I disappeared there for a while again - sorry about that! I think I'm back for good, but we shall see what happens. At any rate, I've decided that I miss the posting titles as song lyrics, so that's back too.
Hope everyone is enjoying this sunshine-y day! The first of many I hope.
With my beautiful spring day I decided to make a trip to the yarn store. You know, 'cause who doesn't want to spend a lovely spring day buying a crap-ton of merino wool. The obvious choice, don't you think? So here's what I got:
7 skeins of Sublime in Color 0019: Waterleaf to test knit this beauty
5 skeins Jojoland Melody in Color MS26 to knit a Swirl Shawl for my mom's birthday
And a few buttons for a Shalom cardigan that I'm almost finished with.
Pictures coming soon - if I can find my camera under all this yarn!
4.17.2009
3.27.2009
Squid and Ink
Sweater, what sweater?
Maybe I can distract you with some yummy socks! Sorry for the crappy picture. I had to go to the post office today and by the time I got back the sun was gone. But, if you look closely you can see a tiny part of Wicked on the left edge of the photo. FYI the body is done, now it's just the sleeves to go.
Specs:
Pattern: Squid by MamaBlue
Needles: US 1 1/2
Yarn: Mama Blue Troika Sock in Ink
Pattern Notes: Great pattern! Easy to follow, but not mind-numbingly boring. I had only just discovered Mama Blue when the original Squid and Ink kits came out, so I missed out on them. Luckily, I was able to snag the highly-sought-after Ink in Troika Sock recently, so I gave it a go. It's kind of a bonus that I missed out on the original, because the kit included the simple merino yarn and I'm an MCN girl myself.
There was a time when I swore off of buying sock patterns. Mostly because there are so many that are free and I also have a crapton of knitting books, many of which have some quality sock patterns in them. However, I couldn't resist this one, and I think these are calling to me for my next pair. In fact, I may have already gone ahead on bought it. Ravelry is too good of an enabler. Grr. But it is almost my birthday, so it's ok, right?
Maybe I can distract you with some yummy socks! Sorry for the crappy picture. I had to go to the post office today and by the time I got back the sun was gone. But, if you look closely you can see a tiny part of Wicked on the left edge of the photo. FYI the body is done, now it's just the sleeves to go.
Specs:
Pattern: Squid by MamaBlue
Needles: US 1 1/2
Yarn: Mama Blue Troika Sock in Ink
Pattern Notes: Great pattern! Easy to follow, but not mind-numbingly boring. I had only just discovered Mama Blue when the original Squid and Ink kits came out, so I missed out on them. Luckily, I was able to snag the highly-sought-after Ink in Troika Sock recently, so I gave it a go. It's kind of a bonus that I missed out on the original, because the kit included the simple merino yarn and I'm an MCN girl myself.
There was a time when I swore off of buying sock patterns. Mostly because there are so many that are free and I also have a crapton of knitting books, many of which have some quality sock patterns in them. However, I couldn't resist this one, and I think these are calling to me for my next pair. In fact, I may have already gone ahead on bought it. Ravelry is too good of an enabler. Grr. But it is almost my birthday, so it's ok, right?
3.19.2009
Oops!
I have been making impressive progress on Wicked. I started it on Saturday and last night I pretty much finished the main body of it. Up next is the pocket. So, I scrounged around looking for the US7 straight needles only to discover that they have been chewed on. That's right, chewed on. And not by me. I have vague recollections of a visit from a friend and her puppy, resulting in knitting disaster.
I've tried sanding down the needle in question and the yarn is still snagging on it. I think I will have to borrow some needles or buy new ones. In the meantime, it seems that something new jumped onto my needles this morning.
I was really trying hard to be a one-project-at-a-time kind of knitter, but it seems that this is just not to be. Alas, I suppose I will suffer through some Squid Socks in Mama Blue Troika Ink. It's rough, I know, but I'll try to get through it.
I've tried sanding down the needle in question and the yarn is still snagging on it. I think I will have to borrow some needles or buy new ones. In the meantime, it seems that something new jumped onto my needles this morning.
I was really trying hard to be a one-project-at-a-time kind of knitter, but it seems that this is just not to be. Alas, I suppose I will suffer through some Squid Socks in Mama Blue Troika Ink. It's rough, I know, but I'll try to get through it.
3.16.2009
I'm back!
So, it's been quite a while, but at long last I am back. Miss me?
Besides revamping the blog, here's what I've been up to lately. Check it out - my own store! I haven't made any sales yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I have a whole pile of new things to put up in the shop, but I have to take some more photos before I can do that.
I've also been consumed by this lately:
It's Wicked. I've been dreaming about this sweater for years and finally decided to just go for it. Now that I've done about 1/3 of it, I'm already thinking about making a cardigan version like this one. Haven't decided on a color yet. Suggestions are welcome!
Besides revamping the blog, here's what I've been up to lately. Check it out - my own store! I haven't made any sales yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I have a whole pile of new things to put up in the shop, but I have to take some more photos before I can do that.
I've also been consumed by this lately:
It's Wicked. I've been dreaming about this sweater for years and finally decided to just go for it. Now that I've done about 1/3 of it, I'm already thinking about making a cardigan version like this one. Haven't decided on a color yet. Suggestions are welcome!
5.23.2007
Even if things get heavy we'll all float on
I got tagged by Helena for seven things about me, but I've actually already done that one. No worries, I've decided to change it to 7 Exciting Things That Make Me Smile. As things continue to go well over here at Chéz Griffin, I don't think this will be all that hard. Let's see:
1. Yesterday I got my invite to Ravelry , and I just can't stop playing around with it. I think I'm going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome from all of the computer time I'm logging these days. I hope I don't have to take a knitting break due to sore wrists. Today I realized I have a message box over there and inside it was a hello from Eleanor ! She's now my first Ravelry friend - yay!
