocks of any sort. They all contain Natural Flavors or Carageenan or Soy Protein. All of these things often have MSG as a component. While at the local healthy grocery I spied the Vogue. It is a brand I had not seem before, so I plucked it off the shelf, turned it over, and began to scan the ingredients for evil substances. The scan came up empty so I slowed down and read each ingredient more carefully. Could it be? A quick veggie broth that I can actually eat? I wonder what it tastes like? Into the cart it went.

What does it taste like? It tastes like chicken broth sans chicken. Lots of onion an garlic, no overpowering kale or cabbage. I am so happy. A person should not have to be so happy about finding something without MSG that tastes good. So it got me thinking....it is a good broth, what else?

On Wednesday I had made a batch of Sour Dressing for the veggie stroganoff and the leftovers were in the fridge. I grabbed the container and added a tablespoon or so of the Vogue, a little more garlic powder and some fresh pepper. A potato chip was poised above the dip as I said an "oh please, oh please." Pretty darn good. Just like the real stuff? No. But a fine substitute and a great starting point for even more yummy delights. Thank you Vogue Cuisine.

Also on the food front is Vegan With A Vengeance. I checked this book out from the library and plan to purchase a copy to have and to hold and to splatter on. Tonight we had Black-Eyed Pea and Quinoa Croquettes with Mushroom Sauce. I swapped out the black eyed peas for black beans, I do not like black eyes peas, and served the whole thing over angel hair pasta. OMG! It was so good! The mushroom sauce was the best I have ever had, vegan or otherwise.

Isa Chandra Moskowitz has more cookbooks and a cool website. Remember back in 1981 when Mollie Katzen wrote The Moosewood cookbook and the nation went crazy? OK, maybe it was just California that filled with vegetarians. Isa may be the new Mollie.

Tonight I am planning to try lasagna. I will be blending a recipe from Vegan With A Vengeance and the Uncheese Cookbook. I am not going to make a big pan, just a loaf pan. I am not sure how we will all like it. I also plan to serve a big salad and garlic bread, just in case the lasagna sucks. Tune in tomorrow to see how it all goes.

sad goblin eyes

2007-11-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

Goblin Eyes is finished.

In the end I am not so happy with it. As I prepared to give it a soak in the sink I had to keep draining and refilling the water. There was so much color coming off of the yarn. I rinsed and rinsed and finally walked away. It sat for 1/2 hour or so. When I pulled the yarn out of the sink there were streaks of indigo stains on the sink bowl. When I brought the skein outside to dry, it was obvious that all of the purple was gone. What had been dark purple is now grey and all of the colors are a bit duller. I still plan to knit it up into a pair of fingerless mitts, but it is not the same.

Once the spindle was empty I was able to return to plying. Spindle plying is slow but I managed to finish the last skein Saturday morning.

I love that each skein is a bit different, color wise. It is going to make for a very fun shawl.

So that is 2 more projects in the done column.

Socks are slogging along. I will be sitting through 3 dance classes and 3 doc appointments this week, fine knitting time.

Let's do a quick inventory of what is left to finish.

1-Socks for Husband

2-Lenore

3-blocking the dragon scarf

Is that it? Really? Oh the leg warmers. Yes, well...we were in the dance shop last week picking up new tap shoes for Youngest Son, when Youngest Daughter spied a pair of bright green fuzzy leg warmers. How could I say no? Not only is she thrilled with them, but that means I can yank the needles right out of the hand knit leg warmers and turn that yarn into something more sensible, like a hat!

What projects re you working to finish?

look at me go

2007-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the shelves. All done and ready for action.

Man, that is a lot of shelves. Don't you love that Husband let's me paint the walls orange?

This is how I mark the end of one letter and the beginning of the next. Much stash display potential here. Actually I do not have enough stash to fill all of the holes. I will add handspun as fast as I am able.

Jayne hat? Done.

forgot to take a picture - next time

Goblin Eyes? Nearing the finish line.

This is all that is left to spin.

Socks for Husband? Starting the hell (ha, I meant to type heel, but it is appropriate) on the second sock.

New projects begun? Nope.

check back soon

2007-11-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

Because I do not have enough on my to do list, my computer decided to stop handling email or internet requests. I am currently at Husband's computer, (ICK), but plan to deal with my issues in the morning. Also in the morning will be pics of the of FINISHED shelves and other stuff. Join me!

boot straps

2007-11-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tan is right, I have let myself go. It is time to grab the ol boot staps and get busy.

OK, I need a list. First things first.

Finish the shelves. This is THE most important thing on my plate. Must, must, must be done. I need to have the shelves painted and then set for a week before I can load them. I would like to load them before Thanksgiving.

Finish spinning Goblin Eyes. I do not plan to purchase another niddy noddy, so this project has to be done before I can spin anything else.

Finish plying the Zen.

Put Lenore away. Take the Diagonal Rib socks to dance classes and doc appointments until they are done. I am a couple of inches into the second sock. I should be able to finish this up next weekend.

