One thing after another

Since it seems like so much has been happening lately (and I don't have a lot of time to post), I'm going to give a quick day-by-day recap since last week...

Oct 31 - Took Casey to the town Halloween parade and she had a great time (esp the part when she got candy). Matthew took her trick-or-treating around to the neighbors while Ken and I stayed home to greet the kids that stopped by. Matthew started the day as a Ninja (see picture below) and ended it as a hockey player...long story...but it's hard being a kid sometimes!

Nov 1 - Got up at 4:30am and left the house at 5:00am for my drive down to Alexandria, VA for the sweater design workshop with Stefanie Japel (I'll add in hyperlinks later). Had a BEAUTIFUL drive down and enjoyed the road trip by myself (although I'll admit my hands were itching to knit as I'm used to doing with Ken behind the wheel). I got a chance to catch up on my ipod music - and loved listening to it at a normal volume (my desk speakers at the office aren't quite the same). Arrived at the hotel to meet Alyssa and Jess at 8:30 - and we headed over to The Morrison House around 9:00 (and were almost the last ones there). Stefanie was SUCH a joy to work with and learn from - she is just one of the nicest people EVER! When it was time for our lunch break a whole bunch of us headed over to the LYS - what a gorgeous day in Old Town!!! We were really spoiled with the class and weather and wonderful knitters. I have to admit, while some may consider it dorky to sit around and knit with a group of ladies - it was like being in HEAVEN - no explaining terms or wondering if people are looking at you funny. When the class finished for the day, Alyssa, Jess and I wandered around a bit, popping into some antique stores and walking down to the waterfront. If I wasn't so exhausted from getting up so early I would have totally been more energized to do more (sorry Jess). The torpedo factory that is converted into artist studios was a diamond in the rough (think: a mall where the shops are actual studios of artists who work on premises and sell their work). I kept thinking of art school and how much my friends and I would have died for something like this back in the day. Dwight was also in my thoughts - I'll have to touch base with him soon! A, J and I went to Mai Thai for dinner, and I am happy to say I have now tried Thai food and it was delicious! Jessica was all gung-ho to do some touristy things afterward but my body said it wouldn't make it much longer. We walked back the hotel (after lugging our 20 pounds of yarn and books around for a good portion of the day) and collapsed in the room. We stayed up for a while - working on our patterns, doing LOTS AND LOTS of math, tweaking details of our design and laughing at each others stories.

Nov 2 - woke up with a splitting headache which turned into a migraine (similar to what I had the day we went to Rhinebeck). I tried everything to dissolve the pain - ended up drinking lots of water, taking some advil and sleeping an extra hour. It was bad. A & J went off to the class ahead of me and I slowly took a shower and got ready. What a morning! The Sunday portion of class was less "teaching" and more helping/asking/frogging (for me at least). We exchanged contact information with the wonderful ladies we met and headed out. Well, almost headed out. We stopped at a wonderfully quaint antique shop that had so many little treasures. To add to the ambiance they had some music playing - it wasn't Ella Fitzgerald, but similar (so you get the gist). We eventually hit the road and started our treks home. Once again, the drive was relaxing. I got home in time for dinner and received dozens of hugs from Casey (and some kisses from Ken). Whenever I leave Ken alone at the house too long it is inevitable that things get moved/rearranged. This weekend was no exception. He arranged a small table in the corner of our dining room for me to keep my knitting supplies (winder/swift/etc). It was so sweet!

Nov 3 - Got a call from Ken mid-morning that a good friend of ours had a heart attack and died earlier that day. Bette and Wayne had just retired in March, sold their house in NJ and moved to the Outer Banks. Wayne got up and didn't feel "right". By the time Bette figured out what was happening, it was too late. Wayne will be missed. He was such a great guy. Since my parents were heading down to S.C. to see my grandmother on Tuesday afternoon, we went to my parents house on Monday night to celebrate my dad's birthday (Tuesday). My grandmother has Alzheimer's and is in her 90s. About 10 days ago she fell and broke her hip. The care center where she lives took her to the hospital and they replaced the hip joint (ball). The doctor's and nurses have told my parents that she is not doing well...and my family is preparing for the worst. Please keep us, especially my dad, in your prayers.

Nov 4 - election day - enough said. Upside, I started working on the cape from where Knitter K started. It looks like our gauge is pretty close so I'm happy I don't have to rework it - or adjust the needle size. It's definitely a "home" project - although I considered bringing it on the train now that I know how "simple" the cable patterns are to follow. Stay tuned for photos...

Nov 5 - day after election day - again, nothing to add. I ordered additional Dark Horse "Fantasy" yarn to complete my Stefanie inspired sweater (the LYS only had 2 balls in the color I chose).

Maybe the week is looking up?

Sorry...this puppy is NOT for sale

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

Before I get the party started...

I know there are many people who have never lived in a big city...nor have they ever commuted to one for work...nor will they ever do either. And I'm totally wishing that I was in that bucket right about now.

But this morning I got to Penn Station and was walking to the subway when all of a sudden, echoing through the underground tunnels, I heard a dog barking incessantly! Of course I knew it was a Police dog - most likely a German Shepard. But usually they are just laying about - or standing "at the ready". NOT barking. Barking signals alarm. People stop and look. You stop in your tracks and wonder if you should panic, run, proceed?

The dog stopped barking. I proceeded.

I walked up the stairs to the E-train and what did I see. Not one. Not two. But four or five armed cops standing with their guns (of the rifle/machine gun variety) held up across their bodies - not aiming at anything, just holding them across, resting on their shoulders in a "ready" position. Usually, whenever I see the the "big guns", they are strapped around their bodies, hanging on their backs.

Needless to say...this all freaked me out. It sucks to even have to deal with something like that. I mean, my sister is in the Army and has had to hold those large rifles, and she sees them every day when she goes on base. But I'm not in the Army. So seeing those "normal" things for her, really causes me stress...and I'm a knitter...I don't like stress! :o)

Well...now for my second, more cheerful, post for the day...it's HALLOWEEN...HOORAY!!!

Tomorrow is Halloween! Saturday is ME time!!

I'm more excited than I'm letting on...I love Halloween!!! It's just the best! I used to make my costumes all the time so I think it reminds me of how crafty I can be outside of knitting.

Fortunately, I haven't had to make costumes for Casey yet - and Matthew will probably outgrow dressing up for a few years - Tweens can be SO difficult!

So I'll be home early for the town parade and enjoy the evening with trick or treaters and friends stopping by! Can't wait.

Then Saturday morning - bright and early - I'm off to Virginia to meet up with Alyssa and Jessica for the Sweater Workshop - I'm pretty excited about that too! Ken helped me ball a bunch of yarn and I started PACKING...YARN...WEIRD!!! Thanks to Jill who sent some goodies along to share good cheer at the workshop as well!

Halloween costumes will be posted tomorrow - so cute...I'm making you check back for them!

Let the count down begin...1 hour and 40 minutes...

Crewnecks

I keep reaching for cardigans to wear to work now that the weather is getting colder.

Unfortunaltey, I don't have crew neck t's/sweaters/shells for underneath.

And maybe I'm being a little odd by thinking that I shouldn't wear a v-neck under a crew neck cardigan but I just can't pull myself to do it.

So I need more crew necks.

'Nuff said.

I DO NOT HEART CANCER

On Monday a woman I work with mentioned in passing that a friend of hers has cancer (it started in one of her kidneys over the summer and is now in her lungs) and was still commuting to the city from NJ every day. My co-worker is the sweetest woman and couldn't stand to see her friend so frail and struggling to get to work - so she held her arm and walked her to her office before coming to work.

Last night I decided to make her friend a chemo-cap - it's the least I could do. Today I bribed the girls at work to let me take a couple 10 minute breaks during the day so I could finish the ribbing.

When I went to drop it off the cap, my co-worker was so taken aback by the gesture. However, when I asked about her friend she said she was in the hospital and she might not see her again. I was SO sad I can not even tell you. The woman's name is Betsey...please say a prayer for her.

My Uncle Fred died of lung cancer 3 years ago when I was pregnant with Casey. It's just a horrible disease and it breaks my heart to remember how young he was (only 63 or so).

Cancer makes me very angry. Cancer makes me very sad.

Life is short. When you can, take time to tell anyone you care about (friends, family, otherwise) how much they mean to you. Sometimes the simplest gesture of kindness makes all the difference in the world.

Appreciate someone you know today!

Another crazy day/month

Honestly, I can not wait for October to be over and done with.

I've been SO insanely crazy lately - especially this week - with STUFF.

Over the past month I've...

