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Sep 4, 2008
Hated It First, sorry about the pictures. Apparently some ignorant person decided to steal pictures off either Flickr or Myspace and masquerade as me on some adult sex site. So I put all of my pictures on private. Then I realized that they couldn't be seen here or on Ravelry. Which defeats pretty much the WHOLE point of having Flickr. Doesn't it? I switched everything back but the blog didn't get the memo. I also had to go and update ALL of my pictures on Ravelry. Just click on any picture that's not showing up and you'll be linked to it on Flickr. Oh, and did I mention that we've got that stupid hurricane this weekend? We're in the process of getting ready to evacuate if the need arises. Whatever.
Anyways, let's focus on something good, shall we? Recently I've been knitting lots of smaller projects. Maybe it's the stress I've been dealing with, maybe it's  because my daughter has been home, maybe I'm just sick of what my current WIPs...whatever the reason I can't seem to commit to anything more than hats and silly toys. If you have been watching me on Ravelry you've seen what I've been up to. Yeah, I'm talking about the Peens. lol Also that felted bag I did with some of my own handspun. Which I was really proud of, even though I don't do felting or purses. hehe I even crocheted a snood this past weekend. Not that I have enough hair to actually use one. That and it turned out horribly.
My most recent project has been something that I kinda forgot about for awhile. When reading one of the blogs I frequent, I stumbled across this. It's one of those things where you could kick yourself for not thinking of it, but you're happy someone did! She said she was going to write up the pattern, I said let me know, and promptly forgot about it all. Then I was looking in my Ravelry favorites, saw the hat and thought to myself, "Hm, I wonder if she ever got around to making that pattern". Sure enough, the pattern had JUST been posted. Pure (and perfect) coincidence. The yarn used was a DK weight and I also happened to have a random ball lying around for something else. Kismet I tell you. Can I take a moment to tell you how amazing the yarn that I used is? Bollicine Dolly, if you've never tried, buy a ball. Knit this hat, really I don't care what you make with it but you really should try it. Back to the pattern/hat. It's pretty straightforward, there aren't any errors I could see...although I'd knit it a bit longer before doing the decreases if I did it again. I think. Although, since it's supposed to be a tam and all it might turn out fine. Right now it's blocking. Doing the lace is kind of a pain in the ass (especially when you're trying to focus on your 2yo) it's worth it though. I'm completely in love with this hat and I'm thinking of maybe making another one as I plan on giving one to my husband's aunt for Christmas. Oh...for those of you reading this blog who might know who I'm talking about, don't spoil the surprise. ;)Labels: blah, finished object, hat, hemlock tam, life 13:25 | | 
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Feb 17, 2008
Something Like ThatGo here, just do it, don't ask questions. Okay fine, a few questions. It's totally work safe, that link will take you to the homepage for our dear friend Krystofer who is participating in the Aids LifeCycle this year. He needs our help in the form of donations. Anything you can give will be appreciated. Also, I know he is going to put names into a drawing for every FIVE dollars you donate (seriously? can you tell me you can't spare $5?_. There will be lots of lovely handknit goodies to win! That is, if you feel you need a reason to donate to such an outstanding cause. :)
 I don't even know what I talked about in my last post. The Somewhat Cowl is making some serious progress, which you all know is unusual for me. Normally, stockinette sends me into a boredom induced coma. The second Serpentine Mitt has been cast on...I got about two inches into it. Actually, Brandy was confused and impressed when I was knitting on it Friday evening. When she asked me about it (Is that knitting??), I got started on a whole thing where I showed her different projects. She also asked about the tags, so I showed her the Buggerloo hat for Heather and she just thought it was great. It's always fun to show off all of the things one can do with knitting. People really do seem to think it's all about  frumpy sweaters and baby blankets.
Valentine's Day was boring, I don't really want to talk about it, so don't ask. Kyran's birthday was not as much fun as I would have liked, we went to Chuck E. Cheese. Oh well, the kids enjoyed themselves. Ky is really digging his new three year-old class.
Have any of you seen that Suave commercial? The "89% of moms admit they've let themselves go" one? I hate that commercial. What about dads? Don't any of them notice that they look awful? Really...? Sorry. Momentary rant. I am seriously stressed right now. There are only a few more months to go. Then I get to readjust to living with my husband again, and right about the time when I get comfortable, he'll probably have to go somewhere else. Ugh.
