Sumo Knitter

Have Bag, Will Travel

2012-02-07T19:17:00.002-06:00

I'm heading for fun in the sun in the great Southwest soon. I'm taking a project that cracks me up to knit and the thought of doing it in the middle of the desert:

*Knitting wool, in the desert, for mittens shaped like sharks!

*Made me laugh, and as Craig Ferguson says, "That's half the battle."

FO #4: The Guy's Socks

2012-02-05T22:10:00.002-06:00

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light carried with Malabrigo Yarn Sock

Pattern: Basic Dude Socks

Purchased: Loopy in Chicago

Needles: size 5 US
* * * *

Chomp Chomp Chomp

2012-02-03T19:35:00.007-06:00

Tank isn't a garbage diver, countertop or table shark, and unless it's sweet or meat she won't eat stuff that drops on the floor. She doesn't bother my yarn or project bags for knitting, and can barely muster enough energy to push her pillow around before she settles down to sleep on it.

Imagine my surprise when I came home to find the tall Ziploc container (that I had left on top of her food bin as I've done dozens of times so far) was in the middle of the living room. Looking like this:

That's right Tank "McJaws" over here went to work on the container:

I found all the pieces she had chewed off. Her mouth wasn't all tore up as I had feared (no blood, none), and fuck me, that lid was still on the container tight enough that I had problems removing it.

Of course, Tank McJaws was busy giving me the stink-eye for whatever her personal reasons were while I was repackaging the dog food. Probably because I didn't give her a treat for her efforts.

Okay, now it's time for radio silence, bambinos. I have a sock to finish between Gran Duty and homework this weekend.

Sock Countdown: 50 hours. Okay, more like 10 hours...I'm not so uptight over this project that I'm willing to lose sleep or give up reading time.

Booya, Baby!

2012-01-31T22:19:00.002-06:00

I got your sock...

and the foot of the other sock, too!

Deadline (cue "Mission Impossible" tune): Sunday evening, 10 pm CST.

What Is This "Knitting" and "Socks" You Speak Of?

2012-01-29T09:38:00.004-06:00

This blog post of sock knitting distraction is brought you by Tank.

Tank who is trying to teach me a lesson: when I am not actively paying adoring tribute with snacks, she commandeers my favorite leather chair, and falls asleep on it.

Nearly to the detriment of her health this time as she damn near fell off of it as she began to fall asleep again, which caused me to laugh, and completely negated any lesson that she hoped would be foisted upon me. This led to her absolute ignoring of me, in the living room on the comfy leather couch, until treats were brought out later.

Are you paying attention? Are you not regretful for your utter lack of appropriate adoration of me?

This teaching is hard work.

A wee nap won't hurt anything...

I was laughing too much to take a photo of the girl sliding off the chair, then she left in huff.

Faux Mousse/Pudding

2012-01-28T09:59:00.003-06:00

No knitting, just deliciousness in the form of food.

Due to lactose sensitivity, I've had to give up cow milk in most of its form. I miss cheese, real whipping cream, cheesecake, frozen custard. I especially miss pudding. My ultimate comfort food. And mousse...silky, dark chocolate, blow your hair off your head rich mousse.

I finally found a good substitute. Tofu Chocolate Mousse. Stop making that face. It's *excellent* for pudding and mousse!

This is what I started out with:

And the recipe I used is a bit altered from the original recipe:

Five-Minute Chocolate Mousse
(serves one)

4 oz Mori-Nu Silken Tofu Lite - firm (about 1/3 of the package)
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
1 tablespoon dutch-processed cocoa powder
tiny dash salt
up to 2 tablespoon Silk Soy Milk Chocolate
1 tablespoon sugar (sugar alternatives: stevia, agave, etc. to taste)

Procedure: Blend until smooth.

And this is what I ended up with:

It was smooth, silky, rich chocolate taste that was incredibly like pudding in mouth feel!

Suggestions to the above recipe: use Soy Almond Milk Dark Chocolate. If you want more of a mousse texture, use only 2 teaspoons of soy/almond milk.

And I have to say that I'm pleased with this Cuisinart CSB-76 SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender that I bought to replace the Braun that died a few years ago.

Now, off to finishing knitting sock #1 of the pair I need to complete in four days. Ha!

Holy Crap.

2012-01-23T18:59:00.003-06:00

So this is how she whips through projects so quickly. My hands, wrists, and shoulders just *ache* watching this video.

Lever Knitting - Yarn Harlot

The Final FO List: 2011

2012-01-22T23:42:00.001-06:00

Damn - this is a lot of knitting. All of them can be found on my Ravelry project page.

January 1 - Alligator Scarf
January 5 - Damn Socks
January 7 - Fingerless Mitts
January 29 - Bloody Damn Socks

February 2 - Boring Old Garter scarf
February 9 - Reknit of fingerless mitts
February 20 - Savanah's Tulips Baby Cardigan

March 2 - Cambridge Watch Cap
March 15 - Alexa's Saartje Booties
March 19 - Alexa's Tulips cardigan
March 30 - Baby Sun Hat

May 1 - June Baby Baby Sun Hat
May 22 - Baby carrier blanket

June 4 - Iris the Gourmet Monster

August 13 - Alyeska socks

September 10 - Kimono Baby Sweater

October 17 - Comfort Scarf
October 29 - Not Woven Fingerless Mitts

November 13 - Nora's Kimono Cardigan
November 25 - Notwoven Mitts Cashmere version
November 26 - Dragon Scales Earwrap
November 27 - Enzo Gnome Hat
November 29 - Dragon Scales Earwrap II

December 10 - Damn Pink Scarf
December 27 - Mallory's Kimono Sweater

FO #3: Thankful Gift

2012-01-22T23:33:00.002-06:00

I finished another scarf for a friend who saved me from the torment of IRS "love letters." She deserves the baby alpaca and silk:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Plymouth Baby Alpaca Worsted and Plymouth Mulberry Merino

Pattern: peppermint stick stripes scarf

Purchased: Knit and Knot Yarn Boutique

Needles: size 9 US

Time: for me - 8 hours; for most knitters, 3-4 hours

* * * *

Now excuse me, I've a pair of socks to finish in eight days.

Tank

2012-01-22T16:28:00.002-06:00

All Tank, No Knitting - if you're here for knitting today or even a bit of rogue crocheting action, you'll be disappointed.

I actually had my camera on hand when Tank decided to play around two nights ago.

Her idea of playing, besides running around doing the Basset 500 in the apartment, is “I am biting your bed.” I have no idea why she does this, but it started about 9-10 months ago. Tank doesn’t rip it or tug it, just really bites down on the comforter through the protective (old) bed sheet. She sticks her face under a blanket or pillow, bites at the bed then begins to bark - loudly.

Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!
Bark! Bark! Bark!

After she's worn herself out doing this game, then it's time to roll around on her back, grunting loudly. When Tank finishes this action, she lies on her side, sighing at me until I pet her.

Rub the belly. Now.

And it's Tank's habit to be in the same room I am in, at all times. If she's kept out for any reason, she will whine at a level that will make you want to tear your ears out of of your head. Ask me how I know... I spend quite a bit of time in my studio, working on binding books/journals, knitting or sorting through knitting projects, studying and writing papers. I bought a bed for her to sleep in since the floor can be drafty during the late fall/winter/early spring seasons. The girl likes her pillows:

Being undeniably adorable is taxing work. I need my beauty naps.

In fact, the girl loves *my* pillows, too. Even a pillow I use for my back support that happens to be half-hanging off a couch.

If you would lay it on my bed, I wouldn't have to jack my neck around like this, you know.

Yeah, little wonder I'm stupid with dog love for the Tank.

Just Because...

2012-01-20T16:10:00.003-06:00

Last week, someone I know sent herself flowers. I think she said something along the lines about a girl has to look after herself. I couldn't agree more!

I sent myself yarn.

I knew from reading my history in the browser that I had been hitting Jimmy Beans Wool site quite a bit. And specifically spending large amounts of time on the Malabrigo Worsted section. I knew I would be pleased when Malabrigo would arrive:

Oh! I was so thrilled I had been so thoughtful to get the yarn I've been lusting after the most, well, at least in the past six months (Oceanos, worsted weight).

Okay, all kidding aside, I also really wanted some yarn to go with the Malabrigo Mitts of Utter Comfort and Happiness:

The cuffs are too short to guard against drafts up a coat sleeve. Even Pooh knows those cuffs are too minimal:

They're going to look great with reverse stockinette stitch cuffs!

Hot-cha!

2012-01-18T21:41:00.006-06:00

It was an amazingly fine Wednesday given the way it had started out. At lunch I had to take care of a few things, so a friend and I got carry out from Red Ginger (the Maki Rolls are wonderful!), and sushi always makes me feel better.

While waiting to pick up the food, I managed to purchase two 1/2 price coupons for Knit and Knot (a total of $50 for $25).

But wait, there's more!

The Yarn Harlot published the hotly awaited pattern for her Cloisonné mittens I've been lusting after ever since she began her experimental knitting of them.

Then it was the SnB for a knit night at Knit and Knot: A Yarn Boutique! (Thanks again, Joy - we had a GREAT time!)