• Been hit with my second allergy-related illness (a sinus infection). Finally on the mend
• Been to Martha's Vineyard for a get-away - but which didn't allow much time for me to "get away" so to speak (don't get me wrong - it was one of our best trips there in years!)
• Been inundated with Soccer team photos that need to be INDIVIDUALLY packaged and labeled for each Division team (approx 150 kids) and each Clinic child (approx 75 kids). Yes, you heard correctly - INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED! Because coaches can't be bothered remembering which players actually got a photo at their party - and which children were missing. I have to put each photo in a zip-lock bag (to protect from sticky party fingers), attach a name tag, then group each one in another plastic bag for distribution. It's all very time consumming - probably about 8 hours for the whole process (maybe more - I don't bother clocking myself anymore).
• Finished S.J.'s sweater - which seemed to go on forever because I've...
• Been working on the fundraiser Clapotis (finished completely) and Sweater (90% complete as of last night)
• Been to Rhinebeck - which was awesome, but again, took time...hey, you've gotta just let the laundry pile up sometimes and LIVE a little, right?
• Been trying to get the kids ready for Halloween. Casey was the easy one (again) because I said "You're being a doggy, it will be so much fun!" and she said "Ok Mommy. Ruff, ruff". Matthew...not so easy. The first struggle was getting him to get his mom to take him costume shopping. Once that happened the costume came home, the sword was put away for safe keeping (I REALLY dislike any "toys" that are weapons!!!) and that was that. Until last Sunday when I wanted to take pictures of the kids in their costumes. Not only was Matthew's costume filty (from wearing it at his mom's house) but the white outfit was COMPLETELY see-through! So Monday night we trekked out to Party City to see what might be left at the store to either HELP fix the current costume...or to get him another, more suitable one. Two hours later we arrived home empty handed and started rummaging through all of our closets, drawers, etc. We found his pair of karate pants from the trial sessions he went to over the summer. Those fit underneath the Ninja pants satisfactorally. I found a plain white sweater that fits under the hooded Ninja top. Whew. Then I found my black "rope" belt from my Professor Macgonnagle (sp?) costume from 2004. I'll cut that up to make some fancy strappy wrists wraps (that were shown in the original picture of his costume but that his mother never bothered to make sure were in the package before bringing it home). Well, our ninja may turn out alright after all. Except...
• Been dealing with Matthew lying to us about a friends YouTube account...only to find out last night that there's a video on the kids page that Matthew is in! AND they made the video a week ago when Ken let Matt go over to rollerblade. AND Matt has mentioned this kids "funny" YouTube videos NON-STOP for the past week and NEVER mentioned that he was in a video. But apparently his mom knew about it. URGH! There are SO many things wrong with this situation that I can't even continue - URGH URGH URGH. Kids today! For this exact reason, Matthew does NOT use (well, hardly ever uses) our home computer.

So, as you can see, I'll be happy to get through this weekend and into November where I hardly have a single thing that I HAVE TO do - ahhhhh - deep breaths!

I hope to post some Halloween photos on Friday (if I make it to Friday - ha ha ha).

I've had so many other blogging ideas lately - I just haven't found the time to post. I'll just keep an rolling list for "someday".

What you learn from your kids

My 3 year old daughter has taught me that while it's frustrating to get kicked in the head by tiny feet at 2 o'clock in the morning, it's still great when they snuggle in with you because of a bad dream.

My 11 year old step-son has taught me that it's better to go on a date with your Mom to see High School Musical 3 on a Friday night, instead of attending a teen-dance and make a fool of yourself.

Kids are great!




Casey and Ken with the fish he caught on Martha's




Matthew trying to manage Papa's fish (which weighs more than Casey!)

Sock Knit Along

Anyone interested in a sock-along? The Ravelry group "Bad Girl Knits" is starting one on November 1st. We're polling our group as well as any friends that would like to join to see which pattern we use.

For some, this will be their first toe-up socks (if one of those patterns is selected) so if you're new to toe-ups, come along for the ride!


Poll note
There are two tags for the patters: TU is a Toe-Up pattern; CD is a Cuff Down.

Good deed...

My husband and I are pretty quiet about the charitable things we do.

However, I have to tell you about the time we took on Saturday to try and help our local police catch a stray dog. We were on a drive back from someplace (I can't even remember what we were doing) and we were coming into town and saw a policeman standing in the raod with a skitish looking dog running back and forth across the street. We pulled up beside him and asked if he wanted some "treats" (they were actually oyster crackers we found in the glove-box, but who's keeping score). He gladly took some and the dog gladly ate them if he threw them to her out of arms reach. We wished him luck and continued another 50 yards down the road. We pulled over and stopped. He needed "back-up".

Ken took the bag of crackers and I stayed in the car with Casey. After a few minutes, Ken was sitting on the curb tossing snacks to the dog and a few more after that he had her eating out of his hand. The officer was able to bring his animal "leash" out of the patrolcar and together he and ken tried to lure this poor girl to safety.

After 10 - 15 minutes they were *thisclose* to having her...but she was quick and took off up the road a little ways. I remembered we had a bag of beef jerky in the car and brought it out for them...and it worked for a little while longer until they *almost* had her again. This time she ran into the nearby woods and we could barely see her.

The poor thing looked like such a nice dog, and seemed like she might have been on the run for a few days (or longer...I can't even bare the thought!). She didn't have a collar on - I hope it's because she managed to get it off and not because she had irresponsible owners. I'm going to call the police to see if they ever got her...maybe Ken and I will discuss (finally) taking on a second dog if she ends up unclaimed at a shelter. Well, I guess we would have to run that by Peanut beforehand too.

We did our best...hopefully her family is out there looking for her right now and there will be a happy ending to our story.

Rhinebeck!

Alyssa had been telling me how awesome Rhinebeck's Sheep and Wool Festival was since last year. Every day last week all I heard from her was: birthday, Rhinebeck, birthday, Rhinebeck, birthday, Rhinbeck!

So Ken, Casey and I went to Rhinebeck yesterday...and it was AWESOME!

We knew if we were going to go, it would be on Sunday. But then Sunday morning came and it was CHILLY WILLY at home and didn't look on getting much warmer. So we waited and putzed around the house and had coffee and waffles. And then I asked Casey if she wanted to go see some sheep - and then it's all we heard about. "Daddy, come see sheep with me?" "Mommy, we're going to a farm!" Well, how could we resist that sweet innocent child's charm (we couldn't!). So we quickly got dressed, grabbed warm jackets and hats...even brought Peanut along for the ride...and hopped in the car to Rhinebeck.

The drive was spectacular...the changing colors of the trees and driving over the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge was breathtaking. And it only took about 1.5 hours to get there!

The fairgrounds were packed! Families, Knitters, Vendors, sheep, sheep and more sheep! I was sucked in and immediately overwhelmed! And it was fabulous!

Even Ken and Casey were amazed...granted, it wasn't exactly the farm she expected...but it was a great mix of something for everyone: sheep one row, yarn for mom the next! And I think I controlled myself pretty well - I purchased (with a project in mind!) 2 skeins of Blue Moon Luscious Single Silk (wait until I can post pictures...it's VERY luscious indeed!) and 1 skein of Socks that Rock Lightweight in Puck's Mischief (the colorway is SO fitting for the name). I also bought a glass stickpin from Moving Mud - it's a burgundy color with a heart on top and about 6" long. I've been wanting a stickpin for a while and I was happy to buy it from a local vendor.

It was also nice to see and FEEL different yarns from around the country to get an idea of what's out there. There were so many beautiful patterns...I just took mental notes (it was cheaper that way).

Well, Rhinebeck is definitely on OUR list again for next year...and we'll be getting a much earlier start on the day now that we know what to expect. Whoo hoo...can't wait!

Feeling better...and Knitting Along!

The meds I've been taking for the past 48 hours FINALLY feel like they're working - hooray! I was actually able to sleep through the night and woke up feeling like my head weighed 100 lbs less than it did yesterday. Progress!

And I have the strength to knit more than a couple rows at a time again - even better! I started the back piece of the Anise for the MPHSA fundraiser on Monday night (while holed up in my bed with Matthew watching "Who Bob What Pants" - yeah, the things you agree to when you're sick!!!) and finished it this morning on the train. Unfortunately I forgot to bring my US13s on the train with me to start the fronts.

Here's a shot of the back - I am totally digging the color!



I suppose, if I'm feeling so inclined to concentrate on the way home, I could knit more of Sondra's sweater - but my brain has to be in the right place for following line by line (and figuring out where I left off). It's really a quick sweater to knit - I don't know why I'm procrastinating so much. Ah...I better light a fire under my butt and get it done once and for all - does anyone have a match?

Another Finished Project...Another Allergy Illness

Last Wednesday night we all piled in the car and headed up to Woods Hole, MA to catch the first ferry to Martha's Vineyard on Thursday morning. The drive was about 5 hours and we ended up staying at the Knightsbridge Inn on the Cape side of the Bourne Bridge - we do NOT recommend it. It was shelter for the night, and a horizontal place to lay our heads for 6 hours or so...other than than, ewww. Peanut was the lucky one who got to sleep in her crate in the car!!

