The Knitting Archaeologist

Welcome Back, Kotter!

2010-09-24T00:09:00.005-04:00

What the ...?? I have written several posts since March, but none of them are on my blog. Oh, dear! Well, I guess folks have been missing out on my latest obsessions, my project updates, and my general silliness for quite awhile.

As fall slowly creeps over New England, my desire to craft grows and my promise to post is renewed. I hereby promise to turn over a new leaf. I have been crafting much more than in the beginning of the year, and I plan to share my projects and thoughts more now that I am unencumbered by school work!

So, I am working in Cambridge, MA these days and I have a 2 hour commute there and back. Most of the time I knit and listen to the Smodcast Network, but sometimes I just want to read a book or stare out the window. When I do knit, it is generally something from A Stitch in Time. I am crazy about vintage, and a girl can never have too many sweaters. The first sweater I started and finished was the Rose Cardigan. Now I am working on It Cannot Fail to Please.

The Lay of the Land

I would like to get about 4 more sweaters knit before December. We'll see how this goes. There's also the small issue of knitting small scarves or socks when sweater pattern gets too complicated for the train, or its parts are too bulky to carry around.

The quilting bug also caught me this past month, and I finally finished my Bento Box quilt, which I started a very long time ago.

A Generous Lap Quilt Size

Wow. My machine is pretty small, and scrunching up the quilt sandwich and pushing it around was pretty difficult. I managed to finish it though, and gave it to my mom. She says its very warm and pretty!

I'm in Seattle this week for business, and I stopped at Fabric Crush and bought fabric for a new quilt I plan to start in a few weeks! I also got fabric for an apron. Time to get more domestic, and I've always wanted an apron. Myabe sewing something small will help with the dress I have been struggling with. I have been trying to get better at making clothes. My proportions are really crazy, and I am having trouble tailoring patterns to accommodate a 15" difference from waist to hip. I finally bought a dress form, Maggie, and I am going to work harder to successfully make a nice, simple dress. The wonderful lady at Fabric Crush, whose name I never got, suggested that a new sewing machine might help with my inability to sew straight lines. I have a $99 Brother I got at Walmart about 2-3 years ago when I was still a grad student. Seemed fine to me, but I'm starting to wonder if that really could be the problem with my quilting and clothes making. Does a machine really make that much of a difference?

My Work "Space"

Hope you are enjoying the inception of Fall! Post on my friend's wedding and KC/Seattle coming up soon!

Movie Review: Remember Me

2010-03-22T08:45:00.006-04:00

I'll be honest. I went to see Remember Me for the eye candy. I'm a Twilight fan, and I love Robert Pattinson. But I was actually shocked at how good it was. About 30 minutes in, I even found myself thinking, "gee, I thought this was gonna be an angsty teeny movie with RPattz...Pierce Brosnan's in this?? Chris Cooper's in this?? Isn't that the girl from Lost??? WTF?"

Great story, really powerful filmmaking. I was crying within the first 15 minutes of the film. Even though you can feel what's coming, it's still heartbreaking. What follows is expert character development, great acting, and an easiness the cast shares that translates to interactions on screen that ring true. From the sister, to father, to the roommate, you care about every single character.

The ending, which is better than most recent suspense films, actually was a complete shock. Again, I knew SOMETHING was gonna happen because of the mood set by the music, and the camera work, but WHAT happened, I totally didn't see coming, and I cried again. It's in the last 10 minutes that you realize the genius of the film's title. You assume that the remembrance is for the people revealed in the story, but it actually extends to a much larger group that will never be forgotten in America... Very unusual film considering the usual drivel that Hollywood had been churning out lately.

If you've passed on this movie because you think its a non-vampiric Twilight rip-off, FORGET that Robert Pattinson is in it. He disappears completely into his character and you may even forget he was ever Edward...

Director: Allen Coulter

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Emilie De Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper

Today’s Yoga Sequence

2010-02-23T12:09:00.002-05:00

I thought I would share my practice from this morning. No particular focus today, though I felt a little tired so I added a few more standing poses and backbends for energy :) Each pose was repeated twice on each side and the interlock of the legs was changed as well. The Sarvangasana Sequence was done once, flowing from each asana gently. (The full sequence is after the jump.)

Adho Mukha Svanasana (transitional)
Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana (transitional)
Virabhadrasana I
Utthita Parsvakonasana
Urdhva Hastasana (transitional)
Vrksasana
Utkatasana
Uttanasana (transitional)

Virasana
Gomukhasana (arms only)
Baddha Konasana Forward Bend
Sukhasana Twist

Bhujangasana
Salabhasana I

Sirsasana prep

Ardha Halasana (on chair)
Salamba Sarvangasana I
Ardha Halasana (on chair)
Supta Konasana

Ujjayi Pranayama I, II, III (lying in Savasana II)
Savasana I

Until next time...

Mantras and Mudras and Asanas, Oh My!

2010-02-17T19:23:00.006-05:00

If you've seen me since Thanksgiving, you'll have observed that I am obsessed. With yoga. I rediscovered my love of this ancient Indian practice on a much-needed trip home to Wisconsin, at my LYS (local yoga studio), the Milwaukee Yoga Center.

After checking the IYNAUS website for a licensed Iyengar teacher in Rhode Island, I found one teacher in Providence. Joy of joys, she was right downtown and accessible by public transport. My first class was January 5 and I have taken at least two classes a week since then. Lately it's been three. I also participated in a workshop on building an effective home practice, which I do most days I do not have a teacher-run class at the studio, Motion Center. You see, I am not just obsessed with getting better at performing yoga, I am intrigued at the prospect of understanding yoga. I'm studying the full art form, and it is an art. It clears the mind, challenges the body, and refreshes the spirit. It's the reason I want to embark on the long process of teacher training to become a licensed Iyengar teacher. I have a long way to go, but I think it will be a pleasant and enlightening journey.

I keep a journal of every class I take and every sequence I create. Sometimes it's out of order because my mind can't recall the exact order, but the asanas are there and so are my observation about how my body or mind felt at the time as well as corrections to apply or observe. I thought I would share with you my 2010 asana To-Do List. There are poses that I need further practice in, and which are springboards to more complicated poses. I don't have to get these poses perfectly, but as challenges, I think they will enhance my practice and help me be a better teacher when the time comes. What are your physical/mental challenges this year?

Virasana - I have large thighs and calves, so this pose is a challenge. Getting closer though! Only about 3 fingers off the ground.

Gomukhasana, right arm back - I can interlock my fingers with the left arm back, but barely reach my fingertips with the right back...would like to be even by the end of the year.

Salamba Sarvangasana - Working on pressing my shoulders and arms down, while lifting my chest/lower body up. Much better than it was a few months ago. I can hold it for about 3-5 minutes, perform a hovering konasana, partial eka pada, etc.

Halasana - Not happening at all...too much for my neck I think...or maybe I am smothering myself with my chest?

Salamba Sirsasana - I need more strength in my arms and shoulders to take the weight off my head. I have an inversion workshop in two weeks, maybe I'll learn some tricks :)

Until next time...

Naturalism

2010-01-26T00:09:00.003-05:00

Lately I have been getting into natural products. Not products that are necessarily labeled natural, but products made exclusively from all natural ingredients. I thought it was kinda silly before, but when I switched chemical cleansers and started wheezing and coughing everytime I washed my tub, I began to reconsider.

That was maybe 6 months ago, and it took this long for me to give au naturel a try. Boy am I glad I did! I have been using vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean my bathroom and kitchen for a few weeks now. The vinegar cleans, the baking soda scrubs, and the lemon brightens and freshens. I have to say it works just as well, if not better than what I was using. Plus no more wheezing or coughing! It's cheap, easy, and makes me feel old school. Let's face it. I'm kinda stuck in the wrong century, so using these things reconnects me to the past I must have lived. This natural trend, however, doesn't stop at cleaning tiles and toilets. No it also has moved to my face.

I've been using Lush products for a little over a year, and while I still love them, they are quite pricey and frankly I still get breakouts. Sporadic breakouts and monthly ones too. So in the midst of my natural cleaning spree, I researched natural face masks, cleansers, and moisturizers. Here's what I found out and even tried.
You can make a face mask out of pretty much anything! Fruits, veges, oatmeal, sugar, olive oil, any dairy product, plain honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. "Wow...really?" I thought. Smear some yogurt on my face and it will soften my skin and help prevent breakouts? I was skeptical. But, I went to the store and picked up two 1-cup containers of Stonyfield Farm organic plain yogurt. That night, I steamed my face to "clean" it and then applied the yogurt. 20 minutes of Lexulous playing later, and I was ready to wash it off. I applied a small amount of coconut oil as a moisturizer. My face felt wonderfully silky and soft. Hmm...

Two night later, and no new blemishes, I decided to try this weird honey mask everyone raved about. I had a blemish from before the yogurt that I wanted to get rid of and apparently honey has amazing antibacterial properties! SO I squeezed come into my hand and spread it over my face. It was a little awkward to apply. Sticky mess, actually, but it rinsed off my hands quickly with a little warm water. Now this one was supposed to stay on for 30 minutes. I decided to use that time again playing Lexulous, Chess tactics trainer, and other things. Then, drip, drip, drip. Honey on my bra, honey on my couch. Umm...honey does not play nice. It refuses to stay on your face, and basically starts to flee as soon as you put it on. Some people accept this and spend the time laying on the floor with a towel under their heads. I need to use all of my time. So I decided to try a new mask that incorporated honey.

Tonight, I got home around 11:50. I steamed my face and applied a new mixture I made based on people's other masks - the leftover yogurt, about 1.5 tbsps of honey, about 1 tbsp of cinnamon, and the juice of 1/4 of a small lemon. This combo is supposed to brighten, lighten, tone, moisturize, and inhibit blemishes. I stirred it all together, and then applied it to my face, massaging it in a bit first and then letting it dry for 15 minutes. I just washed it off and applied coconut oil, and my face feels like velvet! I can't wait to mix up some body masks soon!

There you have it. Three masks that work. It just depends how much effort you want to put in. Nex I plan to make a cleanser/scrub with organic brown sugar and olive oil. We'll see how well that works!

Until next time...

A Non-Resolution Health Resolution

2010-01-17T08:05:00.003-05:00

Around Thanksgiving, I decided to try to eat cleaner. I saw an infomercial. Yes, I know what you're thinking. "An infomercial? Sarah, are you really that naive?" Indeed, I can be naive, but this infomercial was by Jillian Michaels. And she was talking about clean eating. Clean eating means basically minimally processed foods without chemicals and other evils like high fructose corn syrup and preservatives. I went into it skeptical. I don't watch The Biggest Loser. I'm just not a touchy-feely TV viewer. But what she was saying sounded right, it made sense. So I kept listening, and by the end of the program, my mom and I were ready to truck out to Barnes and Noble and buy her book, Mastering Your Metabolism. Best book purchase of 2009.

Long story short, I have been eating clean at home, making more meals, swapping whole wheat for enriched pasta, eating more organic fruits and veges, free-range chicken, and organic yogurt and dairy. And you know something, I feel better. I slip up now and again, but generally I am sticking to it, and even discovered I like the taste/texture of brown rice more than white! Who knew? So while I didn't make an actual resolution, it has turned into one by accident. I'll update you on my new clean lifestyle (lots of yoga, cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, baking/cooking) in the coming days. There is probably only so much New Age stuff you can handle at once on a craft blog :)

To tide you over, I will leave you this link to Smitten Kitchen's Sour Cream Bran muffins. I'm baking them now before my Power Vinyasa class! (Recipe Modifications: Added 1 tsp of baking powder (by accident); baked in paper-lined muffin pan.)

Until next time...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T14:45:00.002-05:00

Multi-tasking got the better of me last year. I didn't post nearly as much as I intended, precisely because there was not a whole lot of crafting happening. This year will be different. I have a few resolutions that I would like to keep for once, and I hope you will share your resolutions with me too!

1. Finish all WIP sweaters. My gauge changes dramatically as the year goes on and I hate having a sweater with different sleeves, or a looser front. So I am picking one sweater WIP a month and trying to finish that up. This does not mean I can't cast on new shawls, socks, mittens, etc. Just no new sweaters until a dent has been made. A BIG dent.

2. Spin more. I really like drop spindling, but it went by the wayside as I got busy. I won't be buying any new fiber until at least may, and I would like some finished skeins to show off before that happens. Goal: At least 16 ounces of fiber spun by May 1.

3. Sew more clothing. The sewing bug really hit me last year. I love making my own clothes, and am looking forward to learning how to sew better. I made several dresses and skirts, and would like to try my hand at some blouses and pants this year!

What are YOUR goals this year?

Until next time...

NaNoWriMo and stuff

2009-11-08T17:17:00.001-05:00

As if I didn't have enough on my plate, I have joined NaNoWriMo this month. So I will be light on the blogging, but I do plan to get back to my Monday posts. Just wanted to stop by and let you know I am alive and knitting:)

Little Shawl, I Heart You!

2009-10-12T16:03:00.004-04:00

Grading papers is a drag when you realize your students need a writing course in addition to the actual subject of the class. It will be fine. I'm self-medicating...with knitting! I started the Sagano shawl, three times, because well...the first time I forgot my stitch markers ad the second time I dropped a stitch. Everything's on track now, and I am even knitting with yarn I had abandoned due to color. But I think I am gonna love this shawl...and small shawls in general. I can see a bunch more in my future as wonderful neck coverings :)

Until next time...

Whoa, Nelly!

2009-10-10T08:56:00.004-04:00

I have been really busy lately. What's new, right? But I've started TAing an Urban Studies class on the city, and while my responsibilities aren't too cumbersome, the professor is a bit challenging. This + teaching + web job + dissertation has left very little craft time. What's a girl to do? Start something new of course! Cosmicpluto Knits published a new pattern, the Sagano Shawl, and for once, I knew I had to make it immediately!

Pretty, no? So I bought the pattern and wound the yarn. I will be working on this as my bus travel project as soon as I complete my mystery project :) I'm very excited to make this textured beauty. I also need to find an hour a day to work on my sweater projects, because I can't lug those on the bus and they are not getting finished...sigh.

Until next time...

Resume: Bento Box Quilt

2009-09-28T09:43:00.005-04:00

Friday night, I wanted to quilt, desperately, but I need to work on my lecture, and then I went to a bonfire. Saturday, I continued working on my lecture, went to a barbecue, but the need to quilt lingered in the recesses of my brain...lurking, waiting. Saturday night, I chose to go to a party with a newish, kinda sorta friend, which lasted until 7:30 the next morning, so again no quilting. Yesterday, I would not be denied. Lecture finished...Bento Box quilt resumed! I sewed together the strips last night, and this morning finished assembling the quilt top! Woot! Now to figure out a backing fabric and binding :) Yay!

Strips Waiting to be Sewn Together
Until next time...

Happy Early Fall!

2009-09-21T08:14:00.007-04:00

It's been wild and wooly chez moi, but with summer officially coming to a close today, I am back and ready to blog! What better way to return than with a WIP update! I have been crafting all summer, but really not finishing much...alas. I'm going to make a real effort to finish something by the end of this month. Here's hoping! Behold, my current projects (from oldest to newest):

My Central Park Hoodie
I figured it would be nice to have black cardigan for Fall in RI. It would be great to have this to wear on these chilly days! If only I had actually knit on it this summer. Now it's cold and I have no lovely cardigan to put on. Concerted effort is going to this project! Really :)

Tie-Back Shell
Messed up the lace on this one three different times :( After frogging it and restarting as many time, I finally caved and just put in a bazillion stitch markers. Now things are on track, but I needed a break from the counting. Will resume shortly.

Alhambra Scarf
A small carry-along project to work on when I don't want to lug large sweaters with me. As such, the knitting is going quite slowly, which is fine. No deadline on this one.

Berry and Bramble Cardigan
Saw this in IK Fall 2009, and immediately got the yarn from my stash (cannibalized from the Pea Coat disaster!) and cast on. Several issues with this pattern due to poor knitting situational choices...but I will get back to this as it looks gorgeous, and the color is to-die-for! Can't wait to wear it with nice pants and heels :)

Mystery Project
I can't really talk about this one, but I will say it's small and portable. If you want to know what it is all about, you can find it on Ravelry.

There are other projects that are hibernating, and as I finish these, I will rescue one of those from obscurity. Also, look for an Etsy announcement in the coming months!

Until next time...

The End of Summer

2009-08-31T08:15:00.002-04:00

I have been on hiatus. Working two jobs plus free-lancing can really take a way a girl's will to blog. And how! I have quit one job, and replaced it with a teaching job! I will finally fid out if I enjoy being a professor. It's an Art History survey from Prehistoric to Gothic, which should be fun. It has also given me inspiration to create some fiber arts! Here's what I plan to work on this fall. Thanks to Nova for asking the question!

The Knitting
Berry and Bramble Cardigan
Central Park Hoodie
Tie-Back Shell
Gentleman's Sock with Lozenge Pattern
Gentleman's Half Hose in Ringwood Pattern
Gentleman's Winter Sock with Dutch Heel
Karma Skirt

The Quilting
9-Patch Quilt
5" Square Lap Quilt

The Crocheting
Crocheted Hair Nets

The Spinning
Spin 4 oz mohair/wool to DK (drop spindle)
Spin 8 oz icelandic wool to DK (drop spindle)

What are you working on this fall?

Until next time...

End Radio Silence!

2009-08-10T21:58:00.011-04:00

Where have I been all summer? Working two jobs and a dissertation. Thus, I haven't been keeping up with my blogging which is sad, because I have been crafting like a fiend! Anyway, to reacquaint you with who I am, I thought I would take you a journey. A journey to my first surfing experience. A journey which is still ongoing!

Today I went to Newport, RI in search of Second Beach where local surfers own the waves any day, any time. My day started at 10:36 with the local trolley I take to get to the bus depot downtown. Today was VJ Day (VJ = Victory Over Japan...seriously, I am not making this up!) so the buses were on a holiday schedule. By 11:20, it already felt like it had hit 90, and I was melting. After an hour plus bus ride, I arrived in cool breezy Newport refreshed and ready for my adventure. Or so I thought. As I stepped off the bus to the Cliff Walk, the heat and humidity slapped me all over my face, neck, shoulders, and back. Uh-oh!

Here's what I got to look at as I started to regret my lack of a water bottle:

View from the Walk

Cliffy

Whirlpool?

Ugh! I can't see the water for the trees :)

Rock you, mister!

I'd come visit, but I like my neck in one piece, thank you very much!

So sweating and very uncomfortable, I made my way the one mile around to the first beach...nicknamed...First Beach. Teehee...

First Beach

That boat looks so much smaller on film

I was so tempted to just lay out my towel and jump in the water here, but no...I was supposed to find Second Beach and its score of surfers. So I soldiered on, passing two snack shops and finally succumbing to a grilled chicken sandwich and a root beer. Then, I began the TWO MILE death march from the end of First Beach to Second Beach. Upon hearing this distance, I thought back to the Newport Information Tech who swore it was a mere 1/4 mile from the Tennis Hall of Fame...clearly he thought Second Beach was First Beach...boy was he wrong! Sigh... Anyway, now it was matter of pride, so I put on my game face, and decided that no matter how far it actually was, I would get there and surf, damn it! But it hurt...a lot...and I was dying of thirst...did I mention the 90+ degrees and burning hot sun?

