Happy Birthday to my Computer Geek Baby Brother! He's 32 today!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Saturday, September 01, 2007
new toy
I got a new toy in the mail yesterday - a ball winder. Did I get to use it? Well, yes and no. It did get used, just not by me. I did get a new cake of yarn out of it and got to see the new swift in action.
My parents brought the Westie (named Minnie Pearl) to visit too. She and the youngest watched it rain for a while. It amazes me sometimes what babies find fascinating.
This was too cute not to share.
Everyone get in on the winding
My parents brought the Westie (named Minnie Pearl) to visit too. She and the youngest watched it rain for a while. It amazes me sometimes what babies find fascinating.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Dogs!
This might be one of the best knit sweaters that I've ever seen. Go check it out. Someone's got a great imagination.
Remember the exploding dog I spoke of in my last post? Well here she is in all her Chow/Shepard fuzzybutt goodness:
And this is her furry counterpart, Cessna, the Spaniel/Beagle alpha dog. Yes, we named our dogs after airplanes. We figured Jette was bigger and faster and Cessna was smaller and slower and somehow the names just stuck. We had Jette first and someone else had already named her. When we brought Cessna home from the pound, she just sort of took over the leadership position and now runs the entire household.
Remember the exploding dog I spoke of in my last post? Well here she is in all her Chow/Shepard fuzzybutt goodness:
Hi, I'm Jette and my hobbies are exploding and chasing cats
I'm also into begging for whatever you're eating
And this is her furry counterpart, Cessna, the Spaniel/Beagle alpha dog. Yes, we named our dogs after airplanes. We figured Jette was bigger and faster and Cessna was smaller and slower and somehow the names just stuck. We had Jette first and someone else had already named her. When we brought Cessna home from the pound, she just sort of took over the leadership position and now runs the entire household.
Hi I'm Cessna, but you may call me boss mama
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
First, Next and Last
First Up: Child update - better, but not all there yet. All I'll say about that.
Next Up: Consignment sale madness is here! Check out the wreck of a dining room. Imagine the opposite side of the room and the back wall and most of the dining room table looking roughly the same and you'll have an accurate picture of what I am trying to sort, enter on a spreadsheet and tag. AAAAHHH! And this is just the winter stuff folks. There's almost as much summer clothing in the attic. Ick! Please ignore any dog hair that you see on the floor. She exploded on the floor. (She's a chow mix and it's really frickin' hot here and instead of shedding outside she did it inside in about two hours. God help me.) I promise it's been cleaned up. I have to try (really hard) and look at it like it's black roving as I vacuum it up or I'll completely gross out. Thank goodness the rest of the house is hard wood or tile. Can we please get those organization, cleaning people from tv to come clean this mess up? Also, the dog whisperer guy while we're at it. Maybe he can train her to roll and shed somewhere besides my dining room carpet. The rest of the house looks quite different. just so you know.
Last Up: Knitting! If you've read the previous couple of installments in my life, you will know why this sock is going so slowwwwlllyyyy. So, here to brighten up the sock with a little luxury is an emerald green velvet background. Of course the sock is inside out, cause I wanted it that way. That's just how I roll dude.
Next Up: Consignment sale madness is here! Check out the wreck of a dining room. Imagine the opposite side of the room and the back wall and most of the dining room table looking roughly the same and you'll have an accurate picture of what I am trying to sort, enter on a spreadsheet and tag. AAAAHHH! And this is just the winter stuff folks. There's almost as much summer clothing in the attic. Ick! Please ignore any dog hair that you see on the floor. She exploded on the floor. (She's a chow mix and it's really frickin' hot here and instead of shedding outside she did it inside in about two hours. God help me.) I promise it's been cleaned up. I have to try (really hard) and look at it like it's black roving as I vacuum it up or I'll completely gross out. Thank goodness the rest of the house is hard wood or tile. Can we please get those organization, cleaning people from tv to come clean this mess up? Also, the dog whisperer guy while we're at it. Maybe he can train her to roll and shed somewhere besides my dining room carpet. The rest of the house looks quite different. just so you know.
Help!
Last Up: Knitting! If you've read the previous couple of installments in my life, you will know why this sock is going so slowwwwlllyyyy. So, here to brighten up the sock with a little luxury is an emerald green velvet background. Of course the sock is inside out, cause I wanted it that way. That's just how I roll dude.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
More for the hypochondriacs
Update: Well, last night was not fun for Mommy. Youngest's temperature spiked at 105.5. We were up with him watching the Wiggles in the middle of the night while giving him a sponge-bath and filling him up with Tylenol. He's back down to 101 and much better as of this morning. Not completely happy, but not listless anymore.
More for the hypochondriacs out there: Who Is Sick? Here's the write up for it:
"Misery loves company, and if you're a sicko who can't find any good real-world company, you can now turn to the virtual world with the Who Is Sick? database. This fun beta site maps out illnesses, showing you who's got what (runny nose, cough, fever, headache, muscle ache, stomach ache, or whatever) and where. It's a beta site, so the interface can be buggy at times, and it's hit or miss whether any sickies have joined up yet from your neighborhood. Still, it's a good little time-waster-and when you're sick, it can be oddly comforting to know that others nearby are suffering the same symptoms."
Obviously, knitting is down to a crawl at this point. I am in the middle of the heel now though.
More for the hypochondriacs out there: Who Is Sick? Here's the write up for it:
"Misery loves company, and if you're a sicko who can't find any good real-world company, you can now turn to the virtual world with the Who Is Sick? database. This fun beta site maps out illnesses, showing you who's got what (runny nose, cough, fever, headache, muscle ache, stomach ache, or whatever) and where. It's a beta site, so the interface can be buggy at times, and it's hit or miss whether any sickies have joined up yet from your neighborhood. Still, it's a good little time-waster-and when you're sick, it can be oddly comforting to know that others nearby are suffering the same symptoms."
Obviously, knitting is down to a crawl at this point. I am in the middle of the heel now though.
Monday, August 27, 2007
hy·po·chon·dri·a
hy·po·chon·dri·a (hī'pə-kŏn'drē-ə) 
n.
I may be one of the worst hypochondriacs in known existence. If someone around me sneezes, has the sniffles, has a temperature (that's a fever for those of you not raised in the south), has aches and pains, headaches, etc. I start feeling some of those same symptoms. All too often I manage to talk myself into being sick. It's tragic, I swear.
Why do I bring this up you ask? At around 2:30 am, the youngest child alarm went off. He was inconsolable and burning up at 102 degrees. I got lucky and got him back to sleep in his own bed at around 3:30. Today he was absolutely horrible to live with. Still had a temperature, had a runny nose, was grumpy and Mommy could do no right.
By 5pm I could swear I was starting to get the same symptoms! Jeez. That's just what I need.
I would have gotten a picture of the little miserable creature, but I was afraid that if I got my camera out he would pretend to be one of those arrogant superstars that grab cameras and smash them. Besides, it's hard to grab a camera when you have to hold a 20 month old all day.
UPDATE (11:59pm): Two hours ago we were frantically trying to get his temp. down from 105 degrees. It worked somewhat (much better), it's around 100 degrees now. Depending on how well he sleeps, you might be getting another update in a few hours. PS - the hubby just started complaining of phantom aches, it totally cracked me up. There's two of us in the house!
n.
- The persistent conviction that one is or is likely to become ill, often involving symptoms when illness is neither present nor likely, and persisting despite reassurance and medical evidence to the contrary. Also called hypochondriasis.
- Plural of hypochondrium.
