A Knitter in Transition

Good Stuff

2007-01-18T01:03:00.000-08:00

Check it out:

Is it just me or does this color change look like a tasty tequila sunrise?

Wound up.

Shuri Castle, Kingdom of the Ryukyus.

Mmm...purple sweet potato ice cream...beni imo.

Goodies!!

2007-01-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

I don't want to brag, but I HAVE THE. BEST. S. P. EVER.

I got off work a little early yesterday, and actually had time to hit up the mail room for my stuff. You know, bills, other people's catalogs, and boxes. I'm really only going for the boxes. As if you'd ever check you mail if no boxes came!!

Anyhoo, there's TWO boxes! One from Italy with my New Year's Eve Masquerade Party masks...delivered on Jan 9th. Then there was the best one, the rockin' one, the one with YARN. I didn't even wait to get home. I ripped into it right there in the parking lot, using my keys to cut the tape. The most amazing herby lavender-minty smell was coming from the box as soon as I cut the tape, so imagine my surprise when my greedy little fingers pried the lid off a candle and it smells like: vanilla? "YES, that means there's more!!!!"

The camera returns from her trip tonight, but I want to tell you about this NOW. Here's what I got: Nerds gumballs, one didn't make it out of the parking lot! A very sexy-smelling French Vanilla Oak candle, smells so sultry and perfect for bedside, wink wink nugde nudge. The Lavender-Mint yumminess is a bar of goat's milk soap. The label says it's the real deal, and so does my nose. Zesty, herby, woody, green: PERFECT. It feels like it will be very creamy and you can still smell a teeny bit of the goat milk, which I love, as they don't have chevre here and I really love the goatiness. (Oddly enough, I can't tolerate mohair.) Some SOAK woolwash, one citrus, one aqua; both incentive to work up something and block it!

The gilding on the lily is a frickin' gorgeous -huge- hank of alpaca wool blend fingering weight in the tastiest of colorways. It's sorbet shades of raspberry, blackberry, mango and lime. I have no idea how, but the dyer managed to go from lime to blackberry without a hint of brown, just lime and blackberry at the same time. Now, y'all know I've never been a sock knitter, but I may or may not have just printed off a pattern for some toe-ups.

What you may not know about me, is that I'm a yarn sniffer. That's right. Now, SP, don't judge me, but I drove home from the post office yesterday with my face right down in that skein, loving the minty-herby-alpaca-y goodness.

THANKS!!!!

No pics...again!

2007-01-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, the Lt has the camera and he's on a business trip. Hopefully, he'll come back with some wooly goodness, but if not, I'll still let him back in the house!

Remember the green un-cabled cables? Well they got cabled. And cabled and cabled and cabled. A honeycomb was combed. There were many seed stitches sown. There were short rows, and ends woven, and the just right buttons (well, right enough, anyway) were found. I'll show you a little bit and tell you more when the camera returns. For now, the lack of camera will force me to shampoo the scratchy wool and block it into a proper fabric.

I've also picked up on the Juicy Tank again. It's getting very close to DONE. This time, I'm working out the above-the-waist increases on the back and considering neck shaping. I'm thinking it'll end up being a double-v. You know, just to keep it sassy.

So far, the resos are coming along just fine. I'm knitting between 2 and 3 hours a day, thanks to yarn-erific lunch hours. The car is trash-free (for a week)! Two stained sweaters have been booted from the closet, one replacement ordered, the other will be chosen this w/e. Grooming: check; hair appt scheduled for the 16th. I went to yoga last Saturday and am going tonight: Chaturanga, get ready to be my bitch.

The Ten

2007-01-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. You know, the time for Resolutions. (Insert ominous theme music here.) When considering resolutions for this year, I thought a lot about last year and noticed that I was thinking more about feeling than concrete checks in blocks. I'm looking back at 2006, and it feels apathetic, unambitious, and sluggish. Of course, all of these I let it have. I was one lazy mo' in 2006 and that has got to stop.

Hereafter, the theme for 2007 will be "Fabulously Productive." Fabulous? Look, just because Santa didn't bring me that flat in Paris doesn’t mean I can't decorate like he did. I vow to live fabulously and love it. This is a year of improvement.

And so, here are the "resolutions:"

1. "Obviously, lose 20 pounds." Buy a pair of jaw-dropping Manolos. Buy yoga toes so walking remains possible. Lose another 20 pounds. Buy a traffic-stopping von Furstenberg. Note: Be scantily clad when the visa bills arrive.

2. Acknowledge e-mails, phone messages and birthdays in a timely manner (+/- 7 days. Hey, I said improvement not perfection!).

3. Maintain car cleanliness so that my mother wouldn't scold me if she saw it.

4. Sass up the house. Consider slip covers, or maybe a piece of art. Practice one-in-one-out.

5. Ruthlessly cull closet offerings. Toss anything too large/small/ugly. Fix hems, replace buttons, take in waists. Fuzz bust pilly woolens. Practice one-in-one-out.

6. Groom.

7. Move. Yoga: Master the effing chaturanga;
Cardio: Find a way to make peace with a weekly sweat.

8. Food shall be real, quality, tasty, and truly satisfying. There shall be no guilt.

9. Sticks & String: One hour per day; One FO per month; One garment per quarter; One blog post per week.

10. Ecoute à "Fluent French Audio-Newsletter" régulièrement, pouvoir entendre plus de langue-parlé. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to locate café, croissants, and Louvre should Santa come through next Christmas.

Happy New Year! Peace, prosperity, and lots of yarn to you and yours.

Alice and the Looking Glass

2006-12-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

Where we learn Ashley is listening to Tom Petty, and as a child of the MTV generation (when there was only one MTV and they actually played music videos) she cannot listen to Don't Come Around Here No More without seeing the creepy Alice in Wonderland themed video in her mind's eye... Why did Alice turn into a cake and why did they eat her? Perhaps the Petty was making a transcendental existential Freudian statement on the nature of our reality...or maybe it was the weed.

Are you an MTV child? Do you think of Kim Basinger when you hear Mary Jane's Last Dance? Does Lucky Star mean black lace and ankle booties? When you think about girls just wanting to have fun, do you want to dance in the streets with acidic dyed hair and shimmery blue eye-shadow? Hm. Maybe it's just me. I still can't watch American Idol without looking for the cartoon cat to pop out over Paula Abdul's shoulder. He's C-c-cold as ice.

There has been knitting. In fact here's a picture that is truly worth a thousand words. Most of them muttered under my breath and unsuitable for delicate sensibilities.

Notice the yarn riding off into the sunset in the upper left. That's because I'm at the end of the row. Now, your attention is ivited to the cable needle with the 3 little stitches patiently waiting to be "k fm cn?" W. T. F.

Pics of Japanese Goodies

2006-12-12T03:24:00.000-08:00

Ok. So, I'm not so hot at this whole "juggling of life" thing, and I'm letting some proverbial balls drop. (hehe, I said 'balls')

One of those ball (hehe) being the blog. SP9, please love me anyway. I know I don't make your job easy.

Today, in lieu (which I initally typed LEW) of actual knitting content, I bring you Pics of Japanese Goodies.

Here we have some super cute socks that I didn't have to knit! I am a great lover of soft cosy comfy socks, usually the men's white athletic kind, but that's neither here nor there.

These work well cause I can go year round without having to wear real shoes. SWEET.

Here we have a super kawaii bento box. This one was intended for the Lt, but he no likey the idea of super kawaii lunches at work. The other Marines would laugh. So, I'm in search of a super butch (yet still kind of kawaii) bento box.

The wise (and well mannered) giraffe says: "It's time for lunch, please sit down there. Good nutrition and moderate exercise and good sleep are important for creatures living." Sage, no?

I bring you pics of a truly Japanese restaurant. (The restaurant, not the kitchen, more on that later.)

But, Ashley-san, where are the chairs? Um, notice the table height. And, ladies, "indian style" seating is considered unladylike. Ladies sit on their knees. There's a Japanese word for the posture, I don't know it, but I think it translates roughly as "oh. shit. this. hurts. gasp."

Now, that very Japanese restaurant is up on a mountaintop with an amazing view, beautiful landscape, very polite waitstaff and a prix-fix menu. They serve the islands tastiest pizza. Here's a pic:

But, Ashley-san, is that a corn and pepperoni pizza? Yes and No. Yes: corn. No: pepperoni. More like a spicy wiener. (Hehe. Like you didn't chuckle too!) It's a lot like pepperoni, but not quite as cured. Corn is a very common pizza topping in Japan. But, then, so is squid, so, you know, take it for what it's worth. It was SO good, though!! I was skeptical too:

But, look how I changed my mind:

Finally, here's a pic of my Japanese cat, just because she's beautiful.

What? Just cause she's white, you doubt her Japanesity? That's messed up. (So's ya know: Barley is an Ameri-CAN, having been born on Kadena Air Base...Bijou's the one with the green card.)

Bye, y'all.

SP9, You're the BEST!

2006-11-29T01:46:00.000-08:00

My SP9 is awesome! SP9, You're awesome!

I'm totally remiss in just posting this now, because I got my package a few days ago, and I love it.

Some pics of the fabulocity. (That's a word, right?)

Here we see a HANDMADE basket. That's right. Off her own needles I suspect, and freakin' gorgeous. Even the Lt said "hey, cool basket thingy!" It's yummy tealy navy-y and has a silver trim that curls around, very Cat Bordhi. That's not all, it's filled with some super soft aqua silk blend and limey green merino blend that is so yum, I may have been seen this weekend with my nose buried in it on more than one occasion. I am now the proud owner of my very own set of KnitPicks size 2 circs...mmmm, pointy. There WERE dark choc-o-lot M&M's (now found in my jeans, if ya know what I mean), some super cute knit-themed notes and a teeny little super kawaii tape measure that's a perfect size to keep in my desk for work knitting. She even sent me a CD, and totally pegged me on my music taste. Let's just say that I've been jammin' in my own personal karaoke studio also known as my car.

(P4 SP9: The last song on the CD was a nice touch, I laughed out loud!)

I was not the only one who was super excited at the arrival of a gift:

Thanks SP9!!! We love ya.

I'm stopping in the middle of a row to post this.

2006-11-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

Addi "turbos" in size 0 SUCK. Flat out. SUCK. Majorly. In a big big way. Accept it. I have 2 matching 12" size 0's and they are both horrendous. I hate them both with a ferocity with which no knitting implement has ever been hated before. Except maybe intarsia-bobbins, but anyway...

Let me count the ways:
1. Crappy Join
2. Crappy Join
3. Crappy Join
4. TOO SHORT...jeez addi people, don't bend the damn things so close to the tip. Perhaps a large portion of the knitiverse has very small hands and only need 2 inches (I measured) of needle to grip before it bends off into oblivion. I am not in that portion.
5. Crappy Join. I need a damn bridge to get the damn yarn over the damn join. The gap is monstrous and the teeny tiny evil little yarn keeps falling in and getting lost.

I fling them from a cliff.

But only in my imagination as between the two I have 23.00 worth of evil hateful arthritis-inducing german metal in my hand. How is it possible that one cost 2.00 more than the other when I got them at the same place at the same time? Further proof of their evilness.

I wave my paw at them and say "Bah."

Tomorrow: a happy post.

Round 1

2006-11-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

Alright, the first round has gone to The Project. I was very sad, but that's the fact of it.

Turns out, most on-line yarn stores keep a handfull of the most commonly purchased colors of Louet Sales Gems yarns, but order the rest straight from Louet when the customer asks. Also turns out, I happened upon one of the most helpful, customer-oriented online yarn stores around!

The next time you need Louet products, please please please visit Wendy at Lanas de Libelula. The site's homespun, the yarn's handpainted, the product commentary is funny. She has been really helpful, even offering to contact another LYS in her area to see if she could get me their yarn at her price!

Now that I'm looking at an extra week until I get my yarn, I'm considering moving my deadline to New Year's... I can reneg this early in the game, right? Here's why:
Say the yarn arrives exactly 3 weeks from today, that's December 8th. That gives me 17 days to swatch, knit, block, seam and finish an entire cardigan that's knit on size 1 and 3 needles. Even in my excitement am I not that high. Perhaps if I were willing to forgo sleep for those 17 days...no, not even then.

So, the yarn got a good punch in. The Knitter shakes it off and regroups.

Delusions of Grandeur

2006-11-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

So, here I am with plenty projects going that I could work on, to name but a few:
-4 super-secret gifts (SSG)
-1 Technicolor Dream Sweater
-1 Eris...this may get frogged, I'm not feelin' it
-1 project for Barley, as yet unnamed

But, you know how it goes as a knitter, some things lose the excitement. Of the SSG's, one is a tad complicated for my fried out brain. One is SO close to being done, it's really pathetic that I don't sit down and bust out the 2 hours MAX it would take to finish it. One I can't guarantee I'll ever finish, and the last is waiting on the needles to come out of the Orangina-of-which-we-do-not-speak.

In order to boost the excitement, and you'll notice I try this method more frequently than is truly adviseable, I've decided to start a new project. And not just start one, but attempt to order the yarn, wait for the yarn to arrive, knit the blasted thing, and finalize it by: CHRISTMAS. Can it be done? By the girl who never finishes ANYTHING? In barely 5 weeks? Well, we'll just see, won't we.

Of course, to make a true assessment and place your bets, (come on, somebody please bet FOR me!!) you need more information on the contenders. I do not dissapoint:

In one corner we have The Project:
1. The pattern: Vintage Pink Cardigan, by Nora Gaughan, published IK Spring 05.

2. The yarn: Louet Sales Gems Opal, superwash merino, sport weight, color Shamrock.

3. The buttons:

In the other corner, we have The Knitter:
Ashley. AKA: QTPURL2T. You won't find this chicky in baggy satin shorts because EEWW. She's in well-fitting Lucky jeans (worth every penny) and a top by Old Navy that makes her boobs look great. While she has a history of painfully SUH-LOW knitting, she's been dreaming about this cardi since it came out, and knows it'll be super-kawaii with the sparkly buttons and shiny pink lip gloss. She plans to add in some bust-shaping so there will be curve-huggage but no botton-band-gappage.

Ashley's no sucker, she's surfed the web and found her opponent's weak spots, a yarn shop in San Diego selling the yarn for $1.50/sk less than the manufacturer: SUCKAZ. She's also found a great price on the buttons, and has decided that 2 pairs of new Addi's are for the birds. The Susan Bates already in the yarn closet will be the weapons of choice.

The VISA is out...she thinks she remembers her PayPal password...

Ladies and Gentlemen, ante up.

Thank God

2006-11-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not the only one who looks like this after hauling my ass off a plane.

Gomennasai

2006-11-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a million years since I've posted, and yet, somehow my rockin' awesome SP9 has managed to get a package on it's way! I'm waiting and doing everything but bite my nails to keep from nagging the Lt about the mail. I think I've developed a slight twitch.

As I said, there has been much knitting on the Orangina. Evil little slag that she is. I take the liberty to call her horrible names because, fellow knitters, SHE DOESN'T EFFING FIT. That's right. Too small. There is much boobage poking thru the lace. There is much blubbage distorting the ribbed bottom. There is no way in hell this will ever be a flattering top on me. The neckline is awful on me, and the sleeve non-shaping makes my arms look like, like, well, it isn't pretty. I refuse to cry. I refuse to frog. I shall marinate the blasted thing in solitary confinement until we move, and then I'll take it out, curse at it like a drunken Marine, and put it back into confinement. I'll revisit the issue in 2017 when we retire. As for now, I shall eat cheesecake and blur the memory that I ever knit a stitch of...of...of what? See, it works! Here's a mugshot of the offender:

We shall speak of this no more.

Knitting is not the only thing that has gone to the wayside since I've gone back to work. Here is a plant that hasn't been re-potted. He languishes in his craptastic plastic nursery pot.

Here is a pumpkin that hasn't been carved. I'm thinking of tracing my hand on it and calling it a turkey.

I told you about the bentos and how freaking cute they are, right? Here's a little bit just to show you. Keep in mind, I'm a super-new-novice, and this is truly the tip of the iceberg.

Here we have yumm-o pear cut out into sakura blossoms and cottage cheese, with a little avocado to stir in. MMMMM. How cute is the little heart foil!!!

This is a two-level bento, the cottage cheese gets a lid and goes on bottom, then the pear stacks on top, and it all snaps together with the cutest lid you've ever seen. It's so sweet it makes my teeth hurt, and I think you'll agree!

Knitting

2006-10-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not exactly sure where my camera is, so I can't really prove it, buuuut: I've been knitting! I found snippets of time here and there in my day where I can squeeze in a few rows. These snippets are called "driving to work," "lunch hour," and "driving home from work."

Now, you should know a little about this knitting while driving thing. First of all: I drive like a granny most of the time. I don't weave in and out of traffic, I don't gun it thru yellow/red lights, and I don't cut people off. Second: I drive with my knee, whether I'm knitting or not, and have been for years. I'm well practiced. Third: I'm only knitting ribbing on the blasted orangina shell and it's so boring that if I don't have something else to pay attention to while I knit it, I fear I shall never have an FO called orangina.

I'm really saying all this because I know I shouldn't be knitting while I drive, but I don't want to stop cause in the last week I've gotten about 2 inches of ribbing done, which is more than in the last 3 months. I could stop, any time I wanted. Really. I just don't want to.

I've also been working on the Juicy tank on my lunch hours. I'd forgotten how much I like working with the Cotton-Ease, and it knits up pretty quickly, so it's motivating me to pack my lunch and eat light, cause light means quick. I'm almost done with the waist decreasing, so I'm getting close. I think I'm going to have to rip the front piece down to re-work the neck shaping. Somehow I was way off and from bustline to shoulder seam is about a foot. How I went so wrong, I don't know. My numbers worked perfectly for the waist shaping. Hm. Wish me luck.

One thing I've recently gotten interested in is bento. Those little Japanese lunchboxes are so cute! Just last night I bought 2. Plus a chop-stick set to match one. And I got a really cute oshibori (the little cloths to clean your hands before you eat), pink on one side, white on the other, with a little pink rabbit embroidered on. From now on, let's just assume that "painfully cute" is implied in the definition of anything bento related. Check out bentotv and Cooking Cute to see how addictive this can be. Soon, you'll be dreaming of nori punches and cucumber cut-outs.

SP9 Q's

2006-10-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

To my SP9. I hereby apologize for the lack of recent posts. I just went back to working full-time after slacking full-time for a year. I have knit approximately 3 rows in the past 3 weeks, and that pretty much sucks.

But there is good news: I'm getting accustomed to the new schedule and there are indeed pockets of knitting time...I promise to use most of them for knitting and the rest for blogging about the knitting. Really, I do.

As a show of good faith, I now present to you my SP9 kweschyuns.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love super soft merino. LOVE karabella's aurora line. Yum. Absolutely refuse to knit with cotton for at least 6 months, cause my fingers hurt. Don't dig the red heart style squeaky acrylics.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I made a little case for my dpns, and the straights and circulars live in a closet organizer, in their original cases.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? This is a tricky question. There's not a lot I won't try. I'll say intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No. Sorry =)

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Right now I'm into the creamy scents, like the Tutti Dulce stuff from B&BW, and cocoa butter. Mmmm.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Uh, YAH!! Fave candy is a tough decision, but I'd have to say Toblerone right now. Toblerone dark, even better.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I don't spin, but sometimes I scrapbook.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like Top 40 stuff, and Christian music, a small amount of country, as long as there's no mention of Wal-Mart or IHOP. (Sara Evans, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Sheryl Crowe, Madonna)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like most colors. I don't care for lavender on me. I like teals and peacock greens/blues right now.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a husband who is more wonderful than I deserve and a "multi-ethnic" dog who is pretty much the best dog ever. Oh yeah, and a crazy little white cat who runs the show.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?Yes, no, no, no.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Seems to be "Things I Never Finish" but mostly sweaters.

13. What are you knitting right now? All of 'em? Some sweaters, there's a scarf in there and a 90% done plush rabbit.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love aluminum, and I'll take bamboo on slippery yarn or for small dpns. No plastic, please.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes. (I told you my hub rocks!)