The Walk to Second (read: Death March) begins

Death March feels like a cake walk...but it's a little uncomfortable heat wise

Death March feels like death...but look! Pretty flowers...

OMG! Is that shoreline? Really? Not a mirage? Or dehydrated hallucination?

Wha? I thought the Chasm was in MA...whatever, I've got beach to climb down to.

Having spotted the shoreline, I knew I was home free! I stopped for a Del's lemonade which I ate/drank while pottering around in the water as I sought out the surf crowd. One there, one way down there...one in the parking lot packing up. Hmm...where are the surfers and these so called impromptu lessons? The short answer...no waves today, so no myriad of surfers, no impromptu lessons, no surf chick moment for me. But it was a pretty beach, and I did a bit of knitting. So all was not lost. And I found the beach! Really that was victory (HA!) enough :)

Second Beach! Finalement!

Surfers? Anywhere? Hello?

Hee hee...water, that tickles...not in public!

Around 4 pm, the waves came...as I was packing it in.

So, I will have to return to Second Beach at some point to actually meet some surfers and get a lesson or two, but I probably walked off everything I ate today and half of my Love It Coldstone concoction last night! A good day, all in all!

Fare Thee Well

Until next time...

Rain Partout!

2009-06-21T21:37:00.002-04:00

Hey folks. We have been under a very grey cloud here in the Northeast, which has prevented picture taking. And really, I can't post my FOs and updates with pictures, right? Right. So I have been rather silent, waiting for a bit of sun. I will say that I have a lot to share: spinning, knitting, quilting, and cooking! So, when I can get some decent pictures of my projects I will post a better update. I promise!

Until next time...

43 down...27 to go!

2009-05-24T22:17:00.008-04:00

Folks...I have been out of control. My crafts have taken over my life again, which is bad because I need to work on a dissertation chapter, find a job, possibly move, and make use of my newly purchased guitar. Sigh...I suppose productivity in one aspect of one's life should be a cause of joy. So I will share my joy with you!

Behold...my quilting insanity. Shoot! I haven't posted new blocks since #12...brace yourself...this post is gonna be HUGE! I should also mention that I bought backing and binding fabric today in addition to a ton of quilting thread and some more black for the piecing...woot! I think this quilt is actually gonna make it to the finish line this summer!

The Motherload is Coming...

2009-05-19T23:52:00.002-04:00

Hi friends! It's been a while, but that is because I have been doing some serious crafting! Knitting, spinning, crocheting, quilting! Then there was a trip to Watson Farm and the RI Wool and Fiber festival. And I have pictures...boy, do I have pictures of WIPs, and gorgeous fiber, and a new spindle, and, well, you see why I haven't been blogging! I am exhausted just thinking about it all. Hang in there, though! I promise to start posting a recap of the last two weeks soon...like before Friday!

Until next time...

Star Trek! OMG!

2009-05-09T07:58:00.006-04:00

I have been a Trekkie since I was little. My mom and I would watch old episodes of TOS at night, singing along with the opening and closing credits at the top of our lungs. That said, I wasn't sold on the cast in general, because I am wedded to my old ideals of what TOS should be, but HOLY CRAP! They were all so fantastically perfect in their roles!

Pines, Urban, Pegg, Saldana, Quinto...even the guys who played Chekov and Sulu. Pines really gave Kirk that asshole quality that we all loved in the TOS while also showing himself to be a brilliant captain and loyal friend. Urban WAS Bones through and through. When he screamed out "Dammit Spock I'm a doctor, not a physicist, the entire audience erupted in cheers and applause! Pegg was just enough funny and quirky to make Scottie less miserable than he sometimes seemed in TOS and much more of addition to the crew for his brilliance and ingenuity. Saldana made Uhura an actual part of the crew. She was not just a fixture at the communicator! She was sassy and sexy and much more accomplished than I recall them exploring in the TOS, where she was more of a Firefly-style companion with a real job. And Zachary Quinto...sigh...I knew he would be perfect because he looked the part 100%, but the acting! He was brilliant as Spock, showing the whole range of Vulcan/Human emotions while also managing to evolve from a bullied snot-nose know it all, to the Spock we all grew to love! Sulu was invigorated with badass-ness too. That sword fight really gave him some street cred, and Chekov was a wide-eyed genius, which doesn't really come across that well in TOS, though I have to admit, I rarely paid much attention to him.

**WARNING** SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!!!

Things I loved:

Character Development
From the first scene of Kirk driving his step-dad's stolen car to Spock getting tormented at school and beating the crap out of his bully, we are invested in these characters, and that bond only grows stronger as the movie progresses. All of their flaws are put out there up front so the audience has a chance to see how far they have come in maturity by the end of the film! We finally get a chance to see how difficult it really is for Spock to control his human side, and why Kirk is such a man-whore! They even worked Captain Pike back into the story! God, the person who wrote this script did some serious homework...even down to Sulu's combat experience being in fencing! Every character was essential and meaningful to the story.

Technology
They made a very real concerted effort to up the ante on the scientific knowledge quotient. They referenced all the past technology while making it feel relevant for today. Now all those people who complain about the BS science in the Original Series (TOS) can't complain about Star Trek being lame. This movie was better than any other sci-fi films I have seen in recent years.

Plot Twist
Alternate universe? Really? Brilliant! I was confused for a large part of the movie, trying to figure out how Vulcan could be destroyed, when Uhura and Spock hooked up, why Scottie was marooned in the middle of nowhere, and then it clicked...Duh, Nero went through a black hole and they are living a paralell life 130 years or so in the future. Now we can have different story trajectories while still maintaining the integrity of the story! Genius!

Spock and Uhura
I never remembered the two of them being so cozy, but others have pointed out some consistent flirting that I have to agree was in TOS. The chemistry between Quinto and Saldana was electric, and it was nice to see that side of them both which could not be shown in 1960s America. I also loved how Kirk did NOT get the girl this time. Plus, this may allow Spock to lose himself to his human side a bit more in the sequels. And boy do I hope there will be sequels!

I can't recommend this move enough. Even friends who knew nothing about Star Trek are raving. I will be seeing this again Tuesday if anyone wants to join in my obsession!

A bazillion thumbs up!

Until next time...

One A Day 9-Patch QAL: Blocks 4-12

2009-05-03T23:05:00.003-04:00

I am doing pretty good with my quilt-a-long. I like how my blocks are coming out, color wise! I am also proud of myself for using up scraps and stash instead of buying fabrics for a color-themed quilt like I usually do. I think if I can make a few a day instead of just one, I will be able to spend a few extra days on the sashing, the border, and a pieced back, for which I have been putting fabric scraps aside! As of today, I am FIVE days ahead! I plan to sew at least two tomorrow to keep my lead for when time gets away from me later in the week.

Look at the pretty:
Blocks 4-6

Blocks 7-12

See the first three blocks here.

Until next time...

One A Day 9-Patch QAL: Blocks 1-3

2009-04-30T08:20:00.005-04:00

I've officially lost my mind and joined a quilt-a-long!

Essentially, you make a basic 9-patch everyday until you have 70. Then, voila! Add a little sashing, a patchwork border, a bit more sashing, and bind it off! I've started a handmade baby quilt and a full size Bento Box quilt. Neither is finished. Mostly because I have too many hobbies and never have enough time to work on all of them. Instead I move through phases: knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, needlepoint. I seem to be moving from my sewing phase to quilting. I'm hoping this QAL results in my first finished quilt!

Behold, the first three blocks (the set on the left is stacked)!

Check out other people's blocks: Flickr Group.
Join the fun: Crazy Mom Quilts.

Until next time...

Forked: Baby Moccasins

2009-04-30T07:57:00.004-04:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy [75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic; 109 yds / 100 m per 50g skein]; color: 24152 Honeydew and 24162 Ivory; partial skeins of each

Care: machine wash, tumble dry

Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm Knit Picks Harmony circulars, US 4 / 3.5 mm Clover bamboo circulars

Pattern: Baby Moccasins by Whitney Van Nes

Modifications: For one pair, I forgot to switch back to US 4 needles, so they are slightly smaller. Other than that, followed the pattern to a tee!

Date Begun: April 20, 2009

Date Completed: April 28, 2009

Notes: Made two pairs for two different babies!

Gifted to: Baby Hruby and Baby Hunt

Forked: Baby Fish Blanket

2009-04-27T10:39:00.003-04:00

Yarn: Red Heart Sport Solid [100% acrylic; 165 yds / 151 m per 50g skein]; colors: 0912 Cherry Red, 0254 Pumpkin, 0230 Yellow, 0687 Paddy Green, 0846 Skipper Blue; 1 of skein of each, 2 skeins of blue

Care: machine wash and dry

Needles: US 9 / 4.5 mm Inox Express circulars

Pattern: A Recipe for Fish by April Broken

Modifications: I modified the fish pattern to incorporate some of Stella’s decreases and the original shaping. I am also using my new favorite stretchy bind-off: k2, sl 2 back to left needle, k2tog tbl, k1, sl 2 back to left needle, k2tog tbl, continue end. Crocheted 2 rows of single crochet around the edges using green.

Date Begun: January 1, 2009

Date Completed: April 15, 2009

Gifted to: Baby Stinson

Notes: Although making the fish was incredibly tedious, I did enjoy this project in the end, and the final product really makes all the effort worth it. In fact. I will most likely be making myself a throw-sized version of this in nicer, adult-friendly yarn later this year.

Forked: Steggy

2009-04-26T22:25:00.004-04:00

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Tweed [98% acrylic, 2% rayon; 150 yds / 137 m per 50g skein]; color: 0010 Black; partial of one skein

Patons Classic Wool [100% wool; 223 yds / 203 m per 100g skein]; color: 230 Bright Red; partial of one skein

Care: hand wash / air dry

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm Inox Express circulars Magic Loop

Pattern: Knitted Stegosaurus by Jacob Haller

Modifications: None.

Date Begun: March 16, 2009

Date Completed: April 1, 2009

Comments: A simple knit that is really cute for a baby or an adult! I would definitely make this again!

Smile for the camera!

Naughty weather...Positive Energy

2009-04-07T08:11:00.004-04:00

Howdy do folks! I still have no good pictures of my Steggy, because it has been raining almost daily here:( But c'est la vie. In lieu of FOs, I have decided, thanks to other friends in the blog universe, to post all positive things that happen to me this week. I know! A whole week of me being positive? C'est vrai!

Yesterday, I woke up at 6:30 and decided to head to the gym. I did 35 minutes on the elliptical (intervals) and 35 minutes on the treadmill walking at 3.3 mph. Then I walked home - another 20-25 minute walk! That makes more than 90 minutes of exercise yesterday! Rock!

At 10:30, I met with my master's thesis advisor, and the meeting went well! He thinks it's ready to go with a few small edits. It also needs to go to my second reader who is on sabbatical in Spain. So I made all the changes and sent it to him. He thinks he can get it back to me in about a week. Looks like I will make my May 2 deadline afterall!

I also ran into a friend at my local coffee shop and we chatted for hours about life, love, and biking. I am terrified of biking in Providence, but we finally agreed that I would try to conquer my fear a little with a 5 minute bike ride around the neighborhood...as an aside, this friend is new, but I really like him. I just think he's a really good guy, and I am glad I am getting a chance to get to know him better.

My friend Katie and I went to IHOP for pancakes! For dinner, yup! I love IHOP but I don't get to go very often, so this made me so very happy! I skipped lunch by necessity, so I tried to make up for it by ordering extra pancakes...not wise. Man was I full!

At the open mike, I decided to make cute pixie hats for two of the babies that are due in the next month...I think I will make traditional baby wear for the other two babies, considering their parents are very religious and conservative...

(Oh, and begone rain...Katie and Jake want to go to opening day at Fenway! Cooperate please...)

We'll see what positivity comes my way today!

Until next time...

Craftiness!

2009-03-10T19:26:00.010-04:00

As promised, a tour de force of my crafty successes and acquisitions from the last few weeks!

Knitting WIPs and Plans

My mom turned 53(!) this year, and I had the brilliant idea of making her the socks she coveted months before that I didn't get to for Christmas. The problem was that I confused the pattern with another, and only gave myself 12 days to complete them. I kept saying, "these only took me four days before. I don't know why they are taking so long this time." Turns out it was because the first time, they took 3 weeks! Oh well, I mailed them off about a week late, and my mom says they fit well. Success!

I also have quite a few WIPs that I have been working on diligently. I finished a Stripey Knee Sock and started its mate. The fit is perfect, truly! I finally started on the Coleen socks which I am not thrilled with, but it will get the pattern out of my queue and the yarn out of my stash. I also finally got past the cuff of my first Venezia sleeve! It is gorgeous. Most of my fears were allayed when I acquired a bootleg ball of Twig and ordered another ball of Marine Heather from Knit Picks...I still need to get a ball of Cream, but I think I can breath a sigh of relief now! I think I have enough yarn to finish the medium. Less joyously, I made another fish. I still have to make about 30 more. Sadness:( No comment. I also am completely perplexed by the concept of short row shoulders, so the Climbing Vines Pullover will probably sit for a while until I can think it out...sigh...At least I have had 3 successes!

Spinning WIPs and Plans
I was bitten by the spinning bug in early February, and it is still chomping on me more than a month later. I have purchased 2 more spindles, 10+ oz of fiber, and have been spinning every few days, actually finishing up the RISG Mystery White! I also plan to buy a Golding soon and maybe another Greensleeves...But let me not get ahead of myself here...Here's my new gear...

RI Spinning Guild Mystery White (sample)

RI Sheep and Wool Merino Top in Endicott
4 oz of fiber purchased at RI Sheep and Wool

Butterfly Girl Designs Murano Foil Flower

Greensleeves Bare Bones
Special Order Bottom-Whorl crafted by Elizabeth

As far as plans go, in the next few days I should receive 3 oz of assorted brown fibers (Merino/silk, Merino top, Shetland)which I plan to spin to about fingering weight and then knit up into a pair of musician-inspired wrist warmers for my friend Mike. I'm pretty excited about the project. I just hope my spinning chops are up to the task!

Until next time...

Mayday, mayday...

2009-03-09T07:57:00.003-04:00

Howdy friends! I have been very naughty about blogging lately, but it's because I am actually getting stuff done in my non-crafty life. I turned in my MA thesis in early February and finally had my follow up last Friday. It went quite well! I'm so close to finishing it and getting my first advanced degree! So I have been working on that. I am also restarting my dissertation. It's not always that a gal can call an academic do-over, but I need to. The process was not working, since I wasn't given adequate research time, and I have no idea where the whole thing is going. It may mean loans or a real job or something, but so be it. Way more excited about the whole thing now!

I do have craftiness to show you all, so I will try to get my butt in gear and post about that Tuesday. I have new spindles and fiber and knitting WIPs and an FO or two to trot out! Exciting times! I am also designing a pair of men's wristers for my friend Mike in exchange for a painting, which he's already finished! Jeesh...I'm really under the gun now. At least I ordered the fiber on Saturday morning. I plan to spin all the yarn I need. The design is really awesome so far! I can't wait to share them...and they will be my first pattern for sale! Look ma, no hands!

Until next time (Tuesday, to be precise)...

Bite Me...Again

2009-02-15T23:28:00.009-05:00

Yes, I am still working on my knitting projects. No, I can't show you any pictures of things finished. Not even one part of each project...not a sleeve or single finished socks, or a row of fish...quite sad really, since I have been knitting like mad. Sigh. I have been keeping myself busy, though. Outings with friends, music, and coffee shop rendez-vous are partly to blame for my lack of progress...spinning is the other major culprit. I've been bitten by the spinning bug, and I think it's gonna leave a scar!

At Rhode Island Sheep and Wool last year, I purchased my first drop spindle, a Louet starter, and several bags of fiber. 1 oz of young and old fiber from the same sheep (cute!) to practice, 4 oz of Merino Top in two different colorways for later, 4 oz of Black Border Leicester also to practice, and 6.5 oz (the remaining quantity) of alpaca for 10 years into the future when I finally learned to spin.

Well, I spun up the young sheep wool almost immediately, and it looked a bit wonky to me. The color was beautiful, but the yarn was thick in some parts, thin in others, and the twist was really random. It held together, and I think I can use it as something, but I wasn't that thrilled showing it off anymore. But you know something? It's not that bad. I went to my first ever Spinner's Guild meeting on Saturday (yay!), and everyone thought it was actually nice! It was encouraging to know everyone struggles with consistency and twist.

The inspiration to spin struck me again last week, and I got out the old sheep wool and spun that up on my spindle. It took a bit to refamiliarize myself with the techniques...drafting and I need to take a walk on the beach together, because right now we are kinda not feeling each other. Anyway, I plyed it up, soaked, vinegared, conditioned, and hung it. I am in love! The color is gorgeous, and the yarn actually has a defined twist after plying. I wish I had bought more of this fiber, but I didn't know it would be so great or that I could make something that looked good using a spindle.

That success gave me courage to try some of the Merino at the Spinner's Guild meeting...too soon! It was really frustrating. The fiber seemed especially hard to draft and when I pre-drafted and separated it into thinner strands it broke! I did give it the old college try for about 25 minutes, and then I gave up. No sense wasting good merino when I know I can't make anything with it right now. SO back into the bag it went.

I was shown how to use a drum carder, and even carded my first batt! And when I was done, I was given the batt I had carded! A heavenly, soft white fiber. I spun up a sample tonight...it's drying, so pictures later.

After show and tell, the merino mishap, carding, and relearning to drop spindle from two experts, I was advised to give my alpaca a go...I was nervous. It hadn't been 10 years, yet! So I carefully pulled all the fiber out the bag to find the end, and pulled off a piece about 18 inches long. I predrafted and separated it into thinner sections, took a deep breath, and started to spin. I was AMAZED how much easier it was to spin the alpaca than the stickier wools or the slippery Merino. It practically spun itself, and the singles were coming out really thin. After I spun up a small sample, I was shown how to Andean ply what I had to finish it off. A fabulous technique that looks harder than it is.

So today before I went to my French culture brunch and TV event, I researched fibers and spindles and books, because now I am smitten. I can actually spin yarn that is usable in actual knitting projects. In fact I think I will knit up the alpaca and mystery samples to see how they look in captivity. I can't wait, although I do so like looking at them in cake form! I am also going to start saving for a full fleece so I can work on a sweater's worth!

Until next time...

Forked: Robin’s Egg Blue Hat

2009-02-05T09:19:00.004-05:00

Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca [50% wool, 50% alpaca; 215 yds / 197 m per 100g skein]; colors: 6244 Fig and 6251 Green Olive; partial of two skeins

Care: hand wash, air dry

Needles: US 9 / 5.5 mm Inox Express Magic Loop

Pattern: Robin’s Egg Blue Hat by Rachel Iufer

Modifications: Lost track of the pattern at times, but I meant to follow it to the letter. I used two colors.

Date Begun: January 28, 2009

Date Completed: February 3, 2009

Comments: First FO of 2009! Probably would make this a bit longer, so that I can wear it over low ponytails...it's pretty cute over loose hair!

Mind over Matter

2009-01-27T18:54:00.009-05:00

It's picture time. I have been working steadily on two main projects this month: Stripey Socks and Baby Fish Blanket. I'm not really close to finishing either one, but I thought I would show you where I am presently. I also have been experimenting with my hair of late. I was doing 1940s hair a year and a half ago. For some reason, I decided to revive it a couple of weeks ago. I really like my hair curly...too bad my natural curls are so wonky!