And these are the yarns I purchased for the two pairs of mittens I plan to do for myself sometime after I get the shark mittens and fish hats done...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

I'm cooking along on the beautiful side-to-side scarf. It's so soft (alpaca, silk, merino) and so pretty (blue!), it's going to be hard to let it go to my friend. However, she deserves the love for all the good she's done for me.

I'm almost at the 50% point now. I love the stripes:

FO #2: Friend's Knitted Scarf

2012-01-15T09:52:00.004-06:00

I've begun a new course, Psychopathology and Counseling, which is a fascinating course but I'm going to have be on top of all the reading for it...and watch the lecture videos this time around. Hey, if you had seen the research video, you would have totally fallen asleep, too. And never watched another one.

I'm also at a point with this obsessive hobby that I can't watch something without knitting in hand. I wanted something while watching the psychopathology lecture videos, but interesting enough I wouldn't be starting a UFO pile with it by next week.

Enter the textured stripes scarf:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Plymouth Baby Alpaca Worsted (doubled)

Pattern: textured stripes scarf

Purchased: Knit and Knot Yarn Boutique

Needles: size 9 US

Time: for me - 8 hours; for most knitters, 3 hours

* * * *

Two finished objects in three weeks, whew! I'm getting faster!

Time to get working on another scarf for a friend:

Meanwhile, Tank weighs in on the photo session:

Eh. Wool. Alpaca. Silk. I'm more interested in that cup you had hot chocolate in up there on the shelf...any left?

"Or it could be, something special, just for me!"

2012-01-14T15:44:00.002-06:00

I survived the wretched Research Design and Methods course prior and following the holidays. Not only did I survive it, I managed to keep a 4.0 in the damn thing. Time to celebrate!

I got a new knitting bag.

I came home this afternoon to a package waiting for me.

I immediately began to hum and then sing:

Y'all knew I was a dork. You just didn't know how big of a dork I am...

And in the package?

And this wee bag was a bonus that I hadn't ordered or expected, but a thank you gift! I put my small hand lotion and lip balm in it to keep in my big bag:

It's a kick ass knitting bag!

Approximate Measurements:
17 1/2" wide at the top
14" wide at the bottom
15" tall
4 1/2 " deep
22" handle with an 11" drop
It reverses to a Lime green and black dot fabric.
-MaddyMaze Studio

FO #1: Friend's Crocheted Scarf

2012-01-09T20:46:00.002-06:00

This was a whim. I needed a break from heel-turning frustration. So I crocheted this in about two days. The color doesn't photograph well, it's a sage green.

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Plymouth Baby Alpaca Worsted

Pattern: off the back of a Lion's Brand yarn label

Purchased: Knit and Knot Yarn Boutique

Needles: Size I hook

Time: for me - 12 hours; for most crocheters, 6 hours

* * * *

A New Year, The Tank, And A Sock

2012-01-02T17:34:00.002-06:00

This was supposed to be a post about the pair of socks that I'm knitting that were meant to be the last knitting project to be completed in 2011. However, I ran short of time (stupid research paper homework) and now the socks are the first project to be knitted in 2012.

Yet, on the way to photograph the sock in progress, Tank decided that even after 3 days of togetherness we had still not spent enough quality time with one another. Or rather, enough quality time of her sitting in my lap being petted and fed choice doggy treats. Thing is for a diva? She's awful sweet.

Where do you think you're going? That's not the direction of the kitchen and its snack wonders...

Why are you in here? There are no snacks here.

Maybe you can't hear me up there, I'll get closer by jumping up on this foot stool.

Okay, ready? NO. SNACKS. HERE. Let's go to the kitchen with the big white magic box that has my marrow bones in it.

We interrupt Tank's ongoing snack whine to show you the sock in progress...

Really? A knitted sock is more important than my snacking levels getting low?

Fine, I'll just wait you out on this...

I'm stepping up the whine campaign with a change in leaning tactics, try to ignore me now...

Adios, 2011. Hola 2012!

2011-12-31T17:12:00.002-06:00

Projects in Review: it was year of the sweater for babies and toddlers.

I'm not sure how 2012 will shake out, but one thing I've learned about my life - it's hardly ever boring.

Happy New Year!

FO #25: Final FO of 2011

2011-12-27T23:31:00.001-06:00

The kimono-style sweater is done!

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Plymouth Encore Worsted

Pattern: Oriental Lily

Purchased: Jimmy Beans Wool

Needles: size 6 US

Time: for me - 10 hours; for most knitters, 6 hours

* * * *

Holiday Excitement

2011-12-26T08:39:00.004-06:00

Tank is so excitable around the holiday activities, it's a good thing I keep the muzzle and heavy chain link leash on hand...

Any minute, she'll spring up and create havoc:

Any minute, probably after her several-hour nap:

Meanwhile, I really blew my self-created deadline of being done with the kimono sweater by 12/25. But only by a sleeve:

The collar that I had messed up earlier, looks better now:

I love the seed stitch I decided to use for the cuff, too:

I'm off to do some post-Christmas knitting and catch up on some podcasts. Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll finish the sweater by tomorrow evening (with it being washed and blocked) to show off at SnB on Wednesday.

Christmas Morning Activities

2011-12-25T08:42:00.008-06:00

1. Bake savory andouille sausage and apple breading pudding* (recipe cleverly disguised as bread stuffing/dressing) to take to the daughter's for Christmas lunch (me).

2. Doze in sunshine (Tank).

3. Watch documentary on Monty Python and work a bit more on the kimono-style sweater for Miss Mallory, while stuffing/dressing/pudding bakes, before going off to workout (me).

4. Realize the obvious: Miss M's sweater will *not* be completed by Christmas evening. The best hope is for December 30th completion date thereby making it the last completed project for 2011.

5. Go workout so that one may eat 1/3 of one's body weight in delicious bread pudding at dinner.

*The recipe was from Epicurious with the trial-run at Thanksgiving. The recipe below is my adaption, and quite frankly, it's even more delicious. (I also had to remove the milk component due to my body's dislike of anything dairy from cows; there's not enough butter per serving in this recipe to hurt me, luckily, so it's still included.)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound pork bulk sausage
1 pound andouille sausage
2 cup diced celery
1 large white onion diced
8 apples (various kinds) diced peeled cored
2 bay leaves

2 lbs total of French bread loaves, 1-inch cubes with crusts
2-3 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten to blend

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat.

Add sausage; sauté until cooked through and brown, breaking into pieces with spoon, about 8 minutes.

Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to large sheet lined with paper towels.

Add celery and next 6 ingredients to drippings in skillet. Sauté over medium heat until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Discard bay leaves. Drain mixture of any leftover drippings in a sieve. Place on another large sheet with lined with paper towels.

Combine apple mixture with sausage in large bowl.

(This portion may be made a day ahead. Cover; chill. Just be sure to reheat to lightly warm before continuing with the other directions.)

(I changed the cooking temp and time below from the original, too. I cooked it longer and slower.)

Preheat oven to 300°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Add bread to sausage mixture.

Whisk 2 cups of the broth, and melted butter in bowl to blend. Mix into stuffing; season stuffing with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs; transfer to prepared dish.

Bake uncovered until cooked through and brown, about 45-55 minutes.

Remove from oven, allow to stand 15 minutes before serving.

Try not to make obscene noises while enjoying it. (Okay, this is also added by me.)

**If you like stuffing with less moisture, add only 1 cup of broth. Adjust as you deem necessary.

A Wish

2011-12-23T18:22:00.005-06:00

Myself, Sumo Sheep, and friends...

We wish that whatever you may celebrate or however you may be celebrating (or perhaps you're just hiding out until the holidays pass), we hope that the celebrations bring you light, warmth, laughter, and happiness in safety and peace.

And the Tank hopes y'all get the treats you're hoping for...

Nothing Says "Holidays!" Like Festive Plant Death

2011-12-22T17:09:00.005-06:00

By the way, this has nothing to do with knitting...

When I got back to work on Monday (I was out on Friday from last week's bad trip that wasn't the result of a hoochfest, but a massive sinus infection gone nasty), there was a very large poinsettia plant in our office.

At the best of times, I'm able to limp plants along until someone rescues it by taking it far away from me. At the worst of times, I'm the Archangel of Plant Death. So it was strange that someone would willingly (willfully?) bring a beautiful plant into my office area.

I took a look at it and saw that quite a few of the leaves were curled up and dead. So, I went to water it and the plant promptly shed half of itself. Seriously. *HALF* of it was on the floor by the time I got it watered.

Now, I pride myself on efficiency, but not even I can work that fast on a plant unless its accidental cremation.

I cleaned it up as best I could but honestly, at that point all that would help it would have been a medical power of attorney and a personal directive for no heroic measures.

Later that morning, the person that had brought the plant in just about fell over in shock when she saw its condition. I explained that she might have forgotten to water it before leaving for the weekend.

We're now on Day 4 of Poinsettia Death Watch 2011.

Tomorrow I will have to get Kevorkian with it.