I may be one of the worst hypochondriacs in known existence. If someone around me sneezes, has the sniffles, has a temperature (that's a fever for those of you not raised in the south), has aches and pains, headaches, etc. I start feeling some of those same symptoms. All too often I manage to talk myself into being sick. It's tragic, I swear.
Why do I bring this up you ask? At around 2:30 am, the youngest child alarm went off. He was inconsolable and burning up at 102 degrees. I got lucky and got him back to sleep in his own bed at around 3:30. Today he was absolutely horrible to live with. Still had a temperature, had a runny nose, was grumpy and Mommy could do no right.
By 5pm I could swear I was starting to get the same symptoms! Jeez. That's just what I need.
I would have gotten a picture of the little miserable creature, but I was afraid that if I got my camera out he would pretend to be one of those arrogant superstars that grab cameras and smash them. Besides, it's hard to grab a camera when you have to hold a 20 month old all day.
UPDATE (11:59pm): Two hours ago we were frantically trying to get his temp. down from 105 degrees. It worked somewhat (much better), it's around 100 degrees now. Depending on how well he sleeps, you might be getting another update in a few hours. PS - the hubby just started complaining of phantom aches, it totally cracked me up. There's two of us in the house!
Friday, August 24, 2007
New Yarn
New yarn! This will be used to make a pair of socks for Dad for Christmas. There's more yarn coming in the mail and a new toy! I'll show ya as soon as I get it!
If it can be climbed while holding a chocolate chip cookie and wearing pajamas, then it should be climbed while holding a chocolate chip cookie and wearing pajamas!
Sorry, dark pic. Click to enlarge and see more detail.
If it can be climbed while holding a chocolate chip cookie and wearing pajamas, then it should be climbed while holding a chocolate chip cookie and wearing pajamas!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
After going off on some major tangents, we now return you to your regularly scheduled knitting blog:
"The house has gone to pot, but my knitting is proceeding fabulously"
Today, it's Progress Report Time!
First, Evening knitting: After numerous debacles with the Annie Modesitt Silk Corset Top, I think I've finally figured it out. I'm so glad I frogged the first one. I found a major error that I made the first few (or 4 or 5) times. I'm not talking about the kind of error where you realize that, oops, you have an extra stitch on your needles and you just k2tog to fudge it. Nope, this was one of those big 'ol mama, never going to be able to recover from, errors.
I am finally reading this pattern the way it was meant to be read. Please don't ask me why I didn't get it the first couple (or bazillion) times around. What's that funny colored line going through the project, you ask? This time I got smart and put in a lifeline. Can ya see it? I figured that if I have to frog back, it's only going to be a portion this time and not the whole friggin' thing!
I'm amazed at all the things that I am continually learning with my knitting. Not just new techniques, but really learning to read the stitches. As a self-taught person, I don't exactly do each technique the way others would, but the results are the same as long as I pay attention.
One thing that I've noticed is that when I'm working in the round, whether it be socks or sweaters, is that I knit through the front loop and everything is fine. However, when I work flat, evidently I do something a little wonky with my purling and end up having to knit through the back loop to keep my stitches from being twisted. I figure as long as I pay attention, I'll be just fine. I just have to be careful with those patterns that say to knit through the back loop and do the opposite. Does anyone else have these kinds of issues?
Second Item, Car Pool Line knitting: . Almost ready to start the heel.
Imponderable of the Day: Why, with all the toys that are overflowing out of every pore of this freakin' house, must a baby play with (and in) a box? Do houses really have pores?
Today, it's Progress Report Time!
First, Evening knitting: After numerous debacles with the Annie Modesitt Silk Corset Top, I think I've finally figured it out. I'm so glad I frogged the first one. I found a major error that I made the first few (or 4 or 5) times. I'm not talking about the kind of error where you realize that, oops, you have an extra stitch on your needles and you just k2tog to fudge it. Nope, this was one of those big 'ol mama, never going to be able to recover from, errors.
I am finally reading this pattern the way it was meant to be read. Please don't ask me why I didn't get it the first couple (or bazillion) times around. What's that funny colored line going through the project, you ask? This time I got smart and put in a lifeline. Can ya see it? I figured that if I have to frog back, it's only going to be a portion this time and not the whole friggin' thing!
Coming along nicely now, thanks for askin'
I'm amazed at all the things that I am continually learning with my knitting. Not just new techniques, but really learning to read the stitches. As a self-taught person, I don't exactly do each technique the way others would, but the results are the same as long as I pay attention.
One thing that I've noticed is that when I'm working in the round, whether it be socks or sweaters, is that I knit through the front loop and everything is fine. However, when I work flat, evidently I do something a little wonky with my purling and end up having to knit through the back loop to keep my stitches from being twisted. I figure as long as I pay attention, I'll be just fine. I just have to be careful with those patterns that say to knit through the back loop and do the opposite. Does anyone else have these kinds of issues?
Second Item, Car Pool Line knitting: . Almost ready to start the heel.
Imponderable of the Day: Why, with all the toys that are overflowing out of every pore of this freakin' house, must a baby play with (and in) a box? Do houses really have pores?
Cuteness in a Pampers box!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Interesting, yet scary
This has absolutely nothing to do with knitting or family, I just thought it was neat. I spend a lot of time roaming the internet. One of the sites I go to is called Digg. I found this through a posting on that site.
Now, I knew that you can trace an IP address, I just never knew how. Now I know. You can go to this site here and find out more about it and other neat stuff, or you can watch the video below. What I find interesting about this, is that any and every site that you visit (not interact with, just visit) collects your IP address.
Yes, even the bloggers like me can see 'em. I'm only going to do this to my Mom to freak her out though, not you. I promise. But Mom's are fair game! :)
They could trace you to either your residence or work place using this technique. The government has been doing this for years. Hackers have been doing this for years.
I know that there are ways to hide your IP address and if you want that information you're gonna have to Google it for yourselves cause I don't have a clue. But, for every way that I learn how to hide it, I'm positive that the hackers (who are usually smarter than you and me put together) and the government have figured out how to get around my hiding it. So what's the point?
Interesting yet scary huh?
Trace Any IP Address Or Website! - video powered by Metacafe
Now, I knew that you can trace an IP address, I just never knew how. Now I know. You can go to this site here and find out more about it and other neat stuff, or you can watch the video below. What I find interesting about this, is that any and every site that you visit (not interact with, just visit) collects your IP address.
Yes, even the bloggers like me can see 'em. I'm only going to do this to my Mom to freak her out though, not you. I promise. But Mom's are fair game! :)
They could trace you to either your residence or work place using this technique. The government has been doing this for years. Hackers have been doing this for years.
I know that there are ways to hide your IP address and if you want that information you're gonna have to Google it for yourselves cause I don't have a clue. But, for every way that I learn how to hide it, I'm positive that the hackers (who are usually smarter than you and me put together) and the government have figured out how to get around my hiding it. So what's the point?
Interesting yet scary huh?
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Trace Any IP Address Or Website! - video powered by Metacafe
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Stuffed pig's feet and potato chip salad
Do you truly appreciate how your parents can affect you for the rest of your life?
My Dad used to work for Eastern Airlines before they went defunct. While checking everybody in as they arrived for their flight, he got tired of constantly hearing "what's the meal on this flight?" So, one day he answered "Catfish, grits and jello." Needless to say he got some funny looks, but the people quit asking stupid questions.
I, too, get the question "Mom, what's for dinner?" every night as I'm cooking. You'd think that the eldest would learn to stop asking this question.