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 18 months. The scarf.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas!!

19. Is there anything that you collect? UFO's and Christopher Radko blown-glass ornaments.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to IK. I'd like to subscribe to VK. I'd love Rowan 40, Knitted Teddy Bears, Rowan Vintage Style, and any of Kim Hargreaves new patterns.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I need to do stranded colorwork, but I have a Dale project in the queue for that...so not really.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? No, but I love hand-painted sock yarns. Weird. I wear a size 8.5-9 shoe, and have a high instep, so both socks I knit were too tight on me.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) July 4th.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you

2006-09-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

that I got a job. I mentioned it in a previous post, but never mooned on about it.

As of September 18th, I'll be the Secretary to the Commanding General of the Third Marine Logistics Group. I'll be typing and e-mailing and scheduling and spending my paychecks on custom hand-painted cashmere and Michael Kors and some killer Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform superpumps.

Or, maybe I'm dreaming and should count on just the office stuff. Regardless, watch out for me pimpin' it down soutbound highway 58, working the nylons and pearl studs, rocking out to "she works hard for the money" and "jump" (Madonna. You know, very The Devil Wears Prada...only, I'll be in Okinawa wearing Old Navy).

Fingering Weight is for Suckers

2006-09-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what my obsession with teensy tiny evil cotton is but it continues, and does so AGAINST MY WILL. This is supposed to be a no-gift-knitting year, but there are babies on the way, and it's got to be done. The knitting that is. So, I began a super-secret project for a baby who will remain unnamed, and here is what we've got so far:

You'll have to forgive the heinousness of the photo, my usual (awesome) camera is on
vacation. Literally. It'll be back soon, tho.

First there was the Orangina with the evil Rowan fingering weight cotton on size 3's and I hate hate hate the effing unending ribbing at the bottom. So, I relegate that to car/waiting room/in-line at the commissary knitting. To relieve my pain, I decide, like an idiot, to pick up a Dale project, and who wants to wait while the nice soft wool comes from the states? That's not instant gratification. I schlep on down to the Japanese craft store and set my sights on LACE WEIGHT MERCERIZED COTTON. Say it loud and proud: "DOH."

Let's add to the fun: my only non-dpn size 2's are straight. That's right. There's 169 stitches worth of slippery shiny wiry cotton on a straight needle. Send a wrist surgeon. The only thing this has going for it is that it's in the smallest size.

In other news, I've finished the front of the Juicy Tank, and plan to cast on for the back today. I figure it'll be a nice break from the evil cotton. I'm beginning to think the "evil" in "evil cotton" is both implied and insufficient to convey the true insidious nature of the fiber.

My new war cry: "Vive La Laine!"

I swear this isn't a pet blog

2006-08-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

But I couldn't help myself.

Just in case you've ever wanted to know how a 6.6 lb cat can hog an entire loveseat, here's a lesson:

And people wonder why I'm so upset to leave Barley when I start work next month:

How can I leave this face every morning? That's the exact face he gives me when he realizes I'm leaving. I'm not thinking about it...I'll cry. And yes, that is a laundry basket he's curled up in. He stood next to it and looked from the basket to me until I took enough laundry out for him to fit inside. Good Grief, Charlie Brown.

Juicy

2006-08-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

I promised both of you that I would post pictures of SP yarn swatches about a million years ago. I even used solemn promise words and stuff. Well, life happens, and I knit real slow-like. I have moved on way past the swatch stage, and am about to begin bust increases and strategic placement of short rows (for front cuppage, ya know what Ah'm sayin'? ). Here's some proof:

Here we see some super juicy day-glo orange Cotton-Ease working it's way into a vitamin rich tank, with extra pulp (cables and mini-cables) and antioxidants (true to me waist shaping, and both increases and short rows at the bust). There'll be a v-neck, just low enough to let the sun in, and wide set shoulder straps. It'll be HOT. Most of the shaping is done in the mini-cable panels, with the large cables running straight down from tip to toe and the short rows making up the difference inside the big cables. The idea, the hope, the desperate yearning that this all works out, being that this will be a custom fit, non-bunchy, non-droopy, super-slimming feat of needlework. Pray for me.

This is my first design, and I have to boast that it's totally busted through the mojo rut. There's mojo for days, people. No wonder most people don't stop at just one custom design. There was a moment when it nearly came crashing down - the math part - but after that was worked out, it's been so fun. I'm excited to see what happens next, so I work on it EVERYWHERE. I may or may not bust out a few stitches at red lights. And maybe some in between red lights. But only the stockinette part! I swear! I know I'm not the only one.

One strange thing has happened, though:

Does anyone else do this? I'm knitting with the 7 and purling with the 8. All the st st in my swatch was striped. Interesting tonal stripes that you could feel. Neat. Maybe a design feature later on. No bueno on this project. After some head-scratching and face scrunching, I realized I purl tighter than I knit. HELLO! No wonder my garter stitch has such a high wonk-factor. This explains the lop-sided log-cabining. I've never noticed this with animal fibers but cotton, we all know, is a different creature. So far, the stitches are smooth and as even as I get 'em.

Just because I can, here's a pic of the Barley man. Do you see the level of cuteness that I must resist everyday?! It's nearly impossible, I tell you. He LOVES his crate. Please notice the door is wide open. Also know that his bed is about 6 feet from the crate. What a ham.

To Kolohe

2006-08-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a toast to Kolohe. She loved her mama for 18 years and her mama loves her still. She was a faithful companion through all the transformations that come from going from girl to woman.

Her name means "troublemaker" in Hawaiian, but she's an angel now. By definition a scrappy girl, she had a stroke and shook it off, she stared down diabetes and told it to screw itself for 4 years. Boxer of ears, eater of Fancy Feast, intent watcher of birds, she fought one helluva fight. She never gave up, but your body will only take you so far before you have to leave it behind.

She left us knowing she was loved. I know, because I told her. We'll miss you, Kosti. We love you, Kristy.

Where's my MoJo?

2006-08-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

The knitting mojo: où est-ce? What's my deal? I have lots of fab new yarn, some ideas with a lot of potential, but I turn my nose up whenever I look at my needles. Then again, these days that means looking at Orangina, with her tiny hand-hurting cotton and her miles and miles of to-be-completed 3x3 rib.

Should I inter the evil slag - I mean - Orangina in la chambre de morfondre*? Go ahead and cast on for those other progects? WWSRD? Well, Skinny Rabbit is having a mojo decrease, and she's casting on! I'll show pics of some swatches TOMORROW. I like, vow and other solemn promise words.

In lieu of knitting content, I bring pics of wild furry beasts. Our neighbors are in the States on vacay and we're watching their little shih-tzu Pittzy. Pittzy is one duplicitous little dog, by friends. Take a gander:
She appears all cute and fluffy, as if she were saying "come pet me, I'm so sweet..."

What she really means by "come pet me, I'm so sweet..." is "Fingers = Vienna Sausages. Do not look at me, do not touch me, do not try to untangle the leash from my legs, do not eyeball my food, do not pass within 4 feet of my bed/lair/pit of despair**, in short: do NOT piss me off." Need proof? Here's a pic of her next to her Star Wars toy. Notice the matching eerie glowing eyes. This is without the flash...just kidding.

How does Barley feel about having another pooch in the house?

Poor guy!

*I want to take a french class this fall, so I'm getting ready Eloise style, baby.

**I was going for the Princess Bride reference here. Do NOT google that term. 'Nuff said?

Have you seen this?

2006-07-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these knitters? They are fab. No, they're more like FAB. YOU. LUSS.

Clickety and feast your eyes on:
Eunny's Fair Isle Wonder and the fine Cable Shell.
Tweed's Urban Aran.
Amelia Raitte's Sgt Pepper, and Cherry, too.

Mlle Eunny does amazing things with needles and yarn. Her designs remind me of Dumbledore pulling thoughts out of his head with his wand. Eunny's wand is a size 2 addi turbo. Bitchin'. I MUST make that fair isle thingy, and the twisted stitch shell. When her book comes out someday, I will go broke buying yarn for every pattern. Her knits strike me as deceptively simple, finely detailed, and very wearable. There's no over the top, there's no flashy embellishments, there's no chunky-weight yarn.

I've been reading Brooklyn Tweed since I found a link to the Urban Aran a couple of days after he posted it. He's all about construction and (like the Grumpy One) mimics the construction of garments he likes to get the fit he wants. It tickles me pink to read a guy knitters blogs, he comes at designs with a fresh eye. Mostly because there's a huge void in the knit design sector for non-heinous men's patterns and otherwise he'd never knit for himself, but it's a fresh outlook none-the-less.

As far as Ms. Raitte goes, I really love Sgt Pepper, but I'm not sure I could pull it off. I think that in and of its self means I wouldn't, because a garment that flashy requires confidence and style in excess. But, I could do Cherry, baby; I can come out tonight...

I got a present, I got a present

2006-07-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

OK, you must sing the title in your most annoying "I got something' you don't got" voice left over from your 5th birthday. I know it's in there, draw it out.

Of course, if you're in SP8, you get presents too, but THIS one is mine, and it pretty much ROCKS. That's right, feast your eyes on this:

My SP8 (Hi! Wave! Cheesy Grin!) sent me a too cute hand stenciled tank top, some yum cherry scented bath salts & petals, jelly pens, stitch markers, a bath scrubby glove, scented lotion, and 4 skeins of juicy orange cotton-ease. I've been contemplating going jogging one of these mornings, a new tank may just send me out the door. Then, I can come back and take a nice cool bath, jump out smelling like a red lifesaver, smooth on some clean scented lotion and work on a new project with my new yarn...maybe Tempting II? Or the MAGKnits Ballet tank? Must swatch.

I've got some knitting to show you, too. Proof of lace. The IK Trellis scarf, semi-pinned out. I'm using the suggested KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in "Iris."

It's pinned out about 1/2 inch short of the pattern's suggested blocking width, but it still seems a little squinched up to me. Should I pull it out even more when I actually block it? I'm really terrified that the teeny tiny wisp of alpaca "yarn" will snap, and that would call for more cheesecake than my jeans can afford.

Also view my foray into sewing. I found this fabric at the Shalimar House of 66 Cents. That's really what it's called. It's the Okinawa version of JoAnn's, but fabric stuff only. I couldn't resist it, I had to have it, so I bought some. I present to you my DPN roll.

I taught myself a lot on this project about the importance of making sure the pattern is right side up (note the little bird flying upside down), being able to sew a straight line, having at least an idea of a pattern/plan of attack, and measuring what you want to put inside the pockets. That handy flap that keeps the needles from falling out, well, it also forces me to fold over the needle case. I like the needle cases, and intend to keep them in their cases in the roll. Cause I'm quirky like that. In any case, I love it, and will keep it forever. Or at least until I figure out how to do it better!

What a great crafty week. I'm off to play with my new yarn.

Re: The Schnickerties

2006-07-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, they hired the other broad. They suck. In retaliation I may or may not have eaten remaining half a batch of banana pudding that was in the fridge. 'Nilla wafers and insta-pud' will solve anything.

I also went to Jusco (the "mall") and bought fabric and a pattern for a little teeny dress. Mind you, I've yet to plug in the borrowed sewing machine sitting on the guest bed, but I figure if I can turn string into a sweater, surely I'm smart enough to morph mere fabric into a dress. We'll see.

Mainly because I'm too lazy to go get the camera, you'll see no photographic evidence, but I swear it's true: I'm knitting lace. Inspired by Sarah, I put faith in my ability to yarn over, and have begun the IK "Trellis Scarf." It's a tricky little thing, lace. Plus, I HAD to pick a pattern with "Knit 7 tog" in it. What's that all about? In truth, they found a way to really jazz up the k7tog, but as I didn't write it, I won't divulge. However, I'm feeling quite cocky because I've progressed from working only 3 sts at a time before checking the pattern to working a whopping 6! SO STOKED. Not too cocky for lifelines, tho!

All your comments on the Orangina helped me out a lot! I've decided to just keep going with the plan, and am 3x3 ribbing my heart out. Granted, it's teeny cotton, so my hands can only take so much. I figure I'll find a tank or something and just let 'em hang out. It is the SEXY Knitters' Club for a reason, right?

Sexy?

2006-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Sexy Knitters' Club, I decided to knit Orangina. Glampyre has a kicky little pattern here, all cute, and sexy too. I'm not sure this falls into any of those categories:

Granted, the photo's not that great. I'm finally a TRUE knit blogger, having taken pictures of myself under the key conditions:
1. Late at night...
2. In some stage of either a. undress or b. jammie-dress...
3. Headless...
4. In the bathroom mirror...
5. With either a. flash reflection or b. camera shadow... (extra points for both)
6. Wearing a piece of (partially) knit-wear in some stage of construction.

I'm not too sure where to go with this one. I have some ideas. I could keep going as planned and knit from here down in ribbing. I could keep going in the lace pattern and figure out a way to add in waist shaping; basically creating a new pattern of a lace shell. I could frog and do either of these ideas in a bigger, (more boob-friendly) size. I could frog and find something else to do with the yarn. Oy. Given that I want a top I will actually wear, and, ideally, admit to having made, this turn of events is NO BUENO.

What would you do?

Holy Shnickerties.

2006-07-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

I have a job interview tomorrow!

Crap, does this mean I have to, like, wear real shoes, not flip-flops? Must dig in the abyss of closet for non-plastic, non-thong, non-primary colored shoes.

Cross your fingers and all that good stuff.

Summer Montage

2006-07-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

OK, so you weren't feelin' the meme. I guess I'm so awesome, I'm beyond description with only one word. That's what you meant, right?

The past few weeks have been pretty active. What's happened? Well, the 2 biggest things:
1. Lt and I celebrated the first anniversary of our marriage in New Orleans. So much has happened in the past year, that it feels like it's flown by! We've been together for over 6 years now, and we still have as much fun as ever. I love you baby, and can't wait to see what's ahead!

2. I turned 28. Is that old? I'm in my middle late-20's now. What's that all about. Where did my early 20's go? I feel like Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate in the dressing room scene of The Sweetest Thing. Why does my entire arm wave, isn't it supposed to be just the hand? And what the hell is that thing following me around....oh, wait. That's my ass. Oy. No more cake for me.

Some other things we did over the past few weeks:

We visited a traditional Japanese craft village...

...where we saw the World's Cutest Shisa Dog. Shisa are guardians, one goes on each side of an entry way and they chase bad spirits away and trap good ones inside. This one was viciously cute:

We saw "sculpture." No, that's not a vanquished slug, it's a beni-imo, a japanese sweet potato with purple flesh. It tasted like a sweet potato, but with the texture of a baking potato. They love them, and even use them as an ice cream flavor, it's actually not bad.

We saw the smallest pineapples on earth. How cute are they!

We spotted a Russian Roulette toy. Gee, if that isn't the creepiest and most- inappropriate stocking stuffer ever, I don't know what it. You don't believe me? Look:

We celebrated my birthday. So did you. Probably with a bbq and fireworks: I'm a 4th of July baby. What? That's not for me? There was YUM red velvet cake courtesy of Kristy, and YUM chocolate cake courtesy of the Lt.

There were also contraband sparklers and blonde curls.

We went to the beach. We got a crazy sunburn. (This would be an example of why never to let Ashley use her "handy dandy" sunscreen stick on your back. She really sucks at that.)

This made us sad.

All was not lost! We got sandy noses and hermit crabs:

And this made us happy.

Ah, summertime.

One Word

2006-06-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Got this meme from Chicknits. Sounds fun and enlightening (let's hope in a good way...).

MEME Time...

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word about you.

OHW, my stomach hurts

2006-06-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

Y'all.

Sometimes there's stuff on-line that makes you ooh and ahh. Sometimes you cringe. Sometimes you want to claw your eyes out. And then, sometimes there are things that make you laugh until your belly aches and you have tears in your eyes and your dog is looking at you like you're at the edge. (Which, you probably are.)

Here's two of those things.
Un-dead Felted Slipper
Unlaced lace

I am absolutely in love with Knitabulous for posting these bits of wonderful, cause I do dumb shit like this all the time and hide it. She's out there in the wind and it's awesome. She is my new favorite knitter.

Or maybe I'm just a little intellectually fragile right now.

Proof of Life

2006-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I swear I knit! There's proof in this post.

I think I've found the root of the knitting slump. Community. Here in Japan, I feel like the only knitter around. I'm sure it's just not the truth, but it sure feels that way. Think how it might effect your stitching if you were the only one...

For my first 4 years as a knitter, I had no idea that there was a knitting community. Yeah, I bought the magazines, but for some reason I never googled "knitting." I thought yarn stores were places where old ladies went to spend a lot of money and ignore me. I never felt the urge to sit down and whip out my needles and talk about the pros and cons of M1 or debate cable vs long tail cast on.

Then, I got out of the Marine Corps, and re-discovered personal web-surfing. Mind you, up until now, I didn't have a computer in my house, and all my online time was the USMC's. (Not that I didn't shop on their time ;)!) I found Knitty, Skinny Rabbit and La Bonne Tricoteuse. I learned about yarn substitution, and the import of gauge. Somehow, I found out about knitters going to a little coffee shop every Tuesday night, knitting, and inviting others. So, I mustered up my courage, put aside the "oh-gawd-what-if-they-laugh-at-my-knitting" thoughts and went.

I am so glad I did! Suddenly, I felt like I fit somewhere. I didn't have to feel awkward and self-consious about someone watching the crazy girl in the corner knit, I'd found a whole group of other crazy girls, and we were out of the corner! I could ooh and ahh over yarns and books and patterns and FO's and see people I knew at the LYS and it was wonderful. I got encouraged to use colors I was afraid of, and ended up LOVING the result (thanks, Illana!). I learned how to not inextricably tangle my yarn on the swift (thanks, Kiki!). I finally finished something for myself! I had impetus to make progress, I was excited about it. I have never knit faster in my life.

Then I moved away, twice. I was the new girl again, twice, and that's a role I'm not very good at. I'm not too extroverted, and once I open up I'm often brash and opinionated, and just not quite as Paula-Deen-Lovable that I'd like to be. I was sure there'd be knitters around me here in Japan, but it's just not the case. Shoot, I can't even find a friggin' yarn shop!! I've knit tons of places, and even taught a couple of people (thanks Kristy, Cassie, and Megan!) but they just don't have the yarn-fever. Current hobbies and 15-month old babies and school work and life just don't always breed the wool-crazies.

So, I slog on alone. How sad, right? Whatever. I just need to get off my butt-tooty and go post some fliers around, letting people know: I knit and you should knit with me, preferably over coffee and pound cake every Wednesday morning at 10:00, Starbucks @ American Village. Keep your fingers crossed that I'll do this, and get some knit-friends, and get out of this rut!!!!

Here's the proof that some small amount of knitting does take place:

The beginning of the Absorba bathmat from Mason-Dixon, in 2 strands of sport-weight Japanese denim. I'm thinking of frogging and doubling up to 4 strands, cause I want it to be super squishy and it's feeling a little anorexic. Can't be havin' a wussy bathmat. Am I the only one who's garter stitch is wonky?

Here's my Orangina. I'm working this up as part of "No Gift Knitting in 2006" and the Sexy Knitter's Club Orangina-a-long. You see here 7 inches of Glampyre's lace pattern in Rowan 4-ply teeny tiny no stretch cotton, color: Aegean. I love it so far, I just wish it were done. It's steamy hot here, and I could really use a new top. I'll be mimicking CMe's mod's and doing just enough lace to cover the girls, and then finishing the rest with ribbing. That should be fun.

To Knit, Perchance to Dream.

2006-05-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Ah, the knitter's block. I've hit it hard. I pick up the needles and an hour later, I've powered through a row and a half. I'm reading knitting books and patterns, I'm surfing knitting blogs, I'm even buying lots of yarn. I'm doing everything but actually knitting. This happens to me at least once a year, I think I've just got to slog through it. Any tips?

