Saturday, December 31, 2005

Guess Where I Was This Morning

I was over at my brother and sister-in-law's house. Do you wanna know why? I have a brand new niece! She was born a little after 6 this morning. She's still being called Baby Blue, because they haven't decided on a name yet.

Isn't she perfect? She's so little and cute, and she makes little squeaky noises! I gave them the hat that I made, and my brother seemed to like it. I think it'll fit her. I wish they lived closer, because I would be over there all the time. I can't wait for my next visit. My parents (the proud grandparents) were funny, because I think they got about 200 or so pictures. It's so much easier to want to knit for a new baby once you've met her. So, I'll be doing lots of knitting today. I love babies!

Friday, December 30, 2005

Things I've Learned In 2005

I know everyone's still waiting for some Christmas pics from me, but I just haven't gotten there yet. For now, I'll give you all/most of the stuff I've learned in 2005....

Knitting:
  • How to knit socks
  • How to finish a pair of socks
  • I have uncontrollable urges to buy more yarn, and there is nothing I can do about it!
  • To increase and decrease competently
  • How to use dpns competently
  • That I hate using dpns
  • The Magic Loop Technique
  • That the Yahoo Sockknitter's List rocks!
  • That I love to knit socks more than anything else (I told this to Stu, and he said, "Well, duh, you're a sock knitter")
  • That Addi Turbos can be addictive.
  • That, hey, I actually am a yarn snob
  • It doesn't look like your stash is that big if you keep it in boxes in the closet.
  • That handpainted sock yarn is perhaps the most pleasing thing to me EVER!

Spinning:

  • It can be frustrating.
  • The cat will become afraid of the drop spindle if it always "drops" in his direction.
  • Unspun fiber is much more bulky than spun fiber
  • I really want a spinning wheel so I can create my own sock yarn.
  • I've never used a spinning wheel, so this may not be the best investment.
  • Even if your spun fiber is lumpy and stuck together, if you dye it with Koolaid, your friends will be impressed.

Blogging:

  • Knitting bloggers are the best people in the whole world!
  • I feel closer to people in Blogland than most of the people I know in real life.
  • When someone says they will post pictures tomorrow, they seldom do (myself included).
  • People actually read my blog!
  • My blog is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and I am eternally grateful for my supportive readers. (Now if only I could get more people to comment!)
  • Blogger eats posts, just accept it!
  • People would rather read a blog with good pictures.
  • I need to improve my photography skills.

General Life:

  • I now know that it is possible to be me, but still complete a Bachelor of Arts degree
  • I never should have gotten a degree in English, it almost ruined reading for me.
  • I had a total of 3 good profs over the course of my 4 year degree.
  • I shouldn't get stressed out and be mean about things that don't matter even to me.
  • Housework is not really all that necessary.
  • I've read one novel for pleasure over the last year.
  • If you bitch and whine enough someone will put together a pool for you to get a new laptop (thanks Stu!)
  • Friends always do insensitive and annoying things, and those are the days to be thankful that you have blogging friends.
  • Things will always work out, so there is no need to make yourself sick with worry.
  • My Mom will always think that I never complete anything, and I should just stop paying attention when she says, "Hey! You actually completed something"
  • The prospect of getting a "real" job terrifies me.

Thoughts On Next Year:

  • I will get a good job that I like, or at least pays the (yarn) bills.
  • I will do more reading (especially books from my favorite authors Sophie Kinsella, and Michael Connelly).
  • I will not take frustrations out on Stu "just because he is there".
  • I will not put undue pressure on myself to vacuum.
  • I will make an effort to spend more time with my family.
  • I will stop wishing that my fish will die so I can rearrange the living room without having to move the tank.
  • I'll get over my shyness and attend a Stitch 'n Bitch or Knitting Meetup meeting.
  • I'll enjoy my new found freedom!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

I Am The Luckiest Sock Pal On Earth!!!


My secret socks from the sock exchange arrived today!!! We live in an apartment, so the phone rings when someone pushes the buzzer. I slept in this morning, but I heard the phone ring at 10 am. At first, I thought, "Who could that be? I hope it's for Stu, so I don't have to get up". Then it occurred to me that it might be my socks, but I tried not to get too excited in case it wasn't. Then I heard Stu on the phone saying, "Well, can I just come down and sign for her?". Then I was like, O My GOD!! It must be my socks!!!

I got up and he had left the package on top of my laptop, and I ripped into it as fast as I could. My jaw dropped as I laid my eyes on the most beautiful socks I had ever seen! (actually, I restrained myself, and opened the card first, but quickly).

My sock pal is Kathy from Kaffeinated Knits, and let me tell you, she has sock talent like no other knitter! Actually, I must confess, I had been visiting her blog over the course of the exchange, and I was really really hoping that she was my sock pal, because the socks she was knitting for her pal (me!!!) were really pretty. She also included some pretty little stitch markers, perfect for any sock project. These are my first beaded stitch markers, and I just love them!

Kathy reaffirms that knitters really are the best people, because with no colour or pattern instruction, she managed to make my perfect dream socks. I've been wearing them all morning with my pant legs pulled up so I can see them.

The yarn is from Sunshine Yarns in the Sweet Dreams colourway. This yarn is so beautiful that no picture could ever fully do it justice.

Kathy used the Elfine pattern by Anna Bell, and let me tell you, it is the most beautiful lacework I have ever seen. It even looks cool on the inside!

Thank you so much Kathy!! You have made my day, my month, and maybe even my year!!

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Lazy Post-Christmas Days...

I bet you've all been wondering where I've been, or perhaps you haven't noticed, but now that I mention it, you'd like to know.

Stu and I had a wonderful Christmas! I made an effort to keep it low stress, and it worked. I had a busy, but non-stressful day.

For Christmas Eve dinner, we stayed home and had spaghetti with meat sauce (Stu is famous for his meat sauce). After dinner, we stopped by Stu's parents' house for tea and cheese and crackers (Brie, yum!). I got a chance to work on my sock pal sock while we chatted, and Stu's dad was quite impressed with the socks. He said that they were too nice to wear, and should be kept under glass. I think that is one of the biggest knitting compliments I have ever been paid.

Christmas morning was fairly relaxed as well. I slept in til 7:58 am. That's pretty late for me on Christmas morning! I decided that I should let Stu sleep, because we didn't get to bed very early the night before. That lasted til 8:06am, when I couldn't wait any longer. I was too excited! I think my excitement stemmed from the totally awesome gift that I got for Stu. It was a top of the line Phillishave electric razor. He was really happy with it!

He got me a really great Sony alarm clock, which I desperately needed and wanted. I knew about the alarm clock because I was there to pick it out when he bought it, but he also made me a certificate for a Pleco for our fish tank. Our last one had died a few weeks before, and our tank really needs an algae eater.

After our coffee and gifts, we headed over to my parents' house for more presents and breakfast. We had coffee and Panatone.

I got lots of awesome knitting stuff, and I really want to take pictures of the stuff before I blog about it, but lets just say that it was all really great.

I found out that my mom had done most of her shopping for me before I even gave her my list, but she still managed to read my mind or something, because most of the stuff was on my list that she got.

I also found out that my dad entered a yarn store with her (two actually) which I think is pretty cool.

Included in my package was a gift certificate for Urban Yarns, which I promptly spent half of on Boxing Day.

I'll talk about all my fabulous gifts once I have a chance to take some pictures of the stuff.

We had coffee with a few friends on Christmas in the afternoon, where a very close friend of mine gave me a gift certificate to Little Knits . He's still waiting on the code, but as soon as I get it, there will be some internet shopping going on!