To Those Who Observe and Celebrate It

2011-12-19T22:52:00.001-06:00

A Peaceful Hanukkah To You, Friends:

Under Pressure

2011-12-19T22:40:00.002-06:00

Sort of...not really. Kind of...by my own design.

I'm at the 65% completion point on the kimono sweater for Miss M.

Which is pretty damn cool if you remember the unholy mess it was a mere 48 hours ago.

However, I want this sweater done by the Christmas holiday, so I can get started on the Guy's socks (I said throttle back your jets, people - he's just a dear friend):

My deadline is to have those bad boys cranked out by December 31st. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it.

Then again, I have my annual two-week holiday break from my master's courses starting this Wednesday evening...

Let's Play A Game!

2011-12-17T16:53:00.003-06:00

Guess what this is:

If you said anything close to the phrase I used which was: "a fucking mess is what that pile is..." I'll give you a point, but no cigar.

It's *supposed* to be the shoulders and chest of this kimono sweater/dress I'm knitting:

Somehow I twisted the join when I knit the kimono over-lap section and ended up with a Möbius kimono sweater collar. It sounds way more intriguing that it actually looked like when I figured out what I had done.

And things had started out so nicely too:

Damn it.

Off to take a few hours away from it before I try to set fire to it, which will only frustrate me further as wool tends to just smolder and doesn't burn with the fiery heat of a one sun let alone 1,000 suns that I would want in order to feel better (and teach it a lesson for its bad attitude).

We Interrupt All Knitting For An Appearance By Tank

2011-12-14T20:47:00.003-06:00

Your lap was meant to be occupied thus. I'm 100% all yours:

You may not post this on Facebook, blog about it, or tweet. Rub the belly:

I am licking all your keys:

Obey the Basset. Rub the belly:

Rub...hey, is that the sound of treat bag being opened?

Is it the chicken meatballs I love so much?!

You faked me out. I'm going back to licking your keyboard until you rub the belly:

I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer!

2011-12-11T00:09:00.003-06:00

The daughter's scarf is done, now it's on to Miss Mallory's sweater:

The Guy's winter socks he requested (settle down, he's just a very good friend):

And Tank has shown me the Zen approach to my Sunday afternoon:

FO #24: Keeping My Baby Warm

2011-12-10T10:33:00.003-06:00

I don't care if the daughter is a mere 4 weeks away from turning 24 years old, she's still the baby.

And I knit yet another project for her in that damn pink she adores. What started out as this:

Has become this:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Lorna's Laces DK

Pattern: knit/K1, Slip 1

Purchased: Jimmy Beans Wool

Needles: size 9 US

Time: for me - 12 hours; for most knitters, 4-6 hours

* * * *

Doesn't she look wonderful?

Happy Holidays

2011-12-04T19:26:00.005-06:00

I no longer give holiday gifts. People that I know are fine with the items they have, and usually buy what they want or need throughout the year.

Instead, I give to organizations that help others in the United States and around the world.

This year, the organizations I'm donating to in honor of friends, families, and colleagues:

Heifer International
To End Hunger & Poverty
Heifer's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope. With gifts of livestock and training, we help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace.

Kiva
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

Project Night Night
To provide Night Night Packages, free of charge, to homeless children from birth to pre-teen who need our childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn, and significant. Each Night Night Package contains a new security blanket, an age-appropriate children's book, and a stuffed animal - all nestled inside of a new canvas tote bag. Project Night Night establishes a foundation for lasting change through the hands-on volunteer opportunities that we provide to tens of thousands of individuals each year.

ProLiteracy Worldwide
ProLiteracy champions the power of literacy to improve the lives of adults and their families, communities, and societies. ProLiteracy envisions a world in which everyone can read, write, compute, and use technology to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Room to Read
We work in collaboration with communities and local governments in developing countries to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the life skills they’ll need to succeed in school and beyond.

Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Roly Poly Fish Heads...

2011-12-01T22:19:00.002-06:00

Fish heads, fish heads, eat them up, yum!
They don't wear sweaters...*

I love this hat.

Dead Fish Hat

I don't want one for myself. So I put it to my friends list in FB for volunteers for me to knit a hat for them. I didn't expect even one person to volunteer.

I have three now :)

*In case you heathens have not heard the music or haven't seen the video:

FO #23: Earwrap in Cashmere II

2011-11-30T07:08:00.002-06:00

The first one was too small for my big head, so a friend of mine received it as a gift.

This one was also done very quickly, with a few changes: I cast on 82 (not 78) stitches, and knit those stitches at the end of each round. I used size 7 US needles (not size 4, not size 6) on 20" circs (not 16" circs).

Much better...

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): ggh Cashmere (aran weight)

Pattern: Dragon Scales

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe, Davenport

Needles: size 7 US

Time: for me - 4 hours; for most knitters, 2-3 hours

* * * *

FO #22: Enzo's Earflap Hat

2011-11-28T17:11:00.002-06:00

I'm on a roll!

Done and will be mailed tomorrow:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Encore Colorspun Worsted

Pattern: Baby Earflap Hat

Purchased: Jimmy Beans Wool

Needles: size 7 US

Time: for me - 5 hours; for most knitters, 2-3 hours

* * * *

Moving Right Along

2011-11-27T18:23:00.001-06:00

The baby cousin Enzo needs a more "manly" colored hat, so I'm whipping this out tonight (50% mark already, yay for worsted weight yarns!). Tomorrow evening I plan to have it done as well as blocked, to be mailed out on Tuesday:

FO #21: Cashmere Earwrap

2011-11-26T18:16:00.003-06:00

Holy crap, I finished this so quickly JUST TODAY, I've kind of scared myself!

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): ggh Cashmere (aran weight)

Pattern: Dragon Scales

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe, Davenport

Needles: size 7 US

Time: for me - 4 hours; for most knitters, 2-3 hours

* * * *

FO #20: Cashmere Mitts

2011-11-26T08:07:00.003-06:00

I had some stashed cashmere yarn that went on sale years ago. This is the good stuff made in Italy, shipped over to the States to taunt women such as myself into making the yarn into naughtily soft knitted items.

Instead of the bra liner I had in mind, I ended up with these:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): ggh Cashmere (aran weight)

Pattern: Notwoven Fingerless Mitts

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe, Davenport

Needles: size 7 US

Time: for me - 8 hours; for most knitters, 4-6 hours

* * * *

Not About Knitting

2011-11-25T10:58:00.001-06:00

I am trying to resist purchasing these guys...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:55:00.002-06:00

To all my U.S. friend celebrating Thanksgiving in whatever way you enjoy - have a great one!

I'm thankful for friends, family, and the Tank.

And llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, bunnies, silk worms, bison, yak, guanaco, and vicuna.

I'll be especially thankful when I finish these cashmere mitts I'm making for myself, because weather people lie about warm weather this time of year. Maybe they're practicing wish-fulfillment.

On Its Way Out The Door

2011-11-13T08:54:00.003-06:00

Tuesday is when this sweet kimono sweater will be out the door for the wilds of Minnesota for one young lady, Miss Nora.

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Encore Colorspun Worsted

Pattern: Seamless Kimono Sweater

Purchased: Jimmy Beans Wool

Needles: size 8 US

Time: for me - 12 hours; for most knitters, 6-8 hours

* * * *

Makes Me Smile

2011-11-06T08:57:00.003-06:00

One of the best things about knitting items for friends is that it will keep them warm and comfy when they need it. And if those friends live far away end up sending me photos of wearing the items, it's even better!

What were once this in my studio:

Were this when they arrived in the UK for my friends:

I'm so pleased they enjoy them!

Now, back to that kimono sweater for Miss Nora...

Softy

2011-11-04T17:01:00.003-05:00

I have some silk yarn that I'm going to use for a friend's birthday gift. However, the dye job on it made it kind of crunchy. So I did some searching on the internet and found this product, Milsoft, and how to use it (about half-way down the tutorial, there are notes about softening silk).

So here we go:

And it's *much* softer, very worth the investment in the Milsoft.

Sumo!

2011-10-30T09:53:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted anything Sumo in quite some time, although I've been watching which matches I can via the internet and PBS (one my stations carries NHK World and several Japanese sports shows):

FO #19: Gentlemen's Mitts

2011-10-29T09:54:00.002-05:00

I really do like this pattern for the mitts. It's easy to read and understand, the mitts come out looking exactly like the original pattern. And they're comfortable. Sadly, these are going to a friend across the pond, as it were...

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Cascade Cash Vero

Pattern: Notwoven Fingerless Mitts

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe, Davenport

Needles: size 7 US

Time: for me - 8 hours; for most knitters, 4-6 hours

* * * *

The Love You Give

2011-10-28T23:11:00.001-05:00

Yes, continually stupid with dog love for the Tank.

So old! So beautiful!

2011-10-27T18:27:00.003-05:00

The Yarn Harlot spoke about Jacob Sheep a while back. And she made something beautiful that I'm not talented enough to knit.

I sort of fell out of my chair in my excitement, then got back in it and ordered some...and it arrived this week.

The dark brown/natural black was from Brush Creek Wool Works. The gray and white skeins are from Crafts at Bluffton.

