Can you believe it?
HARVARD!
More knitting content when my hands stop shaking.
Previous Title: Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams"
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?
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"
1.07.2007
Man I'll freak you out
I've officially been tagged by my Dirty Knitter partner-in-crime, Craft Junkie. So, without further ado, I give you 6 weird things about me:
1. I can reach all the way around my head and touch my ear. That is, using my right hand I can reach around my head and touch my right ear. Using my left hand, I can reach around and touch my left ear. Go ahead, try it. Can't do it, can you? Aren't you just a little jealous now?
2. My big toe is the same length as my pinkie finger. I can't explain why I find this intriguing, I just do.
3. I tell my mother everything, but then I get mad at her when she meddles. It seems counter-intuitive, I know, and every time she gets too involved I try to stop telling her everything, but I can't help myself.
4. I am an aggressive driver. I like to honk and I get pissed off easily while driving. I especially get annoyed when people honk at me, which again seems a little unfair given that I enjoy honking at others.
5. I have enormous feet. I wear a size 11 narrow. It's very hard to find shoes that fit comfortably, but this is actually a good thing. I think that if it was easy to find shoes in my size, I might need a second apartment just to hold all of the shoes. I am slightly in love with buying shoes.
6. I find it impossible to buy gifts until the very last minute. It's an annoying habit that I've tried so hard to break but I just can't do it. I might start looking for a Chrismukkah gift (yes, I did in fact google that to check the spelling) in November, but I am absolutely incapable of purchasing anything until December 20th at the earliest. I think I have this paranoia that I'll find something better if I wait just a little longer. Despite this problem, I've been told that I'm an excellent gift-giver. I have no idea how I manage to pull this off.
So there you have it folks, six weird things about me.
Also, I have a little eye candy for you. I finished a project!
Specs:
Pattern: Backyard Leaves scarf by Annie Modesitt, from IK Holiday 2006
Needles: US 7
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Avocado, 3 skeins
Pattern Notes: This was an entertaining knit. I found it easy to follow the pattern, but it does take a lot of concentration. Every so often I got lost in the chart, but it was fairly simple to find my way back. I found it helpful to highlight every other row to make it easier to keep my place. Also, I blocked it by ironing with the wool setting. It was pretty amazing to watch it grow and flatten out. Blocking it might have been my favorite part! This is a gift for my secret pal, but I really like it and wouldn't mind having one for myself. I guess that's the sign of a really great gift!
Previous title: ACDC, "Back in Black"
1. I can reach all the way around my head and touch my ear. That is, using my right hand I can reach around my head and touch my right ear. Using my left hand, I can reach around and touch my left ear. Go ahead, try it. Can't do it, can you? Aren't you just a little jealous now?
2. My big toe is the same length as my pinkie finger. I can't explain why I find this intriguing, I just do.
3. I tell my mother everything, but then I get mad at her when she meddles. It seems counter-intuitive, I know, and every time she gets too involved I try to stop telling her everything, but I can't help myself.
4. I am an aggressive driver. I like to honk and I get pissed off easily while driving. I especially get annoyed when people honk at me, which again seems a little unfair given that I enjoy honking at others.
5. I have enormous feet. I wear a size 11 narrow. It's very hard to find shoes that fit comfortably, but this is actually a good thing. I think that if it was easy to find shoes in my size, I might need a second apartment just to hold all of the shoes. I am slightly in love with buying shoes.
6. I find it impossible to buy gifts until the very last minute. It's an annoying habit that I've tried so hard to break but I just can't do it. I might start looking for a Chrismukkah gift (yes, I did in fact google that to check the spelling) in November, but I am absolutely incapable of purchasing anything until December 20th at the earliest. I think I have this paranoia that I'll find something better if I wait just a little longer. Despite this problem, I've been told that I'm an excellent gift-giver. I have no idea how I manage to pull this off.
So there you have it folks, six weird things about me.
Also, I have a little eye candy for you. I finished a project!
Specs:
Pattern: Backyard Leaves scarf by Annie Modesitt, from IK Holiday 2006
Needles: US 7
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Avocado, 3 skeins
Pattern Notes: This was an entertaining knit. I found it easy to follow the pattern, but it does take a lot of concentration. Every so often I got lost in the chart, but it was fairly simple to find my way back. I found it helpful to highlight every other row to make it easier to keep my place. Also, I blocked it by ironing with the wool setting. It was pretty amazing to watch it grow and flatten out. Blocking it might have been my favorite part! This is a gift for my secret pal, but I really like it and wouldn't mind having one for myself. I guess that's the sign of a really great gift!