We had about 45 minutes to spare when we finally arrived back home before we had to pick up Stu's aunt Lynn and head off to dinner in Horseshoe Bay at Stu's other aunt's house. We arrived at 5:30 and had to leave at 7:00pm to get to dinner at my parents' house.

We managed to get to my parents' house by 7:30ish, and had a nice (second) dinner with my family. My Uncle and his girlfriend/wife gave me the newest Michael Connelly novel (he's my favorite author), called The Lincoln Lawyer. Unfortunately, my parents had already given me the book for Christmas. This double book giving worked out in my favor, because my mom said she would return the book she bought, and I could find another book that I wanted and get that.

I was on Amazon.com tonight and found two books that were, together, around the same price as the hardcover Michael Connelly book, and I talked to my parents and they are going to order me the two books. Can you guess what they are? Maybe what subject? Duh, knitting...and not just knitting--knitting socks!

The first is Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch and the second is Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns by Nancy Bush.

I can't wait to get my hands on them!

On Christmas, we didn't end up leaving until after midnight, so we were pretty tired, especially after our busy day. I think we're still recovering.

I'll try to post again tomorrow with more details and pictures. I'm really tired now, and it's too dark for pictures.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Freed From Christmas Knitting

I spent most of yesterday knitting away on a soft sock. I actually was supposed to finish the second socks to two different pairs. I was starting to get really stressed and not really feeling like knitting anymore, so I decided to brave the heavy rain and wind, and the mall on Christmas Eve Eve.

I had braced myself for the worst, but ya know, it really wasn't that bad. So, now all my gifts are bought, or knit, and I'm ready to sit back and relax and finish my sock pal's sock. I've really been wanting to knit it for the last two days I just haven't had a chance. I think I'm actually enjoying it!

Completed Christmas Tasks:

Presents bought
Presents wrapped
Milk chocolate dried cherry and almond bark made
Dried apricot bark made

Well, at least I've been accomplishing stuff! Is it just me or are all cats totally irritating at Christmas?

Our cat has to get in and crumple every large bag, threaten to destroy all wrapped gifts, tries to knock over all of the rolls of wrapping paper, and eat anything with chocolate in it. I had to put the chocolate bark in the cold oven to protect it from him. He's not getting any less attention, it just seems like he wants to be bad.

He painfully launched off of my back onto the entertainment center on Thursday! Now that really hurt!

Merry Christmas to everyone! I'll probably be back on Monday.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

I GOT A "C" IN MEDIEVAL LIT!!!!!

Sorry to make it 3 posts today, but I just checked my grades online after I posted the last one, and I finally got my Medieval Lit mark.

It was a hard course, and I was sitting at a "C-" before the exam. I needed a "C" to get my degree, so I have been physically (and Stu would probably say mentally) ill since I wrote the exam on the 9th. My degree was sort of in limbo for that whole time.

I have never been so happy to get a "C" in my life!! Actually, this is the first "C" I've ever gotten. Go figure, huh?

I just wanted to let all of you in blogland know that I have now completed all of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in English!!

Sorry, I'm so excited that I'm going nuts with the exclamation marks. I probably should have waited to blog until I calmed down. I just couldn't wait!

I Once Thought That A Scarf In One Day Was Impossible...


My eyes can no longer focus because I've been knitting too much, but I have made progress...

This is a gift scarf (the recipient reads my blog, so I can't say who it's for) that I whipped up in the last 24 or so hours.

As soon as I had sewed the ends in, I got it blocking. It took me a long time to figure out where I could block a scarf, especially one that needed a heavy blocking. All of a sudden, using the ironing board came to me this afternoon.

The ironing board is a little short, but I really wanted to widen the scarf to bring out the ribbing, more than I really wanted to lengthen it.

Here are the specs:

Most of 1 ball of Noro Silver Thaw yarn in colour #2 (it's 220 meters long, and is made of 50% wool, 25% Angora, and 25% Nylon). It's really soft and nice to work with. It's the same yarn I used to make my own scarf earlier this month.

I used a 6.5 mm Addi Turbo Circular Needle, and just knit back and forth.

It's done in a 2x2 rib, and I cast on 24 stitches.

If you want to make one, just knit in 2x2 ribbing until you like the length. It's as easy as pie!

Now I just have 2 soft socks to go in 2 days. I can do it, right? Yeah, I know I can!

Did everyone notice my T-Pins? Aren't they cool? It's the first time I've used them, and I had to use all 40 to keep that scarf in place.

Holiday Sock Exchange:

Unfortunately, I haven't worked on my sock pal's sock since yesterday. I only have a very tiny bit left to go, so I'm thinking that it should be in the mail by Monday or Tuesday. Sorry sock pal! I am thinking of you!

I got some good pics of the first sock today, but I don't want to post them until my sock pal gets them, because she reads my blog, and knows I'm her sock pal.

Regarding the sock pal socks coming for me: I am so excited!!! My pal emailed me yesterday to tell me they would be in transit today. I think I may know who my pal is, and if I'm right, I will be soooooo happy. I like surprises though, so I'm trying not to think about it.

I'll post more as more progress is made.

Oh, I almost forgot. The first person I've ever taught to knit has just finished her first project! It's a ribbed scarf for her mom. I think she may have inspired me to do my ribbed scarf!

I don't know if I'm going to have time to make gingerbread cookies before Christmas, but I did manage to make some shortbread cookies a few days ago, so I'll leave you with an image of the cookies.

3 Knitting Days Left Til Christmas

I think I echo most knitters out there when I say OH MY GOD!! The blogland knitters are giving me the impression that I'm not the only one that isn't done. About a month ago I felt like one of Santa's elves, busily making gifts. Now I feel like a sweatshop worker!

I'll be knitting all day, until I meet with a friend of mine this evening, and luckily there are no plans for tomorrow.

I just remembered that I still have to make gingerbread, and dried cherry milk chocolate bark.

Okay, I guess I'm busier than I originally thought.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

A Very Thoughtful Gift



I just received an email from the BC SPCA that informed me that a donation had been made in the name of out cat, Echo. The donor was anonymous, so I have been puzzling over who could have sent it. It could be anyone I know, since I surround myself with animal lovers. Click here to see the e card we got.

This gift is very special and meaningful to me, since we got our cat from the SPCA, and all little kitties, and dogs have a special place in my heart. In fact, the Petcetera stores all house some SPCA cats and dogs, and every time I'm near a Petcetera I go and visit the animals, giving them a little love and human contact, if only just for a few minutes. I always feel so bad when I leave, because I can't take them all home and give them loving homes.

I find that the days I have my Petcetera visits, I always hug the cat a little tighter. I couldn't imagine him living in a little cage, and I'm so glad we were able to rescue him (even if he does wreck my stuff, and use up a bunch of money on food and litter).

I think the reason that this donation is so touching is because it is such a caring and selfless gift, and for an animal lover, it helps those who I think need it most.

Even though the donor chooses to remain anonymous, their kind act is appreciated, and isn't this type of kindness what Christmas is really about?

I haven't been feeling the Christmas spirit yet, but this donation made in our own SPCA cat's name, has put me in it.

This Christmas/Holiday season, remember that there are many animals out there that need help, and if you can, try to make a contribution (in your name, your animal's name, or as a gift) to their care at your own local SPCA or animal shelter. It'll make you feel good.

I wonder is the anonymous gifter will reveal him/herself? If not, and they read this: Stu, the cat, and I really appreciate your thoughtful donation, and we want to thank you very much.

Merry Christmas!!

Monday, December 19, 2005

There Must Be Something Wrong With Me!!

I'm done school, did all the vacuuming yesterday, and I have nothing else that I really have to do, but for some reason I don't feel like knitting. I keep asking myself, "Why the hell don't you feel like knitting?", but I have no answer. It's not that I don't want to knit. I just don't feel like it.