Perhaps I could work up a good case of startitis. Here's some fuel for the startitis cooties:

Just when I was considering hating the french, for postal reasons not politics, my yarn arrived. The yarn I had ordered in February. That's right. I even wrote the Phildar people a really sad e-mail in really horrible french asking "ou est ma laine?" Ya know, where's the wool, frenchie? They were really nice about the whole thing, and assured me that as it hadn't been returned to them, it must still be en route. The yarn is soft yet crisp and will be perfect for summer. Even if it's next summer, post knit-slump, and I'm the only person outside the mid-west still wearing a shrug.

I've also recently enhanced the stash with some stuff for a gift, some cotton denim yarn, for my very own Absorba the Mason-Dixon bathrug, of course the Mason Dixon book, and soon to arrive via amazon, an Elizabeth Zimmerman. I think knitting sans crying, but I don't remember.

The latest thang: Oma's chocolate cake.
*
Made this for a bbq, and it was a HUGE hit. Well, with 2 sticks of butter, how could it NOT be??? It will not only win you friends and get you promoted, it will land right smack dab on your ass, and some will fall to your thighs. In a feat of gravity-defiance, some will also climb up and settle in on your belly. Do not look forward to any landing on your boobs or under those teeny wrinkles to smooth them. That is, unless you have the metabolism of a greek god, and the ass to prove it:

*Why yes, that is a bowl of guacamole and a dish of pizza dip behind the cake. Yes, I made them both. What? Those land on my ass too? Rat bastards. In my defense, the pizza dip has tomato sauce which is chock full of all sorts of stuff that's good for me right?? Oh, and the guac, I make KILLER guac. It would be flat out RUDE of me to deprive people of my awesome guac. Everyone loves it, just ask Caelinn:

Secret Gardens

2006-05-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

No knitting content, just homesick for New Orleans. I miss the Quarter. Send chickory and half and half po'boys, fully dressed, baby.

If you've ever lived or spent time in New Orleans, you'll know all about secret gardens. The French Quarter is a treasure trove of hidden jewels that most of us will only ever see the tiniest glimpse of through narrow wrought iron alley gates.

The best part of the whole experience is the unexpectedness of it! In the Garden District, you see 10,000 square foot three story wedding-cake confections of gingerbread and leaded-glass, and it's a given that everything inside it and on it's grounds will be fabulous. But, you when you walk through the French Quarter, it's a crazy mix of history and neon lights, homes that have been the same color for a hundred years with slave quarters and carriage houses, all mixed in with Lucky Dog vendors, Voodoo shops and Bourbon Street. You have no idea what's on the other side of the brick walls and sherbet-toned shutters. But, take a peek into someone's alley gate, and you'll see a whole other world.

You might think nothing of the front of the Court of Two Sisters,

but when you get into the courtyard for your Jazz Brunch, you'll gasp:

In the summer, the grape arbor fills in and give full shade to the lucky ones who sit underneath. This is where I had my bridal shower! It is so beautiful and so very New Orleans, it's perfect!

It only looks like the homes are piled on top of each other. It's an illusion that the homes that back up to each other share alarm clocks and soup-can phones. The truth of the matter is that there may well be enough room between the homes for a carriage and small stable. The courtyards are very private! No looky-loo neighbors, your courtyard will probably have your neighbor's solid 2 or 3 story brick wall on one side. The larger, multi-story homes in the heart of the quarter are likely L or U shaped: a grand front faces the street with ornate wrought iron balconies, and the long side(s) holds the slave quarters, kitchen, etc. Sometimes, they look like this, the St. Louis hotel:

A grand New Orleans home, with fancy front, bedrooms along the courtyard sides (you can barely see the edge of the slave quarters on the right), and an adjacent formal garden. The Beauregard-Keyes house street-front:

Courtyard:

Garden:

The best part is the back-yard. They used brick for a reason in southern building. Especially in an area with as high a water table as southern Louisiana, the brick foundation will extend into the earth for 6 or more feet, wicking water up into the brick and cooling the entire building. The courtyard would have been paved in brick, giving the same cooling effect. Coupled with heavy planting and an overhead breeze, a courtyard has the potential to be a (relatively!) pleasant outdoor space well into the summer months.

Anyone who's ever been to any inner city knows that no amount of concrete can pave over the basic human need for greenery. The Quarter is no different. Some streets are tree-lined, most balconies sport ferns and flowers and potted palms. You see ivy in the windows and roof top gardens. But courtyards can be miniature french gardens gone wild. It's like Giverny went to Tahiti and came back with a sarong and cornrows. This is the courtyard at the St. Louis hotel, and is where the Lt and I had our wedding reception. It really does look just like this!

On your next NOLA vacay, and I suggest you visit the city, don't stay at some chain, there's no personality there, no history. Stay somewhere you've never heard of, it's a good thing! Besides, the chains charge out the ying-yang for faking what the others have the real deal in. May I recommend St. Louis hotel, they are super nice there, and the A/C is cold!!

SP8

2006-05-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm a little freaked out about SP8. I got all signed up, and even got an e-mail from the hostesses that I'm "in," but I haven't got my SP yet, and I'm not on the participants page.

Just in case I'm still "in," here goes:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like knitting just about everything. I love blue sky alpacas. Lorna's Laces. Malabrigo. So far, the only thing I don't like knitting with is Red Heart and boucle/popcorn bumpy type stuff. The Red heart is too squeaky, and I'm slow enough with out having to wrestle bumply yarn into stitches! =)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I keep the case they came in, for quick ID, and then they are roughly sorted by sized into a hanging jewelry thing in the "yarn closet."

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 5 years now, and would say I'm intermediate. I COULD know a lot more techniques, but I'm usually too lazy to get out the books.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Sorry, no.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Genuine Jasmine. Genuine lavender. Herby green scents. Creamy scents. C.O. Bigelow lemon lotion is the perfect tart/creamy combo!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I have a killer sweet tooth. I LOVE dark dark chocolate. Sadly, it's about a million degrees where I live, so most candies wouldn't survive the journey.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I like to scrapbook, but it's rare. I like to dream about my dream house. I don't spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like top-40 type stuff. Rock? John Mayer, Goo Goo Dolls, David Gray, Jason Mraz. Christian music, too, Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love color in general. Right now, I'm really drawn to aquas and bright oranges/corals.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married to a wonderful guy (the Lt) who's better than I could ever deserve, and we have a dog, Barley, who follows me around all day.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, yes. The rest, no.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Right now, I really want to felt. Also, garments for me.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I'm in the Sexy Knitters' Club, working on my aqua Orangina. I just started knitting blankets for charity. In the marination chamber, I have a child's pattern I'm working on, and the Girl from Auntie's Eris.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
YES!!!!!!!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Aluminum Circular. Any brand!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both.

17. How did you learn to knit?
I walked into the Quarter Stitch, a teensy knitting shop in the heart of the French Quarter, and fell in love with every ball of yarn in the joint. Ten minutes later, I was working on my first baby sweater, in Lamb's Pride and Noro Kueryon.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
Oy. Right now, it's got to be the socks I started in March of 2004. I have one totally done, but it's not a pair, so I consider it a UFO.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. Is there any other?

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Hmm...bees and fleurs de lys. (botanical style bees, not cartoon bees.)

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to IK. Books, I would love Knitting on the Edge, Yarn Harlot's 2nd or 3rd, Big Girl Knits, or the Vogue Ultimate Knitting Book.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Fair Isle would be cool. It's just about the only thing that will turn me away fron a project.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am NOT a sock knitter. Which is funny because I love many sock yarns, and can spend hours on-line all googly over other peoples hand-knit socks, and surfing sock patterns.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
July 4th.

A Letter

2006-05-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Old Japanese Guy in the Bright Orange Speedo on the Seawall:

I beg you: Put it ALL away.

Seriously? You are at least 60 years old. And somewhere around 7 months along in your pregnancy. Not that I'm perfect, but I do not flaunt my luciousness in a teeny bikini for all of the Asian Pacific to see.

Also, should you deem it acceptable to leave the house in this get-up again, DO NOT under any circumstances climb up onto the 3 foot high seawall and pick your booty. As you are, ahem, petit in stature, it's right in my eye-line. Thanks for searing my corneas.

Yours,

The White Woman in the Baseball Cap Jogging by at a MOST Inauspicious Moment

Fishy

2006-05-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

How is it that I decide I'm gonna post, and even get all logged into blogger and then spend 40 minutes surfing OTHER people's blogs? How is it that I placed the SAME order twice at knitpicks? Well, the first is a little of MY ADD, and the second is a little of theirs. Just to let you know: take it with a grain (or Tblspn) of salt when they tell you they'll e-mail you in an hour re: your order. They'll wait an hour alright, an hour after you re-place the same order 36 hours later. Ratfinks.

I've been a busy bee since my last post.

The job: no go. Turns out the competition has teaching experience. Chaa. So, today I applied to be a banker. Stoked about the 3 piece suits.

This past weekend, I got baptized! That's right. I've been wanting to do it for a while now, but I really wanted to do it in the ocean. A freezing cold indoor baptism just seemed a little sterile to me, so when Pastor John mentioned in the service that he'd be doing baptisms, my hand shot up. The Lt was in the water with me (in real clothes, the champ), it was awesome!

The Lt and I officially started Marathon training. Also known as "listen to Ashley whine about running for 7 months." It will take us an extra month because the first week of our chosen program has us running 8 miles. Yeah-freaking-right. WHO on earth can run 8 miles at a time in the first week? NO ONE. Tha's hoo. So, I train on, working my way up to the unholy milage requirement. Saturday a.m. included nutella on whole wheat toast and 4 miles. 4 slow miles. In the rain. With a dog pulling the first 2 miles, because he LOVES sniffing the ground while it rains. What a weirdo.

I made gyoza! Gyoza are yummy fried dumplings with pork and veggies and ginger and YUMMM. It was the only saving grace, as I was also making wonton soup, but the wontons disintegrated in the boiling water, and I was nearly in tears. Hm, hormonal? Jest a touch. Granted, my gyoza didn't look quite so nice as the photo in the link, but they tasted like sushi joint specials.

A coupla weekends ago, we went to the Ocean Expo Park. A huge park complex with a western style aquarium, a botanical garden, a historic village set-up, and a hot-house complex. They have whale sharks, here, people. It was so sweet. Here's what we saw:

Whale sharks. HUGE. Like, Shamu huge. We were there for feeding time (dead batteries, drat!), and it was awesome. The sharks eat krill and shrimp, more like a baleen whale than a toothy beast. They hang in the water, almost perpindicular to the surface, and vacuum gallons and gallons of water and munchies into their great wide chompers. Then they whoosh the water out thru their gills, and are left with some serious sashimi. Here's a really horrible photo:

We also saw some things that surely have siblings in hell tormenting souls:
Creepy giant lobsters, look at the rusty things around the regular giant lobster. Who knew it was possible to see a 3 foot long losbter and NOT curse yourself for the ONE time you leave the melted butter at home...

Sand worm beasties. Eeeww. Makes me want to wear my steel toed combat boots to the beach.

We also saw and were seen by one of the coolest guys out there, a cuttlefish. Cuttlefish and octopi are really fascinating creatures. SO SMART!! Seriously, PBS. It rocks.

In keeping with Project Spectrum, we found lots of orange and gold (it was still April then...).
We found orchids:

We found starfish:

We found koi:

We even found Nemo:

I had my April pedi done in PS-style too.

Obligatory knitting content. Here I am knitting Japanese style on my Orangina for the Sexy Knitters Club.

Dilema

2006-04-24T04:51:00.002-07:00

Since I last posted, lots of stuff has happened. Granted, I haven't published any yarn magazines, or had any babies or anything quite so cool. I did go to the aquarium! (More on that later)

The Lt went on 3 short business trips within the space of 5 weeks. So, Barley and I were on our own. Now, Barley likes the Lt, but he's a die-hard mammoni, so he was luvvin' it. Me, I missed me my man. I'll put up pics later of the loot the Lt scored for me.

While the Lt was out, Barley started acting weird. I thought, "awwww, he misses his daddy." No. He had a mild bladder infection. Let me tell you, do not research canine bladder infections, and then take your dog to the vet. Cause, you don't wanna know. Let's just say I'm SO glad we've taught him to pee on demand. Catheterization is even less fun for them than for us. One round of antibiotics and (even) more frequent pee breaks, and all is well.

I started volunteering at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. The NMCRS helps Sailors, Marines & their dependents when they hit hard times. Ooof, car broken down and no $$$, come see us, we might be able to help. Oh no, death in the far-off family and no plane tix, come see us. Your wife needs tuition assistance, come see us. In short, they do good things. Plus, they do a layette program, so I get to knit for them, too. What's that? Why yes, they DO take donations!

The biggest news, I had a job interview today. Thing is, I don't know if I want the job. I'd be teaching english in a local elementary school. The pros: it's only 20 hours a week, it's casual attire, I get to learn a lot of Japanese, and I get all the Japanese holidays off. The cons: I've never taught and the idea of it doesn't really sound that fun. It sounds harrowing. But, that being the only con, does it really count? I'd still have time for the Lt, Barley, knitting, sight-seeing, running, and the weekly pilgrimage to Starbucks. If I do it for 3 years, I'll make exactly the amount that the Lt and I dream of saving up while we're here. I'll get all the holidays off...but then again so will every other person in the country. When it comes down to it, though, I don't want to teach. Then again, I don't have any burning interest in executive administration or banking (open jobs on-base.)

I know, whine whine whine. It's a blessed problem to have, truly. I get to decide what I want to do. Hm. Now I just have to actually DECIDE!!!

Fragile

2006-04-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, some pictures! Just threaten it, and your blogger will straighten right up!

A few weekends ago, the Lt and I made a trip south, as far south as we could go. We went to Peace Prayer Park and the Ryukyu Glass Village. More on Peace Prayer Park later.

The Glass Village is just that, a teeny little "village" packed with ovens and people moving in a molten assembly line to make gorgeous glass pieces. They make everything from $5 shot glasses to $1000+ work-of-art-vases. Their art glass is stunning. I happen to love glass as an art craft, and fell in love with several highly-yen'ed pieces. I came home with some equally beautiful, lower-yen'ed pieces! It's really neat walking thru a shop and seeing the finished version of what the workers are making right then. (Does that make sense?)

We watched them make several little bowls with a lip/spout thingy. In this shot, she's heating a little blob of glass. Once it's all melty-like, she takes it to it's next stop where a guy sticks the blob to the bowl, and smooshes it into a little lip. (Yes, these are the technical terms.)

When it's all cooled and hardened, it looks a little something like this:

Earlier the same day we went to the Ryukyu Glass Village, we'd been to visit Peace Prayer Park. It's a memorial park for WWII. It reminded me of Washington D.C., kind of like a mix of the Vietnam War Memorial, the National History Museum and Arlington National Cemetery all in one. It's a huge park, looking out over the sea, with the Okinawa WWII museum at the base, and semi-circling out to memorials for students and soldiers, U.S. and Japanese alike. Out to the right of this, there is a maze of what we think are family crypts, or regional crypts. (There was no English explanation for them.) The entire park is very serene and beautiful, and the Lt and I were very impressed with the museum.

It really made me feel for the Okinawans as a people. Okinawa is a centrally located, beautiful island rich in agriculture. So, they found themselves between a rock and a hard place on more than one occasion. The century started out with China and Japan at odds over "whose" island this was. That got settled with Japan taking over. (Think how England took over the Scots.) Women were raped, children murdered and people starved to death. Their native religion and language were outlawed under penalty of death, and they were propagandized into the culture of the Japanese empire. Not long after this is underweigh, we get pulled into the Pacific side of WWII with Pearl Harbor.

The Japanese recognized Okinawa for it's perfect location to stage battle with the west. We saw the same potential to stage battles with the East. The Japanese empire declared they would fight for Okinawa until every last person on the island was dead. Of course, the vast majority of those people were Okinawan, so Okinawa payed a heavy price. The death toll of Okinawans overshadows by far both U.S. and native Japanese deaths.

The park is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The Okinawans picked up what pieces they could, clung together and survived. I wouldn't say they "bounced back," it wasn't a boxing match, but the Okinawans have definitely made their own way.

It's Jake's Fault

2006-04-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I joined my first KAL, I'm doing the Orangina pattern with the Sexy Knitters' Club. It's a really great pattern, but I must say, it's kicking my ass.

First, I actually measured myself, and I'm a 41, so I cast on the 42 size. Then, I read Glampyre's post, and it sounded like there should be no ease. So, I take into account that the Lt and I will be training for a marathon and that should shrink me some (fingers and toes crossed), so I frogged and re-CO for the 40 size.

So, last night I rent Jarhead and plop my bootee on the sofa for a night of knitting and Marines on TV...cause I don't have enough of the Corps in my life, you see. ANYWAY, I managed to bust out 3 rows. That's right, 3 whole rows. And every single one had a mistake. Even the purl row. Yup, I had to rip a purl row because I screwed up. Who does a YO in a purl row? I think it was the nude Jake Gyllenhall dancing around on the TV. I blame Jake.

The movie was actually pretty good. They all did such a good job playing Marines. They really nailed it. I especially love the part where Jake Gyllenhall is running (under fire) to get a battery, and the comm guys are arguing with each other. I think I know those guys. The guy from Texas? I think I know that guy. Jamie Fox did a great job, who figured him to be such an out-of-this-world talent? I'd watch it again.

Why so evil, Blogger?

2006-04-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

WTF? Why won't blogger let me post pics? It goes thru the motions, letting me choose the ones I want, the little bastard even tells me "your picture is uploaded. Click ok to change your post" or whatever line of bull it feed you after it "uploads" your pic. I guess when it says "uploaded" it really means launched into a cyber-galaxy far far away. Why, why would it do that? That's just mean.

Don't make me look into typepad. I'll do it!

Not So Secret Pal 7

2006-04-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

Well, not so secret anymore, right?

My awesome Secret Pal was Rebecca. Blogger is being evil and not letting me put up photos right now, but I got another gift package last week! Two (count em, 1, 2!) bars of chocolate (mmmmmmmmm Cadbury) and the latest Knit It! and Knitter's. After reading these...must...felt...now. Not only that, but in her reveal e-mail, she says there's ANOTHER package on the way. YES!

Rebecca, thanks for sending me mass quantities of yum-o chocolate, great yarns and magazines to stoke the on-line yarn shopping fires.

My Secret Pal was Annie. She was so fun to shop for, and is the recipient of (among other things) some things I personally am dying to own, and she conveniently wanted! Namely, Amyville sushi stitchmarkers (too cute) and a super secret on-its-way gift via Alison.

Ah, the joys of knitting pals who make great stuff, and shopping vicariously in the name of others! SO EXCITED for SP 8!!

Les Rouges

2006-03-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

While, I'm not "officially" involved in Project Spectrum, I've got it stuck in my head. I love reds and pinks, so that could have something to do with it.

I love how reds and pinks represent so many different ideas and images. Just think of crimson roses versus primary red kids toys. Think of how different a pale pink strapless dress is compared with the same dress in scarlet. How much racier is red lace than white?

Pink is a good color on everybody. Maybe not every shade of pink, but there's one out there for you. A few days ago my friend Kristi had her little girl in a melon/pink/peach/rosy wonder of a t-shirt. It lit up her eyes, pinked up her cheeks and made her little mouth look like she had on the ULTIMATE shade of lipstick (which she of course did not). If the right pink can do all this for a petal-skinned beautiful baby, just think what it can do for the rest of us.

Here's proof that yes, I'm STILL slogging along on the freaking Eris cardigan. I'm done with the body, and am knitting on the waistband, with just the sleeves left to do. The Lt is on a business trip, and my goal is to finish it by the time he gets back. I've knit exactly 0 stitches toward this goal. I officially hate knitting one piece sweaters. It's just too much. I need the break-up of the pieces. I don't mind seaming. At least, I don't now. I like that little satisfied "Hm" I get to make when the puzzle starts coming together, and it looks less like a stack of potholders and more like a sweater. With this thing, I think I'll just feel relief that it's finally over, and that kinda sucks. It's a good thing winter in Okinawa is over, because even if I finished it today, I'm not sure I could bring myself to wear it for a few months.