Previous title: ACDC, "Back in Black"
1.04.2007
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back
I was looking back in my archives for December and I realized that I only got in three posts over the whole month. I'm going to try to be more consistent in January. But when January comes to an end, please don't remind me that I said that.
You would think that with all of this non-blogging time, I'd have lots of knitting projects to show you. Not quite. It seems that I have been forgetting to take pictures of FOs. Well, here's what I do have to show you:
Those are two pairs of gift socks. Both have been gifted and were well-received. Score!
Specs - socks on the left:
Pattern: Baudelaire from Knitty
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in color P451
Pattern Notes: I can't get enough of this pattern. Cookie is the best!
Specs - socks on the right:
Pattern: Elfine Socks from Amelia Raitte (click on "Fashion for Free")
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in color P538
Pattern Notes: Elfine is another great pattern. Fun to knit AND well-written. One small problem though - it's not your imagination. The sock on the right is indeed more blue while the sock on the left is more yellow. Apparently I forgot to check the dye lot when I bought this yarn. Ah, well, that's the beauty of a hand-knit gift I guess. I'm sure the recipient of these socks won't be too bothered by it.
I also have a second SP9 gift to show off. Look what I found in my mailbox yesterday:
Thanks for the chocolate goodies and the Chibi. I'm always losing my needles, so this will be very handy.
And finally, for any non-knitters still hanging out around these parts, take a look at this little guy:
That's my favorite nephew. Well, my favorite non-human nephew. Also, he's not really my nephew, but somehow I became "Auntie Rachel" when this guy showed up, so I'll just call him my nephew. It's only fair. Please disregard the chest hair peeking out from his jacket. He is apparently going through a John Travolta/Saturday Night Fever phase. Happy Thursday - and happy ALMOST FINALLY Friday!
Previous title: Michael Buble, "Feeling Good"
You would think that with all of this non-blogging time, I'd have lots of knitting projects to show you. Not quite. It seems that I have been forgetting to take pictures of FOs. Well, here's what I do have to show you:
Those are two pairs of gift socks. Both have been gifted and were well-received. Score!
Specs - socks on the left:
Pattern: Baudelaire from Knitty
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in color P451
Pattern Notes: I can't get enough of this pattern. Cookie is the best!
Specs - socks on the right:
Pattern: Elfine Socks from Amelia Raitte (click on "Fashion for Free")
Needles: US 1
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in color P538
Pattern Notes: Elfine is another great pattern. Fun to knit AND well-written. One small problem though - it's not your imagination. The sock on the right is indeed more blue while the sock on the left is more yellow. Apparently I forgot to check the dye lot when I bought this yarn. Ah, well, that's the beauty of a hand-knit gift I guess. I'm sure the recipient of these socks won't be too bothered by it.
I also have a second SP9 gift to show off. Look what I found in my mailbox yesterday:
Thanks for the chocolate goodies and the Chibi. I'm always losing my needles, so this will be very handy.
And finally, for any non-knitters still hanging out around these parts, take a look at this little guy:
That's my favorite nephew. Well, my favorite non-human nephew. Also, he's not really my nephew, but somehow I became "Auntie Rachel" when this guy showed up, so I'll just call him my nephew. It's only fair. Please disregard the chest hair peeking out from his jacket. He is apparently going through a John Travolta/Saturday Night Fever phase. Happy Thursday - and happy ALMOST FINALLY Friday!
Previous title: Michael Buble, "Feeling Good"
1.01.2007
It's a new dawn, it's a new day . . . and I'm feeling good
Okay, so a little editing out was needed to keep the title short on this one. Happy 2007 everyone! I'm still here, just been crazy busy as always. I've been finishing up my Harvard application (sent!), my holiday knitting (complete and mostly gifted already!), and visiting friends and family. It's nice to be back home, but I REALLY don't want to go back to work tomorrow. I'm sure that's what everyone's thinking right about now, so I'll try to keep my whining to a minimum. I have some fun FOs to share, but I'm going to save that for later this week. Until then, enjoy playing with all of your new gifts and eating all of those leftover chocolates and cookies and other treats, because you know you're going to, no matter what your New Year's Resolution was about. Happy Holidays!