 I have four WIPs right now, and 5 UFOs. The question is what to do to get that all finished up. Yarnissima contacted me about my problems with La Digitessa, so I know how to fix that. Two of my UFOs are very near completion...I really just need to finish them. The baby hat in the Amazonas might just end up being frogged. What do you guys think? I mean, clearly I'm not concerned with finishing it. Labels: babies, birthdays, blah, Somewhat Cowl 14:29 | |
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Dec 17, 2007
I Must Have Missed Thanksgiving I really don't know why I'm posting right now. Everything is a little fuzzy. There are hundreds of things I should be doing. The Lady is sitting in my living room, I'm working on that Cerelia from Spincerely still. Gotta pay bills. Fold laundry. Bake cookies. Finish a gift. *sigh* I haven't read blogs in ages (sorry guys!).Obviously, I posted that hat pattern. Glad that went over so well, I hope to see a few people knitting it on Ravelry. :)
Anyways, that's not what this post is about. Since my husband left, I haven't really had time to miss him. Right up until December. December is my favorite month. Yes, it's my birth month, but it's more than that. I love the Christmas season. There are fudge, cookies, lights, Christmas music and specials...it's a loving and warm time of the year. My husband and I met in November of 2003, we married three days before Christmas. Of that same year. Yep. I know. There were times we thought we wouldn't make it, and I wasn't really sure I'd miss him that much when he was gone. Sure, I'd hate being alone. But miss him so badly? Nah. Saturday will be our fourth  anniversary, and I miss him more than ever right now. The littlest things will make me tear up. Over the weekend I got my order from The Loopy Ewe and discovered I'd made it! I was a Loopy Groupie!! Now, I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but Sheri is doing a thing supporting Random Acts of Kindness this month. Go check out her blog if you haven't heard of it yet. Anyways, a few weeks ago Sheri emailed me to let me know that someone had donated a $25 Loopy credit as a RAK, and asked Sheri to find someone. Sheri had chosen me! That made me cry, I come from a small place, and live in a town where everyone is pretty much the same (all Marines and Marine wives). For most people here, your husband being deployed doesn't make you special at all. Civilians don't usually grasp the concept, and until you experience deployment...it's difficult to relate. He's far away from us, we can't call him, I can't ask him to come home, and war is scary.
 Right now, we are financially sound. We don't have a lot of money, but we have enough  to pay our bills. However, I don't have that many friends in my area. People here are difficult to rely on. And, of course, I try to choose my friends carefully. Mostly, I am depending on the kindness of knitters to help get me through all of this. Even though they cannot be here with me, just having someone to talk to helps. Thank you to all of you who are there for me during this difficult time. Even when I disappear for a bit, I'm still knitting, and still thinking about all of you. *hugs* Where would I be without knitters? Labels: blah, blogging, busy, family, friends, gratitude, knitters, Loopy Ewe, procrastinating, purchases, rambling, yarn 23:01 | |
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Nov 16, 2007
Get Me OUT of Here!!!Oh effing hell. Do you know how badly I cannot wait to get out of this house/city/state?! My brother comes tomorrow to help us drive back down. I wanted to take him to Wilmington to party, but the way I am feeling...I just want to leave. Like, pick him up and turn around and GO!
My house is a disaster. Despite spending hours cleaning. Cingular is charging us $42 to reserve a phone number. Seriously. Oh, and I am not actually getting any service right now. The kids are crazy, not like that is unusual. We are out of food. Which, I mean, I was trying to do.
But at least I have my beta shirt!!
 And no knitting to show you. So...I'm out. Peace. Labels: blah, life, rambling 18:34 | |
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Oct 29, 2007
Anybody Still Out There? Sorry about basically disappearing for the last week. Or so. I am totally spacing right now. My brain isn't working to full capacity. So this will be another picture-full post with few words.
Lately, I haven't been reading many blogs. Sorry about that folks! I'll be more energetic soon, I think. Anyways, I intend to join a gym soon, that should give me a bit more energy.
Ravelry has become a HUGE part of my life. I'm on it almost all of the time. My friends Kyle and Emily finally got back into town. Remind me to get pics with them soon. Made Nolan's Halloween costume this weekend, it's kinda weak and homemade looking. Still, he's cute, so it works. My parents came over, and my dad made chili!! It's one of my favorite dishes. Started (and am almost finished with) Pedicure Socks for my BFF, as a belated Birthday present. Crocheted a bookmark for a Read-Along I started on Ravelry, separated the sleeves for Tree Jacket, and started a hat out of the yarn I frogged. You know, the Mad Color Weave sock?
    Yay pictures. I'm tired now. Labels: blah, costume, crochet, family, Halloween, hat, knitting, sewing, socks, Tree Jacket 19:09 | |
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Oct 4, 2007
Even GodCouldn't create the world in one day. Or so the saying goes. But he could probably knit a sweater in one! lol Sorry if I offended anyone with that, I am very lighthearted with my faith.