Oh, and I'm going to turn it into an Elizabeth Zimmerman Pi R Squared shawl.

One Damn Thing After Another

2011-10-21T22:16:00.006-05:00

But in a good way.

I'm almost finished with mitt one of two for that friend across the pond, which finished said pair needs to be mailed in two weeks (Knit faster! Knit faster!):

Then there's the cardigan for a certain Miss N. up north that needs to be finished by the end of November:

And the daughter's Too Damn Pink scarf that needs to be finished by the second week of December (there's some Tank booty in the photo, it was too fabulous to be cropped out of the photo):

Tank, less than enthused by all this photo taking:

A cabled wrap due by April 2012:

Okay from right to left, top at the photo, then bottom of the photo...let's see - green/brown for Enzo's sweater (by the holidays), pink/green for Miss M's sweater (by the holidays), sort of hot pink (but not really) a hat for me (whenever), next to that is some gray alpaca for a fat scarf for me (whenever), then the purple with black yarn is socks for the Guy (by early January 2012), and the black and white yarn is another scarf for me (whenever).

Fingerless mitts for me (whenever):

Monkey made with Lorna Lace's yarn, colorway "Zombie." Hence, Zombie Monkey...for me, between sweaters.

Scarf for me (whenever - hey! you can *never* have to many scarves):

A monster for a friend between sweaters (in the project bag), and several other monsters for me (sometime in 2012):

Hand-painted, silk yarn to be made into a scarf/wrap for a dear friend, by February 2012:

A hat for the Child O' Mine (mid-January):

Wrap for myself (fall 2012):

FO #18: Comfort Scarf

2011-10-18T16:54:00.002-05:00

I realized I didn't have a red scarf for this winter. And I made the mistake of reading Jimmy Beans Wool newsletter and fell in love with this yarn:

That turned into this scarf:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Debbie Bliss Paloma

Pattern: garter stitch

Purchased: Jimmy Beans Wool

Needles: size 15

Time: for me - 14 hours; for most knitters, 5-7 hours

* * * *

It was done in good time. Supposed to be colder out than it has been in a while. I'm going to go cuddle up with it and read my newest book:

It's been one busy week.

2011-10-11T19:08:00.003-05:00

First, I began a project for a friend's birthday at the first week of November. These have to be done and *out of the country* in two weeks to reach this person:

Second, there was the local library's book fair:

Third, there was the Spider From My Nightmares waiting to pounce on me when I was brushing my teeth before bed the other night:

I killed it:

Fifth, there was new yarn for my new red scarf for this winter:

I cast on tonight despite having three other WIPs:

Someone was not pleased I was paying more attention to the yarn than to her needs of a marrow bone treat two hours earlier than normal:

And to think, it's only TUESDAY.

Yarn Happy

2011-10-01T10:52:00.002-05:00

Despite the crushing disappointment of the Angelina, there was Jimmy Beans Wool to the rescue with the yarn for the baby sweater and toddler sweater I'm going to knit:

For Enzo's sweater

For Mallory's sweater

Gifts From Talented Hands And Kind Hearts Pt 2

2011-10-01T08:58:00.003-05:00

In taking the Tank out this morning, I had to layer up as the temperature was 36F degrees.

I threw on the beige hand-knit sweater over my tshirt, pulled on one of my own hand-knit hats, and then threw on two more hand-knit items.

These were a gift from Judy W. I had admired the ones she was knitting for her daughter and asked about the pattern which was just in Judy's mind. Two weeks later:

And this came from one of my favorite people, Veg, who I had shown how to knit eons ago and she ended up this talented:

I'm very blessed with wonderful human beings as my friends.

The Angelina - She Is No More

2011-10-01T08:20:00.005-05:00

The sweater, she is frogged.

Off and on, until Thursday evening, I had been knitting what seemed like yards of 2x2 ribbing (it was actually 15 inches), and I arrived at the part of the pattern about shaping the neck area.

I didn't know what to do with the stitches that were parked on the waste yarn as instructed earlier in the pattern, and how the decreases were working to create the left front of the sweater. I was tempted to frog what I had, and then go to another sweater pattern for the yarn. However, I sent the designer a message asking for clarification on the instructions.

The designer did send me a reply, answering my question about the neckline and when I would go back and pick them up. I ripped back to where I started having problems and continued on with the pattern. I knit on it last night, then the Tank needed to go out, and then it was time to go to bed, so I left it in my studio.

I woke up this morning to knit on it a bit before going to go workout, and realized that I had no idea how the decreases were supposed to look. The pattern instructions continued to be vague, and the diagram is just a basic outline.

I went back to Ravelry and searched through people's projects that had worked on this sweater. About 50% had completed the sweater without much difficulty, however, they were not happy with the fit of it and did some major alterations.

The rest of the knitters that had this project, loathed it. They were having the same difficulties regarding the vagueness of the pattern directions. They ended up not finishing the sweater and frogging it or frogging it after they completed the body and were about to do the lace bit.

Tank: I have no affiliation with this Sweater of Creative Curses

A more explicit diagram or chart to show how the decreases should appear around the neck would have been very helpful.

Now I'm off to search for a sweater pattern that can use all these skeins of Cashmerino.

Insulin Caution

2011-09-27T22:21:00.004-05:00

Allow me to get mushy for a minute....

Two years since I picked up one sick, too thin, abandoned little girl at the Humane Society, that two families had passed up.

And now:

Their loss, my gain. And I'm still sick with dog love for the Tank.

It's like I'm there!

2011-09-26T18:42:00.007-05:00

But not really...the weather is fairly similar, gray and rainy skies today:

However, it's not Ireland, not by a long shot from what I've heard from others and read for myself. Yet, what is this in my mailbox?

This label should read "Happiness" is enclosed. However, then the customs agents would be suspicious and open my package. Then they would be envious and coveting of my treasure, and I don't think I would ever have seen it. But slap "Yarn" on that label? Came through unmolested....

Isn't it gorgeous?

These photos just don't show how rich and deep the rose and pinks are in this yarn, and how it sparkles with the gold:

And it's kismet that I found the perfect hat pattern for myself.

You can see the various kinds of dye wonder from Celtic Memory Yarns over here!

Stripe It

2011-09-22T18:21:00.002-05:00

There's something about baby sweaters with stripes that just appeals to me.

Maybe because it breaks up yards and yards of knitting? Maybe because the babies and toddler look like cute, colorful bumblebees in them? Maybe there's somewhere in my subconscious that equates the stripes with those striped lollipops wrapped on a stick?

Whatever it is, I like knitting striped baby sweaters whenever possible. Right now, it's a striped version of this sweater that I'm working on:

The yellow is in both the pink flecked and white flecked yarn:

Yes, that's a glass stitch marker in the shape of a duck:

Meanwhile, I'm going to be working on a striped version of a seed stitch sweater for Enzo in these colors (Plymouth Encore Worsted - Dark Brownheath and Woodbine) from Jimmy Beans Wool:

And for Mallory, I'm knitting this version of Oriental Lily (but not as long as in the photo) in these colors (Plymouth Encore Worsted - Green and Baby Pink) from Jimmy Beans Wool:

Relax

2011-09-18T13:05:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty sure that casting on for a toddler kimono sweater wasn't what Frankie Goes To Hollywood was referring to...but for the way my weekend is going, this is my relaxation method for the moment.

Remember the Encore Colorspun I bought a while back?

I'm casting on the Seamless Infant Kimono for the 18-24 month size.

I can damn well guarantee that it won't be done in 24 hours like the Yarn Harlot managed to do.

If I'm so cranked up that I'm speed knitting at that clip, I will be drinkin' and possibly fornicatin' waiting for the world to end, because the only way I'd be knitting that quickly is that the end is nigh (choose your favorite apocalypse).

Must Be I Like The Kid

2011-09-13T22:39:00.003-05:00

Here I am again, knitting with pink yarn. For the Child O' Mine. Damn pink yarn. Again. I must like the kid a bit.

I wanted some easy pattern/texture knitting:
Cast on odd amount of stitches
Row 1 - K1, S1
Row 2 - K all

I sent photos to the CoM via text. Her reply: "Best. Mommy. Evah."

Yeah, damn straight.

Gifts From Talented Hands And Kind Hearts

2011-09-12T20:21:00.003-05:00

What do I get from knitting?

Most days, I go home and smooch on the Tank, then do chores. Then I do a bit of knitting to take the edge off before doing homework...if I have time.

I get to hang out once a week with a group of fiercely intelligent, talented, and funny women who will tell me I'm full of crap when I need to hear it, laugh with me as I tell about the ridiculous situations I get myself into, and support me when I need it the most.

I also receive some lovely gifts - this is a rice pillow filled with lavendar, with a soft fleece (removable cover) for when my back problems flair up. Carol is not only an amazing knitter, but a talented quilter, too.

Another gift is this pair of socks from the skilled knitter, Claire, who is also tenacious and finally got me to knit socks that I didn't want to set on fire. These socks that she knit are not only whimsical, but fit perfectly, too.