I thought that going up to Starbucks would help me knit, but I don't even feel like going there. Not even the thought of a pumpkin spice latte can get me to knit. And it's not like I'm knitting stuff I hate, or using crap yarn. My options include Fleece Artist merino, or soft socks, Noro Silver Thaw, or Silk Garden, or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran or Chunky or Astrakhan. So, you can see why I'm asking what is wrong with me. I should be in knitter's paradise!

I think I may just have too much knitting to do, and that's making me not want to do any of it. It's also really really dark right now, and it's not even that late.


I thought I'd take a picture to show you just how dark it is inside. Our apartment is usually really bright, because we're facing south-west, so we get all the sun. That doesn't help when there isn't any sun though.

I'm gonna watch TV, and try to muster up some energy to knit. My sock pal is very understanding, but still waiting.

I did drag myself up to the dollar store to get some more yarn needles today. My smallest needle broke in half last week, and I've been meaning to get some more. I really want a Chibi, thanks to Gina at Knit Two Together. Ah, the power of suggestion.

I couldn't decide between the plastic needles or the metal, so I got both sets for $2.25. I love it when stuff is cheap enough that you don't have to make a decision. These needles should keep me going until I can get a Chibi.

God, I hope I have more energy tomorrow. I still have shortbread dough in the fridge that needs to be baked.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Thursday, December 15, 2005

I Never Thought I'd Finish Early


I finished making my last editing alterations to my final paper on Virginia Woolf this morning. For anyone who doesn't already know, that paper was the last paper I had to finish for my degree. I think I'm in a state of shock or disbelief or something, because I don't really feel anything. I actually feel a little brain dead. I was originally supposed to be done tomorrow, so maybe some excitement will kick in then. I had to take a picture of the envelope that is holding the last paper, so I could properly document it in the blog world. Hey! Ya know what? As soon as my grades are in, you'll never have to listen to me complain about school, and bore you with the details. Although, I do appreciate your listening so far.

I've already started cleaning off my desk, and I can see actual wood! That hasn't happened in a while. I think there's still more yarn on it than there should be.

I want to move on to my new found freedom, but I'm still really worried about my final mark for medieval lit. I think I did really well on the final and the last paper, but I don't have either of those marks back. I guess it's not really that surprising that I'm a bit worried, because 70% of my mark is still outstanding! Gotta love those disorganized markers.

Last night I worked on the sock for my secret sock pal. I'm almost done the first one (I know that sounds really bad, especially since the PAIR is supposed to be in the mail tomorrow, but I think I might be able to get the second one done this weekend).

Monday, December 12, 2005

The Worst Is Over

Yesterday morning I wrote what will hopefully be my last final exam! After studying my butt off, I don't think it was all that difficult, but I'm sure glad I don't have to do it again. I wouldn't say I aced it, but I think I did well.

I want to thank everyone who wished me well on me exams either through leaving a comment, or just thinking it. It's nice to know I have a caring support network from all over the world. Knitters really are the best! But who could argue with that? No one, that's who!

I have one more paper to do this week. It's a 12 pager on Virginia Woolf's novel, To The Lighthouse. I've decided to re-read it, just so I can write a better paper. The week doesn't look too busy, but Friday is going to be killer.

On the agenda for Friday:

1) Paper must be submitted.
2)Dr's appointment in the morning.
3)Secret Socks are supposed to be sent off (like the alliteration there?).
4)It's my Dad's B-Day (don't worry I finished his pressent in September).
5)Gill's B-Day (I finished my shopping for her yesterday).

Doesn't that sound like a busy day? I think it's going to be "good busy" though.

I really hope to get a good amount of knitting done this week as well.

Do you have a minute? I have a story from yesterday that I want to share....

We were driving Stu's Dad's car for the weekend, but had to return it last night, and pick up Stu's car. We arrived at his parents house around 5:30, and said hi to them, but we were both exhaused (and I wanted to do some knitting on my secret sock), so we decided to head home right away.

He unlocks his doors, and realizes that the light didn't go on, then he tries to start the car and .....NOTHING. The effing battery was dead!! Now, I was cold, tired, and wanting to knit, so let's just say I was less than pleased.

We jump started it, using his Dad's car, and got it running after a bit, but then realized that the fan, and windshield wipers, etc. did not work. That meant that we couldn't de-fog the thing. He played around with fuses for awhile, and that didn't fix anything.

He needed to work on stuff from the passenger's seat, so I went and sat in his Dad's car, which still had a little heat left in it from when we were driving it. That heat did not last long. Luckily, I had my sock with me, so I figured I'd work on it for a bit.

It's hard to knit a sock by interior car light! I'm working on the heel, and it is a gigantic pain in the @ss! I've never done toe up before, and it looks like there are a bunch of holes in the heel. I hope they won't show when the sock is done. The really frusterating thing is that I am following the instructions perfectly. No mistakes! Ah, this heel is driving me nuts.

Back to the car story....We were there (out in the cold) for over an hour. I think I'm still cold from it!

I'll leave you with a picture of the cat, cuz he ROCKS!!! or something....

Saturday, December 10, 2005

One Down, One To Go!

Well, the medieval Literature is done, and I am so glad that I don't have to think about it any more!

I have no idea how I did on the final exam. I did my best, answered all the questions to the best of my ability, and I still have this feeling of dread. What more could I have done? I did all the reading, and studied really hard all week.

I'm trying really hard to put it out of my mind, so that's it: as of now, no more thinking about it!

As I probably said already, the Medieval Literature is an SFU course, and SFU is in the next city over (We're all part of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) though). We live at one of the furthest points from SFU in all of the GVRD!

We had to drive for over an hour in moderate rush hour traffic. We always have to leave super early, because ya never know how bad traffic will be. It wasn't too bad last night, but we lucked out!

We also wanted to get there a bit early so I could have a chance to find the exam room without being late (like I almost was last time).

Since SFU is at the top of a mountain, and it was freakin cold out last night, we decided to park in the visitor's parkade, instead of our usual spot up the hill. We parked for exactly 3 hours, and guess how much parking was? $8!! For three hours! Unbelievable.

As we pulled in, they have a sign that says cash only, and I didn't have any, so Stu agreed to pay for parking. I think he would have thought twice if he had known how much it would be!

We made really good time home, and both of us were starving, but like good students, we didn't have any food in the house. Stu went up to the Taiwan Beef Noodle House (which is better than it sounds), and got us Wonton Soup, and some Pan-fried Pork Dumplings, which are basically gyoza.

Half way through my soup (and many bean sprouts), I remembered that I was going to try not to eat beansprouts, because people have been getting sick from them. I figured that by the time I noticed it was too late anyway, so I finished the rest off. I just crossed my fingers afterwards that I wouldn't become deathly ill. So far so good!

Anyway, back to dinner. It was so nice to have dinner paid for and brought right to me. Stu said he was trying to be easy on me, because it was an exam day. I'm still a bit full from last night.

The cat is sitting on me and being a royal pain. He seems to want to get into weird positions and then stick as many claws as he can into me while he claims he is balancing! Sometimes he's a pain in the butt.

I just realized that secret socks have to go out on this coming Friday! OMIGOD!!!! How am I going to do it? I don't know, but I'll sure try.

I've got my psyc exam tomorrow morning at 9am. Ya, I know. It does sound like a fun thing to do with a Sunday morning. I definitely need to study hard for that class (final worth 50%+ haven't done much studying). Alright, I'm off to study!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Tomorrow Night = Medieval Lit. Final Exam

Yesterday was supposed to be a non-knitting day for me. It's a lot harder that it sounds! Well, I made it 'til 4:55 pm, and then I just couldn't help myself: I just had to pick up the sticks! To give myself a little credit, I did study for Medieval Lit all day. I was supposed to start studying for my psych exam that's on Sunday morning, but it didn't happen. I knit very slowly until I went to bed.