The other night I made stuffed chicken. The way it was wrapped suggested the look of a hoof. I also made au gratin potatoes from a box. When asked the inevitable question, I answered "Stuffed pig's feet and potato chip salad." You should have seen the look on his face.
Another time my answer was "Dog food with fish poopy water (from the aquarium of course) to drink."
You really would think that he'd quit askin' wouldn't ya?
My Dad used to work for Eastern Airlines before they went defunct. While checking everybody in as they arrived for their flight, he got tired of constantly hearing "what's the meal on this flight?" So, one day he answered "Catfish, grits and jello." Needless to say he got some funny looks, but the people quit asking stupid questions.
I, too, get the question "Mom, what's for dinner?" every night as I'm cooking. You'd think that the eldest would learn to stop asking this question.
The other night I made stuffed chicken. The way it was wrapped suggested the look of a hoof. I also made au gratin potatoes from a box. When asked the inevitable question, I answered "Stuffed pig's feet and potato chip salad." You should have seen the look on his face.
Another time my answer was "Dog food with fish poopy water (from the aquarium of course) to drink."
You really would think that he'd quit askin' wouldn't ya?
Friday, August 17, 2007
blogiversary
AAgghh! Would you believe I missed my blogiversary on August 8th? Not only the first anniversary of my blog but the first anniversary of my first ever knitted Finished Object! I was so proud of that first FO. Even if it was done flat in Red Heart acrylic. I proved to myself that I can do this knitting stuff!
Yep, I've been knitting for approximately one year now. Man, it's gone by fast and I've learned a ton. Thank you all you Knitty and Craftster folks for all your assistance in the learning process!
Yep, I've been knitting for approximately one year now. Man, it's gone by fast and I've learned a ton. Thank you all you Knitty and Craftster folks for all your assistance in the learning process!
Supervisor Widget says what a great idea this blog was that she had!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Seriously great day
Today was a seriously good day. I ditched all motherly duties and responsibilities, foisted them off on the hubby and went shopping for makeup and purses and cheesecake. We're talkin' serious heaven here folks.
AND, I got a sock off the needles:
Taking a picture of a sock on your foot and making sure the picture is clear is not the easiest thing I've ever done in my life. The second sock is already on the needles, but may take a while to complete since I'm only working on it in the afternoon school car pool lines. Oh the joy of being a knitting mom. Doesn't my life sound exciting?
So, I'm going to make myself sit down in the evenings and start working on the corset again. I got seriously bummed by ripping it off the needles 4 times. I WILL finish this. I want it, I have to have it and I will look so sexy-fine wearing it too! :)
AND, I got a sock off the needles:
Taking a picture of a sock on your foot and making sure the picture is clear is not the easiest thing I've ever done in my life. The second sock is already on the needles, but may take a while to complete since I'm only working on it in the afternoon school car pool lines. Oh the joy of being a knitting mom. Doesn't my life sound exciting?
So, I'm going to make myself sit down in the evenings and start working on the corset again. I got seriously bummed by ripping it off the needles 4 times. I WILL finish this. I want it, I have to have it and I will look so sexy-fine wearing it too! :)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Lookit Mah New Toy!
I was in a Walmart the other day with my Mom and the eldest. We were in the craft section looking at some baskets (the Westie needed something to contain her ever growing amount of toys.) I was in site of but nowhere near the yarn section when I heard a small voice saying very loudly "Avoid the Yarn Temptation Mom!" Now really, I would never ::cough:: ever ::cough:: even dream of looking at yarn. really. No more VeggieTales morality stories for him.
Lookit Mah New Toy!
My awesome friend Darrell made me a Yarn Swift! For free! Or at least close to it - I did take him out to lunch for it. He's amazing! Not only does it work, it's collapsible. I'll need to make a case to hold it, but I'm so stoked about this! I've already ordered some new yarn so I can play with it. :)
He got extra brownie points from the 19 mo. old. The kid loves anything that spins. He's spent tons of time whirling this thing around. He thinks it's his and not mine!
***
Lookit Mah New Toy!
Shea's New Yarn Swift!
My awesome friend Darrell made me a Yarn Swift! For free! Or at least close to it - I did take him out to lunch for it. He's amazing! Not only does it work, it's collapsible. I'll need to make a case to hold it, but I'm so stoked about this! I've already ordered some new yarn so I can play with it. :)
He got extra brownie points from the 19 mo. old. The kid loves anything that spins. He's spent tons of time whirling this thing around. He thinks it's his and not mine!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Garfield Wannabe
Does your cat do this? How do they breathe like this? It can't be comfortable can it?
Hi, I'm Tiger and I'm a Garfield Wannabe.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Earricuss Gigantus
Messiouss Babious + Mosquitoe = Earricuss Gigantus
This is what happens when a 19 month old and an itty-bitty mosquito rendezvous. You get a hugely swollen ear. Notice how it's standing straight out from his head! When the youngest woke up from a nap yesterday afternoon, he had a huge Dumbo ear. I rushed him to the doctor to find out why my baby had elephantitus of the ear. The doctor just glanced at him and said "oh, it's just a bug bite." So, $30 dollars spent to be told he had a bug bite. lovely. The swelling is still not completely down, but it's getting better.Sillius Boyius with new Glasses
Yesterday was a lovely comedy of errors. First, found giganta ear on baby. Second, made Dr. appointment. Then, left 20 minutes early to pick up eldest from first day of school. This part was HELL. Very unorganized pick up situation due to construction and first day confusion. This resulted in us being 20 minutes late to the doctor. Only to be told about the bug bite.
Oh Well. Today was much better. Thank God. I actually got two repeats done on the sock I was knitting in the car pool line.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Happy Dance, New Sock
Use your imagination for a moment and picture me at this moment doing a major happy dance. YIPPEEEE!!! School has started once again!
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY.
Ok, I feel better now. I was sick to death of hearing "Mom, what can I do?" said in a whiny tone of voice. When I made suggestions, they were never the ones Eldest wanted to hear. I swear, People with no children will never understand the joy that school starting again can bring.
I promised I'd show the new sock that I'm working on. This is from Charlene Schurch's book, Sensational Knitted Socks. This is the Laburnum Socks. I'm using the red and purple yarn that I dyed here. I've been itching to try the yarn out and see how it would work up and I love it! Lookee - stripes! Even the gray is getting in on the act. I'm impressed. I wasn't even looking to make self-striping yarn.
Look closely at the terrible Microsoft Paint addition to the photo. See, I do my best knitting if I have something to listen to. The Green is what I managed to do at my Mom and Dad's last week during idle chitchat. The Yellow is the heel I completed watching Mission Impossible 1. The Red/Blue was done watching M.I.2 Have I told you how much that movie sucks? Consider this my first movie review. (Yes, if you didn't know before, you know now - I'm like umpteen dozen years behind in movies.) Why did I get so little done? I walked out of the living room after about 20 minutes or so. I left the hubby to torture himself with the rest of the movie.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY.
Ok, I feel better now. I was sick to death of hearing "Mom, what can I do?" said in a whiny tone of voice. When I made suggestions, they were never the ones Eldest wanted to hear. I swear, People with no children will never understand the joy that school starting again can bring.
Proud of himself!
I promised I'd show the new sock that I'm working on. This is from Charlene Schurch's book, Sensational Knitted Socks. This is the Laburnum Socks. I'm using the red and purple yarn that I dyed here. I've been itching to try the yarn out and see how it would work up and I love it! Lookee - stripes! Even the gray is getting in on the act. I'm impressed. I wasn't even looking to make self-striping yarn.