And finally, there is a gift I received this evening. It's from someone who I admire for her skill in lace knitting (and cabling, but I'm not going to go there tonight [the cabled green sweater will one day be mine, oh yes, it will!], ahem).

When we first met Karen, she was knitting a dress with mirrored sequins for a holiday work function. And when we saw pictures of her in it, she looked like a graceful mermaid. One member of the SnB decided it was perhaps time that she paid to be a member of the SnB (which is free) so that we could buy hooch to forget all the stunning items she's knit.

Tonight, I received a card to a gift bag that said she was giving me back some yarn I had given her a few years ago. I was confused, usually when I give yarn away it's because I've finally came to my senses and realized I had no business purchasing, let alone hoarding the yarn - and it was usually lace weight yarn. Lace that I have yearned and tried to knit. No, don't go there. I know when to give up when I have continually ended up restraining myself from trying to poke my own eyes with my needles when the lace experiment failed for the umpteenth time.

Anyway, so Karen was returning the yarn to me. This is how the yarn was returned to me:

I'm stealing her photo so you can see it in all of its beauty.

(The woman had to call upon her college geometry class to block it!)

For all you knitters who know me, it's in a secret location. Don't bother trying to bribe Tank when you come over to "borrow" it.

FO #17: Macyn's Sweater

2011-09-11T09:35:00.003-05:00

Last night:

Today:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Patons Silk Bamboo

Pattern: Seamless Kimono Sweater by Jacki Kelly

Purchased: Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts in Iowa

Needles: size 6

Time: for me - 10-12 hours; for most knitters, 4-6 hours

* * * *

Now I'm going to go have a slice of sweet-tart cherry pie I made last night, for breakfast, because I can... Besides, it will fortify me in resisting the latest baby item that the Yarn Harlot has posted.

Hey! I'm busy, um, working over here!

2011-09-10T10:49:00.003-05:00

I have been, honest. I just may have been unduly influenced by a certain Yarn Harlot on this day and perhaps on this day.

And this may have shown up in my email.

Or this may have ended up on my table at home.

I have to go now. I have a baby sweater to finish knitting so I can give it a bath and block it. I have a lunch date with the mommy and the baby girl I'm knitting it for...

I was thinking in the shower - I'm like that, rogue thinking *all over the place* - wouldn't it be awesome if you had special Eucalan soap that if you wanted a certain baby sweater that you just adore, to grow into your size while its in the bath? I mean, sure, adult sweaters are cool, but I'm built like a line backer for the Steelers, but a lot less butch. It takes *forever* to knit myself a sweater that isn't made of rope and takes 12 minutes to complete...and looks like ass and/or a bad outfit for an S&M sailor on me.

Hey, it was just a thought, okay?

By the way, I adore Jenny. I don't give a damn who knows it.

Distractions

2011-09-04T08:51:00.002-05:00

Damn this getting older gig, after all that cleaning yesterday and in spite of daily workouts, I woke up stiff and achy.

After getting myself some tea and getting the Tank set up for geese guard duty (they gather at the golf course across the way from us, Tank likes to keep an eye out and give a warning growl to the rowdier ones, as if they cared...):

I finished the edging on the one sleeve and the bottom of the baby kimono sweater:

As you see, there's just the one sleeve and the ribbon to thread through the eyelets.

Then it will be given a bath and blocked.

Undone

2011-09-03T10:55:00.003-05:00

This week has been just one damn thing after another, ending with a love letter from a certain federal financial agency that just longs to discuss my finances from two years ago.

Fucking marvelous.

I do two things when I'm upset: eat and clean.

I resisted the urge to buy enough ingredients to bake for the zombie apocalypse, and instead indulged in microwave popcorn and A&W root beer.

As to the cleaning, I emptied my kitchen cabinets and cupboards, threw things out that I couldn't remember when I had last used them, reorganized said cupboards, and then did the same to refrigerator.

I moved on to the linen closet and then the bathroom.

Finally, my studio. I reorganized all the stash by color, I reorganized my drop spindles and the bit of fiber I have left from the last purge two years ago, rearranged my books and patterns, and then turned my eye to my winter wear tub. I had purged that two years ago, frogging any item I hadn't worn for a year (re-skein the yarns, washed them, and then put them into the stash again). I didn't have much that I don't wear in the winter storage bin, except for a shawl.

Remember this?

It's made out of the Malabrigo silk and merino, sport weight. It's been in storage for several years now. Mainly because I like wearing these more:

The alpaca wrap

The bi-color shrug

So the shawl is going into the frog pond this afternoon, and the yarn will be lovingly washed and allowed to dry. I'll figure out what else to do with it in 2012.

What To Do When A Friend Invites You To Stitches Midwest

2011-08-28T08:44:00.016-05:00

1) You think about how your budget is not conducive to a trip to Knitting Nirvana.

2) You regretfully decline.

3) You check your work and college schedule.

4) You take the day off.

5) You rescind your decline of the invitation.

6) You put your cc in a locked filing cabinet.

7) You realize you are a weak, sad figure in the face of temptation.

8) You know you are not above begging and trading sexual favors for yarn that will make you regret living if you depart the show without it.

9) You take out your cc from the locked filing cabinet.

10) You write about your resolve to stick to a budget.

11) Your friend's husband mocks you and your budget talk.

12) You suspect he may be right.

13) You go into your studio, immerse yourself in the tubs of stash, flip through the shelves of pattern books, list out all your projects queued in Ravelry and the WIPs, you review your inventory of needles.

14) You blow your budget 5 mins past the door to the Marketplace.

15) You purchase a set of Signature Needle Arts DPNs that you already have in your supplies.

16) You realize that the friend's husband was dead-on about no such thing as a budget at Stitches.

17) You spot the sweater of your dreams.

18) You purchase the pattern for said SoYD.

19) You meet up with someone who is always a delight to catch up with...even though the last time was at YarnCon a few years ago. He graciously pretends to know who you are among the vast hordes of his admirers.

20) You help your friend spend some serious cash on a purchase after she models the knitted sample project she's been lusting after for the past few weeks. You remark, "Destiny." She buys the kit and book.

21) Your friend has to save you from yourself when you contemplate spending $500 on gorgeous alpaca yarn because she knows what a bitchy, pathetic person you'll be eating Top Ramen for the next 12 months.

22) You purchase some yak and cashmere yarn to take the edge off of coming down from the alpaca high.

23) It's not enough. Convince friend you want to go back to the alpaca booth, "just to get enough yarn to make a nice scarf. A nice FAT scarf. Big enough to sort of use as a mini-wrap." Friend is not fooled, but goes along to see the train wreck.

24) Chat with the wonderful owner of Pajolo Alpacas (Linda Peter), who understands your slightly wild-eyed desperation for the alpaca yarn, but helps you stick to the "just enough for a scarf" purchase. (Friend may have been in the background giving Linda the cue to "cut her off.")

25) Soft and weighty yarn sates you enough to keep you going through the market "just once more."

26) Shuffle through market bumping into others who also have the same stunned, glazed-over-eyes that you do.

27) Go on a quest for a yarn that your friend would like to score, and although you come this --><-- close to finding it, finally give up.

28) You and your friend decide it's time to leave when you realize you've entered into Knitting Hell and the marketplace has morphed into The Vendor.

29) You make the suggestion that the conference could make a shit ton of money by offering a tram you pay $5 per person to haul your tired asses out to your cars.

30) Ask friend if it's poor money management to hire a taxi sitting at the curb to drive you 600 yds across the parking lot to the car.

31) Realize by friend's laughter, she thinks you're joking.

32) Go to a fantastic restaurant where the friend treats you to dinner: Greek Village Taverna.

33) Enjoy dinner with friend, try and fail to convince her the fresh bread is "hideous," and flirt with the age-appropriate and charming Greek waiter.

34) Friend decides that after dinner, you're now engaged to charming Greek waiter...which may be true when the charming Greek waiter brought you delicious Greek food, you and the charming Greek waiter shamelessly flirted throughout dinner and dessert, you kiss charming Greek waiter thank you (Greek-style) when he brings amazing baklava you ordered and he's charmed you know how to kiss Greek-style.

35) 'Fess up to friend's husband when you get to their place that he was right.

36) Suck it up when he laughs at you.

37) Enjoy a hard cider drink with friend and trade witticisms on Facebook about the day.

38) Go home and smooch up on the Tank, who had a great day hanging out with her buddies while you were out of town.

39) Pet goodies picked up at Stitches.

40) Collapse into bed and sleep like a stone for 10 hours.

Many thanks to Franklin for taking a few minutes out of his precious downtime between classes and his shopping to chat (Iceland? Lucky.), and to Karen for letting me tag along and saving me from a diet of cabbage soup and Top Ramen noodles.

A Sign?

2011-08-18T06:36:00.003-05:00

I came home from SnB this evening to find this:

Now, I gather her chewed up marrow bones and throw them away before she gets a new one.

I have no idea where these were hidden.

I thought a lot of things when I saw them:

1. Tank is so clever! A sort of basset diorama of Stonehenge!

2. Tank is back to her Frankencow project.

3. Tank has taken up algebra.

Then I realized, it may just be the basset equivalent to a mafioso sign: "You'll be chilling with the cows" aka "sleeping with the fishes."

