A Little Bit O' Knitting

I've realized that I just can't knit on the bus on my way to work in the morning. It doesn't seem to matter how badly I want to, I just can't. The only real time I've had to knit is on the bus on the way home from work. It's amazing how much can get done in that short time. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to knit enough on the Jaywalker to get it finished. I really hope I can get it finished by midnight tonight, so I can get credit for January.

I'm just making dinner, so I'd better go. More later!

Shop Til You Drop...

I went out shopping yesterday, because I absolutely needed some new work clothes. Being a student for what seems like forever doesn't really leave you with a great wardrobe. I went downtown and started at the Ecco shoe store, where I found the perfect work shoes. They're both comfy and stylish. Now I have to return the other two pairs of shoes I bought this week. And no, I wasn't ever planning on keeping more than one pair.

Next I headed to Winners, where I found absolutely nothing! It's so hit or miss when shopping there. I've always had good luck with Club Monaco, so I went there next, and that's where I ended up buying stuff from. I almost had a heart attack when the guy told me the total, but you gotta have work clothes, right? Now I have to get my pants hemmed, and since I work all day, I think I'll have to wait until next Saturday to get them done. Oh well.

I've been working away on my Jaywalker, and I'm about half way done the heel flap, so there's still hope to finish a pair of socks for January.

I was supposed to go to the Stitch 'n Brunch, which is a Knitting Meetup activity this morning at 10 am, but I really don't feel like it. I slept in til 9am, so there wasn't much time for showering or anything, and it costs a buck, and to be honest, I don't have a buck.

Did I tell you that because of the was the pay periods go at work it will be 4 weeks before I see any money? That's a pain in the ass, especially since I actually have to buy/wear nice clothes. Needles to say, the credit cards are unhappy, and money is a little tight.

I'm off to do some knitting, and enjoy my Sunday.

The First Week

Well, I've officially worked one full week at my new job, and I have to say that I have mixed feelings about it. It's not that it's a bad job, but it's not exactly a great job either. It's the kind of job that makes you think that you should get more education, so you don't have to do this job forever. Fortunately, I have the education, and I just need to gain some experience. Most of the people I work with started working there right after high school or thereabouts.

I've been getting up at 6:15am and have been out of the house by 7:15am every morning. This is my new life. Oh, and I don't get home til about 5:15pm. With a schedule like this, there isn't a lot of time for knitting or anything else really. The only knitting I've been doing is a bit on the bus on the way home (when I get a seat), and a row or two on some of my breaks.

I've been trying to get the second Jaywalker done by the end of the month, but it's been slow progress. I'm not sure I'm going to get a "J" beside my name for the Sock-a-Month knit along. It could still happen though, but it's doubtful, since I'm not even at the heel flap, and I have to go find some work pants today.

My feet totally swelled up this week from wearing heels on Monday, because I spend the whole day walking around. Seriously, the only time I sit down is when I'm on a break. I didn't really even get to sit down on my lunch breaks this week, because I spent them on a quest for comfy shoes. Do you know how difficult it is to try on shoes with super swollen feet? It's no walk in the park!

I don't want to get into details now, but there is another girl where I work, and I am pretty sure she's trying to make me look bad while making herself look good. She moved a bunch of stuff I was supposed to be working on, then when I asked her where she put it, and she proceeded to explain the whole process to me like I was a moron. To make things worse, this all happened in front of the "higher up" that makes the decisions about what we learn and where we go, etc.

Now they think that she's super advanced, and that I have no idea how to do basic stuff, even though I do. When I do things by myself, everything's fine, but of course, I don't have anyone drawing that to the supervisor's attention. This is really hard to explain in writing, because it's a very long story and quite complex. It would be the length of a novel to explain it properly.

Yesterday was really irritating. I think that it was partly because it was Friday, and I was tired. I did get some good news when I got home though. I had an ecard in my inbox from my secret pal. She couldn't have picked a better day to surprise me. I really needed it. Apparently I should be expecting a package soon. I can't wait.

First Day...