ARG! I forgot the legwarmers. Keep the leg warmers for future mindless knitting and go buy Youngest Daughter a store bought pair so I stop fretting about them.

This might work. As long as I do not think about projects to come and all the things I would like to do. I am feeling weak. Cross your fingers.

Progress will be posted. Keep me on track.

how did this happen?

2007-11-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

I am not a UFO kind of girl. I tend to have 2 projects going at any given time. Socks and something else. Sometimes 2 pairs of socks, one challenging, one mindless. All of the sudden
I am up to my eyeballs in "things to do". The pile is so big that I can not even begin to think about other projects. Let's just open up the cabinet and air all of the dirty laundry for the whole world to see....

The Faux Russian Stole: I have not even so much as looked at this thing in months. I love it, I want to finish it, but will I? OK, will I before the end of the decade?

Stole N Bases: Needs to be frogged. This is the 3rd thing I have tried to knit with this yarn. I think the yarn may be possessed, or at the very least have some bad karma. I need to pass it along.

Diagonal Rib Socks: These are for Husband. They are like his 5th pair is just a few short months. I am tired of making socks for him. Mostly boring colors, teeny tiny needles, MANY, MANY inches to knit.

Lenore: I should never have cast on. While I am enjoying the knitting, they do not have a recipient. That means I do not know how long to make the feet. Until I can figure that out they will remain unfinished.

Zen Roving: The spinning and half of the plying are finished. Today I began to get ready to finish plying only to realize that the niddy noddy was full...

Goblin Eyes: After I spun the last laceweight single of the Zen I could not resist playing with Goblin Eyes. This is the October Spunky club fiber. It is Romney and my vision is to spin big soft singles to turn into fingerless gloves. I unloaded the spindle right onto the niddy noddy. Great idea at the time, but now there is no place to put the Zen plying.

Learning Socks: I have not cast on, but I so want to cast on and dive in. The yarn is wound and sitting on the dresser, all dressed up and ready to go.

More Socks for Husband: You may recall this pair of socks. Husband likes them very much. They are the perfect color match to one of his favorite pair of work pants. A couple of weeks ago he brought them to me and confessed that he had mistakenly sent them through the wash. He is very sorry, he really likes them, but now they are tight. I told him it was OK and that I could probably find more yarn and make him another pair. Don't look at me like that, you would have done the same.

Please, oh please do not bring up the shelves that I should have finished painting weeks ago.

So here we are. I thought I would do some dying this weekend, but no. If I dye, then I will love the color and then need to spin it and that will lead to knitting......if you give a mouse a cookie.

Please tell me I am not alone with my UFO's.

dairy? no

2007-11-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

I did not plan to blog about this topic. But, as it has consumed so much of my energy this week, I need to type. First, a little family food background. Youngest Daughter is a vegetarian. I am 95% vegetarian. I will eat fish to be polite. Youngest Son is probably lactose intolerant, he and the rest of the family are carnivores. Our daily food routine is a bit of a dance. I am pretty good at it. Then came Nutritionist.

Nutritionist was a speaker at Husband's work. One of his big topics was milk and how we should not be drinking it. He had all these facts and studies and common sense arguments. Husband brought home the information and Nutritionist's card. I listened and wondered how he got sucked into this conspiracy theory. The researcher in me could not just leave it at that. I talked to people who know, I read reports and studies. I researched my little heart out. In the end? We decided to give up milk. All dairy actually.

The most immediate and biggest plus has been for Youngest Son. In the past he would not drink milk, or eat cheese, or yogurt. A couple bites of ice cream or pudding and then he was done. I have spent a fair amount of time fretting about his diet. Since the switch to soy? He will eat a whole cup of pudding. "Ice cream" sandwiches are being gobbled down. It is truly amazing to watch his body tell him it is now OK to eat these things.

Going to the grocery store has become an outing. Not only do I have to find the new items on my list. I have to read the labels of every single brand to find the ones that do not contain MSG or one of its 100 code names. A 20 minute trip is now closer to an hour. I know that will change as I become more familiar with things. Right now it is a bit overwhelming.

Making the switch cooking wise has been pretty easy. We made some totally rocking cupcakes last night. Soy products stand in for dairy products with grace. The one thing I am having a hard time with? Cheese. I LOVE cheese. When I was diagnosing the MSG allergy I thought, as long as it was not popcorn, wine or cheese, I was good. I could do without the other things. Well, the daily bowl of popcorn is gone because the girls and their braces can not eat it and, I feel guilty if I am eating it. I have not yet found a good soy cheese. Even the one all the vegan blogs talk about, that is imported all the way from Scotland. Ick. That leaves me with wine. Eventually I will get over my cheese dependence. Until then...please keep my glass filled.

k5,p2

2007-11-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

A dance class and an orthodontist appointment were spent on socks for Husband.

I really like the patterning on the leg.

