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!