We had a wonderful time on MV with Ken's parents - the boys (and sometimes Nana) went fishing two days and each day meant heading down to Edgartown that night for weigh-in. Papa caught a 34.5 lb Stiped Bass on Friday and boy was it a nice looking fish. When he pulled it out of the cooler everyone in the hut ooohed and ahhhed the fish. It was like being related to a celebrity! Matthew caught two bonito on Saturday and the larger one got him second place in the Junior's category. Not bad for his first derby.

Between fishing trips we were able to get to most of our favorite island places: Humpheries (for Turkey Gobblers, of course); The Black Dog, Cronig's, Edgartown Pizza, O.B., etc. By the time I had time to do some shopping it was Sunday morning and most places (yarn shop and toy store) were closed. Oh well.

Here's a photo of my Cathode, which I finished on the ferry ride back to the mainland on Sunday afternoon (I actually need to sew the clasp in, or figure out what to do with the neck line)...



And here are some pictures of Casey with her head out the sunroof when we were waiting for the ferry to dock...






The worst part of the trip was dealing with my allergies while we were on the island. Whenever we go there the pollens/trees aggravate me to no end...you would think I would learn my lesson by now. So yesterday morning I got up and went straight to the doctor - and...ta da...I have a sinus infection! I'm on amoxicillian, Allegra-D, Mucinex DM and Tylenol (for the headache). I felt like my head was going to fall off yesterday. Today is a little better. I dragged myself to the office to deal with what's important - and I'll head home when I can't do any more. Allergies are the pits!

Cathode a la mode

Yesterday morning I finished my first ball of coordinating color (CC) on my Cathode. It got me about an inch into the body section...yes, just an inch. I sat there, brows furrowed, wondering if I would need to buy more yarn...and how could my calculations on yardage have been SO off! Not to mention...why on earth were there SO many stitches...400 to be exact. Well I dug out the pattern and sure enough I (don't fall off your seat) had mis-interpreted the transition row. I read it as: k1f&b, k1f, k1b, k1f in the next stitch (translation: make 5 stitches in each original stitch). So my math would have been correct - 80 original times 5 new = 400. However, the way you're supposed to read the pattern is: k1f&b (in one stitch), (move to next stitch and) k1F, k1b, k1f (translation: make 5 stitches for every 2 original stitches)...and the math works out as intended = 200 sts.

Here's a shot of the WRONG stitch count...



On the train ride home yesterday afternoon I frogged an ENTIRE ball of yarn, hand wound it into a center pull ball and started again. Can I just say how much faster it seems to be going now (yeah, duh Karen)...



My goals for the upcoming holiday weekend are:
1. Finish Cathode
2. Work on Sondra's sweater
3. Start Anise for HSA Auction

Benefit of getting up before the dawn even has a chance to open it's eyes

So some of you may know that I now get up at 5:15am to catch the 6:07am train to work. And those that REALLY know me realize how much I love getting up early (not!). So when I'm walking around my dark house with a hand out like a blind person hoping that I don't bump into anything, or miss a step on my way downstairs, or fall on my head because one of the kids left a stray toy in my path, you can imagine how much more I'm REALLY loving the early morning routine.

The benefit (yes there are some) is that I get to see amazing things - like walking out onto our back porch this morning and seeing that the winter stars were coming into view. I took a moment to look up in awe and saw my old friend from childhood - Orion. It was really cool.

And later, as the train was chugging through some less fortunate neighborhoods, I saw this:

If you're happy and you know it Clap-o-tis!

The only knitting I could manage this weekend...between the yard sale and being exhausted and dealing with Casey's teeth and night terrors (poor girl)...was to sew in ends on the Clapotis and John's baby blanket.

I couldn't be happier with how the Clapotis turned out. For being stash yarn that I had left over from the Bobble Sweater, it worked out great...and the colors are perfect together. I'm almost sad that I'm not keeping it for myself!

Check it out for yourself...







And here's the baby blanket - which I also ended up liking (to some extent)...

Sucker for a contest :o)

Yes, Alyssa, I'm a sucker for your contest - even though I'm hoping to get to Rhinebeck too, and just celebrated a birthday of my own...29th birthday, of course!

For all those that read this blog...please visit Alyssa's for a chance to win a special prize...

And don't forget to visit her new shop on Etsy - she's got some awesome colorways!

P.S. LIBRAS RULE! Karen, Karen, Alyssa, Shelley, Sandy, Allys, Rebecca, Heidi, Dwight and so on and so forth...

Farewell to another year, a great one, and some more stashed yarn

First and foremost I must acknowledge the passing of Mr. Paul Newman on Saturday. My mother loved the greats: Newman, Redford, Sinatra, and Bennett. When I was a young girl, back in the 70s, my mom had posters of each of them in her sewing area of the basement. My sister and I used to giggle at them - especially the one of Paul Newman bare-chested with dogtags around his neck. Throughout the years my mom would take us to see Paul's movies - even The Color Of Money for which he won an Academy Award. A few years ago I found out that one of my firm's ex-Chairman was friends with, and sat on a Board with, Paul. I got a tip from one of the girls that Paul was "in the house" one afternoon and took it upon myself to go serve him coffee - "how do you take it?" "Black please" was his response. It was one of the coolest things I've ever gotten to do in my life. Farewell Mr. Newman - you will be missed.

Over the weekend I also went to the doctor - feeling the start of bronchitis coming on - and sure enough I had it in spades already. Another Z-pack, Allegra-D, some Tuss-C (the C is for codeine which gives me crazy dreams) and Musinex were the doctors orders this time. You can always count on allergies and bronchitis to ruin any party/drinking plans for a....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME. Yes, I'm another year older today. I always wonder if people see me as "older" when I have a birthday. I'm getting carded less and less so I suppose the aging signs are there. Ah, well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, right?

In knitting news...I sold another 4 skeins from my stash last night and am shipping them out today...hooray. I can't tell you how nice it feels to have my stash fitting nicely into the bins I've had for years - without as much overflow. It really made me realize how much I had and actually need at a time.

I'm also almost done with the auction Clapotis - being home sick on a rainy weekend helped out tremendously! My guess is that I will finish it tonight or tomorrow and will get back to Sondra's sweater while I wait for the Anise yarn to arrive.

Well that's it for me...hope everyone has a fabulous week ahead!

The Wee One and NASCAR

So we took the kids to the Dover, DE NASCAR race yesterday and boy was it a LONG day. We left the house around 9:30am and didn't get home until 9:45pm (or thereabouts). We had never been to the track before - and it is literally right off a road lined with strip malls, fast food restaurants and a full-scale Mall (5 minutes away).

The Monster Mile was everything people have said about it - and then some! Matthew and I watched most of the race from the seats and I think he had his eyes on his Nextel scanner more than anything. Ken took care of Casey - in and out of the seats...and finally to the car for some shade and quiet entertainment. The last part of the race was amazing and had everyone standing on their feet. It was truly a defining moment in "The Chase".

I really don't mention that we watch NASCAR very often. And I didn't watch it prior to meeting Ken. But he says he didn't watch it all that often before me...so I guess that makes it one of "our things". Matthew started going to the Pocono races with his grandparents about 4 years ago - and yesterday was Casey's first race. It's now a family affair (except for Peanut of course).

Next year we'll probably try another new track - maybe Watkin's Glen or New Hampshire. If my sister is still in Kansas next spring, perhaps we'll get tickets to that race. Ken's goal is to get me to agree to renting an RV and spending an entire race weekend somewhere. My goal is to wait until Casey is a little older and can sit through an entire race with the headgear on!

On the car-ride down, I was able to get some knitting done on the baby blanket and started Sondra's sweater (but I won't tell her because then she'll be checking for progress every other hour!) .

I also heard word that my darling friend Dora has finished my socks for our sock exchange. Here's a picture of Casey wearing one of socks I made Dora, and one of Matthew's Red Sox Socks on her arms as mittens:

No MacGuyver tricks this time I'm afraid

I was on the set-up row from Bulky to Aran yarn on Cathode last night - and all was going well - until about 20 stitches in...when i heard a low....**kerrrrrrrrrrrrrr-ack!** (yes, crack). My immediate thought was "WTH - I don't think I've even used these size 5 Harmony interchangeables yet!"

So I pulled the right needle out, carefully making sure not to lose any stitches in the doing. Sure enough the needle had cracked diagonally in two. Egads!

I sent Knit Picks an email last night - I guess should follow up with a phone call as well. Man, it's just a tragedy to see a broken needle - you never get used to it when it happens, eh?

Progress and the trip to K.C.