OOOH, AAHH!
Look closely at the terrible Microsoft Paint addition to the photo. See, I do my best knitting if I have something to listen to. The Green is what I managed to do at my Mom and Dad's last week during idle chitchat. The Yellow is the heel I completed watching Mission Impossible 1. The Red/Blue was done watching M.I.2 Have I told you how much that movie sucks? Consider this my first movie review. (Yes, if you didn't know before, you know now - I'm like umpteen dozen years behind in movies.) Why did I get so little done? I walked out of the living room after about 20 minutes or so. I left the hubby to torture himself with the rest of the movie.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
FO and Fun in the Sun
I've got lots of pics for you from the last week, but I'm going to break them down into separate days.
First, here's the spruce ankle socks that I finally finished. I left them at Mom's. On purpose, natch. I have an extremely narrow foot and these were way too wide for me. Luckily, Mom has a wider foot than I, so someone gets to enjoy them. Forgive me for showing you two pics, but read the captions and you'll understand. They turned out okay, but I wasn't real enthused about them. Not sure if it's the colorway, which is very pretty, or the plain stockinette, but it took sheer willpower (why can't I use willpower to get over the chips ahoy cookie fetish I have?) to get over the second sock syndrome this time around.
This is sort of a hybrid sock I suppose. It's a toe-up sock (love the toe-ups - so practical.)
I used the magic cast-on for the toe, which is awesome by the way. Plain stockinette for the foot, and used Wendy's generic toe up recipe to do the short row heels (which I'm getting the hang of - sorta) and 2 x 2 rib for the ankle.
I started a new toe-up sock, but I'll share that later.
Fun In the Sun Part 1:
Look at these two photos closely. Can you see a shared trait? Can you tell they're brothers? Check out those tongues stickin' out!
First, here's the spruce ankle socks that I finally finished. I left them at Mom's. On purpose, natch. I have an extremely narrow foot and these were way too wide for me. Luckily, Mom has a wider foot than I, so someone gets to enjoy them. Forgive me for showing you two pics, but read the captions and you'll understand. They turned out okay, but I wasn't real enthused about them. Not sure if it's the colorway, which is very pretty, or the plain stockinette, but it took sheer willpower (why can't I use willpower to get over the chips ahoy cookie fetish I have?) to get over the second sock syndrome this time around.
This is sort of a hybrid sock I suppose. It's a toe-up sock (love the toe-ups - so practical.)
I used the magic cast-on for the toe, which is awesome by the way. Plain stockinette for the foot, and used Wendy's generic toe up recipe to do the short row heels (which I'm getting the hang of - sorta) and 2 x 2 rib for the ankle.
Blurry, but the color is right
Clear, but the color is way too dark
I started a new toe-up sock, but I'll share that later.
Fun In the Sun Part 1:
Look at these two photos closely. Can you see a shared trait? Can you tell they're brothers? Check out those tongues stickin' out!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
What's happened this week?
Sorry for not posting for a while, I'm on vacation with the kids. Not much of a vacation since the kids are still managing to raise my blood pressure to unhealthy levels, but even so.
Lots of stuff has happened in the past couple of days. I'll have pictures later, but here's the highlights:
1. Eldest is getting his first set of glasses tomorrow. In less than two months, his eyes have become 75% worse. He's excited now, but I still feel sorry for him. Too much hateful teasing is heading his way. It's mine and my husband's fault. blind as bats both of us (or, at least I was until some wonderful lasik surgery).
2. Found out my uncle has prostate cancer and may have more bad news coming his way when more biopsies are done. Please keep him in your prayers.
3. A 19 month old and a puppy are beautiful to watch together until they decide on both doing something they shouldn't at the same time.
4. I got over the second sock syndrome and finished the Spruce socks. Will have pics soon.
Posts will still be sporadic over the next couple of days. Thank God school starts next Wednesday so that we can get back on a decent schedule again and the almost seven year old can get the sillies out at school again and not at home. He's driving me nuts.
Lots of stuff has happened in the past couple of days. I'll have pictures later, but here's the highlights:
1. Eldest is getting his first set of glasses tomorrow. In less than two months, his eyes have become 75% worse. He's excited now, but I still feel sorry for him. Too much hateful teasing is heading his way. It's mine and my husband's fault. blind as bats both of us (or, at least I was until some wonderful lasik surgery).
2. Found out my uncle has prostate cancer and may have more bad news coming his way when more biopsies are done. Please keep him in your prayers.
3. A 19 month old and a puppy are beautiful to watch together until they decide on both doing something they shouldn't at the same time.
4. I got over the second sock syndrome and finished the Spruce socks. Will have pics soon.
Posts will still be sporadic over the next couple of days. Thank God school starts next Wednesday so that we can get back on a decent schedule again and the almost seven year old can get the sillies out at school again and not at home. He's driving me nuts.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Stair Fun!
There are some days that it just doesn't pay to knit. I frogged the corset twice tonight. Fourth times a charm right? We'll see when we begin version 4 tomorrow.
On a lighter note, the youngest learned a new trick today. How to slide down stairs. He was so proud of himself. Everytime his little bottom hit the next stair down he said "Wheeee!"
See for yourself:
On a lighter note, the youngest learned a new trick today. How to slide down stairs. He was so proud of himself. Everytime his little bottom hit the next stair down he said "Wheeee!"
See for yourself:
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Monday, July 23, 2007
Croquettes!
Hi there!
I have absolutely no knitting to show you. Things are moving quite slow in that department. I did cast on for the corset again. This time using the i-cord cast on that Annie suggested using the first time she published the pattern. Why it disappeared from the pattern, I have no idea. The only reason I learned about it was from reading other blogs and forums and reading up on how others progressed with the pattern. It is definitely more stretchy than what I previously used and I really like it much better.
I do however, have a recipe for you today. This is a comfort food dish for me. My mom used to make this quite a bit as we were growing up. Since my husband is allergic to fish, I have to use the chicken substitute, but it's really much better with the salmon. So without further ado, here's her recipe with a few comments here and there from yours truly:
Salmon (or Chicken) Croquettes
vegetable oil
1 large can of salmon, undrained (you can also substitute a can of chicken)
1 large egg
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornmeal mix (MIX, not straight cornmeal)
buttermilk - very small amount (see below)
In a skillet or frying pan, add vegetable oil until bottom is covered. Heat on Medium heat until it is hot enough for frying.
Mix all ingredients except the buttermilk. At this point the mixture should be pretty thick. If it's not, add a bit more of the cornmeal mix. Now that you've gotten it good and thick, thin it down again with the buttermilk until it is just thin enough to dip with a spoon. (If you add too much buttermilk, you can always thicken it up again with the cornmeal mix). Adding the buttermilk not only thins it, it also helps the croquettes brown better.
As the spoonful of mixture is dropped into the oil, they should spread slightly.
Fry these until both sides are golden brown. Place them on folded paper towels to soak up any extra oil from the frying.
Enjoy!
I have absolutely no knitting to show you. Things are moving quite slow in that department. I did cast on for the corset again. This time using the i-cord cast on that Annie suggested using the first time she published the pattern. Why it disappeared from the pattern, I have no idea. The only reason I learned about it was from reading other blogs and forums and reading up on how others progressed with the pattern. It is definitely more stretchy than what I previously used and I really like it much better.
