kittyjack

What I did this summer

2005-08-08T15:32:00.000-04:00

1. Knit

A mini baby boom around these parts has kept me busy. I was especially pleased to have to put aside a beautiful girly sweater for my friends whose doctor is obviously a LIAR. They ended up having a boy and I ended up starting over with a blanket (still not done). Damn! I also made the cutest sweater and hat for another couple that had a boy. I'm also knitting socks since it's too hot to knit anything else.

2. Spent a week at the beach

My boy's parents rent a beach house every year in RI for 3 weeks so we took some time off and spent our days splashing, napping and eating. Yay!

3. Won a contest on ebay - at my favorite seller's site (Jannette). I won a ton of Colinette and some cute needle holders. It was awesome.

4. Did a bit of sewing - One skirt down and a purse pattern has been cut.

5. Preparing to move

This is a biggie - I'm moving to my BF's house and he wants me to live there rent free so I can save up to buy a multifamily just like his - we can have a mini (very mini) real estate empire! I love my apartment but my street is so noisy, I don't think I can take it anymore.

6. Scoping out the fall patterns and yarns

Can't wait to see the new RYC patterns and have been trying to check out the new Rowan mag - the photos online are just too hard to see.

Ordered some of the new Knitpicks yarns - there are about five new yarns that I just saw on their site. I got one ball of each to test knit. A few had cashmere in them and are a bit pricier that the other yarns but still, I bet they're nice.

That's it - pretty boring summer, huh?

Summer has begun

2005-06-23T14:09:00.000-04:00

But I'm already thinking about fall patterns. I just found a preview of a new Noro/Jane Ellison book and it looks kind of cool. I really loved Noro Knits and will most likely buy this as soon as I see it. Hopefully Windsor Button will get these in soon. There are also some new Debbie Bliss things coming out but really her patterns are the same from book to book, what's up with that? I also saw a preview of Fall Phildar, kind of blah but I did just order the 2004 fall and winter issues for myself recently.

Work is boring but my group just won an employee award at our department picnic. We were shocked enough to get the award but we were even more surprised to find out it came with a monetary prize. Hot damn that was sweet! It was a good amount too! Prize = yarn or should I squirrel it away? Must seriously think about that one.

Not much knitting going on, just a pair of socks for myself that I'm kind of messing up but don't really seem to care, I figure all my little errors while fade away once I throw it in the wash. No biggie!

Where's spring?

2005-05-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

Not here, that's for sure. It has been crappy pretty much the entire month of May. So depressing! At least it's a 3 day weekend (four for me, I took Tuesday off too). I plan on doing nothing but relaxing, knitting, and watching movies. I may go to the Museum of Fine Arts on Monday since it's free admission all day and a new exhibit opens that I really want to see: the Quilts of Gee's Bend. I'm really excited about it and hope to check it out. I may do a museum, nice lunch, stroll around town day if it's nice (yeah right) out. Oh Boston, you're killing me with this weather!

Things I like - Random list

2005-05-20T13:59:00.000-04:00

White Chocolate peanut butter yum!
Mini sharpies
Making S'mores in the toaster oven - not the same as campfire smores but still tasty.
Amy Butler fabrics and patterns - I lost an eBay auction today for some fabric and am still angry - damn you last-minute bidders!
A good salad. I'm a picky eater and not too crazy about most vegetables but once in a while I'll have a really good salad and have hope that I'll start eating them more often. I had a great salad at Legal Sea Foods - I never go there but someone took me there for lunch recently. Maybe the key is salad with grilled shrimp= good.
Lists
Fridays

I'm looking forward to this book: Sarah Dallas Knitting - I love it when new knitting books come out!

Oh my!

2005-05-18T13:36:00.000-04:00

So I received my Knitpicks order yesterday and I have to say that the new yarns are amazing. I haven't purchased any before, just knit up some swatches from samples that were in the last catalog. Wow! The sock landscape is so soft and the color is great. I was going to knit up a scarf or shawl but it may have to become socks after all. My BF who has no interest in any of my yarn ever, picked it up and pretty much claimed it as his. I think I'll have to get some more soon. Plus the price? I can't wait for more yarn lines to come out, Knitpicks is being so smart with this. I like the other yarns I got - Merino style and Elegance but I haven't had a chance to swatch those yet. I was too busy fondling the sock landscape. Yum!

PS: Way to go WB, have the season finale of Gilmore Girls go over by 1 minute to 9:01 and have my Tivo cut off the end. You suck!

Can't. Stop. Shopping.

