The real world

Where have you been?
Well, after months of resisting, my precious free time has been sucked into The World of Warcraft. Yes, I am sad to report that this game has envoked my curiousity and intrigue.

What does that mean for knitting?
I'm still knitting. But I just haven't been knitting as often. After finishing the epic 2 year baby blanket I'm taking a breather. Although this breather may last until the Estes Park Wool Market.

So, there you go. Still kickin. Just kickin it in Azeroth.

Why do I blog?

Well, that's a good fucking question. If anyone has ideas please let me know. It's a weird little exhibitionism quirk in my brain I suppose. It's not as though I really want people to know what I'm thinking. It would be truly fun to be completely anonymous and let it all fly. Just one of those moods after getting off a phone call with my favorite person, because it's always my fault.

On to other items though. Here is the scarf I finished for my friend. He loved it and wears it all the time now. He says it's warm. It matches his jacket too. I wasn't too sure about the orange and black combo, but it seemed to work okay. It may be the last time I ever knit a scarf lengthwise though. First time I ever knitted anything for a man who was not related to me. Not even the X got anything out of me. But then again, I never thought he'd truly appreciate something from one's heart and hands.

I finally finished the blanket I started 2 years ago. It will be sent in a package to my sister. How odd it is as an adult to know now that I have a sister. Especially after being raised an only child.

A closer view of the Korean and English. The variegated yarn made interesting patterns once you stand back.

Hehe...I must work on my photography skills. I tend to get in a hurry and suddenly you notice a baby buggy wheel in the corner or extremely clashing colors or background texture.

I must remember that single crochet on a G hook takes a long time. But I admit I am not the world's fastest knitter or crocheter...I just enjoy the process.

A picture of the edging. She had a baby girl, if I understand correctly. When I designed it, it was going to be for a woman I hardly knew who was going to have a boy. However, this seems a much more appropriate present for my sister than for this woman who I have now lost touch with. I thought the lacy edge would be a good touch.

Going forward onto projects that I'm working on now...well, this blanket is taking the lead right now. I love self striping yarn. Have a mentioned this before? Haha. It's turning out well, now that I've figured out how many stitches to pick up on the side roughly...since I'm making this up as I go along. Fun stuff! Should be more interesting as I progress.

I finished one of two socks. Is it just me or is it always harder to knit the second sock...motivation wise really. I'll take a picture when the second one is done...heck, he's waited 4 years so far, what's 4 more?

Will it ever end...never mind got distracted...

I was going to write another blog about more snow, but I forgot to take a picture. That's okay, there's more in the forecast next week. In the mean time, enjoy these snowmen. I'm sure I'll have more pictures during next week's snowstorm.

There isn't much to say about knitting or yarn right now. I started making a pair of socks, hypothetically for my cousin's husband. Who's been asking for the last two years. Really, I just don't knit that fast, and well...I get side tracked easily.

For instance, I found this tonight at JoAnn's which will be turned into some sort of blanket like thing for a friend who's having a baby. I know four women having babies so far. All about the same time too. Only two will actually get blankets hopefully out of me. I'm not sure what color I want to make the other one out of. I may wait to see if they find out what the gender is first.


This here will make a perhaps nifty pair of socks. I like the colorway. Cherry chocolate. Cheap yarn will be the end of me. I can't wait until the Estes Park Wool Festival.

A hat here for my son. The one I bought is too small. So I thought I'd make one. Wool and soy. Now I just need a hat pattern.

A scarf for my daughter. How I love self striping yarns. She kind of liked it. It'll still looked nifty. After the scarf Imbrium made I'm sure it'll look nifty either way.

A bundle of wool from my friend for Christmas. I have no idea what I want to do with this yet. 100% wool. I'm sure I could think of something to felt it into.

I still have the blanket for my sister to finish and I've started spinning some roving that I bought 3 years ago or so that my daughter picked out.

I will need to acquire some of the lace yarn from Yarn Place that Imbrium acquired. So much yarn...running out of room...must buy another box although I really ought to use some of the stuff.

Well, not as impressive, but it's not over yet

Well, it's lighten up some since I got home, but it's still coming down. I'm not convinced that the office will be closed tomorrow, but I'm willing to bet the daycare will. It's supposed to continue until tomorrow about midday and then start up again in the evening. Should be an interesting trek across town for the hostage exchange.

De ja vu!