Last weekend I flew to K.C. with Casey to visit my sister and her kids (my brother-in-law is in Iraq). It was a nice trip but I did NO knitting - can you imagine...me, not knitting for 4 whole days! It was pretty crazy. Casey and I aligned our days around their schedule so there was a lot of "normal" stuff she and I missed as well. Ah, there's no place like home!

Before the trip I had started a baby blanket for John's baby (his name is Jason I came to find out) and had been gauging for Stefanie Japel's Cathode, unsuccessfully I might add. As mentioned, I had been planning to use the Lion Brand Homespun that was sitting in my stash from a frogged project and I wasn't making gauge (too few stitches) even though I was using the right weight yarn. Problem was, I also was stubborn and didn't think that going up the needle size would produce the same "fabric" (Sue used to tell me that I like dense "fabric" - she's right!). Finally, eureka, I got it! I doubled up the yarn and swatched again...success! And even better - I'll use up TWICE the amount of yarn - hooray! Here's a photo of where it stood early last night (it's now several inches longer and ready to start the coordinating color ribbing)...



I think I'll use a clasp for the neckline instead of putting on the long collar. I'll probably wear it a bit more that way.

Here's the baby blanket progress...


And because I never posted pictures of them...

here's a shot of the dreaded bobbles from the Textured Sweater:



I'm wearing this sweater today, and while I've worn it to work before, apparently NO ONE ever noticed. Or maybe it's that more people know I knit so they realize I've made it? :o)

...and here's a shot of Liz's sweater...it really turned out fabulous (she's lucky it didn't fit me or I would have stolen it!!!)

Stash Busting (!!!) and other tidbits of the day

So I've been on a stash busting binge lately - which is not to say, necessarily, that I'm not also buying yarn - but I'm trying to use (and/or sell on Ravelry) the yarns that have been in my stash a long time. So far I've sold 4 skeins of Plymouth Colorspun and 2 skeins of Sarah's sock yarn. I've used 2 skeins of Caron's Simply Soft (for my Loppem) and am using up more Lion Brand Baby Soft for a baby blanket. Next project is a sweater for Casey using up 7 balls of Classic Elite Star (4 orange, 3 cream). I know there's NO way that I'll use all 7 for the sweater - that's 784 yds for a toddler?!?! I'm designing the sweater from scratch to try and incorporate a design using both the colors - perfect for Halloween time although I hope it lasts into next year for sizing. Worst comes to worst, I'll make her a matching hat and mittens with the left overs - that's the great thing about kids wear - they don't use as much yardage!

Berroco donated a couple of skeins of "Chinchilla" (thanks Kathie Doty!!!) to make chemo-caps. I'll be flying to Kansas this weekend so this yarn and pattern arrived just in time to be my "throw in the bag" project. I believe we should all take time to do charity knitting when we can...and especially when we're asked! What an honor!

My happy news of the week is that Jill blogged about the shop sample I just finished. Let me tell you what I like about making samples (besides EVERYTHING) for Jill...

First and foremost, I get to "try" new yarns that I haven't used yet. Berroco's Inca Gold is a new yarn and it worked up great for Strawberry Hill...you should consider it for your next worsted weight project - the yarn has some silk in it so the texture and drape are wonderful. Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham's Moss yarn is soft beyond measure and description. You just have to feel it to believe it. I'd like to play with it again on a smaller needle to see how it works up in a more "fabric" way - it's on my LOVE list!

Second, I get to knit some super nice patterns/sweaters that I might not ordinarily choose for myself.

Third, I really enjoy the process of making a sweater for a woman who is just super awesome and I hope the samples bring the shop more success and exposure.


My last remarks today are a triffle on the sad side. I want to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives 7 years ago on September 11, 2001. Every year at approximately this same time, I take a minute to remember the events of the day and how they effected me. I was already at work, although uptown, when the first tower was hit and recall turning on the t.v. and seeing smoke out the windows, and sitting in silence with co-workers. It was a tragic day for everyone. As I'm typing this I heard some police sirens go off on the street below and my eyes welled up. Please say a prayer and consider yourself appreciated and hugged for each September 11th we still stand strong. I am proud to be an American.


Recent photos:

Things I Miss

Being that the summer has come to an end I began to reminisce about things I miss in life...

1. Summer vacations as a kid - what more needs to be said?

2. Back to school clothes shopping - at the time I'm sure it was REALLY annoying for both me and my mom - but there's something for 'starting fresh' (especially when Fall weather used to actually require cozy clothes...and we weren't wearing shorts until November)

3. I have been missing the ability to run lately - a lot - for no apparent reason. Ok, well, maybe for SOME reason. Our town is having a 5K race in the coming weeks and I used to run TONS of 5Ks and even won some trophies for 1st and 2nd places. I was never a natural runner, but I really enjoyed it - and seriously, there's nothing like a final sprint with a brand new pair of springy sneakers! And I'll admit, breathing was a real chore for me (found out years later that I've probably had mild asthma all my life - how did my folks never pick up on this?!?) but I managed. But now I shouldn't run - according to my doctors. When I delivered my daughter a few years ago the delivery room nurse leaned so hard on my left leg, that she dislocated my kneecap. At the time I didn't realize what had happened. Months later, when my knee was still in so much pain, my doctor x-ray'd both caps and found that they were "offset" normally which is why the one probably dislocated during labor. I know, strange, right? Anyway, it explained some wear and tear I had taken over the years - and probably why I would get foot pains every now and then...the knee bon'z connected to the shin bone...the shin bon'z connected to the ankle bone...and so on. Bottom line: I miss pinning numbers to myself and making personal best records and chilly mornings when there's no way you should be wearing shorts and drinking beer and running to celebrate St Patricks day. But man, that was such a blast

4. And because this is my knitting blog, I'll end with this. I miss being able to talk to my grandmother about knitting. She taught me the basics about 15 years ago and I kept with it for a while and then took a long hiatus. Having gotten myself completely immersed back into it over the past couple years, my grandma has now all but forgotten she ever knit, or even taught me all that time ago. I try to show her things I'm working on and how I learned to do color work and cable and can even write patterns - but something gets lost on her - although I know she's excited to hear my stories and see what I'm making. I know she is proud of me regardless and I hope she knows "our" craft will be passed down to her great-granddaughter (who now pesters me to hold needles and play with yarn the same way I used to do her).

The Peanut Gallery

Ask any parent to see a photo of their kids, and they've usually got something to show you - a camera phone picture or maybe an actual 4x6! But what about the "other" kids - our pets?

Peanut is a mixed breed mutt - we KNOW she's part Husky and we THINK she's part Chow or Collie...and the rescue people even suggested Corgi but we're not so sure about that. We adopted her in May 2004 when she was just a couple months old...her name was Cricket. My beloved Weimaraner, Gretchen, had passed away in February after a number of years battling bloat. In some way, we like to think that Gretchen and Peanut are connected since Peanut would have been born around the time of Gretchen entrance to heaven. To celebrate our new puppy, we made Peanut's birthday the date of my husband's and my first date.

As the story goes, we were "just going to look" at St Huberts to see what kind of dogs/puppies they had (having adopted Gretchen when she was 8 I was not adverse to adopting a full grown dog). Ken went through the cages faster than I did. I like to stop and pet each dog, talk to them with love, let them know that someone will adopt them and they will find a good home. By the time I got all the way around to the puppy section, Ken was already done and standing against the wall watching me. When I got to the last puppy I knew I was in love. She was so fuzzy and cute and her two different colored eyes instantly sucked me in. We took her outside to run around and she was so clumsy she fell all over herself. When we took her back to the condo we lived in at the time - she couldn't climb the stairs. It was a fun time having her as a puppy - here's a photo from her first weekend at "home".

Peanut's adventures have been many since we got her. She has Matt as an older brother; she moved to a new house with a fenced in yard; she went on a ferry to M.V. and a small vessel ride with a life jacket; she somewhat welcomed Casey as a new baby..."what is that small thing and what's this new smell!"; she learned that Casey wasn't so bad afterall...she feeds Peanut all her leftovers; and she's escaped her yard more times than we care to remember.

Here are some recent photos of Peanut - she's just the best dog (despite all her chatter! Man, can she howl!)

Well, that's the Peanut Gallery for today. Hope y'all had a great long weekend (and vacation if you had one like me).

Vay-Kay-She-Own

As of 4:00 today I will be on VAY-KAY-SHE-OWN until September 2nd - whoo hoo! So excited!