2. There are less than 20 days of school left. While I'll miss my school, I'm so happy to be moving on. These last few weeks will be really tough, knowing the excitement of what's coming next!
3. I have had some yucky dentist issues of late, and after three Wednesdays in a row of getting all novacained-up and having work done, I am now dentist free for the next six months! Yay!
4. I'm still in the midst of packing up my entire apartment. So far I have 13 full boxes, 2 extra thick trash bags, and 1 very large suitcase all set to go. In addition, I have 4 1/2 bags of clothing/shoes to donate to charity, 2 bags of books that are ready to move on (used bookstores and library donations), 1 bag of books to go back to school, and approximately 6 bags of apartment trash. It's coming along, but there's a lot left to do. The thing that makes me smile about it is the fact that I finally have a good reason to get rid of stuff. I've been in this apartment for 3 years now, and that's a new record for me. I've accumulated quite a bit of crap in that time, and it's time to say goodbye to a lot of it.
5. Hehe, Socks that Rock yarn is abundant in my stash. After starting in on cataloguing my stash for Ravelry, I've realized that I have nine unused skeins of the stuff. Yum! Much of that is due to the recent acquisition seen below:
Then of course there is the April sock club yarn:
6. I'm going to Harvard!
7. I'm going to Harvard!
Ok, I cheated at the end there, but that was a lot of things, don't you think? I think I did pretty good. Plus, Harvard counts for AT LEAST two, if not three or four, on a list of things that make me happy.
Previous Title: Dave Matthews Band, "Monkey Man"
1. Yesterday I got my invite to Ravelry , and I just can't stop playing around with it. I think I'm going to end up with carpal tunnel syndrome from all of the computer time I'm logging these days. I hope I don't have to take a knitting break due to sore wrists. Today I realized I have a message box over there and inside it was a hello from Eleanor ! She's now my first Ravelry friend - yay!
2. There are less than 20 days of school left. While I'll miss my school, I'm so happy to be moving on. These last few weeks will be really tough, knowing the excitement of what's coming next!
3. I have had some yucky dentist issues of late, and after three Wednesdays in a row of getting all novacained-up and having work done, I am now dentist free for the next six months! Yay!
4. I'm still in the midst of packing up my entire apartment. So far I have 13 full boxes, 2 extra thick trash bags, and 1 very large suitcase all set to go. In addition, I have 4 1/2 bags of clothing/shoes to donate to charity, 2 bags of books that are ready to move on (used bookstores and library donations), 1 bag of books to go back to school, and approximately 6 bags of apartment trash. It's coming along, but there's a lot left to do. The thing that makes me smile about it is the fact that I finally have a good reason to get rid of stuff. I've been in this apartment for 3 years now, and that's a new record for me. I've accumulated quite a bit of crap in that time, and it's time to say goodbye to a lot of it.
5. Hehe, Socks that Rock yarn is abundant in my stash. After starting in on cataloguing my stash for Ravelry, I've realized that I have nine unused skeins of the stuff. Yum! Much of that is due to the recent acquisition seen below:
Then of course there is the April sock club yarn:
6. I'm going to Harvard!
7. I'm going to Harvard!
Ok, I cheated at the end there, but that was a lot of things, don't you think? I think I did pretty good. Plus, Harvard counts for AT LEAST two, if not three or four, on a list of things that make me happy.
Previous Title: Dave Matthews Band, "Monkey Man"
5.21.2007
The lucky one's going to get it all
I'm glad you all liked the baby bear sweater as much as I do! Baby Griffin will definately be getting one of those. In addition, I've been frogging some old items and have consequently added to my stash. I have about 6 skeins of this yummy Sirdar Snuggly Domino.
It's clearly designated for Baby G, but what will it become? I have this pattern for it, but I'm not sure how I'll like it in this colorway. Still thinking on that one . . .
There's also some pink cotton yarn that I think is Classic Elite Premiere and some light blue cotton (maybe Tahki Cotton Classic?) for when the baby is actually born. Although both may become sweaters for my friends' twins.
Talk about planning ahead on projects! Sheesh! I better speed up on my current projects. The Dollar and a Half cardi is about 70¢ along, and my bandwagon scarf (can you guess which one?) is about halfway there. Pics of both coming soon.
Previous title: The Beatles, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
It's clearly designated for Baby G, but what will it become? I have this pattern for it, but I'm not sure how I'll like it in this colorway. Still thinking on that one . . .
There's also some pink cotton yarn that I think is Classic Elite Premiere and some light blue cotton (maybe Tahki Cotton Classic?) for when the baby is actually born. Although both may become sweaters for my friends' twins.
Talk about planning ahead on projects! Sheesh! I better speed up on my current projects. The Dollar and a Half cardi is about 70¢ along, and my bandwagon scarf (can you guess which one?) is about halfway there. Pics of both coming soon.
Previous title: The Beatles, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
5.20.2007
With a couple of kids running in the yard . . .
News! I have news! My brother and his wife are going to have a baby! Courtney's due in November. They've decided to wait it out and let the sex of the baby be a surprise, which is great for them, but kind of sucky for an anxious and over-excited knitter. Still, I think the idea of letting it be a surprise is kinda cool too. So, who's got suggestions on their favorite gender-less baby patterns? I'm thinking this is the perfect excuse for the Debbie Bliss teddy bear cardigan that I have always loved.
Also, I have a collection of rainbow colored leftovers of Tahki Cotton Classic - maybe a cute baby item? All ideas are much appreciated.
Before I say goodbye for today I also want to thank both Johanna and Helena for their really sweet words of encouragement and support. I'm still working on staying cheery, but lately things are good.
Previous title: Our Lady Peace, "Innocent"
Also, I have a collection of rainbow colored leftovers of Tahki Cotton Classic - maybe a cute baby item? All ideas are much appreciated.
Before I say goodbye for today I also want to thank both Johanna and Helena for their really sweet words of encouragement and support. I'm still working on staying cheery, but lately things are good.