Got sent home again today. Didn't this already happen once? Hmmm... Well the snow bank melted pretty quickly this week, but perhaps it'll pile up again. So, here's the first. I'm supposed to call a toll free number at 5:00 am tomorrow to see if the office is open. Ah...why can't they tell me tonight...I won't be able to sleep well. Kind of ruins that sleep in thing.

Snow...is still the topic of the day

Ah...


Thursday was a snow day. I haven't had a snow day since I was in high school. Something about 2+ feet of snow and the city was shut down. I still could have made it into the office. The plus and minus of living about 2 minutes from work. However, I must admit I was happy to have a snow day, even though I didn't have anyone else in my home since the kids were visiting others. What other better thing to do when there is a ton of snow outside? Knitting of course!


I finally finished the set of slippers for my daughter...these shrunk up quick too...I'm glad I checked them after 5 minutes. I also worked on the black and orange scarf. I didn't actually finish that until 12/23. But the recipient greeted it with much enthusiam. And of course, in true fashion I forgot my camera and therefore I do not have a picture of the final product. He did say he'd stop by and I'll have to take pictures then.

The next day at work on 12/22, greeted us with open parking lots. There was so much snow off the top parking lot that you can't really tell that this picture to the left is a parking garage. You could just hop off the top and slide on down.


Lastly, I have made stich markers, 3 sets actually, this is only the blue set. I'm still organizing my mass chaos I call, beads, but it's working out. I received new organizing boxes for Christmas. Grand things I'm sure will occur.

And morning brings...

A lot of snow. Delayed start at work. Still makes me giggle at just the thought. If they truly have a delayed start I wonder how many people will even bother. That's a lot of snow.

I am thankful for a few eggs and bacon in the fridge. Now I'm off to go watch the news and wait until 8:00 am to see if they really are going to make us come in to work.

Gone

I had to actually step outside for this picture. The window and the flash were not agreeing...but the view from my window...remember the wall...yeah...gone. Plus it's still snowing.

On the other hand. I accomplished this. Now I just need to get the motivation to make a 2 or 3 more. But I'm cold and I hear my bathtub calling.

Impressive

Well, here I am. Yup. Wow. The excitement. I've cleaned the kids room, their bathroom, did the dishes, did the laundry. Continuing to vacuum. The kind of moving furniture cleaning. Of all the times I could have used a cat. At least I could talk to the cat. Right now, I can only talk to myself and my silent viewers online. Yes I like to delude myself. I am interesting darn it.


It's now 4:00 pm. I've lost 2 stones in my view...methinks the snow is deep. Okay, I'm starting to give into this blizzard idea. I wonder if the office will be closed tomorrow so I can have more time talking to my imaginary cat.

I do have most of my decorations up and stuff.


I have cabin fever! I have cabin fever!

I got sent home

Blizzard like conditions. I got to work at 8:45 am. I got sent home at 10:00 am. I sent out an email. I ran a query. I wish that that decision had been made at 8:00 am when I wanted to just roll over and snooze more. Ah well. The prediction is 2-3 feet of snow. That would be nifty. Although it's just me and the computer at home. Rats.

I'm not convinced it's going to be that much snow. It's just real buttery and slippery on the roads. I'm from the mountains...6 inches...bah!

Eh. I've got a lot of cleaning to do before Christmas. I wrapped everything last night until 1:30 am, so a nap would be good. My beads are all organized. I'd post pictures of knitting...hence a knitting blog and all, but I haven't done anything. I have 3 days to finish a scarf and slippers. I suppose today is the day.

Doesn't it suck when you have so much to do you don't know where to start?

Well, it started out as a good thought.

For those of you who read this blog...here's another picture of slippers. Same like the ones below, but a bigger size so hopefully this time I will not shrink them too much. I am curious as to who reads this blog. I know of perhaps 2 or 3.


Lately, I've been going through this lonely phase. Not sure what that is about...other than I feel sort of bored. I know I have tons of things to do...like the bottom sole of the slipper and the scarf to your right. I somehow keep finding new things to do though. I hate when I start to wander...things just end up piling up. And really, these two items need be done by the end of next week.


The scarf is for my friend. I think he'll like it. I've never knit anything for a man before...well my dad I did...but someone outside the family? I hope I get it done. I'm doing a lengthwise garter

stitch...it seemed like a good idea at first. I am finding that it is taking longer than I thought. Also I didn't plan out how I was going to sew in the ends very well because I wasn't going to put fringe on this. I will go on the theory no one will notice.