Tank tried to distract me when I got too close the truth....

Nope, no sign. Just going over my horde of cow love.

Oh look, a belly needs rubbing...

Okay, no belly rub, that's cool. Aren't you getting sleepy from abandoning me so cruelly...um, going to SnB and hanging with your yarn friends? Why not go lie down for a while, I'll watch after things here, and even clean out the freezer for you.

FO #16: The Awesome Socks

2011-08-13T21:50:00.003-05:00

I loved these socks, although the cuffs were a bit fiddly, they charmed the hell out of me!

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Pagewood Farm Alyeska Hand Dyed Sock Yarn

Pattern: Shenandoah River by Cat Bordhi

Purchased: Purls in Tucson, Arizona

Needles: size 2

Time: for me - you just don't want to know; for most knitters, 8-10 hours

* * * *

And now if you'll excuse me, I have a baby sweater to cast on...

Finished Socks Outtakes

2011-08-13T21:44:00.003-05:00

Tank couldn't bear to not be in the room with me while I took photos of the socks:

You need a photo assistant. Those socks aren't as awesome as you think...let me lend some cute to them.

See? Massive improvement here. And I'm not even working it all that hard.

Now? Now I am exhausted from modeling. Take your non-awesome wool items away while I nap.

Did I not go to sleep expecting these to be removed from my presence?

Let's try this again...

Fine. I Got Your Knitting Right Here.

2011-08-07T09:04:00.003-05:00

A few persons, who will remain nameless because I don't want them to revel in their power to make me do things under the guise of "concerned friendship" and post photos of said activities, expressed "concern" (ragged on me) about my lack of knitting posts even though they appreciate a good Tank posting...and I might add that three of the four persons are *non-knitters*.

Sock #2 continues:

This is at the hair salon while I wait for the Gran. It's the mate to Sock #1:

Happy?

No Knitting - Look! The Cute!

2011-08-05T19:33:00.003-05:00

I have been knitting, honest, but it's slow going at the moment. I'm on the second sock, finishing up the foot, heading toward the fiddly but charming cuff. In other words, I've bupkis to post for photos of knitting right now. So here's Tank as her usual charming self...

I try to knit, and this is what happens most evenings, Tank decides to lay on my arm:

This goes on for about an hour, before I shoo her off to her side of the couch. Or I give up, put the knitting away and let her climb into my lap.

And this was taken this morning as I was getting ready for work. The girl loves her sunbathing:

Don't you have somewhere to be other than here disturbing my snooze? Perhaps you should be at that place you abandon me for every day, earning money for my kibble and snacks?

How You Doin'?

2011-08-01T18:38:00.002-05:00

I'm back from Chicago, and feeling a bit giddy from my recent purchases.

First up, Cascade's Heritage Silk Yarn:

Aren't they gorgeous?

And the project? These I'm going to try to do for myself this fall, Wintergreen Gloves:

The women at Loopy Yarns thought the Heritage Silk was perfect for the project. I bought some needles to go with the project I'll be knitting:

I also fell down in the sock area when I saw this and knew there was no way I was going to wear it on my feet:

A friend asked me to knit him some socks, okay, I'm feeling better about the sock game at this point, so I said, "Sure!" This was the yarn he picked out:

I decided that while he is comfortable enough in stereotypical idea of "manliness" that I had better add some sock yarn to it, to give the socks some shape. So I did a stash dive and came up with this to kit with it:

Meanwhile, someone was worn out from playing all weekend with her friend, Xena. This is what Tank did after I finally put away my suitcase:

Two hours later I came in to go to sleep, this is what she was doing:

I missed my Tank.

Riding Around Chicago

2011-07-30T21:39:00.001-05:00

I have been eating great food and buying yarn:

That's right, Loopy Yarns.

Photos when I get home tomorrow of my haul. At least the yarn part of it.

Sock of Awesome #1

2011-07-09T22:53:00.004-05:00

I cannot begin to tell you how fucking awesome this sock is - and that's not the cold medicine I took talking here.

Just look:

The sock is knit normally, but the cuff! It's in segments that you knit horizontally and vertically.

And better yet, it fits my fat leg!

It still looks cool when the cuff is folded down:

I'd begin casting on for Sock of Awesome #2, but I am hopped up on cold meds for this stupid plague I caught from work. I know I'd fuck it up six ways to Sunday, so I'll get about 14 hours sleep-that-really-isn't-all-that-great-sleep-without-the-nose-of-Darth-Vadar-mask.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with two words that came from taking my recent yarn purchase to SnB (so they could ogle and pet the yarn) for an upcoming project after the socks:

Zombie. Monkey.

Come To The Dark Side...

2011-07-08T13:21:00.003-05:00

This is what I had to wear last night at my sleep study (click the pic for more info).

I've had a lot of experiences in my life. I've been around the block a couple of times, and backwards, too.

This was by far the most fucking bizarre experience I've had yet.

I showed up for the study, uncaffeinated-no nap-exhausted per directions, get wired up for the sound and light show...then get the mask.

Granted it wasn't the full face mask I was dreading. It also wasn't, mercifully, the nose plug version of the mask. However, when I put it on, it was a bit freaky...doesn't help I'm claustrophobic. I remained calm until the air was connected.

I made the mistake of opening my mouth to speak to the tech about the smell of the mask.

Holy. Hell.

I now know what a tire and/or balloon feels like as the air shoots out of a rupture in their surface.

Why? Because no one fucking tells you that with all that air being pushed down your nasal passages and into your throat to keep them open, that (naturally) if you open your mouth, air will come rushing out since it's opening with less pressure fighting against the air.

For 20 seconds, I seriously thought I was deflating.

Okay, go ahead, laugh...I'm laughing as I write this, but at the time, it scared the crap out of me.

Once the tech was able to calm me down and re-attach some of the electrodes I ripped off trying to get that mask off of my face and thrown across the room, I explained that as irrational as it sounds, I really thought I sprung a leak in my lungs or throat, etc.

I hope that tech gets paid damn good money. She didn't even crack a smile. She took my hand, squeezed it and said it frightened her the first time it happened, too. She said it also didn't help that I was extremely tired and wired up in a lab. It would get better at home, where I was more comfortable. I would be able to take it off and on, get used to the machine and air pressure. It took her about a week to get used to her machine.

She let me try the nose plug version and it felt like two turbo fans going up my nose. I opted for the more cumbersome, but less likely to rupture my sinus cavities nose gel mask.

So, I slept. Not great, but for about 2.5 hours at a stretch throughout the night. It gave the lab enough data to see what the recommended levels of air pressure on the CPAP machine will be for me.

I came home looking much the way I did before - jacked up hair, no makeup, looking like I had partied harder than my body could cope - took a shower, and then crashed for another four hours.

Here's to the adventures of being middle-aged, with larger than normal tonsils, and the methods one endures to get a decent night's sleep.

I need to go knit something.

Braaaaiiinnnsss...

2011-06-30T22:34:00.001-05:00

One day soon, this will be a zombie monster.

I'm going to piece together a few of the monster patterns to create it.

Stay tuned...

Sock - A -Rama of Awesome

2011-06-26T11:19:00.002-05:00

I'm 3/4 of the way through the first sock of this second pair. Here I'm ready to snip the yarn to create the foot opening:

And this is Tank, carefully averting her eyes lest her corneas be singed with the awesomeness of the sock...

I have to admit, I'm the only one that thinks this is awesome due to the fact it's my second pair using this pattern and they fit as nice as the first pair!

Otherwise, they're not so awesome...merely charming.

There Went Those 6 Hours

2011-06-23T21:37:00.006-05:00

I had a sleep study last night.

If it weren't the pea-sized globules of adhesive squishing around on my skull that anchors the electrodes/skull wires whenever I moved my head or the finger monitor with the red-eye of death beaming out in the dark room, it was the nose/mouth torture device that was prohibiting sleep.

It's just like a nose tube for oxygen, except there's a small flap that comes down in front of your mouth - so up the nose and in front of your lips to measure air flow (or lack of), if you don't rip it off by hour 2 of your study, that is...I mean, honestly, in this age of bluetooth technology and virtual colonoscopies, a tube up your nose and wires stuck all over you is the best we can do?

I did manage four hours of sleep, so it wasn't a wasted night, but I had to remain in bed until the entire six-hour cycle of the test had elapsed. Instead of going home at 3 am to the comfort of my own bed, I had to lie around for another two hours. *sigh*

As I mentioned elsewhere, I came home with no makeup, hair all jacked up, strange markings on my face, rumpled clothing, missing my bra, exhausted, and craving carbs when I got home. It was like coming home from one of the best parties ever, except for the fun of participating in such a party...

Today has been an odd mix of napping, knitting, and watching 3rd Rock From The Sun. Tank has been hanging out with me, keeping pace with all the napping quite well, thank you.

Rolling Along

2011-06-18T21:48:00.004-05:00

Life has not been very groovy in Sumo Knitter Land. More medical tests. I have the Ick. On round two of meds. Stress at several levels from various sources - work isn't the only culprit.