So, psych is on the agenda for today, and I may have to go out to study so I'm not tempted by knitting! I think it was tougher with the Med. Lit. studying though, because the study guide kept mentioning things that were "close knit", "interlaced", and "spinning a yarn". How could I possibly be expected not to knit? No one has that much self control!

I've entered a weird stage of serene calmness regarding my exam tomorrow, then I get moments of sheer panic, because I don't feel like I should be so calm.

It's likely that I won't be posting again until after my exam on Sunday (9am-12pm), but I might. It depends on how much procrastinating I'll be doing.

PS. Thanks to everyone who posted their kind comments on the entry on my brother's B-Day, and my clean date. Your comments are sincerely appreciated, and I love to read them!

You Know It's The Christmas Season When...

You're Vixen!
You are Vixen...you sexy thing, you!


Which reindeer are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Happy Birthday Mike


Yesterday was my little brother's 20th birthday. It' s funny, I still think of him as being a kid, but I think I'm starting to get over that.

I knit my butt of on Monday night, and part of yesterday, and managed to get one of the soft socks finished. The ankle's a bit tight, but I'll block it, and it will be much better. The soft socks that I made for myself have stretched considerably, so I'm not worried.

Anyway, I decided to give him one sock for his B-Day, with the promise of another being completed in the next week or so. My Mom was joking that I should give him the other one for Christmas (settle down all you December B-Day people, she was just joking).

I was in such a rush to get the first sock finished, and get a decent amount of studying done yesterday that I totally forgot to get him a card, and as we were rushing out the door, I realized that I hadn't even wrapped the sock yet. I did, however, remember that I saw an Aveda bag with some tissue paper under my bed while I was looking for the concentrator nozzle for my hair dryer, so I grabbed the bag and threw the sock in it, and some tape, and wrapped the sock in tissue paper on the way to the restaurant. No bow or anything! I am so ashamed! I don't think he minded though. On top of everything, I had to take the completed sock back, so I can make the other one the exact same.

My single sock, crappy wrapping, and lack of a card gave me some ideas for things he should ask for next year:

1) A sister who is more on the ball.
2) Wrapping paper on his gifts.
3) A card.

Hopefully next year he will get all three.

We did have a really nice dinner at The Cannery. It was on the water, and the carol ships circled out front while the restaurant put on a fireworks display on their dock. I had Lobster Bisque as an appetizer, which was totally amazing, and I even had a piece of lobster in it! Yummy. My main course was Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes, followed by Creme Brule for dessert. Needless to say, I was pretty full. We didn't get home til 1am, because we went back to my parent's house for presents, so I'm tired today.

I think I mentioned this in the 20 things about me meme, but I used to have a, um, major drug problem, and my "clean date" just happens to be my brother's birthday. I have 7 years clean as of yesterday. My parents like to celebrate that too, so I always get a card and I little gift from them. Blogger isn't cooperating with picture placement right now, so the silvery box above it what held my gift. When I opened it I found this inside:

Isn't it pretty? It's got little purple gems around the pink stone. I love it!!

I've come to the conclusion that I need more shirts that have a lower cut so people can see it when I wear it.

Alright, I'd better get back to studying. I'd rather be knitting.

Monday, December 05, 2005

Oops


I got carried away knitting socks for my secret sock pal, and the time really got away from me. The good news it that my sock groove has come back, and I'm no longer feeling incompetent! I'm just about to start the heel of the first sock on my sock pal's sock. I think she's gonna love them!

Anyway, the "oops" comes from my losing track of time. My brother's birthday is tomorrow, and I had planned to knit him a pair of the Fleece Artist Favorite Soft Socks. Yeah, um, I haven't started yet! So, I am going to attempt to turn the lovely yarn in the picture into socks by tomorrow night, and I haven't even wound the yarn into a ball yet. Here's the kicker: I can't start on them until tonight, because I have a final exam on Friday night, and another one on Sunday morning, and I absolutely have to study all day today. I also can't knit tomorrow during the day (because of the studying), unless I set my alarm for super early. Oh, and his feet are a little over 11 inches long! So, I may be tired for the next few days.

Has everyone seen the Winter 2005 Knitty already? You absolutely have to check it out. I want to make almost everything in it!! And have you seen the socks? Wow. I have to make them! I just can't help myself. And I love the little creatures. They are so adorable!

Did you hear that this is the last season for 7th Heaven? My Monday night brain candy will be no more. I mention this because I always watch it and knit every week, no matter how crazy things get. It's a nice break from reality :)

Anyway, I should get to studying. Wish me luck with the socks for my brother! I'll keep you posted on how long it takes me to finish the pair. Yes, I know I'm ambitious. I hope you all have a more relaxed Monday than I'm gonna have.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

It's A Scarf


I finally wove the ends of my Noro scarf in this evening, and I got a few pics of me wearing it, so I thought I'd post them. Oh, and it's snowing again, so I was sure glad to have a nice warm (and very fashionable) scarf on. My mom said the colors reminded her of a Mexican poncho. I'm not sure how I should take that. Um... I guess I'll consider it a compliment.

Oh, and for the first time ever my little brother (who I constantly feuded with through out both of our childhoods) paid me a very nice compliment today. I always weigh myself when I'm at my parent's house, because I don't have a scale, and when I came out from weighing myself, I announced to my Mom that I'd lost another half pound or so, and my Mom said that she thought I was looking thinner, and my brother said, "Yeah, your looking skinny". That's a really big compliment coming from my brother, because, well, first off he's my brother. Second, I've always considered him to be the thin, muscular, good looking one. There were points in the past where I thought he didn't want to hang out with me because he was embarrassed about my looks. I was just reading this paragraph back to myself. Yeah, um, I'm just going to put on a display of my low self-esteem for a minute. Ok. I'm done now.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Knitting 'n School

Last night I finally decided to pick up the Bolero Jacket Sleeve again, after weeks of not touching it. Have I mentioned that I love working with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky? It is really really nice to work with. I got about 9" or so done on the sleeve, which is fairly quick progress, but now it must return to it's spot on the back burner, while I tackle things that must me knit by a certain date.

I spent part of today on a new sock. I'm doing it toe-up, which I have never done before, and using the magic loop technique. Obviously, since I haven't finished the toe yet, there hasn't been much "magic looping." I have played around with the magic loop before, but have never actually completed anything using it. I definitely prefer it to dpns though.

Back to the toe-up thing... I've found that the decreasing part can be a pain in the butt. It's not exactly easy purling 3 together through the back loop, and my knitting almost got thrown across the room again. I ended up partially bending my new 32" 2mm Addi circular needle trying to get the needle into the stitches, but I think I've managed to straighten it out mostly now.

Do you want to hear about my ingenious solution for knitting and purling three stitches together? I knew you would...

I took my 2mm crochet hook, which is much stronger and bend resistant (also Addi), and stuck that through the 3 loops that I was supposed to knit or purl through, then grabbed the yarn with the hook and pulled it through, and slid the newly formed loop onto the right knitting needle, then slid the 3 stitches off of the left needle.

Maybe I've just mastered grafting, but it seems like an easier way of doing things than a toe-up sock. Strangely enough, toe-up seems addicting though. It's like a drug...you know there is a way that's easier and less damaging, but it's cool to do it toe-up. This will likely not be my last pair of toe-up socks. (Again, that addictive personality!!)

No pictures of the sock progress, because it's for my Secret Sock Pal, and I don't want to ruin the surprise! My mantra right now is: "I will finish these socks before Dec. 16, I will finish these socks before Dec. 16, etc".