So, when I was in high school, I had a business making jewelry. When I moved out of my parent's house I boxed up all of my stuff which had been sitting for a long time gathering dust since my interest had waned due to college and thinking that drinking beer was more interesting. And as moving things...well...moves them, stuff got all jumbled up.

I spent last weekend sorting out seed beads...thousands of them...by color...it's a sickness I know :). It's good to know it'll be carried on by the next generation too...since my girl kept asking me, "Mama, can I sort some beads for you?"

So, then, as I nosed on the internet, I thought, "oh...stitch markers look nifty...I should make hundreds some."

Well, I learned a few things. 1) Just because a picture looks nifty does not make it easy. 2) Memory wire is evil. 3) Seed beeds are a pain in the ass. 4) I don't think my eyesight is what it used to be.

But in the end I created this...and it turned out okay. I don't know how many I will make one.

Mantra

knitting is relaxing...

knitting is relaxing...

So yesterday I got to catch up with some friends and we happily played cards until yawn 3 AM. Always seems like an awesome thing until I have to deal with that ball of fire in the sky the next day. Anywhoo...I then couldn't sleep after they left...so I watched some Star Trek: TNG and knitted. I finished my girl's first slipper. Hmm...my yarn senses are tingling...I think somethings missing...oh well...I'm sleepy.

Snore...Zzzz

The next morning came...I wander to go find out what time it is...pick up said slipper and stare at it and the pattern...something's wrong...keep in mind...I frogged it Thursday night because the toe was 2 stitches off...I was thinking about just keeping it that way and then my the need to frog overwhelmed me and I frogged off the toe and did it again...

I continue to stare and make the slipper nervous...I had finished the cuff and bound it off last night...

crap



The purls seem to have crawled *inside* the slipper. Rats. How'd that happen .

So...do I 1) frog, 2) felt it inside out, 3) felt it right side out and pick up on the side stitches when I combine the outer sole...

Did I say ?

Curse you perfectionism!

I've been busy

So, I've been pretty bad at updating my blog. There are reasons for this. They aren't great reasons, but they are "life" reasons.

1) I work a lot. My job seems to take up more of my precious knitting time.

2) I have these two smallish people who call me "mom" and follow me home...ALL the time! ;)

3) I've been dating a man on a regular basis. I guess you could say he's my boyfriend. Freaky huh? It amuses me to no end really. We dropped off my girl over at a birthday party in a part of town neither of us were familiar with. Would you believe he noticed the yarn store before I did and he pointed it out to me and encouraged me to go back and check it out. I like this guy.

So in the time I've been playing hooky. I've finished plying the wool I spun that I purchased in Estes Park. I can't wait until the fiber festival comes back next summer. I keep seeing all this lovely fluff online and I'm just trying to wait until summer. But I think it turned out pretty good.

So, there I was thinking that I was done for awhile spinning yarn because I needed to start on Christmas presents. Most importantly two pairs of slippers for my children and a scarf for my...ahem...boyfriend.

But then I was seduced by this gorgeous spindle Imbrium gave me. It spins amazingly smooth.

I've had to put it up on a shelf. Out of sight out of mind right?

But it spins so thinly...and fast...and and...

So then I started a slipper for my girl. It's with bulky Lamb's Pride and Malabrigo. I thought the kids needed matching slippers. My girl, "Is that for me?" Well, yes, do you like it? "Well you can give that to my brother because I want to have slippers made out of the yarn you're spinning for me." That's not going to be thick enough (see picture above). "Oh, well I guess that can be for me."

This coming from the girl who told me she likes green. Well, she is 7 and a girl...mind changes constantly. Santa is in for a big job.

This was the first project I ever felted. I prepared my washer, stuck the slippers in a pillowcase and started the machine. I checked it after about a minute and it seemed as though the process was starting. I was surprised at the amount of wool that had already come off in the pillowcase. I put them back in thinking to myself that if I watch it I'm going to go nuts. So, I went and sat down and watched TV for 5 minutes. I came back. And wah-la...slippers. The size...for my son. Rats. I tried fitting them on my sleeping girl to see if they would fit. Nope. Tried when she woke up this morning...nope. Rats. Back to the knitting needles to make a pair for my girl. At least I started with her in mind.