2005-05-12T14:49:00.000-04:00

In the last three days I have purchased:

Jaeger Aran Shetland from Jannette (ebay) - no project in mind yet
Trekking 100 sock yarn - plain socks to give away (christmas)
Knitpicks Merino Style (cinnamon), Elegance (burnt orange), and Sock Landscape (yukon) all to be used in patterns from...
Scarf Style

I am about to continue this craziness by placing a small order at Knit Happens. What's gotten into me? I NEVER go on yarn binges like this. I think it must be the thrill of recently finishing not one but two sweaters last week. I've finished Eloise and Hail and hope to have photos up soon. They both look pretty good I think. Hail is just too heavy and will have to be put away until at least December but Eloise is perfect for this weather. I still need to sew up Bless, we'll see how long it'll take me to do that.

Through Jannette's ebay site, she gave a hint that Rowan Cork is discontinued - I may have to stock up on that, it's so cozy and squishy. Somebody stop me with the shopping already! Oh, my poor credit card!

I passed!

2005-04-28T14:09:00.000-04:00

I passed my driving test! At the age of 35 I finally have my license. The test was today and was done by a Massachusetts state trooper. It was so scary, my leg literally was shaking when I hit the brakes. I only made a few mistakes, the biggest being not looking over my shoulder when I was going in reverse. All in all I did OK but I was sure I would fail because I was so nervous. Anyway, I feel like I deserve some sort of treat so I may need to buy myself a little gift - hmmm, maybe some yarn? Or, maybe a new ring! I've been eyeing the pretty ones at smallthings and rena tom. I'll have to think this through...

Hurray!

2005-04-07T16:28:00.000-04:00

Short post. New knitty!

I've been tagged!

2005-04-01T15:11:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by Susan at http://www.susanknits.blogspot.com/ - Hi Susan!

1. How much space is left on your Tivo or Comcast box? Probably about 35 hours. I tend to delete things as soon as I watch them.

2.Have you ever bought a DVD of a TV series and if so which one? Yes! All sex and the city, freaks and geeks, alias, x-files, sports night, simpsons (only up to season 5, I won't get any more). I want to get My so called life next.

3. What was the last TV show that you watched before reading this message? Show dog Moms and Dads

4. List 5 shows you won't miss. Lost, Alias, The OC, Amazing race, Gilmore girls

5. Name 3 people to whom you will pass this stick. No one, I think I'm one of the last folks to get this.

Knitting Update
I have just purchased some Debbie Bliss Cathay in Peony from Ebay. I plan on making the little bolero in the Summer Issue of Interweave Knits (preview here). Now I wait (im)patiently for the magazine to get here.

I still have my big finishing pile. It is mocking me from its basket, judging me and sneering at me. I also have started some sewing and that is also waiting to be sewn up. Since the skirt is for spring it definitely has a bnetter chance of getting done than the heavy sweaters. Maybe this rainy weekend will inspire me to finish something!

Spring has not sprung...yet

2005-03-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

After a long winter, I've decided to emerge from my cave. I really dislike January and February weather, it causes great grumpiness in me. March hasn't been too terrible so far and I'm glad that each day gets a little warmer and brighter.

After a good run of knitting in December and January, things kind of petered out. I have quite a large finishing pile but am not motivated to do any of it since the sweaters (Hail from Rowan Plaid and Bless in Rowan Cork) are just screaming winter and I want to succumb to spring knitting. So, I wait. I look at the finishing pile then turn my nose up at it. I look through spring pattern books and catalogs with great interest. I feel the need to finish at least one winter item (I do have Eloise,from Noro Knits, to work on - and it doesn't feel too wintery) before I start a spring summer project, I really should just plan on that.

Hi Susan! I've been reading your blog and love all of your projects! How do you get so much done?

I hope to update this page on a regular basis now that I'm starting to get over the winter blahs.

Spring Cleaning

2005-02-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

back soon!

Has it really been almost a month?

2004-12-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

...since I last posted? Wow, time flies when you're knitting Christmas presents. I'm in the home stretch, I've knitted 7 Ann Norling fruit hats, 3 London beanies, 1 garter stitch scarf (out of Noro Kochoron, yum!) and one Manos hat (from the new Last minute knitted gifts book, I highly recommend it!). I think I have one or two more hats (pattern TBD) and then I'll be DONE!

So, my lastest yarn purchase is great - Brooks Farm yarn from their new website - I just received a skein of their Primero yarn in the San Marcos colorway. From the first moment I saw this yarn I was in love. Now that I can get it online instead of waiting to go to a Fiber festival I'm going to have to restrain myself big time. This is very dangerous folks! To have this wonderful yarn available, whenever I want it?! It boggles the mind.

I am almost done holiday shopping which is a relief, that plus having most of the holiday knitting done is really relieving a lot of stress. Hopefully I will finish up this weekend (shopping).

Secret Pals revealed

2004-11-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update before I head out for the weekend. I've revealed myself to my Secret Pal2 - Her name is Susan, and she just started a new blog. Hi Susan! It was great being her secret pal and I had a lot of fun picking stuff out that I thought she'd like (I hope I did a good job).