On to the school happenings:

I finished my last Medieval Lit paper a few days ago, and I've been working like a madwoman on my Virginia Woolf paper. I finished the Woolf paper about an hour ago! I am so glad it's done. Now I can knit and watch the hockey game at 7 as planned.

The final page count on the Med. Lit paper was 10 pages, and the final count on the Woolf paper was 16 pages! I have never written such a long paper in my life.

Just to clarify: I have thought up and typed 26 pages in the last week! No wonder I don't feel like sitting down to blog every day!!

I have 4 chapters of Psych to do in the next two days, plus the last assignment for that class, then it's on to studying.

Studying will be a nice break from paper writing, before I have to submit my last Virginia Woolf paper on December 16. Hey, at least it's only a 12 pager (ARGH!!). This paper will be the last one EVER!!

Oh, and if you want to see the cutes blog ever, check out Lenny's Blog. If you like cat's, you cannot miss this!

Monday, November 28, 2005

It's Snowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY Snowing!!! It started at about 9:30pm tonight, and hasn't stopped since. I think it's getting more snowy by the minute, but that could just be wishful thinking. I love snow so much!!!! I keep yelling out "HARDCORE" every couple of minutes (about the snow) and it's making Stu laugh. I'm off to look out the window.

PS. I finished my Noro scarf about 5 minutes before the snow started. The ends just need to be woven in.

Question to all you knitters: I'm debating about whether I should block the scarf or not. It looks pretty much the same as the last pic, but is about a foot or so longer. What do you guys think?

So, I'm A Year and a Half Off, That's Pretty Close

You Are 21 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

As Promised: Knitting News

Between too many papers, stressful encounters with my prof for Medieval Lit, and what is beginning to seem like zero time, I have managed to knit, and purchase more yarn (yeah. like I really need it).

It's 11:30 am, and I still haven't started work on school stuff for today. Wonder why? I was busily going around the house, taking yarn pictures!

First: The Noro Garter Stitch Scarf for Me---


It's made out of their "Silver Thaw" line, which I had never heard of until I was in Birkeland Bros. a week and a half ago.

It is 50% Wool, 20% Angora, and 25% Nylon. (Color # 5)

The colors are so pretty that even knitting in garter stitch is not boring! It is really nice yarn to work with, and even if you pull a bit hard, it doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart, which is what I found with Silk Garden.

I started out with one hank, with instructions to use a 10mm needle, but I decided I liked the 5mm needle better, so I'm part way (almost/about half) through the second hank, which is now a lovely ball, thanks to my ball winder and swift.

This picture really does not do this yarn justice!

When I was in Birkeland Bros., and saw this yarn, I just could not leave without it. I really haven't had that feeling in a while!

I'm trying to get it done ASAP, because it's actually starting to get cold here. It dipped below freezing last night for the first time this season, and we have SNOW in the forecast!!! I love snow so much!!! I keep jumping up to look out the window every few minutes, so I don't miss it. It hasn't started yet, and all I've accomplished is wasting time.

I have more pics, and I'll try to get them posted later today. I find that once the pictures are taken, writing is no problem.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Warning: Yarn Store Content

I've been debating for the last hour or so about whether I should share my yarn store experience from earlier today, or whether I should just keep it to myself.

I think I'll share....

I am not going to name this particular yarn store, but I'll tell you that it is one of my favorites, and is still one of my favorites, but this was just one bad experience, and I still encourage you to check them out. I went in to get some yarn for socks, but I came out with a healthy dose of attitude.

I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about things that are knitting related, and sock-knitting related in particular. I was definitely not treated as such today. Before I asked anything, I asked the two ladies if they were sock knitters (they were not). I have never heard sock-knitting treated so trivially as I did today. I was told that:

a) Debbie Bliss Cashmerino would be "wasted" on socks of any kind.

b) That "Unnamed Store" did not "specialize" in socks (imagine the word "socks" being used as a bad taste in one's mouth + a hefty helping of attitude).

c) That 32" circular needles were "really long" (like I had no idea).

d) That a 10" circular needle did not exist, and even if it did, it would be "totally useless" (Note: they do exist and some people love them)

There was more, but I think you get the idea. I have never come out of a yarn store feeling treated so poorly.

I was thinking about just not buying anything, but then I figured I shouldn't punish myself for their poor customer service. Argh. I hate this. Why can't people just be respectful?


I have good news as well. My Mom picked me up to go for coffee this afternoon so I could take a break from my super long essay (4500 words and counting). When she got here, she suggested a late brunch at Trafalgars (our absolute favorite lunch spot!).

We both had eggs benedict, and it was amazing, as usual.

We also had the best waitress ever (whom we have had before, and thought she was fabulous then too). Get this: SHE KNITS TOO!! So we were able to talk knitting for a little bit. If she started coming to Stitch 'n Bitch too, I might start going again. YAY, Claire!! (you should totally email me if you read this).

It's really dark now, or I'd post a pic of my new yarn. I promise a good pic update soon. I've actually been working on a simple garter stitch scarf for myself. I don't have a nice handknit scarf for myself.

Here's a random observation: The Blogger spell-checker always tries to change "knitter" to "janitor". I always have a good laugh about that!
Until tomorrow....

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

How Cool Is This???

I am at the Starbucks working on a paper, and the Starbucks is 6.5 blocks from my house, and I am using my own wireless connection!! How cool is that??

I was so blown away with the range of my internet connection, that I just had to share.

So Much To Do, So Little Time

I know there has been no blogging for several days now. I've been wanting to blog, but I just haven't had the chance. Even when I do have a free moment, I don't feel like sitting at the computer. I guess that's understandable, since I've been doing so much paper writing lately. I finished my final medieval lit paper over the weekend, which involved sitting at the computer all day everyday. By the end of the week I have to be done a 15 page paper on Virginia Woolf, so it may be a few more days before I can put together a "real" blog entry.

I haven't had a chance to take any pics, partly because it's been soooo bloody foggy for the last week, and our apartment is poorly lit at the best of times. When I do get a chance to take some pics, my blog entry will be a long one, because there has been lots going on. So you can look forward to a nice long entry later this week (a should warn you, there have been several yarn purchases). I really need to get some work done on my holiday sock. I have a feeling that it is going to be a big disappointment to my sock pal, but I am doing my best. I just can't handle anything really intricate right now. On the plus side, I have picked up some goodies to go with the socks, so at least that will be good.

I should get to my paper writing now, so I can knit and blog in the near future.

For those who are curious, I have 23 days left until I am no longer a student.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

When Will It End? I Know!! 29 Days!!!

That's right! Only 29 more days to go until I am officially done school FOREVER!! Which means 29 more days of insanity (unfortunately).

I was going to work on a paper today, but I spent most of the day procrastinating. I finally sat down to work on it, read for a few minutes, then noticed my secret sock sitting beside me. The temptation was too great, and I had to pick it up. I wanted to finish picking up the stitches for the heel. Well, either knitting or school or both want to punish me, because I picked up two stitches, then got a very painful bamboo splinter in my finger. The worst part is that I can't find it! I only know that the pain is unbearable.

So, now it's 3:30, and I don't think I'm going to get very much done. It just means I have to be super productive tomorrow.

I WILL KNIT TONIGHT!!! Nothing can stop me.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

SHOCKING!!!

Believe it or not, I have been way too exhausted to do any knitting in the last few days. School is totally overwhelming!!!

I have 30 days left, as of today, which wouldn't be so bad if I just had to sit still and wait. Unfortunately, I still have two super long middle English romances to read, and a 10 - or so page paper to write for that class. For directed studies, I still have to finalize my topics and write two 15 page papers. And for PSYC, I still have 4 units (chapters with other bits) to read, and an assignment to write.

