All the February projects are finished on time, and there are two days left in the month. Woohoo! So, today and tomorrow lunch/evening will be blanket-square knitting, which makes me feel good. Then Saturday I tackle into that 2nd pink sock (yes, I am knitting *mostly* pink socks - for me. You may now giggle if you like).
That's the knitting update - the rest of life is being life... work is very busy right now, and I somehow pulled my IT band at the gym yesterday so it's VERY sore and I didn't work out today. Will try for tomorrow, and I'm scheduled for a 3-mile walk on Saturday. I think the trick may be some extra stretching and perhaps epsom salts baths after my long walk. Hoping to spend some quality time in the kitchen this weekend too, get some big-batch cooking and baking done, and Friday night we're taking my paladin and Dad's out for our Epic Mount quest! Woohoo! AND - tomorrow is the end of February. Yay for the end of February!
Happy weekend early!
Feb 28, 2008
Feb 23, 2008
Palindrome and getting back on track
Hey there hi there ho there, it's the weekend and there is knitting! First up, FO pictures of Neill's Palindrome, which he likes very much (yay!):
Again, a million thanks to Kraftie for her lovely handspun, which made the pattern really work up beautifully.
Next, I'm pretty well on track with the "schedule" for February - I did a whole one of Erika's slippers this morning and have the other one underway (frogged the original in LB Homespun, restarted in Patons Shetland Chunky), and Peter's first boot sock is heel turned and almost done the gusset, ready to get the foot rolling. Should be done in plenty of time for the slipper and sock classes, respectively.
The rest of February knitting is going to be blanket squares, and there's a reason why. Yesterday morning I dropped off another batch of blankets to the shelter, and one of the young men waiting outside (for breakfast, I believe) engaged me in a brief conversation:
"Good morning miss, bringing more blankets?" (he remembered me from a previous delivery)
"Yes, a few."
"Oh, I hope I get one this time..."
(Sound of my heart breaking)
It cannot be overstated how much these blankets (hell, ANY blankets) are needed, and more, how much they are APPRECIATED. So this weekend in addition to knitting more squares, I will be doing a linen-cupboard purge to pull out some extra 'commercial' blankets that we don't use/need, and they will go along with the next delivery. There's still a lot of winter left.
Again, a million thanks to Kraftie for her lovely handspun, which made the pattern really work up beautifully.
Next, I'm pretty well on track with the "schedule" for February - I did a whole one of Erika's slippers this morning and have the other one underway (frogged the original in LB Homespun, restarted in Patons Shetland Chunky), and Peter's first boot sock is heel turned and almost done the gusset, ready to get the foot rolling. Should be done in plenty of time for the slipper and sock classes, respectively.
The rest of February knitting is going to be blanket squares, and there's a reason why. Yesterday morning I dropped off another batch of blankets to the shelter, and one of the young men waiting outside (for breakfast, I believe) engaged me in a brief conversation:
"Good morning miss, bringing more blankets?" (he remembered me from a previous delivery)
"Yes, a few."
"Oh, I hope I get one this time..."
(Sound of my heart breaking)
It cannot be overstated how much these blankets (hell, ANY blankets) are needed, and more, how much they are APPRECIATED. So this weekend in addition to knitting more squares, I will be doing a linen-cupboard purge to pull out some extra 'commercial' blankets that we don't use/need, and they will go along with the next delivery. There's still a lot of winter left.
Feb 20, 2008
It's alive!
Ok, I've managed to survive a whole day in the office and ready to head out for my sock class tonight. I even felt like eating real food today. All better!
Feb 16, 2008
Blargh...
Ok, I went to bed 8 hours ago feeling absolutely FINE. I've woken up with the BLARGH on me - can't breathe, drippy nose, sore throat, everything hurts, including my eyes to look at the computer. Crap crap crap. I may have to cancel going to the birthday party, I absolutely cannot make a cake, and I feel like curling up under a blankie and just sleeping all day.
Not fair - to be sick on a long weekend? - totally not fair. Everytime I sneeze it puts my back into spasm. OWIE!!!
I'm done.
Not fair - to be sick on a long weekend? - totally not fair. Everytime I sneeze it puts my back into spasm. OWIE!!!
I'm done.
Feb 15, 2008
The list is getting out of hand...
Ok so I'm sitting here tweaking format and updating sidebar and so forth and I see that my project list is growing daily. Which is normal of course for a knitter (hell, for a HUMAN - we're walking to-do lists, aren't we?). However, I fear it may be getting out of control. And since I like things to be reasonably well-organized, I am going to set a *gasp* SCHEDULE for the projects I've committed to, to date. So, here we go, starting from today - I am being good and setting only 2 per month (except for this month, which has 2 classes running and a scarf emergency). Anything above that will be a bonus!
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
- Complete Neill's Palindrome by 02/23/08
- From MP:2008 list, complete Slippers for Erika by 02/26/08 - class
- Complete Peter's Boot Sock #1 by 02/27/08 - class
- From MP:2008 list, complete My Tequila Sunrise Sock #2 by 03/15/08.
- If sock class @ Michaels or school board is a go, complete Peter's Boot Sock #2 by end of class - if not, complete by 03/31/08.
- From MP:2008 list, complete My Cotton Sweater by 04/15/08.
- From MP: 2008 list, complete Mom's Mother's Day Socks by 04/30/08.
- From MP:2008 list, complete My Globe Sock #2 by 05/15/08.