 Anyways, I am definitely not God, but super bulky yarn makes even sweaters go by fast. I started the Skating Sweater on Tuesday, and finished the body today. All that is left are the sleeves, and I am almost finished with one. The super large straight needles are tough on my wrists though. So I am spinning right now. Took a quick break to change the channel. lol Oh, and I forgot to tell you about my winding adventures. I took the yarn to the LYS because there was no way my pitiful ball winder could handle all of that Magnum. And the owner wasn't there, and the lady who was didn't know how to work the "big" ball winder. Of course, neither did I. After a couple of tries, and some fiddling, my boys were wandering around naked (okay, just pantsless) so I gave up and went home. Now for a lesson in "How we be windin' in da ghetto!" lol, sorry, I had to. I mean, I bought the needles which you know meant I was dying to start. Even though Goddess is about 12 rounds from completion.
  My new favorites for roving are Spincerely and Yarn Wench. How I lust after those Yarn Wench colors.... The Spincerely though, oh I bought some and it spins like a dream. It is just so beautiful.  (I keep doing this thing where I think I've posted but really I just clicked "Save As Draft" Does anyone else have this problem?)Labels: blah, rambling, Skating Sweater, spinning, sweater 21:21 | |
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Sep 21, 2007
What's a Girl To Do?When everything is hectic, and your life feels like it is falling apart....it's time for retail and craft therapy! Yes, even though my finances are ridiculous (oh, we're not even going there), I have been indulging a bit.
 Actually, before I really knew how bad the situation was, I purchased some Cascade Magnum from a fellow Raveler (who seems to have no blog but is cool nonetheless). My eyes were on the Skating Sweater from Big City Knits, and she had exactly the number of skeins I would need in exactly the color I love. It was meant to be. That, and she was offering it for an incredible price. Trust me, I priced many alternatives from different sources and this was the best one. Especially considering it is marked as $26 on the tag! But I won't tell you what I stole bought it for. Don't you love how honkin huge this thing is?! When I got it I was pleased and amused. Those are some serious skeins...no wonder they call it Magnum. :D
The catalyst to my discovery that we are broke was a birthday present. A friend of mine's twins will be one tomorrow. She invited me to the birthday pary, and I had no gift. Any good crafty chick will immediately consider what she can make! Of course  some Converse booties would be great. But that is just not enough. (Even though my mom said I didn't have to give them anything, heck they didn't even come to Nolan's birthday.) So off I went to Michael's, we had enough money in the account to spare 5-10 bucks. Or so I thought. Turns out we didn't. Still, I had money in my personal account and purchased the neccessities, including another skein of Bernat Alpaca to finish a hat that I started. Yes, that's right, I'm procrastinating. Big surprise. Looks like you won't see Goddess until October. Right about the time when it gets too cold to wear something without sleeves. Where was I? Right, presents. So, I picked up some fabric paint, these rockin (literally) stencils, and dug around in the boys' closet. I found some old onesies that looked clean (or never worn, that seems to happen) and set to work. Really, it was only about $5, probably less because I already had some fabric paints from the time I painted my jeans. What do you all think?
 It was horribly overcast all day yesterday. Sorry about the pictures. The blue is actually more of a teal. I want to make one for Nolan too, but with a different stencil (it was a 4-pack). But what cool thing can I put on there for his name? His nickname is Bird...and I think Mr. Shad might kill me if I put that on there. lol But what about Bird of Prey or something? That might be cool? Geez, how is a girl supposed to double check her craftiness without a husband there to tell her that it's a bad idea? Whatever. Look at my dinner. Yum it was so good. My mom is coming to visit for the weekend. So I can have a bit of a break. I am really looking forward to it.  Labels: birthdays, blah, booties, food, painting, presents, purchases, yarn 08:13 | |
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Sep 14, 2007
The Long GoodbyeThis, my friends, is going to be a long post. So long in fact, that I am going to post all of the non-knitting related stuff elsewhere. Mr. Shad leaves tomorrow. :( And I am going to miss him, but that is all I will say here. If you really want to you can go read the other post.
 In knitting news, I did start Mad Color Weave with Amazonas. Actually, I started them later that evening. There were several "false starts", I couldn't decide which size to do, then I couldn't wrap my head around the pattern. It's funny because it's such a simple pattern. Could have something to do with using 3 needles instead of 4, ya think? All that is left now is the toe, then I can start the second sock. They are a little snug, but that can actually be a good thing. Thelonious has a tendency to sag a bit, and I hate that.
Even though we are still in full on summer swing (weather-wise) down here, my mind has already started to turn to sweaters, Christmas gifts, and other fall knits. Mr. Shad helped me choose between knitting the Luna Dress or the Somewhat Cowl. He said that the Luna Dress was too frumpy. :/ Whatever. Anyways, I'm okay with the Somewhat Cowl, actually the more I look at it the more I like it. I even ordered yarn for it, which Mr. Shad also picked out. He would pick olive drab. lol The color is called Fern, but it's actually much nicer in person than it looked online. I was having second thoughts at first. The original appears to be green as well, for some reason I kept thinking it was brown. Then again, certain shades of green and brown look almost the same. If you don't believe me, come over some time and I will show you my living room walls.
