Friday, June 30, 2006

The Magic of A Finished Felted Bag...

I knit like crazy all week and finally finished knitting the Cleo Clutch today. It's a fairly easy knit, and it didn't take that long. I found the pattern to be really clear too.

The one thing that I thought I might get stuck on was the "whip stitch". I'd never heard of this way of joining before, but I Googled it and found some really good instructions for the whip stitch on my first try. I really like the whip stitch now!

This was my first try at felting, and I'm really happy with how the bag turned out. It's like watching magic!

I've included some before and after shots of my efforts, so you could be part of the cool felting experience.

I followed the instructions exactly, except I didn't fold it in thirds, I made the top fold over part a little smaller than the rest, because I wanted to make the bag part a bit deeper.

I used Cascade 22o yarn in color number 8891. The color is actually a bit more vivid in person. What can I say, my camera doesn't like color.



I stopped by A Touch Of Wool on Dunbar Street today, and picked up a couple of new books. I finally found a copy of Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlotte Schurch, and the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Calendar (the cover was bent, but you're supposed to rip it off anyway, so I figured it didn't matter).

I also went and bought myself a new bikini today. It's super awesome! Have I mentioned that I've lost 30 pounds since the end of January? That makes bikini shopping much more fun. I decided to further reward myself by getting a little cover-up skirt, and a new pair of flip-flops. Here's the link to a pic of the bikini. It's the bottom one in black. I love the little pink ruffles.

Anyway, I hope to get my KSKS package in the mail next week. I just can't wait! Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you why I went with the Cleo Clutch. My pal already has a bag she uses for her knitting stuff, so I figured that this could be used on its own, or thrown in the other bag.

What do you guys think? Should I put a button on it? I don't know.

P.S. Make sure you enlarge the felted/unfelted pics so you can see the detail best!

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Home Again, Home Again...

We got back from our trip last night. We we're supposed to be away til Friday, but I think we packed in too much stuff during the first 36 hours of the trip, and that made me want to go home. We did have a good time though, and it seemed like we were there for much longer than we actually were.

We had to rush to catch the 11:20 am ferry. Normally this wouldn't have been a huge deal, but our stuff was plentiful and heavy. We did end up making it, but we got stuck on the car deck, because we were foot passengers and we had the cat with us. It was really noisy, and smelled like pee and diesel fuel. You can see why we normally take Stu's dad's boat. The only reason we didn't take it was that they already had it. Anyway... We were already sore by the time we got there.

We went for a swim in the afternoon, then we went fishing. My specialty is catching sea cucumber. Meaning that I'm the only one that seems to be able to catch them, even though we don't fish for them. I also caught a rock fish. The cat caught another snake, but he didn't seem to do any damage to it so we let it go, after we found it in the living room. That was startling.

I ended up unintentionally falling asleep in the sun yesterday, and I have a killer sunburn. It is super painful. The whole back of my body is red, and the backs of my knees are so burned that they are swollen. I need to find some aloe lotion today. No more sun for me! The funny thing is that I was just going to lie down for a minute, then I was going to go knit in the shade.

I managed to see the deer that's up there (Stu's mom had told us about it), but I also made the discovery that she has two young fawns as well. I was sitting up on the deck, and she walked by with them.

We had a good time, but I'm glad to be home.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Improvisations...

When I went to start my knit bag for my sock pal, I realized that I didn't have any 6mm Addis (that I could find). I dug into my knitting needle bag, and pulled out my "cheapo" straight needles. After knitting a few rows, these needles were driving me nuts, because they were too long.

I solved the problem by cutting them to the right length, and making knob-type things with duct tape. Surprisingly, the yarn has not gotten stuck to the tape, and they are the perfect length.

Come Look In My Yarn Store Bag...



I just got home from Urban Yarns, and some other gallivanting. I picked up 4 balls of Mission Falls 100% cotton. My plan is to knit and/or crochet dish towels with them, because I really wanted to try this yarn, but I don't want to commit the time or money to do a sweater, or larger item with it. I also got the yarn for my sock kit pal's socks, and the yarn I need for the bag I'm making. Right now, you may be thinking "What? I thought she was sewing a bag!". Yeah, it was all going well until it went horribly wrong. Sometimes I think pattern designers should take a physics class!