- Complete Golden Snitch Hat #1 (for Potterfiend) by 05/31/08. If, as anticipated, this is a quick knit, complete Golden Snitch Hat #2 (for Yumi) also.
- Complete Dad's Cardigan revised by Father's Day (date?)
- From MP:2008 list, complete My Wednesday's Cardigan by 06/30/08.
- Complete Carole's Shawl by her birthday (August).
- From MP:2008 list, START Michelle's shawl. Finish in September.
- Complete Michelle's Shawl by 09/30/08.
- Complete Carole's Sweater by 09/30/08.
- From MP:2008 list, complete Peter's Mega Boot sock #2 by 10/31/08. This sock will probably take a whole month.
- IF the sock does not take all month, complete Basic Cable for me by 10/31/08.
- From MP: 2008 list, complete Yumi's Fleece Artist Shawl.
- From MP: 2008 list, complete Angel for Donna.
- Complete Lilac Socks for Yumi by Yumi's birthday.
- Start Peter's EPS sweater.
Happy half-price chocolate day!
EDIT: New template. Like it? Hate it? Comment please!
Yes, it's the day after Valentine's, when you can buy twice the love-expressions for half the price. I may pick up a box of chocolates on the way home, not out of any romantic impulse but just so we have some in the house. :D
Things have been hectic this past week and the weekend is shaping up busy too, so grabbing a few minutes to update. Work's been crazy - one of our two co-managers quit last Friday so all this week it's been "what happened?" questions coming at me, over and over and over... here's a representative conversation:
Them: "Where'd he go?"
Me: (with a shrug) "Away."
Them: "He didn't say?"
Me: "No, he did not share that information with any of us."
Them: "Well, why did he leave?"
Me: "Why does anyone leave a job? He wasn't happy."
Them: "Why not?"
Me: "You'd have to ask him."
About 30 times this week I've had that time-wasting chat. I should have just posted a sign. *sigh* This too shall pass.
In other news, a dear friend and co-worker has gone in for surgery to remove what might possibly be a cancerous growth on his thyroid. So, in good knitterly response, I'm knitting him a Palindrome, out of the lovely handspun Kraftie sent me during SP10 last year. (Kraftie, if you're reading, what's the fiber content on that? It's deliciously sproingy and the stripes are coming out beautifully, I'll post pictures when it's done.) I just finished the first of three skeins, and I'm calculating it will come out to about 6 1/2 feet long x about 4.5" wide - a bit narrow, but long enough to wrap around a couple times. That's doing the pattern as written with 40 stitches on 5.5mm needles. It's pretty without being girly and I think he will like it very much.
Happy things - my niece and mom both have birthdays this month, so we're doing a family birthday party tomorrow, to which I will bring cake. I'm thinking marble cake with some pink and green springy-type colours for the frosting. And lots more knitting on the Palindrome.
Also this week I've had class #2 with both my Knitting 101 and Sock-knitting students, and they're both good groups - a couple of the ladies are struggling a bit but they're all determined and patient and very, very nice. I will miss having students when I stop teaching in April but will LOVE having all my evenings free to spend with Peter again. Speaking of whom, I started him a new pair of socks - the Hunter's Socks from Freshisle Fibers, in Marian's own hand-dyed Suffolk wool. They will have pale yellow (almost oatmeal-y) legs with mid-yellow feet - the Coreopsis 3-skein dye progression that I bought oh so long ago - finally it's getting turned into something! (well, 2/3 of it anyway). The darkest yellow I will hold in reserve for something else - probably a hat. The Suffolk wool is SO warm, and really lovely and fluffy once it's gone through the wash/dry cycle a couple of times. Hm, I bet it would cable beautifully... maybe I'll make myself a "Basic Cable" - I've been meaning to. Add it to the list!
Have a great weekend - pictures and things Sunday or Monday (yay long weekend!)
Yes, it's the day after Valentine's, when you can buy twice the love-expressions for half the price. I may pick up a box of chocolates on the way home, not out of any romantic impulse but just so we have some in the house. :D
Things have been hectic this past week and the weekend is shaping up busy too, so grabbing a few minutes to update. Work's been crazy - one of our two co-managers quit last Friday so all this week it's been "what happened?" questions coming at me, over and over and over... here's a representative conversation:
Them: "Where'd he go?"
Me: (with a shrug) "Away."
Them: "He didn't say?"
Me: "No, he did not share that information with any of us."
Them: "Well, why did he leave?"
Me: "Why does anyone leave a job? He wasn't happy."
Them: "Why not?"
Me: "You'd have to ask him."
About 30 times this week I've had that time-wasting chat. I should have just posted a sign. *sigh* This too shall pass.
In other news, a dear friend and co-worker has gone in for surgery to remove what might possibly be a cancerous growth on his thyroid. So, in good knitterly response, I'm knitting him a Palindrome, out of the lovely handspun Kraftie sent me during SP10 last year. (Kraftie, if you're reading, what's the fiber content on that? It's deliciously sproingy and the stripes are coming out beautifully, I'll post pictures when it's done.) I just finished the first of three skeins, and I'm calculating it will come out to about 6 1/2 feet long x about 4.5" wide - a bit narrow, but long enough to wrap around a couple times. That's doing the pattern as written with 40 stitches on 5.5mm needles. It's pretty without being girly and I think he will like it very much.
Happy things - my niece and mom both have birthdays this month, so we're doing a family birthday party tomorrow, to which I will bring cake. I'm thinking marble cake with some pink and green springy-type colours for the frosting. And lots more knitting on the Palindrome.