Previous title: Our Lady Peace, "Innocent"
5.14.2007
I remember feeling low
Hello there. It's been a long while. Since the last post, so much has happened in my life - almost all of it has been good news. But the thing is, I've been in a bit of a slump lately. I don't know why or what it's all been about, but I just haven't been able to shake the feeling. It feels stupid and selfish given all that's been going right for me lately and yet I can't seem to get over myself and just be happy. I think maybe I'm not used to feeling like things are going my way and that idea kinda scares the shit out of me. It's not like things have ever been particularly difficult in comparison to what most people's lives are like, and it's certianly not like I have any right to compain. But for a long time now, that's just the way I've been feeling. Maybe I'm waiting for the bottom to fall out (is that even the right metaphor?). I've certainly been having my share of nightmares of things going wrong. There was one about finding out that my apartment didn't go through because they wanted a $30,000 security deposit that I wasn't willing to give. Sure, it could happen. Even more believable is the one about the tadpoles that we were caring for in my classroom. I walked in and they had sprouted wings and were flying around the room. Clearly possible. My personal favorite and most recent is a dream about showing up at Harvard and finding out that they never got my response to accept the offer of admission. I swear no drugs have been involved in creating this dreams.
At any rate, and perhaps most importantly, today things have been different. It was a beautiful sunny day, not too hot and not too cold. The sky was one of those Magritte paintings with the white fluffly clouds against a soft blue background - I love when the clouds do that. I left school happy today. I went to Whole Foods for some groceries - still happy, and I HATE going grocery shopping. I got home and finally did some packing. I can't tell you how long I've been trying to make some progress in packing my apartment, but today I feel like I finally did. I made a solid effort in the bedroom (that sounds so dirty) and packed up a good portion of the closets as well as a bureau. I even got rid of four trash bags of unused stuff (three for donations and one real trash). Pretty good, no?
For the life of me, I'm still not 100% sure of what's been up with me lately but I'm glad things seem to be turning around. I'll try to keep on looking for that silver lining.
Previous title: Death Cab for Cutie, "Soul Meets Body"
At any rate, and perhaps most importantly, today things have been different. It was a beautiful sunny day, not too hot and not too cold. The sky was one of those Magritte paintings with the white fluffly clouds against a soft blue background - I love when the clouds do that. I left school happy today. I went to Whole Foods for some groceries - still happy, and I HATE going grocery shopping. I got home and finally did some packing. I can't tell you how long I've been trying to make some progress in packing my apartment, but today I feel like I finally did. I made a solid effort in the bedroom (that sounds so dirty) and packed up a good portion of the closets as well as a bureau. I even got rid of four trash bags of unused stuff (three for donations and one real trash). Pretty good, no?
For the life of me, I'm still not 100% sure of what's been up with me lately but I'm glad things seem to be turning around. I'll try to keep on looking for that silver lining.
Previous title: Death Cab for Cutie, "Soul Meets Body"
4.10.2007
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
I'm off to Paris on Friday for April vacation (a perk of being a Massachusetts teacher), so this will likely be my last post until I get back. I was puzzling over what to leave you with while I was driving home from work today and listening to my new iPod playlist when BAM it hit me. How about my new iPod playlist? In anticipation of an 8 hour flight, I figured some new tunes were in order. Here's what I'm listening to these days:
1. Hurricane - Bob Dylan
No real reason. I downloaded this one a while ago and never listen to it because it's not on any of my other playlists, so I stuck it first in line.
2. Memory (Acoustic) - Sugar Cult
3. Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
4. Better Than - John Butler Trio
I just love this song. It makes me smiley and happy.
5. Sell the Lie - The Damnwells
6. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
I thought I had outgrown Snow Patrol, but this song gets better each time I listen to it.
7. Suddnely I See - KT Tunstall
8. Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
9. Juicy - Better Than Ezra
Now that I've realized this song is in the latest Chili's commercial (I think it's Chili's anyway), it's a bit less appealing. Not quite ready to take it off the list yet, however.
10. It Don't Matter - Donovan Frankenreiter
11. Three More Days - Ray LaMontagne
12. Draive Away - Matt Perrone
13. She's Gonna Rise - Citizen Cope & Santana
This song is me in so many ways that I just can't even begin to explain here. It just seems to fit in my life in so many ways lately, particularly the chorus.
14. Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids
15. The Way We Get By - Spoon
16. Moment - Gran Bel Fisher
17. The Guy That Says Goodbye to You - Griffin House
An inkling of country, which I generally can't listen to, but this song is fabulous.
18. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
I was done with this one for a while, but now that it's not so overplayed I kinda like it again.
19. The Dark of the Matinee - Franz Ferdinand
20. Let Me Go - Sonya Kitchell
21. Work It Out - Jurassic 5 featuring Dave Matthews Band
So very un-DMB that I just really dig it.
22. Nothing Left to Lose - Matt Kearney
23. I Know I'm Not Alone - Michael Franti & Spearhead
24. Smile - Lily Allen
25. For Us - Pete Yorn
26. Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
Another warm fuzzy song for me.
27. Face Down (Acoustic) - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
After making this mix, I realized this song is on it twice. Oops! I really like both versions and can't decide which to get rid of, so I figured that there is room enough for both. I mean, really, the playlist is almost two hours long, so I can deal with hearing a song more than once.
28. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
29. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
I wonder when I last made a mix that DIDN'T have a Jack White song on it.
30. Mad World - Michael Andrews & Gary Jules
Bonus points if you know who did the original. Googling is totally cheating.
Those who really pay attention will find today's post title in one of the above.
So know that you know all of my recent musical purchases, I'm wondering what you are listening to these days. Care to share? I'm always looking for something new.
Previous Title: Dave Matthews Band, "What Would You Say?"