I also found who my secret pal was and it was Mindy from gidget casts on. I am a fan of her blog and visit almost everyday. She was a terrific SP and I honestly loved everything I received from her. Thanks Mindy! You rock!

This was really fun and I hope to join another SP exchange next year (after the holidays). Knitters are the greatest!

Have a good weekend!

Too depressed for words...

2004-11-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

I just can't believe it.

Random things

2004-10-31T08:24:00.000-05:00

1. There's nothing more exciting than the Red Sox winning the World Series. Everyone in Boston is in a really good mood - I've never seen anything like it.

2. I broke down after seeing Kari's Lara (Oct. 13 entry). It's gorgeous. Must have it. Once I saw that Elann had some Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran - which seems to be the same guage as the DB Alpaca Silk, I snapped some up and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

3. When do I find out who my secret pal is? I haven't revealed my self to mine yet but I'm dying to know who has been getting me such great gifts.

4. Nathania sent me a coupon for $5.00 off adagio teas. I ordered some on friday and can't wait for them to get here.

5. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm buying/making for everyone on my Chrismas list. This is a first and I may be done holiday shopping sometime in early November. It'll take me a while to finish the knitting but it's all small stuff, hats, scarves, etc.

6. Is the election over yet? After reading that article about Bush in the NY Times magazine a couple of weeks ago (sorry, can't find the link). I'm terrified that he'll win. Ugh, it's making me ill just thinking about it.

7. Wendy gave me a scare by announcing her blog retirement but the outcry from her loyal readers has caused her to reconsider.

8. I'm going out to play - it's 70 degrees today!

Knitty surprise!

2004-10-25T11:03:00.000-04:00

it's now available and it really is special. Check it out!

Knitty surprise

Yes!

2004-10-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah! In your face, Yankees!

Jealous much?

2004-10-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

Yup, I'm jealous. All of the knitbloggers that were able to go to Rhinebeck and snag some of the beautiful Brooks Farm Fiber - gorgeous yarn that makes me drool whenever I see it on someone else's website. Oh well, maybe next year - the fair looked so fun. I e-mailed the Brooks farm owners once and they told me they only sell at fiber festivals. Sigh.

My other rant is about the au bon pain pumpkin muffin. It's 580 calories. 580! And it's not even that big. I love pumpkin baked goods but that's just ridiculous. I'm not even close to a hardcore calorie watcher but damn!

I'm going to try to stay away from the baseball game tonight and watch Lost instead. I can't watch the game for long since I can't take the suspense.

Thanks again Secret Pal!

2004-10-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I received a package from my secret pal after a particularly crappy day at work. It was exactly what I needed! I love (again!) everything she sent me. First, a beautiful skein of Himalaya yarn, a combo of wool and silk in the prettiest red ever! The photo doesn't even really come close to showing it's beauty. I took this photo really quickly this morning - I was already a half hour late for work.

I didn't get a chance to take photos of the rest of my gift, a tin of knitter's little helper (a really nice smelling hand balm) - I really needed it too, as soon as it gets cold my hands get super dry and cracked. There was also a jar of saffron! It's great and I can't wait to use it - fall and winter are pretty much my big cooking times and I love to try new things. I've never bought saffron and have always wanted to. How did you know SP? There were also some Jelly belly packets (gone now, I ate them immediately) and some Brooklyn brand chewing gum. As a brooklyn girl, of course I love anything with my borough printed on it. I must save the wrappers and do something crafty with them. I'll check out craftster later and see if there are any ideas out there. Thank you Secret Pal! You're the best!

Here are some photos of my new chairs (well, one of them):

Before painting
After

Here is a parting shot of my girl:
She says "Have a good weekend"

Quickie post

2004-10-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to post for days but I've been hoping to have photos to go along with my post. Alas, it's not meant to be so I'll post sans photos. I'm making some knitting progress for once! I have the back of my Cork Bless all done and am working on the sleeves (both at once, we'll see how that goes). I'm halfway done with the Koigu scarf using the yarn and pattern from my secret pal (thanks again!). I love it and may have to give it my BF's stepmom since she was raving about it (well, maybe I'll make her a different one and keep this one for me!) I love the Koigu colors, they are beautiful!

I've also finished some other crafty projects I've meant to finish for a while. I spray painted some plastic school chairs that I found on the street. I used Krylon Fusion and it's amazing. The chairs look new and I got the paint on sale for 2.79 a can (I had 3 chairs and painted each a different color).

I also slipcovered an old ottoman some friends were throwing away. It looks OK but you can tell I'm still new at sewing, it looks a little off but I like it and I'm leaving it as is for now. The funniest part about the ottoman is that as soon as I finished it, I mean literally put in the last tack to hold it place, Victoria (my lovely kitty) threw up on it! I was so annoyed at her for like an hour but I should have known she would immediately claim it as her own. Silly kitty! She's luck I love her so much. I had to take the entire thing apart and wash the fabric AND use new batting. I'll try to post some pics of everything soon.