We're planning on heading to LBI (Jersey Shore) to see my parents for a few days which should be tones of fun. When we went last year I don't think Casey enjoyed it as much because she was still kind of learning to get herself around. This year - fuggetabou-it...she's gonna be all over the beach with sand in places you didn't even know sand could go! But isn't that whats so great about childhood??? It may be a little cool so we're loading up with jeans and sweatshirts - I love cozy time at the beach! I also love nap time and reading time at the beach too! What's not to love? This trip will only really lack one thing - Jack's sticky buns! Jack's was an AWESOME bakery that had been around for decades. Jack sold his bakery about 5 - 10 years ago and sold the recipes to the new owner...but they didn't make them quite the same way. About a year ago, the bakery went out of business...and became a craft store. Not a YARN store...just a craft store. I remember being a kid - maybe in my tweens - and I would get up early and ride my bike the whole 1.5 miles to the bakery (which was quite far for me at the time) and carefully take the box of warm raisin molasses covered dough home in my backpack to surprise my parents. I'm sure it was no surprise - parents know every single time their kids come and go at their house - but they always let me pretend it was a surprise. I would also get my dad some powder donuts and he would eat them with the powder all over his face/hands/plate/table. It is a nice memory of the shore. But now, no Jack's...so we're bringing bagels from home which will work out just fine.

The rest of vacation goes something like this...

Return home on Tuesday

Mom gets a 1.5 hour massage on Wednesday afternoon - ah, heaven!

Family heads to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos around lunchtime on Thursday. If you have not heard about this fabulous place (from what folks have told me) you should check into it for a mini-family escape. It's a hotel with an indoor waterpark (and arcade, and cool rooms with bunkbeds, etc). The Pocono resort also has an outdoor park which is only open at certain times of year - and I think it's still open when we go. It's not cheap by any stretch - but it's a unique, special thing and since we're not going anywhere for a true get-away vacation we convinced ourselves it was ok. I do have to give cudos to Lou (THANK LOU) for helping make sure our reservation was in place - we hit a snag after we booked and weren't sure we really had the reservation. Good thing Lou looked into it or we might be looking at some disappointed faces upon arrival! Lou - you're the bestest in the westest! Thanks man.

Return home on Friday and start doing laundry - ha ha ha

Saturday is my 20th high school reunion - if you can believe it - which I can not. I am still NOT convinced to go. I guess there are some people I would like to see after all this time - but some live on the west coast so I'm not sure they'll trek all the way back East for it. There are others that I fairly regularly saw up until 2000 so not seeing them isn't a big loss. I think if I did go it would be just fine - and I would have fun. I would much rather wait for my 20th college reunion and have a BLAST with those friends! Besides - I think the dinner costs about $80/person - I can think of 10 things off the top of my head that I would rather spend $80 or $160 on (even if it's not yarn!)

Hubby and I will celebrate our 4th Anniversary right after Labor Day and we have no plans...except to take Miss Princess to see Disney Playhouse at the Prudential Center on Sept 5th. We're actually, if you can believe it, excited to see how excited she is about it!

On to knitting news:

I started Shelly's So Kool (Haas) Hat last night in Berroco Comfort - medium pink. It's working up quite nicely and while I wasn't sure about the color for Shelly, it is super soft and I think she'll get a lot of use out of it...or one of her daughter's will snatch it and I'll make her a second one :o)

I also am getting to the point on Miss Dora's socks to determine how I want to work the cuff...Dora, if you're reading this...any preference? I'm thinking a nice picot edge - and I know I have a pattern for one that you don't have to fold - I just need to remember where it is. Picot would look just right.

Well, that's it for me - I am THRILLED it's Friday and that I'll get some time to recoup and relax over the next 10 days - Whoo Hoo!

until next time...

Thoughts about blogging

I often have these great ideas that I want to get down on paper (or web) when I'm doing something where there is no opportunity to do so. Sometimes I remember to write down a brief description of the idea - but then I never find the time to expand on it. Having been a writer most of my life it's kind of frustrating in a way. It's something I enjoy, and something I just plain forget to do.

Last week I thought "well why don't I start a list of things that pop into my brain and then I can write about them one at a time and that will become routine and I'll get back into it". Hasn't happened.

Then I think "what if the things that pop into my brain aren't what pops into other people's brain and then I've just wasted their time by writing about it here"...or "if it's not "knitting" related, should I blog about it? I guess blogs are all encompassing and knitting and my life are intertwined so blogging about both makes sense...right?

Here are some knitting updates...

• Dora's socks - There are lots of great facets to this story. The first being that Dora and I met through Sock Wars 3 and became fast email pals. She is absolutely a lovely person and I can't wait to meet her in person some day. After the war ended, I had planned on surprising her with a pair of socks. While trying to figure out the perfect yarn - not just any yarn would do - she emailed me and suggested we knit a pair for each other. You know what they say about great minds! So I found my yarn and am currently on the leg section of the first sock. I frogged the first two attempts - one had too many stitches; the pattern and the colorway on the second pair was just looking miserable! I wanted these socks to be just right...and now they are! I love how they are turning out this time and I hope Dora does too! Lastly, when my daughter asks me who the socks are for and I tell her "Mommy's friend Dora" she gets SO excited because she knows Dora - Dora the Explorer. It's REALLY cute!
• Finished Strawberry Hill sweater for Jill almost 2 weeks ago. I am so proud of the finished product. Here's a bit of the email she sent me: "the sweater arrived this morning and it ROCKS! You did a superb job! So my feedback is nothing but awesome." Here is a photo of her wearing it...
• Trying to figure out who I will make holiday gifts for this year - and who will get what - it's quite a task. I REALLY want to make something for Miss Shelly, Mom, Liz, Alexa, Ken, Maryann, Brian, Charlie, Abby, Chuck, and so on and so forth. Those of you who knit know this list could go on forever! A couple of those folks have birthdays between now and then so I'll see what I can accomplish so they don't all pile up at once. Top of the list has to be Miss Shelly - one of our daycare providers. She is just the Cat's Meow, and I'm really not all that fond of cats! I'm thinking I will make a Koolhaas hat for her - and a matching one for one of her daughters. I know she'll love it - and she's just SUPER deserving!!!
• Have joined some new groups on Ravelryrecently...and am thrilled to find more inspiration and friends each day!

Guess that's enough for now - hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of the summer (where did the time go?!?!).

A new week...and a finished project?

This being a new week and all I was determined to work through the remainder of the Clapotis - if for no other reason but to finish it so I could wear it! It's looking like I'll wrap (get it, haha) it up this evening either on the train or shortly after dinner. The two skeins I bought have a brighter yellow, and more blue/turquoise than the original 3 - but I think the way it will fall around my shoulders with the dropped rows will be fine. Someone may notice - but not necessarily think it's done "wrong".

Once it's done I'll head back to Strawberry Hill and should have that finished in no time. I've done the back "side" and will lay it out for blocking tonight along with the sleaves. It's looking great so far...do I dare say I'm loving it and may make one for myself?!?! And I'm a huge fan of the original pattern color so I may have to slurge on it when the time comes!

I'm also planning to make a log-cabin style blanket for our room this winter. I think I have the right yarn already in my stash (and enough of it) so I just need to find the perfect pattern. Any suggestions for something super simple and quick?

Have a wonderful day everyone!

I can tell you this...

...this was the longest week I've had in a very long time.

Perhaps its because we had a company outing one day last week - so that was kind of a 4 day work week.

Perhaps its because so much happened at work this week that it seemed like it went on for-ev-errrrrr

Perhaps its because I didn't finish any knit projects this week. Well, that's probably not fair to say because my current project is a sweater and since I just started it a week ago what is the likelihood or expectation that I would have actually finished it in a week anyway...nil to none.

Perhaps its because it was made aware to me that an acquaintance is so despicable that they lie and cheat to get things to go their way, hoping they are not caught (which they were) and all that negative energy made my stomach churn. With all good comes the equal and opposite evil. I know Miss Karma has this person on her visitation list.

Perhaps its a long week because of all the train delays that occurred. Or because I got my haircut yesterday and then went bowling with co-workers and didn't get home until 11:00pm and so I'm just tired today. Or perhaps because the summer is becoming increasingly full of social plans and new friends and pretty soon it will be fall (hooray) and then Christmas and I haven't got a clue when I'm going to make the million gifts I promised myself I would make for everyone.

Perhaps its JUST a long week and all I can do is appreciate it for what it is.

Let's all enjoy the weekend, shall we?

Current projects and updates

So Sock Wars is FINALLY over for me (and still going for approximately 160 knitters) as of last Saturday when I got a beautiful pair of socks made by Sam and Wendy. I ordinarily would never have chosen the colorway - but the pair of socks is special and I appreciate the hard work that went into them (AND they fit me to boot!). So what does one say about Sock Wars - well, for now, at least, I'm going to remain mum on the topic - maybe someday I'll tell you the story!