We're heading away for a bit, so I'll talk to you all when I get back.

Oh yeah! I got a really nice postcard, and an ecard from my secret pal today! It made my day much better.


Just a note on the Knit Sock Kit Swap package I'm putting together:

I've made it my mission to have everything super color coordinated.

I'm having a very "on" day color-wise.

Yes, that is Koigu in the bag, and the big blue thing is Cascade 220.

Ok, now I'm really done.

What? She Can Sew Too?

I've been sewing! I had a plan that when I joined the Knit Sock Kit Swap I might attempt a sewn bag for my pal. I did have a back up knit bag as well though. In the past my sewing attempts have been disappointing, if not a total disaster, so I wasn't feeling all that hopeful. As I bought some beautiful fabric, I knew in the back of my mind that it may not work out.

We're having a bit of a heat wave right now, and I was looking for something to do that didn't involve acrylic yarn and fingers (for my granny squares). I decided to tackle the bag sewing last night. We watched a couple of lame movies as my bag attempt materialized. I couldn't believe it! It actually went well. It turns out that I can now sew in a straight line!

I worked on it til after 11pm last night, and reluctantly went to bed. I just have to finish sewing up the lining, and then attach it to the rest of the bag, and do a few other finishing things. I'd like to do it right now, but Stu's asleep in the living room, and it's only 8am. I will/should be finishing it this morning, and I'll take pictures after that. I think my pal will like it.

I will likely be shopping for my pal's sock yarn today, if I don't get too hot to move.

I spent a good portion of yesterday by the pool, because it's been soooo hot. I'm not complaining though. It's a great week to be on vacation. I think I'll have a hard time going back to work next Tuesday.

Friday, June 23, 2006

New Car Pics!

Well, after a long wait, we finally got our new car tonight! It's a brand new 2006 Toyota Corolla.

Isn't it purdy! I'm heading to the yarn store and the fabric store tomorrow. I haven't actually driven it yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Okay, The Fruit Salad Is Made!

We've got a potluck lunch tomorrow at work, and I signed up for the fruit salad. I grocery shopped yesterday, but I remembered today that I needed some watermelon for my salad. Anyway, it's done!

I have bad news on the sock front. The first Friday Harbour sock from Knitting on the Road has been completed, then frogged. Stu's mouth actually dropped open when he found out I had frogged it.

There were a few problems with it. First, I made the foot too short. Yes, I know that could have been fixed. Second, I didn't think the lace looked very good while on the foot. It wasn't as crisp as I would have liked. So that was frustrating.

I'm taking a few days away from sock knitting while I crochet granny squares. I taught myself how to do the double crochet, then I picked up The Happy Hooker on Sunday, and learned to do granny squares. I've tried to learn to do these before from several different sources, but have never had ANY luck. This book was amazing though, because I got it on the first try! I'm going to make an afghan.

To go with my alter ego crocheting self, I picked up some acrylic yarn from Michaels on Sunday. It's in pretty pastel colors that look like icing or something.

No, I have not been kidnapped and forced to buy acrylic yarn and spend my time crocheting. I'm just trying new things! I know, it doesn't sound like me at all!

I'm going to be posting my sock kit questionnaire today or tomorrow (likely tomorrow), but it might show up as being posted before this post.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Knit Sock Kit Swap Questionnaire

The Questionnaire:

What are your favorite colors?

I've been really into super pale colors lately. I like blues, greens, reds, pale purple, pale yellow.

Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks?

I've been knitting socks for a bit over a year. I'd say I'm intermediate.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?

Multicolored.

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn?

Definitely wool.

Where do you usually knit socks?

On the bus or on the couch.

How do you usually carry/store small projects?

I throw them in my purse or in a plastic bag.

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns?

I don't really have any favorites.

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques?

Again, I don't really have any favorites. I don't like those cables without a cable needle.

What new techniques would you like to try?

I'm up for anything. I seem to stick to lace. I wouldn't mind making taller socks.

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting?

I use the magic loop with a 32" Addi Turbo for the most part. But I just found the 6" Crystal Palace dpns, and they rock. I only have a 2.75mm one though.