Stripey Socks
I don't have enough hand-knit socks. Okay, I have 7 or 8 pairs, but I want to have enough so that I don't wear the same pair for at least two weeks. I spend a lot of time knitting socks, and I would really like them to last as long as possible. So I have been trying to finish up my first pair of (successful) knee socks. Remember this disaster? Well, I learned my lesson, and chose complimentary colors this time. I also made sure I had enough yarn, even though I guessed on the yardage. I think they are turning out marvelously well, and I can't wait to finish them and get them on my little legs! These socks will be pure happiness!

Baby Fish Blanket
I was waiting for my friends to start procreating, and it has finally happened! 4 couples are having babies in the next nine months! Behold the first of the baby presents. Originally I planned to have the warm colors face to the right, in strips, and then have the cool colors alternate in strips facing to the left. I would need 30 fish total: 9 green, 7 yellow, 6 blue, 5 red, and 3 orange. Turns out that looked really messy.

Then I decided to make the cool colors single color strips. This looked a lot neater and chic-er, so I decided to re-chart the layout and reconfigure the number of fish I would need to knit in each color. I still thought I needed 30 fish: 8 green, 7 blue, 7 yellow, 5 red, and 3 orange. After I laid out the fish in the new configuration, I realized that it was rather narrow/squat looking. So I got out my tape measure, and yup...short by 10 inches! 10 inches!

As I remeasured over and over again, as if magically it would lengthen itself, I slowly accepted that not only was I going to have to make a lot more fish than intended, but I was also going to run out out yarn. My trusty scale came in handy as I weighed the fish and the leftover yarn. Now I have to make 48 fish: 12 green, 12 blue, 10 yellow, 8 red, and 6 orange. I was not a happy camper for about an hour. Luckily my friend Katie was able to pick up two of the three colors I needed, and my mom is going to send the other one via post. Not only will I have the supplies I need, but I thought to myself...the new design is so much better than the original! So I am a happy camper:)

Curlilocks
My hair has finally grown out...For five years I have been waiting for it to recover from burning hot Mediterranean sun and dry New England winters...the breakage has not fully recovered, but it has grown out quite a bit. I have to confess...sometimes I am quite vain about my hair and other times I could care less. Well, a few weeks ago, I got a hankering for curly hair...It was curly for nearly five days! Here's me in curlers, posing in my bathroom. (Why, yes. That is my Picovili, I'm wearing. What a good eye you have!) The second picture is me with curlers removed, and combs in. I'm in Katie's truck after an evening at AS220 enjoying local musician Kim Lamothe (accompanied by her all-male band). I was amazed by how short my hair was after the curlers came out. Almost 1920s in style. I used no product at all. Just wet hair on rollers! I definitely need to buy some larger ones to accommodate the extra four inches or so of hair I now have for a more 40s style!

That's all I have for this week. I'll be back next Sunday with an update on my workout/challenges goals!

Until next time...

Getting Buff (Soon)!

2009-01-25T23:46:00.003-05:00

A short post this time, because I have to get to bed. I'll have a fibery update Tuesday. Just wanted to update you on the Situps/Pushups Challenge! Tonight, I did 111 situps and 43 pushups. No, they were not consecutive, meaning I did them over 5 sets, but I am so thrilled that I can do this many situps and pushups already! And to think, the guy at the gym had me doing 2 sets of 20 crunches...

Until next time...

Pushups and Situps Challenge

2009-01-18T23:43:00.005-05:00

My guess is that everyone has a weight-related goal each year that they do or don't achieve. We live in a visual society and there's been a real shift towards health and wellness. So, I have revived my previous weight loss resolution for the new year, and I have added on two additional challenges, thanks to my friend BySarah: 100 Push-ups and 200 Sit-ups! Check out my Week One, Day One results...

Before you can start the plan, you have to do a placement test. No cheating is allowed and they assume many people will score low on these tests. This is nice because you don't have to feel like a failure if you can only eke out a few reps. Here's how I did:

Initial Pushups: 7
Initial Sit-ups (crunches): 34

I wanted to put up my actual numbers so people can see (in 6 weeks) just how far I've come! Now, on to day one's results. Don't worry, I'll only be posting results once a week:)

Day One Push-ups
Set 1: 6
Set 2: 6
Set 3: 4
Set 4: 4
Set 5: 6

Day One Sit-ups
Set 1: 21
Set 2: 27
Set 3: 21
Set 4: 21
Set 5: 30

I find it curious that my muscles really had a problem with the crunches, even though I consider myself very weak in the upper body...huh...learning something about my body already!

Until next time...

2009 Resolutions

2009-01-18T09:39:00.003-05:00

My 2009 Resolutions

Having actual resolutions written down helped a lot last year. So I am doing it again. As usual, it's a bit lengthy, but I hope you will enjoy my crafty and personal plans for the year:)

Craft Resolutions!

1. Knit more projects from my stash. I tend to see a new pattern, search through my stash, decide on a new yarn, and then order it. Or I order yarn cuz it’s pretty, or I’ve heard rave reviews about it. I have seriously grown out of my apartment in the last year, and a lot of this has to do with fiber and fabric. So...this resolution is a very real one that I HAVE to accomplish. Either that, or I have to move to a larger place... (I am allowing myself to buy one project’s worth of yarn each quarter...if I have finished two project’s worth!)

2. Knit something for charity once a quarter. I actually need to follow through this year. I’m thinking making small items like baby booties or hats would be best since I know I can finish those quickly. I think I was too ambitious last year and got overwhelmed within a month of my resolution. However, I would like to knit at least one leprosy bandage this year.

3. Finish all non-afghan WIPs from last year or beyond! Yeah...some of the projects that originally fell under this resolution last year are still hanging around. You know who you are, naughty little projects! This year is the end of an era (my 20s) and the beginning of another (my 30s). In keeping with the “out with the old, in with the new” adage, I will be working hard to finish the 30s Striped Pullover and the afghan...at this point both projects are like elephants on my back, and that’s just a silly way to walk around:)

4. Knit at least 30 items from my Ravelry queue. In trying to do this last year, I actually made 32 items, so I am keeping this one.

5. Learn two new techniques: intarsia and steeking. Steeking is encompassed in one pattern: Venezia Pullover by Eunny Jang. Incidently this is in my queue:) I have wound the yarn, and will be swatching this week...I’m trying at least! Steeking still gives me the willies!

6. Frog Rhiannon Socks. This is tough for me, because I hat to admit defeat. But, I think it’s finally time to call uncle and frog. I’ll never finish these, and I can use all that beautiful yarn to make a lovely shawl of some sort. Whew...I feel better already!

7. Blog more! Even if it’s just a short paragraph updating progress or sharing a pattern I found, I need to make more of an effort so I don’t lose my faithful readers!

8. Don’t worry about how many projects I have going at a time. I find that I enjoy my knitting more if I am working on something I love. As my feelings change on a project, I need to be able to allow myself to change. Even if it means I have 20 things going at once. (Highly unlikely, since I wouldn’t start more than 5 projects I wasn’t dying to make.)

Personal Resolutions!

1. Be more positive! I’m trying, but this is really an ongoing, lifelong goal. So look for this one every year:)

2. Be more understanding. Ditto!

3. Lose 75% of the weight I have gained in grad school (35 pounds). Well, I didn’t really maintain any weight loss this year. So this one is another holdover...sigh...I’m going to try scheduling my workouts in my planner so that I have no schedule conflicts or excuses. I’ve used my elliptical 2 times in the last 4 days, so I hope this is a good sign:) Also, more yoga needs to happen...for real!

4. Find a NICE boy to date. Several boys last year, none of them nice. So that’s the goal this year. Not desperate for this one, but I am being more proactive...

5. Finish at least two-thirds of my dissertation! Funding will be caput in June, so I better have my act together by then if I ever want to finish the beast!

Until next time...

Have you ever...? Meme

2009-01-16T08:59:00.003-05:00

Hi folks! I have been pretty lame so far this year about any resolutions, choosing instead to plug away at some projects that alternate between fun and tedium (a word?). MA thesis and knitting. That's been my life this week. Anyway, This weekend, I will get my act together and post a proper update. I will be posting some photos of my trip to Philly from last week, and a knitting update. Until then, enjoy this new meme. Apparently I like them more than I thought I did:)

This has been going around the blogosphere for some time. Play along if you’d like by bolding the items you’ve done:

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain (several in fact...long ago when I was more outdoorsy...sigh)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo

11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightning at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language (Irish...no, not Gaelic)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in undergrad)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen (intended to many times...)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (Me and math are not friends sometimes!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job (thankfully not yet...)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (chipped a bone...but not broken)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (so many musicians in the 90s, I can't even name them all off the top of my head: Marilyn Manson, Oasis, Alice in Chains, Krist Novoselic, Vanilla Ice are a few)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one (not yet...I'm dreading it)
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant (when I was little, little)

Until next time...

Forked: Central Park Hoodie

2009-01-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solid [100% acrylic; 170 yds / 155 m per 100g skein]; color: 130 Honey; 8 skeins

Care: machine wash warm, machine dry

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 7 / 4.5 mm Inox Express 40" circulars

Pattern: Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky (larger sizes modified by Lisa Shroyer)

Modifications: Oh boy...take a seat! 1) 3.125” rib. 2) After finishing the hood, I seamed up the side and shoulder seams. 3) Picked up 72 stitches around each arm hole and worked 9.4 repeats of the pattern, decreasing on the 3rd round of each full pattern repeat. 4)Worked 3 inch ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. 5) Picked up 202 stitches along right front panel, hood, and left front panel. Worked according to directions, working a total of 7 rds. Bound off using stretchy bind off.

Date Begun: September 13, 2008

Date Completed: December 25, 2008

Gifted to: mom

Comments: The modified (for larger gals) pattern is way off on the yardage. It called for the equivalent of 13 skeins of this yarn, and I only needed 8! This should be listed on the pattern errata, in my opinion. Other than that the final product is glorious. So beautiful and sleek, and cozy looking. I can see what all the fuss is about. I just wish it didn't need so many modifications and was assembled in a more reasonable way. I think the way I did it was fairly simple after all the mods:) My mom loves it, and it fits almost perfectly. A little washing machine blocking, and it should be perfect!

Forked: Chickadee Cowl

2009-01-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Manos del Uruguay 100% Wool [100% wool; 138 yds / 126 m per 100g skein]; color: 107; 0.65 skeins

Care: hand wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 9 / 5.5 mm Inox Express 24: circulars

Pattern: Chickadee Cowl by Kirsten Kapur

Modifications: Cast on an extra 10 stitches (89).

Date Begun: December 14, 2008

Date Completed: December 16, 2008

Comments: I found this yarn difficult to work with. Some parts were bulky, other parts like sewing thread. I'm told by people who spin that it is difficult to make such yarn, but my first attempt at spinning yielded something similar. Perhaps I should knit this cowl out of my own handspun... Anyway, I love the finished product, and I am probably going to make another in a semi-solid black, grey, or green.

2008 Project Gallery!

2008-12-31T17:35:00.005-05:00

Everyone's using mosaics for their projects these days, and I thought I would join the fun. In 2008, I completed 32 projects. Socks, sweaters, bags, scarves, cowls, hats, and felted items abound. How did you do this year?

1. Vineland Mitts, 2. Chickadee Hat, 3. Central Park Hoodie, 4. Chickadee Cowl, 5. Show Off Stranded Socks, 6. Child's First Sock, 7. Gentleman's Winter Sock, 8. Edgy, 9. Turn A Square Hat, 10. Fad Classic, 11. No-Purl Monkeys, 12. Beech Wood, 13. Beaded Zip Bag, 14. Nantucket Jacket, 15. Scala Socks, 16. Picovili, 17. Wisp, 18. Diamond Lace Bookmark, 19. Felted Laptop Condom, 20. Beaded Zip Bag, 21. Mad Color Weave, 22. Wrist Yarn Holder, 23. Gentleman's Railway Socks, 24. Easy Baby Booties, 25. Reverse Bloom Flower Washcloth, 26. Monkey, 27. Flower Petal Shawl, 28. Eleanora Socks, 29. Felted iPod Cozy, 30. Double Cuff Mittens

Note: Marsan Watchcap and Roundabout socks don't have decent pictures yet so they are excluded from the picture...

2008 Resolutions in Review

2008-12-29T10:56:00.002-05:00

It’s only a few days before 2009 rings in, and I have decided to update you on my 2008 resolutions. I think I did pretty well overall, but you be the judge:) It's a bit lengthy! So grap a cup of tea and a scone, wrap a warm blanket around your shoulders, and enjoy!

Craft Related:

1. Knit every item on page one of my Ravelry queue to get closer to 90% Hand-knit wardrobe.

Well page one of my Ravelry queue changed quite a bit as my tastes changed and yarn was purchased willy nilly. The first page holds 30 patterns, though, and I have successfully knit 29 objects, and crocheted 2, so I am counting this resolution achieved!

2. Knit something for charity once a quarter.

Umm…I only knit the baby booties, which means I fell way short of this goal! I think this year I will shoot for one small baby items every two months so that I can donate them all to a local hospital in December. This should be doable, and my friend’s having a baby soon, so I can also test out patterns for her boy!

3. Frog all WIPs that either are ugly or made from yarn I don’t like anymore.

I finally did away with the Sans Distraction socks which were one of my biggest disasters of my knitting life. A skintight calf with wonky stripes…no, no, no. I rewound the yarn and will be using it for a nice pair of regular socks. I also think I will frog Rhiannon and make it without the fold over cuff. Life will be much more pleasant without that cuff…especially since I still have to make the second one!

4. Finish all non-afghan WIPs from last year or beyond!

Well, I forked Scala Socks, Nantucket Jacket, and Gentleman’s Railway Socks. As mentioned above I am frogging and restarting Rhiannon Socks, and 1930s Striped Sweater has been hibernating most of the year. I better really crack down on this one in the new year.

5. Learn three new techniques: intarsia/fair isle, steeking, and felting.

I learned to felt by hand early in the year, and then learned machine felting thanks to a friend in the spring. I also have been doing lots of colorwork. Alas, steeking still frightens the bejesus out of me, but I will bite the bullet and start Venezia in the new year so I can finally learn how to do it.

6. Use more of my sock yarn stash. 18 miles is too much to just have sitting around!

Okay, are you ready for this? This year I finished 11 pairs of socks! Granted many were not for me, but what difference does that make? Right? I made 11 pairs!

7. Knit my mom tree jacket in time for Christmas 08

I couldn’t face down another Tree Jacket, so I hinted and prodded, and decided to make my mom a Central Park Hoodie instead. And yes, it was forked Christmas morning!

8. Work on only three projects at a time: one portable, one complicated, and one mindless.

Hmm…I didn’t really pay attention to this one at all. I doubt I was able to adhere to this in any way due to gift knitting, but maybe? At any rate, I’ve decided that this one wasn’t that important to me anyway, as I managed to get all my gifts finished on time and I completed 31 projects in a single year. Must be doing something right:)

9. Learn to crochet for real. Not the mess I currently call crocheting:)

Check! Haven’t really used it for anything except to small cosmetic bags, but one day!

Life Resolutions!

1. Be more positive! I’m a die-hard pessimist, but I am going to try to be more fun-loving.

I think I did pretty well with this, especially where school was concerned. As far as men go, though, well, read on for my crazy year!

2. Be more understanding. I find it hard to relate to people sometimes, but I will try to see things from new perspectives this year!

I don’t think I did very well with this one at all. I had the best intentions, but I was probably just as annoyed by people as last year. Though, I did have larger periods of understanding, even if they didn’t last:)

3. Lose 75% of the weight I have gained in grad school (28 pounds in 2008, 9 pounds in 2009). Dissertation is about to begin, and I’d like to leave school like I started.

Ack! I joined a gym and everything, but lost no real weight. Each time I did, I gained it back. So, I guess I will have to really make a plan and stick to it. My work/class schedule made life kinda frantic for working out. This semester I have no classes, and I have downgraded my work hours, so I should be able to workout more during the week when the bus runs. I also need to get back to my swim lessons!

4. Find a nice boy to date. Not sure how this will work:)

Take a seat… this is going to take a while.

The boy I started out with in January, my friend who was giving me mixed signals and making me crazy is no longer in the picture. I think he eventually came around and wanted to try dating, but by then I had decided he really wasn’t date material, and made it very obvious that I was looking for something else. He’s been weird lately, and we haven’t really spoken in months. Typical behavior really.

In June, I was pursued by a grad student who I actually liked. After a hiatus due to a trip he took for school, we went out a few times. All told the “dating” lasted about 2 months. After him buying me drinks every time we went out, picking me up, walking me home, hugs, and sharing work space at our local coffee shop, he told me that he didn’t like himself and the next day started to ignore me. After I emailed him a confrontational email, he said, ”I’m not romantically interested in you. Though, I can see how you might think that we were dating.” Umm…yeah. We no longer speak, because he is beyond lame.

Next came a 41 year old local, who seemed like a nice guy. Liked basketball, wore a cowboy hat, and was generally a sweetheart. He also seemed really smart, and like to discuss politics and religion. Turns out he was a close-minded born-again Christian who didn’t have any real interest in basketball or any other sports I like! We dated for about a month before I got the truth out of him.

Somewhere in between, my friend Katie and I went to a local music/art space where I was approached by a guy who ended up being a guitar player in the band I was there to see. Score! I love music, and I play guitar. He was an amazing artist too! After inviting up to his city, offering to buy me a drink, and rubbing my bare arms (with no invitation), I found out (via a friend) that he was set to be married in October! Umm…yup! Not making this stuff up.

So I am still single, but I did meet and date “men” this year which was the goal. There is one other option that I am considering, and he seems interested, but he’s also a very popular (upright) bassist, so that may be asking for trouble. I need to live a little this year, though. I’m 29 and I never really take risks. So I’ll give it a shot, IF he’s available the next time I see him…

5. Finish at least half of my dissertation!

Does a chapter and a half count? No…it does not. So I fell short on this too, but I have decided that trying to finish in one year is insane, and I refuse to do so, even if it means getting a full time job outside my field!! I need time to think and process. So I am taking it!

So there you have my year of resolutions in review. In a few days, I hope to make and post 2009 resolutions that I can work on!

Happy New Year!

Design Changes...

2008-12-28T02:39:00.001-05:00

I'm updating the look around here, so please bear with me:) I'll be back soon!

Forked: No-Purl Monkeys

2008-12-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Universal Yarn Pace [75% superwash wool, 25% polyamide; 220 yds / 201 m per 50g skein]; color: Dark Grey; 1.34 skeins

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm Susan Bates Quicksilver 29" circulars

Pattern: No Purl Monkeys by CraftyPancakes (adapted from Cookie A)

Modifications: Cast on 72 sts.

Date Begun: June 21, 2008

Date Completed: August 27, 2008

Gifted to: Mom

Comments: I do not love this adaptation. I found it really difficult to keep track of where I was in the pattern without the purl stitches. I will not be making these again, though I think the subtlety works well for business where.

Forked: Child's First Sock

2008-12-27T20:00:00.001-05:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Essential Solid [75% superwash wool, 25% polymide; 231 yds / 211 m per 50g skein]; color: 23700 Pine; 1.66 skeins

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm Susan Bates Quicksilver 29" circulars

Pattern: Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern by Nancy Bush (Knitting Vintage Socks)

Modifications: Cast on 72 stitches (to accommodate my mom's US10W foot). Worked the foot plain.