Everything but the last directed studies paper has to be finished by Nov. 30! I don't know how I'm going to do it.

The final exam for PSYC is kind of stressing me out a bit (although I'm trying not to think about it), because it's worth 50% of my final mark. I don't think I've ever had a final exam worth so much.

I'm going to work my butt off today, and try to make some progress. I have a feeling that the next two weeks are going to be the most school intensive weeks of my life.

Hopefully I will recover enough to be able to knit again.

PS. I did find some work clothes, and they look great! I can't wait to start working!

Sunday, November 13, 2005

What A Weekend....

It was a fun, but very busy weekend for us. I didn't get too much knitting done, although I did get a start on my top secret holiday sox exchange sock. It's looking really good, but I'm not gonna post any pics, 'cause it's top secret.

I got to try my hand at spinning today. It was a wheel, without a wheel, or something (if that makes any sense). I am really not good at it. We had a wonderful dinner and visit with Stu's aunt (it was her spinning wheel). We were there all afternoon and into the evening. It's nice to have a good visit with family that we don't get to see very often.

I spent the morning going through the lovely middle English romance called Ywain & Gawain. Not fun. I am totally exhausted now.

Last night we had dinner with our good friends, Mike & Carol. They made an absolutely amazing chicken curry.

I think I'm too tired for details.

Oh, one last thing.... As you all know, I am graduating in about 32 days, so I have to get some interview clothes. No luck on the clothes yet, but I found some nice black shoes. Let me know what you all think.

I'm hoping for some good knitting content soon.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Lest We Forget



In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

...Lt. Col. John Macrae

Making Progress...


Even though I have had a ton of school stuff to do, I have been making progress with my knitting. I've been trying to spend a little time each evening doing a little knitting.

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I have been working on the Bolero Jacket from Debbie Bliss's new book called Simply Soft. It is done with Cashmerino Chunky (a new yarn), which is a dream to work with. It also knits up very quickly.

I started on the Bolero Jacket on the Wednesday before last (Nov. 2) while watching a hockey game, so I haven't been working on it for very long, but I've made great progress. I think the collar is going to be a pain to do, because it works close to 300 stitches.

I've finished the back, both front sides, and part of the first sleeve.






The color isn't showing perfectly, and it's actually much prettier in person. If you go to the Debbie Bliss website and look for the Simply Soft book, the Bolero Jacket is on the cover (I'm doing it in the same color that is shown there).



In other news, we finally got a chance to meet up with our friend Carol on Wednesday evening. She had traveled to China for two weeks, and had been home again for 2 weeks before we finally got to see her. It sounds like she had a great (and very busy) time, and got to visit many interesting places.

She also brought us presents!!! I am now the proud owner of a beauuutiful (real) pearl necklace. It has a black pearl and a white pearl. I wore it all day yesterday, and the clasp didn't tangle in my hair, and the pearls stayed right where they were supposed to be with no adjustments.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Monday, November 07, 2005

Sock questionnaire

Ariane's put up a sock questionnaire for the Holiday Knits Sox Exchange, and I figured I'd do it before I forgot. I'm feeling a little brain dead, oh and I just remembered this very second that I was tagged with the 20 things meme.

1. What are your foot measurements?

I always make a medium. I'm a size 8-8 1/2 shoe. K, I just measured, and it's 10 inches from heel to toe, and my ankle's 8.5 around. (sorry, I'm totally scattered!)

2. Do you have a favorite sock yarn?

Not really. I like Fleece Artist, but I've never used anything else. I just got some Lorna's Laces but haven't had time to try it.

3. Is there a specific pattern you favor?...lace or ribbed?

I usually go pretty simple. The taller the better (but not freakishly tall). My feet and legs are always freezing in the winter.

4. What colors do you prefer? Do you like solids or stripes?

I like all but brown. Bright colors, neutrals, whatever. Solids and stripes are both good.

5. Do you have any allergies to a specific fiber?

No allergies, thank god!

6. Holiday that you usually celebrate?

Christmas

I'm pretty easy going. My sock buddy should knit whatever they like, and I know I will just love the socks!

Oh, I'll leave you all with a pic of my Lorna's Laces sock yarn.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Slackin' On The Bloggin'

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog for the last few days. I've been knitting a bit in the evenings, but I just haven't been posting about it. I have good reasons though...

First, my camera batteries finally died, and I had to break down and recharge them. I guess it was bound to happen though, since I've been taking lots of pics with it and I haven't recharged it since June. It's a pretty amazing battery conserving camera. Ok, I know that's a lame excuse, because it only takes 6-8 hrs to charge, and I just haven't bothered to put the batteries back into the camera. On to the significantly better reasons I have not been updating...

Second, I have a final exam on Sunday at 1pm. It is in sociology, which I used to be very very good at (A- to A range), but apparently I am out of practice, and am no longer good at it. I think a big part of it is that I have never taken such a poorly put together course, and they are never very clear with what you need to know. Anyway, I got a B- on the first assignment, and a C+ on the second one. This is not like me at all!

I set aside the whole week to study, and I got everything done that I needed to last week, just so I would have time to memorize all of the terms and case studies. By the way, I think I am at least going to pass this exam, but there is still more studying to do. I've been studying from 8am until 5pm everyday this week, and it is quite exhausting. I've been almost out of knitting energy in the evenings, and I also have to get anything else I want (or need) to do done in the evenings (grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, quality cat and Stu time, etc). It doesn't leave much time for knitting or blogging.

Third, on Tuesday night, just when I was at the peak of my sociology exam stress and panic, I got a call from my Medieval Lit. tutor-marker. She's the prof's underling who has to mark all our work, and answer all of our questions. Anyway, she wanted to talk to me about my last assignment, which was a close reading from The Wife of Bath's Prologue. Now I have done close readings before (I took Romantic Poetry last spring), and I was quite the expert on them, or so I thought, since I got an A in the course. Apparently, they have a different version of a close reading, but neglected to mention this. So, I did poorly on the assignment (C- range). I DO NOT GET C MINUSES!!!! I have never had such a low mark. So there I was panicking about sociology, and just when I think things can't get any worse, they do. I had already finished the next assignment which was due on Wednesday, but she said that she would give me an extension, and that I should redo that assignment too (even though she's never seen it). She has given me an extension to Monday. And as we are all well aware of now, I have a final exam on Sunday (which she knows about). So much for a minute of down time when I finish writing the exam!

She's going to see if I can rewrite the first assignment, so I can pull my grade up. It wouldn't bother me as much if I didn't absolutely need a minimum of a C in this course to get my degree. Argh. SFU is such a retarded institution. I don't know how they expect you to do the work, if they aren't willing to tell you what they expect in the first place.

41 days left until the end of the semester, and I have to write a 6 page paper, 6 10-12 page papers, one regular assignment, and 3 final exams.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Holiday Sock Exchange? I Am So There!

While I was clicking through my usual blogs in blogland this morning, I saw that Ariane had a great idea. She is hosting a Holiday Sock Exchange. She needs anyone who wants to participate to email her by November 7th.

This is going to be lots of fun, so visit her blog for more information on the exchange.

This is a great idea for anyone who wishes Socktober lasted all year.

Edited to add:

Ariane's got 2 purdy buttons to choose from---



Monday, October 31, 2005

YAY!! To The Regular Mailman!!!!


Our regular mailman is back, and he brought my UK yarn with him. Actually he just brought the majority of the UK yarn I've been expecting (I still have one more from there that is outstanding). The other good news is that I just had to pay the tax on the yarn, no duty or anything.

The bad news is that I have to study, so I won't be able to knit with this yarn immediately, as planned. I hope I'll get a few minutes tonight to do some more VK Shawl Collar Cardi work, since the Astrakhan was part of the package.