My toes. I never realized just how funky my feet look. If you haven't made this realization, if you've been walking in public in sandals thinking "they aren't masterpieces, but they're ok," do NOT take a pic of them for your blog. ANYWAY, there's this great nail shop down the street from my house called Cocok, and they do awesome pedicures and nail art. I'm not much of one for island scenes painted on my fingers, but the toes are free for whimsy. I'm not sure whether the best part about Cocok is the meticulously applied nail art or the full bar...

I plan on going every month, and putting a pic up of the nail art. I'll try to warn you ahead of time, so that if the tootsies freak you out, you can avoid me until it's below the opening scroll.

I leave you with a pic of my lunch. While the Lt's away, I've decided to go vegetarian. Why?* 1. I could be healthier. 2. I could be thinner. 3. I could spend less at the commissary. 4. I could be more eco-friendly.

These are Molly Katzen's Persian Kidney Beans, from Molly Katzen's Vegetable Heaven. They were YUMMY, super quick and easy. I happen to love kidney beans, so it worked out well, you see. BTW, this is a great cookbook, but you should really take the prep-times listed with a grain of salt. And by grain of salt, I mean ignore them completely. She was on crack the day she came up with them. And this from a girl who's idea of getting ready in 40 minutes means getting ready in an hour and five. But I'm not lying when I say the beans were quick and easy, they really were!

Nutter Bunny

2006-03-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

Two wonderful things: a new baby, and an FO!!

I present to you Princess Ashlyn and her knit bunny:

When Ashlyn was still "on the inside," she had her photo taken via sonogram and was just the size of a NutterButter cookie. She's still a tiny thing, even sweeter than any cookie. She was born on Feb 14th, so you can only imagine the amount of pink yarn I feel compelled to buy for her.

Ashlyn's bunny is from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" and is worked in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in the "Iris Garden" color way (I think...lost the skein wrap), and came with matching bootees also from "LMKG." The book says the bootees are a bit over the top (the specified yarn is angora) but I can't think of a baby out there who doesn't deserve whisper soft hand-knit bootees.

P.S. HRH was also the recipient of the "super secret" Dale gift, a cardigan and bonnet set. Pics of that later...

The Hood

2006-03-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's Barley here, and I'll be posting for Mamma today. I know this is supposed to be all about "knitting" (whatever that is) but the "knitting" project she's working on keeps getting "frogged." I don't know what that is either, but it sounds tasty. All I know is I keep hearing "just let me finish this row, and then I'll walk you," and her muttering about a bleeping pattern writer smoking bleeping crack, and bleeping row bleeping gauge. I think she'd feel much better if she would untangle the string from her paws and scratch my ears and maybe give me some cheese.

I'm gonna give you the inside scoops on my neighborhood. Let's start with our den.

We have 2 flights of stairs to run up and down and two patios where I can oversee my domain. I have a food bowl, a water bowl, a bed in the living room, a bed on the patio, and a bed in mamma and daddy's room. Personally, I think they should let me on their bed, but they have this "thing" about being "alpha." Whatever. I have some toys, but I only like the Kong, and only when it's stuffed with kibble and peanut butter.

Every morning, before it's even light out, Dad drags me to the park and forces me to pee. Then I go back to sleep, and Mamma and I come out when it's much brighter. Here's my park:

A little FYI, the chipmunk thingy is the best place to pee.

Almost every day, we go to the beach.

The beach is awesome because there are about a million things to sniff. If I haven't just had a bath, Mamma lets me go in the water. Some of the best things to do on the beach are pee and poop! If you're really lucky, you might find a dead fish or crab to sniff, but do NOT try to eat it, cause Mamma gets right pissed. Mamma took pics of me doing some fun things:
-Hunting sea birds. I am an excellent hunter, I've just had bad luck so far. I'm pretty sure I'll catch that bird tomorrow.

-Hunting sea weed. This one is easy, cause it can't fly like those darn birds. Also, you might think sea water LOOKS tasty, but no matter how many times I try it, I just can't develop the taste. Maybe next time...

We also like to visit the sea wall.

There are a lot of great places to pee here, and other dogs think so too. Sometimes, Mamma has to wait cause there are so many great smells and other dogs to meet. There are funny creatures here that come up out of the water, with big metal tubes on their backs, but then they talk, and they sound just like people, so who knows!?!?

People like to paint pictures on the wall, here's the one Mamma thinks is the funniest:

Thanks for coming along with me. I'm gonna go try and convince Mamma that I need some peanut butter for all this hard work.

Little Man

2006-03-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

It's not knit-related, but I have to post about my dog. He's so sweet.

Here's the debut of our little man, Barley.

He has many aliases, including but not limited to:
Little Man
Beast (also: Vicious Beast and Wildebeest)
Big Guy
the Lt's dog (when he's bad)
My dog (when he's good)
Goony
Fraggle Rock
Fuzz butt

We SO hit the jackpot with this dog. The funny thing, is that I wanted a small, female, shorthaired dog, and he's none of those things! But, he is sweet, calm, loving, extremely well-behaved and an all-around great dog. He's a total mamma's boy, and follows me everywhere I go.

Here he is wearing his "how sweet am I? You know you want to pet me for about an hour" face.

Tails, Small & Large

2006-02-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Japanese lesson:
1. Tail: Shippo
2. Big: Oki
3. Small: Skoshi

So, first I'll talk about knitting, because that's what you're here for, right? Currently there are some things on the needles, namely the Eris cardigan and the Olympic-socks-of-which-we-do-not-speak. The Eris is laying in a wooly puddle on the coffee table patiently waiting for me to work on it. The OSOWWDNS's...well, let's just say they very nearly went to live with the fishies.

The only thing keeping me knitting are the projects I have in the future. I wouldn't want to get all out of practice for when they get here. The Lt says I have to finish both the cardigan and the OSOWWDNS's before I can cast on for the new stuff. I don't think he knows me very well. What knitter finishes one thing before she starts the next? What sense does that make? I guess it's a good thing it's travelling all the way from France!

I got on the Phildar site and ordered me up some French summer fun. No, there will be no Henri or Jacques joining me this summer, just some linen and viscose. (Only a knitter will read that sentence and say "ooo, linen!" instead of awwww-ing in pity and disappointment.) Here's what's on my horizon; a lacy open-work v-neck sweater (Printemps 2 no. 446, modele no. 09a), and a lacy cabled shrug (Printemps 2 no. 446, modele no. 28a).
The only thing is that the patterns will be in french. Oh well, I've been wanting to work on my french, right? Good thing I found these nifty translators.

OK, small tails: done. Large tails:

Yesterday the Lt and I went whale watching. Every year, humpback whales migrate through the East China Sea on their way north, right past Okinawa. So, we contributed to Eco-tourism, and went to check them out. We were not disappointed! It even stopped raining just for our tour. BTW, Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula ROCKS. These are some of my best photos, and they still don't capture the size and grace of the whales. Considering I was taking a picture of moving whales from a rocking AND moving forward boat, they came out pretty well.

We saw 3 whales, a mother & calf pair joined by another whale. We got to see them spyhopping and breaching. Imagine the strength it takes to propel 30 tons of whale out of the water!
Spyhopping:

Breaching:

It was amazing. They are so huge and seemed so gentle. At one point, the captain turned the boat off, and they came very close, maybe 10-15 yards away. They were relatively curious about us, checking us out.

They were the exact steely blue gray of the water, their markings were the exact color of the sky reflecting off of the water, and their dorsal fins are the exact shape of the waves. As if by design....

If you've ever tried to take action shots with a digital camera, you'll know it's all about timing. With a film camera, you push, it clicks. Not so much with the digi's. In a true feat of timing, I managed to catch a few shippo shots.

Better than Christmas

2006-02-11T22:55:00.000-08:00

This has been one awesome goodie filled weekend chez moi. On Friday I forced myself out of the house because I was SURE there would be more than bills and crappy catalogs in the mailbox. THERE WAS!

I am the proud owner of my very own Amyville sushi stitchmarkers. Behold the almost intolerable level of cuteness:

These were right in my box, as they are small. But, there was also a little slip telling me they were holding another box for me. THERE'S MORE?!?!? Score! So I saunter up and hand the Marine my slip and ID, and he shimmies back with a tidy box marked "Yarn and Chocolate." Double Score! It's from my Secret Pal!! I do not lie to you when I say I did a little happy dance right there in the Military Post Office on Camp Foster, amidst several testosterone laden jarheads. Here's what I got:

There's three balls of ON-Line Merino Soft in a juicy tangerine color, and two balls of LIME green linen. To top it all off she's fattening me up with two bars of Perugina and Lindt dark chocolate. Um, Secret Pal? I LOVE YOU.

I think Secret Pals get a certain clairvoyance. This is my first SP, so I'm pretty sure I don't have the gift yet. But, I'm always reading blogs saying "how did my SP know....?" Well, how did MY SP know I'm dying to try out linen? Right now the linen is raw and crunchy and, quite frankly, zesty. It seems to want to become a tightly knitted bag that I may dip in starch so it has lots of structure. But, then again, I keep hearing about how soft linen gets after you wash it. I'm afraid to sacrifice even one little yard to swatch'n'wash as a test.

I don't know if you can tell in my awesome photo, but the merino yarn is very different. It's almost woven into a tiny little rope, with lots of stretch. It's got a great light feel to it, not like fuzzy or warm. I think this may end up in a tee so it will be warm in the A/C, but still crisp for the steamy sauna that Okinawa becomes May thru September. I'm thinking of putting it with bright white so that the colors really pop. Bonus, it has a great floral scent on it. Secret Pal, you smell nice.

Don't judge me, you all know you rub your new yarn on your cheek and sniff it to take in the wooly goodness. And if you don't, you should.

I also scored the Friends complete series on DVD via the Lt for Valentine's Day. That will come in handy for the olympics, as we don't yet have network TV. We're signed up, but not sure when it'll happen. My Olympic socks are coming right along. Here's a starting gate pic for you:

I forced myself to wait until Saturday morning to cast on, as the Lt and I suck at math, and couldn't figure out the time difference between Italy and Japan. Sad, but true.

You Might Wanna Sit Down for This One

2006-02-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

An FO! What? She knits? Like with actual yarn and actual needles and actual k2tog's?

That's right, people. I knit. It's not just something I SAY I do. You know, like ruling the world and climbing Tibetan mountains.

Oh. Wiseguys. You want proof, you say? You can't handle the proof. (yes, I really just went there.)

I hereby christen this project: The Lt's Ancient Scarf.

I call it this because I really started it 5 years ago as my very first learn-to-knit scarf. You know, the very same garter stitch scarf we all learned to knit on. See, the thing is, I realized very early in my knitting career that I hate working in garter stitch. Did then, do today. So, I moved on to bigger and better things (a roll-brim baby hat in Noro Kureyon*) and blocked out the scarf.

*I learned to knit from a very progressive group of ladies at a FABULOUS teensy little yarn shop in New Orleans called the Quarter Stitch. They do not screw around with silly things like acrylic or patterns. My first pattern consisted of casting on "however many you feel like, sweetie." I learned to knit on hand-spun alpaca. My second project was in Noro Kureyon. What a luscious intro to yarn, eh?

ANYWAY...so I finally decided to finish the damn scarf. I dig it out of it's marination bag, and try to frog it, because every stitch was hideous. (And that's hard to accomplish on alpaca!) Well, the yarn was shot. OH NO!! This means I have to buy MORE alpaca!! Three delicious skeins (or was it 6?) of Blue Sky alpaca later, and this is what we've got. A thick fluffy gorgeous navy-grey-&-moss scarf for the Lt.

Some more pics and Japan stuff for you. These were all taken at/near the far northern tip of Okinawa, called Zanpa. It's gorgeous and blue and slate and really damn windy. Like, Chicago wind looks like a wussy little puff compared to this wind. The wind here is icy and biting and will cut through steel. Wool? This wind says "Bah" and waves it's paw at wool. I am not a fan of venturing out into this type of wind.

It happens that my husband has a particular affinity/obsession with taking horrendously unflattering photos of me suffering in this exact wind. Luckily for him, he brought me this beautiful lace scarf from Russia last summer. Not luckily for me, lace is full of holes. Here we see Russian Refugee Ashley:

There are photos of me from our trip up the California coast line where my lips are blue and my hair is blown literally horizontal from the wind.

However, he does have mad skilz capturing other items that look really beautiful in the wind. He got a lot of pretty shots of the coast line with cliffs and "roiling seas" and such, but the scale is just not done justice. I leave you with this postcard worthy shot:

In America You Might...

2006-02-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'alls. I'm finally online at my very own townhouse with my very own computer in my very own spare bedroom/office/seasonal clothes storage/linen repository.

First things first: the Dale gift is DONE!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm wrapping it and sending it on it's long long journey today. It's too adorable, and now that it's done I'm inspired to give a more complicated Dale pattern a shot. We'll see.* I'll put up an official FO posting with pics and details when it's been received.

*There's a dilema here, as I've banned all gift knitting for 2006. 2006 is All About Ashley. As selfish as that sounds, in my 5 years of knitting I've worked myself up a whopping
-hat
-scarf
-sock (just one, and TOO small, at that...)
-tank top.
Oh yeah, and a felted purse, but that's IT. Oh, and a camera case, but that's so small and was done with leftovers so, does it really even count? So, I don't think it's a terrible thing. But would knitting up a Dale pattern with advanced colorwork and steeks really be a gift when I really just want to see if I can pull it off while maintaining even the tiniest bit of a grip on reality?

Also, I've joined up in the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics. While there are some Captain Insane-O's out there knitting norwegian things with steeks and herrings and fjords, I have decided on a different challenge for myself: my first complete pair of socks. At my current knitting rate, it will be just that: a challenge. The Lt is quite proud that I've "decided to take my knitting to the competitive level."

Now, I've got to tell you about Japan. First, if you ever get the chance to go to Japan, you HAVE to. I realize it's a helluva splurge for the vast majority of us, but it's so awesome. You will laugh at everything you see. In a good natured and very culture-appreciative way of course. Here's some examples for you:

In America you might buy a Coke or Dr. Pepper at a drink machine. In Japan, you can find those, but you're more likely to find an assortment of green teas and coffees. The coffees are actually quite tasty. The green teas, not so much. In America, you might find this vending machine at the 7-11, in the mall, or at the post office. In Japan you find them literally on every street corner, with 2 in between. In America, you would never pull your car to the curb, thereby blocking traffic, while you take care of your caffeine jones. In Japan, this is de rigeur. (More on Japanese driving at a later date...)

In America, your van might be taller than you are. In Japan, that's just a silly American version.

In America, you might drive an EX. In Japan, you'll be behind the wheel of an Exciting Version.

In America, God help you if you drive a Daihatsu. In Japan, you can pimp it in a Daihatsu Naked. (BTW, those two characters at the top of the plate say Oki Nawa, and the yellow plate means it's a 3-cylinder.)

In America, it's highly frowned upon to drive your ATV to work. In Japan, whatever man.

In America, when out for a sushi dinner, you might have a tough time deciding between the rainbow roll and another tekka maki. In Japan, you have a whole other option: the Salted Sea Squirt.

Notice also the guppies over tofu in the the lower left corner. This is the most family-friendly pic I could give you. This same menu also included broiled pig toes and horse meat sashimi. Eeewww with a shivvvvvvver.

In America, Spam is sold everywhere, but no one knows who buys it. (Except in Hawaii, where it's everyone!) Here in Japan, Spam is a special special meat-type item, and can be found in very fancily wrapped gift boxes. (But then, so can Tide and Mr. Clean.) Just like in the States, they love flavored Spam.

I SO wish I had a pic of the Christmas Spam. But, the Japanese are EXTREMELY polite, and the Christmas Spam was on very prominent display in the middle of the store, and I was afraid they would think me a big-rude-uncouth-amazon-slash-honky if I was laughing and taking pics of their gift spam. So, I lurked in the spam aisle like a spam-criminal and took my little spam-porn photos.

And now, just because I ADORE this picture, here's one of me and my Lt.

WAIT!

2006-01-26T21:15:00.000-08:00

Still alive. Actually thriving here in Japan. I'm getting to know my way around our little suburb, and we have an official home, meaning we put curtains up.

The More-Sweaters-For-Less-Yarn plan has reached a new development. Let's just say the filet-o-fish and large fries plan isn't working out. The Lt and I have decided to do Body-for-LIFE starting 1 Feb. 12 weeks of fun. But, at the end I'll be hot and bikini ready.

The knitting is going. STILL working on the Dale gift. STILL working on the Eris cardigan. I'll lose some knitting steam, and then attack it again.

Get this: I have a CRAFT CLOSET!!! That's right, my very own yarn storage room. I'll put pics up someday. The only bad part, is that now the entire stash is on display any time the Lt gets curious as to how much wool is in the house. Hm... Must think of some type of yarn disguising devise.

Barley is doing SO well! We have started letting him off his leash at the park, so he can sniff and sniff and sniff. Right now my fave command is "wait." That means he stops what he's doing and sits and waits for the "OK" release. We're currently working on getting him to do it off leash and at a distance from us.

How sad that I just wrote twice as much about the dog as the knitting. I swear this will stay a knitting blog!

Just sent something to my secret pal, and am so excited to see that mine has something on the way to me!!!!!!! This is so fun! Let me just say that customs forms are interesting when you are trying to obscure your identity. I hope they don't think I'm some kind of yarn-criminal!

Gotta go now.

SP7

2006-01-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

I've hijacked a friend's internet connection for a few minutes so that I could find out about my spoilee, post for my spoiler, and look for a job. But I have my priorities in order, so I'm doing this first!! Don't rat me out to the Lt.

1. Are you a yarn snob? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Yes and no. For me, and my knitting pleasure, it's all natural. I love wool, alpaca, cotton, and blends. I thing RH and LB have their rightful home in knitting, mostly for things that need to be virtually indestructable, i.e. stuff for kids. I've never actually fininshed anything in 100% acrylic, because I just hate the feel of it being knit.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? NO!! I am loathe to try spinning, because I think I'd fall in love and have another expensive hobby. I can't crochet to save my life, and have passed many beautiful patterns because they involved crochet.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Some are in a big plastic bin, some are in a big cloth envelope, and the lucky ones are in a needle case. It's very sad, really.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for just over 4 years. I consider my finishing techniques to be just under intermediate, but I'm generally unafraid of any pattern, and would be low-advanced. What I mean to say is that, I'll try any pattern, it's not advanced technique that turns me off to something.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, but I forget where it is. I'll put it on the blog later.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I'm picky about this kind of stuff. I don't like anything too sweet or too musky or too anything. I generaly like "green" herby type fragrances. I LOVE lavender, and jasmine, but only the REAL stuff, no synthetic pathetic attempts to duplicate.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I've never met a carbohydrate that I didn't love. I love dark dark chocolate. Like, Lindt 70% cocoa bars. And honey. I love honey.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I like scrapbooking, but knitting is my main passion.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like anything but death metal and gangsta rap. My CD collection ranges from Abba to John Mayer to Mary J. Blige to Tim McGraw.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love greens, the more acidic the better, think lime zest or Extra chewing gum. I also like pink, ice blue, deep pumpkin orange and chocolate brown. I really hate beige. It's only appropriate for aran sweaters. Other that that, I'm game to try it out!

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm married, and we've got a dog.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? As much as I love patterns for all these things, I just don't actually wear them. Well, maybe gloves, I would wear those.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love Karabella Aurora 8, and I also really loved some Lorna's Laces I used. They are both really yummy.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I don't like "novelty" yarns. Anything that has eyelashes but no eyes is "no bueno."

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I don't really have one. Maybe cardigans?

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like to knit baby clothes, because it's such instant gratification.

17. What are you knitting right now? Oh, confession time. I've got an aran cardigan, a Dale layette, and a scarf on the needles right now. I've also got 350 yards of sock weight in the stash that is calling my name.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!!!!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? NOT plastic.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes.

22. How did you learn to knit? I went into the Quarter Stitch in the French Quarter, and said, "How do you knit?" They showed me, and I was hooked. My first yarn was alpaca, that might explain the addiction.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? Until recently, my oldest UFO was the alpaca scarf I learned to knit on. A couple of months ago, I frogged it, and salvaged what I could for use at a later date.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? No fave animated character, my fave animal is the tied between the honeybee and the bumblebee.