Previous title: Queen, "Killer Queen"
Previous title: Queen, "Killer Queen"
12.18.2006
Insatiable an appetite
I've been holding out on you. While studying for the GREs, I decided I needed a little treat. You know, a little something just for me since I'd been working so hard all the time. I visited the Blue Moon website and decided to treat myself to a skein of Socks that Rock. Well, there are just so many to choose from. How does one possibly pick from all of those gorgeous colorways? So I figured it would be ok to order two or three. Or maybe just five. Everyone's gotta have socks, right? Check these babies out:
Class Roster (left to right): Puck's Mischief, Nodding Violet, Terra Firma, Chapman Springs, and Love-in-Idleness
Despite this splurge, I've been doing really well at keeping them well hidden from view so I won't be tempted to stray from my holiday gift knitting. It's been about two or three weeks and I haven't taken them out yet, but boy is it tempting! Just a few more things on my list to finish up, and then I'll dive right in. Can't wait!
In other news, some thoughtful person sent me a magazine subscription. Was it you?
So the only thing is, I'm not sure who it's from. I think if it was a friend or a family member, they probably would have asked for delivery to start after the holidays, but it could be. I keep forgetting to ask people when I see them. I'm also thinking it could be from a secret pal. So if it was you, please let me know so I can properly thank you. For know, just know I'm very excited to get a new magazine!
Previous Post: Weird Al Yankovic, "White and Nerdy" - Sorry! It just fit so well!
Class Roster (left to right): Puck's Mischief, Nodding Violet, Terra Firma, Chapman Springs, and Love-in-Idleness
Despite this splurge, I've been doing really well at keeping them well hidden from view so I won't be tempted to stray from my holiday gift knitting. It's been about two or three weeks and I haven't taken them out yet, but boy is it tempting! Just a few more things on my list to finish up, and then I'll dive right in. Can't wait!
In other news, some thoughtful person sent me a magazine subscription. Was it you?
So the only thing is, I'm not sure who it's from. I think if it was a friend or a family member, they probably would have asked for delivery to start after the holidays, but it could be. I keep forgetting to ask people when I see them. I'm also thinking it could be from a secret pal. So if it was you, please let me know so I can properly thank you. For know, just know I'm very excited to get a new magazine!
Previous Post: Weird Al Yankovic, "White and Nerdy" - Sorry! It just fit so well!
12.08.2006
The pens in my pocket, I must protect 'em
You'll have to forgive me while I go out and buy a pocket protector, because I think I just put the geek in computer geek.
Translation: I kicked some ETS ass this morning, and Harvard will be lucky to get me. Oh, did I not mention that the school, yes THE SCHOOL, as in THE ONLY SCHOOL, that I'm applying to is Harvard. Why this seemed like a smart idea I can't really even begin to explain, but it seems dreams just might come true.
It seems to be a perfect day. Not only did I ace the GREs, but when I went to my favorite deli for lunch, the owner gave me a free whoopie pie, just because that's the kind of guy he is. Then I got home only to find out there is a brand-spanking new Knitty just waiting to be poured over. Oh yeah, and that JDate guy that I haven't told you about yet, yeah, he sent me another e-mail.
Le sigh . . .
Previous title: The Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated"
Translation: I kicked some ETS ass this morning, and Harvard will be lucky to get me. Oh, did I not mention that the school, yes THE SCHOOL, as in THE ONLY SCHOOL, that I'm applying to is Harvard. Why this seemed like a smart idea I can't really even begin to explain, but it seems dreams just might come true.
It seems to be a perfect day. Not only did I ace the GREs, but when I went to my favorite deli for lunch, the owner gave me a free whoopie pie, just because that's the kind of guy he is. Then I got home only to find out there is a brand-spanking new Knitty just waiting to be poured over. Oh yeah, and that JDate guy that I haven't told you about yet, yeah, he sent me another e-mail.
Le sigh . . .
Previous title: The Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated"
12.07.2006
Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Wish me luck tomorrow!
Previous title: The Monkees, "Theme from the Monkees"
Previous title: The Monkees, "Theme from the Monkees"
11.29.2006
People say we monkey around
When Heatherly first posted about the Monkees hat contest for her SP9 group, I thought it was a little silly. With all this gift knitting I'm trying to get through, why would I spend time making a monkey hat? Then I realized I already had made one, and number two was in the works. At any rate and without further ado, I give you the monkey hats:
Specs:
Pattern: Velvet Touch Edge Cap, a free pattern from my LYS
Needles: US 6 DPNs
Yarn: Koigu Kersti in K200 (pink) and K400 (blue and red)
Pattern Notes: Easy peasy. And fun too! That is, all but the pom pom part. I really hate making pom poms. In fact, I think pom poms are kind of an oxymoron. They look so cute and cheery, and even the name "pom pom" sounds like fun, but making them is really anything but. But the hats, now that was fun.