1. Hurricane - Bob Dylan
No real reason. I downloaded this one a while ago and never listen to it because it's not on any of my other playlists, so I stuck it first in line.
2. Memory (Acoustic) - Sugar Cult
3. Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
4. Better Than - John Butler Trio
I just love this song. It makes me smiley and happy.
5. Sell the Lie - The Damnwells
6. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
I thought I had outgrown Snow Patrol, but this song gets better each time I listen to it.
7. Suddnely I See - KT Tunstall
8. Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
9. Juicy - Better Than Ezra
Now that I've realized this song is in the latest Chili's commercial (I think it's Chili's anyway), it's a bit less appealing. Not quite ready to take it off the list yet, however.
10. It Don't Matter - Donovan Frankenreiter
11. Three More Days - Ray LaMontagne
12. Draive Away - Matt Perrone
13. She's Gonna Rise - Citizen Cope & Santana
This song is me in so many ways that I just can't even begin to explain here. It just seems to fit in my life in so many ways lately, particularly the chorus.
14. Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids
15. The Way We Get By - Spoon
16. Moment - Gran Bel Fisher
17. The Guy That Says Goodbye to You - Griffin House
An inkling of country, which I generally can't listen to, but this song is fabulous.
18. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
I was done with this one for a while, but now that it's not so overplayed I kinda like it again.
19. The Dark of the Matinee - Franz Ferdinand
20. Let Me Go - Sonya Kitchell
21. Work It Out - Jurassic 5 featuring Dave Matthews Band
So very un-DMB that I just really dig it.
22. Nothing Left to Lose - Matt Kearney
23. I Know I'm Not Alone - Michael Franti & Spearhead
24. Smile - Lily Allen
25. For Us - Pete Yorn
26. Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
Another warm fuzzy song for me.
27. Face Down (Acoustic) - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
After making this mix, I realized this song is on it twice. Oops! I really like both versions and can't decide which to get rid of, so I figured that there is room enough for both. I mean, really, the playlist is almost two hours long, so I can deal with hearing a song more than once.
28. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
29. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
I wonder when I last made a mix that DIDN'T have a Jack White song on it.
30. Mad World - Michael Andrews & Gary Jules
Bonus points if you know who did the original. Googling is totally cheating.
Those who really pay attention will find today's post title in one of the above.
So know that you know all of my recent musical purchases, I'm wondering what you are listening to these days. Care to share? I'm always looking for something new.
Previous Title: Dave Matthews Band, "What Would You Say?"
4.06.2007
Mom, it's my birthday
Well, it's my blogiversary anyway. My birthday was last weekend. So, a year later. I guess things are very different now than they were a year ago. I'm leaving my job and going back to school. Moving to the other side of the river. Hmm. That's all I can think of that's different. Big things though, don't you think?
At any rate, I've been quiet here for a while, so I have quite a few things to show you. How about a few pairs of socks to celebrate the occasion?
First, up, a finally finished pair of Jaywalkers. The first sock predates this blog, maybe by as much as a year.
Specs: Jaywalker Socks from Magknits - is a link really necessary at this point?
Needles: US 1 (2.25mm)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock in Jeans colorway
Pattern Notes: Seriously folks? They're Jaywalkers. I don't think I need to expand on that. I would like to mention, however, that if you decide to knit one sock and then wait a year and a half to knit the second, take copious notes people. Really it's the needle size I'm talking about. I guess there is a huge difference in gauge between knitting with dpns and knitting with two circular needles. I restarted the second sock three times before I got the right gauge. Maybe that's not so much of a "taking notes" problem as it is a "don't be a dumbass" problem. Probably should have realized what was going on much quicker than I did. At any rate, stick a fork in these bad boys, because they are FINALLY done.
Up next, my Mad Cow socks from Sock Madness. It really didn't take me this long to complete them, I just fell off the edge of the Earth for a little while, like say the past month. I finished them a few days after the masses did. Considering how late I started this race, I'd say that's pretty good.
Specs: Mad Cow socks from Sock Madness
Needles: US 1 (2.5mm)
Yarn: Koigu KPM in brown (number anyone?) and KPPM in pinkish (P30857)
Pattern Notes: A fun pattern, but I'm not sure what went on with the heels. I ended up with these horrible little holes by the heel gussets. Not sure if it's a pattern flaw or my own knitting problem. At any rate, a little extra sewing up and they have been fixed. No one will ever know. Unless they read this.
I'm so sure there's another pair of finished socks you haven't seen, but until I can figure out what they are, you'll just have to wait on those ones. In the meantme, here's the latest project:
Yes, it's the Dollar and a Half Cardigan (all 31¢ that I've done so far) from the Spring 2007 Interweave. Maybe if it stops snowing in Boston I will one day get to wear it. Don't feel to badly for us up here braving the cold. It hasn't snowed since yesterday.
To sum up this post: Yay blogiversary! Yay finished Jaywalkers and Mad Cows! Boo snow!
Previous title: Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
At any rate, I've been quiet here for a while, so I have quite a few things to show you. How about a few pairs of socks to celebrate the occasion?
First, up, a finally finished pair of Jaywalkers. The first sock predates this blog, maybe by as much as a year.
Specs: Jaywalker Socks from Magknits - is a link really necessary at this point?
Needles: US 1 (2.25mm)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock in Jeans colorway
Pattern Notes: Seriously folks? They're Jaywalkers. I don't think I need to expand on that. I would like to mention, however, that if you decide to knit one sock and then wait a year and a half to knit the second, take copious notes people. Really it's the needle size I'm talking about. I guess there is a huge difference in gauge between knitting with dpns and knitting with two circular needles. I restarted the second sock three times before I got the right gauge. Maybe that's not so much of a "taking notes" problem as it is a "don't be a dumbass" problem. Probably should have realized what was going on much quicker than I did. At any rate, stick a fork in these bad boys, because they are FINALLY done.