I do however, have a recipe for you today. This is a comfort food dish for me. My mom used to make this quite a bit as we were growing up. Since my husband is allergic to fish, I have to use the chicken substitute, but it's really much better with the salmon. So without further ado, here's her recipe with a few comments here and there from yours truly:
Salmon (or Chicken) Croquettes
vegetable oil
1 large can of salmon, undrained (you can also substitute a can of chicken)
1 large egg
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornmeal mix (MIX, not straight cornmeal)
buttermilk - very small amount (see below)
In a skillet or frying pan, add vegetable oil until bottom is covered. Heat on Medium heat until it is hot enough for frying.
Mix all ingredients except the buttermilk. At this point the mixture should be pretty thick. If it's not, add a bit more of the cornmeal mix. Now that you've gotten it good and thick, thin it down again with the buttermilk until it is just thin enough to dip with a spoon. (If you add too much buttermilk, you can always thicken it up again with the cornmeal mix). Adding the buttermilk not only thins it, it also helps the croquettes brown better.
about this thick 
As the spoonful of mixture is dropped into the oil, they should spread slightly.
Fry these until both sides are golden brown. Place them on folded paper towels to soak up any extra oil from the frying.
Please ignore the one on the right. This became a little more crispy than is should've when the cook had to go rescue a 16 lb. cat, the tv remote controls and an elder brother from the octopus arms of the 18 month old.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Back to sqare one.
Would you like to see the progress of the corset I've been knitting? Would you really? Well, how's this for excitement?
Yep. It's been rrrriipppped! I knew that some small mistakes had been made in the corset, and I was willing to let those go. But, stupid me took the project out of the home at a very poor time. The pattern required a lot more attention than it received at eldest's basketball camp. I made a whopper of a mistake. It was actually a good thing in the long run. I took it off the needles and tried it on to see if the size that I was knitting was a good one and decided that I wanted to go up a size anyway. I'm not that comfortable with a sweater that is that tight anyway. Better to find this out now, halfway through than when I finally get the whole thing done. So, we're considering this a test run for the pattern. I think that Annie Modesitt, the author of this pattern is an absolute knitting goddess and I'm amazed that someone could just come up with something so beautiful just out of the blue. However, that being said, I do wish that she would "dumb down" or explain the pattern better, just a bit more. Now that I've been almost the entire way through the pattern, I understand it. mostly. Granted, I bit off more than I could chew on this one perhaps. I'm still very young in knitting years, right around advanced beginner or so. But, by golly I'm going to do this one or bust!
I got a little smarter tonight at the bball camp.
It's much easier to work on a plain old stockinette stitch sock than a lacy sweater when there's the chance of getting hit in the head with a basketball that's in the control of a bunch of six year olds . Won't make that mistake again. promise.
At least this is helping me get past the second sock syndrome on this last of the pair of socks in the Spruce yarn.
back to square (circle?) one.
Yep. It's been rrrriipppped! I knew that some small mistakes had been made in the corset, and I was willing to let those go. But, stupid me took the project out of the home at a very poor time. The pattern required a lot more attention than it received at eldest's basketball camp. I made a whopper of a mistake. It was actually a good thing in the long run. I took it off the needles and tried it on to see if the size that I was knitting was a good one and decided that I wanted to go up a size anyway. I'm not that comfortable with a sweater that is that tight anyway. Better to find this out now, halfway through than when I finally get the whole thing done. So, we're considering this a test run for the pattern. I think that Annie Modesitt, the author of this pattern is an absolute knitting goddess and I'm amazed that someone could just come up with something so beautiful just out of the blue. However, that being said, I do wish that she would "dumb down" or explain the pattern better, just a bit more. Now that I've been almost the entire way through the pattern, I understand it. mostly. Granted, I bit off more than I could chew on this one perhaps. I'm still very young in knitting years, right around advanced beginner or so. But, by golly I'm going to do this one or bust!
I got a little smarter tonight at the bball camp.
Look! a toe-pocket!
It's much easier to work on a plain old stockinette stitch sock than a lacy sweater when there's the chance of getting hit in the head with a basketball that's in the control of a bunch of six year olds . Won't make that mistake again. promise.
At least this is helping me get past the second sock syndrome on this last of the pair of socks in the Spruce yarn.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Interesting/Strange
Found something interesting today. Did you know there is a site called the fantasy blog stock market? I had no idea that this even existed. You can check here to see where my lil' ol' blog is on their site. There were people who were actually voting to see what kind of blog this is. Some of the entries were for female, knitting, fiber arts, crafts and photoblogs (no photo today, sorry).
Please be aware that I am not promoting their site or trying to persuade you from going to their site, I was just surprised to find my blog on it. I'm aware that little search spiders put me there, but still. Why on earth would someone be interested in trading fantasy shares of my blog for heavens sake? Strange.
I was reading in a forum where people were listing the strange things that led people to their site (which is how I came across the above stuff). So, out of curiosity, I had to check mine. There was
"hair care disasters"
"dyed pink haired westie" - why would someone want to dye their westie's hair pink? Unless, of course, they gave it a mohawk first and dyed that hot pink, then maybe I could see that one.
and my two favorites:
"Shea recipes" - didn't know you needed a recipe to get one of me! :) and
"change Shea scent recipe" - what's wrong with the way I smell? Don't answer that one, please.
Please be aware that I am not promoting their site or trying to persuade you from going to their site, I was just surprised to find my blog on it. I'm aware that little search spiders put me there, but still. Why on earth would someone be interested in trading fantasy shares of my blog for heavens sake? Strange.
I was reading in a forum where people were listing the strange things that led people to their site (which is how I came across the above stuff). So, out of curiosity, I had to check mine. There was
"hair care disasters"
"dyed pink haired westie" - why would someone want to dye their westie's hair pink? Unless, of course, they gave it a mohawk first and dyed that hot pink, then maybe I could see that one.
and my two favorites:
"Shea recipes" - didn't know you needed a recipe to get one of me! :) and
"change Shea scent recipe" - what's wrong with the way I smell? Don't answer that one, please.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
free stuff costs $$$
Ya ever noticed how free stuff costs you money? Two examples that happened this week:
1. Some tenants moved out of a rental house that we have and left a bunch of stuff. One of those being a sega-genesis game system (one of the old original ones). Eldest happens to be a video game junkie and was thrilled. The system was missing a cord, so there was $13 bucks spent on a cord and one used game for it.
2. Free Braves tickets from a rich uncle who has season tickets. Hubby wasn't going to go. He's been in a terrible depression from the job and has been turning into a house hermit. He desperately needed a night out. I had to almost pick a fight with him to get him and eldest to go. They both had a great time and after I got the youngest to bed, I had a relaxing evening to myself. Of course they had to get drinks and peanuts at ball park prices but I consider that evening worth it!
So, I got a little bit more on the corset done. I'm on chart D and working my way through the mini cables. Here's some pics of the project right before I started on that section.
I can't wait to finish this. I think I'm going to try Annie's new corset top after this! It's been fun to do this one. There are several mistakes hidden in there, but I "think" they're not going to be noticeable to anyone but me, especially since I'm the only person I know around here that knits. :)
1. Some tenants moved out of a rental house that we have and left a bunch of stuff. One of those being a sega-genesis game system (one of the old original ones). Eldest happens to be a video game junkie and was thrilled. The system was missing a cord, so there was $13 bucks spent on a cord and one used game for it.
2. Free Braves tickets from a rich uncle who has season tickets. Hubby wasn't going to go. He's been in a terrible depression from the job and has been turning into a house hermit. He desperately needed a night out. I had to almost pick a fight with him to get him and eldest to go. They both had a great time and after I got the youngest to bed, I had a relaxing evening to myself. Of course they had to get drinks and peanuts at ball park prices but I consider that evening worth it!