25. What is your favorite holiday? Duh, Christmas. Is there any other holiday?

26. Is there anything that you collect? I collect mercury-glass christmas ornaments. Think Christopher Radko.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None, but Interweave Knits would never go unread.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Books: Weekend Knits, Handknit Holidays. Yarns: any cashmere, or Lorna's Laces.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? The ultimate way to weave in yarn ends. I feel like I'm doing it wrong.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I have knit one sock. I wear a size US9 shoe, and my feet are average width.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) July 4th.

Instant Family

2005-12-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

So, we're in a family way. Not THAT family way. But, we're a family now, cause we got a DOG. Ha! I freaked you out with that, right. Yeah, I freaked myself out a little, too.

His name is Raindrop, he's a mutt, about 35 lbs and adorably scruffy. He was named by a young child, and we will be rechristening him Barley, cause he's kind of barley colored. Also, he looks Irish to me, and I didn't want to name him after beer or whiskey. We get him on the 29th, after we move into our apartment.

That's right, we got a home, too. See what I mean about this family stuff. Next, people are going to start referring to us as adults and expecting us to eat veggies and get to bed at "a decent hour." Yeah, right, we got old like 3 years ago and stared going to bed at 8:30 and complaining about how we could be more regular and need to eat less salt. It's tragic, really.

We got a great 3-story town-house, a block from the ocean, a block from the dog-park, a block from the day-spa, and a block from the sushi joint. I may never return to the states. I shall spend my days thirsty from too much soy sauce, in the sun on the beach, scratching my dog's ears, with freshly painted island scenes on my soft pedi'ed tootsies. Ahhh.

The town-house is newly constructed and is very western-style. Meaning it doesn't have a toaster-oven sized stove in a kitchen fit more for a small sailing schooner than a land-lubbin' house, and that the bath-tub will fit my "western size" booty* and will not be mistaken for an indoor bird-bath. I'm not kidding either. I would have taken a photo of this TINY (I mean tiny - get it, lowercase letters. Ha. yeah, I'm a dork.) bath tub, but I was afraid Mr. Miyagi** would think I was rude. For anyone other than a pygmy to fit into it, you'd have to sit with your knees under your nose. How relaxing.

*For those of you that came up with bovine and or equine images of my booty: I bite my thumb at you.

**Not kidding. Miyagi is a common name on Okinawa.

Knitting news: there is still much work on the Dale gift. I'm with Alison on the "toothpicks and dental floss." In fact just last night, I lost my freaking mind after dropping like 8,564,972 stitches. In the round. In 1X1 rib. On two circulars. In size ZERO. I felt much better after flinging the damn thing from a bridge and tossing back a stiff shot of bourbon. Seriously, tho, would it be tacky to give your oldest friend's first-born a one-sleeved cardigan in February?

Japanese lesson:

1. Dog: Inu. Pronounced EE-nu.
2. Nose: Hana. Pronounced HA-na.
3. Flower: Hana. Pronounced ha-NA. Sneaky, eh?

In America, when you refer to yourself, you point to your chest. In Japan, you should point to your hana (nose).

In America, regardless of what our mothers tried to teach us, we refer to other people by pointing. In Japan, they see this as very rude. Instead, you use your entire hand, slightly cupped, palm up. Think: parade wave, or a "The Price is Right" spokesmodel.

In America, when we are gesturing for someone to come over to us, we wave our fingers with the palm up. In Japan, this is how you'd gesture to your inu (dog). To gesture to a person, you make the same movement, but with your palm down.

And now, I'm off to slave over some toothpicks.

Japanese Knitting Books!!

2005-12-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

I found some! Yesterday, a I went with 2 of my new girlfriends to the "Jusco Mall." It's a Western style mall, and Jusco is the anchor department store, kind of like a Mervyn's. Down near the food court there's a bookstore, I knew it was my moment. I went in, made several "konnichiwa" (good afternoon) and "arigatoo, ohayu gozaimaasu*" (thank you so much), and pointed to a book and brought out my knitting**. Next thing you know, I was in the knitting section. Yet another benefit to carrying a project around with you. The girl knew just what I was looking for, she even made knitting hand motions.

But, the moral of the story isn't just that politeness and quality knitting will get you anywhere, but that I found Japanese craft books!!! There were some really awesome ones, they all had great pictures, and were all really well priced, averaging $10! Most of them have a mix of knit and crochet, and (at a glance) the schematic drawings looked pretty clear. They use Arabic numbers and metric abbreviations, and I've got a link to Japanese knitting translations. The Lt keeps asking me why on earth an American would want Japanese knitting books. He just doesn't get it, does he?

Here's what I found:
1. Baby patterns: the majority of these are crochet. Lots of lacy, open stitch patterns.
2. Funky patterns: I'm calling them this because they are very modern patterns. Stuff like capelets, fun tanks, lots of bolero/shrug type sweaters. All gauges and smooth and furry yarns. Fun colors, lots of hats and scarves. Style: think Glampyre, or knitty's Tubey.
3. Office patterns: I'm calling them this because you could wear these to the office. (Duh, Ashley) Anyway, they are all practical, easy to wear stuff that I think a lot of us would like to knit. The kind of pattern you knit so that people at work can be wowed by your skilz. This makes them sound boring, they aren't at all. Lots of texture and color. Style: think Jaeger or knitty's Bristow.
4. Toys: I found one book of crocheted toys, and one of sewn toys. The toys in both were very cute and quirky. Kind of oddly styled, with an eye here, an ear there, extra legs and arms. Really cute. Style: think Jess Hutch.
5. Learn to Crochet. Well, that's what the pictures look like. This looks like it would be an awesome reference for any Japanese crochet pattern you want to try. It's got very clear drawings of each stitch, with the stitch name in bold kanji. You could also compare it side-by-side to an American crochet reference to make it even clearer.

If you're interested in a book (or 10), let me know, and I'll get one flying your way. If there's something specific you want (quilting/paper crafts/shamisen sheet music), let me know that too, and I'll look for it. If you want a knitting bag, let me know what colors and style, and your price range, and I'll look for that too. OH NO!!! NOT MORE SHOPPING!!! Plus, I get to spend YOUR money. The dollar is stronger than the yen right now (Y118 to $1), so I try to think of everything I buy as 18% off. I'm not here to make money off you, just hook my peeps up with cool stuff, so you pay what I pay. I'll probably end up with at least one of these books in the near future, so if you want to see pics***, that's cool.

*Japanese Lesson: Where you see me double up on the vowels, that doesn't make the vowel long, as we know it in English. It draws the sound out to double length. It's not "ari-GAT-o", with a short choppy "o," but "ari-GAT-ooooh" with a carried out "o" sound. So, with gozaimaasu, (silent U, don't ask, I'll let you know when I find out...) you say it with a chopped go-, a chopped -zai-, and a carried out 'masu:" go-ZAI-maasu"

** See, I've been carrying around the super-secret Dale gift. As the needles and yarn are painfully tiny, it is taking FOREVER, so I work on it every bleeding chance I get.

*** The LT has mentioned buying a computer this weekend!!! We'll probably have an apartment next week, so that means pictures soon! I think I have about 50 pictures in the queue, so that'll be some fun posting.

Gai-jin

2005-12-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

We are gai-jin: foreigners. In a country as homogenous as Japan, you really stand out if you look anything but 100% Japanese. As much fun as it is to explore new things, I must admit I'm glad to be on an island with 50,000 other gai-jin to help me "blend." I hear Japanese school-children bully other kids who looks different. Imagine going to school and everyone has straight black hair, olive skin and black eyes; growing up never seeing someone with blonde hair and light eyes, or dark skin and curly hair. (At first it's just sort of surreal. But, then, I had these visions of a hundred little Japanese school-kids running after Goldilocks, and now it's all very funny in a Children of the Corn way. Yes, I'm insane...)

However comma pause for dramatic effect. I also find myself surprised at the diversity here. Not so much race/ethnicity, obviously, but in other subtle and really beautiful ways. There's a lot of different "looks." Subtle differences in hair color, every shade of brown and black you can imagine. Chestnut, mahogany, espresso, and blacks from flat brown-blacks to oily-blue-black like a raven. Skin tones vary from nearly ivory to dark and swarthy, almost east Indian. The Japanese have great, expressive faces, from long and stoic, to round and open. Japanese babies are heart-breakingly gorgeous, all fat cheeks and fuzzy black hair.

The personal style of the average Japanese is anything but average. Many people go through their day-to-day lives in "normal" clothes, slacks, skirts etc. It's common to see elderly people in traditional clothes, i.e. a tunic type top and comfortable pants, flat shoes and short hair. The kids wear "catholic school-girl" uniforms to school, usually with Converse All-Stars. The college-age, 20-somethings: fuggedaboudit. There is everything from mini-mini-skirts with knee-high boots and inch-thick eyeliner, to ultimate boho with woven shirts, skater-baggy jeans and a head-wrap knit from recycled-silk. Most young Japanese women look fabulous, with great accessories and an "interesting" mix of separates. If an American woman would say it almost matches, a Japanese woman will pull it off and look great doing it.

The entire time I was writing this post, I doubted whether I'd even publish it. "What will they think of me?" Am I a typical American, looking for Coca-cola and velveeta everywhere I go? I probably sound pretty scandalous or horribly uncultured. I know I'm not, but will "they?" Well, you're all my friends, and I know you won't. We've all experienced new things, and we all know that half the fun is learning about something else, and the other half is learning about yourself.

I know I surprised myself with this, because I realized I had thought all Japanese looked alike - gasp. I like think it's more like I know stereotypes exist, and am willing to 'fess up that each of us has prejudices and ideas about people and places that are strange to us. Hell, I'm at least as guilty of this as the next guy. It's one thing to go travel somewhere that's very like your home, say from the U.S. to England, and be amused at the subtle differences that seem so big. It's quite another to visit a land that is everything your hometown is not. You end up seeing that no matter how unbiased you might think you are, you aren't, and you might surprise yourself, too.

Me, I refuse to be over here and gloss over the differences in a "dahling, I am so world-weary that I hahdly notice the Japanese are even Japanese" kind of way. I want to learn about them and celebrate them. I hope you find these type of entries an interesting look into another culture.

Konichiwa!

2005-12-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

That's Good Afternoon in Japanase, coming to you from Japan.

We got here safely, at about 4:00 in the afternoon. By the time we got through customs and to our room, it was 6:30, and we were beat. There was surprisingly little knitting on the long plane ride, and I nearly had a melt down at Jo-Ann's right before we left. I need ONE little tiny ball of Lion Brand Microspun, or else the Technicolor Dream Sweater will only go up to his armpits, and the Jo-Ann's we stopped at on the way to the airport had every yarn in the Lion Brand fleet BUT Microspun. I officially hate that specific Jo-Ann's. I'm only buying the one ball because I'm too lazy to redesign and frog the front, and I'm dreading it, because I know I have a snowball's chance in hell on the dye-lot. But, I digress!

It's awesome here! Everywhere I go, I'm taking pictures of any little thing you can
imagine. It's like the stereo-typical Japanese tourist, only in reverse. Everything here is adorable, from the babies to the cars to the Cinnamaroll. The clothes here are also very cool. Unfortunately, I will never be able to wear any of them. The average woman is about 5'2", and wears size 4. They are all very tiny. I'm thinking of buying some stuff and just framing it.

Japanese women are very into "Kawaii." Kawaii (Kah-WAH-eeee) means cute, 4-year-old girl type of cute. Grown women will dress up like little girls, pigtails, pink socks and all, because it's kawaii. So, you can imagine that Hello Kitty and all her friends are fantastically popular. You can even buy some cars in a Hello Kitty version.

The cars here are awesome. Just today on the expressway, I saw a Honda "That's", a Suzuki "Naked" and a charter bus with "Powertard Brakes." All the new cars look like teeny milk trucks, boxy is very stylish. For some perspective on what I mean by small Japanese cars, yesterday I looked out across the bank parking lot, right over top of the minivan I was standing next too. In flat shoes. Granted, I'm 5'7", but STILL.

There's tons of knitting stuff around. Now, I have to confess that I haven't found a yarn store, and the yarn at the 100 yen (1 dollar) store was just what you'd expect at the dollar store. But, I got 2 stitch holders for 100 yen there! Nice metal ones, one 4" and one 6". I've also found about a million bags that would make great knitting bags, and the same with notions cases. They've got tons of little pencil cases, bento box type things, and little tchotchke cases that run the gamut from hobo-chic to hello kitty cute. Let me know if you're in the market for a cool Japanese knitting bag or notions case, or for that matter, anything Japanese, and I'll hook you up.

I've been knitting in public everywhere that I can, and there's definitely a huge interest in the craft. I'm thinking my idea for a little yarn boutique at the exchange could be very lucrative. The only thing that's a little turn-offy: the funky fun-fur/novelty yarn scarves that knitters know cost $15 or less to make, and sell at chi-chi boutiques for upwards of $60-75. Well, here you can find them for about $10 at the mall. This could hurt my easy-income-with-easy-scarves shtick.

Gotta go, pictures to come. Wait until you see the Japanese Biore ads!

Yes, we have no pictures today.

2005-11-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

Someday, we'll get a PC with a photo port, and with God as my witness, I'll never go photo-less again. It's like reading a real book, only without any of the literary merit.

This past week there has been much knitting. Much knitting on the Technicolor Dream Sweater, and much knitting of some make-up and notion bags. Not much knitting on the Dale gift, and absolutely not one stitch on the Eris Cardigan. I fear I shall never get to wear it. We eagerly await progress in our sleep by the benevolent knocturnal knitting kgnomes.

Make a note, all ye knitters of bags which will be lined and zippered: Do NOT, under any circumstance, sew the lining (with MILLIONS of tiny stitches) right up next and by next I mean hey baby how YOU doin' close to the zipper teeth. Because then your zipper will not work and all those stitches will have been in vain and the very thought that now you must undo them all and make them all over again with those evil pointy needles will make you want to lay in the road and eat cheesecake.

Not that I did that.

Knitting in the Afternoon

2005-11-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got together with some of my knitting buddies, and it was awesome! It was so nice to see everyone before I'm gone for who knows how long. I can't guarantee frequent trips home, it being a 14 hour flight and all!

I got to see Pam, Sara, Heather, and Melanie. I missed the Lucious Graciouses (how on earth do you pluralize that?), Illana and Eva. Illana was slaving over hot yarn and sharp needles at Jessica Knits, and Eva was out of town. Being less gracious than the LG's, I somehow managed to think I emailed them when I didn't, so, that sucks for me.

We all met out at Coffee Rush in Chandler, and I got to see some great projects. It's hard to keep yourself motivated with no other real live knitters nearby, the whole virtual motivation thing only works for me when it comes to buying yarn and casting on yet another project! Let's see, we were working on:

Me: super-secret-gift Dale project on very tiny needles.
Pam: a crocheted sweater with very pretty lacy bell sleeves.
Sarah: the still-lost points shawl. Really gorgeous magenta/purple type yarn.
Heather: feather and fan baby blanket, and healing a new tattoo!! Both are beautiful.
Melanie: seaming her argyle vest (can't wait to see it all done and debuted!), and frantically working on some gift scarves.

It was a great afternoon, and I felt so loved that everyone would come out on an off-kilter day to fling some yarn!

A Lesson in Shee-mu and Weewee Honka

2005-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

I have been a traveling lady. In the last week-and-a-half, we've gone from Virginia Beach VA to Columbus OH to Memhis TN to Orlando FL, and now I write to you from Scottsdale AZ. Whew, that's a lotta trekkin'.

Let me tell you what, I was not too good to haul ass and sprint to catch my plane this morning, because to miss it meant another week in the car. I am not a good long-distance driver or passenger. I get cranky and crabby and generally unpleasant to be around. Praise God that my husband loves me and hasn't left me on some nowhere highway for the coyotes.

I am DYING right now for that little port on the computer that my camera's memory card fits into, but this one just doesn't have it. I don't mean to brag, but I have what may possibly be the cutest nieces and nephews EVER. If only I could prove it today...alas.

While we were in Ohio, we spent time with my sister's 3 wee beasties. At 5, 2 1/2, and 1, they are fun just to observe. The two oldest are boys, and Baby-girl Sara is a princess. While we were there, we were schooled by Andrew, 2 1/2, on "Weewee Honka," and the "Poompas on the Chok-O-Lot." It has been determined that he is speaking of Willy Wonka and his Oompa-Loompas, who (according to him) are the crunchy bits on the chocolate bars. We also learned about "naked pizza night," which we plan to incorporate into our child-rearing tool-kit. Basically all the kids strip off their shirts and can dig in as messily as they want, then you just lock them out onto the patio and hose them clean. This is a big hit all around. The pizza, that is, not the hosing.

Memphis: RIBS.

Then it was on to Orlando. The Lt's older sister and her family are there, so we wanted to drop in. It was great finally getting to know her, after being with the Lt for only 5 years... Their kids are awesome, so we decided to go to SeaWorld. Works out really well, since military members and up to 3 guests get in FREE. (Thank you, Anheuser Busch.) So, we're at SeaWorld, in between the potty breaks that is, and Uncle Lt and Aunt Ashley keep talking about this Shamu person, and how cool she is. Well, who is Shamu?, we get asked. We go over to the orca tank, and can you believe that 2 orcas end up coming over and waving (fins) and nodding and showing great huge tongues and rows of seal-crushing teeth. It was really cool how they were interacting with all the kids, but I'm still not sure who was mimicking who!

It's at this juncture where we're explaining to the kids that Shamu does a show just like the dolphins do, and later we'll see her jump high and swim fast, and even get splashed by her, that Tristan, 6, says: "Um, Aunt Ashley? I think it's SHEE-mu." And the boy cannot be convinced otherwise. He is also highly skeptical of the fact that many of his peers have probably seen Shee-mu and would be interested to hear about his day at Seaworld, and will debate you for hours that he has surely seen horses MUCH bigger than the Budweiser Clydesdales. The ultimate highlight of the day: teaching your nephew a new word. When asked by his mother how big is Shee-mu?, he answered in an awestruck whisper that "she is giNORmous!"

In knitting news, the Eris cardigan is neverending. There are pros and cons of knitting your sweater in one piece. Pro: no piecing. Con: 300+ stitch rows. It takes me so long to do one little row that by the end I'm tired.

Have successfully finished some baby items from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Well, just one technically finished, the other just needs stuffed and stitched shut.

There is much progress on a Dale project on teeny tiny needles. I don't care what you sock knitters say, size 0-2 does not a car-project make.

BTW, if you haven't seen/heard Madonna's new song, it's the straight shiz, yo. What I mean is that it's an awesome, techno-disco, make you want to do the hustle right there in the bank, groove. The video is super slick, she's in full flashdance diva regalia and her body is as state-of-the-art as ever. She obviously works like a maniac, because she's got an ass that just won't quit. Love her or hate her, she's a force to be reckoned with.

Before and After

2005-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Before:
Two delicious skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Grey's Something or Other. Needless to say that I LOVE THIS YARN. Look closely for a hint at its destiny....

Destiny fulfilled. Well, almost. Mac wasn't sure why his ladies are tormenting him with fluffy leg covers when his legs are quite fluffy enough, thank you very much. And when he says fluffy, he means in the most manly and intimidating way possible.

That's better! These legwarmers are a birthday gift for my dear dear dear friend Rhonda. Mlle Rhonda spends a good portion of time waiting for the train to take her to work, and then walking from the train station to work, and back again; not to mention all the time spent at the park with Mac, who enjoys the park most at sunrise. These will keep her delicate ankles most fabulously toasty, and their cheery pinkness also reminds her that spring is coming...someday.

Also on the needle art front, your attention is invited to Rhonda's Grandmother's crotchet slippers. Rhonda was an avid "hooker" before she her time was sucked away by the evil economic necessity of work, and we should all pray she starts hooking again soon. Someday, I'll post a picture of the awesome blanket she crocheted me (refered to at the Lt's household as "Rhonda's blanket") that is so warm and toasty that the Lt will not even sit next to it on the couch.