Also this week I've had class #2 with both my Knitting 101 and Sock-knitting students, and they're both good groups - a couple of the ladies are struggling a bit but they're all determined and patient and very, very nice. I will miss having students when I stop teaching in April but will LOVE having all my evenings free to spend with Peter again. Speaking of whom, I started him a new pair of socks - the Hunter's Socks from Freshisle Fibers, in Marian's own hand-dyed Suffolk wool. They will have pale yellow (almost oatmeal-y) legs with mid-yellow feet - the Coreopsis 3-skein dye progression that I bought oh so long ago - finally it's getting turned into something! (well, 2/3 of it anyway). The darkest yellow I will hold in reserve for something else - probably a hat. The Suffolk wool is SO warm, and really lovely and fluffy once it's gone through the wash/dry cycle a couple of times. Hm, I bet it would cable beautifully... maybe I'll make myself a "Basic Cable" - I've been meaning to. Add it to the list!
Have a great weekend - pictures and things Sunday or Monday (yay long weekend!)
Feb 7, 2008
Insomnia meme
Yes, I'm not sleepy - again. However, Yumi has provided me with entertainment. Yay! She says this:
1. Go to photobucket.com.
2. Type in your answer for each question into the PhotoBucket search bar.
3. Only use the first good answer.
4. Copy the html and paste it here.
5. You can only answer in picture form.
What is your first name?
What kind of car do you have?
Where did you go to school?
Who's your best friend?
Favourite colour?
Celebrity crush?
Favourite song?
Favourite movie?
Favourite clothing line?
Favourite vacation destination?
Favourite dessert?
Favourite letter?
Biggest fear?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Who do you love most?
Fave accessory?
A word to describe yourself?
1. Go to photobucket.com.
2. Type in your answer for each question into the PhotoBucket search bar.
3. Only use the first good answer.
4. Copy the html and paste it here.
5. You can only answer in picture form.
What is your first name?
What kind of car do you have?
Where did you go to school?
Who's your best friend?
Favourite colour?
Celebrity crush?
Favourite song?
Favourite movie?
Favourite clothing line?
Favourite vacation destination?
Favourite dessert?
Favourite letter?
Biggest fear?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Who do you love most?
Fave accessory?
A word to describe yourself?
Feb 5, 2008
Knitter down!
So I'm working merrily away this afternoon, reach for my calculator, and hear this "pop". Ow - my hand hurts! Put hand on mouse - hand REALLY hurts. go to clinic, sit around (Little Mermaid movie, start to finish), doctor confirms a "minor" sprain of the right hand. Rest it at least 48 hours. No typing (this is all being done left handed), no mousing, no KNITTING!
The kicker? I'm teaching a sock class tomorrow night. Going to be interesting talking my students through the "join, being careful not to twist, " etc. However, I will do as I'm told because if I don't it will hurt for longer. Argh.
On the bright side, at least I don't drive a standard. Gripping the gear shift would be brutal. And I have a good book-in-progress, Ken Follett's "The Third Twin" so I at least won't go insane for not knitting or playing WoW for a couple of days.
So, how was YOUR Tuesday?
The kicker? I'm teaching a sock class tomorrow night. Going to be interesting talking my students through the "join, being careful not to twist, " etc. However, I will do as I'm told because if I don't it will hurt for longer. Argh.
On the bright side, at least I don't drive a standard. Gripping the gear shift would be brutal. And I have a good book-in-progress, Ken Follett's "The Third Twin" so I at least won't go insane for not knitting or playing WoW for a couple of days.
So, how was YOUR Tuesday?
Feb 4, 2008
A few days late
Ok so I missed the silent poetry reading thingy on the weekend, but I just now wrote a poem. I used to do this a lot (teen angst, mid-20s angst), then just - stopped. Anyway:
It's getting past the point of going to sleep, that
Space
Between night and morning gets narrower each second
I stare at this screen
And read other people's thoughts
To avoid my own
Monday thoughts.
Karen Carpenter sang rainy days and Mondays always get me down;
She nailed it.
I feel the edge of Holly Golightly's Mean Reds
Creeping up -
There's that shiver -
But maybe I'm just cold because I'm tired
And I'm late for bed.
It's getting past the point of going to sleep, that
Space
Between night and morning gets narrower each second
I stare at this screen
And read other people's thoughts
To avoid my own
Monday thoughts.
Karen Carpenter sang rainy days and Mondays always get me down;
She nailed it.
I feel the edge of Holly Golightly's Mean Reds
Creeping up -
There's that shiver -
But maybe I'm just cold because I'm tired
And I'm late for bed.
Feb 3, 2008
It's February!
I admit it, I sort of missed Groundhog day. The past week at work was ... well, sometimes work gets - interesting? - and you can't talk about it. Plus it was busy, and I had only a 4-day week because of being on course Monday. One great thing I learned in this course:
Q Quit
T Taking
I It
P Personally
This has now become my office motto, because to be honest I am the QUEEN of taking stuff personally - my work, my coworkers, my company are all very important to me and I take things to heart. Trying to not do that so much. The theory was tested a few times this week, let me tell you!
Ok, so work is - work. Home is good. Peter and I are working out the numbers and timelines for a move in the Spring; it's time to get out of the Park (and away from the idiot landlord), and into something a little more convenient to our respective workplaces. And where the front porch won't collapse when you step on it. Etc. Been knitting steadily on blanket squares and this week took a batch of blankets down to one of the local shelters, where they were VERY glad to have them. Felt good. Also over 1/2 way done the shawl for Sandra's mom, which is AHEAD of schedule - yay me! - mostly because yesterday I spent a goodly amount of time just sittin' and knittin'. And reading, too - I've read two books this week, haven't done that in ages.