I kept the rib, but dropped the twists on the foot. It looks nice, but it oh so boring. Making 2 of these might cause some brain cells to explode. Teeny tiny needles and size 13 feet are not a good match for me right now. (see leg warmer post)

Because I could not bear to knit anymore on that other sock, and I had 2 more dance classes to sit through. I cast on Lenore.

There is no good way to photograph black, at least not for me.

This is a quick, happy, jaunty little knit. I do not have to decide who I will give them to until it gets close to the toe. I have also not decided if I will drop the patterning on the foot.

Lately, I have been giving this foot patterning thing a lot of thought. Often, patterns are hard and time consuming. Then to have that work hidden by a shoe seems a waste. At the same time, plain stockinette is often not enough for a good fit. Dropping the pattern, but keeping the base ribbed used for a pattern, works well sometimes, but not always.

Today I would like to finish spinning singles so that I can ply tomorrow. I think there is enough time in the day.

Guess what I will do with this?

no festival for me

2007-11-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

I read the blogs with all their good times and pictures from the Fiber Festivals. So far away. Then I learned of the Madrona Fiber Festival. This festival is close enough to me that I would not need a hotel, just a fair amount of caffeine. I could take a day or two of classes without disrupting the whole family. Woo Hoo! Sign me up!

I received an email with registration dates (it opens on the 12th) and a class list. I quickly searched through the classes to plan my 2 days of spinning education. Ready to soak up all the wisdom of those around me. No. All of the classes require a wheel. I am so disappointed. Chances are that I will have a wheel by then, I think the family wants to make it a holiday present, but there is no guarantee. Classes fill fast. Bummer.

Selbuvotter has leaped into the frog pond. The pink and red combination was not making me happy. Once I began knitting I thought, "These are going to be sweet, I will give them to Grandma." As I knit along the mittens were fitting me just great. That meant way too big for Grandma. Add that to the pink/red issues and I had no choice but to yank it out.

The yarn has been reskeined (reskun?) and will turn into something else. Maybe. I will try to mittens again. Different colors.

The past 2 days have have/will include 3 dance classes and a long Orthodontist appt. That means much sock progress to report tomorrow.

the good and the bad

2007-11-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

The good thing about being a Loopy Groupie is that Sheri sends you an email when a Sneak Up happens. The bad thing about being a Loopy Groupie? Sheri sends you an email when a Sneak Up happens.

needles and progress

2007-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

I promised progress and needles, so I will start with that.

I have been spinning everyday. Yes, every day. My singles are consistent, the joins no longer scary, and it should only be another week before I finish spinning the current pile of fiber. Then it is right onto the needles for a lace shawl. I am planning on giving Evelyn Clark's lace triangle design book a workout.

There has also been knitting progress. First, the knitting I do not like.

This is the first in a set of LONG leg warmers for Youngest Daughter. No, it is not a return to the 80's. Youngest Daughter is a dancer, so these are to be functional. She chose the yarn. She has legs like a giraffe. I am going to be doing K2, P2 ribbing until my brain explodes! What was I thinking? I think we Knitter's are so happy when someone asks us to knit them something we say yes before our brain can work out the implications of what has been requested.

Next up, something I am enjoying.

Socks for Husband. The yarn is Trekking Pro Natura. Yeah, it is a little splitty, but I am dealing with it just fine. I can usually get a couple of pattern repeats done while waiting at a dance class or doc appointment. No hurry on these. Of the past dozen socks that have recently been knit, they have been mostly for him. When he asks for a specific color I can not say no. The pattern is the Diagonal Rib from Favorite Socks.

I received a set of Harmony DP needles this week. First impression? They are a bit tacky. The colors are not as bold as I expected. You do not get the obvious layers of color on the little needles that you see on the big Options tips. I switched out the needles on the current socks project for the Harmony and gave them a spin. After a few rows the tackiness was gone and they were glossy. The next set out of the package I gave a good rub down before casting on. MMM, nice. Smooth, slick even, lightweight, pointy. Its all good! I usually prefer Crystal Palace Bamboo. The Harmony's are a keeper. I am concerned about how the, oh so pointy, tips will hold up. Time will tell. Did I mention they are pointy? The pointyness is wonderful.

Then there is Selbuvotter. This was not even on my radar screen 72 hours ago. A Ravelyer put a call out. She signed up for the class at the LYS and 2 more people needed to sign up or it would be cancelled. Now I am not a taking a class sort of gal, but this was a call for help and the topic? Quite intriguing. So I psyched myself up to take the class. In the end the class was cancelled, and here I was all dress up with no place to go. So I ran out and bought the book and some yarn. I read, read, read, then cast on and knit, knit knit. Then there was the giggling and the ripping and the casting on again. Joy is happening here. Why?

As part of this exercise I decided that I would knit the mittens holding one color in my right hand, knitting American, and holding the other color in my left hand, knitting Continental. A bold and daring move to be sure. What I learned? I LOVE knitting Continental. I will probably switch. This old dog is learning new tricks and is completely tickled about the whole thing.