Up next, my Mad Cow socks from Sock Madness. It really didn't take me this long to complete them, I just fell off the edge of the Earth for a little while, like say the past month. I finished them a few days after the masses did. Considering how late I started this race, I'd say that's pretty good.
Specs: Mad Cow socks from Sock Madness
Needles: US 1 (2.5mm)
Yarn: Koigu KPM in brown (number anyone?) and KPPM in pinkish (P30857)
Pattern Notes: A fun pattern, but I'm not sure what went on with the heels. I ended up with these horrible little holes by the heel gussets. Not sure if it's a pattern flaw or my own knitting problem. At any rate, a little extra sewing up and they have been fixed. No one will ever know. Unless they read this.
I'm so sure there's another pair of finished socks you haven't seen, but until I can figure out what they are, you'll just have to wait on those ones. In the meantme, here's the latest project:
Yes, it's the Dollar and a Half Cardigan (all 31¢ that I've done so far) from the Spring 2007 Interweave. Maybe if it stops snowing in Boston I will one day get to wear it. Don't feel to badly for us up here braving the cold. It hasn't snowed since yesterday.
To sum up this post: Yay blogiversary! Yay finished Jaywalkers and Mad Cows! Boo snow!
Previous title: Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
3.07.2007
What's a matter babe, are you feelin' sick?
Ick. I've been pretending not to be sick since about Friday, but it finally caught up with me on Monday afternoon. I've been out sick for two days now and, let me tell you, daytime tv is highly overrated. On the plus side, this sore throat/general ickiness has allowed me some knitting time.
Well, Johanna asked for it, so you can blame her when you are suddenly overwhelmed by the number of active projects I've got going right now.
Here you see a few items resued from the UFO list. At the top, we have the Union Square Market Pullover from Interweave Knits Fall 2005. And that's about when I started it and almost finished it. It popped out of the drawer a few weeks ago to FINALLY get sewn up, when I realized that one of the sleeves had a problem, so now I'm reknitting the shoulder part of the left sleeve. One day it will be done. Oh yes, it will be done. (Channeling Mike Myers there - quick, what movie was that from?)
The pretty purple number seen above is the Frieda sweater, which I don't think ever literally made it onto the UFO list, but which has spent a few months in the drawer of knitting death. I did the body and neck, then got scared to mess up the sleeves. The original pattern continues with the cable along the sleeves, but it makes for poofy shoulders, and I'm just not into that. Plain jane stockinette for this knitter! I have finally started the first sleeve. It's about half way done at this point. Hopefully it will be a success, because I'm not sure this sweater will survive another trip to the drawer of death.
Finally, you may have spotted a pair of Jaywalkers in the pile up there. These are Lorna's Laces in Denim. I love them, but I think I just got tired of the pattern. Now, a year (or maybe 2) later and my gauge is totally different so the striping looks different. I've ripped and reknit the beginning of the second sock three times in the past month. Now that I've finally gotten as close as I'm going to get on matching the gauge of the first sock, I'm no longer interested. Probably because it requires DPNs and I've long outgrown that phase of my sock-knitting career. Eventually I'll finish them, but the race is on as to which of the three knitted items in the photo above will be finished first. It's anybody's guess at this point. Care to make a wager on it?
What's that? Three WIPs not quite enough for you? Here's one more:
I've started Crumpets for my "niece." Well, she's not really my niece, but I'm her Auntie Rachel, so she gets to be called by niece, at least for now. I love the look of it, but a baby dress on size 1 needles is no picnic and I can't work that long on it before my wrists protest. I've changed up the pattern a bit, which is causing the problem. I love the look of the dress, but I hate that it calls for a thick yarn. It's just not right for a summer dress for a baby. So I've substituted Dalegarn's Stork for Lion Brand Cotton Ease. I'm following the pattern for the biggest size in order to actually get a size for a 6 month old. It's really an adorable dress!
And yes, there is actually a fifth item on my needles. I couldn't help it and I knit the toe of my first Rockin' Sock Club sock, but now I need new needles for the rest. It calls for size 0s for the foot part, and given the way I manhandled my needles to do the toe on size 1s, I just don't think I want to subject my wooden size 0s to that kind of abuse. They would never survive that beating. No pics of this one since it's just not far enough along for a photoshoot.
I'm also a part of Sock Madness (details coming soon). The first round of this March Madness knit-athon starts this weekend, so I guess that'll make a sixth item on my needles. Of course, I'm away for a wedding this weekend, so I'll be starting about 48 hours behind the other knitters. Wish me luck in surviving this one!
Previous title: Say Anything, "Wow, I Can Be Sexual Too"
Well, Johanna asked for it, so you can blame her when you are suddenly overwhelmed by the number of active projects I've got going right now.
Here you see a few items resued from the UFO list. At the top, we have the Union Square Market Pullover from Interweave Knits Fall 2005. And that's about when I started it and almost finished it. It popped out of the drawer a few weeks ago to FINALLY get sewn up, when I realized that one of the sleeves had a problem, so now I'm reknitting the shoulder part of the left sleeve. One day it will be done. Oh yes, it will be done. (Channeling Mike Myers there - quick, what movie was that from?)
The pretty purple number seen above is the Frieda sweater, which I don't think ever literally made it onto the UFO list, but which has spent a few months in the drawer of knitting death. I did the body and neck, then got scared to mess up the sleeves. The original pattern continues with the cable along the sleeves, but it makes for poofy shoulders, and I'm just not into that. Plain jane stockinette for this knitter! I have finally started the first sleeve. It's about half way done at this point. Hopefully it will be a success, because I'm not sure this sweater will survive another trip to the drawer of death.