Date Begun: October 16, 2008

Date Completed: November 26, 2008

Gifted to: Mom

Comments: Pretty pattern that was easier to memorize by the second sock. I am curious to see the sock with the pattern on the foot, so I will probably make myself a pair in the near future.

Forked: Show-Off Stranded Socks

2008-12-27T18:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Crazy Monkey Creations MonkeyToes [100% superwash merino; 490 yds / 448 m per 100g skein]; color: Agua Dulce; 0.67 skeins

Care: hand wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 0 / 2.0 mm Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars

Pattern: Show-off Stranded Socks by Anne Campbell

Modifications: Somewhere after I worked the heel flap and gusset, I increased the sole stitches to 36, while leaving the instep stitches at 32! Huh?!? Anyway, to match sock #1, I knit the instep until it measured 7” from the heel and then worked a decrease round (k2tog, work to three sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk, work to last 2 sts, ssk). Then I worked the Round Toe from Knitting Vintage socks over 64 sts.

Date Begun: November 9, 2008

Date Completed: December 3, 2008

Gifted to: Sarah S.

Comments: The stitch pattern was rather slow going, but the end result was worth it, I suppose. Also I don't care for the gusset and heel on these socks. It's interesting, but I like a nice cup to put my heel in, so if I make them again, I'll probably sub in my standard flap.

Forked: Gentleman's Plain Winter Socks

2008-12-27T16:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Felici [75% superwash wool, 25% polymide; 218 yds / 199 m per 50g skein]; color: 24113 Clay; 2 skeins (only a few yards left over)

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm Susan Bates Quicksilver 29" circulars

Pattern: Gentleman's Plain Winter Sock with Dutch Heel by Nancy Bush (Knitting Vintage Socks)

Modifications: none

Date Begun: October 12, 2008

Date Completed: November 8, 2008

Gifted to: Jake Haller

Comments: A great, easy-to-follow pattern that creates a wonderful sock that fits more ample feet:) The extra long cuff goes quickly and really adds a nice old-time touch. I will be making this again soon!

Forked: Beech Wood

2008-12-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Lotus Yarns Aura [63% superwash merino, 20% silk, 14% nylon, 2% pure silver strands; 420 yds / 384 m per skein]; color: I Wanna Be Sedated; 1 skein

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm Inox Express 24" circulars

Pattern: Beech Wood by Ilga Leja

Modifications: Cast on 136 stitches to accommodate the thinner yarn.

Date Begun: August 8, 2008

Date Completed: August 10, 2008

Comments: Quick and easy knit. The yarn isn't as soft as I expected, but I wear this a lot, and I think it's comfy and glam all at the same time.

Forked: Edgy

2008-12-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Baby Ull [100% merino wool; 180 yds / 165 m per 50g skein]; color: 8523; 0.4 skeins; Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Baby Ull [100% merino wool; 180 yds / 165 m per 50g skein]; color: 7854; 0.64 skeins

Care: hand wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm Susan Bates Quicksilver 29” circulars

Pattern: Edgy by S. Dawson Knitwear

Modifications: None.

Date Begun: October 4, 2008

Date Completed: October 8, 2008

Comments: Stitch motif taken from 1000 Knitting Motifs.

Forked: Felted Laptop Condom and Bag

2008-12-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Louet Riverstone Chunky [100% wool; 165 yds / 151 m per 100g skein]; color: 48 Aqua; 2.5 skeins

Care: hand wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 11 / 8.0 mm Addi Turbo 24" circulars

Pattern: Felted Lap Top Condom and Accessory Bag by S. Dawson Knitwear

Modifications: None.

Date Begun: May 7, 2008

Date Completed: May 21, 2008

Comments: This came out perfectly. I use it everyday and it is still holding up marvelously!

Merry Christmas To All!

2008-12-25T03:36:00.003-05:00

It's Christmas morn, and I am online... how sad! But really I am here to update you on my knitting! I know! It's been almost a whole month, but I spent all of December knitting for friends and family, so I couldn't blog anything but memes.

I have been working like a dog to finish the piece de resistance of my mom's Christmas present: The Business Collection. Essentially these are all pieces that are business-colored - meaning she can wear them to work. The Fall 2008 Collection consists of dark grey No Purl Monkey socks, dark teal Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern socks, and a mustardy gold Central Park Hoodie. All are colors and items she currently wears! So when she's getting ready she doesn't have to pass over somethng because it won't match. I will provide more details after she has opened her gifts and tried them on. I also will be flooding this blog with all the FOs I have completed since Fad Classic...Be warned...There are a lot!

Happy Holidays!

Until next time...

I Remember Reading for Pleasure...long ago...

2008-12-02T17:58:00.004-05:00

I'm working on the second to last Christmas gift, and then I can resume "me" knitting. That means more interesting posts for you all! Won't you be happy when I'm done with X-mas:) Anyway, you all know how I love memes. Here's one (from Bronx Girl Knits) for those who like books. If we added some academic books to this list, I would look way more well-read!

The Rules:

bold the books you’ve read
italicize the ones you want to read
strike through the ones blank that you have don't want to read
leave blank those you have no interest in or knowledge of
asterisk anything you started but didn't finish

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)

11. ~~Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)~~
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. ~~Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)~~
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)*
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. ~~Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)~~
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. ~~Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)~~
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. ~~The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)~~
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner(Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible*
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)*
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. ~~Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)~~
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)*
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With the Vampire (Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)*
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. ~~Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)~~
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. ~~The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)~~
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91.The Skin of the Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. ~~The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)~~
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)*

Until next time...

Long Time, No See

2008-11-23T23:04:00.010-05:00

I've been backed up lately with work, holiday crafting, department appearances, and Latin...a lot of Latin:( So, this will basically be a pictorial post. I still can't say a whole lot about what I am working on for several of my WIPs, but I started and finished some new ones for me that I can talk about...

Mums the Word!
These are snapshots of gifts, but for who? I'm not telling (supply sing-song-y voice).

Yarn is Crazy Monkey Toes in Agua Dulce

Yarn is Knit Picks Essential in Pine

Sewing Successes!
When I was in undergrad, I bought a pair of fleece pants from the Gap for $20 or so...I have worn those pants often for the last 8 years. About a year ago, the thighs finally gave out and I knew I needed to replace them. No one had the right texture fleece. I gave up hope still wearing my shredded relics around the house. And then I learned to sew! So I bought some fleece a couple of months ago with the intention of making some new ones. And I did! I also made another carrying case for my knitting projects. This one, although a botched attempt at a box bag (my mind wandered big time!), I think it looks quite sleek and I enjoy the size immensely!

Anti-Pill Fleece Sweatpants
A Failed Box Bag Turned Flat Bag

Knitting Projects for Me!
The New Peacoat from IK Fall is a bit demoralizing right now because I added one extra purl stitch, throwing off the entire row which took about 50 minutes to knit:( So while I gather the courage to rip it back, I am working on these...aren't they fabulous? I'm using Shibui Sock in Ink and Knit Picks Essential in Gulfstream. I'm hoping to make these my first successful pair of knee socks. We'll see how it goes!

Stripey Socks

I'm leaving for WI at 4am Tuesday morning. I will be taking several projects with me that just may be finished when I return on the 2nd! Fingers crossed:)

Until next time...

Rahmbo! Yum!

2008-11-17T09:21:00.003-05:00

Since it is the time of year where all my knitting is for others, and thus, I can't show you pictures or really say anything about how it's coming along, except "on schedule", I thought I would share some pictures of my new political obsession...Rahm Emmanuel...Enjoy!

Rahm Looking Good in Pinstripes

Rahm and Barack looking Hot!

Rahm Up to No Good

Nancy looks like she wants a piece of Rahm in the worst way!
Can you blame her??

Until next time...

Yes We Can!

2008-11-05T00:59:00.003-05:00

I think this says it all...

04-Nov-08: VOTE!

2008-11-03T15:30:00.003-05:00

I will be back soon with my regularly scheduled blog...for now, I urge all Americans to vote tomorrow. November 4th, 2008 is one of the most important days in my lifetime. I don't care who you vote for, as choice is what makes the democratic process go 'round. Do your part, and vote! Otherwise the next president will be picked for you...

Until next time...

Yes or No?

2008-10-15T09:23:00.001-04:00

Miss Becky strikes again! I love the memes she does, and this one was no different!

YES/NO GAME RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

You can only say yes or no. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!

Over 18? Yes
Danced in front of your mirror naked? Yes
Ever told a lie? Yes
Been arrested? No
Kissed a picture? No
Fallen asleep at work/school? Yes
Held an actual snake? No
Ever run a red light? No
Ever drink and drive? No
Been suspended from school? No
Ever been fired from a job? No
Totaled a car/motorbike in an accident? No
Sang karaoke? Yes
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? No
Ever laughed until you wet yourself? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
Kissed in the rain? No
Sang in the shower? Yes
Sat on a rooftop? Yes
Thought about your past with regret? Yes
Been pushed in the pool with your clothes on? No
Shaved your head? No
Blacked out from drinking? Yes
Had a gym membership? Yes
Been in a band? Yes
Shot a gun? No
Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it? Yes
Played strip poker? No
Been to a strip joint? No
Donated Blood? No
Liked someone you shouldn’t? Yes
Have a tattoo? Yes
Have or had any piercings besides ears? Yes
Made out with a complete stranger? Yes
Caught someone cheating on you? No
Skinny dipped? Yes
Regret any of your ex’s? Yes
Been to a rodeo? No
Been to a NASCAR race? No
Been in Love? No

In the spirit of not tagging folks, consider yourself tagged if you are reading this! Be honest...

Until next time...

Six Things...

2008-10-10T09:47:00.006-04:00

It's finally happened! I've been officially tagged by someone, Siga to be exact! She's tagged me for the Six Random Things About Me meme! I've had to give it a lot of thought, but I think I have come up with some things people (particularly Siga) don't already know about me... Rules first.

* Link to the person who tagged you.
* Post the rules on your blog.
* Write six random things about yourself.
* Tag six people at the end of your post.
* Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
* Let the tagger know your entry is up.

On to the fun!

1. Before grad school, I was 2 levels away from becoming a pre-professional ballerina.

2. I've traveled to England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. Many of these are repeats. I am hoping to get to Northern Ireland, Wales, Germany, Iceland, Spain, Belgium, and Australia/New Zealand before I turn 40...only 12 years left to make this happen:)

3. I have a mental weakness for soap operas. CBS only: Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and As The World Turns. You can judge me. I'm used to it!

4. I've neglected the piano for almost a year! My mom was lovely enough to teach me how to play some basics, and I have majorly dropped the ball. I think I will take this up again in the coming weeks...It means I'll have to revisit Oh Danny Boy and Skater's Waltz...shudder:(

5. My number one diet derailer is dessert:( Why, oh, why am I not a salty treats person???

6. I'm terrible at picking men for myself, and they are terrible at picking me. Ergo...I think about living in a nunnery at least once every two weeks...

There you have it:) Now...who to tag? I don't think I am super awesome at this, and I think several people I know have already done it, but here goes: Anna, Sarah, Katie, Jake, Stella, and Jennifer.

Until next time...

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2008-10-05T22:29:00.006-04:00

For the last 12 days or so, the weather has been miserable. As a result, I have been sick for nearly a week. Tomorrow will make day #7. Enough already! I missed work, class, knitting, almost everything last week because of sickness. I did manage to get a fair bit of knitting done though. It's one of the only things I can do when my brain is cloudy and I am coughing, sneezing, etc. Unfortunately I can only talk about one of the projects as the others are a mystery:)

Let's get to those-that-shall-not-be-named first!

Mystery Project #1
This is the project I have been working on since mid-September. It's coming along well, but since it's bigger than my other mysteries, I have put it aside in order to make some progress on the others. I should be back on track next week.

Mystery Project #2
This project was started and finished in two days. I need to add some decorative touches, but otherwise, I am happy with how it turned out.

Marsan Watchcap
This is a hat I'm making for a male frend of mine. Not much to report beyond that.

Alrighty, on to the fun! Whilst sick and working at The Edge (coffeeshop), I thought to myself, "my hands are cold. It would be a lot nicer to type up my dissertation chapters if my hands were warm." I pondered and searched through Ravelry for fingerless gloves. I liked the sleekness of Eunny Jang's Endpaper Mitts, but upon closer investigation, the sizing was going to be tedious and the pattern was not quite bold enough for my liking. So I searched through 1000 Knitting Motifs and found a fair isle pattern that I liked. I then decided to work a glove that would fit me using US 1 needles, just like when I knit socks.

Behold - fresh from my bean - Edgy! (clever, huh?)

Quick and fun to make! I hope to finish No. 2 by Wednesday night. Though if I finally shake my illness, my time would be better spent translating Latin or writing up my chapter.

Until next time...

Needles for Magic Loop: A Review

2008-09-27T18:00:00.001-04:00

I was PMd on Ravelry Friday night by flowerdancer asking my opinion on the best needle configuration for Magic Loop. I'm going to give it a shot! I've used a lot of needles in a lot of different lengths, so I feel like I might have some insight into needles for projects. I will provide a review of Inox Express, Susan Bates Quicksilver, KP Harmony, and Addi Turbo Lace in lengths ranging from 24" - 47" for socks, mittens, accessories, and a sweater.

I learned about Magic Loop in January 2008 when I realized I didn't bring the right needles with me to Wisconsin for a felting project. Since I knew I had double-points in Rhode Island, I refused to buy another pair. Instead, I looked up Magic Loop in earnest, and thus began my ML love affair!

Inox Express Circulars

Needle Review:
The Express line from Inox/Prym are, by far, my favorite needles. They have a nice sturdy heft for use with light and heavy yarns. The tips aren't super pointy, but I have never had them split yarn even with lace. The join is fairly smooth. I hear that others have had a little trouble with the last stitch catching non the join, but I have never noticed this. Finally, the cable is my favorite of all the needles I have used. It's flexible, yet sturdy, and it's a stylish black. For about $7 for the biggest, longest needles, it's a great buy! If you want to make fingering weight socks, however, and you use US 0 (2.0 mm) or US 1 (2.25 mm), you'll have to use their original line, because they do not make Express in these sizes. I wish I could get the ear of the Inox folks, because I think these two sizes are essential to their line. But I am just little ole me:)

Project Performance:
I used Inox Express US 10 24" needles to make my Double-Cuff mittens and Felted iPod Cozy. They worked for the mittens, but I have to admit these mittens required more effort than was necessary due to insufficient length. If I were to make these mittens again, I would go up to size 29" or even 40", although 40" might be a smidge too long. The length worked quite well for the smaller-sized cozy.

Inox Express Grade: A

Inox Needles
Needle Review:
These are Inox's original needles (silverish cable). When I first started knitting sweater and such on these needles, I did not like them. The join was not very smooth, and my yarn was always catching on it. In fact, I started using these needles to knit my 1930s sweater, and I think it contributed significantly to the delay in advancing this project. BUT - once I switched to magic-looping socks, I found these needles to be quite sufficient. Because you have to shuffle stitches back and forth anyway, the couple extra seconds it takes to slip the stitches over the join is negligible. The cable is a little stiff, but works well enough for Magic Loop. As mentioned above, Inox does not make Express US 1s, so I used my left over needles. I have since bought additional pairs just for socks! While I do like these needles, the day Inox makes these in Express, I will be sending them to the needle graveyard.

Project Performance:
I used US 1 24" needles to make my Business Collection: Part I. I can't talk about the project itself, but I will say that these needles worked really well and I plan to use these needles again for Part II.

Inox Original Grade: B

Susan Bates Quicksilver Circulars
Needle Review:
These needles are a good workhorse. (Disclaimer: I only use the US 1 size. I really have no idea how the larger sizes perform.) Nice, smooth join, firm but flexible cable, and adequate tips. Nothing fancy about these needles, but if I only had access to Inox Originals, Addi Turbo Lace, and these, I would buy these.

Project Performance:
I am using US 1 29" needles for my Vinterblomster Mittens. These needles have worked incredibly well for these mittens. The length is perfect for these mittens, and allows me to work each row quickly. I haven't noticed any significant catching on the join, and the cable is just flexible enough to stay out of the way without being too limp. Apparently I have kinked this cable too, but it doesn't affect the performance of these needles.

Susan Bates Quicksilver Grade: B+

KP Harmony Circulars
Needle Review:
These needles are a close second to my babies (Inox Express). I haven't used them for long enough or on socks to know if they are the best needles ever made, as some claim, but they are darn good. Let's start with the pointy, wooden tips. Great for faster knitting. The join is as smooth if not smoother than the Addi Turbo Lace. This is particularly great for those who like the feel of wood. Be warned though. These needles are slippery, unlike traditional bamboo needles. The cable on these needles, is quite possibly the best I have ever seen. It's super flexible, but not at all limp. It's also a lovely purple color for those of you who are fashion conscious. A wonderfully constructed wooden needle with a superior cable and impeccable join.

Project Performance:
I am using these needles for my 1930s Striped Sweater. As mentioned above, I was using Inox Original for this sweater, but the join caught the stitches to such an extent that I had to spend minutes getting the needle through. I also hated the idea of putting 200+ stitches on waste yarn to try it on, so instead I thought, why not Magic Loop? I bought the US 1 47" needles so I could slip it on as I made progress. These needles have certainly sped up my knitting. As I switch from back to front, no stitches catch! Now I just need to figure out a better way to work intarsia in the round:)

KP Harmony Grade: A

Addi Turbo Lace Circulars
Needle Review:
My dislike for Addi Lace Turbo US 0 40" was mild before. I am using these needles to work a pair of socks at the same time.

I find that the tips aren't pointy enough, so you have to work harder to make each stitch. At least this is true for the way I knit. I also am not fond of the cable which is too limp to use to as a conveyer of stitches between sides, but too firm to hang loosely while you work each side. What I find myself doing with these needles, is putting my work down or holding one end against something, and physically sliding over the stitches. I also have to twist and turn and tuck the cable while I am knitting because it constantly juts into the space where I am trying to knit/purl the stitch. I will say that the join is like butter. Be careful though! If you let the needles slip out of your hands, which I often do accidentally while switching to the back needle, your needles will slide right through your stitches and you'll have to pick them all back up. The worst part, for me, about Addi Turbo Lace needles, is the kinking!

Project Performance:
After a few more weeks working with these needles, having gotten the hang of 2-at-once Magic Loop, my disdain has increased to not-so-silent hostility. I can't even bear to work on my Roundabout Socks because the needles have kinked up in so many places that it is actually difficult to use them. And they kinked up from sitting in my knitting pouch! Not even from vigorous knitting. I mentioned this at SnB Wednesday and showed folks my needles. The other knitters apparently have never had this problem, but several people on Ravelry have, so now I know I'm not alone. It was suggested that I contact Skacel and ask for a replacement. I think I will. I can only work a few rows before I have to put them away!

Addi Turbo Lace Grade: D

The Magic Loop Verdict
Fine-gauge Socks/Mittens
I would purchase Susan Bates Quicksilver needles in 29".

Fine-gauge Sweaters
I would purchase Knit Picks Harmony in 47" or 60" depending on your chest size.

Regular Socks, Mittens, Sweaters, Hats, Accessories
I would purchase Inox Express needles in 29" or 40" depending on the size of the project.

I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Until next time...

It's Time to Hold the Countin'

2008-09-21T19:00:00.011-04:00

Cold Comfort Farm is one of my all-time favorite movies. Like Aunt Ada, I find that often it is necessary to take a count of the things residing under my roof. She counted relatives, I count WIPs!