Ohmygod! I am exhausted! How do people work all day and get anything else done? How do you function? I guess I'll have to figure it out.

My feet are killing me. It turns out that I spend the whole day running around, and a heel, at any level, is too much heel. I tried to get some new shoes tonight, but no luck. Am I rambling? I can't even carry on a conversation, so I don't know why I expect to be able to make sense here.

How 'bout this: Give me a few days to get used to work, and I'll give you the full run down. Sound fair? I have to be in a staff meeting at 8am tomorrow, so I'd better go to bed.

Thank you to all my blog friends for your words of encouragement. You mean the world to me, and even though we haven't met face to face, I consider you true friends.

I hope everyone had a less exhausting Monday than I did! Goodnight!

I Have A Job

I know that everyone wanted to be kept up to date on my job progress, and I have to admit that I've been holding out on you guys since Thursday morning.

Actually, I was offered a job on Wednesday night, but I didn't like the second person who interviewed me, and he would have been my direct boss, so I turned that job down. The woman on the phone sounded disappointed that I was "no longer available" to work at their company.

After I turned down that one, I was kind of freaking out, since I really need money and had turned a paying job down. My fears were put to rest on Thursday morning when I got a call from the placement agency I had been talking to, and they said that I had been offered a position by "the employer".

This job is not going to be rocket science, but I'd rather not belittle the work I'll be doing for the next 6 months minimum. You see, it's a 6 month contract. I'd rather have something permanent, but at least it's full time. Also, they woman who interviewed me/is going to be my boss, seemed really nice.

If I can get a seat on the bus in the morning (which is highly doubtful), I'll have close to half an hour to knit in the morning.

So anyways, the job is basically clerical support. I'll have to do filing, stuff with mail, maybe computer entry stuff, etc. It seems pretty basic.

I wanted something fairly basic, so I can work on getting in the habit of working, and having a super set schedule. I'm going to have to be at the bus stop by 7:20am every morning, Monday to Friday. YIKES!! I am, however, happy that it's Monday to Friday. I feel like such an adult.

Oh yeah, I start tomorrow. Did I mention that already? I'm totally freaking out!! I'm really nervous. Will I like the people I work with? Will they like me? Will I remember anything that they tell me? Will I be able to get up early in the morning everyday?

I have no idea! I'll give it a try though.

Meme Number 2

Emmie from CutieKnittahFairy! has tagged me with the "Four Things" meme. To be embarrassingly honest, I've been hoping someone would tag me with this one.

4 jobs that you have had in your lifetime:

1. "Sandwich Artist" @ Subway (UGH!!).
2. Dog Walker for 1 dog (he was really grouchy).
3. Assistant to one of the owners at a raw dog food store.
4. Reservation agent @ Discount Car and Truck Rentals (I was really good at it, but it was really high pressure, so I only lasted a week).

4 movies that you could watch over and over:

1. Overboard
2. Pretty Woman
3. Run Lola Run
4. Somethings Gotta Give (it also has the best soundtrack)
   

4 places that you have lived:

1. Kerrisdale in Vancouver, B.C. (with my parents)
2. Marpole in Vancouver, B.C. (with Stu)
3. Temporarily in Yakima, Washington
4. I haven't live anywhere else.

4 TV shows that you love to watch:

1. CSI
2. CSI: Miami
3. 7th Heaven
4. Third Watch (if it was still on. Stupid NBC!)
   

4 places that you have been on vacation:

1. Oahu, Hawaii
2. (several different cities in California
3. Houston, Texas
4. Seattle, Washington

4 websites that you visit daily:

1. Bloglines
2. My Sitemeter
3. My Online Banking
4. Yahoo! (for those fabulous groups!)
   

4 of your favorite foods:

1. Rare thick steak(with or without teriyaki sauce) and garlic mashed potatoes.
2. Meat and spinach lasagna.
3. Gyoza
4. My white clam chowder (it's so thick that it's almost like a casserole).
   

4 places that you would rather be right now:

1. Hawaii
2. In a big apartment
3. Knitting with friends
4. Spending time with my new niece (or anyone else in my bro's family)
   

4 bloggers who you are tagging:

I'm going to say the same thing as the last -- If you want to be tagged, you're tagged. If not, you're not.