What are some of your favorite yarns?

I like Fleece Artist, Koigo, Sunshine Yarns that Dani sells in her etsy.com shop.

What yarn do you totally covet?

Hmm... I've heard of cashmere sock yarn.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?

I can't think of one right now.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?

Addi Turbo circs. Crystal Palace 6" dpns.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?

I haven't really given that much thought.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?

Um, I like chewy things, like nibs, but really I like pretty much anything.

What’s your favorite animal?

Cat

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages?

I have a cat he's a grey tabby, and he just turned 2 at the end of May. He doesn't have a name.

If you were a color what color would you be?

That pretty super light pale mint green, or maybe bubble gum pink, only brighter.

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s)..

Actually, my favorite shirt right now is a white ribbed tank top from the Gap.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?

I love flowers. Especially hydrangeas. Right now, my fuchsia and deep red geraniums are inspiringly beautiful.

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read.

I've heard so many good ones!

Do you have a wishlist?

No.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

No Wonder I Feel Like I Never Get Anything Done!


I always have to many projects on the go! The three in the blurry (sorry) picture are all active knits, meaning that I am working on them all daily, or at least every second day.

The pink is part of the "Letter Have It" bag from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation. The purple is the Peacock sock. And last but not least, the bluish one is the Friday Harbour sock from Knitting on the Road.

This week has been going insanely slow, and I am really tired. I've almost been falling asleep at work, which is difficult to do, because I'm always super busy. There will be lots of knitting and relaxing going on this weekend, then I just have to work one more week and I'm off for a week of vacation. I'm just going to hang around the house and chill.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

My New Toy!

I've been waiting for weeks for the new Nintendo DS Lite to come out, and it was finally released today! I thought it would be so cool to play old school games like Super Mario Bros. I'm still waiting for it to charge up.

I wanted to show everyone my cool new loot. The first thing that Stu said when he saw what I got was not "Hey! That looks really cool!". The first thing he said (while rolling his eyes) was "You got Tetris?".

My theory is that this system is totally being marketed to people in their 20's who would like to recapture the games of their childhood.

Oh, and it looks super sleek. It's almost iPod like.

That's enough about my new toy.

Knitting---

I signed up for the Knit Sock Kit Swap this morning. If you're interested, you should sign up soon, because I think it closes on Monday. We'll be putting together sock kits for our pals. I think it'll be really fun!

The second Peacock sock is going well. I turned the heel and picked up the stitches yesterday morning. I got sidetracked though, when I started the Friday Harbour sock from Knitting on the Road. I've completed about an inch and a half of it so far. I think the yarn I found for it is perfect.

Somehow I have to make sure to knit and play my new games today. I wish there was more time in the day. Oh, and we're going out for dinner with my parents tonight, so I'd better get to it before I run out of time.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

The Lone Sock Will Soon Be (Um, I was going somewhere with this title, but I kinda lost it)

Hi All,

I've finished my first Peacock sock and it looks good, but for some reason I'm not totally happy with it. I think it might be the yarn. Oh well, I'm still plugging along. I've finished about an inch of the second one.

I am too exhausted for words, and I can't believe that tomorrow's only Thursday! WTF!?!

Tonight was night 2 of new car shopping. We were out until after 8pm last night, and didn't get home til after 8 tonight either.

Stu has sold his car. Well, he still has the car and hasn't actually been paid yet, but he has an "agreement". As soon as he has the money in his hands, we will be the proud new owners of a 2006 Toyota Corolla with a sunroof. Okay, it's actually a moon roof, but unless you plan on sticking your naked butt out of it, we're going to call it a sunroof!

I can't wait to have a car I can drive. I hated driving his old car, because the hood was like 50 feet long, and the clutch was really heavy. I've provided a pic, so everyone can see what I mean. Bye bye 1980 Corvette!

If I wasn't so exhausted, I would have taken pics of my finished sock, but I really don't have the energy. (the car pic was already on my computer, and even uploading seemed like too much energy!).

I'm going to try to post tomorrow, but I think it's likely I won't until the weekend.

Monday, June 05, 2006

Purple Peacock


I thought I'd share my progress on the sock I'm knitting right now. I've been working on it since Friday, and I think I might be a slow knitter.