I'm going to start Eloise from Noro Knits in Blossom (shade #8) - Wendy is knitting it right now and it's making me want to put all my projects aside and start it immediately. We'll see how long I can hold out. I also really want to start my Rowan Plaid sweater. I think all of the debates really made me knit more. Too bad they're over, I enjoyed listening to W stutter and stumble, his discomfort made me happy!

Return to the city

2004-10-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

We spent a nice few days with the boy's relatives in NH. We had great weather and it was beautiful. Now, I'm a city girl through and through but sometimes it's nice to get away from the noise and craziness of Boston/cambridge. We walked in the woods, ate lots of good food and relaxed. I didn't knit very much, literally I think I knit one row this past week. I tried to keep an eye out for yarn stores in the area but had no luck and didn't really research whether there were any close to where we were staying.

Now that it's really fall, I will be returning to my projects with a vengeance. I hope to start to new projects this week and keep going on two others. I'll try to post some photos soon. Photos=more interesting blog.

Hey, the new IK newsletter is up (Winter '04). I don't see anything too exciting - the Airy cardigan looks like it may be cute as do the retro rib socks. Maybe the Tilted Jacket? I wish the photos were bigger.

Knit-along confessions

2004-09-24T13:25:00.000-04:00

I love seeing all the Knitalongs pop up in the blog world but I never want to knit the actual item chosen. I thought I wanted to join the Lara knitalong since the Debbie Bliss alpaca silk is so pretty but the actual sweater does nothing for me. At first I thought it was cute, but now, ehh. I'm too shy, lame, whatever, to start my own knitalong - and lots of times I don't see a knit along exists until it's too late and it's over.

I guess my point in all this is that it would be nice to knit something I really liked at the same time other people are doing it. I know zero knitters in real life and feel a bit left out. All the S 'n Bs people go to and the all the "community" things people do seem like so much fun yet I'm too chicken to join in. I went to the Boston Knit out and wandered around by myself wishing I knew someone, anyone there and could hang out for a bit. Wow, I'll shut up now because I sound like a big baby.

I wish I knew how to drive, I'd love to go to Rhinebeck. I saw on their website that Brooks farm is going to be there and I would KILL for some of their yarn - I was able to see a skein of their mohair blend and it was fucking awesome.

Thanks Secret pal!

2004-09-17T16:15:00.000-04:00

I love my gifts from my secret pal. Here are some VERY bad photos of what I received. You can see part of my retro prep blocking underneath.

If you can't tell from the terrible photos, I received a great scarf pattern for a Koigu scarf and a really pretty skein of Koigu to make it with. Of course my shitty pictures aren't even close to showing you the awesome color of the yarn. I tried to take better photos this morning but my Palm camera is just not meant for real photos.

There are also some really pretty stitch markers which I love and need. A pot of Kiehl's lip balm - my favorite - and a cute box of chocolate. I plan on trying the chocolate today (as soon as I get home). Thanks Secret Pal! I love everything you sent!

Knitting News: Retro prep is done and blocking and I've started Bless from the Rowan Cork book and am also going to start either my shawl (first gift) or scarf pattern that my secret pal sent.

My only real plan for the weekend is to get some fall clothes for myself. I hate everything I own and need new pants, shoes etc. Wish me luck, I'm really unlucky at finding things I like.

New Knitty

2004-09-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just took a quick look at the new Knitty and I have to say there are some really nice patterns this time around. I really like Knitty anyway but for some reason there are more things that I see myself making. I especially love zigzag and blaze. The bright pink yarn makes me REALLY want to make giraffe. It's a really quiet day at work so I'm glad I have this issue of knitty to peruse. I'm so boring, I'm putting myself to sleep.

Boston Knit-Out

2004-09-08T13:35:00.000-04:00

I know I've mentioned this before but:

The Knit-out is this Sunday! I'm almost positive that I'm going, I'm sure it will be fun. I hope the word gets out and that there's a good turnout. If you're in the area stop by. Gosh, I hope it doesn't rain!

Something new?

2004-09-04T17:26:00.000-04:00

I keep seeing other knit bloggers working on these crewel kits. I'm intrigued. The Ruby shoot and Love loops kits are especially cute. They look like a lot of fun. I've also considered getting one of the Sublime stitching kits (love those veggies!). I don't have any idea whether I'd be good at doing this or whether I'd even like it but I may have to try someday.

My beautiful ebay yarn is here! I love it and am excited by how beautiful the colors are. I must FINISH THE RETRO PREP before I start anything else. Sorry had to yell at myself for a moment. Gosh, I want to start my shawl soon too. I don't plan on jumping on the poncho bandwagon (I'm actually a little sick of them, don't hate me for saying that!) but I can't wait to start the shawl. I see this as a spring shawl (since it'll probably take me until then, if not longer, to finish it up. Man, I say it all the time to my BF and coworkers but knitting is really fun!