So, I got a little bit more on the corset done. I'm on chart D and working my way through the mini cables. Here's some pics of the project right before I started on that section.
I can't wait to finish this. I think I'm going to try Annie's new corset top after this! It's been fun to do this one. There are several mistakes hidden in there, but I "think" they're not going to be noticeable to anyone but me, especially since I'm the only person I know around here that knits. :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Why ME? rant
Why ME? Why do I get stuck in long lines with older men who feel compelled to tell me their life stories? For the second time in recent history (see here for the first) , I had to sit and listen to this older dude tell me the following:
1. "Oh, you live over on ******* street. Well, let me tell you, I was one of the people that framed your house. As a matter of fact, I framed all the houses in that neighborhood."
2. "I live over on **** street for 27 years. Yep, 27 years until my wife decided she wanted a divorce and kept the house. Yessir, I had just got that house completely paid for and then I had to go and start payin' on another house. My daughter and her boy live there too. It's over back behind the high school. We watch the kids run track and play football over there all the time."
3. "My grandson is five. He's going to be in kindergarten at ***** school. We thought about going to ***** school, but decided that ***** school was closer."
Now, I'm all for being friendly. I like meeting people, really, I do. But, there's a limit to how much I want to find out about them at the first meeting. Are these folks just that lonely or just that dumb? I mean, what if I was a spy, a home burglary expert, or a child kidnapper even? I've just learned your life story, where you live, where your ex-wife lives, where your grandchild lives, that you have a grandson going to X school. These people are ripe for pickin'. Scary.
But seriously, why me? Do I have a huge sign on my forehead that says "If you're over 55, please, tell me your life story while you waste an hour of your time in line?"
1. "Oh, you live over on ******* street. Well, let me tell you, I was one of the people that framed your house. As a matter of fact, I framed all the houses in that neighborhood."
2. "I live over on **** street for 27 years. Yep, 27 years until my wife decided she wanted a divorce and kept the house. Yessir, I had just got that house completely paid for and then I had to go and start payin' on another house. My daughter and her boy live there too. It's over back behind the high school. We watch the kids run track and play football over there all the time."
3. "My grandson is five. He's going to be in kindergarten at ***** school. We thought about going to ***** school, but decided that ***** school was closer."
Now, I'm all for being friendly. I like meeting people, really, I do. But, there's a limit to how much I want to find out about them at the first meeting. Are these folks just that lonely or just that dumb? I mean, what if I was a spy, a home burglary expert, or a child kidnapper even? I've just learned your life story, where you live, where your ex-wife lives, where your grandchild lives, that you have a grandson going to X school. These people are ripe for pickin'. Scary.
But seriously, why me? Do I have a huge sign on my forehead that says "If you're over 55, please, tell me your life story while you waste an hour of your time in line?"
Monday, July 09, 2007
Cursed by the cemetery?
Well! Long time, no speak. Last week is such a blur. I was very busy for the 4th. My number two nephew had his official Hindu naming ceremony that day. I didn't understand a word of the ceremony since I don't speak that Indian, but it was basically wishing him health, wealth and a long life.
Here's a pic of the little butterball. He's so cute. When he smiles he looks like Buddy Hackett! It's so funny. He's so sweet and he can pucker up for a kiss like nobody's business. Here's proof:
Not a flattering pic of me, but I wanted to show the world that cute little fella.
After that was over, eldest and I dropped off the youngest and the hubby and then we went to catch the fireworks over the Marietta Square. This area gets incredibly crowded during the fireworks and it's hard to find a good vantage point, but we did it. We and about 100 other folks set up shop in one of the cemeteries (sounds creepy doesn't it?) and it was great. Very loud and very bright. Evidently most folks don't like sitting in cemeteries. That's just fine by me.
On the knitting front, I've only gotten a few more rows in the corset. It's coming along slowly. I finished the armholes and I'm about to start all the ribbing. I'm not feeling real confident about it. It feels like the tension is too loose on it, but we'll see.
Eldest and I have caught colds. Hmmm... maybe a curse from the cemetery?
Here's a pic of the little butterball. He's so cute. When he smiles he looks like Buddy Hackett! It's so funny. He's so sweet and he can pucker up for a kiss like nobody's business. Here's proof:
Me and the nephew
Not a flattering pic of me, but I wanted to show the world that cute little fella.
After that was over, eldest and I dropped off the youngest and the hubby and then we went to catch the fireworks over the Marietta Square. This area gets incredibly crowded during the fireworks and it's hard to find a good vantage point, but we did it. We and about 100 other folks set up shop in one of the cemeteries (sounds creepy doesn't it?) and it was great. Very loud and very bright. Evidently most folks don't like sitting in cemeteries. That's just fine by me.
On the knitting front, I've only gotten a few more rows in the corset. It's coming along slowly. I finished the armholes and I'm about to start all the ribbing. I'm not feeling real confident about it. It feels like the tension is too loose on it, but we'll see.
Eldest and I have caught colds. Hmmm... maybe a curse from the cemetery?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Sock update and what I found in the puppy kennel
Sock Update: This may be TMI for the un-knitterly folk out there, but this is also my working notes. If I don't write it down somewhere, I'll never get a second sock like this one.
I told you I had the first one finished and here it is. It's a hybrid of sorts. I did the magic cast on for the toe. Sounds fancy doesn't it? The circumference of the sock started at 30 stitches. I, however, have an incredibly narrow skinny foot. So, after the toe was complete, I did 6 rows of 30 then decreased to 28 sts. This actually worked pretty well.
I did plain stockinette on the body of the sock then did a short row heel. See, here's the problem with being a self-taught combo knitter, there's no-one to consult when you get stuck. Short rows and I currently do not get along. I wish, desperately, that I had someone to show me the proper way to wrap these. I really need to find a sock knitting class somewhere. These turned out okay, just not exactly good. Maybe I'll catch on when I get to the second sock. I was pretty disgusted with the heel thing so by the time I got to the top of the foot I gave out of steam and turned them into ankle socks with a 2x2 rib.
One lesson learned with these: when the directions say you may want to pick up an extra stitch when working the heel, do it! I have a lovely little hole on either side of the ankle that I now get to go back and sew up. great. just great.
In an effort to avoid the other sock, here's the progress on my Annie Modesitt Silk Corset - 'cept it's gonna be bamboo. I'm sure that sooner or later this will drive me back to the other sock. I can only take patterns for so long before I go nuts. Of course, that also goes for short row heels. This bamboo is really pretty. It's got a nice low key sheen to it.
You turn your back for two seconds and an 18 month old disappears. That's it, that's all it takes and God help you if he gets quiet about it. So, I heard the silence and went looking (rushing) for him. Couldn't find him the first go-around the house, so I went again. Remember that we are puppy-sitting for a few days?
I told you I had the first one finished and here it is. It's a hybrid of sorts. I did the magic cast on for the toe. Sounds fancy doesn't it? The circumference of the sock started at 30 stitches. I, however, have an incredibly narrow skinny foot. So, after the toe was complete, I did 6 rows of 30 then decreased to 28 sts. This actually worked pretty well.
I did plain stockinette on the body of the sock then did a short row heel. See, here's the problem with being a self-taught combo knitter, there's no-one to consult when you get stuck. Short rows and I currently do not get along. I wish, desperately, that I had someone to show me the proper way to wrap these. I really need to find a sock knitting class somewhere. These turned out okay, just not exactly good. Maybe I'll catch on when I get to the second sock. I was pretty disgusted with the heel thing so by the time I got to the top of the foot I gave out of steam and turned them into ankle socks with a 2x2 rib.