 Okay, I must admit to something, I hate knitting those stupid Converse Booties. I  started another pair for a friend's baby, and nearly threw the yarn across the room. Why on earth did I make the toe so complicated and ridiculous?! Oh yeah, because it looks good. >.< Anyways, I ended up modifying the pattern so it could be done in the round. When I am through with all of my posting I will go add those alterations to the little pattern so that it can be done either way. Still a lot of ends to weave in, but at least there is no seaming. Finishing the second booty is part of my goal for today. Which includes: finishing the booties, finishing the first Amazonas sock, swatching for the Somewhat Cowl, and knitting at least 1 rep of the pattern on Goddess. Oh yeah, that. That's right, I haven't posted about Goddess in forever have I? Eh. Everything is pretty much done except the 5.5" of pattern at the end. Let me tell  you how much I loathe it. It is only 4 rows, and I'm lucky if I get half a rep done. I'm trying to do at least one a day, I should need about 13 total. Right now there are about 4 of them...so only 9 to go! If you don't see a FO post about Goddess in two weeks, start complaining. Apparently when I put things into hibernating they go in there for several months. Currently in hibernation (thanks for reminding me constantly Ravlery), I have the Uber-crop Raglan, Butterfly Headwrap, Harley Quinn, and the Martha/Nermal socks. I guess 4 out of 57 isn't bad, right? That leaves 47 things I have finished (4 in progress, and 2 frogged), including mom's top. If I can finish that I can finish anything. Once the cold starts to hit, I'll probably pull Harley Quinn back out, they are actually almost finished. Just gotta do the entrelac cuff on the second sock. Okay, now I am just rambling! Last up on the dockett today (I think), Flint Knits swapped me her copy of  Twinkle's Big City Knits for a skein of CTH Supersock in Yellow. I think I got the better end of that deal. :) This is why I love knitters though, we were just pondering sweaters together and I mention thinking about buying the book. She says, "Ah, I have that and can't use it! Would you like to swap?" Would I ever?! Oh, but what do I have to offer? A quick look over the stash tempted her gave her an idea of what she wanted. I would have given her my leftover Wollmeise Poison Nr. 5, but feel kind of badly about it only being half the skein (literally, it's 76g). Probably should have sent both. :D The Skating Sweater (see above links) is really calling to me. So much so that I have been looking into yarn for it, and actually agreed to buy some Cascade Magnum off of a fellow Raveler. In other news, this kind of upsets me. It's cool they mention knitting...but I don't want them encouraging others to fake it. :/ Okay, I am just ridiuclous.   Labels: alpaca, blah, blogging, booties, Goddess, gratitude, procrastinating, progress, purchases, rambling, Ravelry, socks, swaps, Wollmeise, yarn 09:10 | |
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Jul 5, 2007
Freaking Out*deep breath*
A lot has happened since my last post. Mr. Shad rushed home to take us to Maryland. He was still too late, at around 8PM on Tuesday, FIL passed. My husband was still in the air. How are you supposed to tell someone you love that someone they love has died? That everyone else got to say goodbye, but he didn't, because he was doing his job? We left Thursday in the early morning, and arrived Thursday afternoon.
Mr. Shad gets his stone cold exterior from his mother. She is a wonderful woman, but keeps her emotions to herself. Which is difficult for me (an overly emotional train wreck) to understand. Friday we had the viewings, my parents and a few of our friends came to provide support. The hardest thing for me was trying to explain the situation to Heather. She knew something was wrong, she did give us the lightest moment of the day though. Finally, it came to me, how to explain things to her. (Keep in mind I am talking to a four year old, not misspelling words)
She asks, "Are we in the hostipal?"
"No, we are in a funeral home. This is where people go after they die so that everyone can remember them, say goodbye, and love them. Then they can go to heaven, after the people that loved them say goodbye. Would you like to say goodbye?" I feel a bit of triumph in my explanation. It is delicate and true at the same time. She nods and walks somberly to the edge of the casket. Then brushes her hand across the air in a short wave, runs to MIL and says, "Let's go get some food!"
Kids.
Saturday was the funeral service and burial. The minister did a great job, considering. Tom "Alky" (FIL) was by no means a religious man, but that didn't make him a bad man. Nobody tried to make him into something he wasn't. Instead the minister played on his strengths as a father and loving human being. When Mr. Shad spoke, I cried. He was not emotional, but has a wonderful speaking voice. Even in a sad situation he can sound strong and proud. It was a long speech, and probably one of the best. After the burial, we were all so tired. Our friends came to the house and we all lazed about for a bit. Then we decided we just needed to get out, go do something. So, I got all dressed up to go out (the night before, Mr. Shad got a little drunk, I did not). As we sat around talking and joking, waiting for our husbands to finish helping my father load his motorcycle...I hear my mom begin to reprimand Heather. When I look over she isn't there. I can't actually remember seeing her fall, but I heard the sound her head made when it met the pavement.