Once a year, I try to come clean about the number of projects I have on the needles and my intentions toward said projects. That time has come. What has hibernated for too long? What's hopeless? What needs a change of needle or technique? I am sad to say that one project is a carry over from last year's list and I have added quilting to my addiction:(

Here's the hit list (from oldest to newest):

My First Aran Afghan
Hibernating since January 12, 2008. Apparently I planned to make this for a baby so I could finish it, but forgot again. That actually makes this project more appealing. Hmm....

Victorian Floor Rug
Begun in 2004 when I actually was employed full-time. This was an ill-advised project because it takes forever, and I'm positive I will never actually put it on the floor. Nevertheless, I do think it's pretty, and will probably turn it into a pillow someday in the distant future.

1930s Striped Sweater
Hibernating since June 12, 2008. I really need to keep plugging away on this so I can finally move on to another vintage project. I at least want to have a few stripes done by November. I thought magic-looping this would make a difference in productivity, but well... not so much! Intarsia in the round takes forever! Especially on US 1 needles... I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end, but who knows.

Rhiannon Socks
Hibernating since February 10, 2008. I just need to commit to frogging this sock so I can finish up this pattern without the cuff, completing my first knee socks that fit. Maybe instead of frogging it and beginning again, I'll just start over with new needles and a new skein of yarn. Then maybe it won't feel so gut-wrenching! Hmm...I have learned to magic-loop since I began these. Two at a time might be the way to go on such intricate socks. Sounds like a plan to me. I will tackle these post Roundabout.

Baby Hourglass Quilt
My first real attempt at hand-quilting. It became rather tedious to lug around and difficult to maneuver the small, thin quilting needles without breaking them, so I put this aside. I've missed the baby anyway, so now I think this will be a practice quilt on which I teach myself machine quilting. No real end date on this until I buy a walking foot. And then I suppose I can just keep this in storage until someone else I like has a baby:)

Bento Box Quilt
My first queen-sized quilt. I have been piecing the top by machine and plan to machine quilt the sandwich together once I buy my walking foot. I love the layout I came up with! I chose cool colors so I could have a relaxing bedspread in the winter. Plus cool colors make sense in wintertime! Each color (blue, green, and purple) will need 14 large squares made up of 4 small squares - 2 light, 2 dark.

I've made good progress. I have completed all 56 blue squares, 28 green squares and 8 purple squares. I've cut the remaining fabric into 18" X 42" pieces so that I can easily cut 3" strips. I hope to cut all the strips so I can sew a few together as time permits. If I work on this for a few hours a week, I should be able to get the whole top pieced by mid-late October! Then the hard part starts...

3-Hour Sweater (Ravelympics)
Started for Ravelympics and horribly tedious. I only have one more sleeve and an edging to crochet on to finish, but I just can't bring myself to do it:( I really dislike the fiddly nature of this sweater. Maybe I will make this an end of the month goal. It's probably the closest to being complete-able... Ugh!

Vinterblomster Mittens (Ravelympics)
Started for Ravelympics. I got stymied at the top flowers. The floats are confusing me. The red will only run across the front, which means I would have to carry the red all the way across the back. I realized today, however, that I can just twist the yarn every 5 stitches or so to prevent my fingers from catching, so it's full steam ahead on this as soon as I make some more quilt squares...

Roundabout Socks (Ravelympics)
Started for Ravelympics. A prime example of how arrogance will get you. I just knew I could knit these socks in 4 days. I even left them until the final days of the Olympics, so sure I was of my ability. Well, weeks later, they're still on the needles. I've finished the cuff, heel flap, heel turn, and gusset decreases, so I am in the final stretch. Since I am making them 2-at-a-time, they'll also be finished at the same time. I'll shoot for the end of the month on these too!

Mystery Project
My lips are sealed, but I have been working on this steadily for about a week...

Until next time...

Sockaholic? Almost.

2008-09-19T08:03:00.005-04:00

BySarah did this meme a while ago, and now Bronx Girl Knits has completed. I never really follow the rules of these memes. You're supposed to wait to complete them until you're tagged by someone else, but no one ever tags me, so I just complete the ones I find interesting and fun. I'm a rebel, you know!

So here goes:

***

When did you first learn to knit socks?
In 2004.

What’s the first sock you ever knit?
Sock-it-to-Me Toe Up Socks

Favorite Sock Pattern?
Hmm... I usually never make a pair twice so I'm not sure I have a favorite. I really did enjoy the Gentleman's Railway socks, though. Might have had something to do with The Netherlands, though!

Favorite needle method?
Although it's a bear to wrangle at first, I am currently in love with 2-at-a-time Magic Loop. Now I'll never have mismatched cuffs or toes again!

Favorite sock needles?
Inox US 1 (2.25mm), although I plan to try out KP options in 32" to see if they are smoother.

Who do you knit socks for?
Myself, my mom, an a very select groups of friends.

How many pairs have you knitted to date?
Not many actually. Only 15 pairs, including 2 pairs of baby booties. (I have enough yarn, however, to knit myself socks for everyday in December!)

What is on your sock knitting to-do list?
One of these days I am actually going to learn the afterthought heel. It seems so scary to me at the moment, though...

What kind of socks do you like to knit?

Striped? Haven't tried yet, but has been on the horizon for months...next pair for me will be striped.

Colorwork? Also on the horizon but not yet tried.

Plain Stockinette? Oh yeah! A little boring but quick, easy, and a great way to show off a lovely colorway

Cabled? Yup.

Lace? I LOVE making lace socks!

Anklets? I don't make these nearly enough. I think I will also have to make myself another pair of these.

Knee Socks? Tried twice, once failed. I'm not giving up on my Cookie A's, but man do they require time I don't have!

Solid colors? Yup. Great way to show off cool patterns.

Bright and crazy? Yes, but I admit, I usually make these for my mom and friends.

Faux Fair Isle (the yarn doing all of the work)? My very first pair was made using KP faux fair isle yarn. While I love those, I avoid that type of yarn now like the plague.

***

Hmm... since I didn't follow the rules, I guess it would be only fitting to tag a few people:)

I pass this magic sock meme to Becky, Stella, Nova, and Anna. All these gals make wonderful socks, and I'm curious to know more!

Until next time...

Check In...

2008-09-14T22:04:00.002-04:00

Life is quite busy these days. The start of the semester, almost daily social outings, and a part-time job have all hindered my knitting pace. Nevertheless, I have managed to fork my Fad Classic, finish the gusset decreases on my Roundabout Socks, swatch for my first Central Park Hoodie and Lush and Lacy Cardigan, and start another mystery project. This week I need to follow a schedule so I can get back to dissertation work and complete my daily Latin quota for my last graduate course! I also need to fit in gym time three times this week (with weights), swimming and yoga, dinner-cooking, and knitting. Hmm... looks like I need to be super productive this week. Wish me luck!

Huh...This Could Be Embarrassing...

2008-09-12T00:44:00.006-04:00

Since I don't have time right now to update you on my crafts, I thought I'd respond to a meme courtesy of Becky! Apparently 1998 was the year of bad hip-hop and R&B... Consider yourself warned!

The rules:

A) Go to Music Outfitters
B) Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year
C) Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and underline or italicize your favorite. Do nothing to the ones you don’t remember (or don’t care about)

1. Too Close, Next
2. The Boy Is Mine, Brandy and Monica
3. You're Still The One, Shania Twain
4. ~~Truly Madly Deeply~~, Savage Garden
5. How Do I Live, LeAnn Rimes
6. Together Again, Janet
7. ~~All My Life~~, K-Ci and JoJo
8. ~~Candle In The Wind 1997~~, Elton John
9. Nice and Slow, Usher
10. ~~I Don't Want To Wait~~, Paula Cole
11. How's It Going To Be, Third Eye Blind
12. No, No, No, Destiny's Child
13. My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion
14. ~~Gettin' Jiggy Wit~~, Will Smith
15. You Make Me Wanna..., Usher
16. My Way, Usher
17. My All, Mariah Carey
18. The First Night, Monica
19. Been Around The World, Puff Daddy and The Family
20. Adia, Sarah McLachlan
21. Crush, Jennifer Paige
22. Everybody (Backstreet's Back), Backstreet Boys
23. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, Aerosmith
24. Body Bumpin Yippie-Yi-Yo, Public Announcement
25. ~~This Kiss~~, Faith Hill
26. I Don't Ever Want To See You Again, Uncle Sam
27. Let's Ride, Montell Jordan
28. Sex And Candy, Marcy Playground
29. Show Me Love, Robyn
30. A Song For Mama, Boyz II Men
31. What You Want, Mase
32. Frozen, Madonna
33. Gone Till November, Wyclef Jean
34. My Body, Lsg
35. ~~Tubthumping~~, Chumbawamba (If I could strike this multiple times, I would!)
36. Deja Vu (Uptown Baby), Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
37. I Want You Back, 'N Sync
38. When The Lights Go Out, Five
39. They Don't Know, Jon B.
40. Make Em' Say Uhh!, Master P
41. Make It Hot, Nicole Featuring Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott and Mocha
42. Never Eve, All Saints
43. I Get Lonely, Janet
44. Feel So Good, Mase
45. Say It, Voices Of Theory
46. Kiss The Rain, Billie Myers
47. Come With Me, Puff Daddy
48. Romeo And Juliet, Sylk-E Fyne
49. It's All About Me, Mya and Sisqo
50. I Will Come To You, Hanson
51. One Week, Barenaked Ladies
52. Swing My Way, K.P. and Envyi
53. The Arms Of The One Who Loves You, Xscape
54. My Love Is The Shhh!, Somethin' For The People
55. Daydreamin', Tatyana Ali
56. We're Not Making Love No More, Dru Hill
57. Semi-Charmed Life, Third Eye Blind
58. I Do, Lisa Loeb
59. Lookin' At Me, Mase
60. Looking Through Your Eyes, LeAnn Rimes
61. Lately, Divine
62. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), Backstreet Boys
63. I Still Love You, Next
64. Time After Time, Inoj
65. Are You Jimmy Ray?, Jimmy Ray
66. Cruel Summer, Ace Of Base (They really sing this??? Oh the shame...)
67. I Got The Hook Up!, Master P
68. Victory, Puff Daddy and The Family
69. Too Much, Spice Girls
70. Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are), Pras Feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard and Mya
71. How Deep Is Your Love, Dru Hill Featuring Redman
72. Friend Of Mine, Kelly Price
73. Turn It Up [Remix]/Fire It Up, Busta Rhymes
74. I'll Be, Edwin McCain
75. Ray Of Light, Madonna
76. All For You, Sister Hazel
77. Touch It, Monifah
78. Money, Power and Respect, Lox
79. Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Verve
80. Dangerous, Busta Rhymes
81. Spice Up Your Life, Spice Girls
82. Because Of You, 98 Degrees
83. The Mummers' Dance, Loreena McKennitt
84. All Cried Out, Allure Featuring 112
85. Still Not A Player, Big Punisher Featuring Joe
86. The One I Gave My Heart To, Aaliyah
87. Foolish Games/You Were Meant For Me, Jewel
88. Love You Down, Inoj
89. Do For Love, 2Pac
90. Raise The Roof, Luke
91. Heaven, Nu Flavor
92. The Party Continues, Jd
93. Sock It 2 Me, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott Featuring Da Brat
94. Butta Love, Next
95. A Rose Is Still A Rose, Aretha Franklin
96. 4 Seasons Of Loneliness, Boyz II Men
97. Father, LL Cool J
98. Thinkin' Bout It, Gerald Levert
99. Nobody's Supposed To Be Here, Deborah Cox
100. Westside, TQ

Brother, I Heart You!

2008-08-25T07:32:00.007-04:00

Since I was in my teenage years, I have been fascinated with all the "old Victorian arts". Probably earlier than that, truth be told. I painted a lot when I was in middle school. Learned an instrument in high school (guitar though). I learned to knit from my mom, taught myself to cross stitch. In my mid twenties, I started needlepoint and embroidery. Last year I finally got the hang of crocheting. All of these craft skills are and were satisfying, in their own way, but I dreamed of the day I would be skilled enough to make sewn clothes and quilts. You see, as someone who struggles to sew on buttons and hem pants (thanks mom!), sewing always seemed like the ultimate in self-sufficiency. Need a pair of pants that actually fits, make it yourself. Need a 40s era skirt? Sew it yourself. Cold in the winter but don't like the quilts available? Make your own! Well, this weekend, I took a giant step towards this elusive skill of sewing.

First the clothes...
I love the 40s and early 50s. The style back then really suits my sensibility, and I lament the fact that I can't afford or fit into vintage pieces. Butterick had a sale a while back and I snagged two reprinted vintage patterns with modern sizing. I fell in love with these two patterns because I think they are classic and actually flatter my body shape.

Saturday I bought this wonderful soft textured homespun cotton for the first pattern. Yes, it's in black. Don't you know me at all? I plan to iron and cut out the fabric this week! It will be a challenge, because I will have to alter the lower part to fit my...ahem...assets, but I need to at least give it a shot before I run for help. The fabric was super cheap too. Only $2/yd, so if I totally botch it, I'll live.

Now the quilting...
I am making my first bed-sized quilt for myself. It will replace the handmade quilt my mom bought for me when I was a mite. I love my old quilt, but it needs some serious repair. Repair I was incapable of doing myself until very recently. So I am putting it away until I can finish fixing it. I can't freeze to death this winter, so I am making myself a queen-sized Bento Box quilt. Triangles and I have some things to work out before I can make my red hourglass quilt. This is the solution. Squares and rectangles. No muss, no fuss. That's not to say that I don't have a little puckering here and there and a few seam allowances that have gone awry, but all in all, I am loving the way this quilt is coming together.

I am working it in three main colors: green, blue, and purple. I thought it would be soothing to use all cool colors for this one. Each color has a light and a dark solid along with a coordinating print.

Since I purchased fabric with a vague idea of the quilt I planned to make, I didn't buy enough. Saturday I spent the whole day (minus three hours) going to Wal-Mart on the bus:( I will never do that again. I was able to find all the same fabrics except for the purple, so I will need to fix that soon. When I got home, I cut out all the green fabric I had already washed and ironed. It was so easy! Yesterday, I sewed together all my green strips (a total of 8 dark green small squares and 8 light green small squares), and cut out some purple strips from the stash my friend Sarah gave me. I also washed all my newly purchased fabric so I can start ironing and cutting them today. Sarah is also making one of these, and is thinking about mixing the large squares so the blocks are more varied and the fabrics blend together more. I was thinking of having single-color blocks, but now I am not so sure. I'm going to make all the small squares and then re-evaluate.
I also read up on machine quilting with my cheapo machine, and the info I found said that it was possible as long as I covered my feed dogs. Hmm...I'd need to find one of these covers. Have you ever googled feed dogs? Some pretty weird stuff comes up. Realizing I would have to make something to work with my machine, I decided to deal with that down the road. But get this... while I was looking for a little brush to clean my sewing machine of lint and what have you, and I found this weird looking little plastic thing...it was a feed dog cover!!! It came with my machine! I love my machine. I almost kissed it when I found that, but I didn't, cuz that would be weird. Now I too can quilt my sandwiches. I just need to buy a quater-inch foot, remove the stack of moleskin I've been using as a guide, and viola! I think I will try it out on a swatch I've been working on for 3 years:) Hurray!

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Finale

2008-08-24T23:24:00.004-04:00

Today was the last day of the Olympics, and I didn't watch a single minute. I stayed up until 2:15 am this morning to watch the US Men's Basketball game by watching Breaking Bad, Craig Ferguson, and The Cleaner. And it worked, except that I decided to pull my couch blankie over myself to get comfortable and promptly fell asleep! I awoke at 4:30 exactly to witness the celebration after the US beat Spain, so...not a single minute was watched today.

As far as knitting goes, I totally fail. The sleeves on my 3-Hour sweater are too small, the Roundabout socks magic looped were too difficult to start (though better now, of course) and the Vinterblomster mittens too time consuming. The only thing I have to show for myself is the Beechwood cowl, which I still love and plan to wear a lot when it gets colder, so that's something.

Tomorrow, I'll show you what I did all day today. It was a glorious day:)

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Twelve

2008-08-21T23:40:00.003-04:00

It's official...I'm burnt out:( I should never have tried to make 4 things for the Ravelympics. Now, I think I will finish the sweater and possibly the mittens, but as of today, I had zero desire to touch any of my projects.

What I did do was iron the bejesus out of my fabrics and start cutting strips for my first Bento Box quilt. The quilt my mom procured for me when I was little (otherwise known as my "Vegetables") is in dire straights and needs some serious repair. In the meanwhile, my bed needs a covering. So...I'm going to make my first full sized quilt, well, Queen sized actually. I was quite happy this evening cutting out my strips, and that's when I knew my Ravelympics projects were in trouble. But I will take them with me to the mall tomorrow as I try to return a Philosophy product without the check card I used to purchase it...should be interesting.

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Eleven

2008-08-21T00:04:00.004-04:00

Today I was kinda annoyed with my Ravelympics knitting, and I whined a lot! I had to cast on the Roundabout Socks several times because they kept twisting. You know what I have confirmed? I hate Addi turbos. That's right. Despise them. If I didn't need needles immediately, I would have ordered 40 inch Susan Bates or Inox, or something other than the $16 needles of death. The cord is too limp to facilitate easy Magic Looping, and as a result, I got very little knit on the socks. I think it's a given now that I won't finish my projects, but I do have four more days... Pictures to come tomorrow of the socks, mittens, and possibly the finished sweater.

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Days Nine and Ten

2008-08-19T22:23:00.003-04:00

I've actually been watching some diving and swimming and basketball and track and field... Translation? I'm not knitting nearly enough. I'm starting to worry that I won't be able to finish all my Ravelympics projects, but I am going to really try hard to do the impossible. If I really work hard tomorrow night, I just may squeak by:) Check out my progress!

3-Hour Sweater
This sweater is a bit of an enigma. There's no real sizing, other than 1930s size 16. God only knows what that means today! So I decided to just give it a shot and see if it fit. It seems to stretch around my waist which is a positive, so I am going to go ahead and seam this thing up and try it on. Right now it is napping on my blocking towel.

I'll try to seam this up on Thursday or so...wish me luck! I added two selvedge stitches this time to make seaming easier. On verra...

Vinterblomster Mittens
This pattern is not difficult. I say that first off, because I think it is a very accessible pattern for those who are new to colorwork. What it requires, however, is patience, concentration, and tireless hands and arms. My hands and arms actually started cramping up today while I tried desperatley to get past the thumb gusset. But, you nkow what? I did it!

These mittens are super cute, and they hug my wrist quite nicely. I also think the floats will help diffuse the horrid wind we have here in New England. These might derail me, because it is taking forever to work through all these darn petals and leaves!

Roundabout Socks
I don't have a travel project anymore, now that the components of the sweater are finished. This is part of the problem. So, this evening while I watch the gymnastics, I will cast on the last of my Ravelympics, Roundabout Socks. Then when I am stuck on the bus or waiting in line or at a meeting tomorrow (ahem) I can work on something!

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Eight

2008-08-17T12:25:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day, although I did actually start the day watching USA Men's basketball. I really feel sorry for their opponents. It's just not even a little bit of a challenge.