So today was Gran duty day, which went better than usual in the time management area. It was so much better that I was able to come home and take a much needed (and lusted for) nap with the Tank.

And I was lucky enough to finish a pressing item or two on my long list for today. However, part of the suckage this week is the laundry room isn't working at my complex. The Gran graciously offered me the use of her washer and dryer tonight when we were doing the "bananas in a bag" gig, so I took her up on it. I loathe the laundromat.

One of the many nice things about hanging at the Gran's is that I'm sort of forced to leave work, college, etc. at home since she doesn't have internet connection and I'm not about to type a 1,000 word report on my BB. This means knitting time:

Yes, since the lace cardigan has miles of 2x2 ribbing that's dragging me down, I slapped another pair of socks on the SNA needles and took off today with them to the Gran's:

The yarn is from a Tucson store, Purls, when I visited out there in February. It's from Pagewood Farms, "Alyeska."

And even if my day is just shit from one end to the other, Iris never fails to cheer me up a bit, hanging out with the Buddha on my dining table.

A Whole Box Of Happy!

2011-06-09T17:32:00.003-05:00

This week has sucked major dirt. I'm so happy that tomorrow is Friday, for *many* reasons, and not for the least reason of this arriving from Jimmy Beans Wool today:

Layer one:

Layer two:

Iris senses that there's possible monster making from all this yarn:

Iris is one clever monster.

(And cute, to boot!)

FO #14 - Monster 1

2011-06-05T08:57:00.003-05:00

Remember Iris the Gourmet Monster kit?

She is done!

Prior to being pulled together:

I want to proudly point out how I turned the heels on Iris' legs/feet!

Big ass bag of polyfiber - no name brand that was on sale at Michael's:

After trying out three types of seaming, I went with a drawstring type closure so Iris would seat better:

As the designer, Rebecca Danger, suggested I didn't stuff the entire legs and arms, just the feet and hands.

I'm not too proud to admit that I suck ass at sewing and hemming. Another reason I'll never be a surgeon...

So far so good - I thought about the eyes being off-kilter and decided to keep them like that:

Time for some teeth:

Ta-dah!

Iris was hanging out when I realized she may look better with a belly button that is the Danger Craft touch:

While I can't sew or hem, I kick ass in embroidering belly buttons!

Tank is cool with the new addition, kind of:

Tank: She's fine. She goes after my marrow bones, I'll bite the bitch.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T10:55:00.002-05:00

To those who have served, who are serving, and are training to serve in the our Armed Forces, thank you.

And thank you to the families who support their service persons.

FO #12 and FO #13 - baby items

2011-05-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

The prego cousin is due in about two weeks, and her shower was yesterday, so I can show off the knitted items I made for her now. She's expecting a boy, and due to his Italian heritage, they have chosen Enzo for his name.

Baby Enzo's Sun hat:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Kraemer Yarns Tatamy Tweed DK

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe - Davenport, IA

Needles: size 5/size 6

Time: for me - 6 hours; for most knitters, 2-3 hours
* * * *

Enzo's Baby Carrier/Stroller Blanket - this is meant to be long enough and wide enough to cover the baby without overwhelming him. When my daughter was wee, I had way more blanket than baby. This measures approximately 28" wide and 36" long.

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Kraemer Yarns Tatamy Tweed DK

Purchased: The Yarn Shoppe - Davenport, IA

Needles: size 8

Time: for me - 10 hours; for most knitters, 4-5 hours
* * * *

Later this year, I'll be knitting him a seed stitch cardigan in blue stripes!

Wild Weather

2011-05-23T17:38:00.002-05:00

Last night was a wild ride around here. Tank and I hung out in our bathroom while the tornado sirens blew three times in 25 minutes. Luckily, we only had some wind damage in our general area.

* * *

In other news, a gorgeous book a friend gave me for my birthday!

* * *
Shopping news, my new SNA knitting needles arrived. LOVE. THEM.

* * *
And here's Tank an hour ago, riding around while we did errands:

Monster Knitting Bash - The Book

2011-05-22T09:07:00.002-05:00

That's right, the patterns I bought weren't enough monster for me and my plans. I bought the book, too!

[CLICK THE PHOTO FOR BOOK INFORMATION]

The ones that I found most charming, right of the bat...

Angus the Attic Monster

I'm going to see if a friend would be willing to sew up a wee kilt for the Angus. (If you could only see how I'm cracking myself up over here with that plan!)

Gabby the Garden Monster

And for a friend who's in need of some cheering after health issues have plagued her since last fall, Dot the Dress-up Box Monster

I like this book because of the directions. I want to have fun knitting it and don't want to be bothered with figuring out any minute details to change it a bit between monsters.

Once the baby carrier blanket is complete, I'm knitting a monster or two before more knitting of baby items! This also means another trip to Montana (aka Jo-Ann Fabrics) for supplies for the monsters.

* * *
In other news, the QC SnB Heart Walk Team did it again! We raised almost $300 for the American Heart Association of the Quad Cities:

Unfortunately, two team members weren't able to join us that morning for various reasons. We missed you guys!

Freud vs Jung

2011-05-17T17:38:00.005-05:00

Last night I dreamed of Solomon again.

I usually dream of him about once every few months. And usually it's a memory dream from the years that I had with him. Some happy, some sad.

Last night, he spoke to me in my dream. We were sitting on a couch type lounger on a rolling lawn that led to elaborate gardens. Everything was in full bloom, lush, greens and various colors of flowers.

I sighed as I looked out over the grounds and said: "I'm ready for this whole stupid load of crap to be over already."

Solomon, stretched out on the couch, just flipped his head around and said: "At least Tank isn't as high strung as I am. You'd *really* have problems then."

To which I replied without missing a beat: "No shit."

I did *not* wake up thinking, HOLY CRAP! The dog could talk! or OMG I'm now dreaming of talking animals! or even that my trolley was jumping its tracks.

No. What I thought when I first woke up was, "the boy is too fucking right, good thing Tank isn't as high strung as he was..."

Knitting Should Be Happy

2011-05-16T18:43:00.002-05:00

Knitting usually does make me happy...when I'm not throwing the project across the room because I've fouled up the increases in the pattern for the 14th time, threatening to shred a book because the pattern is wrong and there is no errata or cursing certain designers' genitalia to spontaneously combust because they didn't bother to have a larger size test knitted.

To celebrate the happy in knitting, I bought the tote.

I now have the knitting notions organizer.

Magnetic closures:

Inside, it doesn't look like much:

Misleading - it holds quite a bit. Although I still have notions in three other bags of on-going projects...

Hmmm, no pocket is big enough for these items, maybe I can roll them up in it?

Nope, just the Knit Kit made it:

I'm still knitting happy, though...

And to celebrate Eurovision, here's some ABBA!

Tank is going to sit this one out...

New yarn, new needles...no new project yet.

2011-05-15T13:57:00.003-05:00

So, I fell in love with the Origami Cardigan from Interweave Press. Go, look, I'll wait...

Of course, after doing a bit of research online (as I mentioned before) within Ravelry, I noticed I'd need more yarn than I bought previously.

It arrived from Jimmy Beans this week, and taking it out to the sunlight we had earlier this week, I couldn't tell a huge difference in the colorway. I think I'll use it for the main sweater hem, the berry in a basket pattern.

Also, my SNA needles arrived, the size 8 US circulars they recently released. Don't they look great with this yarn?

This photo's more true for the colorway and the color of the needles, too:

However, I'm still chugging along on the baby carrier blanket for the cousin, and then when that's complete, I'm going to knit me a monster.

After that? Well, I've a pair of fingerless mitts to knit for a friend in the UK, then a pair of gnome mittens to knit for a friend in Canada (because apparently I'm insane, and she's a very good friend).

Then it's a baby sweater for Enzo, and one for a friend's baby due in June.

There will also be a monster in between those projects, guarantee..

FO #11: Baby Hat - One of Two

2011-05-13T17:09:00.002-05:00

I really loved working with this cotton/acrylic/nylon yarn - incredibly soft and a bit springy so there was some ease in manipulating the yarn.

I ended up making it in size 3 months to 6 months.

The recipient was just charmed by the hat, too. I'm glad I had it on the bear to show it off better. (Nothing more boring than a folded hat in a box if you don't knit or crochet.)

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Comfy Worsted

Purchased: Knit Picks

Needles: size 4/size 5

Time: for me - 10 hours; for most knitters, 4 hours
* * * *

Gorgeous Spring Weekend!

2011-05-08T13:11:00.003-05:00

What an unusual weekend.

Since my birthday is in the spring, the weather is usually volatile and quickly changing...rarely do I get to enjoy a birthday without storms and/or cold temps. However, yesterday was sunshine and upper 70's all day and today is going to be a bit warmer and even more sunny!

To celebrate my bday, I did a bit of shopping when I went to visit Jill...I know you'll be stunned that it centered around knitting.

First item up, Bernat Jacquard yarns (which Amy had at SnB) that I ordered directly from Bernat when Joann Fabrics (aka Montana) and Evilmart didn't have the colors in stock that I wanted. The package arrived and was waiting for me on Friday.