I screamed Heather's name and everything moved so fast. No strange slow-motion fog that you might expect from a panicky situation. My mind worked the fastest though. The mother's among you understand. So, when I reached the bottom of the stairs and didn't see her lying on the ground...it took a moment for my imagination to give way to reality. She was up and running, looking for me. I caught her not more than four feet from where she must have fallen. When I lifted her up, my skirt came too. Instead I just dropped to the ground with her in my arms. Looking her over, trying to find the source of the blood on my hands. Good thing Mr. Shad was there, I think I was scaring poor Heather. We are complete opposites in the emotional department. My heart broke a little bit when I heard that sickening crack though. Everyone sort of...politely pushed me away from my daughter. Not that I didn't understand, I did. It still felt bad to be incapable of caring for my baby.
Anyways, sorry, I like to write remember? All of that drama. My mother and husband took Heather to the hospital, they can both control their emotions. After several tests, and CAT scans, and six staples, they returned home. It was 2am, my dress abandoned for pajama pants and t-shirt. She was a trooper, and is healing just fine. Okay, to all of the moms amongst you, I apologize for just scaring the crap out of you.
I started a Coachella mod, (props to Sylvia for giving me the idea) that is actually pretty simple. It's just a halter top instead of a racerback. she came up with that as a yarn saving gimmick since I only had three balls of yarn instead of four. ASAP I will update this with pictures. Right now I am going to get back to knitting. Coachella makes for a great stress knit, nothing really complicated. Even the flat knitting for the top half went quickly.Labels: accidents, bad day, blah, kids, knitting 12:51 | |
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Jun 25, 2007
This DayKeeps getting worse and worse.
It started last night actually. I found a bill for the water company, apparently a check was returned. We now owed them Bill + Fee. *sigh* Today is Monday, time to pay Heather's weekly tuition. Withdraw money...only $45 left after taking out said money. Which leaves me with a choice to either pay the tuition or the water bill. Mr. Shad says he'll take care of it, but he needs a pin number. Guess who gets to sift through stacks of unorganized papers to find it? Finally it is all straightened out. Get a phone call from MIL, she says my FIL is back in the hospital for pneumonia, in case I talk to Mr. Shad before she does. I breathe a little calmer and decide I will buy myself a P'zone to make up for the retardedness of the morning.
That was a bad idea. I call in the order while trying to dress boys and get them in the car. This is key. Pick Heather up, almost forget to pay tuition. It's humid and raining. Not my favorite combination. We drive to the Pizza Hut, make a few wrong turns, babies are crying. Get there, they are busy, sure why not. So when the man who "waits" on me is a little...short, I try not to mind it. Heather is plucking a bulletin off the wall and shaking the candy machine. I'm tired. He says he cannot find my order. Did I order from a different one? Did I? They are all in the phone book next to each other...if I don't pay attention because I am multi-tasking, well it's easy to mix things up. When I go to leave Heather throws a hugs fit, screaming for pizza. Now I am tired, hot, and embarrassed. Put the boys in the car and then throw her over my shoulder.
Back in the car. En route to turn around I can see fire trucks racing to a scene. There are huge grey clouds. The kind that you can not only see but taste from miles away. I won't be going back the way I came, that is for sure. Make mental note, and call 411 to get the number for the other Pizza Hut. My order is there, ready an hour ago. Of course I accidentally called the Pizza Hut furthest from my house. Get the P'zone, drive home in the rain on a road that I hate. Mr. Shad calls to tell me that, due to weather, they will not be home tomorrow. I am irate, and I vent. Loudly. Then I tell him to call his mom, he says he will and will call me back. Nearly home, things will be better there, right? Another call from Mr. Shad. FIL's heart rate or blood pressure or something dropped severly. They are going to insert a breathing tube. Now I am insensitive instead of irate. *deep breaths* We get home, the food is cold. I just want to sleep or curl up with a book.
So, I do. Put the kids to bed early, reheat the P'zone, grab a book and read. Then I fall asleep for awhile. I just woke myself up at around 10. A little groggy, but feelin a bit better. Then a third call from Mr. Shad. My FIL is in a coma. They went to put the breathing tube in and he went into cardiac arrest. Things have changed drastically. And all I can think is that I can't handle this. Not right now. Too much. We'll be in Maryland a lot sooner than I had thought.
The only even remotely good thing I can think to say is that I swatched today. For Coachella. And got gauge. Too bad the needles I need are being used.