One lesson learned with these: when the directions say you may want to pick up an extra stitch when working the heel, do it! I have a lovely little hole on either side of the ankle that I now get to go back and sew up. great. just great.
Love the colors in this yarn!
In an effort to avoid the other sock, here's the progress on my Annie Modesitt Silk Corset - 'cept it's gonna be bamboo. I'm sure that sooner or later this will drive me back to the other sock. I can only take patterns for so long before I go nuts. Of course, that also goes for short row heels. This bamboo is really pretty. It's got a nice low key sheen to it.
Photographs nicely on the side of the grill doesn't it?
You turn your back for two seconds and an 18 month old disappears. That's it, that's all it takes and God help you if he gets quiet about it. So, I heard the silence and went looking (rushing) for him. Couldn't find him the first go-around the house, so I went again. Remember that we are puppy-sitting for a few days?
Look what I found in the puppy kennel today!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
swatches and puppy
I've been somewhat busy the past few days. I finished one sock, I'll have pics in another installment. The sock knitting mojo is pretty low at the moment. I'm going to cast on another project tonight to keep the boredom at bay. For now, here's a swatch I did last night:
Excitin' huh? This is the beautiful bamboo ordered from discontinued yarns. The color is cobalt. I'm going to start Annie Modesitt's Silk Corset. It took me two swatches to finally get gauge on this one. Looks like I'm going to be using a size seven needle for this one. It took me a while to do these two swatches cause I had a little help from my Mom's new toy that I'm baby sitting for the next few days:
Isn't she cute? Minnie Pearl is a 10 week old Westie. I'm not sure how the Eldest is going to cope when she leaves. He's smitten. This is the most excitement this household has seen for some time. She's gotten all our animals (2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 porch kitty) racing around in circles. Tiger's not real thrilled with her stealing his beanbag bed.
Excitin' huh? This is the beautiful bamboo ordered from discontinued yarns. The color is cobalt. I'm going to start Annie Modesitt's Silk Corset. It took me two swatches to finally get gauge on this one. Looks like I'm going to be using a size seven needle for this one. It took me a while to do these two swatches cause I had a little help from my Mom's new toy that I'm baby sitting for the next few days:
What is it with animals and this beanbag?
Isn't she cute? Minnie Pearl is a 10 week old Westie. I'm not sure how the Eldest is going to cope when she leaves. He's smitten. This is the most excitement this household has seen for some time. She's gotten all our animals (2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 porch kitty) racing around in circles. Tiger's not real thrilled with her stealing his beanbag bed.
absolutely smitten
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Flash! Eldest tries to kill Mom!
Eldest tried to kill me and send me to the poor house today. You see, I live a very sedentary and poor existence and while I'm not quite happy with the poor side, I'm very content to be sedentary. Eldest earned a free ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia through a fundraiser that he did for school.
This free ticket cost me approximately $75.00 d0llars! First there was the $15 parking fee. Then my $37.00 ticket. $15.00 lunch for two. $3.50 for a bottled water. and last but not least, the $4.27 souvenir.
Today was also excruciatingly hot. 101 degrees folks with mega humidity. miserable with tons of walking. Until he got me on the water rides where I got drenched and he managed to get pleasantly damp. My undies were still wet 5 hours later! I also wore jean shorts that chaffed all sorts of things they shouldn't have.
So, miserable heat, tons of walking, lots of money spent. Oh! and don't forget the life story that this perfect stranger, a homely older guy, decided to gift me with while we were stuck in line with him for almost an hour waiting on a ride. I learned that he had had a stroke in February, was here to take his two boys on a vacation, the two boys were from his first marriage which lasted 18 years until she left him, but he just got remarried in April cause he thought he'd try it again and oh, he's going to be taking his wife to the hospital tomorrow to have a 8cm kidney stone removed. I kid you not and I've actually done you a favor by omitting a small portion.
Now. I ask you, would you tell your life story to some stranger standing in line with you? And do you think that that stranger would possibly care about your life story? I've got no problem with small chit chat, but I'm thinkin' the "where you folks from and how old are your kids?" questions should be the extent of all the knowledge imparted at an amusement park waiting line, don't you?
This free ticket cost me approximately $75.00 d0llars! First there was the $15 parking fee. Then my $37.00 ticket. $15.00 lunch for two. $3.50 for a bottled water. and last but not least, the $4.27 souvenir.
Today was also excruciatingly hot. 101 degrees folks with mega humidity. miserable with tons of walking. Until he got me on the water rides where I got drenched and he managed to get pleasantly damp. My undies were still wet 5 hours later! I also wore jean shorts that chaffed all sorts of things they shouldn't have.
So, miserable heat, tons of walking, lots of money spent. Oh! and don't forget the life story that this perfect stranger, a homely older guy, decided to gift me with while we were stuck in line with him for almost an hour waiting on a ride. I learned that he had had a stroke in February, was here to take his two boys on a vacation, the two boys were from his first marriage which lasted 18 years until she left him, but he just got remarried in April cause he thought he'd try it again and oh, he's going to be taking his wife to the hospital tomorrow to have a 8cm kidney stone removed. I kid you not and I've actually done you a favor by omitting a small portion.
Now. I ask you, would you tell your life story to some stranger standing in line with you? And do you think that that stranger would possibly care about your life story? I've got no problem with small chit chat, but I'm thinkin' the "where you folks from and how old are your kids?" questions should be the extent of all the knowledge imparted at an amusement park waiting line, don't you?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Baby Kimono!
I like this FO. This will be one cute baby gift if I do say so myself. I went on a ribbon hunt today at several craft stores and came home with a sheer lime green with white polka dots to go with this outfit. This is the Baby Kimono from the Mason Dixon Knitting book. I used Lily's Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn in Sunny Sky. This is a lovely soft worsted weight cotton. This went so fast. Especially after working with sock yarn. I felt like those needles were flying!
I really liked this pattern too. Easy and fun. I just can't say enough about the Mason Dixon book. I can't wait to try some more of the patterns from it.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Supervisor Widget
Yikes! Father of knitters, forgive me for I have sinned. It's been three days since I've blogged again.
Okay, enough of that. I have a finished object to show you, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow. It's in the blocking stages right now and it's so cute! It's the baby kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting and it turned out perfect.
Now don't go gettin' any ideas. It's not for me. Nope, no bun in the oven here and if my hubby don't quit tickin' me off there won't even be any practicing for a blessed event either, thank you very much! Anyway, I'll have a pic. for you later (pics of the sweater - get your mind out of the gutter).
For now, here's a pic of Supervisor Widget as she sits on the desk above me as I type:
Okay, enough of that. I have a finished object to show you, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow. It's in the blocking stages right now and it's so cute! It's the baby kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting and it turned out perfect.
Now don't go gettin' any ideas. It's not for me. Nope, no bun in the oven here and if my hubby don't quit tickin' me off there won't even be any practicing for a blessed event either, thank you very much! Anyway, I'll have a pic. for you later (pics of the sweater - get your mind out of the gutter).
For now, here's a pic of Supervisor Widget as she sits on the desk above me as I type:
Dad doesn't need his wifi router working as much as I need a place to sleep!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Yarn dyeing and Hair!
Two subjects to write about today: Yarn dyeing and Hair!