Tomorrow night I start my school board class of beginner knitting and Wednesday night I start my sock class, and those both run for 4 weeks. So for February I'm going to be pretty much hibernating on the weekends (except this coming Saturday, which is HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA and we'll be spending at B&K's).
Today - Peter is making homemade scratch pancakes for breakfast, then I'm going to start a batch of bread and get some chicken stew in the slow cooker before I get my course materials together and laundry away, etc. Good domestic-y stuff. Yesterday was mostly rest, did get out for groceries and some library-time with my niece (term paper hell, poor kid), so today is about gettin' er done.
I hope your weekend is going well!
Q Quit
T Taking
I It
P Personally
This has now become my office motto, because to be honest I am the QUEEN of taking stuff personally - my work, my coworkers, my company are all very important to me and I take things to heart. Trying to not do that so much. The theory was tested a few times this week, let me tell you!
Ok, so work is - work. Home is good. Peter and I are working out the numbers and timelines for a move in the Spring; it's time to get out of the Park (and away from the idiot landlord), and into something a little more convenient to our respective workplaces. And where the front porch won't collapse when you step on it. Etc. Been knitting steadily on blanket squares and this week took a batch of blankets down to one of the local shelters, where they were VERY glad to have them. Felt good. Also over 1/2 way done the shawl for Sandra's mom, which is AHEAD of schedule - yay me! - mostly because yesterday I spent a goodly amount of time just sittin' and knittin'. And reading, too - I've read two books this week, haven't done that in ages.
Tomorrow night I start my school board class of beginner knitting and Wednesday night I start my sock class, and those both run for 4 weeks. So for February I'm going to be pretty much hibernating on the weekends (except this coming Saturday, which is HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA and we'll be spending at B&K's).
Today - Peter is making homemade scratch pancakes for breakfast, then I'm going to start a batch of bread and get some chicken stew in the slow cooker before I get my course materials together and laundry away, etc. Good domestic-y stuff. Yesterday was mostly rest, did get out for groceries and some library-time with my niece (term paper hell, poor kid), so today is about gettin' er done.
I hope your weekend is going well!
Jan 24, 2008
It's Thursday, someone pass me a coffee!
So this morning, our whole department trooped off on a field trip. We left the office at 9 a.m. and returned about a quarter to noon. In that time there was (a) no coffee, (b) no bathroom breaks, and (c) a stupid amount of climbing up and down stairs. This is, in my universe, an unacceptable way to spend a morning. So now, returned and (somewhat) refreshed by pizza, chocolate cake, and coffee (lunch of champions!), I can tackle into the afternoon's to-do list. I'd rather be napping.
In knit news... well, squares are happening, and I am making progress on the lace scarf sample, though it's slow. I changed from the Heart pattern to the somewhat-simpler Crest of the Wave, but it's a slow grind. And I'm really wondering if it's worth it, because odds are pretty high no one will sign up for the dang lace class anyway. I'd rather be doing something else. Which reminds me, I need to add projects to the list. But - tomorrow is Friday (huzzah!), so let us be happy and enjoy the sunshine. And this last bite of chocolate cake. Yum.
EDIT: Got a note from the class coordinator at the store, need to get the sample in this weekend. Time for more lace knitting.
EDIT #2: You know, half a lace scarf is enough for a sample. If someone signs up for the class, I will finish the scarf, otherwise I will frog it and repurpose the yarn. It's not really my style, though a lovely pattern. What do you think? Note the ever-present charity-blanket square on the right. Computer knitting.
EDIT #3: Ok, picture time! Lots and lots...
This is my Winter 2007/2008 Toque - Patons Shetland Chunky, 84 sts on a 5mm (6mm?) needle, ribbed all the way up. Swirly!
These are the matching mittens (matching, in that I used the same yarn. Not Swirly).
A finished (but pretty unsatisfying) crochet scarf, Lion Brand Homespun. I swear by all the gods, aside from one current WIP, I will NEVER use this blasted yarn again. I hates it.
Cedar's Neckwarmer. Funky neon, perfect for a little boy. I wish I'd taken a shot of the matching mittens, they've got green lightning-bolts around them. Very fun. Mystery yarn.
Safety Baby Hat! You will NEVER lose your baby in a snowbank if they are wearing this hat. Originally intended for charity, this will be going along to some friends who are expecting in the fall.
Yes, I'm turning into one of those knitbloggers who posts pictures of their cat. Here is our Squeeky, very comfortable on top of my socks, which I had spread out on the headboard to warm and dry in the sun. They are now warm, dry, and covered in cat hair. Speaking of that, isn't it amazing how much our Squeeky looks like Laurie's Sobakowa? (scroll down to the January 10 post).
OK that's enough for one day. Now over to Ravelry to update my project page!
In knit news... well, squares are happening, and I am making progress on the lace scarf sample, though it's slow. I changed from the Heart pattern to the somewhat-simpler Crest of the Wave, but it's a slow grind. And I'm really wondering if it's worth it, because odds are pretty high no one will sign up for the dang lace class anyway. I'd rather be doing something else. Which reminds me, I need to add projects to the list. But - tomorrow is Friday (huzzah!), so let us be happy and enjoy the sunshine. And this last bite of chocolate cake. Yum.