Finally, a cooler day

2004-09-01T14:05:00.000-04:00

I guess I just shut down when it's hot and muggy. I haven't wanted to knit, blog or do anything the past few days but today is a lot nicer. I noticed the new MagKnits is out. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet but the cover design looks very nice. Is the new knitty coming soon?

Am patiently awaiting my ebay yarn. I'm also about to send out another secret pal 2 package. I keep finding things that I think she'll like and I'm really enjoying putting the packages together. This is really fun!

OK, need to do some more ~~slacking~~ working. I hate Wednesdays, it's my loneliest day at work (I'm the only one that works today). Well at least it's livelier with the students back.

Splurge day

2004-08-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

So, I broke down and bought some yarn on ebay today. I kept debating it but I finally gave in and am now waiting for a ten pack of Rowan Plaid in Creeper and a ten pack of Noro Cash Iroha in light blue.

I'm so excited! The cash iroha is more turquoise than the photo shows (I think, I haven't actually received it yet). I don't have any plans for the Noro but the Plaid will definitely become something from the plaid book, what I don't know since I change my mind every time I look through it.

I keep thinking that I may use the Noro for the Lara-along. I guess I'll have to try to track down the Silk Alpaca book - just for research purposes mind you (ha!). I've never joined a knitalong and now's the time to start I think.

I'm hoping this weekend will be quiet - it's supposed to be really hot tomorrow but I plan on goofing off - maybe going for a "swim" - yes, I'm still in the learning stages of that.

Oh, I want to make Stefanie's boob holder soon. I love, love, love it!

I'm also about to start my shawl - I just need to get my needles off the retro prep. Adios!

Secret Pal 2 questions - finally answered!

2004-08-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

I keep meaning to answer these and of course I keep forgetting. I've already answered some questions in an e-mail to my SP but I figured I post them here too.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I guess I am a yarn snob though I have used Lion Brand yarns from time to time. I don't really buy it anymore though.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? I know how to crochet but I never do it unless required for a knitting project - I may pick it up again but it hurts my hands for some reason.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) I strongly dislike the smell of cigarette smoke - I wouldn't say I'm allergic though.

4. How long have you been knitting? 2 years

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, an amazon wish list.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) - I like light, citrusy scents.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes! Love Jelly Belly's they're my favorite (except for the licorice and cinnamon ones, yuck)

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I like to repaint old, junky furniture.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if you want to make her a CD) I grew up in brooklyn so I love rap, hip hop and more urban music though I do listen to the "Alternative" radio station all day long and like it.

10. What's your favorite color? Pink, red, blue

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Have a BF and a cat.

Second set of questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love most of the Rowan yarns and love Debbie bliss yarns also

2. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Rowan Plaid

3. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Sweaters for me and shawls

4. What are you knitting right now? Sweater (retro prep cardi from IK, Fall 2003?)

5. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular Addi Turbos

6. How did you learn to knit? Taught myself to make garter stitch squares from a web site then got stuck so I took a class at a local craft store.

7. How old is your oldest UFO? Maybe a hat that's a year old - I need to weave in the ends and add a pompom

Exciting events!

2004-08-20T10:24:00.000-04:00

Well, exciting to me at least. First, I just found out that my downstairs neighbor is at the Olympics, competing for the Trinidad/Tobago taekwondo team! How cool is that! He's such a nice guy but very quiet. We had no idea he competed in any sport. So I guess he went to the opening ceremonies in Athens and is back in boston for training. He doesn't compete until next Saturday, the 28th I think. My boyfriend and I will try to watch - it'll be made easier by my second exciting bit of news, I have TIVO!

Everyone that knows me is surprised that I didn't have tivo already since I watch so much tv (sad, I know). Tivo really is great and of course I love it. Just in time for all the fall shows.

I'm now up to the yoke on my retro prep pullover. I'd like to finish this before I start anything new since I just realized that I started this in January. Yup, I brought it with me to Jury Duty and that was definitely in January. I am getting twitchy to start something new and the shawl from my Secret Pal is mocking me and asking me to knit it RIGHT NOW. Stop mocking me pretty yarn! Damn you!

Pinky goodness

2004-08-16T13:21:00.000-04:00

This is the lovely yarn from my secret pal. I am in love with it and keep touching it. I believe it's jaggerspun zephyr in the color ladyslipper. It's more than enough for a shawl and I can't wait to start knitting it up.

Love it!

2004-08-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

I'm on my way out to the pond but I wanted to say a quick thanks to my Secret Pal. I received my package today and love it! The pattern is beautiful and the yarn is amazing! If I weren't going out for the day I'd start swatching asap! I can't wait, thank you so much!

PS: In case anyone else reads this, the pattern is for a beautiful FiberTrends shawl - I believe it's the landscape shawl and a cone of pink jaggerspun laceweight (i think) yarn - so soft and pretty! Yay!