Finally, you may have spotted a pair of Jaywalkers in the pile up there. These are Lorna's Laces in Denim. I love them, but I think I just got tired of the pattern. Now, a year (or maybe 2) later and my gauge is totally different so the striping looks different. I've ripped and reknit the beginning of the second sock three times in the past month. Now that I've finally gotten as close as I'm going to get on matching the gauge of the first sock, I'm no longer interested. Probably because it requires DPNs and I've long outgrown that phase of my sock-knitting career. Eventually I'll finish them, but the race is on as to which of the three knitted items in the photo above will be finished first. It's anybody's guess at this point. Care to make a wager on it?
What's that? Three WIPs not quite enough for you? Here's one more:
I've started Crumpets for my "niece." Well, she's not really my niece, but I'm her Auntie Rachel, so she gets to be called by niece, at least for now. I love the look of it, but a baby dress on size 1 needles is no picnic and I can't work that long on it before my wrists protest. I've changed up the pattern a bit, which is causing the problem. I love the look of the dress, but I hate that it calls for a thick yarn. It's just not right for a summer dress for a baby. So I've substituted Dalegarn's Stork for Lion Brand Cotton Ease. I'm following the pattern for the biggest size in order to actually get a size for a 6 month old. It's really an adorable dress!
And yes, there is actually a fifth item on my needles. I couldn't help it and I knit the toe of my first Rockin' Sock Club sock, but now I need new needles for the rest. It calls for size 0s for the foot part, and given the way I manhandled my needles to do the toe on size 1s, I just don't think I want to subject my wooden size 0s to that kind of abuse. They would never survive that beating. No pics of this one since it's just not far enough along for a photoshoot.
I'm also a part of Sock Madness (details coming soon). The first round of this March Madness knit-athon starts this weekend, so I guess that'll make a sixth item on my needles. Of course, I'm away for a wedding this weekend, so I'll be starting about 48 hours behind the other knitters. Wish me luck in surviving this one!
Previous title: Say Anything, "Wow, I Can Be Sexual Too"
3.05.2007
Know that you'll be my downfall
I've been stalking the mailbox again. Lurking around the corner, just waiting for that package to arrive . . .
Okay, so I do have more of a life than literally standing at the mailbox, waiting. But I have been just DYING for this package to come. Well all I can say is, it was worth it! My Rockin' Sock Club kit finally arrived. I hate to spoil the fun for anyone wanting to be surprised, so if you want to see the kit, just click here. I know, I know, I'm making you work for it today.
Let me just tell you that I am totally in love with Socks that Rock yarn and it is so hard not to go online and order some more right this second with my new 10% off coupon (thank goodness for silly bank errors). It's also so hard to continue with all of the other projects that I have on the needles. I just want to rip into my new skein of sock yarn and get going (no worries, I will rip gently into it). I really swore that I was going to finish at least one project before starting this new one, but I can't stop myself. Socks that Rock is clearly my downfall.
Oh yeah, and thanks for all of the sweet words about Harvard. It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's getting there. I'm planning to move to Harvard Square over the summer, and I'm just beginning to think about that change, so clearly I'm not yet quite able to wrap my head around being a student again and doing it at this school in particular.
Previous title: Counting Crows, "Hangin' Around"
Okay, so I do have more of a life than literally standing at the mailbox, waiting. But I have been just DYING for this package to come. Well all I can say is, it was worth it! My Rockin' Sock Club kit finally arrived. I hate to spoil the fun for anyone wanting to be surprised, so if you want to see the kit, just click here. I know, I know, I'm making you work for it today.
Let me just tell you that I am totally in love with Socks that Rock yarn and it is so hard not to go online and order some more right this second with my new 10% off coupon (thank goodness for silly bank errors). It's also so hard to continue with all of the other projects that I have on the needles. I just want to rip into my new skein of sock yarn and get going (no worries, I will rip gently into it). I really swore that I was going to finish at least one project before starting this new one, but I can't stop myself. Socks that Rock is clearly my downfall.
Oh yeah, and thanks for all of the sweet words about Harvard. It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's getting there. I'm planning to move to Harvard Square over the summer, and I'm just beginning to think about that change, so clearly I'm not yet quite able to wrap my head around being a student again and doing it at this school in particular.
Previous title: Counting Crows, "Hangin' Around"
3.01.2007
I been bummin' around this old town too long
Apparently someone else thinks so too, because guess where I'm going in September! I am so beside myself right now I can't even handle it. I don't think I'll sleep for a week from all the excitement!
Can you believe it?
More knitting content when my hands stop shaking.
Previous Title: Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams"
Can you believe it?
HARVARD!
More knitting content when my hands stop shaking.
Previous Title: Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams"
2.16.2007
Sweet dreams are made of these
I've been stalking the mailbox lately, and today it came to much success! My Dirty Knitter Swap package arrived, and man did I make out well! Linda really spoiled me rotten. Check out what I saw when I opened the box:
And look at all the packages inside:
Unwrapped:
Up above you can see two yummy drink recipes, one for a Chocolate Mint Martini and one for a Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini (off to the liquor store I go!). In the middle row you can see a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake mix, chocolate rimming sugar, and a heart-shaped zipsack (a little bag with a tote bag inside). In the bottom row are some chocolate swizzle sticks. Oh yeah, and the yarn! Cherry Tree Hill (my fave) supersock in Earth and Lang Silkdream in color 22 (yummy chocolate brown).
I love everything! Thanks again Linda, you are by far the best.
Previous title: Turin Brakes, "Painkiller"
And look at all the packages inside:
Unwrapped:
Up above you can see two yummy drink recipes, one for a Chocolate Mint Martini and one for a Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini (off to the liquor store I go!). In the middle row you can see a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake mix, chocolate rimming sugar, and a heart-shaped zipsack (a little bag with a tote bag inside). In the bottom row are some chocolate swizzle sticks. Oh yeah, and the yarn! Cherry Tree Hill (my fave) supersock in Earth and Lang Silkdream in color 22 (yummy chocolate brown).
I love everything! Thanks again Linda, you are by far the best.