Oh, and I have a friend who wants to learn to knit, so I went into A Touch of Wool with her on Saturday, and I accidentally bought some stuff. We had to go there, because Stu and our friend Martin were with us, and wouldn't go any further. I will have to introduce her to Urban Yarns soon, since it is the essential store for any knitter in Vancouver. Thanks to our trip, I now have my first Noro. It is fabulous! I'm going to make the Voodoo Wrist Warmers from Knitty. For those Vancouver knitting bloggers who are interested, A Touch of Wool is now stocking Cherry Tree Hill, but they don't have any of their sock yarn yet.

Oh yeah, I got tagged with my first meme from the other Chrissy. It's the 20 things about you one (I think I could fill up 1000 though). I really feel like part of the blogging community now. I hope to get to it this week. If not, I promise I'll do it after my exam.

Sorry about the crappy pics. I just don't want to take anything out of its bag yet.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Wanted: Yarn


So, there is still no sign of the eBay yarn. I was going to take the weekend off and work on the Shawl Collar Cardigan, but I finished the collar last night, and I can't do any more until the Astrakhan gets here.

I am occupying myself with the sock. And the Baby Blanket. And many other UFOs. I'm taking the weekend off, before I start studying on Monday. I have a final exam next Sunday. Do you believe it? A Sunday! Once I'm done that one, I only have 2 more to go! YAY!!!!! I'm still super stressed about it though. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Ya Know....

I think I like being online better than real life. What does that say about my "real life"?

I love reading other knitter's blogs, seeing their progress, splurges, and finished objects. I just don't have that anywhere else. Oh, and I love getting comments on my stuff. I think that in "real life" when I start talking about knitting, I feel like I'm imposing on people. I get the "Uh huh, Uh huh, hmmm, well that's cool", but I can tell that I'm just being put up with. I hate that. I wish I had knitting friends that lived close by that I could get together and knit with, and go on yarn expeditions with, etc. Sadly, I don't. All the SnB meetings are too far away for those who are stuck on the bus. I don't want to spend an hour or so on the bus, just to spend an hour or so at the SnB, and and hour or so home. That sucks. I hate the bus.

So what have we learned?

1) I hate being "put up with" for a perfectly good interest.
2) I hate the bus.
3) I hate Canada Post, or whoever is responsible for my yarn not being here yet. Hmm...Airmail, and it's already been MORE than two weeks. This is stupid. I want my F*CKING yarn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry Mom, I wasn't really swearing).

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

I Think This Quiz Pegged Me Quite Well...Although I'd Rather Be an Addi Turbo...

interchangeable
You are interchangeable.
Fun, free, and into everything, you've got every
eventuality covered and every opportunity just
has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and
every day is a new beginning. You are good at
so many things, it's amazing, but you can
easily lose your place and forget to show up.
They have row counters for people like you!


What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

A Wee Apology to the Mailman

Yesterday I found out that our regular mailman is on vacation, so someone else is filling in for him. Apparently, this temp doesn't think our mail should come before 5pm. I miss the regular mailman.

Oh, and I got an email today from one of the sellers on eBay that I bought yarn from 2 weeks ago. The package hasn't arrived yet, because she forgot to send it. No big deal though, I'm just glad it's not lost. So, hopefully I will have it next week.

I have a sheep story from today, but I'm way to tired to type it all out. Maybe tomorrow.

Monday, October 24, 2005

See Mom, I'm Not That Bad

Betcha didn't think I'd pass!!

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Weekend Knitting


Well, the mailman never delivered my package on Friday, but I am hopeful he will arrive today. I spent the weekend writing a 3500 word essay on Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and I finished my final edit yesterday afternoon. I am soooo glad that it is done! I don't have another paper due for that class until the end of November.

This week will be spent on the last two units of the sociology course, and the last assignment, and next week I will be studying for the exam on the 6th. I'm still very stressed about that.

On to things that are more fun.....

I was craving some sock knitting over the weekend, and since I didn't get the sock yarn I ordered on Friday, I decided to finally start on the mate to the first sock I ever knit. I think it's going quite well. I was a little concerned about using a 12 inch circular, because I used dpns for the first one, but I managed to stretch all of the stitches around. I love Addis. The sock is a woman's medium with 64 stitches cast on, and it barely stretches, so I wouldn't recommend using any fewer stitches on your 12 inch Addi Turbos, girls. But 64 st is definitely possible!

I also decided to begin on the sleeves for the Vogue Knitting Fall 2005 Shawl Collar Cardigan. I am still waiting for the Debbie Bliss Astrakahn from a seller in the UK, but I picked up the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran from Urban Yarns last week. The first 5.5 inches of ribbing is worked in the Cashmerino Aran, as is the collar. I finished all the ribbing on the sleeves, and cast on for the collar last night, but didn't get any further than that. If I get the Astrakahn today, I will be working on the sleeves tonight. I think this is going to be a pretty quick knit, which is good, because I have so much that I want to knit this fall.

Random thought: I wish I could get Lorna's Laces in Vancouver. I've talked to several shop owners here, and they all say, "Well, we can't carry everything." I know that, but if there's demand, they really should be selling it, and getting rid of the acrylic crap that can be found at Michaels. Ooh, I guess that was a bit snarky. And I must add that not all of the shops are guilty of this. Urban Yarns is packed to the brim with high quality yarns, and Birkeland Bros. is not guilty either. Hmmm....Who does that leave?

Friday, October 21, 2005

O Mailman Where Art Though?

I am desperately wanting to do more sock knitting, because two Socktober pairs are simply not enough.

I have enough Lorna's Laces sock yarn for 3 new pairs of socks, but I ordered it from eBay, and it is taking forever to get to me!! I am a bit impatient though, and its only been a bit over a week.

I have been waiting at home all the time with the hope that the mailman will ring my buzzer and tell me that he has a package for me, and I will go skipping downstairs to get it, then rush back upstairs to open by package of beautiful sock yarn, and start casting on.

Unfortunately, my sock yarn fantasies have not made my package come any faster. I think they should deliver yarn super quick, because it's just not fair to keep a girl waiting.

Well, the mailman is catching the brunt of my frustration. Everyday that my package doesn't come, I curse that package carrying man. You know that paranoia has set in when you think that maybe he has taken your yarn, and the mail is not coming, because he is sitting in his truck knitting beautiful socks out of yarn that should have been delivered to its rightful owner. This little bit of frustration is fully justified though, because the yarn will be so beautiful that even non knitters will be unable to resist the temptation to knit with it. Ya, I know. I have issues.

I am still hoping to get it today, since it's not even noon yet. I hope I do.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

The New Binder...


I finally got around to decorating my new pattern binder this morning. I also got all of the patterns moved over. My old one was totally tiny, and couldn't fit more than half of my patterns. I figured I would personalize the new one, and I'm happy with how it turned out.

I swear to god, the cat just went up to the CD player, and turned the radio on, and opened the disk changer. Seriously, I just had to get up and turn it off. When the CD thing popped out, it freaked him out. He's such a nut! And in other cat news, he now knows how to open the kitchen cupboards! He's been rustling around knocking over cans and stuff. He's one smart little cookie!!

I decided that I must make that Clapotis thing. I didn't like the look of it at first, but it's grown on me, and now I have to have it! I'm thinking Lion & Lamb in Lakeview. What do you think? I think it would be nice, but if you have any suggestions about what might look better, let me know. It just has to look good with my blonde hair.

I'd better go....the cat's opening the cupboard again...