What to make next?

2004-08-12T14:59:00.000-04:00

Hail in Rowan plaid (left) or Bless in Rowan Cork (right)? Or should I try the Rebecca sweater I mentioned on august 4? Hmmm, this is tough.

Why are they both looking in the same direction? What are they looking at?

I needed that vacation

2004-08-11T12:38:00.000-04:00

I mean, REALLY needed it. We did nothing but sit on the beach, swim in the ocean, eat and nap. It was perfect! The weather was beyond perfect and Narragansett, RI is beautiful. I still have the remnants of a cold but all was forgotten when I was sitting on my beach chair.

I wonder if my secret pal has received her package - I mailed it last week and according to the post office, it was delivered yesterday. Hmmm, I guess I won't know unless she e-mails me. I hate the suspense, it just kills me!

I did get some nice email postcards from my secret pal (hi Secret pal!) and am trying very hard not to try to figure out who it is. Does he/she have a blog? Have I read it? So many questions! This is fun though and I'm glad I joined.

I managed to finish one retro prep sleeve and have started the other. I'm all of a sudden not too crazy about the rowanspun dk - it seems a little rough. Maybe a nice wash will soften it up once it's done. I hope I'm done soon - I really want to start something new.

Feelin' fine!

2004-08-06T13:54:00.000-04:00

Wow, a beautiful day out AND I'm feeling better, can't beat that. I'm also taking Monday and Tuesday off from work to spend time at the beach. I can't wait!

I want to post some information about the Boston KnitOut this year. I went to the one we had here in 2002 and it was really fun. I had just started learning how to knit (I don't think I could purl yet) and was a bit overwhelmed but I thought all of the booths were great and it was nice to see so much excitement over knitting.

Boston KnitOut and Crochet 2004
September 12, 2004
Boston Common at the Gazebo
noon - 4pm
Rain or Shine!

There's a yahoo group about the knitout if anyone wants to volunteer or get more information: Boston KnitOut - Yahoo group.

In Secret Pal 2 news, I sent my package out yesterday and hope she really likes it. It was tough picking things out but I think I did an OK job.

OK, must go out and get some fresh air, I've been cooped up long enough. Enjoy the weekend, I'll be away from my computer until Tuesday night. Yay!

Still sick (and tired)

2004-08-04T14:01:00.000-04:00

The doctor thinks I have some sort of viral infection because now I have cold symptoms (sore throat especially) but I don't have a fever and my stomach pain is gone - whatever, I just want to feel better. The worst part is how tired I am, I'm just exhausted and it stinks!

I have been knitting my retro prep sleeve - all this waiting in the doctor's office has given me plenty of time. I still haven't mailed out my secret pal gift - I feel like I need to add just one more thing to make it complete. I'll try to mail it tomorrow. I received my Rebecca magazine (#26) and am in love with this:

I think you may have to be tall and willowy to pull this off, not short and pudgy (like me). I still may add it to my future knits list. Must go, so tired...zzzzzz.

Secret Pal 2: Electric Boogaloo

2004-07-31T09:30:00.000-04:00

Yay, I got my match!! Thanks for all the hard work Heidi! Unfortunately my pal doesn't have a website so I can't check out her site for hints on what to get her but I did send her an e-mail, hopefully she'll give me some clues! OK - I'd better stop talking about it before I give it away, I'm so bad at keeping secrets!

I haven't done any knitting in the last few days but I am feeling better today! Last night we went out to dinner with friends and had a really yummy meal - I really just ate way too much.

Here's the status on my swimming lessons - I missed one class this week because I didn't feel well and I have two classes left next week before it's over. I still can't swim. I didn't think it would be easy but I did think I'd be a little closer to making it across the pool without stopping at this point. I'm getting worried that you really can't teach an old dog new tricks (I know that's not true but I'm frustrated today). Include my driving lessons (have I mentioned that I don't know how to drive yet? Yes, I'm 34 years old, woo!) and I feel like I can't do anything.

I'm feeling really lazy this morning so I think I'll make myself take a walk and get an iced coffee - it's going to be a hot day in Boston today.

Ahh, a sick day.

2004-07-29T17:44:00.000-04:00

I called in sick today because I've had a sharp pain in my side for 3 days. I was able to get a doctors appointment and it might be a viral infection in my stomach lining! They took some blood tests to see what's up and I have to go back next week. I hope it's nothing major. After the appointment I walked around town a bit hoping to see some famous folks. Boston is crawling with them and I have yet to see anyone. Today was my last chance and not a sign of Jon Stewart anywhere!! I know he's here! Why can't I find him? I was too tired to stay out long so I came back home and relaxed.

My knitpicks order finally came and I love the Rowan Plaid designs. Knitpicks forgot to send me the actual Rebecca magazine, they just sent the insert with the translations so I have no idea what any of the patterns look like. I called them to complain and they were so nice! Hopefully they'll send the magazine soon.