Next time...Madronna Fiber Festival disappointment and Selbuvotter photos

fiber weekend follow up

2007-11-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has taken me all week to gets these pictures taken and loaded. Here are the photos of all the great stuff that came into the house last weekend.

First up, the Loopy Ewe order.

On the left is Shibui, on the right is Oceanwinds.

The Shibui is the exact color I have been looking for. Husband has a pair of socks using Shibui. They were very nice to knit, we will see how they hold up.

The Oceanwinds is super soft. I am a little nervous about making socks with it. I may turn it into a baby sweater.

Here are a couple of braids from Dragon Fibers.

The blue is actually a dark purple, so lovely. Color Spook. Content BFL There are 8 ounces, so this may become a shawl for next Halloween. I really love spinning her stuff.

More fiber, this time from Spunky Eclectic.

This is the October Fiber Of The Month club. It is Romney which I have never spun. It feels quite rough and has long fibers. Just a few twists between the fingers makes a strong length. I will probably wait a bit to spin this. Not only do I not have a project in mind, a little research is in order so that I do not screw it up.

Lastly, STR October instalment.

Color, Lenore. The yarn is VERY dark and hard to photograph. It is mostly black with shades of dark purple through out. This is the first release from the upcoming Ravens line. The pattern is by Stephanie. Beautiful and simple. For me to knit the black yarn I will need to wait until the days are a bit longer and brighter.

That is that. What a great weekend!

Next up...knitting and spinning progress and needles

he's back

2007-10-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Husband is back. I did not realize how easy is was to sleep without the snoring until about 2AM.

Husband said that his Mom was shipping him stuff that would not fit in his suitcase. He had to have room for the tortillas! You can not get him within an hour of Quatro Milpas without eating. Las Quatro Milpas is the oldest, best kept San Diego eating secret. I imagine the neighborhood scares off most tourists, it is in Bario Logan. If you want the real deal, this is the place.

So there are stacks of tortillas on the counter. I think this will be a Black Bean Soup night. I have made many pots of black bean soup, but this one is my absolute favorite. It came out of the Seattle Times and never fails.

Van's Black Bean Soup

I cup olive oil
1 large onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound back beans, soaked in water overnight
~~I partially cook in the pressure cooker instead of soaking~~
2 meaty ham hocks
~~no ham hocks for me~~
32 ounces chicken broth
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 ounces tomato paste
juice of one small lemon
1/4 dry sherry
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

You can probably figure it out from here. Oil in the pot, onions then garlic, saute 10ish minutes. Beans then chicken broth then spices and herbs. Bring to a biol. simmer until tender, 1 -2 hours. Add brown sugar, tomato past lemon juice, simmer 15 minutes. Stir in sherry and Dijon. Ta da!

no camera

2007-10-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Husband took the digital camera to San Diego, so no pics of the new fiber entering the house this weekend.

Here is a pic I took yesterday

This is going to be plyed into sock yarn. I am loving the colors and how they are spinning up. I am not so sure about the fiber itself. I do not know what the actual content is and the dyer cut (!!!) the roving. It arrived in a big braid with the ends cut! That means I have to pull out the cut ends before I do anything else, which wastes fiber and makes me cranky. On top of it all I can see spots in the middle of the fiber where it was cut and stacked. I do not want to put anyone out of business, but I will not be purchasing from them again. Back to colors....white, dark grey, light blue and bright blue. LOVE the colors.

I received a new Loopy Ewe order. I ordered more Shibui. This color is everything I hoped it would be. I need to get more. My mother in law will need some in her Christmas package. And then there is Oceanwind Knits. It is SO soft. This side of cashmere soft. I have Vancouver Island and it is amazing. Be sure to pick some up as soon as it is restocked.

Now that the holiday knitting is all but done I have cast on for a lace wrap. Baltic Sea Stole to be exact. I have begun this pattern before but had the wrong gauge. Luckily I put a sticky note on the pattern and I was able to start right in with the right size needles and the stitch count all figured out. I have such a hard time doing lace in this busy house. But I have a long term goal, of being able to hand everyone who is out on the deck when the sun begins to set, a wrap to keep them warm. It is good goal. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The next lace pattern I need to purchase is the Wild West Lace Shawl. Youngest Daughter is going to love this. If I give it to her for her 18th birthday I have a few years to get it done. I will need everyday day.

Are there enough links to make up for the lack of pictures?

fiber filled weekend

2007-10-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

This morning routine of mine really has become a routine. I get up around 6, turn on the tea kettle, grab the laptop, bring it and tea back to bed. I work on a no look project while I read the days news. It is glorious and wonderful.

I used to start my days by dealing with the email. All the stuff that people needed to me deal with. I was stressed out before my kettle even boiled. Now it is all good.