I will try to update for you guys ASAP. *hugs*Labels: bad day, blah, family, life, sick 22:28 | |
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Apr 21, 2007
Weekend From HellI am just posting really quick. Some crazy sickness attacked me last night, and I've barely moved off the couch to do anything more than feed children. Not that they have done anything to help me out. *sigh*
Justin called a few hours ago to let me know about the Blue Angel crash, I think they are coming home. He sounded so sad, but I couldn't think of what to say. I was in this slightly medicated haze, with crazy children running all over.... It makes me feel bad that I couldn't comfort him and that I acted very coldly when he told me. Boo. Back to the couch.Labels: blah, life, sick 18:00 | |
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Apr 10, 2007
Last CallMy flight leaves in exactly 5 hours and 58 minutes. So, I'm not going to bore you with a lot of words. Here is the last few days in pictures.
 Check the bug out on the cover of the Loopy Ewe Q2 Challenge photo gallery! I actually almost cried when I saw that (okay, so it's the only picture up so far), I felt so happy. Of course...I am tired. Labels: babies, blah, happiness, life, sleep 00:52 | |
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Apr 1, 2007
Knit Big or Go Home****PICTURE HEAVY POST**** There is a saying about Texas, about how they do everything big. And we all know New Yorkers (well, city New Yorkers) do everything fast. But in Maryland and DC, we do all or nothing. We do it fast, we do it big, and we do it loud. Or we don't do it at all. It's always been hard for me to be one of those people. I have (what I like to call) a "toe-dipper" approach to life. Which means I start out small and build, when I'm comfortable and sure.     When it comes to knitting, I have learned to be a "cannonballer". I jump right in. This weekend has definitely made me feel like a real Maryland girl! After feeling like I've been doing nothing the last few weeks, I suddenly do everything all at  once. It's so exciting. The weekend will have to be broken into two posts for all of the pictures I've got! Not to mention the wheel isn't quite finished. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. I went to Melissa's to help her out with some HTML on her blog, she had promised me wool in exchange. Seeing as how I'm just learning to spin and her Corriedales have great wool, it sounded good to me. Fixing her problems in the template took about 5 minutes, then we spent the next hour and 55 minutes talking. lol She not only gave me more than a pound (I have no sense of weight, I could be totally off) of Corriedale, she also gave me samples of Lincoln wool, Mohair, and silk!! What an awesome deal! She really is an amazing woman, she also teaches needle-felting. Her needle-felted puppets are really beautiful. Check out this interview. So, on my return I stopped by the LYS to show off my goodies, and to chat of course. And I found out...  My baby has arrived!! Oh glorious day! Now all I had to do was wait for my mom's half of the money. Until my dear husband informs me that we can pay the other half  and pick it up today! My excitement is bubbling over at this point. We pick her up, and then I remember we're on our way into town (haha) to stop by the mall to get me sandals. Which we never do find. Apparently sandals are no longer in style, unless they have large heels. Thanks, but no. I've got lots of heels. I don't do flip-flops either, that thing between my toes? No again. We bought a lot of other random things. At some point I sat down to feed Nolan, while Justin went into a sports memorabilia store. Apparently, Nolan wasn't feeling well, about 98% of the way into his jar of peas...Nolan just ejected all of it. So there I am, sitting at a table in the mall, baby vomiting endlessly on me, and nobody even tries to help.  There are plenty of people staring, not one of them offers to get my husband or some napkins! I had to send my four year old daughter into a (luckily nearby) store, by herself, to get my husband. Um, thanks. I showered and then polished my nails. Not something I often do, as I am a former nail biter. Also, my crafts seem to inhibit my ability to keep nicely polished nails, or the opposite happens and I can't craft because my nails are wet. Neither of which is exciting to me. Then I checked my email! Cookie had asked my permission to post the picture of my Thelonious sock on her blog! How fantastic is that?! Oh, it definitely made me feel better.  Saturday, I was jonesing to get some time in at the LYS. Mr. Shad needed to take his old motorcycle to a bike swap though. We really needed to sell it. So I waited. While sitting around trying to knit baby booties, a package arrived. Well, what could this be? It's my Loopy Ewe order! I ordered some Louet Gems Pearl in Pewter from The Loopy Ewe, it's my very first order too. Definitely not my last. Sheri included some lovely little extras, and a handwritten note was on the back of my invoice. So wonderful. I love good customer service. Well, Mr. Shad sold his motorcycle, but then had no transportation home. So he called me, and I have to wake and dress children. *sigh* When I finally get there it is three o'clock and the shop closes in two hours. He suggests we go to Home Depot and pick up stain for my beloved wheel. Begrudgingly, I agree. After arriving home again, I start the laborious process of staining her. Not that it's hard, but there are a LOT of little pieces. You'll see what I'm talking about in my next post. At about midnight I crawled onto the couch next to hubby, my knees aching  from sitting on the floor and my hands all pink from scrubbing stain off of them. So much for that nail polish, huh? We watched some movies and went to sleep. Today I need to give my wheel (whose name I am unsure of for now) a second staining and then finish her off with some Polyurethane stuff. Real technical here at chez Kitty. I reorganized my stash, we bought some plastic tubs to protect the yarn while it's out there in the garage. The sock yarn was granted a license to stay inside in a smallish basket, the first basket I bought to store yarn in. So here's a small stash flash for you.  Labels: babies, blah, frustration, happiness, life, purchases, spinning, stash, Thelonious, wheel, wool/fleece/roving 17:26 | |
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Mar 27, 2007
Tuesday, I Get a Little Bit SidewaysI'm not sure where my brain is. Outer space? Thelonious progresses, could have finished sock #1 if I hadn't had motherly/house-wifely duties. *sigh* PRGE is fun. I really hope to keep both of my pals as friends.