God, I'm so boring!

Half birthday/Full belly

2004-07-28T12:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my half birthday and I justify my celebrating it because my birthday is always on a cold winter day. Having a half birthday lets me "celebrate" on a nice, warm day. We went to my sweetie's parents house for a cookout and watched the convention. Uhh, can I vote for Obama? He gave a great speech I thought.

Oh yay! Rowan 36 photos are out! Looks yummy so far. New yarn and pattern collection too?! I love this time of year! So much stuff to drool over. Wait one more! Rowan Vintage style!! Already I'm drawn to that Magnolia sweater near the bottom of the page. Fall is my favorite season!

Picking up knitting steam, one stitch at a time

2004-07-27T15:03:00.000-04:00

I'm slowly getting out of my slump! I started my retro prep sleeve and once I get the Rowan Plaid book, I'll start something from that. I still haven't picked up the cable hoodie since I'm not in the mood to deal with paying attention to detail. Strictly stockinette for a bit. At least the weather has cooled off a bit.

I really want to make this too - maybe with some koigu or kersti - if I can budget for it next month - I have to remember to look and see if I can buy the pattern locally. I really hate getting paid once a month!

Added my secret pal 2 button today! I can't wait for the matches to happen! OK - time to go to the gym for a little while. I can't believe I haven't seen any famous people yet - Bill and Hillary were a mere stop away on the T and I saw no sign of them! Michael Moore is in this neighborhood right now but I'm sure I won't see him either.

Rainy Saturday! Yay?

2004-07-24T11:28:00.000-04:00

Finally a rainy weekend day! Usually I hate when it's crappy out like this but sometimes you just need a rainy day to stay at home and start/finish some projects. Planned for today:

Start retro prep sleeve

Start pajama pants (sewn) for S.

work a couple of rows (if it isn't too muggy) on the cable hoodie - photo below

This is my first cable/bobble project so I'm going very slowly - it's fun though.

Some friends of mine are supposed to give me a call today if they need my help painting their apartment. It may not happen because of the humidity but I wouldn't mind going over and helping and leaving my rainy day projects for another day! Hope everyone is having a good weekend.**

**Now, I'm pretty sure no one has read my blog yet since it's so new and I'm so lame at writing but one can always hope!

Countdown to the convention

2004-07-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

My boss gave me the good news that I can leave at 2:00 everyday next week! Woo hoo! I guess we're closing early so that commuters can get home at a decent hour. I live so close to work that it's not an issue for me but I may take her up on it! (Who am I kidding, I'll be out of here at 2:01 each day!!)

It's so weird watching everyone prepare for this thing. All of the potholes have been paved, there are flowers everywhere, and there are T "ambassadors" that are helping tourists get around. It might have been worth it to have this happen in Boston after all. I really wish I had volunteered to work at the convention - it would have been fun I bet. I really hope I see Ben Affleck, I have to congratulate him on losing J.Lo, I mean she and I are both Puerto Rican and I like her and all, but damn she's high maintenance! He should thank his lucky stars that it ended!

NOTE TO SELF: Never, ever buy one dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts when no one is around at work except you and your sweet tooth. Mmmmm, glazey.

Eeek, I have the shakes!

2004-07-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

While I was waiting for my iced coffee at Starbucks this morning someone that works there made an extra chai latte by mistake, then gave it to me. Not one to pass up a free drink, I drank both and now I'm all hopped up on sugar and caffeine. I need to calm down! Wooooo! Wheee!

I'm impatiently waiting for my Knitpicks order, Rowan Plaid book, Rebecca 26 (I think it's 26) and another row counter. I love ordering online but I hate waiting! It doesn't even look like it shipped - boo! Anyway, I NEED to make Hail from the Plaid book after seeing Rock Chick's version. It's beautiful! Love those sleeves! I think my recent Ebay purchase of Rowan Chunky will be perfect for it - strangely it's almost the same color as Rock Chick's, a deep red. My version will have to be shortened everywhere, I hope I don't lose the look of it!

Socks = 99.9% done!

2004-07-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

I finally grafted the toe on the second sock! What a relief - all I have to do now is weave the ends in. For some reason the only instructions that made sense to me were the ones in the Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques - I just borrowed it from the library to see if I like it and so far, I think I do. I may have to add it to my list of books to get someday.

This is a terrible photo but all I have is the camera on my Palm. I don't see a real digital camera in the near future but I may be able to borrow the camera we have at work on occasion.

The weekend was great except for my attempt to get in some swimming practice on Saturday. It was the only time I could squeeze it in and when I arrived at the pool it was closed because a kid had thrown up in it (yuck). I was so sad since I really need the practice. Oh well - maybe I can go a little early today. My addis finally showed up and I can start the retro prep sleeves today - unfortunately it's getting hot and humid and I don't think I want to deal with the Rowanspun DK right now.