Summer knitting seemed to get complicated somewhere along the way. I made an Elefante for my niece's birthday and my DH decided to hand it - literally - to my daughter whose eyes widened and she looked up at me and said "mommy knit for me?" What could i do/say? "Yes Angel, mommy knit for you" "for me, mommy?" "Yes, for you" "thank you mommy". It broke my heart to come up with an excuse ("elefante needs a tail") to get it away from her a few minutes later. But it also put me on the spot and I had to knit Elefante v.2 that evening and following day to compensate for the guilt I had digging into me. Well, mission accomplished - Elefante v.2 goes everywhere with Angelface now. Hooray for mommy - but still, BAD DADDY!

Next up was a top-down cable sweater (by Stefanie Japel) for my sister's birthday (early august). I got a two large cables into it and began to really like the sweater. Feeling unsure about the "deserving"or "appreciation" factor of the end result, I put it aside to potentially finish for myself later on...after all, I hadn't yet gotten to the point where you make size alterations or repeats.

And thus I began my first pair of toe-up socks for my sister instead. I am even using the colorway I was never quite excited about - which will probably suit her just fine. The first sock is complete and second one is in the foot section before the arch increases. I should be able to spend some time on them this weekend with plenty of time to spare.

In the interim, I have started the Strawberry Hill sweater for Jill - and boy, the pressure (all self-induced) is on! I guess I'm ok when I know I've made a mistake in something for myself or a friend. But when knitting something that an exponentially increased number of observers will see and feel is incorporated into the process, boy I knit each stitch so much more carefully! It's crazy - but fun.

The plus side to receiving that yarn shipment was that my hubby knew i was expecting yarn that I didn't have to buy - so when there was other sock yarn in the box he wasn't any wiser to suspecting I had purchased that part on my own - hee hee.

Everyone have a great weekend - through the Strawberry Hill process I'm sure to post a little more frequently!

Peace out!

The nice thing about waiting...

As most know, I'm involved in Sock Wars III (hooray, and boo hoo). Currently, I am waiting (since June 2nd or so) for a pair of socks to come up the line for me to knit - or a pair to come down the line for a kill. Either way, I'm still waiting.

With that said, it's been nice to knit the socks for my dad at a slower pace. I've really only been knitting on the train to/from work and have taken the evenings off to watch t.v., etc. Even with a deadline of Father's Day it's not a true deadline - because I won't actually see my dad on (or before) F'Day so I have at least another week or so until I have to be finished.

So this slow pace on just about every front is rather nice.

How's your knitting going these days?

The "problem" with 2 cameras

We've got two cameras - my more "serious" Canon Rebel xTi and my hubby's Powershot. We usually use the powershot because it's quick to grab off the counter AND it takes video. The problem with having 2 great cameras is that I never seem to get all the photos transfered to the computer, and subsequently to the web to show folks. I took some photos of recent knit work - but i think those are on the powershot - but I last downloaded from the Rebel - so things are all out of sync. I still have pics from a family party in May that I want to get downloaded to share with the cousins, etc. And I've got knit projects that I want to update on Ravelry - but keep forgetting because I don't have the photos. Ah, such easy problems in the grand scheme of things ;o)

It might be too hot to knit...

...but if you stay inside in the air conditioning it's not too hot to order yarn online :o)

Sue, Alyssa and I placed a joint knit picks order today. Sue and I ordered the new sock blanks - how awesome are those things?!?! Now Sue and I need to find a date to dye!

It's supposed to cool down over the next day or two - please keep your fingers crossed - I don't know how many nights we can continue to have "family camp-outs" in our finished and cool basement while the house is under construction. Hopefully, by the weekend, the majority of the work will be done and we can get the air on - whew!

It's too darned hot

A severe heatwave hit the East this weekend - and we're talking unbearable heat. We spent the afternoon/evening in our finished basement where the dehumidifier was running and the cool tile floors felt like heaven.

But it's too hot to knit - ok, let's rephrase - it's too hot to knit A LOT. Luckily my dad's socks are nylon and acrylic so it's not terrible - and they are coming along just fine to be done for next weekend - but seriously, if the heat keeps up the knitting will severely slow down.

Ah, the weather effects everything, doesn't it?

Stay cool and have a great Sunday everyone!

Remember "Video Killed the Radio" - Sock Warriors is doing the same

Here's my two cents...

Sock Warriors - Let's put the fun back in this game! There's too much "knit" picking/backstabbing/name calling and it's just not fun for those of us who signed up for a challenge/pattern/friend making adventure!

What's the prize - more yarn? Hey, that's all well and good but come on - do we bash/trash/criticize each other for more yarn - like we don't have enough to last us another lifetime?

Please, ladies (and gents), let's all put the F-U-N and ENTHUSIASM back into the GAME!

Let's stop the Heretics and witch hunting in the name of all that's right and good and KNIT! Let's accept that most players are HONEST and not read into knit times - and point an accusing finger because we're afraid of death by socks (?!?!?!).

Knitting should be a stress relief. A calming natural drug. A relaxing visit with yarn and needles. An escape from the every day.

Let's reclaim this war and ENJOY IT!!!

Sock Wars and the husband whose wife has lost her mind (???)

Hey, I haven't lost my mind!!! Absolutely not!!!

I did, however, just come back from running a golf event for 24 men in South Carolina - I was there from Sunday to Wednesday and got up most mornings at 5:00am to retire for the night at 11:45pm.

So I'm not crazy - I'm just taking a WELL DESERVED day off to R-E-L-A-X and it just HAPPENS to coincide with the start of sock wars!!!

Besides, it's a rainy day here in New Jersey so I'll get comfy on the couch, maybe watch a movie or so and enjoy my knitting until 3:00pm or so when my step-son, Matthew, comes home from school. At which time I may be finished with the socks so he can act as crazy as his heart desires!

Just kidding - I won't be done by then...OR WILL I?!?!? Wha-ha-ha-ha!!!

Seriously - the bobbles just won't end!!!

Ok, so I have been knitting the sleeves of the textured sweater since last week. I can't believe how long they're taking. I thought that if I had stayed up late last night I could have gotten them done and sewn to the sweater. Not so much.

I was measuring them on the train this morning - and aligning them with the arm holes on the body - and I still had another inch or so to go. GOOD GOD, MAKE THE BOBBLES END - PLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAASE!!!

I was able to get half of, what I'm hoping will be, the LAST row of bobbles done as we entered the tunnel to the city this morning. I think that the additional 6 rows of St St will get me to the right length to bind off - SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR ME!!!

If all goes well, I'm hoping the sleeves are bound off on the way home - and I'll sew them to the body tomorrow morning...because...

TODAY IS SUE'S BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!!!

More on the bobble situation tomorrow

Don't make me go all MacGyver on your A@s!

OMG - so there I was quietly sitting at my computer when I needed to push my chair back and get something from the files. All of a sudden I heard a weird cracking noise - and wondering what on earth could have made such a noise I looked down at the wheels on my chair and noticed that my knitting bag had tipped over and I had just run over one of my beautiful Knit Picks Harmony needles - size 1's. They were attached to the second of my Bartholomew socks - and I was going to take some time at lunch to finish the toe. Not so much! I almost cried. I called my fellow knitting co-worker and she was not at her desk - I left a desperate voicemail. Two seconds later she was walking by unaware of the message and I showed her the horrific site - two pieces on my desk - and a shortened needle on the socks. There was no way to repair. I pulled out my DPN case - and found no size 1's - they are in the other case AT HOME!!! So how would I finish the toes? Would I cry all the way home and make a mad dash to the DPN case?

Oh no, my friends. I pulled a MacGyver using office tools!

I found my trusty - and SHARP - scissors and starting whiddling (sp?) away at the tip. Once I got it to a decent point I took out my nail file and smoothed the edges a little more. I'm left with approximately 2.5" of needle on the broken end - but it will be enough to finish the socks this evening.

What an adventure!

Bobbles are evil - and other updates!

I'm STILL, yes still, working on the "textured pullover" from the Fall (??) issue of Vogue Knitting that I started way back in October. I think the first three stitch sections went rather quickly - if memory serves - but the top "bobble" section is what killed me and made me put the sweater in a time out!!!

I decided to try and finish all projects that I have outstanding before I start anything new - I know, a bummer - and so I took it off the shelves about two weeks ago. It took a while to find where I had left off - and then I got to a dreaded bobble row - and then another, and another. Over the weekend I finished the front and last night I finished putting in the neck ribbing - it looks pretty good and fits almost perfectly. But now...the sleeves...and more bobbles! The other problem with the bobbles - besides the pattern of how they are written and how achy that pattern makes your wrists after purling 5 tight stitches - is that the bobbles on the back of the sweater became inverted - not the front ones (what did i learn in the process of the back?!?!?). I've been slowly stitching loops/knots into the back of each of the bobbles to MAKE THEM stay on the right side of the sweater - which is a pain because I have about 50 bobbles and want to guarantee they all obey the law of physics when the sweater is ready for presentation.