Around 1:30 I set off on a road trip with my friends Jake and Katie. We went to Jake's dad's lake house in Sturbridge, MA, and then Jake played a solo show at the coffee shop there. Best carrot cake I've ever had. And that's saying a lot! After the show, it was back to Providence for a friend's girlfriend's surprise party. I wasn't feeling so great, but I'm glad I went and had a chance to wish her well. She leaves on Monday!

And I got some knitting done! The Vinterblomsters are coming along nicely. I'm so thrilled with the colors. I picked them based on internet colors, and was worried when they arrived that the lighter green wouldn't look good with the red or yellow, but...Look at my pretty mittens!

These are fun to work, and I am getting the hang of tensioning in colorwork in the round finally. And they fit over my man hand, so it's all working out marvelously:) I also worked on the 3-Hour sweater, which frankly, is taking forever. Yes, I have taken a few breaks. Yes, I have been knitting slowly. But, really, three hours is not humanly possible. People in the 30s must have been aliens! Anywho, here's where I'm at:

I hope to finish up this sweater today, because I am quite behind on my Ravelympics projects. Only 7 more days before the flame is extinguished, and I only have 1 project completed!!! So, I'm off to watch all the shows I DVR'd last week and knit. Enjoy your Sunday!

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Seven

2008-08-15T06:04:00.005-04:00

This post is late, but I can update you easily on my progress. I did no knitting yesterday. Zero, zilch, nada.

What I did do was 1) work furiously on my dissertation chapter, 2) go to the gym for a mind clearing workout, and 3) go to the bar with a "friend" for consolation drinks: Speakeasy Prohibition Ale, Jack Daniels, and Smuttynose Hanami Cherry Ale. Did you spot the word Hanami? And, yes, I ordered it because it was a knitting reference. I'm a dork, what do you want from me:) A good time was had, but, man, do I need to pull a rabbit out of a hat now! I'm off to write my conclusion and then check some last minute references. I hope to post an actual knitting update this evening after the BBQ.

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Six

2008-08-13T22:44:00.003-04:00

Today was a rough one for knitting...with my revisions looming large, and my summer boss needing me to put in some hours this week, I got very little of anything done knitting wise. I did make it to SnB tonight, although I really shouldn't have. I was out quite late last night with a friend and didn't get the reading done that I should have. Oh well. You can't relive the past, right?

Today, I managed to get about 7 inches of the front of my 3-Hour Vintage Sweater knit up, and I hope that I will be able to knit more on it at the bar tomorrow night and at the Black Grads BBQ on Friday. If not, there is always the lovely Jake Farmer's Market show, the Jake BBQ, or the Jake Night Cabaret on Saturday and the Washington County Fair on Sunday...I have a sneaking suspicion that although this has been a rough week, this sweater might be finished by Monday! Pictures to come when I have time to take them:)

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Five

2008-08-12T16:23:00.006-04:00

I'm stressed folks! My chapter is taking over my soul... And my needles have arrived, so I can continue with the vintage sweater as soon as I write two more pages of quality text! I need to knit tonight, like,for real! But first, the Roma section...sigh.

Last night I went to Everyman Bistro's Open Mike with a group of lovely friends and my bag o' knitting. I had a burger burnt to cancer stage (my own fault), beans, Rhody Diet Cola, and delicious apple pie. It was good times. And look what I made! I was actually able to carry on numerous conversations and not mess up the color work on my first Vinterbomster mitten! It's my first full project using color, and I am thrilled so far.

Oh, and here's a picture of me wearing my Beech Wood! Still haven't washed or blocked it and have already worn it twice...I guess this is a keeper!

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Four

2008-08-11T08:52:00.002-04:00

Day Four here, and things are moving along swimmingly:) Yesterday, I knit the ribbing for the front and back of my 3-Hour Sweater. It's grey and dreary outside so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am still waiting for my US 10.5 needles to arrive in the mail, so the sweater's taking a siesta. I'm hoping the needles come today in spite of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day. (Mini rant: I can't believe I live in a state that think it's okay to celebrate the atomic bombings of Japan!!! Unbelievable!)

Today, I will cast on the Vinterblomster Mittens, although, they will not travel well, and I am traveling this evening. C'est la vie! I think I have finally worked out a color scheme that will highlight all the colors I have chosen. I did a lot of mulling, anyway, so we'll see:)

I am off to print selections from my coin catalog and my chapter so I can start writing up those last few sections by Friday. Almost one whole chapter forked!

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Three

2008-08-10T07:28:00.003-04:00

It's the start of Day Three here, and I am pleased to report that I have forked Beech Wood! An interesting knit with lots of stretchy texture. I adore the yarn I used, though the cowl came out a little floppier than I had hoped. (I really don't think Lotus Yarns Aura is fingering weight, so if you use it, swatch, swatch, swatch!) Nevertheless, it is still gorgeous...

See? I'll just have to find a nice shawl pin so I can fold this baby against my neck. I can't wait until it gets cold outside!

I am now off to cast on for the 3-Hour Sweater. I realized when I was gathering materials that I did not own a pair of US 10.5 circulars in 24 inches. Fuzzy Mabel to the rescue! My Inox Express needles have shipped so I can start the ribbing on this sweater while I wait for the post man. I'm going to work it flat (in true vintage spirit) because I think Caron Simply Soft works best when it has some seamed structure. Wish me luck:)

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day Two

2008-08-09T08:45:00.005-04:00

Howdy Folks! I'm off and knitting on my Cowl Jump entry, Beech Wood. I think it's turning out wonderfully!

I was a bit ill yesterday after some ill-advised partying the night before, but I hope that I can finish this sucker tonight, and cast on my 3-Hour Sweater immediately following. I have the first season of Firefly to keep me company, so I'm in good shape to be right on course! The plan is to post every day with my progress. Quite an endeavour considering I also have to turn in my revised chapter Friday! (Yes, I'm completely nutso.) Daily blogging will help me to 1)be accountable for my knitting, and 2)blog more! I hope you'll enjoy my journey as much I will:)

Until next time...

Ravelympics: Day One

2008-08-08T08:00:00.003-04:00

Today is Day One of Ravelympics!

It's 8 am and I am starting out the competition on my small-to-medium effort project, Beechwood. I plan to work on this little guy today, in between dissertation work. The plan for right now is to begin with one full hour of knitting over breakfast or at least tea (a bit early for food really). Then I will begin alternating: 1.5 hours of dissertation writing (yes, actually writing, not reading or pondering or just staring into space) followed by 0.5 hours of knitting. I'll keep going this way until 2, and then head home for more dissertation writing. I hope this will enable me to get good head start on this cowl and not feel guilty about it! BySarah has made one in 2 1 days, so there is hope I can get pretty far today, although she does knit faster than I do...

Tomorrow I will post pictures of my Beechwood progress and start project #2.

Until next time...

Forked: Picovili

2008-08-07T18:52:00.000-04:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport [60% pima cotton, 40% modal; 110 yds / 101 m per g skein]; color: 24132 Harbor; 5 skeins

Care: machine wash cold, machine dry

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm 16" and 29" bamboo circulars

Pattern: Picovili by Grumperina

Modifications: Well, I didn't think the extra stitches for the underarm would work, so I just joined the sides after I cast off and worked around pulling tighter in that area. Also I lengthened it significantly (3-4 inches), and it still rolls up a bit too much...

Date Begun: May 30, 2008

Date Completed: July 5, 2008

Ravelympics!

2008-08-02T14:59:00.011-04:00

Thanks to the beauty that is Ravelry, I may actually watch part of the Summer Olympics for the first time in I don't know how long. Most likely I'll only watch Team USA Basketball. What are the Ravelympics? I'm glad you asked! Here's the text taken from Ravelry.

The First International Ravelympics Summer 2008 are open to any knitter or crocheter on Ravelry ready to challenge themselves to complete a project (or projects) within 17 days during the Summer Olympics.

Rules:

The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 17 days.

No casting on before Opening Ceremonies commence in Beijing.

Finish before the flame goes out.

You may swatch before the games. (I consider this “training.”)

At 8am Providence time (8pm Beijing time), whatever will I cast on?

For the Cowl Jump...
Beech Wood by Ilga Leja

Photo: Ilga Leja

I will be using my yummy Lotus Yarns Aura yarn in the colorway I Wanna Be Sedated. The challenge...actually knitting this yarn instead of petting and sniffing it for the rest of my life!

For the Sock Put...

Roundabout Socks by Ruth Greenwald

Photo: Ruth Greenwald

I will be using the first skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi in the colorway Irving Park. Can't wait to finally try the yarn that many have drooled over... The challenge? A pair of socks in 4 days! It's gonna happen people, mark my words!

For the Mitten Medley...

Vinterblomster mittens by Heidi Mork

Photo: Heidi Mork

Knit Picks comes through again with their Palette line in several coordinating shades of greens, yellow, and dark red. The challenge on this one is obvious. I am clearly insane for trying to add these to the mix with only 17 days to knit!! But they're soo cute, don't you think?

For the Sweater Sprint...

3-Hour Sweater, 1930s by Vintage

Photo: mjpowers

And of course, I needed to return to something comforting and somewhat safe...a vintage sweater made from Caron Simply Soft! The challenge with this sweater, which I hope to finish up second is the neckline. Never done keyhole before!

So there you have it folks! Four projects in 17 days...It's times like these that I wish I drank coffee!

Until next time...

Forked: Nantucket Jacket

2008-07-27T16:37:00.000-04:00

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft [100% acrylic; 330 yds/302 m per 170g skein]; color: 9707 Dark Sage; 3 skeins

Care: hand wash cold, air dry (to prevent stretching)

Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm Inox Express circulars

Pattern: Nantucket Jacket by Norah Gaughan

Modifications: A few that I made by mistake...

Date Begun: August 6, 2007

Date Completed: July 27, 2008

The First Time...

2008-07-18T15:09:00.002-04:00

The First Meme

It's always fun to reminisce about the "good ole days", so I thought I would steal this meme from Bronx Girl Knits!

1. Who was your first prom date?
Olaf G. from work

2. Do you still talk to your first love?
Did I have a first love?

3. What was your first alcoholic drink?
Peach Schnapps...blech!

4. What was your first job?
First one I can remember was clerk at the Prospect Mall Cinemas

5. What was your first car?
Still waiting on that one...

6. Who was the first person to text you today?
I don't receive texts

7. Who is the first person you thought of this morning?
My pucky

8. Who was your first grade teacher?
Mrs. Hornach (spelling?)

9. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
London

10. Who was your first best friend, and are you still friends with him/her?
I guess it would have to be Meret B., and no, not even a little

11. What was your first sport played?
Gymnastics, unless that doesn't count, and then fourth-grade, Catholic School basketball

12. Where was your first sleepover?
The children of my mom's old religious friends, I think

13. Who was the first person you talked to today?
My mom

14. Whose wedding were you in the first time?
I have not yet been in a wedding

15. What was the first thing you did this morning?
Turned my computer on...man that is lame

16. What was the first concert you ever went to?
INXS, aged 7

17. What was your first tattoo or piercing?
Japanese characters at 15, accompanied by my mom, who interrogated the tattoo artist on his hygiene and experience!

18. What was the first foreign country you went to?
England (See question #9)

19. What was your first run-in with the law?
Profiled by the Glendale police whilst driving my mom's car in Shorewood - woohoo!

20. When was your first detention?
I don't think I ever had detention...I was a good little student, most of the time;)

21. What was the first state you lived in?
WI, baby! Born and raised!

22. Who was the first person to break your heart?
Hmm...The first boy I ever cried over was a boy I worked with during undergrad who took me out on a date after months of flirting and then told me he had a girlfriend...I think his name was Andrew something...Ha! Clearly didn't make that much of an impression! I should really steer clear of Andrews...

23. Who was your first roommate?
OMG! Cathy...a racist psycho whose Polish mom scrubbed our entire kitchen the day we moved...Roommates and me don't mix.

24. Where did you go on your first limo ride?
When one leg of our flight was severely delayed, the airline chose to drive people on the flight from Milwaukee to Chicago in a stretch jeep limo...Yuck:( Thanks god I had my knitting.

Forked: Scala Socks

2008-07-17T15:39:00.002-04:00

Yarn: Dale of Norway Baby Ull Dalegarn, 100% wool; 181 yds/165m per 50g skein]; color: shell pink 4401; less than 1 skein; Dale of Norway Baby Ull Dalegarn, 100% wool; 181 yds/165m per 50g skein]; color: red 4018; less than 2 skeins

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 /2.25 mm double-points

Pattern: Scala Socks by Stephanie van der Linden

Modifications: None

Date Begun: August 14, 2007

Date Completed: July 16, 2008

Slowly...but surely

2008-07-13T23:57:00.013-04:00

It's been a crazy week. Brunch, lunch, and dinner plans abounded this week with Sarah, Jenna, Katie, Robin, and Jeannette. All dining experiences were much enjoyed! Thanks gals! I also went to another city's summer music festival. This weekend was the culmination of Providence's Sound Sessions. I wasn't super impressed with the outdoor music, but the people watching was fantastic! It also was an opportunity to watch city-sanctioned outdoor drinking...weird. I also finally made it to a local gallery/musical space, AS220, to see a band a friend of mine recommended - Wrong Reasons. They were a really good hard rock/bluegrass band that really surprised me. I liked all their songs, and plan to go to another show when they're in town again. Despite the festivities, I've made some craft progress thanks to my week-long vacation in WI, SnB stubbornness, and movie night at Jake's.

Nantucket Jacket
I finally finished all the pieces to Nantucket!!!!! When I started this project I was worried about the final step of sewing it together. For Christmas, my mom gave me a finishing techniques book that I assumed would help me with this cardigan. And it would help...if the cardigan edges weren't in pattern! Now that I am done, I realize my worst fears have come to pass. I can't imagine how I am going to seam this project together. I tried lining up the elements, but then the side pieces didn't extend all the way to the edge. I tried lining up the edges, but then the elements didn't line up!!!!! I ripped out the seams twice, and was still at a loss. Aaaaggghhhhh! So what am I going to do? Two possibilities. 1) Try to seam it slowly in pattern mixing stockinette and garter techniques. 2) Pick out the bind off and add two rows of stockinette so I can seam the pieces using my finishing book. For a few days, though, I'm going to leave the project in heap and come back to it when I have a coherent plan...

Scala
I am a little over one repeat and a toe away from weaving in the ends on this horror of a project. I think I will officially rename this the sock of doom, because it is really the worst sock project I have ever knitted! As I think I have said before, I feel like the culprit here is the yarn, Baby Dale of Norway. It's just a little too thick, and not very elastic knitted on US1. So I guess what I should admit is that I chose a poor substitute for this sock. But...there is light at the end of the tunnel. One more week, and this project will be forked. Praise be the lord! And perhaps all the effort may have been worth it in the end. What do you think?

The Business Collection
This is still mystery knitting, so I can't say much and I can't post pictures. Phase 1 is about 35% done though:)

Hour Glass Quilt
I am getting better at hand quilting. At least I am getting faster, which is something, I guess. I'm not sure exactly when the baby is due. I figure if I can finish this by the first week of August, I am in a good position to gift it before the baby arrives. So far, I love how it is turning out, and the quilted stitch looks great on the backing. I have to step up my stitching schedule, though. Out of 30 squares, I have only quilted 8 of them! Maybe I'll shoot for one a day during the week, and two a day on the weekend. I also still have to do the border, and figure out the binding.

Looks like I will be lugging my quilt and Scala around with me this week!

Until next time...

Forked: Wisp

2008-07-09T00:08:00.003-04:00

A semi belated post...

Yarn: Misti International Misti Alpaca Lace [100% Baby Alpaca; 437 yd / 400 m per 50 g skein]; color: 7000 Black; 1 skein

Care: hand wash, dry flat (reblock if necessary)

Needles: US 9 / 5.5 mm Addi Turbo circulars

Pattern: Wisp by Cheryl Niamath

Modifications: A couple of unintentional extra garter rows here and there...Also omitted the buttons.

Date Begun: May 14, 2008

Date Completed: June 7, 2008

Forked: Diamond Lace Bookmark

2008-07-09T00:07:00.002-04:00

Yarn: Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10)[100% cotton; 350 yds / 320 m per skein]; color: 0494 Victory Red; 0.1 skeins

Care: machine wash warm and gentle, dry flat (block)

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm double-points

Pattern: Diamond Lace Bookmark by Briley

Modifications: I left out a half repeat.

Date Begun: May 27, 2008

Date Completed: May 28, 2007

Gifted to: Sarah S.

Forked: Mad Color Weave Socks

2008-07-08T23:35:00.007-04:00

Another late post...

Yarn: MadelineTosh Sock [100% superwash merino wool; 400 yd / 366 m per 50 g skein]; color: Chartres; 1 skein

Care: machine wash cold / dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm circular magic loop

Pattern: Mad Color Weave by Tina Lorin

Modifications: Changed the heel, sort of made it up as I went along.

Date Started: April 9, 2008

Date Completed: May 3, 2008

Gifted to: Mom

Forked: Bah's Patchouli

2008-07-08T23:27:00.005-04:00

A belated post that was waiting for an action shot!

Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style[100% merino wool; 123 yds/112 m per 50 g skein]; color: 23451 asparagus; 6 skeins

Care: hand wash / dry flat

Needles: US 9 / 5.5 mm double-points

Pattern: Flower Petal Shawl by Elann

Modifications: Eliminated the tails.

Date Started: November 14, 2007

Date Completed: February 3, 2008

Gifted to: Mom

Mom wearing it cowl-neck style

And The Blogiversary Winner Is...

2008-07-07T13:14:00.003-04:00

Remember my post about blog laziness...well it extended to picking a blogiversary winner, too. Sorry folks! But it's the last day of my vacation, so it is only fitting I take a few moments to thank those who participated in my contest - THANK YOU! After a furious session of eeny-meeny-meinie-moe (quite technical really), I have chosen a winner. And now...drum roll please...The winner is...Sarah!!!! No, not myself...that would be ridiculous. My friend Sarah! You are now asked to send me your favorite color of the moment, so I can select your winning prize! Hurray!

Review: Mongol

2008-07-06T08:03:00.008-04:00

I'm still in WI without my laptop, so in lieu of a knitting update, and boy is there one coming Wednesday!, behold - a review of the epic film "Mongol" that details the early years of the warrior who would become Genghis Khan.

Director: Sergei Bodrov
Cast: Asano Tadanobu, Khulan Chuluun, Honglei Sun
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 2hrs 6mins
Release Year: 2007
Country Of Origin: Russia/Germany

In the first few frames, we see the young Temudgin looking for a bride with his father, the Khan of the Mongols. This is really the most important scene in the whole film, as his bride gets him out of more scrapes than even Tengri, God of Lightning, can do! After his father is killed, the young Temudgin becomes hunted by rivals who have usurped his throne. It is at this point that the film becomes a bit farcical, and it's only 30 minutes in. Temudgin escapes wolves, countless enemies, several death sentences in locked wooden neck braces, and a long stay in a monastery prison, all because he is just and good. Moral of the story, perhaps? Oh, he also escapes because people seem to want to help him even though they would be murdered for doing so in any other regime. They aren't by the way. Eventually Temudgin pisses off his blood brother Jarmukha, and it's on. The two begin a war that would eventually turn the somewhat dull-witted, love-struck Temudgin into the warrior Genghis Khan. The acting is great and the costumes are wondrous. In fact, I would wear some of Boortche clothes right now! While this movie was very pretty to look at (many of the people and landscapes were also gorgeous), the story was flat and boring. My mother and I both found ourselves wondering how such a dumb boy would ever have made it without the help of so many others! I hope there's a sequel, because, I am convinced the story will pick up once Genghis is Genghis! I give this film 3 skeins out of 5.