So, two quick knits knocked off the gift list. Now if I could only get through those pairs of socks . . .
Previous Title: The Doobie Brothers, "Black Water"
- To Yarn Coffee: For a long time I thought it was "I'd like to hear that dixie leopard" and I always wondered what a dixie leopard was. Makes a little more sense as "dixieland," but I still have a hard time singing the right lyrics.
Specs:
Pattern: Velvet Touch Edge Cap, a free pattern from my LYS
Needles: US 6 DPNs
Yarn: Koigu Kersti in K200 (pink) and K400 (blue and red)
Pattern Notes: Easy peasy. And fun too! That is, all but the pom pom part. I really hate making pom poms. In fact, I think pom poms are kind of an oxymoron. They look so cute and cheery, and even the name "pom pom" sounds like fun, but making them is really anything but. But the hats, now that was fun.
So, two quick knits knocked off the gift list. Now if I could only get through those pairs of socks . . .
Previous Title: The Doobie Brothers, "Black Water"
- To Yarn Coffee: For a long time I thought it was "I'd like to hear that dixie leopard" and I always wondered what a dixie leopard was. Makes a little more sense as "dixieland," but I still have a hard time singing the right lyrics.
11.20.2006
Old black water, keep on rollin'
It seems like I should be studying ALL THE TIME, and it usually feels that way, but there has also been some knitting in my world lately. Mostly gifts, but some other stuff just for me. Since my knitting time has been drastically reduced, that amounts to just a row here and a row there. I managed to get some i-cording and some felting done over the weekend, so that entrelac sleeping bag that Henry the Navigator enjoyed is finally finished up. Here goes:
Specs:
Pattern: Entrelac Suki Bag
Needles: US 7 circular
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in color 156
Pattern Notes: I'm not so impressed with this pattern. I took notes while I knitted, and I actually plan on rewriting the pattern as part of a secret pal gift, so if you have any interest, leave me a comment and I'll be happy to pass it along when I get to it. The issue with the pattern is that when you get to the first rectangle of each round, you have to make some fairly major modifications. If I hadn't done entrelac before, I probably would have given up early on. I do like the finished product for the most part, although I might rethink the round bottom and the i-cord handles. This is a gift, and I just know the person who's going to get it will love it, so I'm not so concerned about these issues for now.
Oh yeah, today's title. This colorway of Noro reminded me of this song every time I picked up the bag to work on it. I think it's because of the way the blue diagonal rectangles look a little like waves. It's less obvious now that it's felted, but the waviness is still there.
Can you tell I've been studying too much? I feel like I can barely put together a sentence. I think I need a real break now, one that doesn't involve reading and writing. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Previous Title: Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Notice the shift to classic rock lately?
Specs:
Pattern: Entrelac Suki Bag
Needles: US 7 circular
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in color 156
Pattern Notes: I'm not so impressed with this pattern. I took notes while I knitted, and I actually plan on rewriting the pattern as part of a secret pal gift, so if you have any interest, leave me a comment and I'll be happy to pass it along when I get to it. The issue with the pattern is that when you get to the first rectangle of each round, you have to make some fairly major modifications. If I hadn't done entrelac before, I probably would have given up early on. I do like the finished product for the most part, although I might rethink the round bottom and the i-cord handles. This is a gift, and I just know the person who's going to get it will love it, so I'm not so concerned about these issues for now.
Oh yeah, today's title. This colorway of Noro reminded me of this song every time I picked up the bag to work on it. I think it's because of the way the blue diagonal rectangles look a little like waves. It's less obvious now that it's felted, but the waviness is still there.
Can you tell I've been studying too much? I feel like I can barely put together a sentence. I think I need a real break now, one that doesn't involve reading and writing. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Previous Title: Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Notice the shift to classic rock lately?
11.13.2006
If you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need
Sorry for the lame-o depressing post yesterday. Here's a little pick-me-up. Just to clarify, this is a pick-ME-up; you might care less about it, but it makes me VERY much happier than I was yesterday.
I'm going to apply to that program I was talking about! No special favors or anything like that, instead just a high stress level. I just registered to take the GRE on December 8th. Yes, that's right. Just over three weeks from today. So you might hear from me even less than you usually do. Just warning you in advance.
More yarn-y goodness tomorrow . . . maybe. I might be studying instead. Wait and see. But please don't hold your breath.
Previous title: Lou Reed, "Take a Walk on the Wild Side"
I'm going to apply to that program I was talking about! No special favors or anything like that, instead just a high stress level. I just registered to take the GRE on December 8th. Yes, that's right. Just over three weeks from today. So you might hear from me even less than you usually do. Just warning you in advance.