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

More Socktober Progress


I finished my blue Fleece Artist Favorite Soft Socks about 15 minutes ago. They fit even better than the red ones, and now I have two super comfy pairs of socks. I'm hoping my Lorna's Laces sock yarn will come in the mail tomorrow. If not, I have plenty of UFO's to work on.

I was in at Urban Yarns this afternoon to pick up four balls of black Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for the cuffs and collar of the shawl collar cardigan from Vogue Knitting Fall 2005. I can't wait to get started on it.

I got my two packages of Addi's in the mail from overseas. I ran down to get the mail this morning and I had one package, then when I got home from Urban Yarns I walked by the mail box again, and surprise! there was another package with the rest of the needles. It's kinda funny, because I don't think I've ever gotten mail twice in one day before, and the mail man didn't even come yesterday (I think it had something to do with the teacher's strike thing).

Word Verification or IQ Test

I know a lot of bloggers have been using word verification to cut down on spam comments, and I think it's a great idea, but (this is kinda embarrassing) sometimes I can't even get the letters right. It's when they're very squished together. I always feel like such an idiot.

Does anyone else do this? I know of at least one other person who has had a bit of a struggle sometimes. I just want to make sure I'm not alone.

And it's not like I have a problem with the alphabet (I am in the last semester of a B.A. in English). Maybe I'm just losing it!

Monday, October 17, 2005

Yet Another Finished Sock


I have to say that Socktober is going really well for me! I started on the blue version of the Favorite Soft Sock Fleece Artist pattern a few days ago, and knit the ankle in 2 short sittings. At 7:45 pm the night before last, I started on the heel, and did some speed knitting, and I actually finished the whole thing by a little after midnight.

Yesterday I started and finished the front of the Baby Boatneck Sweater, and cast the second blue sock on. I am almost at the heel, and I'm hoping to make good progress tonight. I want to get the sock finished before my eBay orders arrive in the mail, but there has been no sign of them yet :( I am so impatient!

School is actually going well, but I'm still stressed out for some reason. Maybe because it's my last semester, and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

I proofread my Sociology assignment this morning and it's all ready to go. I spent the day working on Abnormal Psyc, and managed to read (and take notes on) 2 chapters. Only one more chapter to go before the assignment.

I was thinking about doing that last chapter tonight, but it's 7th Heaven night, and Stu's out doing the laundry so I have the place to myself to knit. By the way, I get made fun of immensely for watching 7th Heaven. I am totally not religious, but something draws me to that show. I think it's because it's a bit like a soap opera, except people actually work on their problems and care about what others think. Whatever, it's my guilty pleasure, so don't make fun of me for it.

I'm having a strawberry yogurt Chuppa Chups, and I'm practically drooling on the keyboard, since I need two hands to type, because it has to stay in my mouth, so I better go before I short the computer out.

PS. I finished the ribbed cashmere hat (finally!!). It looks great, but the color does nothing for me. Oh well... Live and learn.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Do You Have A Favorite Free Sock Pattern From The Internet?

I am totally sock obsessed. I knew it was bound to happen some time, but I didn't realize it would be this soon. Check out the cool Socktoberfest button on the left sidebar for more info from the lovely Lolly's blog.

My name is Chrissy, and I'm a sockaholic (among other things)....

I was looking around through a bunch of different websites looking for free online sock patterns, and it occurred to me that I should be asking sock knitters what they have found (and knit) from online sock patterns.

In honor of Socktoberfest:

I'd love to put together a comprehensive sidebar list of the best free sock patterns on the web.

So here's the question:

What is/are your favorite free sock pattern[s] on the internet?

If you have one, leave your answers in the comments section.

I am dying to know!

Friday, October 14, 2005

I Wish School Would Just Go Away!!!!!!

I absolutely have to get another Sociology unit done today, and finish another assignment. The only problem (well, that's not true, there are several), is that each assignment has two units it draws on, and I did one of the units 2 weeks ago. I have no idea what it is about!!!

The reason I have to get this done so fast is that I am exactly 1/2 way through the course, and my exam is on the 10th or so of November. It took me a month and a half for the first half, and now I have less than a month including study time for the second half.

I am headed up to the coffee shop right now to try to get it done. No knitting til I finish, even though I only have another inch on the cashmere hat to go before I start decreasing.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

No Second Sock Syndrome Here


I cast on the second fuzzy red sock in the car on the way to Thanksgiving dinner last night. With a bit of knitting yesterday, and a bit today, I managed to finish the second sock. This is my second pair so far.








I am so tired though, so I don't seem to have much to say. I am wearing them right now, and they are soooo soft and very warm. Super comfy. I am looking forward to making blue ones soon.


I've decided to give you guys 2 angles for your viewing pleasure.

Have a good knitting night.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Baby Sock, Never Worn




I just finished sewing in the ends on this baby sock. I used the basic principles of an adult sock, and made it up as I went along. Every measurement was pure guess.

It goes with the hat that I made a few weeks ago, and is made in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran.

It is really cute. I am happy with the way it turned out, but I have no idea if it will fit or not.

I was thinking that if it didn't I would put some less dense Styrofoam in it, and then stick my dpns in through the top, and have a needle holder. I hope it fits though.

If your curious about any specifics, just comment and ask. I may post them later, regardless.

Can't Stop This Shopper

I made the mistake of browsing around on ebay yesterday, and I went a bit nuts! I have goodies coming from the UK, the Netherlands, and Vermont. My mouth waters at the Addis, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, and Lorna's Laces that will be arriving at my door in the next week or so. Addis are so much cheaper on ebay than at the LYS. I think I'm paying less than $10 Canadian including shipping, per set.

I don't know how it happened, but my budget had some left over money at the end, which allowed me to do some shopping. I guess it could have been savings, but you can't take your money to your grave, so you might as well spend it!

I am having some issues with spending the large amount that I did though. Usually I don't have left over money, and can't afford a big purchase, which usually leaves me feeling a bit sick. This time I can afford it, and I still feel a bit of panic.

I will be sure to post pics as soon as my shipments arrive. I am so excited!

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Finally Some Progress



I finally decided that I needed to finish some knitting stuff and other loose ends yesterday. I never thought I'd make very good progress, but it turns out that I totally did!

I finished Socktoberfest 2005 sock number 1. It's from the favorite sock/mitten kit by Fleece Artist. It's a strand of mohair and a strand of blue face leicester. I bought two kits, so I'm glad I like it. I just have to make sure I get the second sock finished. The first sock I ever made still does not have a mate.

I knit this sock up on a 12 inch circular 5mm Addi Turbo. I switched to dpns for the toe, but the closest dpn I own is a 3.5 mm, so I used that. It makes the toe a bit more dense, which is good, right? Whatever, it worked just fine. I picked up too many stitches on the instep, so the foot is a bit loose, but very comfy.

The pattern that comes with the yarn says to cast on 26 st, but there was no way that was going to fit anyone, but a child. So, I cast on 36, I think. I have it written down somewh
ere, but I can't find the paper. Anyway, perfect fit on the leg. Perfect fit all over.

This sock knit up sooooo fast! I couldn't believe that I knit the whole leg part in one sitting. Nice yarn to work with too. I would recommend it and use it again.

I cast on a baby hat on the same needle when I finished the sock. I figured I needed a quick but different project before I cast on the next sock. This was a super fast hat to knit. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. I cast on 56st on a 12inch 5 mm circ. Stockinette Stitch for 5 inches or so, then *k2tog* until 7 st remain. Then I switched to 3.5mm dpns and knit around on the 7 st until the cord was as long as I wanted it to be.

When I finished my hat last night, I noticed that Ariane had knit a beautiful baby hat as well. Ariane, I think I like yours better. Mine will have to do for now. I don't know why, but I keep having the urge to put the hat on the cat, but that would be the end of the hat pretty quickly.