Until next time...

I'm Baaaaaaack!

2008-06-27T08:28:00.012-04:00

Greetings all! I admit that I have been incredibly lazy this last month. Well, it's not exactly laziness, because I have been quite productive. Rather, it is a burning desire to spend my time being productive that has sabotaged my blogging!

First, I finished 3/4's of my first dissertation chapter last Friday. I have been working on that for the last month, and it took up a lot of my writing energy. Second, I met a boy or two. Lame, yes, I know. We have not been spending every moment together, but nevertheless, it has also taken away some of my will to write. And most importantly (a word?), I have been crafting! Quilting, embroidering, and knitting. But, never fear folks, because to quote Randy Quaid from Independence Day, "I'm baaaaaaaack!"

Dissertation
As some of you may know, I have a year of funding left. The goal is to finish my dissertation in that year. Possibly doable, possibly not. We'll see. I may have to apply for grants for an extra year of money. But I'm off to a good start. On June 20th, I submitted about three-fourths of my first chapter on the Codex-Calendar of 354 and its applicability to numismatics (coins) and social memory. I was missing some key pieces of information that I am still searching for, but this is a good start. Now I have to wait for my advisors to rip it to shreds and rewrite it... That will be unpleasant...

The Male Sex
Let's just say I've been having a good time over the last few weeks. I met an older man who seemed to embody almost all the qualities I was looking for in a guy: smart, funny, athletic, a sports fan, a gentleman. Unfortunately, last night I discovered that he has some qualities I am absolutely not looking for in a guy: evangelist, judgmental, stodgy, needy. For me the bad qualities trump the good, so I don't think I will be seeing him again. The second guy I met a few months ago and we had a very good evening last Saturday. He'll be out of the country for another few weeks though, so we'll see what happens on that front. If nothing else, he's great company:)

Embroidery
I've been working on a rug panel since the beginning of time! The problem is that I started on the pretty central panel and now I am stuck with square after square of dark brown background cross stitch. Sigh... But in an effort to get it off the frame, I sat down for about three consecutive nights, and actually made some decent progress. I have actually done more than shown, but this at least shows the pretty part well!

The Rug: Tile 1 out of 8
Once I finish some of my knitting projects, I hope to work more on this so it doesn't see the light of day in 2009!

Knitting
I have actually been working on WIPs! Joy of joys. And you know what? It feels pretty good. This new-found dedication to past projects isn't something new at all. I go through these spots every few months or so. The difference this time, is I am actually close to finishing something started almost a year ago: Nantucket Jacket! I woke up one morning, and I looked at the green mess in my knitting bag, and I thought, You can not continue on like this for another year. Only two-thirds of a front and two sleeves? Get it done! And that is exactly what I have been doing. I finished the left front on Wednesday before SnB, and then cast on for the first sleeve. I am close to finishing that sleeve. Only one more increase and a few more rows for length before I can shape the cap. Then it's on to sleeve #2 and the edging! Sew on a few buttons, and that sweater is forked! I'd like to finish it before I leave for home on Tuesday, but that might be a bit ambitious. On verra...

Nantucket Progress
I have also been working a little on my Vintage sweater, and Picovili, which I hope to finish while I'm home relaxing in Sunny WI! I have also started a mystery project that will be part of a larger project I plan to call "The Business Collection." Here's a sneek peak:) Can you tell what it is?
Huh?
I'm pretty excited about it since I think it will be greatly appreciated and much worn.

Quilting
My friend Kathryn is having a baby boy. Upon hearing the news I immediately started planning things I could knit for her. Her thoughtless mother, however, beat me to everything. Blanket, booties, onesies. You name it and her mother's already made it! The nerve of some people. So, feeling at a loss, I pondered what I could make that she wouldn't already have...a baby quilt. I've been wanting to learn to quilt for a long time. I've dabbled before, but never followed through with something usable. I am now close to finishing my first quilt. Look!
Hour Glass Quilt, Pre-Sandwich
It's not perfect by any stretch, and I am still annoyed at some of the joins, but I made it with my own two hands (and my machine)! I am now in the process of hand quilting the sandwich together which is an interesting exercise in patience and humility. I love it! I plan to make at least two other quilts, and can't seem to stop buying fabric for them...I will restrain myself for the rest of the summer, though. I only need on huge piece of white on white before I can begin my red and white quilt. I like to have all the pieces ready before I start so I'm not disappointed when I can't find something later. Thanks to Sarah, Katie, and Alice for getting me hooked on nice fabrics and cute New England quilting stores!

Until next time...

Blogiversary Contest: Pictures of Shia

2008-06-05T17:35:00.007-04:00

Hurray! I have people in the running for my contest! Thanks to Sarah and Katie for getting the ball rolling...(hehehehe) I will leave the contest open until next Wednesday, June 11. I will have someone from SnB draw the winning name for my lucky hat! I'm hoping to get some folks outside of RI in the mix, but I'll be perfectly happy to give more goodies to my peeps too:) Keep the pictures coming!

Sarah's Contest Entry

Katie's Contest Entry

Mom's Contest Entry

It's My Party...

2008-06-01T21:24:00.006-04:00

Howdy folks! I'm super excited because tomorrow marks my one-year blogiversary! I can't believe I've been on the web for a whole year! As is customary, there is a contest. Sock yarn and other goodies to satisfy any loyal reader:)

Unlike most knitting blog contests, however, I will force you to share in my current obsession to get your prize, Shia Labeouf. No there is not an introspective walk down memory lane, or a factoid buried within the last 100 or so posts. Instead you will have to post the hottest picture of Shia Labeouf you can find on your blog. It doesn't have to stay up permanently (I know how embarrassing this might be for some of you). Just send me an email at knittingarchaeologist@gmail.com to let me know it's there, I'll download it, add it here, and put your name in my lucky hat:) OK? Trust me, the spoils will be worth it. Here are the top 3 I've already found...the bar is quite high, so good luck!

#3
Shia at Coachella (shirtless and sweaty)
Source: Second-hand from innerjoejoe.wordpress.com

#2
Shia in very little (Is it hot in here?)
Source: www.ouchpost.com

#1
Shia on GQ's June Cover (rather dapper and all grown-up)

My regular knitting update will be back again next week! And I might even have an FO...

Until next time...

And on the seventh day...

2008-05-26T16:56:00.012-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

This last week was a real bear! Man, I didn't think it was possible to cram so much into 7 days... The week began with my first dissertation meeting, followed by SnB, Indiana Jones, Campus Dance, Jakestravaganza, and Recovery. Craft update to follow eventually...it's a long post. Sorry!

Dissertation
I'll keep this one short and sweet since it's work and I don't like talking shop on holidays:) My project's been approved, and I have one year to turn in my finished dissertation before the money runs out. My first chapter is due June 20!

Indiana Jones IV
OMG! It was soooo good. Though everyone I know who isn't an archaeologist has really disliked it. I guess the boys finally got the science part of it down. My department organized a night out and we all went and hooted and hollered together while the rest of the theater tried to figure out what was so funny...In this case, you had to be there and you had to have excavating experience:) Shia Labeouf was excellent as soft-tough guy Mutt Williams, and the Greasers vs. Socs moment was a phenomenal homage to Outsiders! Priceless. Cate Blanchett was fabulous as usual and for a while I actually forgot she wasn't Russian. Harrison Ford redeemed himself for me. I never really cared much for him as a sex symbol, because I think he's kinda yucky, and I still do, but I found his acting enjoyable, and he was still spry enough to do some good stunts! I'll see it again I'm sure, and possibly buy it too:)

Campus Dance
Brown likes to throw parties, especially for undergrads. Campus Dance is a four hour bacchanalia replete with undergrads and their parents, faculty, and a smattering of graduate students.

I went to the graduate student pre-party with my friend Jeannette.

They always have cake and champagne. I had a lot of champagne, and Jeannette had a lot of cake! It was nice to see people I haven't seen in a while and those I see weekly all dressed up. I also was approached by a boy who I've been intrigued by for weeks. We both spend a lot of time at the same coffee shop and he's kinda quirky and strangely attractive. Imagine my surprise when he came up to me and introduced himself! We chatted for a bit, which was nice. He's pretty interesting, and seems to like traveling:) Bonus!

Anyway, we finally made it to Campus Dance and I got to talk to more people. Jeannette hit on my MA advisor which would have been more awkward if we weren't drunk, and he wasn't used to it! He's a pretty attractive man, I have to say. Jeannette was in a dancing mood, but my feet were sore, and I was enjoying chatting with folks, so she wandered off with some people she knew, and I went to join the archaeology table. Eventually we ended up dancing too, but not until the event was almost over. It was good times, for the first time ever! Did I mention my department is reimbursing for tickets, too? Best department event so far...

Jakestravaganza
My friend Jake's birthday is tomorrow. Since he and most of his friends have real jobs, he decided to have his party on Saturday. It wasn't just one party, though. It was 11 hours of Jake-tastic events. We began the day with a little yarn shopping at a store that is going out of business. Next we went to brunch at one of his favorite restaurants, Liberty Elm. I had the weirdest textured pancakes ever, but they were strangely good, I think. We then left there to go mini golfing. My first time. Yes, really! I suck, and 18 holes was pretty brutal, but it was fun. Next up was dinner at his favorite Cambodian restaurant. I don't do Cambodian, so I headed down the street to my favorite Thai place. Yummy curry! I met back up with the gang at the Cambodian restaurant. Then some of us went for ice cream at a great place down Hope Street. I had my signature brownie sundae! I really need to stop eating them every week...But they're soooo good. Anyway, having only slept 4 hours post-Campus Dance, I couldn't make it to the evening concert. I tried, I really did, but I'm sure Jake was sick of me by then anyway:)

Recovery
I went to bed early Saturday night because I was feeling pretty worn out and a little ill again. I woke up bright and early Sunday (7am), packed up my laptop and books, and headed for the coffee shop. I was really unmotivated, but I managed to get 45 pages of dense Roman calendar information process and noted before giving up and going home. BUT -- the boy from Campus Dance showed up toward the end of my session, and we talked. Like I told my mom, he's not my "type" and I don't know him at all, but I was really excited to see and talk to him. Irrational, but what can I say...I've already over-analyzed it and obsessed, so now I think I will take my own advice and just see what happens. Thinking only gets me in trouble:)

Crafting
I have gotten some crafting done this week, even with my crazy deadline. I finished my Laptop Condom and matching accessories bag. I can fit the power cord, mouse, and head phones in the bag! I'm quite happy with how functional this set is.

I've also been trudging along on Wisp. I am almost half way through it. Slowly but surely:)

And I have spun my first 2 ply yarn using my Louet drop spindle. I thought I was doing better than I was, but this was not the case, since there are unplied section in the singles that basically untwisted in the plying process. I'm not sure what will happen when I try to knit with it, but I guess I'll just have to find out. Luckily there wasn't much of this fiber to mess up, and it was cheap. It was really fun using some decent fiber that was not full of hay and bugs! Much more civilized, I think:) I'm hoping to spin up some more of the fiber I bought so I can actually knit something substantial like a hat or fingerless gloves. We'll see how it goes though. My mom was so cute. I told her I was having trouble with my spinning last night, and that I thought it might be easier with a wheel, and she volunteered to buy me one! Our conversation went a little something like this... "Umm...no you won't. They're ridiculously expensive." What are they...$1000?" "Well, my friend Sarah says I could get a decent one for about $600..." "Hmm..." "I'll do just fine with my drop spindle, until I get a real job and some more space." "Oh alright." Such a cute little mom, I have:) Behold! 2-ply!

Post plying and tied into a hank

A little bath time fun sans rubber ducky
Hangin' around, waiting to dry

Until next time...

Taming the Unknown

2008-05-20T23:59:00.009-04:00

Would that it was last weekend again! Saturday I went to the 2nd Annual RI Wool and Fiber Festival in Bristol with my friend Katie. It was my first fiber festival, and boy, was it different than I expected. First of all, there were live animals. You would think the fact that it was at a farm would have tipped me off to the myriad of lovely beasties that would be wandering to and fro. But it didn't. Because I'm from the city! Look at this silly little sheep posing for the camera:

'I'm the cutest sheep here, and I know it!'

In addition to the animals, there were the friendliest people around to teach Katie and me to spin! One drop spindle in my hand, and it was like I was back at Roman Day at Silchester! Here's me writing the wrong name on numerous checks...I swear it was all those animal fumes! Luckily I was clear-headed enough in the morning to pack my check book. I don't think anyone took debit cards!

'Can you spell your name for me...I'm a little slow'

After several rounds of instruction, I decided to buy a ton of fiber and a drop spindle! Here's the haul...Most of it is Merino/Tencel blend and Alpaca. I do have about 4 oz of plain wool from the farmer's market to learn on (it has hay and beetles in it, though), and I bought about 6 oz of twig/bug-free fiber from the festival that I will move onto when I can't bear to use the farmer's market stuff anymore. The alpaca is heavenly, and sometime in the future, I hope to spin it and knit it into a nice brioche neck warmer...A girl can dream, anyway.

Hand-dyed Merino Tencel, a Louet bottom-whorl drop spindle, and plain roving

***

Last Friday, in a fit of insanity and much needed stress relief via shopping, I bought a sewing machine! It's a cheapy. Only $70 at Wal-Mart, but considering I haven't really touched a sewing machine since I was in middle school, the recommended $400-$600 on a "decent" machine was really unwarranted.

'Oh Brother, where art thou?'

So far I have sewn three things- a mini box bag, a regular size box bag, and a purse lining. As to be expected, I am having trouble sewing straight lines at times, and I just figured out the whole seam allowance and presser foot-as-gauge thing. That's making things a bit easier. I hope I will be able to master this soon. I also need help measuring and cutting. A bigger mat might help. The little bag I made using this tutorial. It isn't written for a novice, but I was able to get pretty far using it. The side corners, however, were quite uneven. I googled box bags, and found this tutorial, which simplifies the corners and makes a much more even bag. Here's a blurry-ish view of the box bag without handles because 1) I used scrap and didn't have enough of the exterior color to make one, and 2) when I realized I could use the interior color, I sewed the corners before adding the strap! Ugh! I guess I will finally get this bag right on the proverbial third try. Sew far (hehehehe) I love sewing!

A bit wonky, but functional

A peek at the bag's underwear...Blush...

***

I had my first dissertation committee meeting on Monday, and I think it went fairly well. We were able to discuss my project and narrow down quite a few things. Unfortunately one of those things was time frame. I have a chapter due on June 20th! That seems a bit soon, but I am not going to stress about it. I will work on it, and get to where I get. The plan is to finish in 5 years when my funding runs out (next spring), but I would rather find money and take an extra year. We'll see how things go... This, of course, means less crafting, although I can't give it up completely because it's what keeps me sane! If my baron is lurking waiting for the right moment to introduce himself and sweep me off my feet, now would be a good time...

Until next time...

Project Fever...This is Your Real Problem...

2008-05-11T10:20:00.010-04:00

My hands are restless. I am so desperate to start my next project (crochet no less), I almost can't stand it. But I will stand it, because that's what a responsible crafter does... But look at the pretty colors...
So here's an update of what I've been up to since last week, with pictures! I feel pretty good about my level of crafting dedication, considering I have a major dissertation meeting coming up a week from tomorrow!

Felted Laptop Condom
I queued a pattern from Vogue Knitting's Quick Gifts months ago when I bought a new swanky laptop. It's pretty and I wanted it to stay that way, hence the need to knit a protective cover for it. At a Superbowl Sale, I bought the yarn, Louet Riverstone in Aqua! Fabulous yarn. I want to make the Unisex Knock-Around Cashmere Pullover out of it... Anyway, back to the current Louet project. I was all set to start this bag. Problem was neither I nor the library had the book. So a few weeks ago, I finally broke down and paid the $12 to Amazon for my own personal copy. When it arrived, I eagerly opened to the pattern, and was thoroughly disappointed at the close-up. Let's just say the pattern consisted of two rectangles sewn together on the bottom and sides, and weird top flap about 25% the width of the body, and a pocket sewn to the front. The pictures on Ravelry looked so much more sophisticated...So I pondered and hemmed and hawed and finally decided to design my own. I'd already made a swatch which my friend Jake felted for me, so I had a vague idea of how the yarn would behave.

Behold, the knitted fabric. Since I took this picture, I seamed up one side using single crochet. I like the extra bulk this gives the side seam. Hopefully it will make it more durable. Also I plan to have the zipper run across the top and along one side, so I decided not to guesstimate a partial seam on the other side.
And last Wednesday, Sarah, listening to me lament the horrors of my local Wal-Mart's yarn selection, offered to take me to the Jo-Ann in Warwick! We got there and I was able to find yarn I wanted and this luscious fabric to line the Laptop Condom (the moniker is also her doing:))
With the yarn, fabric, zipper, and thread, I have been super motivated on this project. I will be going to Sarah's house tomorrow to felt up the bag so I can hopefully sew it together at SnB on Wednesday! Hurray for constancy!

Scala Socks
I actually knit about 10 rows on sock #2 this week. No point in posting a picture since it basically looks the same. I'm so close to the heel flap, but I hate them so much, that I can only really inflict them on myself in small increments. However, I do think I may actually finish these by the official start of summer. At leas that's the plan. With this project though, you never really know. I've switched from DPNs to Magic Loop, so that may help. I really just think the inelasticity of this yarn is the problem, but if I can finish them, I will put that out of my mind...

Nantucket Jacket
I have been waffling on how to do the sleeves for this cardigan. I hate seaming, but of course, learned after the fact that I should have slipped the first st to make life easier for myself. Better late than never, right? So I cast on for a sleeve, adding an extra stitch at each end for this purpose. Then life got in the way, and I forgot I had done this. Yup, you guessed it! I frogged the whole thing. After taking off a few rows in bewilderment, and counting and recounting the stitches, I decided it would be best to discard the work done and begin again. Only as I ripped the needles from the work, did the light go on. After some incredulous choice words, I continued the frogging process. Once the sleeve was once again just yarn, I contemplated knitting it in the round to prevent seaming at all. The specter of twisted stitches, however, quickly brought me back to reality! I will knit the sleeves flat with two selvedge stitches marked by the thin stitch markers I bought months ago, still unopened:) I feel much better now that there is a plan. The plan is to finish this project also by the start of summer...It'll take a miracle...

Beaded Zip Bag 2
It's official. I love crocheting! If the beginning of this post wasn't proof enough, I also have been working on a second beaded bag. They're so cute and functional! I crochet slowly, so they take a while, but it's worth it. Look!

Although I rely on Sarah for the lining since she has a sewing machine, I hope to finish this bag by the end of the week. I think it would work well as a small clutch:)

Wisp
Umm..so if I have to admit to dropping the ball, at least it's on a project that really won't serve a purpose until mid summer...But really, it's pathetic how little I've worked on this. I shuffle it from bag to bag, and occasionally detangle the yarn, but other than that, nada. In fact, I don't even know where I am in the pattern, and will probably frog it and recast on. Jeesh!