Also, I was looking at my list of goals, I have accomplished a lot. Well, considering it's only March. Still have seven things to scratch off the list. In my search for the perfect steeking project...what do you guys think of Eunny's Deep-V Argyle Vest? Yes, I added to the list...are these not too cute? I've been eyeing the penguin up.Labels: blah, goals, knitting, steeking 22:24 | |
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Mar 15, 2007
Run Away!That's what I feel like doing right now. Mr. Shad has proposed a small getaway sometime in April, I cannot express to you how much I am looking forward to this. Seriously, I want to pack up and go right NOW! Instead I am trying to maintain my sanity, which includes buying yarn, knitting yarn, and making yarn. lol Although I haven't had much time to spin, man I want my wheel. Anyways, we are going to Phoenix for a few days, anybody in Phoenix know of some good knitting shops? hehe Of course, this makes the chances of me going to MDS&W even less likely. I wish that I could just bring myself to drive there on my own. Still a bit scared of drives like that though.
I've got knitting going on, I swear it. The batteries are dead (still) on my digital camera and I just don't feel like taking pictures. Anyways, the sweater for my LYS owner is inching along. Like, literally. I'm 10 inches in and have 3 more to go before separating the sleeves. It's not my favorite thing to be doing. Tonight I will probably finish up my Endpaper Mitts, as I am excited about them. I also started those Snowflake socks, but I just don't know how I feel about them. Love the yarn, the pattern...not so much. Bleh. I might just rip it all out.
It feels like I've stretched myself too thin though. Let's see, I've got the PRGE going, Alpaca-along, the SAM3 KAL, the sweater I'm knitting for my LYS, and it just feels like everything is all getting smushed in my head. My best friend is supposed to come see me soon, and there's this vacation, and MDS&W.... *sigh* It always feels like I'm forgetting something. So many designs in my head. Should I share them? I'm not sure if I want to submit them somewhere, or if they will work out right, or if anyone will even like them! Must...remember...to breathe.
Something cool, I don't know how many of you read Cookie and Kristi's blog, but I do. Anyways, they are both wonderful, Kristi responds to every comment I post and has been really encouraging about me spinning. Well, in my latest comment I linked her to a picture of my Monkey socks, because we seem to all have such similar taste in colors, here is her reply:
"I saw your monkey socks and I love them! I meant to comment on your blog, but I guess I didn't -- sorry! I think I even IMed Cookie and told her she had to go look at them because they were Monkeys in awesome colors!"
-Kristi
How cool is that?! Maybe I'm exaggerating the coolness factor for my own benefit, still, it made me extra happy. I didn't even think they had time to read the blogs of knitting peons like me. :) Also, you should all seriously (well those of you who love socks) check out Wollmeise, I ordered two skeins and don't regret a cent of it. Actually, I wish I had ordered more! The colors make me want to squeal! lol I'm going to be using Poison Nr. 5 for the Thelonious socks. Pictures once things begin to arrive. :)
(P.S. Tomorrow is my one year knitversary!)Labels: blah, endpaper mitts, forgetting, socks, yarn addict 15:56 | |
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Mar 14, 2007
Is it Sleepy Time Yet?Sorry, I meant to post this earlier and totally got sidetracked. My digital camera needs recharging so I took pics with my webcam, forgive them. I picked up some yarn for designs I have in my head. Lately I've been having designer dreams. Honestly. Gotta sketch out the one I had last night, it was pretty...unique. lol
 The cream (white) yarn is Universal Yarns Pace, for a pair of socks inspired by Cookie's Millicent (which I bought the pattern for!). I'm very excited about them. The black is going to be a cow-like bookmark for my Aunt Marcie. We both collect cows, and at least this way it is useful. I got some Bryspun 2.75mm needles, it's really the only sock needle size I don't have. Also, my LYS owner is awesome and let me borrow some 2.5mm Brittany needles.