An FO

Shibui Knits with Koigu toes. Size 2 needles. One done with DP's one begun on DP's and finished with circs. Interweave Knits Father and Son socks.

The finishing of Husband's socks means that I am able to return to my Fleece Artist socks. SO pretty, I just love going around and around while admiring the colors.

A WIP

Oh how I love spinning. This is on its way to becoming 2 ply sock yarn.

This week the new STR club will ship. I was not at all excited until I figured out that there will be something from the new Ravens line in there. Now I can not wait!

This week will also bring a Loopy Ewe order, a Dragon Fibers order, probably the new Spunky Fiber Club order and possibly a set of Harmony needles. The cherry on top? Husband heads out of town Thursday morning. That means a totally fiber filled weekend. I hope the kids have plans because I will be busy.

fires

2007-10-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

We are originally from San Diego. We have family and friends still there and things do not look good. Some of them have already been evacuated, the ones who live outside the city. As of now the city proper is safe. But all of Michael's brothers and his mom live on a canyon. I am checking the web updates frequently. I let them know if they need to get out they should head this way. There is always room for more.

There were fires the last summer we lived in So Cal. Whenever you were outside there was ash drifting all around you. It was so sad to think that this is what is left of peoples homes.

The first time I remember that experience I was young, 10ish. The sky was grey and the ash covered the ground.

Cross your fingers. Those people need some luck right now.

dragon fibers

2007-10-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

For the spinners out there...Dragon Fibers has just restocked her site. Her stuff is a joy to spin. Keep your hands off the Spooky, it is all mine! OK, she'll make you more if you ask.

Tonight I was at the computer, working on schools for Youngest Daughter when I heard Youngest Son ask Husband where I was. Husband replied, "She is in her cube." This made me laugh. I never thought of my work space as a cube. I feel like I have it pretty good. My desk is large, in front of a glass wall, and has a view of the Puget Sound. Then it occurred to me that Husband also has a desk with a glass wall, on the 13th floor with a view. We are both pretty damn lucky.

The school search is winding down and doing well. The local high school (nickname Edmonds Weedway) is coming along. We have some on the street interviews to conduct, it all looks good at this point.

The saddest news of the day? I broke a needle. My long time friends, the set I have made more socks with than I can count. It is tragic. Not in the grand scheme of things, but it feels tragic for me. These needles have been with me for years. I love them. They have made an embarrassing large number of socks.

Last night I placed an order with Loopy Ewe. This afternoon I emailed Sheri asking her to throw a set of #2 needles into my box. SO sad.

There is knitting progress. Tomorrow there will be pictures.

why is it so hard?

2007-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling is WAY easier than dealing with the government school bureaucracy. OMG it is insane! Everything we have looked at and tried is painfully out of reach. Yeah they talk a good game, "school choice". HA! It is like that line in Cinderella when the stepmother says ,"I said IF." With the if being something that can not be obtained. Oh, and it turns out that an enrollment for the fall of 2008 should have been begun in January of 2007. Deer in the headlights.

OK, time to shake it off for the morning.

Husband's Log Cabin Socks are done. Yipee! I guess I did not save the picture. Rememebr the picture of the first finished sock? The second one looks just like it.

Husband also requested more brown socks.

This is truer to the actual color. Shibui feels very much like Koigu. It is easy to knit without looking and the colors are gorgeous. I will use it again.

This shows the nice color variations.

This shows the pattern and texture. Notice that one cable with an extra row? Yeah, me too. Husband will not notice so I knit on. The leg is worked as Father and Son socks from Interweave Knits (spring of 2005?), the foot is worked plain. I will finish the sock with a round toe. Husband has big feet and I have noticed that some yarns pull tight across is toes when I Kitchner them.

I bought Trekking bamboo for the light brown socks.

I am looking forward to knitting with this yarn. Have you tried it yet?

The Jayne hat is flying along. Easily finished over the next few mornings.

That leaves the Dragon Scarf for holiday knitting. Now that is good news!

Last evening I ordered a set of the Knit Pick Harmony DP's. A few weeks ago I tried to order a couple of pairs to try but they were not available. So instead of waiting for this and that size to come in I just picked up the whole set. They are backordered untill the 22nd. That is not at all unreasonable. If I hate them they will go right up on ebay.

gifts and al gore

2007-10-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

When I heard that Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize, Laurie is the first person I thought of! I smiled all the way through her post and then felt a little sad, because I wish I had a family like hers. Full of brothers and cousins and people in cowboy hats having a good time and enjoying being with each other.

My family is small. No brothers or sisters. No standing around posing for pictures. No sharing a bottle of wine. I really wish I had a strong connection to a family.

Luckily Husband has a big family, and we got right busy about making a big family of our own. No matter what, my kids will have each other. It is the best gift they will ever receive.

time marches on

2007-10-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here is some non-knitting content.

We are a homeschooling family. The older kids have been homeschooling since elementary school. The youngest was not yet born when we decided our kids would no longer go to school. While I understand that this is not an option for everyone, it has been great for our family.