EDIT: Got a note from the class coordinator at the store, need to get the sample in this weekend. Time for more lace knitting.
EDIT #2: You know, half a lace scarf is enough for a sample. If someone signs up for the class, I will finish the scarf, otherwise I will frog it and repurpose the yarn. It's not really my style, though a lovely pattern. What do you think? Note the ever-present charity-blanket square on the right. Computer knitting.
EDIT #3: Ok, picture time! Lots and lots...
This is my Winter 2007/2008 Toque - Patons Shetland Chunky, 84 sts on a 5mm (6mm?) needle, ribbed all the way up. Swirly!
These are the matching mittens (matching, in that I used the same yarn. Not Swirly).
A finished (but pretty unsatisfying) crochet scarf, Lion Brand Homespun. I swear by all the gods, aside from one current WIP, I will NEVER use this blasted yarn again. I hates it.
Cedar's Neckwarmer. Funky neon, perfect for a little boy. I wish I'd taken a shot of the matching mittens, they've got green lightning-bolts around them. Very fun. Mystery yarn.
Safety Baby Hat! You will NEVER lose your baby in a snowbank if they are wearing this hat. Originally intended for charity, this will be going along to some friends who are expecting in the fall.
Yes, I'm turning into one of those knitbloggers who posts pictures of their cat. Here is our Squeeky, very comfortable on top of my socks, which I had spread out on the headboard to warm and dry in the sun. They are now warm, dry, and covered in cat hair. Speaking of that, isn't it amazing how much our Squeeky looks like Laurie's Sobakowa? (scroll down to the January 10 post).OK that's enough for one day. Now over to Ravelry to update my project page!
Jan 22, 2008
Happiness Is...
- Sleeping in an extra hour on a workday
- Being woken by a kitty licking your hand
- Pants that didn't fit 2 weeks ago, fitting (yay weight loss!)
- Beethoven's 4th on the drive to work
- A *really* good cup of coffee
- Homemade bread with a schmear of Laughing Cow cheese for breakfast
So yeah, today is starting pretty well, for a Tuesday. Hope yours is, too!
- Being woken by a kitty licking your hand
- Pants that didn't fit 2 weeks ago, fitting (yay weight loss!)
- Beethoven's 4th on the drive to work
- A *really* good cup of coffee
- Homemade bread with a schmear of Laughing Cow cheese for breakfast
So yeah, today is starting pretty well, for a Tuesday. Hope yours is, too!
Jan 17, 2008
Blargh
Chest congestion, sinuses blocked so bad I can hardly hear, sneezing, freezing, everything aches, and running a fever.
And, I'm at work, because stuff is happening today I HAVE to be here for. Tomorrow, however, I intend to stay in bed, drink soup and tea, and sleep and knit and read.
Hm - maybe I caught it off Yumi's blog?
Blargh.
And, I'm at work, because stuff is happening today I HAVE to be here for. Tomorrow, however, I intend to stay in bed, drink soup and tea, and sleep and knit and read.
Hm - maybe I caught it off Yumi's blog?
Blargh.
Jan 15, 2008
Plan the work, adapt the plan, work the plan...
Two projects have to be added to the list and started right away - one due to a lack of foresight on my part, and one to help out a friend. See, I'm teaching a class on lace next month, and have given away both my previous lace samples. So since it's February, I found a nice lace scarf pattern with hearts in it which I think will work well - but I need to knit the sample, and by this time next week (if not sooner). Oops. So MP2008 will have to be on hold for a few days.
And then, a friend needs a Moebius shawl for her mother's birthday, 3rd week of February. She handed me the yarn tonight. Now I know I can knit this in a week if I'm dedicated to it, so that's not too bad, but still - that's another week away from the original "whip the WIPs / MP2008" plan. Argh.
Nevermind. I'm adaptable and I had an itching to start something new anyway (besides blanket squares, of course). I'll take the Zen attitude - "when the knitter is ready the project will appear"!
And then, a friend needs a Moebius shawl for her mother's birthday, 3rd week of February. She handed me the yarn tonight. Now I know I can knit this in a week if I'm dedicated to it, so that's not too bad, but still - that's another week away from the original "whip the WIPs / MP2008" plan. Argh.
Nevermind. I'm adaptable and I had an itching to start something new anyway (besides blanket squares, of course). I'll take the Zen attitude - "when the knitter is ready the project will appear"!
Getting things done
Three FO (ok 2 finished and 1 frogged) in 2 days!
Last night: finished the Crochet scarf, consulted with Peter on the neckwarmer and decided to frog it. Today at lunch: finished the baby hat. That's 4 projects in less than 1 week - go me!
Photos of the scarf and hat to be posted probably tomorrow evening - I'm teaching tonight, huzzah!
And, being a very good girl with the food and exercise. Go me - again!
Ok, enough rah rah. Back to work. Have a great day, all.
Last night: finished the Crochet scarf, consulted with Peter on the neckwarmer and decided to frog it. Today at lunch: finished the baby hat. That's 4 projects in less than 1 week - go me!
Photos of the scarf and hat to be posted probably tomorrow evening - I'm teaching tonight, huzzah!
And, being a very good girl with the food and exercise. Go me - again!
Ok, enough rah rah. Back to work. Have a great day, all.
Jan 13, 2008
Sunday photos!
Yes, I'm keeping my word and posting photos of my lovely FOs today - including the first FO of 2008, the Lilac Socks! (apologies if you don't have Ravelry, there are non-linked photos here also).