In order to give my brain and wrists a small break I am finishing the second Bartholomew sock - and still really love the pattern. I haven't gotten to the short rows - which was the "tight"part so I'm still smiling for the moment.

After that I've got to finish the second Somewhat Cowl with my home-dyed yarn and then I can start something COMPLETELY NEW!!! So many items in my Ravelry queue - what will I work on next?!?!

What I like about Barnes & Noble...

So I'm hoping to visit Knitting in the Heartland this weekend while in Kansas and I wanted to purchase Stefanie Japel's book "Fitted Knits" so I knew I had a copy. I checked book availability on the Barnes & Noble website and saw they had it at the Citicorp Center store, which is right near my office.

I like that I can go to ANY Barnes & Noble and feel at home. I like that I know exactly how to most efficiently get to the knitting section at any given store. I like that I have a member discount card so I rarely pay full price - and always feel less guilty.

I don't get this feeling at Borders. I can't explain why.

Do you ever have that same "home-y" feeling in places you shop?

kc

I know (I KNOW) - two posts in one day?!?! What the...?!?!?

When I was in high school - i think it was sophomore year - I was an exchange student to a family who lived outside Lyon, France in a town call Vaux en Velin. I stayed with the Ponceblanc family and their daughter, Nadine, later came to stay with us.

Highlights of my trip (that I still remember 22 years later!):

• visiting the Rolex factory (Madame Ponceblanc knew some high level exec in Switzerland)
• skiing in the Alps
• riding to school in a Porsche (they even gave me a key as a souvenier - I still have it)
• playing with their dogs (a Boxer and a German Sheperd)
• having a napkin placed on my head (some weird French tradition my friends also experienced)
• riding to the top of the Eiffle Tower at night
• having a friend get rubbed against by a dirty frenchman on the metro
• smoking French cigarettes on the plane home (and getting sick - ewww)
• eating LOTS of great french bread (and smuggling some home in a poster tube!!!); and
• listening to some great French music

Mrs Ponceblanc gave me a cassette (cd's weren't available yet) by an artist names Daniel Balavoine - the song I remember most is "Le Blues est Blanc". Still, to this day, I remember the tune and some of the lyrics. The way I remember the story of Daniel was that his young wife had died and it was a tragedy for the French people. The song, again as I remember, is sad, but since I don't remember the interpretation I just recall that I liked it.

About a month ago I dug through my cassette collection (yes, I still have it and am slowly weeding through them downloading the "must haves" from iTunes). Les Blues est Blanc is now playing at work - a quiet Friday and I've decided to research the past for myself - and you, my faithful readers!

Interestingly...I had the story wrong - his wife didn't die...HE DID!!!

Death
In the 80's, Balavoine fell in love with Africa and started using his fame to fund the building of water wells for the Sahel. He participated in his first Paris-Dakar motor rally in 1982. Four years later, on January 14th, 1986, while flying over the rally, Balavoine died, along with Thierry Sabine and three other people, when their helicopter crashed into a dune of Mali.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Balavoine

Well, I suppose that isn't a happy ending to the story at all - but I'm happy to have revisited that time of my life.

Have a great weekend y'all!

kc

Oh, it's Friday, and Momma did a BAD BAD (GREAT) thing...

I FINALLY purchased the interchangable Harmony needle set from Knit Picks. I think all of my chats with Alyssa finally convinced me it was "ok" to give in to their magic...at least I know she'll help me if i have any issues with them...won't you? :o)

I also finished the first Bartholomew sock on the train this morning - I really like it although I haven't tried it on as yet. By the time I finished the toe I realized I wanted to wind the second skein to start the socks on the way home (which I can't because I forgot my 2's). I got most of the way through winding - after restarting a couple times because of tangles. I am now toward the tail end of it and had to throw it in my bag and head to work - bah, humbug! Will tackle the tangles again later tonight.

I have to say, once again, how much I love the yarn coloring and how the first sock turned out - it's lovely!

Have a great weekend everyone!

kc

When your knit "buzz" gets killed by a stranger!

So I'm knitting socks - which are generally not on top of my list of projects. But I had the yarn and I was just going to make a generic St st pair of socks - which I was perfectly ok with.

Then I ran into P&S who both asked "are you using the pattern that came with the yarn" and when i responded "no, i'm just doing st st" they both seemed a little disappointed. So I said what the heck, I didn't get that far, ripping out a couple rows won't kill me, I'll go with the pattern.

To note, this was also my first time doing an adult pair of socks using two circulars, both socks at the same time. So I know i'm not an expert at the process - but once I learn a new technique, heck if i'm not a spitfire and off and running (i.e., the Ocean Toe socks).

So there I go, off on my merry way, knitting the pattern for the socks which is fairly simple and liking that the colorway ISN'T striping like it called for because I didn't like the striping as much as I like the "pattern" my gauge was allowing. Case in point on this - I changed the smiley face on ravelry from the 2nd best to the best about two days ago. I was a happy knitter of socks.

Until today!!! Yesterday I posted some errate/notes I thought happened with the pattern (which is not written for 2 circulars). The one mistake, I K-N-O-W is a mistake. The "note/comment" I made about another section is something I understood - but thought the numbers were off. In fact, I just think that if someone more beginner than me were to make the socks, they might be a little confused by the instructions. Whatever.

This morning I received TWO "comments" from the author of the pattern telling me I was WRONG WRONG WRONG - that I wasn't following instructions. Well, no duh, her instructions WERE wrong. But she won't own up to the errata - or my comment. I wrote back further explaining myself (why, I don't know, I don't know her from Adam) so she could see my point of view. She wanted NOTHING to do with it. She wrote back several lengthy emails telling me about shifting stitches and whatnot - and telling me I did it wrong. Believe you me - I did it right! She INSISTED I moved 6 from one end, and not 3 from each side - Woman, PUH-lease, I know how to KNIT for goodness sake!!! Don't tell me how to shift stitches on 2 circ's - I KNOW how to do it the RIGHT way.

Anyway, I have now downgraded my smiley from the best to middle of the road because this rotten egg ruined the knitting of these socks for me. I only have a couple rows to go on the toe and they'll be done on the commute home this evening. I think I'm most bothered by this woman's INSISTANCE that her pattern could NOT be wrong in any way, shape or form. And that the description of the knitting makes perfect sense. Well, it doesn't.

So that's been my day so far. That and a nosey co-worker...no names (if you want the story, and you know who YOU are, we can discuss later!!!)

Happy happy

how are you?

kc

Pet Peeve Number 3

I'll be quick - I don't really want to complain today - but can SOMEone, ANYone tell me why people leave the click-wheel "volume" on when using their ipods? And furthermore, why did Apple INVENT such a sound in the first place?!?! I had not one, but TWO, ipod listeners next to me on the train this morning and BOTH of them had the click-wheel sound on - WHY WHY WHY? They were listening to their music so they didn't even hear it. But I did - everytime they started a new song they would go back and start searching for the next - click click spin click spin spin spin. OBNOXIOUS!! Just turn the damn option off - PUH-LEASE, for the love of Pete!!!

more importantly - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY - and Happy B'day to Ken!!!

Random Tag - From Sue - Pass it on!

So I've been tagged by http://suerothknits4fun.blogspot.com/ for 7 Random Facts Meme!!!

Here are the rules, and they must be posted on your blog:

1. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (see above).
2. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!
5. Let the fun begin.

Here are 7 bizarre/random/weird facts about me:

• My parents and my husband were all "only children". My daughter will probably be my only child - even though she will have a half-brother.
• I like having long hair - but can never let it grow long enough without getting it chopped off
• I love my job - as administrative as it is - and as different as it is from my degree in Art History
• I think you can love your friends more than your family
• My shoe size is 11. My sneakers are size 12.
• I am the tallest person in my family thus far.
• I secretly wish to take massage therapy classes so I can open an massage/yarn shop some day...and take a huge pay cut!

NOW... 7 people with blogs who I can tag!

• Alyssa (because I see her every day!) http://www.stitchbitch23.blogspot.com
• Amber (because she's hysterical!) http://yarny.wordpress.com
• Liz (because she lives nearby) http://artclassfailure.wordpress.com
• Ann (because she has beautiful designs) http://weaverknits.blogspot.com
• Anmiryam (because she names things after characters from Wallace & Gromit!) http://gromitknits.typepad.com
• Sarah (because she has tons of cute finished projects) http://shessassy.vox.com/
• Michelle (because I love so many of her unique projects) http://www.miknits.com

Home stretch...almost

I am slowly but surely decreasing on the right sleeve of the Bubble Cable Dolman - HALLELUJAH! Trouble is, for as much as an accomplishment as that may seem - the cabling will be DONE DONE DONE - I still have to pick up the waist/body ribbing and do another million rounds :o) Ok, so maybe another 7" of 2x2 ribbing - but you get the point. I'm hoping, praying, to have the arm done by end of tomorrow evening (fingers crossed). Ah, more pictures to come as well - the camera has been here/there and everywhere - and never quite in the right place at the right time...wouldn't you know!