Squash 'Em

2005-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today is National Mammography Day. So, if you are 40 or more, or have a family history of Breast Cancer, go get a mammogram. If you need to find free or low-cost mammography resources, look here for a map to lead to a facility that can help. Here's why it's so important:

This past summer, a mammogram saved my mother's life. She went in 2 months early (!!!) and they found some "calcifications" that they were concerned about. I thank God that they decided to make absolutely sure what the little dots were, because they were cancerous. They were removed and everything is perfect now, God is so good!!

Self-exams are a great early defense, but they just do not replace a mammogram. Kind of like flossing, important, but no substitute for the dentist. My mother's nearly microscopic cancerous cell groups were so small, that they had to leave a tiny "marker" next to them at the biopsy, so they could be sure to find them again. Imagine if she hadn't had a mammogram because she felt no lump....

My mother is the strongest woman I know, she's beautiful, determined, intelligent, funny, generous, loving, protective, caring, trustworthy, every single good thing you could ever dream of having in a mother, I have. She has never set anything but the ideal example, and I couldn't ask for a better guide in my life. I am so blessed to be her daughter!

This weekend, (after your mammogram?), think about Heather and Eva, who are out there right now walking for a cure. Pray for good weather, happy feet, and millions of pairs of healthy breasts!

Mind: Blown

2005-10-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm up late knitting...shocked, aren't you. Yeah, I'm a night owl, whatever. Anyway, I'm watching Animal Planet, because I brake for furry things. And scaly things, and turtles, and birds, and I once cried when I drove through a group of butterflies. Pathetic, I know.

ANYWAY, I'm watching this show called "When Animals Talk" with Jane Goodall. You know, the chimp lady. You MUST watch this show, you will be amazed. The best part is at the beginning, about the African Grey Parrot called N'Kisi, because he talks. No, not just talks, but speaks. Like, forms sentences and expresses his own thoughts, not just polly-wanna-cracker shit. In fact, he may be better at it than I, because I was rendered speechless.

As an animal fan, I'm not sure why this has me so awe-struck, but it does. Maybe because he's not a mammal, and we all know mammals rock. I had already taken for granted that elephants mourn their dead, humpbacks sing complex and evolving songs, and dogs have a near-psychic connection with their people, but the bird thing is fricking awesome.

So, that's about it. I've shared what I needed to share. Knitting content and more shopping info later.

Mostly Ranting and Psychobabble

2005-10-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Non rant:
So, it's taco night at the Lt house, and it never once occured to me to get beans when I made the grocery stop for the supplies. Isn't it funny how you get so set in your ways, i.e. the way you've had taco night your whole life (beanless), and then you get married and suddenly you need beans. Not normal posting material, but I'm sure all you marrieds/attacheds can relate.

Rant:
Spent another weekend day at the blasted mall. Beginning to hate that place. The afterglow of the new jeans was stripped most unceremoniously from me today. Still loving the jeans, just hating the mall. Transferring the mall-hate to the curves. ....Internal dialogue: that's negative, don't go there.... There's one for the shrink.

Desperately needing tops. Sounds simple, right? Run by the mall, find some cute shirts, wear, and look impossibly chic and pulled together. Reality: spend 3 hours at the mall, find a bunch of see-through tweeny tops with spaghetti straps and sequins around the HIPS. Whose door step do I put the flaming bag of dog poo on for THAT idea?

Is it just me, or do you walk into a store and screech "WTF?" when confronted with a sheer fall line? Who wears see-thru in Nov, in VIRGINIA? What's with the spaghetti straps? Why is everything so horribly fucked up? Why is it that the largest tops at a regular store are too small, and the smallest tops at Lane Bryant are too big? Why do clothing manufacturers take a size 2 blouse and simply expand it for a size 12? Does it occur only to me that more than just the width changes? Is it just me, or are stylish clothes seemingly marketed to a peri-pubescent size 00, 4 foot 10 imp? What is the 20-something girl to do? I feel like I either try to impersonate Hilary and Linday (I shudder at the thought) or style myself after Oprah and Martha. It's as if they forgot that there's literally decades of women to dress that are between 19 and 50.

So, I hit Borders on the way out. Biblio-therapy, delicious. I pick up the new Vogue knits, holiday ed., did nothing for me but irritate me further. Then I was drawn to the new Elle, with Jennifer Aniston, who I LOVE. Bonus: they tout "Curvy Chic - the best looks for your figure," which turns out to be a 5 page photo spread of some 15 year old waify bitch in wasp-waist dresses and obis. Oooh, right, I just need to dress like Donna Reed goes to Manhattan, it's all so clear now. Not even for Jennifer would I buy that, in fact, I'm thinking of writing them a scathing letter on how much they suck. BTW, I'm supremely pissed at "fashion."

Then, I consoled myself with a decaf mocha, only to dribble the damn thing all over my jeans.

The Curvy girls guide to life

2005-10-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Are you curvy? Are your hips larger than your waist? Do you have...ahem...fuller thighs? Are you less Aniston and Paltrow and more Mansfield and Monroe?

Me, too, I'm a curvy girl (CG). Boobs, hips, legs, arms, and even the little post-navel puche. (That's french for pooch.) I am all girl, and not in a million years could I put on a tie and use macara for a moustache and be taken for a guy. And, I'm ok with that. In fact, I might go so far as to say that 99 days out of 100 I love my curves, and if love is a strong word, the curves and I are great friends.

That 100th day, you ask? A day spent shopping for jeans.

Jeans have been my best friend and worst enemy for as long as I can remember. I was elated when jeans became "dress-up-able." I think they look as fab dyed dark and worn with spiky heels as they do destructed with flip-flops. However, they do NOT look fab or hot or cute or anything but flat out crap-tastic when they fit poorly. And for us curvy dames, most jeans fit poorly.

The Lt and I just spent two days trying on MANY pairs of jeans and analysing the fit so I could share with you my jeans-fitting experience of the past weekend, and some things I've learned the hard way*. And by all that I mean: So I can have some great looking new jeans.

First things first. If the legs are tapered, RUN. Run fast and far and most importantly, in the other direction. Tapered leg pants of any kind are your worst enemy. They have the double edge of often being without back pockets, both crimes against humanity. A tapered leg will only emphasize a big booty, and not in a good way; and a rear end without pockets is one broad expanse of uninterrupted butt and panty-line. OK, I'm not condoning flare-legs on everyone, but I beg you: get jeans with back pockets and at least a straight leg, if not a boot cut.

Spend as much as you can afford. The jeans I've fallen in love with, worn the most, and fit the best have all been "investment" jeans. My longest lasting faves: Banana Republics, my newest addition: Lucky Brands. If you happen upon a great pair at Tar-jay, good on you. Not knocking Target, it's my fave store. Just, no luck with jeans there.

Next: discard size. Who really cares if the jeans are size 4/10/16/whatever if you look like a sausage? I had to get over this, it hurt, but now I have some jeans that make me look like one hot little twinkie. First fit issue for CG's: find the size that fits your hips, then thighs. Once you discover that magic number, you have a great starting point as you move from store to store.

Once the hips are covered with close, but not tight!!!, denim, look at your thighs. Are they wrapped tight enough to avoid freezer burn? NO!! Is the fabric smooth against your skin, yet still with enough room to not tell that you haven't shaved your legs in a week? YES!! For my "muscular" thighs, the key to this is ROOM IN THE KNEES. Who knew the knees were so crucial to good jeans? Trust me, a little room in the knees will make your legs look well proportioned and balanced, which will make you look smaller all over. The closeness does the same thing, skim the curves: streamline.

We've got a pair that fit the hips, thighs and knees. Now we move to our private bits. Do you have enough fabric in the crotch to cover a well-endowed Russian? Chuck em. Does the booty gap, sag, suck, or otherwise look crappy? Chuck em. Do you have a gap between your lower back and the jeans? I say, keep looking. But, if it's less than about 2 inches, it can be fixed by a seamstress, just make sure she hides it behind the belt loop. I think more fabric than that might look awkward after alterations.

I had good luck this weekend with Lucky Brand jeans, some Banana Republics (NOT the "trouser cut"), Lane Bryant, and the Gap Curvy Fit wasn't awful. The Lane Bryants were amazing, but too high waisted for my taste. I ended up going with the Lucky's, much to my husband's VISA's chagrin. But, he did compliment me, totally off the cuff, for such a finely clad booty while at Target today.

In other CG dressing news:
-I know Oprah and Tyra have both hit this one recently, but get a good bra. There are not words for what this alone can do for your figure. Hooters rock, let's hold 'em up in style
-Do you want some Knee high boots, but the ones at the mall are too small? This issue has been plaguing me for 2 years now. Want some saucy boots to wear with saucy skirts, and finally found some to fit my super-curvy calves, from DUO boots. Another investment, but they are so hot. I'm saving up right now...

* I am by no means eligible to host "What Not to Wear" But, I did find some awesome jeans this weekend, and learned a lot about flattering my curvy figure vs looking frumpy in loose jeans or skanky in too tight ones.

Row Gauge and Astro-Turf

2005-09-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

It seems the "Twist" is not the cardigan the deep-berry wool is destined to become. F-ing row gauge. F-ing 1600 yards. F.

I can get exactly 19 stitches per 4 inches, but get a whopping 28 rows per 4 inches when I need only 24. W.T.F. So, it's back to Enis by Girl From Auntie. As I chose PayPal E-Check, I won't get the pattern until tomorrow, even tho I ordered it 2 days ago. Exasperated sigh.

But, in further Twist news, as I am BOUND and DETERMINED to have one before next summer (Hi, I'm QT, and I'm a realist.), I think I may have discovered the yarn for it. Fingers are crossed. It's beautiful and hand-painted and best of all: glittery. Of course, I can't find it online, but trust me, it ROCKS.

I also learned an important lesson today re: keeping yourself photographically armed at all times, because words do not begin to do this event justice. I was leaving the library today, and found myself confronted with an amazing sight. You'll never guess, so here it is: a toyota tercel covered in royal blue astroturf. With a "Big Pimpin'" bumper sticker.

The Humanity!

2005-09-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Things in the knitting universe of QTPurl2T (and what other universe IS there??) are going well. Well, sort of. See for yourself:

In bibliophile news, I am generally not reading so that I can knit. Kind of sad, but true. However, Borders graced me with a 25% off of a hardcover coupon, so Himself and I each printed a copy. He got Salman Rushie's Shalimar the Clown, I got Last Minute Knitted Gifts. They are both technically for me, even though the Lt does enjoy the Rushdie. The other week, I tore through Jodi Picoult's Harvesting the Heart. If you've never read Rushdie or Picoult, give it a shot. Their styles couldn't be further apart, but they are both great. Rushdie's fiction is amazingly intricate, almost fairy-tale-ish. Very Sheherezade. Picoult writes about relationships, and has a knack for getting right in there. I always lose myself in her stories, and am usually an emotional wreck until a day or two after I finish the book. But ANYWAY....

The Technicolor Dream Sweater is chugging right along. The stripe pattern is working out nicely, and I'm just starting the chart for the front. Wow. Making your own intarsia chart is a lot of work. It really makes you face head on your limitations as a first time charter. But, I chart on, undeterred.

The Mentor Scarf is done and is beautiful, Scarf Style rocks. I used the Shippo pattern, in Lion Brand Incredible. It works up really prettily, very sparkly/shimmery. In other almost related book news: I scoped out Wrap Style at Borders the other week. SUCKS. WTF on the capelets? I so don't get those things. I guess if I was a 90 lb waif with no worries about looking like a linebacker, I'd be on it. Or, if I could confidently leave the house with out having to worry about needing to move my shoulders. But, alas, this is not the case.

There is also bad news on the Vogue Knitting Cardigan front. So sad. It turns out that the size that will allow me to button the cardi over "the Girls" (wink wink) will be so huge over the rest of me that I would look just plain silly. And of course, the size that will fit everywhere else will not button nicely over said Girls. Well, I refuse to spend $100 and countless hours of knitting, blocking and piecing on a sweater that fits poorly. So, imagine my delight when I saw Mlle Bonne Marie's new pattern "Twist!" I've known the VK Cardi was a lost cause for a couple of weeks now, and have been searching for a new cardi pattern (as the tweedy yarn is not really "against bare skin" kind of yarn, know what I mean?). It was very nearly Girl From Auntie's Eris, but I could not get PayPal to work. For 3 days in a row. Way I see it, that's an omen or something. So, even tho the Lt prefers the Eris, I've gotta go with Twist. Something about not liking the "neck flap." He means the collar. The pattern is currently getting settled on my hard drive.

Am also thinking about Knitty's Blackberry for a dear friend who's pregnant. I figure no matter how big her bump gets, this will fit all winter long, and even after La Princess arrives in February.

Ah, so much yarn, so little time.

Vogue Knits, where did I go wrong?

2005-09-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Another post without pics. Read further at your own risk.

So, there I was, knitting happily away on my VK cardi in yummy yet scratchy aubergine tweed, and then there I was again, and again.... Does this sleeve have no end point? So I yank out the measuring tape and the pattern to find the problem. No, the problem was not that I was knitting without the pattern. I was on the decrease rows of a raglan sleeve, and all was as planned. Sheesh.

Sure enough, this sleeve is massive. I mean, truly ginormous. Like I still have several inches to knit, and the thing will already warm my knuckles. Then, there's the collar still. I think they had this thing in mind for the Grape Ape. After much measuring of various bits of stitches, my gauge is right on (swatching really does pay off) and the measurements are exactly what the little schematic of the bits and peices says they should be.

Gauge Confession: ok, so I'm actually half a stitch per inch SMALLER than the pattern is, but this does not explain the massive sleeve. If anything, it should be smaller than the schematic. I digress.

Well, ladies, it turns out that there is more to sweater fit than bust measurements. The size that will button over "the girls" is WAY too big over the rest of me. The size that won't button over said girls will bit everything else pretty well.

So, I have a dilema. Do I knit the smaller size, knowing that I never button cardigans anyway, so who cares if it fits buttoned. But - will it look too small even unbuttoned? Do I modify the pattern, which I really hate doing, especially with a raglan design.... Or, do I find a new pattern? I'm thinking of a Ribby Cardi.

This so totally bums me out. I was so looking forward to be-bopping around an office somewhere looking all Samantha-the-Witch meets Career-Clothes Barbie.

In other knit news, the Technicolor Dream Sweater is slowly chugging along, and the Mentor-Scarf if nearing completion.

Project Slut

2005-09-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

That's right. I've become a project slut. Going from project to project, never using needle protectors, indiscriminantly buying yarn, and yet, I still yearn for more.

So far, the damage isn't too bad, I've only got 3 things on the needles. Pics of all to come soon...wink wink.
1. Vogue knits classic cardigan (winter 05, project 35)
2. Self-designed fair-isle and intarsia sweater for nephew
3. Scarf for my mentor's birthday

In less selfish knitting, there are soon to be needled some afghans for friends of mine whose burden of wordly possessions was greatly lightened by Hurricane Katrina. While the Red Cross does worlds, they could still use some good hand-knit love.

The VK cardigan is coming along, I'm nearly done with the first sleeve. Oh - I knit a sleeve first, it's less boring for me to do a bazillion rows of st-st that way.

This nephew-sweater, hereafter christened the Technicolor Dream-Sweater (TDS) is an exercise in math, colorwork, charting, and INSANITY. It's based off of another pattern I've already worked, it's very simple, but, of course, the gauge for the yarn I chose is nowhere near the gauge for the already written pattern. I'm working in Lion Brand Microspun, and LOVING it! It's so soft and fleecy, it feels almost sueded worked up. My inner creative imp has been kneading the idea for this sweater for about 2 months now, and it's got to get out and into some yarn. Keep your fingers crossed for me as the recipient turns 5 on Nov 5, 2005, and will need this TDS to keep toasty in Ohio.

Knitting as Cardio: Melt Fat Away!

2005-08-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Knitting a sweater is a beautiful thing, making stitches and seeing how the fabric works up. Buying the yarn for it is exciting and fun, filled with anticipation of a gorgeous creation. Paying the bill...not so much. But it is truly a "fair" deal, in that, the smaller the sweater, the less yarn needed, the smaller the bill. Not like at GAP where jeans for a 2 year old are damn near the same cost a jeans for my, ahem, curvy posterior.

So, what's the best way to automatically spend less on yarn, whether it's less Debbie Bliss merino ($$$) or Knitpicks merino ($)? Get smaller! So, you'll join me on my "more sweaters with less yarn" journey, and I encourage your encouragement.

I'm gonna be totally up-front with you here: I do not diet. I LOVE food, I LOVE to eat. Nothing short of chinese water torture makes me more miserable than counting calories and fat grams. I love carbs and flat out refuse to eat low-cal/no-cal crappy tasting dressing. Fresh baked bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil is a gift from God. In my defense, I do love veggies and fruit, and healthy crap like yogurt and whole wheat. I hereby make a resolution to increase the incoming produce by 1 fruit and 1 veggie per day. That's a reasonable diet concession.

I plan to get smaller primarily via movement. I.E. less time on my butt, more time on my feet. I've already got a quick start, I got back to work this week. (Yay! This means more yarn!!) I think 25 hours a week on my feet is a good start. But, there's more. I'm living 50 yards from the beach, people. There's miles of boardwalk, and sand and surf right out my front door. I will go out onto the boardwalk for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week. I've been out there jogging a couple of times, and it's grand. The seascape is gorgeous...pictures later.

What I'm left wondering is: how much cardio comes out of flying fingers? I'll need one of those handy bags so I can knit and walk/jog at the same time. Bonus, needles can be used in self defense. Not to self: dig out the US17 bamboo "vampire stakes."

Stash Enhancement, Baybees!

2005-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Lovely Ladies,

We have some ROCKIN' SEX (Stash Enhancement Experience) goin' on here in rainy VA. Not just that, but I have some WIP's to enhance your yarn/knitting porn surfing experience. It's all about you. And by "all about you," I mean "all about yarn and how I can get my hands on more."

For a nice build up, here are the WIP's.
Our first item at hand (this pun may or may not be intended, your choice) is the remaining glove. Just to prove that the second-glove-syndrome has NOT reached epidemic proportion, there was much progress today. Not only do we have thumb stitches being held, but we are THIS close to putting the pinky stitches on hold. Truly thrilling.

Next, a Christmas present. I know, what self respecting knitter starts holiday gifts before November? This one!! Even sadder, it actually started in March. But, it was not destined for that particular project, and has recently transformed into a fab Magknits scarf. This pattern is nearly as much fun to knit as Clapotis. It's a beautiful thing when you realize (after only 4 years as a knitter...) that scarves don't have to be coma-inducing endeavors into garter stitch. The yarn in Plymouth Encore worsted in colorway Oceans. It's really pretty, and I'm working it on US10s, so it's kind of loose, and pretty soft. I've got a total of 800 yards, so there may be a hat and mittens, too. We'll see how much energy I have.

New Yarn: I got this new yarn at The Yarn Lounge. What an awesome shop! I got to meet Stewart herself, and her shy pooch Homer. They only have 2 100% synthetic yarns, she's all about the natural stuff. Tons of Rowan and Debbie Bliss, lots of yummy alpaca and alpaca blends, and some really great artisan wools, the kind of artsy yarns you see knit into funky little skinny scarves bought for several hundred dollars and flung stylishly around the necks of Jennifer and Cameron.

Here's Homer:

The moment you've all been waiting for: THE YARN.
Feast your eyes on 1800 yards of Harrisville Designs tweedy goodness, 1600 in "garnet" and 200 in "tundra." These two colors are awesome together! I'll use the "tundra" as the cast-on and cast-off yarn, for just a little bit of POP. It's a beautiful acid green color, and I love the contrast.

It's definitely cardigan yarn, being scratchy, I mean, tweedy. So, I'll be creating this:

This little beauty is from the new VK. I almost feel silly picking the plainest knit out of the entire mag, but hey, I'm somewhat practical. For cutting edge stitching, please visit Illana and Hila, the fab trendsetters.