So, photos! First up, the aforementioned Lilac Socks. Started August 2007, finished January 12, 2008. *ahem* These are knit in Marian's Suffolk Wool, which is a real delight to work with - springy and yet firm - it's what I would call a "no-nonsense" yarn, you can tell it's going to stand up for a lot of abuse, and yet it's so pretty the way she dyes it! Look at the neat pink/purple/green/white going on here, just lovely!
Next up, the Wedgewood Socks - Patons Classic Merino, colourway "Wedgewood" - started April 2007, finished December 2007. *ahem* I've already raved about the Classic Merino for comfy socks, the only small drawback is that it tends to "fuzz" a bit after a few washings and wearings, but it's still warm and durable and comfy, so all good.
Third, the Rosewood Socks - also Patons Classic Merino, colourway "Rosewood" (gee, I'm original!) - started May 2007, finished December 2007. *ahem* Are we seeing a trend here? More warm happy feet.
And finally, yes you've waited over a year for this... Peter's v-neck cabled sweater. Front and back views here, there are a couple more shots on the Ravelry project page. I can honestly say I am VERY pleased with this sweater, not least of all because Peter is VERY pleased with it - it's his default "wear around the house because it's a bit chilly" sweater now. It's very comfortable due to the sweatshirt-type styling and he likes it a lot - immediately after putting it on he requested another, in a crewneck style. Not quite what I had planned for his next sweater (a Shetland Chunky sweatshirt-style), but there are many years ahead for many more sweaters. He also
wants a traditional Aran-style cabled cream wool fisherman-type sweater. Put it on the list.
Actually, thinking of lists, did I mention that I joined "Mission Possible" yesterday? Same basic idea as my UFO sidebar, but with a twist - you have to finish / deal with 12 knitting/yarn-related things from a list by the end of 2008, or else donate them to charity! Eek! So, more motivation, more accountability, more excuses to spend time on Ravelry... uh, did I just say that? Heck, I spent 3 hours reading knitblogs yesterday morning, so why not. I do LOVE LOVE LOVE not working weekends anymore!
Today is about laundry and taking down the tree and a raid on Sunken Temple at high noon. And knitting on a new blanket square for the charity project - one of my volunteer "joiners" has finished a whole blanket this week and started on a second. So we need more squares! Nice.
Have a lovely Sunday!
So, photos! First up, the aforementioned Lilac Socks. Started August 2007, finished January 12, 2008. *ahem* These are knit in Marian's Suffolk Wool, which is a real delight to work with - springy and yet firm - it's what I would call a "no-nonsense" yarn, you can tell it's going to stand up for a lot of abuse, and yet it's so pretty the way she dyes it! Look at the neat pink/purple/green/white going on here, just lovely!
Next up, the Wedgewood Socks - Patons Classic Merino, colourway "Wedgewood" - started April 2007, finished December 2007. *ahem* I've already raved about the Classic Merino for comfy socks, the only small drawback is that it tends to "fuzz" a bit after a few washings and wearings, but it's still warm and durable and comfy, so all good.
Third, the Rosewood Socks - also Patons Classic Merino, colourway "Rosewood" (gee, I'm original!) - started May 2007, finished December 2007. *ahem* Are we seeing a trend here? More warm happy feet.
And finally, yes you've waited over a year for this... Peter's v-neck cabled sweater. Front and back views here, there are a couple more shots on the Ravelry project page. I can honestly say I am VERY pleased with this sweater, not least of all because Peter is VERY pleased with it - it's his default "wear around the house because it's a bit chilly" sweater now. It's very comfortable due to the sweatshirt-type styling and he likes it a lot - immediately after putting it on he requested another, in a crewneck style. Not quite what I had planned for his next sweater (a Shetland Chunky sweatshirt-style), but there are many years ahead for many more sweaters. He also
wants a traditional Aran-style cabled cream wool fisherman-type sweater. Put it on the list.Actually, thinking of lists, did I mention that I joined "Mission Possible" yesterday? Same basic idea as my UFO sidebar, but with a twist - you have to finish / deal with 12 knitting/yarn-related things from a list by the end of 2008, or else donate them to charity! Eek! So, more motivation, more accountability, more excuses to spend time on Ravelry... uh, did I just say that? Heck, I spent 3 hours reading knitblogs yesterday morning, so why not. I do LOVE LOVE LOVE not working weekends anymore!
Today is about laundry and taking down the tree and a raid on Sunken Temple at high noon. And knitting on a new blanket square for the charity project - one of my volunteer "joiners" has finished a whole blanket this week and started on a second. So we need more squares! Nice.
Have a lovely Sunday!
Jan 12, 2008
Saturday Morning...
What is this, the blog week of song titles? Apparently. "Saturday Morning" is one of my favourite Harry Chapin songs, let me give you an excerpt:
Saturday morning, and it's growing light.
I look out my window, and remember the night;
The story is starting, as this story ends,
And I feel like I need you again.
That about sums up this morning for me. It's quiet, I feel well rested and content, and it's the first of many Saturdays that I can spend on things that are important - household, family, friends, knitting, etc. Non-income-earning but important. And I can tell you, that feels pretty darn good. Today's agenda involves baking a simple white cake for my big sister's birthday (shh, she's 41!), which will be served unfrosted, with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This comes AFTER the hoisin-bbq spare ribs, salad and baked potatoes. Oh man, I'm hungry already thinking about this dinner, and I'm still having breakfast! Then go fetch said sister, do the "girls' afternoon out" thing, and fetch hubby (and the food) before spending the evening with the rest of the (in Ottawa) family, with knitting and hockey. I expect to finish my 2nd Lilacs sock tonight, so Marian, stay tuned, pictures of your lovely yarn knit up to come tomorrow!