First, Hair. I was completely put in my place yesterday. I'm a bit opinionated when it comes to children's hair, specifically boys hair and even more specifically, the length of it. I'm old school. I love to see a super short, clean haircut on a little boy. Nothing long, nothing shaggy. Well. There's this little boy that I know who has very long hair. If you didn't know he was a boy, you'd swear he was a girl. Of course, I was being snooty and looking down my nose at him, thinking that his Mom must just like that kind of thing and doesn't that make me better than her cause my boys have short hair? I feel like a total tool now. I was told that this little boy made the decision to grow out his hair for Locks of Love. What an amazing thing this little boy is doing. Some little child is going to be thrilled to get that red, curly hair. How much crap has this little boy had to put up (by people like me) with over this wonderful decision that he has made?
To defend myself at least a little bit, let me add this. I live in an area where redneck parents think it's a good idea to not only let their kids hair grow out for fun, but they let them do it Mullet style. ick! Let me add a bit more: I'm not against grown men with longer hair. Can we say Viggo Mortenson from Lord of the Rings, anyone????
Okay, on to Yarn dyeing fun!
1. I got some knitpicks Bare sock yarn - 2 skeins of it and couldn't wait for the fun to begin. I have absolutely no experience in doing this kind of thing, but couldn't wait to get started. I soaked the yarn in very hot water and let it sit for about 45 minutes.
2. Dye - for this go around (won't be my last) I used Dylon permanent fabric dye in Poppy Red, Royal Blue and Sunflower Yellow.
3. I knew I wanted a variegated yarn, so I used two quart jars per skein. I only wanted two colors, thus the two jars. I did two combinations: Red/Purple, Orange/Green.
I did not follow the exact directions on the dye packs. For the red I used one dye pack (it's powder). Purple - One Red pack and about half of the blue. This was gorgeous. It turned out a dark heathery purple. For the Orange color I used half of the yellow and about two or three tsps. of the red dye. The Green was fun. It turned out a fabulous moss green. To get it, I used the other half of the yellow and about a tablespoon and a smidge of the blue. As you can tell, I didn't get exact measurements. We (my Mom was playing too) just kept adding until we got the color we wanted.
I added the recommended amount of salt (4 tbsp) to the mixtures to help set the dye. If you do this, make sure that you cover your work surface really well. (Mom would have killed me if I had messed up her granite counter tops. It's fun to craft at someone else's house, but the repercussions could be hell if you mess up!)
4. So I place the dye jars close together in a big pan on top of a great big splat mat, then added the yarn. This yarn is a superwash sock yarn, so I didn't need to be as careful of it felting, but if you use other, beware. Make sure you do some research first. Warm water, not hot and don't agitate! I divide the hank in half and put one end in one jar and one end in the other. Make sure that you have used some twist ties or waste yarn to secure the hanks as best you can to prevent tangling. I didn't do this well enough and it took me forever to get out the tangles when I went to wound this into a ball.
Notice that there is a little bit of no man's (or dye's) land between the colors? I loved that. The white turned a pretty light gray between the red and purple and a sunny yellow between the orange and green.
5. I let everything sit for an hour. Then I rinsed each hank in cold water and then in cold water and vinegar. I added the vinegar to make sure the dye set. I absolutely do not want runny socks when I'm finished with the final product. I'm paranoid that way. (I must also mention that the smell of wet wool and vinegar is not a lovely aroma.)
6. I then set the to dry out on the porch over night. My mom has a brand spanking new dryer that has a sweater shelf attachment and we put the still damp yarn on it to finish drying the rest of the way the next day.
7. Here's the final results in all it's yarny goodness. Um, I'm not a professional ball winder. Can ya tell? At least I got the job done. I can't wait to knit these up. I'm thinking of maybe doing the Sidewinders over at Nonaknits with one of them. Let me know if you like the way these turned out:
First, Hair. I was completely put in my place yesterday. I'm a bit opinionated when it comes to children's hair, specifically boys hair and even more specifically, the length of it. I'm old school. I love to see a super short, clean haircut on a little boy. Nothing long, nothing shaggy. Well. There's this little boy that I know who has very long hair. If you didn't know he was a boy, you'd swear he was a girl. Of course, I was being snooty and looking down my nose at him, thinking that his Mom must just like that kind of thing and doesn't that make me better than her cause my boys have short hair? I feel like a total tool now. I was told that this little boy made the decision to grow out his hair for Locks of Love. What an amazing thing this little boy is doing. Some little child is going to be thrilled to get that red, curly hair. How much crap has this little boy had to put up (by people like me) with over this wonderful decision that he has made?
To defend myself at least a little bit, let me add this. I live in an area where redneck parents think it's a good idea to not only let their kids hair grow out for fun, but they let them do it Mullet style. ick! Let me add a bit more: I'm not against grown men with longer hair. Can we say Viggo Mortenson from Lord of the Rings, anyone????
Okay, on to Yarn dyeing fun!
1. I got some knitpicks Bare sock yarn - 2 skeins of it and couldn't wait for the fun to begin. I have absolutely no experience in doing this kind of thing, but couldn't wait to get started. I soaked the yarn in very hot water and let it sit for about 45 minutes.
2. Dye - for this go around (won't be my last) I used Dylon permanent fabric dye in Poppy Red, Royal Blue and Sunflower Yellow.
3. I knew I wanted a variegated yarn, so I used two quart jars per skein. I only wanted two colors, thus the two jars. I did two combinations: Red/Purple, Orange/Green.
I did not follow the exact directions on the dye packs. For the red I used one dye pack (it's powder). Purple - One Red pack and about half of the blue. This was gorgeous. It turned out a dark heathery purple. For the Orange color I used half of the yellow and about two or three tsps. of the red dye. The Green was fun. It turned out a fabulous moss green. To get it, I used the other half of the yellow and about a tablespoon and a smidge of the blue. As you can tell, I didn't get exact measurements. We (my Mom was playing too) just kept adding until we got the color we wanted.
I added the recommended amount of salt (4 tbsp) to the mixtures to help set the dye. If you do this, make sure that you cover your work surface really well. (Mom would have killed me if I had messed up her granite counter tops. It's fun to craft at someone else's house, but the repercussions could be hell if you mess up!)
4. So I place the dye jars close together in a big pan on top of a great big splat mat, then added the yarn. This yarn is a superwash sock yarn, so I didn't need to be as careful of it felting, but if you use other, beware. Make sure you do some research first. Warm water, not hot and don't agitate! I divide the hank in half and put one end in one jar and one end in the other. Make sure that you have used some twist ties or waste yarn to secure the hanks as best you can to prevent tangling. I didn't do this well enough and it took me forever to get out the tangles when I went to wound this into a ball.
Notice that there is a little bit of no man's (or dye's) land between the colors? I loved that. The white turned a pretty light gray between the red and purple and a sunny yellow between the orange and green.
5. I let everything sit for an hour. Then I rinsed each hank in cold water and then in cold water and vinegar. I added the vinegar to make sure the dye set. I absolutely do not want runny socks when I'm finished with the final product. I'm paranoid that way. (I must also mention that the smell of wet wool and vinegar is not a lovely aroma.)
6. I then set the to dry out on the porch over night. My mom has a brand spanking new dryer that has a sweater shelf attachment and we put the still damp yarn on it to finish drying the rest of the way the next day.
7. Here's the final results in all it's yarny goodness. Um, I'm not a professional ball winder. Can ya tell? At least I got the job done. I can't wait to knit these up. I'm thinking of maybe doing the Sidewinders over at Nonaknits with one of them. Let me know if you like the way these turned out:
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