Previous title: Turin Brakes, "Painkiller"
2.14.2007
Batten up the hatches, here comes the cold
Hurray for snow days! And what better way to spend a snow day than knitting mittens?
Specs:
Pattern: my own
Needles: US 4
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Irving Park colorway; Classic Elite Lush in color 4413 (black)
Pattern Notes: I may have found two new favorite yarns. They're both SO soft. The black mittens are for a friend at work. I've already given them to her, but I have some separation anxiety. There may be a Lush pair in my future. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for the Lorna's pair. This yarn would make a great sweater, if only I could find a pattern I like for it. Any ideas?
I've also been working on my Anemoi mittens, because one can never have too many pairs of mittens, right? New pics coming soon!
Previous Title: Cyndi Lauper, "True Colors"
Specs:
Pattern: my own
Needles: US 4
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Irving Park colorway; Classic Elite Lush in color 4413 (black)
Pattern Notes: I may have found two new favorite yarns. They're both SO soft. The black mittens are for a friend at work. I've already given them to her, but I have some separation anxiety. There may be a Lush pair in my future. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for the Lorna's pair. This yarn would make a great sweater, if only I could find a pattern I like for it. Any ideas?
I've also been working on my Anemoi mittens, because one can never have too many pairs of mittens, right? New pics coming soon!
Previous Title: Cyndi Lauper, "True Colors"
2.08.2007
I see your true colors shining through
If you see a bandwagon speed by, look closely and you'll see me on it. Here are my Anemoi Mittens, which are a part of my efforts for Project Spectrum February/March.
Gotta love the blue and brown combo! I have a few complaints about the yarns, but that's my own fault I guess. Mainly I'm annoyed because they aren't the same gauge exactly and the blue is a little thinner. While the blue is supposed to be background, the brown really jumps out and the pattern's a bit obscured as a result. I knew I shouldn't have believed that yarn store owner (store not to be mentioned here) who told me it wouldn't matter.
Ah, well, as my first foray into fair isle (not including a poorly chosen project a few years ago that remains unfinished), I'm still really happy with these. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. After a few more hours of work, I now have one almost completed mitten and I'm still going strong. Bonus: These mittens are also my effort for Fair Isle February. I'm loving reading the posts over there and seeing what everyone is up to!
In addition to these mittens, I've got another blue project. Check out these guys:
Specs:
Pattern: Toe Up Generic Socks from Knitty
Needles: US 2
Yarn: Socks that Rock in Chapman Springs, medium-weight (STASH YARN ALERT!)
Pattern Notes: Don't think I have any. I do plan on using this again to create some more exciting socks, but for this yarn, plain-old-stockinette was just right.
Upcoming Project Spectrum ideas include a pair of socks in Colinette's Jitterbug yarn in a funky charcoal and a pair of black mittens in the softest angora wool I've ever felt. Ever. Maybe I'll also finish up some old Jaywalkers in Lorna's Laces Jeans colorway.
Previous Title: The Killers, "Read My Mind"
Gotta love the blue and brown combo! I have a few complaints about the yarns, but that's my own fault I guess. Mainly I'm annoyed because they aren't the same gauge exactly and the blue is a little thinner. While the blue is supposed to be background, the brown really jumps out and the pattern's a bit obscured as a result. I knew I shouldn't have believed that yarn store owner (store not to be mentioned here) who told me it wouldn't matter.
Ah, well, as my first foray into fair isle (not including a poorly chosen project a few years ago that remains unfinished), I'm still really happy with these. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. After a few more hours of work, I now have one almost completed mitten and I'm still going strong. Bonus: These mittens are also my effort for Fair Isle February. I'm loving reading the posts over there and seeing what everyone is up to!
In addition to these mittens, I've got another blue project. Check out these guys:
Specs:
Pattern: Toe Up Generic Socks from Knitty
Needles: US 2
Yarn: Socks that Rock in Chapman Springs, medium-weight (STASH YARN ALERT!)
Pattern Notes: Don't think I have any. I do plan on using this again to create some more exciting socks, but for this yarn, plain-old-stockinette was just right.
Upcoming Project Spectrum ideas include a pair of socks in Colinette's Jitterbug yarn in a funky charcoal and a pair of black mittens in the softest angora wool I've ever felt. Ever. Maybe I'll also finish up some old Jaywalkers in Lorna's Laces Jeans colorway.
Previous Title: The Killers, "Read My Mind"
2.07.2007
Can you read my mind?
I know, I suck about posting lately. Conversation over. Moving on to the good stuff.
Last week (yes, it has really been that long) I came home to find this waiting for me.
I gave it the Squeeze and Shake test, as per usual, and pleasently found that the package was quite squishy. Squishy = yarn. Squishy = good.
And lookee what was inside the squishy package:
It's like my secret pal was inside my brain, I swear. The last time I went to my LYS, I was checking out that yarn you see on the right, Lanna Grossa Meilenweit in just that color. I also love the one on the left, nice and subdued. It's Austermann Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil. Yes, Apparently Now Every Word Gets Capitalized For No Real Reason. Moving on . . . please don't ask me the colorways, because they are all numbers and I just can't handle that right now. Believe me when I tell you that the pictures are pretty true to the colors, and let's leave it at that.
But wait!!!! What's that hiding inside the yarn?
It's lip gloss. What's fun is that each color kinda goes with the yarn it was hiding inside. There's also a lip plumper, just for fun. Haven't tried it yet, but one day I will. Thank you Secret Pal! Now quick, everybody go over to Monkeys Love Yarn and tell Chee-uh how much she rules. Please please please do it for me because I feel so badly that it took me this long to post about the package.
And while you're out visiting others in blogline, go say hi to the Knit Mongrel, who I've had the pleasure of spoiling for the last few months.
Previous title: Train, "I Am"
Last week (yes, it has really been that long) I came home to find this waiting for me.
I gave it the Squeeze and Shake test, as per usual, and pleasently found that the package was quite squishy. Squishy = yarn. Squishy = good.