Not gonna lie, I almost needed a cigarette after buying this yarn. I did the "I got new yarn" dance and sang the accompaniment at least twice in the car on the way home. Rhonda thinks I'm insane. I know I am.

The Purse Debut

2005-08-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

All right, here is is. The felted berry-colored merino purse. While I'm not totally in love with it, I do really like it. The colors didn't quite come out in the pictures, it's not that blue of a purple, it's more a berry-pink.

I learned SO much by doing this purse, and then using it, too.

1. The next time I DIY (Design It Yourself), I'll put more planning into it. I'll actually make a test swatch and do the math on the felting. Well, I say that now, we'll see.

2. It felted beautifully, but the merino is a very soft felt. I'm thinking of lining it with fabric backed in fusible web, to give it more structure.

3. Handle length is key. I'm very picky about where my purse sits on my figure, and this one is too long. I like to be able to hold the bag under my arm, this one hit's me right at my hip. I'm thinking of cutting the handle off, and knotting it, as if it were an i-cord handle.

4. Make sure the next time I graft a handle, that it's not twisted. That's right. The handle is permanently, irrevocably, irritatingly twisted. You can't tell when I'm carrying it, but I know, and it's annoying.

Here's the zipper pull, it started out life as a cell phone thingy, but when I saw little lobster clasp and how perfect it matched, it made the switch. Unfortunately, the zipper-pull met an early demise. I guess zipper-pull is really the wrong term, it should be called zipper decoration, I must have pulled it right apart.

There are more FO's on the way to be published, the Sartene tank, and the Clapotis. They are awaiting their respective photo shoots, and then they'll be out.

A Whirlwind Tour

2005-08-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick tour through history, geography, biology, and culture. Enjoy.

This is a shot of the Lt being attacked by a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

One of the best pics I've taken yet. Some type of exotic orchid, currently in residence at the National Botanic Gardens.

My mom and I at the Court of Two Sisters, New Orleans. This is my Bridal Brunch/Shower. My maid of honor and her mom treated us all to awesome food in a beautiful courtyard. That's not a tree we're under, it's a massive grape arbor that covers almost the entire courtyard!

The view out the window of our honeymoon suite in the French Quarter. The FQ is one of the most beautiful places, it's so romantic and kitchy and historic and lewd all at the same time.

A waterfall somewhere outside Asheville, NC. The Lt and I visited 3 or 4 waterfalls that afternoon, and they were all so beautiful. This one was massive. I think it had a drop off of around 100 feet, it made you feel about boot-top high.

Mac being a baby. He's such a teddy-bear. The funny thing is about 30 seconds after this picture, he opened up on someone for walking around in their own yard!

Indian henna painting. I got it at the Asian Festival in Reston, VA. The lady who did it was beautiful, and had the part in her hair henna'ed, and her hair too.

Glove and a Quarter

2005-08-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

So I knit one glove, and I'm halfway through the thumb gusset on the second, and life is beautiful. I love it. Love the yarn, love the colors, even love the pattern. While it's got some mistakes (math ones, so I relate), it's easily adaptable, even for a first timer. Now I just have to remember what I did on the first one, so I can do it to the second....

That's right, the yarn came from Knit Happens. It's a great shop, in a beautiful area of town. Old town Alexandria is gorgeous. They have TONS of Debbie Bliss, Rowan, and Collinette hung in great big gorgeous loops. Everyone there is really helpful, they let you browse and fondle as long as you like, and then really help when you need it. They even went online to knitty to help me find a suitable yarn for that pattern!

I'm using Karabella Aurora 8, in Charcoal and Rust. These are for my awesome dad, to wear while riding his Harley, and these are the perfect Harley colors. This yarn is sinfully soft, it feels almost like a little string of microfleece, YUM! It's a little splitty, which at first I hated, but now that the glove is done, I realize the splittiness actually causes the yarn to spread out, and creates a soft dense fabric.

Well, here it is:

And here's one of Mac Himself with the glove:

My Very First Picture!!!

2005-07-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

I really hope this works! This is a snapshot of the Lt and I at his graduation, he being deemed the illustrious warfighter, me being deemed the proud wife-type.

Two at once...and other design conundrums

2005-07-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

OK. So I knit one glove, and you know what? I didn't hate it, in fact, I enjoyed it, even the fingers! I've even been entertaining giving socks another shot. We'll see. But, the one glove got me thinking. There has to be a way to knit them both at the same time. Not so much having them both going at once, but literally knit them together, separate but together, like twins. I cannot for the life of me think of a way, aside from finger-down gloves, and who wants to do that? I'm thinking there has to be a way to do it with socks. You know, start with one toe-up and then just knit and knit the leg and end with one top-down. Only, there will need to be a hole in there....hm. There HAS to be a way.

Either that or I'm just insane. Your choice.

Am also extremely peeved with the book "Knitting for Two." All of the patterns are gorgeous, I love the colors they chose, very rich. But, the sizing sucks. What about women with boobs BEFORE they get preggers? What about us? Hmmm? Did you forget about us? The patterns didn't seem to accomodate larger than 38-40 chest size. I would like to work something up for a pregnant friend who is beautiful and classy and curvy, and I would hate to knit a size 38 sweater for a size 42 bust. I hate having to modify a pattern. It's like: HELLO. Not all of us have small boobs before the baby and (from what I understand) most of us don't have small boobs AFTER the baby, and didn't you supposedly write these patterns for pregnant and post-partum wear? Seriously. The real dilema, I've never been pregnant so I have no idea what features one would want.

I was thinking of designing something "based" off their designs, a simple wrap sweater with a deep cross over, and a ribbon tie, so it could be adjusted as the bump grows, and then worn tighter after the baby comes. Any input from moms would be AWESOME.

Clan MacWho?

2005-07-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

This past week was one of discovery.

I discovered that I can knit a glove. Now we just have to see if I can knit the second one...more on this later.

I discovered that I love and hate J.K. Rowling with equal intensity. Just finished year 6 last night. Was an emotional wreck. LOVED every single page, plot twist, and alohamora. HATE having to wait for the next one. This cannot end with year 7. They need to make this into a soap opera, so I can follow Harry for the next 20 years. (BTW, in a very few years, Daniel Radcliffe will be a HEARTBREAKER!!)

I discovered that I prefer 115 in AZ to 110 in VA. Humidity straight sucks. You might think you're leaving your house to go to the movies, but you are really stepping into a steamy vortex that sucks the life out of your hair and sends your make-up heading for your toes. Screw capris, I want to wear a towel and wet my hair. Why don't I wear shorts, you ask? Trust me, the world does NOT need to see that. Trinny and Susannah would have my head for wearing shorts. So all of you living it up in the dry heat that is AZ, quitcherwhinin.

Lastly, I discovered that I am Scottish. Funny, I've never spoken with a brogue or worn tartan or eaten haggis. Seems, I'm Scots on both sides now. My side: Clan Eliott. His side: House of Gordon. Right now, we haven't "joined" either side, and we're quite torn on the matter. See, Eliott is an actualy Clan, which is obviously better than a house. At least, that's what I've been feeding the Lt. On the other hand, the Gordon tartan is infinitely less ugly than the Eliott. Hmmm...decisions.

Dye-lot 124, I hate you.

2005-07-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the story: I had been working on a mini-Clapotis, really more of a Clapo-scarf, and I had been using the KPPPM that I had bought for some socks. I hate knitting socks, so it became a scarf. Well, it would have been a short scarf and I wanted a long one, so I bought another skein of KPPPM.

I knew I'd have dye-lot issues, so I decided to sandwich it in the middle, so the ends would match perfectly. Little did I know that when Koigu says "dye lot" they really mean "completely different shade that will resemble the other dye lots only in shade number."

The first two skeins are gorgeous, beautiful, woodsy examples of yarn art. The odd-ball (literally) is eeeeehh, nice. The first 2 have shades of tan, chocolate, rusty burnt orange, saffron, lavender, eggplant, and no less than 4 shades of hunter green. The odd-ball languishes in it's beige, olive drab, beige, almost-lavender, and still more beige crappiness. It's the dull, safe female mallard to the two brilliantly colored males. It's boring, it sticks out like a sore thumb, and I hate it. I don't know about you, but I do not buy KPPPM for freaking beige, the ultimate non-color.

The only excuse for beige yarn is that fisherman's sweaters look fab in it because it is by nature so boring that anything you do to it, i.e. cables and textured stiches, will stick out like Lenny Kravitz at church. I vow here and now to never knit anything without cables in beige.

On a nicer note, I am so loving the Clapotis pattern that I have knit quite nearly the entire ball of yarn that I hate so fervently in only 3 days. It is dangerously addictive and heart wrenchingly perfect. It is the pattern to end all patterns. You can make anything from the Clapotis pattern, wraps, scarves, afghans. I daresay I may modify it and knit a three-room tent canopy for my next outdoor dinner party. Patterns this fun to knit are what cause people to make multiples. Heather, I'm right there with you, girl.

Knitting jones

2005-07-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

OK. So, I finished the felted bag (post later on that one), I finished the baby bolero, I'm at a screeching halt on the mini-Clapotis, and I ripped out all 400 yards of the scarf thing I was working on as a Christmas gift. For THIS holiday, not the last. For once in my life, I'm not procrastinating. Don't count on ever seeing it happen again.

Now I'm at a loss of what to knit. I find myself with 4 skeins of "cost-effective" baby acrylic that is being worked into a charity blanket, and 800 (that's right) 800 yards of Plymouth encore worsted that I have no idea what to do with. The tricky thing is that it's a gift, so I'm not sure about making a garment with it. I'm not even sure I like the stuff, and even the Plymouth company only sees fit to make ponchos and afghans out of it. Luckily, I have only taken the wrap off of 2 out of 4 balls, so maybe some sympathetic LYS owner out there will take pity on me and exchange it.

OK, so maybe the point of this post isn't that I don't have anything to knit, I just don't have anything EXCITING to knit. There's nothing on the needles that I LOVE. We'll just have to see what becomes of the Plymouth.

There is one exciting development: my illustrious roommate is getting a new computer any day now, and there should be pictures soon. I'm sure I'm far more excited than any of you are, but I'm ok with that!

The Few, The Proud, The (Knitting) Marines

2005-07-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

I have just seen one of the most awsome sights a knitter could lay her eyes upon. A Marine knitting in a war zone. But knowing how macho male Marines can sometimes be, I never thought I'd see one knitting. How cool is this!

I spend 8 years and 3 months in the Marine Corps, 3 and a half of those as a knitter. I remember knitting on lunch hours, when the phone wasn't ringing, early in the morning on "phone watch," and late at night on "duty." But I never knit in the field, on a helicopter, or in a war zone. I knit in office chairs, not camp chairs, and my sticks and string came from a long sought-after LYS, not a long-awaited hard-earned much-needed morale-boosting care package from a home half-way around the world. I knit fine gauge beanies for preemie heads, not hard wearing beanies to help keep my buddies warm. I've never knit a tea cozy, much less a rifle cozy. I knit with my cell phone and coffee nearby, not my rifle and helmet.

The Marines are close to my heart, being one and being married to an AMAZING one. But I have respect for every member of the armed forces and their families. The Lt and I pray for the service men and women, and our leaders, every day. Regardless of how you feel about what business the DoD is conducting day-to-day around the world, please never forget that it's knitters and husbands and daughters and friends out there. They're out there not for any political inspiration, but because they want to go to school, they want to see the world, they joined with a friend, they want to send money home, they love wearing the uniform, they love leading Marines, they love saluting the flag, but most of all because they love America.

Here's to him and them. Thanks, and Semper Fi.

The Merino Summit

2005-07-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

So the "yumm-tastic" merino and I sat down and hashed out it's destiny. We discussed how it is indeed too amazingly beautiful for words, every shade of berry pink and purple, like a Razzleberry pie. Ultimately we came to the conclusion that while yes, some of the delicious softness may be lost on a felted bag, if it were a scarf, it would be hidden away 8 months of the year, in a dark lonely closet. As a bag, everyone will be graced with the presence of it's berry yummness all year round. There is a caveat: I bought 430 yards, there's no way I'll go through that on a bag, the remainder may become a scarf, or some slippers.

I'm trying a new thing. I'm knitting without a pattern, I wanted to make a slouchy hobo bag, so I'm experimenting. Scary, yes, but if it's that bad when it's done, I'll use the second ball to try again. So what I've done is cast on 3 st and knit for about 10 inches, knowing wool felts more up and down than side to side. Then, I picked up and knit the sides of the bag onto the 3 st wide peice. I'm hoping this will create a scrunchy bottom. I've worked in short rows every 1.5 inch, to make sure the sides are shorter, so the bag curves the right way, up toward the handles, I'm also hoping this will help it have a nice "belly" for lots of stuff. I'll be working the handles right onto the bag and grafting in the middle for a nice wide shoulder strap. I also bound off 1 st on the inside of each handle, and then worked about an inch, so I can have some room to have a zipper put in. I'm working the whole thing back and forth, so far I'm done with the first side and picked up for the second side. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Any hints or tips or advise or prayer will be much appreciated.

Wow. So I look pregnant.

2005-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

OK. Another mostly non-yarn-related post. This one about men and how they should be barred from speech.

So, my best friend's parents just came over, and The Dad is talking to me, and he points at my belly (in his defense, I was sitting) and says, "So, you're pregnant!?"

Um. No.

Haven't all men been schooled to NEVER mention possible pregnancies until either the possibly-preggo woman brings it up, or they've been given the go ahead by their wives? This should be put in the public school ciriculum (along with how to spell ciriculum) mosh-kosh. It should be on the list of things all men should know before being let loose on society. Ladies, do your man a favor, and give him a quick class on what never to say to a woman.

Like the graceful creature that I am, I played it off, citing my "curve acquisition" of the past 5 years. Let me tell you now that I haven't gained an ounce, I've just gotten curvier. In fact, I'm afraid to lose weight, because I think there may be some early wrinkles that are being smoothed out by my "soft femininity." I'm built for comfort, ladies, not speed.

Venting over. Thank you for your support.

Ah, the knitting

2005-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Alright. Onto the knitting portion of my blog-absence.

The Sartene tank has been worn and worn. She looked lovely at the hair salon, getting trimmed and styled. She looked radiant at the Court of Two Sisters in the french quarter attending my bridal shower/jazz brunch. She is not looking so fresh right now. I got over my fear of wearing it, now I need to get over my fear of washing it. Pray for strength...

The KPPPM which was never to be socks, is now a mini-clapotis. For those of you familiar with the pattern, it's only two increase repeats at the beginning, and is about 6 inches wide. The Koigu looks amazing, so many colors blending beautifully. Contrary to my belief, the purple really is prominent.

Sidebar: right now it's pouring down rain here. Imagine a (gentle) giant like Big Mac being afraid of the thunder. It's so funny seeing this huge German Shepherd following you around because he won't be by himself. Seriously folks, fear of dogs? Makes NO sense to me.

Also got some YUMM-TASTIC wool in NOLA for a felted purse. It's chunky, and so soft! I must say it rivals Melanie's Blue Sky Alpaca bear yarn in softness. Affordable? A total meal deal. Plus it's this great variegated berry color. Would it be wrong to felt such a yummy yarn? The more I think about it, the more I feel the mini-clap just won't be happy as an only scarf, she needs a sister. Tomorrow, the yumm-tastic wool and I shall meet to discern it's destiny. There may be a crystal ball and some old chicken bones involved.

I'll leave you with a Public Service Announcement.

A knitter's nightmare played itself out yesterday right here in Small Town, America, people. The kind of thing you warn your kids about, the reason you pay taxes and have a neighborhood watch. I left the house, just like every day, fastened my seatbelt and adjusted my rearview mirror. I'm not reckless or unprepared. I'm ready for any situation. I keep aspirin and two shades of lipgloss in my purse and ketchup packets in the glovebox. I've seen "Charlie's Angels" twice, I've got some moves. Went exploring down town Fredericksburg, keeping an eye out for the LYS. (THE LYS, there's only one, a small tragedy in itself. I digress.) What I wasn't prepared for, after half an hour of searching for this place, was to find it...pause for dramatic effect...CLOSED. That's right, CLOSED. And not just on Tuesdays, but for VACATION. I was too distraught to get out of the car to see how long. Can you imagine, people? An innocent trip to check out the local yarn stash, see about maybe some Dale of Norway patterns for a preggo friend' papoose, maybe some fondling, some light petting, who knows where it could go. Only to be slapped in the face with a cold, heartless closed sign? I'll be on the shrink's couch with this one.

With indignant sneer: To all you yarn store owners out there, what's up with the vacations? The rest of us don't take them, why are you? What are you? French*? The very least you could do is list an emergency contact, or an alternate yarn haven, even directions to the nearest JoAnn. SOMETHING. But, no. I believe I speak for everyone when I say: This is not cool.

*Caveat: all politics and Dixie Chicks aside, I love France. The language, the wine, the cheese, the Chocolate, the lavender. Vive la France! Someday, when I win the lotto, my bees and I will live in Provence and gorge on all of the above. We may invite the Lt to join us, as he does confess a love for the Pinot Noir. We'll see.

Holy Moly, she's back!

2005-06-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back. All married up and a world weary car-traveler. The wedding was just beautiful, and I think everyone had a good time at both reception and rehearsal dinner. I know I did! We decided to make a weekend of it, how can you not in New Orleans? Such a beautiful city and tons of fun stuff to do. Before antique/trinket shopping, met up with my maid- and mom-of-honor (my maid of honor's mom has been keeping me in line for years...she rocks!) at Cafe du Monde for beignets and the best cafe au lait EVER. We spent some time getting creeped out on a Haunted History tour, ooooooooo spooky. We had our rehearsal dinner at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. The wedding ceremony was in Jackson Square, and the reception in the St. Louis hotel courtyard. The next day we spent some quality family time at the Aquarium of the Americas, touching creepy crawlies and trying not to lose anyone's children.

I guess I better get used to car travel, having married into a family that is firmly opposed to air travel. Me, I just don't get it. Spending days at a time taking turns driving is just not my idea of fun. So, I told the Lt that when we have kids and can't afford to fly places, that HE can drive the kids, I'll meet them at the airport.

Right now I'm in lovely Fredericksburg VA, staying with a great friend. I've decided that since I'm done traveling the world on the USMC's dime, I'll just go from place to place shacking up with my girlfriends. We'll see. I just may wear out my welcome. SO ready to get to Japan, get a house, get my stuff. You never know how much you miss chopping veggies with your favorite knife until it's been in storage for 7 months.

I'm also adjusting to life with only one dog. Had been spoiled with 2 to love in AZ, so it's a little quieter with just one. Well, I guess quieter is not the right word. My friend has 105 pounds of black German Shepherd. He is stunning. But his bark is like the roar of a diesel engine. He is a huge toasted marshmallow. Tons and tons of thick shiny black fur, and the cutest bat-ears. He's so expressive, and is a total ham. He knows exactly what the camera is, and loves to cheese for a shot. As soon as I'm spun up on posting digi-pics (thousands of thanks to Sarah and Illana!) you'll see him.

Got all caught up on everyone's blogs, and you are all out there finishing these amazing projects! Good grief, Kiki even knit herself a dress! It's beautiful, btw. There are tank tops for the booby, bags for the carrying, scarves for charity! Some of you are even buying furniture and re-decorating new houses. So jealous!

I'll post later about the knitting.....

Memphis style

2005-06-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting again, after a long time. I'm in Memphis today, y'all, and it's a beautiful day at Graceland. We drove past it, and it's looking good. Going to the Rendezvous tonight for some RIBS!! I love barbeque, any style, especially Memphis style. The Rendezvous specializes in dry ribs, which means with all the seasonings rubbed on while slow cooking, you can wet (sauce) them later if you want.

My beloved Lieutenant graduated from The Basic School on Thursday and was looking super hot in his blues, if I do say so. Regardless of your feelings on the DoD and the warfighting machine that is the USMC, we look hot in our blues! He was faboo and got me a digital camera (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), so I'll put a photo of him up as soon as I learn how. He's now officially a warfighting, strategizing, tactics genius. I'm so proud of him! He was an awesome enlisted Marine, and will make an even better officer. He's a go-getter, and loves leading Marines. Smarts, ambition, and looks, what a lucky girl.