One week until the convention!

Yay! Friday!

2004-07-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

Boo, no needles yet. I guess I'm in a mini knitting slump - I really don't feel like I can knit anything else until I finish those darn socks and I keep hesitating because of the grafting. I really don't know if I'll knit socks again - I like the final product and they were fun to knit but I really did have second sock syndrome. Maybe I should knit some in a slightly bigger gauge - maybe knit on 4s instead of 2s. Everytime I see Lorna's Laces I'm so tempted to buy more sock yarn but I won't do it. Oh, it's so pretty though!

We have actual plans this weekend. S. and I are having dinner with his best friend and maybe going to see Fahrenheit 9/11 and then Saturday we have dinner plans with my friend Laura and her husband. I can't wait!

I actually need to squeeze in some swimming practice this weekend too, I hope to knit some in between all these plans. Bye bye slump!! (I hope)

Where are my addis?

2004-07-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

I'm waiting for some US6 (12 inch) addi turbos that I won on Ebay. I really need to get going on the Retro Prep I started forever ago and need the addis for the sleeves - I really didn't want to use dpns and didn't feel like doing the 2 circ method so I'm trying out the 12 inch needles to see how I like it. They should be here today but I'm tired of waiting.

Since I'm boycotting Woolcott, it really is a pain to get knitting stuff spur of the moment. I would go to the brookline shop (what is it called- a good yarn?) but it's not very convenient. I should check out the new Newbury Street store soon, maybe this weekend.

I signed up for Secret Pal 2 yesterday - I'm so excited, it seems like a lot of fun.

Do I have the most boring blog ever? I think so.

2004-07-14T09:57:00.000-04:00

Swimming went well and I have another lesson today. No one told me how tiring it could be though. We are learning how to breathe and it's really hard. I still have questions about how to kick my feet. I think I was adjusting my goggles and not paying attention when the instructor went over that part.

I was really frustrated last night with my knitting and wanted to scream. I was trying to graft the toe on the second neverending sock (started April 2003) and could not get it AT ALL. I have no idea how I managed to get it done on the first sock but I was ready to throw the entire thing out the window. Now granted I was distracted by the Amazing Race but I really managed to mess it up and had to keep unraveling my mistakes. I'll try again tonight I guess.

Why is it so cool and gloomy out? This summer has been strange. We really haven't had any heatwaves yet which is really odd for Boston. With our luck, it will happen during the DNC and Boston will be really unbearable. I wonder how awful it will be around here. I'm planning on walking to work and not taking the subway - it will be way more crowded than usual. Snore I'm so boring. Do I really need to blog this?

Arghh!

2004-07-12T17:02:00.001-04:00

Now that I'm going to try posting regularly I have to vent about that Little black top from Stitch n Bitch - I made it too SMALL! I thought that the small size would fit me but it really is too short, even with blocking. I'm going to try blocking it again but I really think I'll have to lose some weight (I think it's too short because my fat belly is in the way). Ugh, I really like the way it came it too.

Oh well! I'm off to my first swimming lesson ever. yes I'm 34 and no I never learned to swim (or drive). Better late than never! Driving lessons are happening this summer also. What can I say, I'm a city girl that never needed to drive.

Testing photos

2004-07-12T16:39:00.000-04:00

This is a photo test!

My girl hiding in a yarn basket.

Went to Circles in JP

2004-05-08T17:53:00.000-04:00

All in all it was a good trip. I got 3 skeins of the butterfly 8 cotton (in black) for that little tank from S 'n B. I also picked out some beautiful yarn from Brooks Farm that was mismarked - it said $28 for a 500 yard skein but they were really charging $50.00 for it - I was so sad to have to let that go. It was an absolutely beautiful yarn! I think I may try to join a tank-a-long soon.

Long time no blog?

2004-04-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

Well just as I suspected, it's been a while since my last post. I'm not really working on anything now so that could be the reason for my slump. Or maybe it's just that I'm lazy. Hmmm, I'd go with that explanation.
Anyway here are my projects in planning:

- Cabled Hoodie from Paton's
- Retro Prep Pullover from IK (Fall 2002?)
- Mohair sweater from Stitch N Bitch (or maybe I'll still use the yarn for the Pie Shawl from Weekend Knits)
- Bad Penny from the Spring Knitty
- 2x2x3x1 cardie from Bonne Marie
- Another Sitcom Chic (wool and zipped).

When I'll start them is anyone's guess but I'm noticing a cardie trend going on. Here's to getting over startitis!

First post!

2004-03-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

This is my very first post - I'm pretty sure I won't keep this up and it will vanish like so many other blogs probably do. Anyway, I'm also a terrible writer so I doubt I'll feel comfortable posting very often. I hope to keep track of my knitting projects -slow as I am in finishing them, maybe this will inspire me to get my ass in gear.