And lookee what was inside the squishy package:
It's like my secret pal was inside my brain, I swear. The last time I went to my LYS, I was checking out that yarn you see on the right, Lanna Grossa Meilenweit in just that color. I also love the one on the left, nice and subdued. It's Austermann Step with Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil. Yes, Apparently Now Every Word Gets Capitalized For No Real Reason. Moving on . . . please don't ask me the colorways, because they are all numbers and I just can't handle that right now. Believe me when I tell you that the pictures are pretty true to the colors, and let's leave it at that.
But wait!!!! What's that hiding inside the yarn?
It's lip gloss. What's fun is that each color kinda goes with the yarn it was hiding inside. There's also a lip plumper, just for fun. Haven't tried it yet, but one day I will. Thank you Secret Pal! Now quick, everybody go over to Monkeys Love Yarn and tell Chee-uh how much she rules. Please please please do it for me because I feel so badly that it took me this long to post about the package.
And while you're out visiting others in blogline, go say hi to the Knit Mongrel, who I've had the pleasure of spoiling for the last few months.
Previous title: Train, "I Am"
1.25.2007
I'm here for my sanity, sanity I am here for you
Somewhere along the way I seem to have lost sight of myself. I think lately I've just let all of the hassles of everyday life get me down without stopping to enjoy the good things. I've been stressed out over writing report cards, having teacher conferences, driving through traffic, dealing with lines at the grocery store, etcetera etcetera etcetera. There are a lot of little stresses that we all deal with each day and we let ourselves get hung up on them. Don't pretend you don't; you know it's true.
I think today I have begun the journey back to who I really am. Why am I waxing poetic all of a sudden, you ask? Well, I finally got roped into going back to yoga. And I hemmed and hawed and dug in my heels and tried to avoid it. But guess what? It was really what I needed to get back on track. Yoga is apparently my little window of sanity in an insane world.
But let's not go overboard with the healthy lifestyle thing. I'm still going to crack open a bottle of wine tonight.
Previous Title: Barenaked Ladies, "If I Had a Million Dollars
I think today I have begun the journey back to who I really am. Why am I waxing poetic all of a sudden, you ask? Well, I finally got roped into going back to yoga. And I hemmed and hawed and dug in my heels and tried to avoid it. But guess what? It was really what I needed to get back on track. Yoga is apparently my little window of sanity in an insane world.
But let's not go overboard with the healthy lifestyle thing. I'm still going to crack open a bottle of wine tonight.
Previous Title: Barenaked Ladies, "If I Had a Million Dollars
1.22.2007
You always wanted a monkey
I'm not really this quick of a knitter, but I have another pair of socks to show you.
Specs:
Pattern: Monkey from Knitty
Needles: US 2
Yarn: Socks that Rock in Puck's Mishief, medium-weight
Pattern Notes: Like all of Cookie's patterns that I've had the pleasure of knitting, this one is well-written and easy to follow. I found that I was able to memorize the chart after only a few repeats. I did make some modification though to allow for a heavier weight of yarn than the pattern calls for. I turned it into a 14 stitch repeat and I eliminated rounds 8 and 9 of the pattern to make this work. I don't think the design looks all that different, but the socks are just my size. I have narrow feet, so this solution may make them too skinny for anyone else's feet. And check it out - the socks actually match! No dye lot issues! Hooray for one big skein (instead of two little ones)!
Previous Title: Our Lady Peace, "Made of Steel"
Specs:
Pattern: Monkey from Knitty
Needles: US 2
Yarn: Socks that Rock in Puck's Mishief, medium-weight
Pattern Notes: Like all of Cookie's patterns that I've had the pleasure of knitting, this one is well-written and easy to follow. I found that I was able to memorize the chart after only a few repeats. I did make some modification though to allow for a heavier weight of yarn than the pattern calls for. I turned it into a 14 stitch repeat and I eliminated rounds 8 and 9 of the pattern to make this work. I don't think the design looks all that different, but the socks are just my size. I have narrow feet, so this solution may make them too skinny for anyone else's feet. And check it out - the socks actually match! No dye lot issues! Hooray for one big skein (instead of two little ones)!
Previous Title: Our Lady Peace, "Made of Steel"
1.21.2007
Hold your head high, don't look down
I finished these bad boys a while ago, but haven't gotten around to posting them - shocker, I know! At any rate, may I present the "Don't Look Down" socks.
Specs:
Pattern: Giotto by Amelia Raitte
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Baltic Sea colorway
Pattern Notes: There was a time while knitting these socks that I would have sworn they were going to be my favorites. The yarn color is beautiful and the pattern is stunning, but apparently I have no made a huge mistake - AGAIN! I guess I forgot to check the dye lot on these guys, because they're so different they almost look like two different colorways. I can't believe I did this once, let alone twice!
In efforts to avoid this problem in the near future, I've more recently been working with Socks that Rock from the stash since it's all from the same skein. I'll still wear my Giotto socks, but I'm disappointed that they don't really match. Maybe I'll have an actual MATCHING pair of socks to show off later this week.
Previous Title: The Killers, "Indie Rock & Roll"
Specs:
Pattern: Giotto by Amelia Raitte
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Baltic Sea colorway
Pattern Notes: There was a time while knitting these socks that I would have sworn they were going to be my favorites. The yarn color is beautiful and the pattern is stunning, but apparently I have no made a huge mistake - AGAIN! I guess I forgot to check the dye lot on these guys, because they're so different they almost look like two different colorways. I can't believe I did this once, let alone twice!
In efforts to avoid this problem in the near future, I've more recently been working with Socks that Rock from the stash since it's all from the same skein. I'll still wear my Giotto socks, but I'm disappointed that they don't really match. Maybe I'll have an actual MATCHING pair of socks to show off later this week.
Previous Title: The Killers, "Indie Rock & Roll"
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