Fine, I'll talk about knitting. The Sartene tank is done, and had it's debut out for dinner at Carraba's Italian. I really love it! I can't tell you what a relief that is, I was deathly afraid that after all that money, work, and time, that it would look awful/not fit/be ugly/etc. But, it's very cute, and very comfortable. I'll post notes when I can put up a photo.

I also worked up and felted the handle and a pocket for the felted bag I "created." Also made a little i.d. or lipstick pocket with a fold-over flap. I think the recipient will enjoy it. Felted these pieces in a different machine, and it only took one cycle, whodathunk? Guess the machine makes as much difference as the wool used?

The baby bolero is in it's final stage, all ends have been woven in, and all seams have been sewn. Now all I have to do is pick up hundreds of tiny stitches and knit on the ribbed edging. Pray for me as I begin this harrowing endeavor.

Well fellow yarn goddesses, I leave you now as I hear the siren song of ribs and slaw...may the force be with you. A

Stuff still to do

2005-05-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

I've been got. I've been got by the faboo stickstress Heather, who was got by the also faboo hookstress Pam, who was got by...you get the picture.

Ten Things I've Never Done, but intend to do: (almost all of them the clean ones!)

1. I have never been abroad. The 18 months I spent intoxicated on the beach in Guantanamo Bay don't really count. It was like a camouflage Mayberry, with no escape but the rum.

2. I have never kept bees. Bees are freaking brilliant!! They not only make honey, and beeswax, but they dance! Whoever can't love a dancing bug has some issues. (Allergics exempt...)

3. I have never had a baby. I am so excited about having a baby. No, not pregnant, not even trying, but the entire process fascinates me. Plus, babies quite simply ROCK!

4. I have never had jewelry commissioned. Someday after we win the lotto, I'll have the difficult decision: Harry Winston or Fred Leighton? Why, I don't know, because I can barely remember to wear the $5 pair of earrings I got at Target! I guess it just seems like the pinnacle of rich to me.

5. I have never lived with my husband. This kind of scares me, but then again, I can only drive each other so far away when we'll be living on a tiny island off Japan.

6. I have never learned French, quel domage.

7. I have never bought a house. This one is really starting to get to me, what with shacking up in my best friend's spare bedroom. Mowing a lawn is starting to sound enviable!

8. I have never had a garden. I just think it would be really cool to go outside pick the tomatoes for the salad. I would love to be able to say "what on earth am I going to do with all this flippin' zucchini?"

9. I have never had my own dog. This is also very sad, because right after sweet-smelling cooing chubby babies on "my things I love" list are dogs. Who else is so excited to see you that they pee on the floor, when you only were out to the mailbox. The peeing isn't the cute part, it's the sentiment involved, you see.

10. I have never seen a whale in the wild. Whales are also very high on the cool scale. The faves: the orca for her multi-faceted nature, and the humpback for her beautiful singing.

It fits! It fits! It fits!

2005-05-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

It FITS!! I tried on the Sartene tank last night after doing the shoulder seams, and it fits! It needs to be washed, it's kind of stiff, but it went on and wasn't too big or too small, and I'm so excited! This is the first sweater I've knit for me, and I can't tell you how nervous I was about trying it on. I got butterflies, for pete's sake.

I spent 3 hours last night sewing the shoulder seams on my tank top. That's right, 3 hours. I could NOT get anything to look any better than horrendous, so I decided to rip out the bind-off edges and graft. So, I learned to graft last night, and while the grafting is certainly not perfect, it is serviceable and will do. It looks far better than any of the evil seams I tried before. Oh, and I don't officially hate kitchener stitch any more. It is not my favorite, but I've decided to lift the embargo against it.

Then, I was picking up stitches for the arm-hole edging, and ended up picking up the exact amount for the smallest size, which I do not wear and did not knit. So, back to the pond for that. I'm just glad I realized it before I knit the entire edging, and then put it on and had a tear-jerking "o crap" moment. No one told me about "knitting tears" when I first picked up this addiction, I mean, obsession, I mean, hobby.

Today I was online surfing yarn porn and dreaming about buying a Rowan cardigan kit, and I figured I better learn about Japanese knitting, and stumbled across the cutest site. I love their English, not only excellent, but cute. You'll see, just read some of the narratives. I particularly love the "woolen pants" picture, see the link on the left under "basic projects." Not my first choice for chonies, but hey, to each her own. If you go poking around, and I'm sure you will, you'll only see English on the pages marked with the "E." My computer doesn't speak Japanese, so it comes out looking like cartoon swear words: %^&(*%$$@!!!

Back to the arm hole edging game for me!

Dying to go digital

2005-05-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I am so dying for a digital camera right about....NOW.

You'll be so proud of me, I finished the front of the Sartene tank, and am sewing it together, then I just have to knit on the neck and arm trims, and I'll be styling, "bay-bee."

I also have begun putting the pieces together for the baby bolero, and it is so flippin' cute, I squeal every time I hold it up to check the seam construction. You all know the squeal, it's the same one every female on earth utters when entering a baby-clothing store. Don't act like you don't, I've heard you.

I'm very motivated to finish the bolero because I really want to cast on for the next project and I'm using the needles on the bolero that I'll use on New Project. Why not buy new needles, you say? Well, these are addi's, dahling, and they are tres fabeux (French for faboo, oui?), and I cannot be buying addi's all the time. Jude would counsel me to just snag some "ghetto needles," but I really need to purge those. The goal from now on is to only invest in faboo needles.

What is the next project you say? I've decided to take the yumm-tastic KPPPM and turn it into a so-soft scarf for me vice so-soft socks for my fiance. Not only is he too hot-blooded for wool socks (lucky girl, me ;) but I really hate knitting socks. I usually really hate knitting scarves, but I'm gonna give the Clapotis pattern a shot. It'll be my very own mini-Clap. If it turns out that I hate the Clapotis pattern, I'll do a simple leaf/lace thing. The KPPPM is in color P-319, very "autumn leaves on the forest floor." BTW, if you follow that link, be advised that 319 looks a lot more like 613 in reality, the purple in it is really quite subtle.

Keep your fingers crossed that I don't completely booger the neck and arm-hole trims on the tank......maybe I'll even get to wear it this Tuesday to SnB at Cupz!!

Off our "break!"

2005-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello! I first must thank you for sticking with me these last coupla posts when I've been such a Moping Myrtle. So, thanks!

Today was a good day. I managed to get in some knitting time this morning, and even some at work! I was working on the evil Sartene tank top! I also made some admirable progress on it Tues. evening at the SnB get-together. So, I figure we're officially off our break, and I should be finishing the front very soon. The next row begins not only the armhome shaping, but the v-neck shaping, so I'll have something to think about.

Now that the end is in sight, I'm all excited again, and loving the knitting process! I'm even thinking of other things I can knit for ME! This will be the first thing I've ever actually finished for myself. The other projects were lessons in how much I dislike knitting scarves (too boring), how wrong super chunky knits are for me (too curvy), and the best lesson of all: the importance of gauge and it's uncanny ability to bring you to tears when you realize the sweater (of which you just finished the entire front) is perfectly sized for a 12-year old.

The baby bolero is all blocked and ready for piecing and finishing. I plan to wait to do that after I get to Virginia, plus we've got a good bit of road-trip when we drive from VA to New Orleans. (SO EXCITED!!!!)

In other knitters news, Jude is working up a fab and simple tank in some shimmery Berroco rayon, Mary's knits are as amazing as ever - and no pattern!, Heather and Alison have finished their beautiful Clapotis (tres jolies, non?), and Illana is making us all lime green with envy over her Big Apple Knits. I am dying for a trip to NYC just to ride the "yarn bus." Freaking genius, I tell you.

I'm so inspired by everyone's Clapotis, that I'm thinking of making a petit Clapotis with the two skeins of KPPPM I've got. They are mine forever now, since they've been wound into balls. I must face reality, and the fact of the matter is that when I think of knitting socks, it fills me with dread and a cold sinking pit in my stomach. Thus, I cannot ever say that my wonderful man will have hand-knit socks from me. It's the needles. I hate working on teeny dpns for all that way. Caveat: Kiki and fam have these faboo short-short-short flexible dpns that just might intice me - someday. No promises...

Fine. I'll knit.

2005-05-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I finally picked back up with the freaking tank-top-that-never-progresses, and even finished the pieces of the baby bolero. I even blocked them last night!

But, the Sartene is no more cooperative now than ever, and I stomped back to the frog pond again. I kept telling myself, "I need to compare this to the back." You know, to make sure everything matched up. Well, that was just too much effort, and when I finally got around to it, I found that my increases on the back were a full inch lower than the ones on the front. So, rip rip rip. It's also getting very not fun to knit the thing because I'm making it to wear while in New Orleans for my wedding, and thinking about the wedding: not fun right now.

Wedding planning/moving 'cross country news: back to the "Oh, God, I think I'm gonna throw up" phase. Have decided to work up until I leave. That way, I'll get paid up until I leave. I think I'm the only person out there who can go thru $$ quite as efficiently as I do. And by efficiently, I mean as fast as possible.

I'm not exactly sure when the DJ's final payment is due. If I don't make my reso's today for the hotel, I won't get a room for the weekend. But, you have to pay upfront for the first night, and I's po'. I still don't have music for the cermony. I only just got flowers, and I still need to tell the freaking baker what kind of freaking cake I want. Not only that, but I have the rehearsal dinner to plan. So not just one event, but TWO. That's right. Who's idea was it for the bride to have to do all this shit? I have a size 8 steel-toed combat boot ready for 'em. My next wedding will be in Vegas, baby. Elvis, rhinestones, the whole $50 she-bang.

I'm signing off. To go either be sick, or plan a wedding.

Quagmire

2005-05-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm having one of those awful knitting phases where I just want to read about knitting, learn about knitting, cop a feel on yarn, and admire others' handiwork, but not actually knit myself. Which is not too good right now, as I have 3 projects in the works and one to start and finish NLT June 9. How does this happen? Where are the glorius days of pumping through the back of my Sartene top in only 1 short week?

I think I'm getting stressed out. As some of you know, I'll be moving to Virginia June 1st where I'll be shacking up with an amazing friend for about 6 weeks, getting married in New Orleans June 17th, moving from one VA town to another in mid-July, and ultimately moving all the way to Japan come Halloween. Sounds busy, huh?

I know some people who respond to stress by eating, and some who go into overdrive and tackle it head on. I am the only person I know who responds to stress by sleeping. As if the Keebler elves will come take care of all my shit whilst I dream. Not that I would hate that, but I don't see it happening.

So. I am not knitting, and actually forcing myself to get some planning done. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't crap out and fall asleep in the middle of something important...

In the KIP news: will be at Cupz this evening! Even more exciting: am bringing my "sainted mother." She doesn't knit, but she does very fabulous and tiny needlework on silks and linens. She always laughs to see my "big honkin'" knitting needles. Perhaps we'll convert her to the yarn side after tonight.

So....eeehhh......tired.......eeeeeeeeeh

2005-05-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

This past week straight sucked.

Well, not totally.
-In blog news: I got my very first comments! You all know how exciting that is! I'm sure there will be more when I earn the digital camera at Chuck E. Cheez's (only 10,000,000,000,000,000 tickets to go and I'm there!).
-I also got an excellent grade on the final-exam-slash-big-nasty-group-project for my business class. And to think I only had to work on it until 3 am Sunday night.
-My skin is looking very nice lately, thank you Phisoderm. Not that I have bad skin, but I'm sure you can relate to the evil Zit and his sisters Anguish and Embarrassment. (You've suspected all along that Zits were male, haven't you. Well, they are.)
-Plus, God loves us! If that doesn't make you smile, what will?

The sucky part? Working on that stupid business project. I foolishly volunteered to collate the work of 4 people into one "coherent" paper. So, it was all inherently last minute stuff. Then, my sleep schedule was all jacked up. It's not staying up late that bothers me, I'm a night-owl, it's being productive the next day that really kicks my ass.

The really sucky part: being too tired to knit! How sad is that! Oui, vraiment pathetique. I barely had the energy to finish a sleeve of the baby bolero. On the other hand, I think 3 of the 5 rows I worked in this week were on the Sartene. (For the record: We are not officially back together, we're just talking.) And when I think of that evil project I decided to take on for the man I love and cherish, it really pisses me off at myself. You know, the project done on two circulars.... What was I thinking? If there's anyone out there who loves to knit this particular project, and would like to take this on, please advise soonest. I pay generously. (and by pay, I mean in McDonald's gift certificates....)

Knitting question: does anyone have experience with wonky stitches? The kind that look twisted, but they aren't? What's the story, huh? What's going on with that? I've got plenty of them on the Sartene, and I'm praying they'll work out with a good viscous blocking and a washing.

An update before I sign off, my man DID visit us early this week! I can't guarantee he'll ever click on QTPurl2T again, but he has been here! So that's fun. I'm still working on his screen name, be ready. Any input? I'll take ideas!

Still not speaking...

2005-05-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

So, I'm on-line looking at some regular blogs I lurk upon, and I'm like "Cha, she hasn't updated in, like, a week, totally." And then, I'm all, "Oh, yah, I, like, totally have my very own neglected blog. Like, DUH." Thus, I blog.

RE: the title of today's post. The Sartene and I are not speaking. While attempting some car-knitting a la the Skinny Rabbit, I made a grievous error. This pattern has some yarning over (or is it yarn overing?) and I am not so bright as to be able to talk to my mom AND keep up with a whopping 5 stitch yarn over pattern that's only done every other row (tragic, n'est-ce pas?). I am always surprised to see how much wonk one little stitch can inflict upon a hand-knit garment. Needless to say, since this is going on MY back, and not that of a 2 year old, I want it near perfect. Which led me to frog a full 3 inches of fully functional yet horribly awry Greek cotton. That was one week ago tomorrow. Still can't look at it.

In the meantime, the baby bolero is cruising right along. An exclusive knitting tip from The Qute One: looking to save some dough? Just knit smaller than pattern gauge. Works great. Seriously though, I'm only about 2 st per 10 cm smaller than pattern gauge, and since the pattern is for "1-2 years," I'm safe. Truly, I should be done with the bolero pieces, they should be blocking, and I should be dreading picking up a zillion little stitches for the ribbed trim. But, in my defense, between work and a big nasty business class project, I haven't had time. So, that's that.

An announcement before I sign off, my wonderful man may be joining the illustrious ranks of the QTPurl2T readership! I'm not sure he'll make it very far, all this talk of knitting. He gets quite enough on his own time, I'll tell you. He plays along, scowling in righteous indignation when some project has insulted me, and laughing at all the right spots when I blab on about my SnB meetings. He will even go into yarn shops, and has yet to hurry me out of one! That's right. He goes inside, and pretends to not be desperately yearning for one last glimpse of the outside world before he dies of boredom. He's a keeper. Don't get any ideas, I'm holding on tight!

New Projects?!?!?!

2005-04-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! In post #4 of the world's most boring, pictureless, readerless blog, we'll discuss my new projects.

So I spent the weekend between Winslow and Flagstaff AZ. Rode up from Scottsdale to Winslow with my awesome Dad on his Harley Davidson, and though the weather was sparkling and sunny, it was a tad crisp moving 65 mph in the open air. Needless to say, while admiring the stark beauty of the AZ desert, I spent much of the ride thinking of creative things to knit to keep him warm.

As anyone who's been to Winslow knows, there is no yarn store there. But, they do have a stoplight, so that's something right? In Flagstaff, they have a darling little store with lots and lots of yummy yarns, so I HAD to go in, right? Well, was shopping for Dear Old Dad, and this LYS didn't have anything "him." And, by "him," I mean boring. I was looking for plain black sock weight or worsted weight merino, and all of her stuff was too far down the fabulous scale for his tastes. But I do love to support the LYS entrepreneur, so I picked up the latest Interweave Knits.

On the way home, I made my second stop to Jessica Knits. Her store is so cute, with many of the novelty yarns in glass jars like candy! I returned some stuff that wasn't working out for me, and picked up what will become my niece's 1st birthday gift. It's truly brilliant: a baby bolero! It looks like a tiny version of the Debbie Bliss shrug (seen in IK), but with a single button closure. SO CUTE!!! I figure this, a tank top and some capri's and she'll be the stylin'est baby on the streets.

On the FIRST stop at Jessica Knits, I picked up a little wedding present for my hubby-to-be. I can't give it away (he might read this...yeah right.) but it's made on two-circulars and will be in a yummy shade of KPPPM.

So excited!!!!! Gotta go cast on...

One Half Sartene

2005-04-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

OK. So I finished the back half of my Sartene tank last night while watching "Howard and Kumar Go to White Castle." Some notes:

The tank: The pattern took me some getting used to, it's reads very differently than a U.S. pattern would, but it's dead on, and actually very easy. Butterfly greek cotton is YUMMY. So soft and springy and really quite wool-like. The best cotton ever. The sweater LOOKS a little big, but it measures just a tad small, so I'm kind of freaking out, but trying to have faith.

The movie: coulda been worse, but I really wouldn't waste the money. Wait for it to show up on cable some night when you have insomnia and are bored out of your mind.

I've been knitting every second I can. I think I'm about to develop callouses on my fingers, between throwing the yarn and pushing the needle tip. Yes, you found me out, I'm English. I think Continental sounds very cosmopolitan, but in practice, it just doesn't work for me. Some people have suggested I switch, but you know what I tell them (and every other English knitter) it's still knitting no matter how ya do it. The stitched still get formed and the sweater still gets made. I'm a lot faster know than I used to be, so I'm at a very happy place with the Anglais.

Now I'm off to procrastinate getting ready for work by casting on the front of my Sartene!

Post #2

2005-04-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was out of commission for the week. My room-mates (aka: the Evil Landlords) ripped up nearly all the carpet in the house and installed wood flooring. It is flippin' gorgeous! It's a very pretty honey color, and has really made the house seem much bigger. It's also very funny when the dogs wipe out cause they can't get a good grip. Actually, I think that's the best part! Now, if we could only hypnotize Mr. Evil Landlord into a wall color that's darker than white.... In all fairness, Mr. E.L. installed the floors himself, and I must say he is indeed handy.

Now, onto knitting. I FELTED!! SO exciting! I felted a pink and cocoa striped handbag, and it's so cute. Now I just have to get up the gumption to finish the handles. 60" of hot pink i-cord. Just not my idea of a fun time.

I also cast on for the infamous Bouton d'Or "Sartene" tank. The story: I was on fluffa! one day, and ended up surfing french knitting sites. Now, all of my french is the bottom of the barrel left-overs from high-school, plus I've never been "the smart one." So, I order this magazine, and pay the stinking tariffs on it, which effectively doubled the price - grr. (Praise to the USPS because they got it to me in under 14 days, and there wasn't even a zip code!) I'm all excited and get online to buy the yarn. That's when it hit me: french knitting mag, french yarn. DUH. Well, as a poor person, I just can't bring myself to pay $100+ for a tank top. Not happenin.' Lucky for everyone, I found this yummy greek cotton at my LYS, and I'm cruising. About 5" into the back already!

Someday I'll have a digital camera and will be able to post pics. Until then, the Sartene will be practically identical to Bouton d'Or's vision of it. Except for the gorgeous french hoochie modeling it, that is.

Sigh. Thanks for tuning in.

OMG, I'm a blogger!

2005-04-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Wow. So, I'm a blogger now. Freaky.

The story: at my SnB tonight, Alana is telling me about these fun "Secret Pals" and "Secret Sock Pals" (I like to think of it as "Socks with Strangers," but I'm crazy like that....) and I thought to myself: I need to get in on that. Then, I followed a link off Alison's website (which shall remain linkless to protect the innocent) and saw that it is important to have a blog so your secret pal knows what you like. Well, I'm all about presents that I actually like, so, here I am, up past my bedtime setting up this blog so I can get in on Secret Pal V.

Whether it'll ever get read by anyone other than my secret pal, who knows.

As I really must be hitting the rack, I'll talk more later....