Oldest Daughter homeschooled through 10th grade. In what would have been her Junior year of high school she began college. Oldest Son homeschooled through 9th grade and then discovered an online high school that fits him like a glove. They offer a rigorous course load that works well with his baseball schedule. Both of the kids test off the charts, and are way smarter than I can ever hope to be.

Now it is Youngest Daughter's turn. She is looking forward to high school in the fall of 2008. As much as she is looking forward to going to school, she does not want to attend the local high school, which has thousands of kids. All of the high schools in our district have thousands of kids. So I began a search. We live in a major metropolitan area, I am willing to provide transportation and would consider a private school. Youngest Daughter is looking for a small school with a naturalist/environmental program and prefers not to do parochial. This is a broad list when coupled with a city/area of our size. I have been searching for months. Can I find anything that works? No. So we changed our requirements. Small is the biggest thing for her. Using that we came up with a small school that operates out of THE central city location. It has an arts focus. Arts she can do. She is a dancer, painter and photographer. I will give them a call in the morning and arrange a visit. I do all of this with a heavy heart. I know it is the best thing for her. This is what I keep at the top of my mind. But my life will change. I will be on the road driving her to and from school everyday. I will be volunteering and committing to a school. There will be school lunches, and functions, and school spirit days, and all sorts of things I was so happy to close the door on all those years ago when we became homeschoolers. I am happy for her. She is smart and gorgeous and people flock to her. I am sad for me and my freedom. Yeah, I will get over it.

ravelry radar

2007-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

I just found a cool thing on Ravelry. From the front page click on Forums, then click on Radar. It shows every post to the site as it happens. Completely random stuff. Surprisingly hypnotic.

clutter is bad

2007-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

I guess the first thing you need to know, is that I do not do clutter. All horizontal surfaces in my house are clear, the counter tops are empty,(yes, empty), the bed is always made. I own 1 knick-knack

I did not plan it, it happened. There are 3 plants in the house. I did not buy them, they were gifts with history attached, so they get to live. Art is totally different from knick-knacks. Art has a home here.

If I walk into a room and the kids shoes are scattered about, and the newspapers are spread all over, and there are dishes on the table...that is bad. That must be picked up before I can even think about flopping on the couch to knit. Although I seem to be OK with Lego's, go figure. It is inconceivable to me to relax now and pick up later. How can people relax when there are piles of stuff everywhere? I just do not understand. If I sit on the couch to knit and I look across a dining room table with a finished plate and a tossed aside book, how can I be expected to turn away and begin knitting? There is no way that would ever happen. I need a clear surface before my calm returns. Do I need a spotless kitchen floor and sparkling windows? No, it is the clutter I can not deal with.

There is a psychiatrist out there that knows exactly why I do these things. It is all a mystery to me.

OK, so now that you know this you will understand why I had to take the cutting shears to my Ravelry notebook. Groups, I belonged to a gajillion. I realized that there were only a few I checked regularly and I unjoined the rest. Friends too. I actually felt more than a little guilt about clicking the x under a friends pic, but really, if I am not reading their blogs or checking on on them at least once a week, then they need to go. Yes it is harsh, but I am what I am and I can not stand the clutter.

If you ever need someone to clean out your garage, rent a dumpster and I am on it!

level 2

2007-10-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

I brought a cold back from camp. :-( So far it is not too bad, just annoying as hell.

While I was away an order from Messie arrived. I ordered 3 of her ultra fabulous socks bags. 2 are for gifts, one is all mine. I love it!

The skeletons have a touch of glitter and the toggle glows in the dark. Messie has another one on her site, but it does not have this cool inside.

I can not say enough good things about these bags. I now have 3 in action. Each project gets its own bag. It is so easy to grab a bag on my way out the door. This time of year much of my knitting is stealth knitting and having everything tucked away is nice.

Much progress was made on the Dragon Scarf this weekend. No picture, my "little" guy is up and about. The first Log Cabin Sock for Husband was finished during yesterday afternoon's dance class.

Yeah its big, its not for me.

The Log Cabin Socks for me? Frogged. The pattern was lost in the yarn and the yarn was a bit to small for the pattern. The yarn is so lovely on its own that it has become a pair of plain ribbed socks. I am at the gusset of the first sock.

Right before I left for camp we learned that a Level 2 Sex Offender is now living a stone's throw from the house. The website does not list his whole address, just 6XX and the street. Well that street is the major street through town and most houses have been turned into business or torn town for $500,000+ condos. On the block listed there are 5 rental houses. 3 on the far side of the street and 2 on this side. The two on this side back up to the houses across the street from us. I am hoping the mailman will tell me what house he is in. I also hope it is a house on the far side of the street. I am not planning to make a stink, people need places to live, but the more information we have the better. The kids have all seen his picture. I am trying to find out all that I can about his conviction. I will send an email out to my lawyer buddy this morning and see what she can dig up. OY!

whistle the "snoopy theme"

2007-10-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I am going to camp. Not in charge of anything. I feel like Snoopy doing the happy dance.