I'm trying not to spend money. But it's just not working. I think once I get my tattoo and my wheel I'll be satisfied. Mr. Shad is just not moving fast enough! I need his help with the design of my tattoo, the bum. There are many plans for my PRGE pal right now, I am excited by all of them. We can't talk about that here though. Though I really don't think my pal reads the blog, at least she's never commented on it. Still, I don't wanna jinx it.
Cookie's website is up. I already bought three of the patterns. And I am wanting to do Millicent badly (I'm talking staring at the pattern right now bad), but I want to do it in the Louet Gems Pearl. Now, $30 isn't actually bad for a pair of socks, considering that's what I spent on Suzanne. Except I am trying to save money to spend on my pal. Now I am sleepy and can't remember much of anything that I meant to post about. *sigh*
Oh, I'm forgetting something. That's right, my rant about how I hate my current birth control. It's making me rather depressed lately, and very insecure about my body. Which is actually out of character for me, I tend to not care much at all about how I look. Also it makes my visitor well, extremely unpredictable, I can't even call it a "monthly" visitor anymore! Bleh. Now I am going to knit on my sock or sleep. Night!Labels: blah, blogging, gratitude, purchases, rambling, sleep, yarn 20:59 | |
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Mar 5, 2007
Fog and Socks The fog is in my brain. I, like just about everyone else in blogland, am sick. My family is sick. Heather was home 3 days last week, man I thought I'd lose my mind. Nolan just started the coughing/runny nose thing yesterday. *sigh* Everyone is drugged up, including DH who seriously should have stayed home today. Whatever.
So, I've not been knitting today. Last night I finished the first Monkey sock. I guess later on I'll CO for the second one, my body just isn't into it right now. But I want to do it soon before I forget what I did the first time around. For example:  I did an Eye of Partridge heel. I really like how it turned out. Having never done one before (to find out how I googled eye of partridge heel, lol, the link to the directions is above) I was a little worried about how it would look. But, I liked the way it seemed to display the colors in other people's socks. What do you guys think? Had some difficulties taking the pictures for this. See, the shoes that I wanted to use, well I wear a size 8. These shoes are a size 6.5 (US), and I don't even know what I was thinking when I bought them. Except maybe that they are cute. The picture of the shoe hanging off my foot is my absolute favorite! It's kind of fitting (or not? lol), who needs shoes that fit when you've got great socks? If you absolutely love the shoes, or know someone who would love them, and happen to wear a size 6.5 email me. They are free to a good home. The shoes have found a home!
The only thing that even might be not pleasing is the slight pooling around the heel/gusset area. Still, it's not a big deal. Just adds character.
 A little fiber to cheer us up? I don't know about you, but it always makes me  feel better. This came in the mail for me today from my blogging buddy Ann-marie, she has an etsy shop too. There's some yarn there similar to the Suzanne that I might snatch up if nobody jumps on it. I'm thinking a Newsboy cap and some wristwarmers (or legwarmers?), probably striped with some solid Cascade 220. Hmm.... Labels: blah, gratitude, happiness, knitting, progress, socks, yarn 16:14 | |
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Feb 23, 2007
The Unthinkable Has HappenedI have nothing to say really. That's so strange for me. Or more appropriately, I have nothing to really blog about. I started the sweater for my LYS, but I wanted to ask the owner a question before I got too far into, so I put it aside. Still working on the sock, but you've already seen how it looks...no new pics until it's done. I don't really need to make the other foot thong this minute as my best friend won't be here until the 22nd of March.
Mostly I've been thinking about shiny new projects. What do you think of a nice slouchy hat? They're doing a KAL over on craftster. I can stash-bust the leftovers from Wicked and I have a full skein of light blue Cascade 220 too. Spirals made hers out of brown and blue Cascade 220, so I'm seeing how much she ended up using. I think I'll need a new circ tho...My Denise 16" is awkward to work with. I could put little cabled crossovers on it, then it'll REALLY match Wicked. How hot would that be? Of course, I could always scoop up the last skein of #2448, then it would really match. But I kinda wanna stash-bust. Originally I was going to make a newsboy cap (which I have a feeling is a similar pattern) but then I won this from Anne-marie. So now I'm thinking Newsboy Cap might look better in this. Hm...or maybe I should do it the other way around?! Argh...so befuddled. What do you think?! Quick, make my decisions for me so I can run to the yarn shop right now and buy a new circular. lol
I wasn't going to post this, but this is what I got honestly and on the first try. So:
| Your Blog Should Be Purple | 
You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything.
You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey.
You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say. |
Labels: blah, blogging, decisions, gratitude, KAL, procrastinating 10:33 | |
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