This is the Peacock Sock I was talking about in my last entry. I'm using Koigu KPPPM in a cool purple color. I got this stuff in January, but couldn't figure out what to do with it until last week.

It's a beautiful day today, which makes it perfect weather for sock pictures!

Have a great Monday. I hope to have a finished sock to show you tomorrow.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Lazy Sunday Mornings....


Well, it's Sunday morning. My "new week's" resolution is to blog more frequently, so here I am. I thought I'd give you a peek at my super healthy breakfast for this morning. It's one of the perks of not having parents around to tell you what is appropriate breakfast food, and not having kids to set an example for. I'm living the early 20's dream!

The Maya Gold Green & Black's is phenomenal! It reminds me of a chocolatey hot-crossed bun. The coffee is some really neat stuff called Fusion. They put cool herbal stuff in with the coffee. This particular one is called "Focus" and it has ginkgo and ginseng and yerba matte. The only reason I'm going into so much depth about my coffee is that it is really good. I have never been able to drink black coffee, but this stuff is so amazing that I can't put anything in it. Both the coffee and the chocolate are organic and certified fair trade, so it has both a social and environmental benefit.

Ok, that's enough about my breakfast....

We were at the Roger's Video movie sale yesterday and we picked up some "previously viewed" DVDs. This was actually the first time I had ever bought DVDs. We watched The Constant Gardener last night, and it's the best movie I have seen in a long time. It had great cinematography, and I good social message behind it. It was also a great story. I'm glad I own it, because I think I could watch it several times.

We also watched Lord of War with Nicholas Cage. It was pretty good, but it was weird to watch it right after The Constant Gardener. If you've seen both, you'll know what I mean.

I've been trying to get back into my knitting groove, and I think that lots of movie watching has helped. I've been working on the Peacock Socks from the Katie Knits blog. It's a simple pattern with awesome results.

I went to Urban Yarns on Friday, and came home with a bag of goodies. I even found something for my secret pal ( I didn't take a picture of it, in case she stumbles upon my blog). My goodies included 3 skeins of Koigu, one skein of Fleece Artist sock yarn in Glacier (yummy!), 2 skeins of hot pink Cascade 220, 1 skein of turquoise, and 1 of black. This was my first time buying Cascade 220, and I got it because I've caught the felting bug. I've been working on the smaller Letter Have It bag from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation. The main color is pink with a black letter. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the turquoise yet.

I also snagged a set of 6" Crystal Palace dpns. They are super smooth, and I'm looking forward to using them.

On a totally separate note---I was reading about the Knitter's Tea Swap on Abigail's blog, and I really wish I had heard about it when it started, because it sounds like it's right up my alley. I hope they have another one!

Maybe we should do a fancy coffee & yarn swap? Let me know what you think.

I think that today is going to be spent knitting too. And possibly replenishing my Green & Black's stash.

Have a great Sunday, and follow my good chocolate eating example! Enjoy!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

"Hey! Remember The Time When Chrissy Got Messed Up At Work?"

That is the phrase that I will forever be hearing at work from my co-workers. I took a prescription migraine medication for the first time today. I wasn't going to, because I wasn't sure how I'd react, but my immediate supervisor told me that I should and they'd keep an eye on me.

It said the side effects were most commonly sleepiness and dizziness, so I was prepared for that. Unfortunately, I had one of the less common reactions. It got me totally high! So there I was at work, not being able to concentrate, or remember what I was supposed to be doing, all the while I was giggling and saying things that my co-workers appeared to find funny. I didn't find out til I got home that one of the more rare side effects is euphoria.

I think I made a total ass of myself, but everyone knew that I was trying a new medication so they understood.

I have to say, it was pretty mortifying having to go to the head of my department and saying, "I'm sorry. I have to go home. I'm too high to work." My supervisor came with me, and it really wasn't that bad. It was just really embarrassing.

It's like I can think sort of rationally, so I know I'm being an idiot. I just have no impulse control. I think that the website I went to to find "less common" side effects called it "loss of mental acuity". Let me tell you--I definitely have that. It's taking me forever to write this blog entry, because I'm still not mentally with it.

I'll never live this one down!

My migraine's gone though.