This weekend is Fall Encampment. This is where MANY girls from our service unit attend camp for 3 days. They camp, hike, canoe, sing songs, that sort of thing. I have, in the past taken troops to encampment. It is such a wonderful experience for the girls. For me, not so much. It is probably raining and more than a little cold. I have done it all for the girls.

This year I am attending as an adult, without girls. Sleeping inside and staying up way too late (or early, depending on your point of view) playing cards and goofing off.

Youngest Daughter and Best Friend have planned and will run the encampment workshop. They put together an entire day of Egypt Unearthed. The hours spent planning are too many to count. They will be running approximately 150 Brownies and Juniors through their programs. This project is happening for their Silver Award. I really wanted to pop in and watch, but did not want to camp outside, in the probable rain. I was thinking I would take the ferry over for the day. It makes for a long day, but I really wanted to see them in action. The adult unit is so much better. Food, cards, laughter and knitting. Possibly a stroll around camp to get the blood flowing.
The only downside to this weekend is that I will miss the Fleece Artist trunk show and the LYS. Local wine, cheese AND Fleece Artist. Now that is a dream evening. I contacted the LYS and they let me know they would be setting up all day Friday and that I was invited to come take a peak. I need to go. I hope I can pick up some rovings.

This is what I am bringing to knit...the pictures are not great, but you get the idea...

Log Cabin socks for Husband

Dragon scarf for Youngest Son

This is the project I really need to finish. Because Youngest Son is always in house with me it is hard to find stealth knitting time. It would feel great to come home with only stealth blocking left to complete.

Log Cabin socks for me

I can not imagine finishing the other 2 projects, this is "just in case".

I also packed some spinning. But spinning is not a social activity for me, so it will probably only come out of the bag if I get some time in the woods.

fave beans and chianti

2007-10-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Oldest Daughter's birthday was a couple of weeks ago and she received balloons from Orthodontist. The regular balloons lasted a day, but the mylar version was going strong and still tied to the dining room chair. Last night I needed the chair to wind yarn so I cut it loose. This morning I am laying in bed trying to figure out what that freaky noise is. It sounds like the sucking sound the bad guy in Silence Of The Lambs makes. You, know the one that follows the fava beans and Chianti line. Anyway, I am trying not to panic, We turned the heater on yesterday, maybe the heater is making noises? Then I see the silhouette of the balloon as it is scraping along the ceiling. It was pretty funny. The balloon is out a here.

What a productive weekend, knitting wise. I did indeed get Husband's Retro Bib socks done. No picture available, he wore them to work this morning. On Friday I said out loud that I really wanted to finish his socks this weekend. I was tired of working on them and ready for something new. Because I had just begun the heel flap I did not really believe they wold get done, just that I really wanted to move along with them. Last night I grafted the toe! Thank you rain.

I immediately wound the Fleece Artist from my swap buddy and managed to knit up a few rows before heading to bed.

I am not sure of the color. Forest or Cosmic Dawn, maybe. The Log Cabin Sock pattern is written for a worsted weight yarn. I am making these for myself using the pattern as written for a mans size and adding 4 stitches. I added a k1,p1 at the beginning of the pattern repeat. That gives me 60 stitches on #2's. Should be perfect. LOVE the yarn.

This week my knitting and I will spend much time in waiting rooms. 3 dance lessons, an Orthodontist appt and probably 2 Oral Surgeon visits. Woo Hoo! (Why does spell check let Woo slide, but highlight Hoo?)

i'm a groopie

2007-09-29T20:40:00.001-07:00

I spent the morning at the Council Delegate meeting. As of October 1st we will be Girl Scouts of Western Washington. 2 councils become one. A truly historic event, and I am proud that I was a part of it. I imagine it is a memory that I will share for many years to come.

When I arrived home there was a box from Loopy Ewe. I had ordered a pattern and 1 skein of Fleece Artist. This was a big box, not the size box that would fit my order. Yes, I am aware that this was order number 6 and that it contained my Loopy Groopy goodies, but this was a big box. I tore it open and WOW! I will not spoil the surprise, but I will encourage you to become a Groopie yourself ASAP. Be sure to tell 'em I sent you.

Oh and here is the Fleece Artist I ordered.

Oh my. The colorway is Mermaid. Fleece Artist is now my very favorite sock yarn. I have knit 2 pairs with Sea Wool, have 1 more skein of Sea Wool stashed and 2 skeins of Merino that are next in the queue. I still love Dream In Color Smooshy, but after holding the last 2 skeins of Fleece Artist, they are my very favorite!

Husband's socks have passed the gusset on sock #2. They need to get done by the end of weekend so that I can cast on the Fleece Artist my swap buddy sent.

oh my

2007-09-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I have not been doing much knitting the past few days. It has been all spinning all the time. I seem to be a bit obsessed and can feel myself sliding down the slippery slope that leads to dyeing.