Oh, something I forgot to put in yesterday's post - about healthier eating and better food choices, etc. I can see where making small changes can make a big difference, but it's also important to ENJOY what I (you, anyone) eat, so certain concessions to "dammit, I like it that way" need to be made. For instance, coffee. I like coffee, I like being able to drink it again after not being able to for a couple of years due to the acid reflux/IBS combination. Now I can have it in moderation, and I like it with cream and sugar. Three of each. I tried cutting back on a sugar, I tried switching cream for milk, and I didn't enjoy my coffee. Blargh... heck with it, 3 and 3. Now, this is only at work. At home I have vanilla soymilk, which requires no sugar, and at mom & dad's I have milk & sugar, just a splash and one teaspoon full - because dad generally makes flavoured coffees which don't need much enhancement. But at work, where the coffee is free and (to be honest) diesel-strength, I like it with cream and sugar. So there. Over three cups in a day, that's 147 calories but I really ENJOY those 147 calories.
Peter heard something on the radio about the shift in our culture between food as food, and food as nutrients, and how we break things down to their component parts, yadda yadda. Sounds like it would have been interesting but unfortunately I missed it. Oh, and in case anyone's interested, I'm using www.myfooddiary.com for the food/exercise tracking. It's a good tool and I like it.
And now, I should get that cake happening, so I can get myself organized for the day. Tomorrow will have pictures of knitting, I promise! Have a great Saturday.
Saturday morning, and it's growing light.
I look out my window, and remember the night;
The story is starting, as this story ends,
And I feel like I need you again.
That about sums up this morning for me. It's quiet, I feel well rested and content, and it's the first of many Saturdays that I can spend on things that are important - household, family, friends, knitting, etc. Non-income-earning but important. And I can tell you, that feels pretty darn good. Today's agenda involves baking a simple white cake for my big sister's birthday (shh, she's 41!), which will be served unfrosted, with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This comes AFTER the hoisin-bbq spare ribs, salad and baked potatoes. Oh man, I'm hungry already thinking about this dinner, and I'm still having breakfast! Then go fetch said sister, do the "girls' afternoon out" thing, and fetch hubby (and the food) before spending the evening with the rest of the (in Ottawa) family, with knitting and hockey. I expect to finish my 2nd Lilacs sock tonight, so Marian, stay tuned, pictures of your lovely yarn knit up to come tomorrow!
Oh, something I forgot to put in yesterday's post - about healthier eating and better food choices, etc. I can see where making small changes can make a big difference, but it's also important to ENJOY what I (you, anyone) eat, so certain concessions to "dammit, I like it that way" need to be made. For instance, coffee. I like coffee, I like being able to drink it again after not being able to for a couple of years due to the acid reflux/IBS combination. Now I can have it in moderation, and I like it with cream and sugar. Three of each. I tried cutting back on a sugar, I tried switching cream for milk, and I didn't enjoy my coffee. Blargh... heck with it, 3 and 3. Now, this is only at work. At home I have vanilla soymilk, which requires no sugar, and at mom & dad's I have milk & sugar, just a splash and one teaspoon full - because dad generally makes flavoured coffees which don't need much enhancement. But at work, where the coffee is free and (to be honest) diesel-strength, I like it with cream and sugar. So there. Over three cups in a day, that's 147 calories but I really ENJOY those 147 calories.
Peter heard something on the radio about the shift in our culture between food as food, and food as nutrients, and how we break things down to their component parts, yadda yadda. Sounds like it would have been interesting but unfortunately I missed it. Oh, and in case anyone's interested, I'm using www.myfooddiary.com for the food/exercise tracking. It's a good tool and I like it.
And now, I should get that cake happening, so I can get myself organized for the day. Tomorrow will have pictures of knitting, I promise! Have a great Saturday.
Jan 11, 2008
One Week...
(with apologies to the Barenaked Ladies)
It's been one week since I said "hm, I need to do something about this extra weight". Here's the progress report:
It's been one week since I said "hm, I need to do something about this extra weight". Here's the progress report:
- I've been following my training plan at the gym which feels good (a little sore on the muscles but it's the good sore that says I HAVE muscles, not the bad sore which says I've INJURED my muscles).
- I've been trying to add one serving of fruit and/or vegetable per day (so as not to shock my poor delicate system too much), and am currently having 4-5 where I used to have 1-2 (maybe, if Peter hid them in my dinner).
- I've been cutting back on sweets and other junk, not entirely, but to a more moderate level.
- I've upped my water intake to the point that I am wearing a path to the bathroom.
- I've been spending more time knitting and reading, and less time playing WoW (this is not STRICTLY a weight-loss thing, more of a "life-balance" thing).
Here's the results:
- I feel stronger and am sleeping like a log at night. Reward: I bought new Nike Air Pegasus for walking in. SOOO cushy!
- My system is, so far, happy with the changes and not rebelling.
- I'm very very tired in the late afternoons from not having had my 3:00 chocolate fix. Need to work on that.
- I haven't weighed myself but judging by the "pants test", I've peed out about 2-3 lbs. (ew, I know, but loss is loss!)