Mommy's counting

My children are wonderful creatures. They are polite and sweet most of the time. They are learning...they are learning that a moment is sometimes needed when mommy has knitting needles in hand. I got all the way to row...

uh, rats...forgot the pattern, but I remembered the yarn...guess I gotta run home for lunch...

...anyway, I think I was on row 15 or so before I realized the clog I was knitting...the toe had migrated somehow to the side of where it was supposed to be. It wasn't because I was counting wrong...*blink* *blink*...oh!...k33 not some random number...

Yes...so happily I frogged away. Again. I will have pictures of projects soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers. All 2 or 3 of you. ;)

*giggle* my "boyfriend"...for lack of better term...is quickly learning how boobytrapped my bedside is...a foray of knitting needles, yarn, patterns, spindles, fluff, scissors (although those *try* to stay by my bookshelf...sometimes they end up on my bed...I'm trying...this kind of amuses me some. But thus far...he'll happily smile as I'm showing him some sort of clog like lump of knitted yarn at 2:00 am. And that, makes me happy.

Can we say obsession?

I can think of more projects to start...than well...yeah. Tired. Very tired...it has something to do with a clog. It was a nice little clog, with lots of directions...lots and lots of directions. Challenge is good. It also had to do with a 250 cast on scarf. Seems like a good idea...I need to go get a cable needle now. Right. More cable needles. I just bought two. And then there is this yarn thing...oooh...pretty colors, I like pretty colors. Must obtain more yarn...for what...I don't know...but I'm sure it will come in handy...for something...eventually.

And did I mention I need to spin more yarn? More hand spun fluff for projects yet to be determined? Hmm...

Oh, and I think my gray scarf and new bottle of pink fluff must be put on hold. I have clogs and a black/red scarf to finish for Christmas. Whadda ya mean it's almost December? Ack! Ack! Quiet babies...mama's gotta knit some stuff...

Ah, a Sunday...

I finally finished the roving I bought in Estes Park. It turned out beautiful. I'm not sure if I'd like spinning on a wheel, but I do enjoy the process of spinning on the drop spindle.




I'm not sure if I'll ever find anything to do with the yarn I spin. I just love watching the colors. I am happy how it turned out. I had much more consistancy in the thread this time.





I've also conquered the appliances. I have thus far fixed my vacuum cleaner and now my hand held blender. With satisfaction I can now go join my little duck.

I'm here I'm here

Over here on the right...the progress on the gray scarf for my friend the Student. I think that next time I will modify the cable pattern so that there are only 3 columns instead of 4. It's turning out to be quite large.

Oh, and looky here...apparently now is the time to redo. Wow...look at that...my patience for the scarf that's taking too damn long was right now. Even one of my male co-workers eyed it warily...the width really was ridiculous and I had botched the pattern at the bottom.

Oh, oh...and now it's a happy wound skein of non frusteration. I will start it again soon I'm sure. After all scarves are great for small projects easily transportable to the office. Blanket are not.

I would start it now...but over the weekend my food processor and I and I exchanged words...and well...after all was said and done...I lost. Thank goodness no need for stitches...I was just very very surprised and got a lesson in how to bandage wounds.

Giddy!!

So...had a lovely weekend.

Friday night I went out with friends to a Korean restaurant. Got to introduce my friend to Korean food. So, that was neat. I think he liked it.

Saturday night I went out to a semi-formal party with friends. I got to dress up in my sparkly blue dress. My friend wore a suit for me. That was pretty cool. I bought him a tie. He looked really good. It's not often I've been able to talk a man into a suit without a lot of whining in the process. I don't think the X ever wore one...and hmm...my junior and senior prom the boys dressed up...I've had men wear ties and a button up shirt...but not an actual suit...

*grin*

Sunday...knit, purl and hurl at my house. Imbrium gave me this...

I was totally floored. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Beautiful! I don't know what fuzz I want to put on it yet.

As far as progress at the KPH...well, I meant to work on that scarf for A, seeing that his birthday was this weekend...but the cables are taking longer than expected. So I worked mostly on this...I know you can't really tell the difference. But I'm enjoying how this is spinning out. I hope there will be more next year at the Estes Park fiber show. I would love to see what the fiber that has metallic bits in it turns into.

It is something about the process...the process of crafting. Creating something out of something else. Watching the colors blend, feeling the material run through your fingers. If there were anything I have to describe as my passion, it would be the process of creating.