Here are a couple of rovings that arrived this week.

I am not sure what this braid and next are made of. The bag says 62% Australian Merino Top. Well, what else is in there? I would really like to know. It is spinning up quite differently than the 100% wool I have worked with in the past. This has shorter fibers and wants a LOT of twist. It would be a nice learning tool, if I knew what I was learning.

This is what I have been working on. No before picture. It went right from mailbox to spindle.

I do need to get back to knitting. Especially the brown socks for Husband. Why? Because I need the needles so that I can start this.

Oh my. Can you believe those colors. It is Fleece Artist and was part of a music & yarn swap. Mariposa spoiled me with this beautiful yarn, a great cd and lots of goodies from Canada. I can not wait to get started.

Tomorrow may provide lots of knitting time. I will be heading south for a Girl Scout Council meeting. We will be voting to merge councils. It is a big deal. Lots of changes ahead for all of us.

Oh, and last but not least.

September's Spunky Eclectic fiber selection. Merino & Tencel. Beautiful. I need to practice with merino/tencel before I dare to spin this beauty.

baby knitting

2007-09-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was at a meeting and had the chance to try a new kind of tea. It was yummy and I went looking for it at the local grocery store. I found something similar, but a different brand. So that is what I have been drinking the past 2 days. This morning, as I was pouring hot water over the bag the tag fell into the pot. In fishing it out I see that it says "decaffeinated". ACK! How did I manage to do that? That explains so much about the past couple of days. I will be replacing it with the high octane variety at the earliest possible moment.

Last night one of Youngest Daughter's dance teachers told her she was pregnant. This is very exciting. Yeah, they get a new baby and all that, but for me it means that come spring I will be knitting wee baby things. Oh how I love knitting we baby things.

When my children were little I did not know how to knit. I did not know how to cook or clean either, but that is another post. So when people around me have babies it is very exciting.

Those of you who have little people running around your house probably do not get this. You enjoy making little sweaters for your children, blankies, socks and what not. Not imagining there will be a day when that cute little foot will grow to a size 12. And I do not mean toddler size 12, I mean big smelly man sized 12. Not only do socks for teenagers take a major time investment, there is always a 50/50 chance that they will throw them into the washer and dryer after the first wear. Knitting for young adults is not something to do lightly. 3/4 of my kids are teenagers, on their way off to college, one right after the other. I have years ahead of me before a teeny tiny little foot comes into the house. I am in that limbo stage. That limbo stage still needs babies to knit for. That is why those of us in it present you with handknit baby gifts above and beyond the call of duty. We can not help ourselves, be gentle with us.

stick a fork in 'em

2007-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

They are done. The Mariner Socks that I did not want to knit.

The only reason I finished them now, instead of putting it off until the week before Hanukkah, is because they were my UFO for the Ravely group Pens and Needles challenge. I can not find the ball band, which is unfortunate because I hate this yarn and hope never to meet it again. The splitiest thing ever made. Bamboo has nothing on this stuff. The plus side is that Oldest Son is going to LOVE them.

Now that those are done I get to cast on this.

It is just 220, but the red is so red. They will become Log Cabin Socks for Husband's Hanukkah present. Gorgeous.

And spinning, do not forget the spinning.

MMMM Candy Corn.

what i did today :-(

2007-09-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for the stupid thing I did today?

I finished spinning the DragonFibers Candy Corn. Really lovely fiber, can't wait to spin more. I spun it, wound it onto the niddy noddy and then put it into the sink for a soak. See anything missing here? Once in the sink I swished it around, pushed out the air bubbles and then walked away to let it rest. Anyone, anyone? I picked up the yarn , squeezed out the water and plopped in onto a towel. As I picked it up it hit me. I did not tie the skein before I took it off the niddy noddy!! AH! How could I be so stupid? Stupid, stupid , stupid! I did the best I could to straighten things out. It is resting. Me too.

To add insult to injury, I am ready to buy these, click to chose my size, no, not in my size. GGRR

pay it forward

2007-09-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Kinda like tag with shiny things.

"It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange. It’s based on the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. You all know I’m already a PIF type of person. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I will now Pay It Forward to you THREE, I wonder who you will be?!Please, be a PIF!"

I signed up on the Yarn Goddess blog as one of her three people. In return, I have promised to make a gift for the first three people who leave a comment on this blog. Those people, in return, then have to post on their blogs what I have just posted here and make a gift for the first three people who leave a comment on their blogs. It will just keep growing and going around. I thought it sounded terrific, so here it is! Please consider doing this. Your gifts for the people who comment on your blog do not have to be big or elaborate, but they do have to be hand-crafted and made with love. That's it! If you choose to do this, please go over to Whimsical Knitting and take one of the buttons for your blog so people know you're participating.

This is going to be fun.