- I've finished a fabulous book (review on the weekend) and almost a whole sock (2nd of the pair, photos on the weekend), started another book (also pretty fabulous) and had a lot more quiet time with Peter. We've started listening to CBC Radio 2 in the evenings. We feel Smart. :D
So overall, it's been a good week. Tomorrow I take my big sister out for a round of birthday yarn shopping and a decadent dessert, then we have a big family dinner for her birthday and watch the Detroit/Ottawa game on Dad's big-screen TV. Sunday we take down the Christmas tree and do chores, and putter a bit. So tonight - ta da! - I'm playing WoW. It's my Re-Ward for being a (mostly) good girl all week.
More on the weekend. Stay warm and dry!
Jan 4, 2008
Oh dear...
Well, I went to the gym yesterday all full of motivation and vigor. Had a great workout, nice hot shower, and then got dressed... except my pants were very tight. Oh dear, perhaps not being sick over the holidays for a change has resulted in a slight weight gain? Hm.
Had a Dr.'s appointment in the afternoon (routine, nothing to worry about) and thought, "I'll just pop on the scale and see..." 167. Yikes. That's 22 lbs over my top-end "healthy" weight range. No wonder my size 10's were pinching!
So, rather than get all weird and depressed, I got more motivated. Signed up for My Food Diary.com, where I can track all my food and activity and get encouraging little smileys when I do good (and frownies if I do bad). It has pretty comprehensive reporting and a good interface, and the food database is much better than the one at Fitday.com (which I had used before with mixed results). Set a weight-loss goal of 1.3 lbs/week; HOWEVER, I do not have a scale at home, nor do I intend to buy one. I will go by how I feel (and how the pants fit) until I see the doctor again in 12 weeks. I should be down by about 15 lbs by then. Between now and then, it's all about following the training plan and making better food choices.
Oh, and no eating at the (home) computer. I've a sneaking suspicion that at least 5 lbs of the excess is "Gamer's Gut" from scarfing potato chips and cookies whilst playing Warcraft. Oops.
Have a great weekend all!
Had a Dr.'s appointment in the afternoon (routine, nothing to worry about) and thought, "I'll just pop on the scale and see..." 167. Yikes. That's 22 lbs over my top-end "healthy" weight range. No wonder my size 10's were pinching!
So, rather than get all weird and depressed, I got more motivated. Signed up for My Food Diary.com, where I can track all my food and activity and get encouraging little smileys when I do good (and frownies if I do bad). It has pretty comprehensive reporting and a good interface, and the food database is much better than the one at Fitday.com (which I had used before with mixed results). Set a weight-loss goal of 1.3 lbs/week; HOWEVER, I do not have a scale at home, nor do I intend to buy one. I will go by how I feel (and how the pants fit) until I see the doctor again in 12 weeks. I should be down by about 15 lbs by then. Between now and then, it's all about following the training plan and making better food choices.
Oh, and no eating at the (home) computer. I've a sneaking suspicion that at least 5 lbs of the excess is "Gamer's Gut" from scarfing potato chips and cookies whilst playing Warcraft. Oops.
Have a great weekend all!
Jan 1, 2008
The week of many posts...
Or, Kit goes back to work tomorrow. :(
Today was snowy and blowy and we spent it inside "in the warm". A little gaming, a little knitting, a major OH CRAP! as the Clapotis slipped off the needle and started to frog itself. CRAP CRAP CRAP! I took it as a sign and put it out of its misery. Frogged to zero and the yarn rewound and put away for a future sweater. I had intended it for a sweater in the first place, something slinky and v-necked, so maybe this was the yarn's way of telling me it didn't want to be a dang trendy shawl/scarf? Perhaps. Anyway, that takes it off the list too, ha ha!
Been knitting away at some garter stitch 'squares' for Blankets for Canada - actually one long strip, nice soothing garter stitch (albeit on 4mm needles which is a bit tight but it's prescribed gauge). The office group to put the blankets together is starting up next Monday, I'm really looking forward to that. Actually I'm looking forward to getting back to work and some semblance of a routine again. I hate to admit it, but I do need structure in my day/week/life or I get all weird and out of sorts.
Oh, a New Year's joke to share - this was SLAYING people last night:
Knock knock.
Who's there?
Interrupting Cow.
Interrupting cow -
MOO!
It's important to time your MoO! before they can say "who"? Got it? Share and enjoy!
Today was snowy and blowy and we spent it inside "in the warm". A little gaming, a little knitting, a major OH CRAP! as the Clapotis slipped off the needle and started to frog itself. CRAP CRAP CRAP! I took it as a sign and put it out of its misery. Frogged to zero and the yarn rewound and put away for a future sweater. I had intended it for a sweater in the first place, something slinky and v-necked, so maybe this was the yarn's way of telling me it didn't want to be a dang trendy shawl/scarf? Perhaps. Anyway, that takes it off the list too, ha ha!
Been knitting away at some garter stitch 'squares' for Blankets for Canada - actually one long strip, nice soothing garter stitch (albeit on 4mm needles which is a bit tight but it's prescribed gauge). The office group to put the blankets together is starting up next Monday, I'm really looking forward to that. Actually I'm looking forward to getting back to work and some semblance of a routine again. I hate to admit it, but I do need structure in my day/week/life or I get all weird and out of sorts.
Oh, a New Year's joke to share - this was SLAYING people last night:
Knock knock.
Who's there?
Interrupting Cow.
Interrupting cow -
MOO!
It's important to time your MoO! before they can say "who"? Got it? Share and enjoy!
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