In order: Lemon Pie, Macaroon, Strawberry Jam, Bluebell, Rosebud, Petunia, and Orange Blossom.

The florals:

The sweets:

Next up, I'm going to knit the Origami Cardi for myself and in an effort to get other colors into my knitting, the women at Ewe-Nique Yarns Etc. helped me pick out a gorgeous brown (colorway: 5179 = "Chocolate").

However, the shop only had 6 skeins. I was doing some research on Ravelry (what a time-saver this site is!) and found I was going to need at least 2 more skeins. So, better safe than sorry, as the Gran says...I bought 4 skeins from Jimmy Beans Wool.

Meanwhile, since I keep getting email updates from them, I also bought a pair of circular needles from Signature Needle Arts...the new size 8. I thought they'd look perfect when using them with the Berroco Vintage yarn in "chocolate" brown. (What? You *know* they will!)

Also, I was looking for another summer knitting bag to use when my canvas knitting bag is in the middle of another big project:

I couldn't resist the wee notions bag staring at me in the same display shelf (let's hear it for birthday money!):

Finally, I was just browsing while ~~the enabler~~ Jill checked out. I saw this, didn't feel overcome with desire to add it to my stash until I saw the label.

Yes, you know that this will be used for a project for a certain Child O'Mine:

I put it in natural light, hoping y'all could see the glinting silver bits in it:

* * *
In other news, I finished another baby item - but won't be able to post it until after the upcoming shower.

I'm still cranking along on the baby carrier cover/blanket, too.

* * *

I hope wherever you are today and in whatever manner you may be fulfilling the role as a mother (children, animals, family, friends, etc.) - that it's a lovely day for Mother's Day!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T10:20:00.003-05:00

Remember May Day baskets?

Wee cones of paper (decorated or not), sometimes with a paper doily tucked in it, with a little treat or two (or not), but always there were flowers.

I didn't wake up to any May Day basket today, so I went out looking for flowers to make my own basket. I was afraid we had weather that was too cold, wet, and windy for the violets to bloom, but Tank and I found quite a few on our stroll this morning.

Hope you have a great May Day!

Nothing To Show You But Fabulousness!

2011-04-25T18:58:00.003-05:00

Really, I'm in the middle of cranking out a baby carrier blanket for the cousin's first baby for her shower in May, and a baby sun hat for a friend's baby due this June.

Nothing more boring than those things for "in progress" photos, so let me show you some uber FABULOUSNESS from Miss Nora's momma and Miss Nora:

A seriously bling thank you card for the books I sent Miss Nora.

And this beautiful hand-knit scarf from Miss Nora's momma! I was so happy to receive this as I remember when she was just learning to knit...I'll always be happy to exchange books for hand-knits goods :)

Monster Knitting Bash

2011-04-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

Here's what I have lined up to knit for the next year - I'd like to knit one every two months:

This is a kit: Iris

Chester

Penelope

Sammie

Frances

Daphne and Deliah

And I do have a pug to get cracking on, too...

Wasabi Pug

Damn, She's Cute

2011-04-20T18:09:00.001-05:00

Knitting post tomorrow, until then...

Moo

2011-04-17T11:28:00.004-05:00

This was two weeks ago, when it was 83F degrees around here, mild breeze, and sunshine...I took the Tank for a stroll.

Here she is nibbling grass:

Yes, she's nibbling even *more* grass. She labors under the delusion she's a Holstein (I think it's her spots that confuse the Tank).

What's puzzling is that she's allergic to grass (and pollen, and mold, and spider bites, and chiggers, and possibly bees and wasps) and yet she continues to nibble on grass with no stomach upset. It's like one long salad buffet for the Tank - and she only eats the newest shoots of grass, too.

Rest after all that snacking (and running about like a maniac, and rolling in the grass):

Luckily, I have a great vet and we've got the Tank on fairly mild allergy meds from spring through the first hard frost. As well as oatmeal shampoo for her baths.

While Tank is resting, I get in some great bare-foot, toe-scrunching of fresh, cool grass time:

Meanwhile, I've not done any knitting. I did cast on a baby blanket and I've got the yarn finally for a cotton sun hat for a baby gift. I may do that today when I finish with my homework.

Next!

2011-04-11T17:43:00.002-05:00

I managed to fuck up the stitch work on the baby ballerina slippers pattern so badly, the child would need flippers to fit into them.

I'm taking a break from knittng for a few days.

Mandatory cute Tank photo:

You, you are dead to me!

2011-04-08T22:50:00.004-05:00

No pattern for booties should read like stereo instructions written in Latin and make even less sense...especially when the pattern is written in my mother tongue!

THREE TIMES.

Do you hear me? I tried to love you and create you into existence, three times in three different kinds of materials and weights, and needle sizes! You were like the Count Vronsky of knitted baby items. But I'm not jumping in front of any trains, because I'm throwing you under the bus, damn it!

DEAD.

*deep breath*

I have fingering weight yarn in the softest pink and in white. I may need to try this pattern for baby ballerina slipper booties.

We shall see...given how I am prone to over-thinking the simplest of directions, this may be another slog through the swamp of ill-fated knitted items.

In Other Shopping News

2011-04-07T19:47:00.006-05:00

I will be doing some monster knitting once I'm caught up on the baby knits - people, I reiterate, take a break from the baby-making already...The links to the patterns that are on their way - including a kit I bought in (yeah, you know it) blue Lorna's Laces:

Iris

Chester

Penelope

Sammie

Frances

Daphne and Deliah

Most of this shopping was brought to me by finding a forever home for the Wasabi with a friend. It was with a bit of sadness I let it go, but I know my friend will love it. More importantly, she'll have the time that I don't right now, to ride the beautiful Wasabi, as it should be:

Supplies And A Pouty Tank

2011-04-07T19:14:00.003-05:00

My recent order from Knit Picks for my sweater project, the baby sun hat, I think for a scarf (I really don't remember ordering it, seriously), and from my LYS, The Yarn Shoppe, yarn for the booties I'm going to try and knit (for a third time, with as many yarns).

Sweater yarn (cranberry):

Baby Sun Hat yarn:

Yarn I don't remember purchasing. Honestly, I know I looked at it. I think it must have been the peacock blue color and it was on sale (30% off) that stunned me, and three skeins showed up in my order:

Baby booties yarn:

I was torn between the slightly darker, candy-colored pink and the paler version:

Went with the pale pink:

Tank tried to get up in my lap again this evening, much like she did last night when I was writing my college paper:

As the CoM said, she looked as if she was saying, "I should be your homework!"

Finally, she took up pouting on top of my tub of yarn stash:

No More Sulking (at least for today)

2011-04-03T13:27:00.003-05:00

I can now move forward with a pair of booties for another friend's baby due in June!

From this book:

In this yarn:

Instead of embroidering the X's on the front (x = 1 kiss), I'm going to use these buttons on the side:

However, I will finish establishing the first sleeve in the Angelina sweater before I jump into doing the booties.

Sulking

2011-04-02T08:42:00.004-05:00

So the cotton yarn didn't take to being cabled, in the most plain, yet charming, cable pattern in the world.

My SNA DPNs for the baby booties have yet to arrive.

The yarn I purchased for another baby sun hat has yet to arrive as well.

What does this leave me with?

Yes, that gorgeous, but deadly dull, knitting the body and sleeves of the Angelina Jacket. Being a big girl, I've miles of knitting to do before I get to the interesting (and VERY. EASY.) lace pattern on the sleeves and neck. At least I'm knitting it in the beautiful soft charcoal gray Debbie Bliss cashmerino DK.

Meanwhile, I've got this project that will be on my needles when I finally complete Angelina: Wicked Knit Shrug.

Because apparently nothing is as challenging and interesting to a fat chick who is me than knitting even *more* miles for yet another sweater. Rock on!

The Bitch That Is Cabling Cotton Yarn

2011-04-01T19:30:00.004-05:00

Yeah, learned I do not have that ability. I think I damn near bent my beautiful stiletto pointed SNA circs trying, too.

And not only is there no sympathy for the devil, but there's none happening at my digs either...

I tried to tell her, but you know what she's like with cabling...

Just A Peek

2011-03-31T20:09:00.002-05:00

Since this is going to be a gift in a few weeks, I don't want to reveal too much, so just a peek for now of the baby sun hat I finished yesterday:

Spring Cleaning...

2011-03-26T10:50:00.003-05:00

This also includes the Tank - freshly washed:

She's scared to death of the hair dryer, so I towel dry her as much as possible, but Tank's still damp enough to be chilled. So she naps bundled up until she dries completely:

Meanwhile, the other cleaning has been purging books from my personal library and the To Be Read piles for the United Way Used Book Sale I run at work (May) and reorganizing and cleaning the studio room.

Now, however, it's time for some gyro love and chatting with a friend!

FO #10

2011-03-20T13:21:00.002-05:00

Fini! After stops, starts, procrastination, hell week of meetings and college papers/projects:

* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): Encore Worsted and Colorspun Worsted

Purchased: various

Needles: size 8

Time: for me - 14 hours; for most knitters, 6 hours
* * * *