Coming up
So of course I am trying to finish these projects so I can start new ones. You knew that. I want to start the Ripple Afghan desperately, so I think that will be my at home, movie/tv watching project. I also need to cast on two birthday projects and finish them by SnB next week. Whoa! But I think I will be able to finally cast on a summer top on June 1st. And if I'm not done by then with these projects, I'm doing it anyway. No point in knitting cute tops during the winter!

Until next time...

En francais, s'il vous plait...

2008-05-05T15:04:00.008-04:00

In the Polyglot group over on Ravelry, I came across a post where people referred others to websites or blogs written in two or more languages. I thought this was the coolest thing I had heard of in a while, so I have decided to give it a shot! Here is a French version of my last blog post, although it is missing the project update because my brain hurts from using the French muscles:)

Au groupe Polyglot chez Ravelry, j’ai trouvé un poste où des gens fournir des noms des blogs polyglottes. J’ai trouvé cette idée magnifique, donc, j’ai décidé de l’essayer de faire la meme chose! Voilà une version de mon dernier poste, sauf le compte-rendu de mes projets parce que je ne peux plus traduire ce jour-là. Dans l’avenir, je vais bourser un peu plus!

***
Oh la la…j’étais complètement dominée par la paresse pendant ces dernières 30 jours! Je suis allée aux Pays-Bas et puis, j’ai perdu le désir à faire quelquechose sauf rever de mon retour. Je suis vraiment desolée! Comme consolation, j’ai un object fini, un définition du mot, et un compte-rendu de mes projets à bloguer.

***
À la première. J’essayais de finir des anciens projets, mais des jours feriés et des anniversaires me sont embusqués. Néanmoins, j’ai réussit à complèter quelques. Le dernier est le plus mignon que j’ai fini pour longtemps, peut-être depuis Sheldon: Wrist Yarn Holder. L’idée sous-jacente ce projet de Knituition est qu’on a toujours besoin d’un sac portable pour les petits projets commes des chaussettes. Oui, c’est vrai, jétais skeptique. Quelle serait-elle la différence entre l’employer ce sac ou non? Bref, j’étais entourée de projets ennouyeux, donc, j’ai commencé un nouveau projet.

J’ai décidé de faire ce sac sans le diagramme afin de finir le plus vite que possible. Une fois qu’il est fini, je l’ai utiliser avec le Projet Surprise. Quelle suprise! Ce sac a fait toute la différence! Premièrement, mon fil ne rouler pas partout. Puis, mon projet n’a pas cumulé des petits pièces de la saleté qui résident dans mon sac à main. Et en plus, ça me fait office d’accessoire à suspendre de mon poignet ou de mon petit doigt comme je veux. Je pense aussi qu’il a augmenter ma vitesse de tricoter! C’est officiel, ce sac est merveilleux et je vais les faire pour tout le monde pour la reste de ma vie! Voilà un photo du sac “en action”:

***
Stella de Knit, Knit, Frog, m’a demandé à expliquer ce que veut dire le mot “forked” par rapport aux projets tricotés. Ça me fait rigoler beaucoup, parce que pleins de gens m’a demandé la meme question. Donc, je veux donner un répond au site où le mot parait le plus souvent.

Quand j’avais onze ou douze ans (1990 or 1991), j’avais vu le film “Plein volume” (Pump Up the Volume en anglais) avec Christian Slater. Comme une jeune rebelle, l’histoire d’un annonceur qui drague une fille goth/punk au lycée était influent et inspirant. J’ai ADORÉ ce film, et appris tous les mots du script. Il y a un scène dans lequel Happy Harry Hard-on (si tu vois le film, tous se revelait) décide de ne plus émettre, et il dit “Stick a fork in me, I’m done!” Ça restait avec moi, donc c’était naturel de le transferer au tricot. Voilà! Forked=Fini! Si tu n’as pas vu Plein volume, tu dois ajouter à ton queue chez Glowria. J’attends puisque tu le fais… Bien fait!

À bientôt…

Tisk, Tisk

2008-05-04T20:45:00.010-04:00

Wow...laziness has completely dominated me this last 30 days or so:( I went to the Netherlands, and then lost my desire to do anything but dream of ways to move there. Sorry about that folks! To make up for it, I have an FO, a dictionary entry, and project updates. That should whet your whistle!

***
First things first. I have been trying to finish up old WIPs, but holidays and birthdays have come up which have waylaid my plans. I have managed to finish several things though. The latest is the cutest project I have knit in a while, probably since Sheldon: Wrist Yarn Holder. The idea behind this project from Knituition is that you can always use a small bag to carry around small projects like socks. I have to admit that I was skeptical. I mean what difference would this little bag make in the long run. But, I was knee deep in WIP remorse, so, of course I started a new project.

I decided to make the bag without the body pattern so I could finish it as quickly as possible. Once it was done, I decided to try it out with my Mystery Project. Man! This little bag made all the difference. Nevermind the fact that I didn't have my yarn rolling all over the place. Or that my project didn't have little bitty particles of who-knows-what from my carryall. Or that I had a cute little accessory to hang from my wrist or pinky as I saw fit. I think it even increased my knitting speed! Alls I can say is this little bag is knitting magic, and I will be making these for people, probably for the rest of my life:) Here's a picture of the bag "in action"!

***
Stella from Knit, Knit, Frog asked me what in the world "forked" means in reference to knitted projects. This made me laugh quite heartily as I have been asked this questions rather often. I thought I would respond to those inquiring minds right here where the word is most prominent.

When I was much younger, 11 or 12 (1990 or 1991), I saw the movie Pump Up the Volume with Christian Slater. As a rebellious youth, the idea of a pirate radio personality hooking up with the weird goth/punk chick in school was very influential and inspiring. I LOVED that movie, and pretty much learned all the words to it. There's a scene in the movie where Happy Harry Hard-on (you'll understand when you see the movie) decides not to broadcast anymore, and he says "Stick a fork in me, I'm done!" It's always stuck with me ( no pun intended), so it was only natural that I transfered the phrase to my latest obsession. So there you have it. Forked = Finished! By the by, if you haven't seen Pump Up the Volume, you should Netflix it right now. I'll wait while you go to your queue.... Well done!

***
As summertime comes upon me, I find myself more and more inclined to knit. The pressure is off somewhat, since I have turned in a version of my dissertation proposal, and am now revising it. I have a meeting at some point in the next two weeks with my advisers, and I feel as if knitting is the best way to combat stress.

Since the beginning of the year, I have completed 10 projects. Considering how much I've had going on lately, this is amazing. It doesn't mean that I am happy with my production though. I have several UFOs that I hoped to have done by now. Alas...it is not going to happen for three of them. The 1930s Stripe Sweater, Rhiannon Socks, and My First Afghan are MIA and I don't know when I can start working on them again. I did order new needles for the 1930s Sweater in the hope that a smoother join would make the knitting less painful. I'm also going to try to magic loop it so I can try it on without the whole putting 200+ stitches on waste yarn headache. When you're working on US1s, the idea of transferring that many stitches back and forth every 30 rows or so is like total death!

What am I working on then? Well, I'm glad you asked:) I have been working quite diligently on Nantucket Jacket, and have the back, right front, and part of a sleeve finished. I am hoping to finish it (for real this) by the end of the month. Unfortunately, I also am really sick of looking at Scala Socks so I have worked on it today, and hope to get past the heel turn by the end of the week. Each cable row takes about 15 minutes, so I will need to do at least one cable row a day to finish up the heel turn in time. Boy will I do a happy dance when these socks are kaput. Finally I have completely neglected Wisp. It's not the sort of project I can work on at SnB, nor do I think of it when I'm home, so it just sits in its little bag waiting for attention that really should come. I seem to always be lamenting my lack of a black wrap! Perhaps I should give it a go at SnB this week. Ugh! I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by these projects, and I still have to make two birthday gifts... Good thing I don't have classes this month.

Until next time...

Forked: Wrist Yarn Holder

2008-04-20T22:44:00.002-04:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes [100% Peruvian wool; 110 yds/101 m per 50 g skein]; color: 23764 red; partial skein

Care: hand wash / dry flat

Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm circular

Pattern: Wrist Yarn Holder by Teresa Murphy from Knituition

Modifications: Increased to 72 sts, added on purl row for decoration at the seam between bottom and top, working the top in st st, worked strap over 6 sts, and omitted the D-rings

Date Started: April 19, 2008

Date Completed: April 20, 2008

Forked: Gentleman's Socks in Railway Stitch

2008-04-11T18:26:00.007-04:00

Yarn: Knit Picks Risata [42% cotton, 39% superwash merino wool, 13% polyamide, 6% elite elastic; 196 yds / 179 m per 50g skein]; color: 24102 Black; 2 skeins

South West Trading Company Tofutsies [50% superwash wool, 25% Soysilk fibers, 22.5% cotton, 2.5% chitin; 464 yds / 425 m per 100g skein]; color: 733 Get Your Feet Wet; partial skein

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm circular (Magic Loop)

Pattern: Gentleman's Sock in Railway Stitch by Nancy Bush

Modifications: Cast on 66 sts instead of 81 to fit my 8.5M foot.

Date Begun: March 29, 2008

Date Completed: April 8, 2008

Purgatory and Amsterdam

2008-03-31T11:03:00.010-04:00

From the title of this post, you may be thinking that I am going to Purgatory based on adventures in Amsterdam, but it's the reverse actually! Yesterday, the Graduate Student Council at Brown took a yellow-bus full of graduate students to Purgatory Chasm in Massachusetts. The trip was full of revelry and awe. It was really lovely, and I'm sure I'll go back again. As for the the Amsterdam part... I'm leaving for the Netherlands in about 2 hours!!! I will be in Amsterdam for 7 days - 5 days of fun, 2 days of conference. I can handle that! I will be giving my first professional archaeology paper at this conference, so I am a little nervous, but I think it will be fine.

I leave you, thus, to finish packing and trying like heck to get all those little 3 oz bottles and tubes in one itsy bitsy one-quart bag... Behold, Purgatory Chasm...

The Dispersal of Folk

"Danger! Chasm Deadly When Ice is Present!"

The Devil's Pulpit? Or Maybe Lover's Leap

What a Cute Little Bridge

Oooh...

That looks walkable

Now where did those blue dots go?

Well, what do we have here?

An air-conditioned stone shanty with faux fire!

Only .75 miles between me and a broken leg...
on second thought, back the way we came!

Until next time...

A Week in Review...and Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T22:55:00.009-04:00

Happy Easter to all! This past few weeks have been full of Greek, books on numismatics, and boy stress. I also have not really knit much, although I learned to crochet on Wednesday and already have an almost FO! Hence the lack of posting. But I am happy to say, I am officially on Spring Break, so all is sort of right with the world:) Only one 20 minute paper between me and ultimate bliss! So, on to the updates!

***
Knitting. I have only been actively working on three projects: Sans Distraction Socks, Nantucket Jacket, and the Beaded Bag (crochet).

I haven't gotten too far on any of them, but I am close to finishing one sock, and perhaps sometime in the next few months I will finally put them to rest. I did however finish the crocheting of the bag. Now I just need to sew in the fabric lining and zipper:)

***
Dissertation. I have been progressing on the background reading for my dissertation which is great because I am giving a paper in Amsterdam in 2 weeks and I need the background research to make parts of my article coherent. The bottom line is that I have about 4 days to write up the paper (about 10-15 pages), create a PowerPoint, and figure out how to burn CDs with my new laptop. Oh god! This soounds a little daunting...better make this post short so I can get back to adding coins to my database:)

***
Boy Stress. There is this guy, who I'll call Joe, we're friends, and he generally is a good guy. A guy's guy at times, but good fun, and pretty thoughtful. So I've been getting mixed signals from him for a few months and wasn't really sure what to do. I'm not good at dating, in fact I've never really done it. I either had a boyfriend or didn't, but I've never worked up to a boyfriend from casual dating. So the weirdness resulting from this awkward dance was really weighing on me. But the unthinkable happened. He asked me out...sort of. He's a strange guy, so it wasn't dinner or anything, but we did go to a bar one night, and watched a romantic comedy the next night. We'll have to see if/where this goes, but I'm at least glad we're back to non-weirdness!

***
Weight Loss. Since buying my elliptical, I have been using it on a regular basis, and have lost about 3 lbs over the past two weeks! If I keep on this path until summer, I will be able to lose 18 pounds! I think the plan is pretty easy to follow since it really just is based on eating enough everyday (not skipping a meal here and there like I usually do!) and exercising a few days a week. That's really all I have been doing since March 9th! We'll see how it goes, but I would be super excited if I could reach this goal by summer time:)

So there you have it! Until next time...

Forked: Easy Baby Booties

2008-03-08T18:12:00.001-05:00

Yarn: Universal Yarns Pace [75% wool, 25% polymide; 220 yds/200 m per 50g skein]; color: 16; partial skeins

Care: machine wash cold, dry flat

Needles: US 2 /2.75 mm straights

Pattern: Easy Baby Booties by Anna Neubauer

Modifications: Used fingering weight yarn instead of baby yarn and yarn instead silk ribbon.

Date Begun: March 5, 2008

Date Completed: March 7, 2008

Gifted to: Liz Witmore

Forked: Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth

2008-03-03T14:45:00.003-05:00

Yarn: Peaches & Creme Ombres [100% cotton; 840 yds/ 768 m per 453g skein]; color: 180 Peppercorn Ombre; partial skein

Care: Machine wash and dry

Needles: US 7 / 3.75 mm straights

Pattern: Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloth by Cindy Taylor

Modifications: Added an I-cord loop for hanging.

Date Begun: February 26, 2008

Date Completed: February 27, 2008

Gifted to: Heidi Broome-Raines

Resolutions 2-Month Update!

2008-03-02T23:58:00.005-05:00

Well, it’s time for the 2-Month Check-up:) Have I kept any resolutions? Have I met any goals? Have I completely bombed on some or given up entirely on others? Read on to find out!

***

Craft-Related Goals

Knit every item on page one of my Ravelry queue to get closer to 90% Hand-knit wardrobe.

I have actually forked 3 projects towards this goal: Double-Cuff Mittens, Eleanora Socks, and Orangetan Socks! Only 27 more to go:)

Knit something for charity once a quarter.

I plan to knit baby booties for the wife of a colleague that I do not like. I consider this charity:) Also I plan to make leprosy bandages.

Frog all WIPs that either are ugly or made from yarn I don’t like anymore.

Roger that. Several projects bit the dust upon my return from Christmas Break!

Finish all non-afghan WIPs from last year or beyond!

I have forked the aforementioned Eleanora Socks and my mom’s Flower Petal Shawl! Still to go: Scala Socks, Nantucket Jacket, Rhiannon Socks, 1930s Striped Sweater, and Gentleman’s Railway Socks. Sigh…

Learn three new techniques: intarsia/fair isle, steeking, and felting.

I learned how to hand-felt in January, and made 2 projects using the technique: Felted iPod Cozy and Double-Cuff Mittens! Fair Isle is up next:)

Use more of my sock yarn stash. 18 miles is too much to just have sitting around!

Used up 2 skeins of yarn for Eleanor and Orangetan. I’ve got two new pairs on the needles, and I will be casting on another pair for the March Sockdown Challenge over at Ravelry.

Knit Mystery Project 08

Still working on the yarn for this one. I really want to use Caron for this, but alas…

Work on only three projects at a time: one portable, one complicated, and one mindless.

I’ve been pretty good with this. I am currently working on Sans Distraction socks (portable and mindless) and Nantucket Jacket (complicated) Once I finish the socks, I plan to work on Scala so I can finally finish those!

Learn to crochet for real. Not the mess I currently call crocheting:)

Umm..no progress, but I haven’t abandoned the idea yet!

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Life Resolutions!

Be more positive! I’m a die-hard pessimist, but I am going to try to be more fun-loving.

Check! I’ve been ridiculously positive (imho). I’m sure people think I was a body-snatching victim:)

Be more understanding. I find it hard to relate to people sometimes, but I will try to see things from new perspectives this year!

Well, I live in Providence, so this is a tough one, but I’m trying…sort of…
Edit: The UPS man made me lose my cool today, but I blame him completely!

Lose 75% of the weight I have gained in grad school (28 pounds in 2008, 9 pounds in 2009). Dissertation is about to begin, and I’d like to leave school like I started.

I’m at 216 after weeks of yo-yoing beween 218 and 220. Just a matter of getting back into the semester, I guess. I purchased an elliptical last Friday, which will be delivered early next week, so this will facilitate the losing. I also am back in ballet classes. Nothing like seeing yourself in tights and a leotard to regulate your edibles!

Find a nice boy to date. Not sure how this will work:)

Nope. I was talking to a nice boy on OkCupid, but the moment I suggested we share a little more about ourselves, I stopped hearing from him…alas….oh, and more engagements on the grad school front:( Though a good friend of mine has been giving me really mixed signals lately. I think at this point it is best to continue as friends, until I hear the words ”I’m desperately , madly in love with you!” Heehee…
Edit: The OkCupid boy is back in the picture:) His doing entirely...

Finish at least half of my dissertation!

I finally have a new viable topic which I will be submitting officially Monday. I am on my way!
Edit: To be submitted in the near future. Man is there a lot of literature on these coins!

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I'll check back in at the end of April/beginning of May with another update! This will definitely make me more accountable for the accomplishment of these goals:)

Until next time...

Oscars and Project Success

2008-02-24T23:58:00.004-05:00

Tonight was the 80th Academy Awards. Truth be told, I've been so busy and uninspired by many of the films, that I had only seen a handful of the nominated film: Lars and the Real Girl, No Country for Old Men, Persepolis, the Savages. So it was a bit disappointing when the two films I wanted to win (Lars and Persepolis) didn't win. But I was excited for Marion Cottillard who was a breath of fresh air, and I will probably rethink my Juno decision and see that some time soon. I really disliked No Country For Old Men, but I am going to file it away in that box that the English Patient went into: long, boring, and incomprehensible. I think next year I will make more of an effort to see more movies so that when they are nominated, I can be a better judge of deservability. I usually see a lot of films, but this whole grad school thing kinda gets in the way sometimes:) I just really had no clue. Though (WARNING: RANT APPROACHING) what the heck is up with those songs!?!?! I know the Oscars feel like they should have some music, but having three drony songs from the same movie! Give me a freaking break. Anyone in their right mind could spot the winner with one ear tied behind their backs! Aren't there original songs from movies people actually saw? Maybe there aren't, I don't really know, but it seems like there should be or if not... I am going to make a bold request to the Academy: ditch the music. You're supposed to be about moving pictures, not insipid musical numbers. And by the by, you could probably keep the show to 2.5 hours if you cut the music. And where was Brad Renfro in the Memoria?!?! Ridiculous. Anywho, thus endeth the rant. On to yarn and sticks.
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This week I gave my first professional talk! I had to do a lot of work for it, so I got very little knitting done, and I skipped SnB, which never happens! I was able to fit in a bit of knitting from Thursday on, and here's what I accomplished since last week.

Nantucket Jacket

The back is finished. I still need to weave in some ends, but that can wait. I plan to cast on the fronts some time this week. I planned to do it last week, but there are only so many hours in a day.

Sans Distraction Socks

Thanks to David, I was able to work the gusset and heel turn on these socks, which I just could not get right using the Widdershins pattern. His cookbook, was super helpful, though it did make a very small heel flap. The sock fits great, but I'm not sure I would take the time on future toe-ups to work the gusset and heel. Really takes more time than it's worth. This week I plan to finish sock #1, and cast on sock #2. I have to speed these up a bit, since the March Sockdown Challenge is looming...

Until next time...