Pet Peeve Numero Deux

Ok, so commuting in NYC is never easy - trains break down, they get delayed, they are packed full of people and so on.

However, any seasoned commuter knows the "walk left, stand right" policy on escalators. And any time there's a hold up on the "walk left" side, you know that it's some tourist or old person that doesn't know the rule. Everyone grumbles, people stretch to look around to see the hold up and it generally helps get your day off on the wrong foot.

But here's question. Why can't people stay in "lanes" - even IMAGINARY lanes at best??? First scenario - you're walking through the turnstiles and down a long platform which is at least 2 - 3 people wide. For arguments sake, let's say two. So ONE person will walk in the middle of ALL that space and clog the system, backing up dozens of commuters who are headed for their predetermined spot on that platform (most of us align ourselves to where the doors will open and where we will be let out at our destination - often times right at the stairways out!). Why can't that Clogger stay to one "lane" or the other so other's may pass???

Second scenario - when you arrive at your final destination and the people tumble from the subways, why can't people stay in their "imaginary lanes" while herding to the stairways? How difficult is it to realize that there are two sides to the staircase, each side warrants two rows of upward bound people and you need to position your walking toward a row - and not "change lanes". What if these people were driving on the road? It's the same darned theory!!! Use your blinker. Watch for oncoming traffic. URGH.

So that's what I have to say about pet peeves today - people who don't stay in their lanes SUCK! :o)

Bubble Cable - Update #6

Well, I didn't get through quite as much as I thought this weekend - my beloved husband is such a "do--er" and I didn't get a moments rest -- even with my aching back. Well, I got a little rest, but it would have been nice to have more knitting time. The "do--er" needs a supervisor - I should say a CONSTANT supervisor - when doing things inside the house. A long time ago I relinquished my input on OUTdoor projects -- but the INdoor ones I keep a constant eye on. This on again / off again weather has him jonesing for something TO DO (thus the nickname - The DO--er). Since he can't do much outside, he has been eyeing everything inside which in turn causes me a headache because I can't even take a nap without knowing everything will be as I left it when I wake up. Last weekend he was on the organizational kick - which caused out small office/play room to be upturned and the basement to get a facelift - and for lots of money to be spent to do it. If he had had his way, he would have completely redone the rest of the office this weekend - but I sternly put my foot down - he's just looking for more TO DO!!! URGH!!!

So anyway, the knitting was a slow go. I've gotten about 14 rows done across the head opening and I'm finally feeling like I'm almost half way (I keep forgetting about all the body ribbing that will have to be done once I get to the end of the other cuff). Oh well...moving along!

Bubble Cable - Old Posts from Ravelry

1/10 - Finished the 26 rows of increases and just started the main body across. The cabling FINALLY just comes to me instead of having to look at the chart - after a million rows what else would i expect?

1/9 - Finally go to the section where you CO 3 stitiches going from arm to body. Made a mistake last night - forgot three rows - had to FROG and re start last night and this morning. Back on track. Hoping to get to body by end of week to see more of sizing. Fingers crossed!

1/3 - I was reading through the pattern and can't believe the numbers for sizing and measurements - i'm 5'10" and can't phathom how this sweater will fit in the long run. I'm half tempted to FROG what I've done so far - which would totally stink - but will see how next section goes. I might even try basting the seam for the arm to see if it really fits - I have some muscles in my lower arms that the tapering effect might seem tight on. URGH, the fun of it all!

1/2 - My "wingspan" is greater than 60.5" so I made the ribbed cuff 6.5" and think it will be great. I'm going to chart out the pattern for the additional stitches that get added because they're hard to keep track of - a visual will definitely help! Will try to publish it in case anyone else would like to use

12/30 - I've tested the gauge - first on a lighter weight yarn (jojoland wool) and now using the Baby Ull. I'll be able to cast on as soon as I have the longer size 4's - VERY excited!

Knit Along Starts February 1st

Please visit knitwitsknitalong.blogspot.com to view/join our first project starting February 1st. We're thinking about a pair of socks - let us know what you're in the mood for!

A knitter's tools

Here are some ingredients which, I feel, are an important part of every knitter's "toolbox":

1. Needles you love!
2. Yarn you love even more!
3. Good friends to knit with
4. TIME to knit each day
5. Patterns that help keep you inspired
6. Family members who support your "addiction"
7. A blog (and Ravelry account) to share your thoughts, work, trials and tribulations
8. A continued passion to create
9. A support group of friends who can convince you not to buy more yarn!
10. Storage space for every yarn you "had to have"

Have a great day - Friday is almost here!

Pet Peeve Numero Uno

I keep telling myself that I'd like to make a pet peeve list - for no particular reason, just because. Maybe so I can expand on them and see if they bug the crap out of other people too!

So here's numero uno on the list (more in the future)...

Male/Middle-seat train riders!

I was coming to work this morning and I was in a window seat of a 3-seater. Another (male) commuter sat down in the aisle seat a stop later. A few stops after that - and the second to last stop for the train - another (male) commuter asked for the center seat. Now, I'm no skinny minnie. I probably take up my whole space - between my derierre and my bag on my lap, I stake out my territory fairly well.

But here's what peeves me today.

Middle seaters - generally male - who encroach on space outside of their own and feel they're not only limited to their seat - which, on NJ Transit, has CLEAR "lines" and upolstery "sections" - but ENTITLED to spread out and squeeze anyone in the window seat. I should stress that this happens more with MALE riders - especially when two are seated next to each other because, heaven forbid!!!, they touch even a centimeter of their clothes! Would that be gay of them??? URGH. Instead, it's ok for them to squash a female in a window seat and spread their legs as open as they can and hold their papers as wide as possible and, in general, show blatent disregard for their fellow riders. Male / center-seat riders are R-U-D-E.

And don't even get me started with the South Orange passengers who do NOTHING but complain about having to stand for a 15 minute train ride. Hello, I got my butt out of bed at 7:10 and was on the train at 7:47. They get on at 8:40 (or thereabouts) and bitch bitch bitch. Puh-lease!

I've digressed - it's all just SO frustrating

Tell me, how's your knitting going instead!!!

until next time...
kc

Sue will not buy Yarn Today #6

Sue will not buy yarn today...because I gave her yarn as an early Christmas present! Oh, I'm so sneaky!

The story behind this yarn is that Sue and I were IMing one afternoon and she sent me a link for this yarn from Doodlebirds - and I said "no, no, don't buy it you have enough yarn". Sneaky me bought the 2 skeins that were left - I kept the longer color change one for myself. Isn't it P-R-E-T-T-Y?!?!

Pay/Knit It Forward

Pay It Forward

Last week JoFrog posted about Pay it Forward. This has been making its way around the blogs and seems like so much fun! Her friend Hannah offered to make a gift for the first three people that commented on her post if they promised to do the same. Sign me up!

In turn I'd like to make something for you! Here are the rules:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this pay it forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!

The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Comment away and I'll get knitting!

Ah, short rows, my favorite...NOT!

So I had started to tackle the Short Row Hat using the Rowan Tapestry yarn I bought on the Vineyard. The beginning was going rather well. I haven't done anything on it for over a week so I picked it up again this morning on the train. And again, went rather well.

UNTIL...

If you've done the hat you know the directions are in numbered/lettered sections. I was statrting from section #3 toward the end. Everything was going so well. I began section #4 and got most of the way through it. I got to the crown portion and the number of stitches wasn't working out correctly. Which was funny because all along I thought it was. So I "stepped back" for a second and looked at the triangles. Looks like I dropped a stitch somewhere between the first "half" triangle and the second one. But ripping out/back isn't like ripping out a single row and picking up where you started from. It's like taking a detour back 5 minutes in your trip and then trying to readjust to your location.

So that's where I am - trying to figure out where I am. And it's not easy! I keep having to rip more out and write it down to try and match it up to the pattern. But it feels all backwards and I keep kicking myself for even trying to knit it on the train when I couldn't FULLY concentrate. URGH.

Patty has finished two and they look awesome - one was done in a Paton's yarn - pinks/browns - very cute. The second is a cream alpaca and the monotone looks pretty cool as well. I'm sure that once I can get through one complete go-through I'll have more of a handle on it - but gosh, getting to that point seems like an eternity (esp for me - Speedy Gonzales as Sue calls me!).

Anyway, that's it for today. The hat will sit there in my bag until this evening - and ALL DAY i'll wonder what went wrong.

Until tomorrow - have a great day and a wonderful week everyone!