More yarn-y goodness tomorrow . . . maybe. I might be studying instead. Wait and see. But please don't hold your breath.
Previous title: Lou Reed, "Take a Walk on the Wild Side"
11.12.2006
Then I guess she had to crash; valium would have helped that bash
I had a minor meltdown this afternoon after my last post. See, my exciting mysterious thing was that I found this great master's degree program and I was really really excited about it. I've had this idea in my head for a long time of where I want my career to go, and it felt like I finally had found a program that could get me there. After posting, I took a closer look at the application and decided to start in on it.
I discovered that it doesn't look like it's going to work out after all. I guess I know better than to jinx something like that by posting about it before it happens, but here I go doing it again anyway. For various reasons, I'm going to have to ask for some special favors in order to even apply to the program, and the chances of that being ok are pretty much slim to none if I had to guess. Tomorrow I'll call someone in admissions to find out what they think. I'll keep you posted, but I'd be pretty much shocked if anything were to work out. I'll continue to look for other ways to get where I want to be, but this one just seemed so right. I've calmed down a lot now, but it's just disappointing, you know?
Previous title: David Bowie, "Changes"
I discovered that it doesn't look like it's going to work out after all. I guess I know better than to jinx something like that by posting about it before it happens, but here I go doing it again anyway. For various reasons, I'm going to have to ask for some special favors in order to even apply to the program, and the chances of that being ok are pretty much slim to none if I had to guess. Tomorrow I'll call someone in admissions to find out what they think. I'll keep you posted, but I'd be pretty much shocked if anything were to work out. I'll continue to look for other ways to get where I want to be, but this one just seemed so right. I've calmed down a lot now, but it's just disappointing, you know?
Previous title: David Bowie, "Changes"
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes; turn and face the strange
Lately I've been thinking about making some changes in my life. I can't really say too much here, because nothing's really settled yet, and we all know about the dangers of telling all out in blogland. But I will say that I'm pretty excited about an opportunity that may present itself this winter.
Change is hard though, you know? It would be so easy to just keep on going the way things have been going, because nothing's really wrong. It's just that I don't think this is the direction I want my life to continue along. I'm a little afraid to get all excited about this new thing because if it doesn't happen, then I'd be really disappointed. On the other hand, if it does happen, that's a little scary too, only because I'd be leaving behind the safety and security of how things are now.
Was that cryptic enough for you?
In lighter news, I've been knitting an awful lot lately. I'll tell you about it someday, but for now my mind's in a million other places. However, here's a sneak peek:
Previous Title: Britney Spears, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" - I know, I'm still a little embarrassed about that one.
Change is hard though, you know? It would be so easy to just keep on going the way things have been going, because nothing's really wrong. It's just that I don't think this is the direction I want my life to continue along. I'm a little afraid to get all excited about this new thing because if it doesn't happen, then I'd be really disappointed. On the other hand, if it does happen, that's a little scary too, only because I'd be leaving behind the safety and security of how things are now.
Was that cryptic enough for you?
In lighter news, I've been knitting an awful lot lately. I'll tell you about it someday, but for now my mind's in a million other places. However, here's a sneak peek:
Previous Title: Britney Spears, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" - I know, I'm still a little embarrassed about that one.
11.08.2006
Hit me baby one more time
I know. I'm sorry about the title. Once it got stuck in my head I couldn't get it out.
It does fit very nicely, though. See, today I came home to another knitting package. Talk about good karma!
My secret pal hit the nail on the head with just one try. Check out this colorway - it's Lorna's Laces Pioneer:
The colors are actually pretty true in this photo, but it's so much prettier in person. It's so ridiculously me that I had to double-check that I don't already have it. I am so in love with these colors I can't even tell you. If I could marry sock yarn, I would be spending my weekend shopping for a white dress. Beautiful! Thanks Monkey Monkey, you're the best!
Previous title: John Lennon, "Instant Karma"
It does fit very nicely, though. See, today I came home to another knitting package. Talk about good karma!
My secret pal hit the nail on the head with just one try. Check out this colorway - it's Lorna's Laces Pioneer:
The colors are actually pretty true in this photo, but it's so much prettier in person. It's so ridiculously me that I had to double-check that I don't already have it. I am so in love with these colors I can't even tell you. If I could marry sock yarn, I would be spending my weekend shopping for a white dress. Beautiful! Thanks Monkey Monkey, you're the best!
Previous title: John Lennon, "Instant Karma"
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