I just don't have time right now to go through and make sure people haven't done it yet.

Meme Number 1

Ariane over at Wicked Stitches tagged me with a meme a few days ago, and I seem to be a bit behind on stuff I want to post about, so this is the first chance I've had to complete it!

Five Quirky Habits of Mine:

1. When I take the cap off a pen and put the cap on the "wrong end", the clip on the cap, and the writing on the pen have to match up perfectly.
2. I've been known to check the mail box upwards of 5 times in 1 day.
3. When I go to a steakhouse for dinner, I always take home a little bit of steak and a bit of mashed potatoes for breakfast the next morning (even if I'm not totally full).
4. If you bet me that I cannot eat "X" amount of something, I WILL just to prove you wrong (even if it makes me sick). I seem to remember drinking/chugging about a cup of maple syrup. Don't judge me!
5. I can't walk up to Starbucks without listening to a knitting podcast.

Hmm....I think I'll tag....Oh, I don't know. If you read this and would like to answer, then consider yourself tagged. Please leave me a comment if you decide to answer, so I can check out your answers.

Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head---

That's right folks, it's raining again. Yesterday was so nice and sunny. It was just "happy" weather. The brightness went perfectly with my newly finished cable wrist warmers. Just look at how bright my apartment is in the pictures.

These babies were super quick to knit up! One day! I couldn't believe it. They're soft and comfy too. I'll definitely be wearing them today.

These would make a really great gift, because they're so fast to make, and you can use such a wide range of yarns.
If you want more detail on the specs for these lovely warmers, check out my post from a few days ago.

Yarn is starting to overtake my household again. I managed to put everything away, and now it is creeping out of the boxes.

I guess it doesn't help that I bought more yarn a few days ago. I went to the Knit & Stitch Shoppe in West Van, and guess what? They have KOIGU!! I thought I'd never be able to get it unless I ordered it from the States, because I could not find a LYS that carried it. By the way, it's not that I really mind ordering stuff from the US, but I think it's kind of stupid to have to order a Canadian product from there, because you can't find it here.

See, it's not just politicians who don't care about the West.

Ok, I've made Jaywalker progress! The leg is a bit tight, but at least (with a struggle), I can get it on (not like last time). The picture I took is from yesterday, so it's no longer an accurate depiction of my progress, but I thought I'd show you anyway.

Sorry about the blurriness, I guess I just can't stay still long enough to take a picture.

I'm going to be working on this sock all day today, and I'll try to get a picture of the sock tonight.


I've been meaning to post this "corn chip/sailboat" picture for at least a week now.

Stu found a corn chip that he was convinced looked like a sailboat, so he printed out an "appropriate" background, and made me take a picture of it. And yes, sometimes I do think he's nuts.


I'm so glad that everyone likes my baby booties. I love getting positive feedback. And I totally agree that they should make a pattern for them in adult sizes.

Finished: Baby Booties

I finally sewed in all the ends of the second bootie, and sewed the buttons on both booties this morning. I had been dreading sewing in the ends, but I finally decided that I should just sit down and do it!

I'm really happy with the way they turned out. They look so cute!



Specs:

1 Ball Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby in Pink

2.75mm Crystal Palace bamboo circ. (they aren't knit in the round, I just like circs).

2 little pearly buttons

Pattern: Baby Booties from Debbie Bliss' pattern book called Baby Cashmerino.

Notes: This was my first attempt at booties, and they were quick and easy. They really didn't take that long, I'm just a procrastinator.

I'd definitely make them again!

I included this pic with the Chibi, so you can get an idea of the bootie size.

I wanted to include lots of pics, because I really think this is a great pattern for anyone making booties.

I just can't get over how cute these are!

There's Something About Cables...

A few months ago, I felt I was ready for something new. There was a fork in my knitting road, and I had to choose between learning to knit lace and learning to knit cables. I chose the lace, and decided that cables were totally unnecessary.

I think I've mentioned this before---The moment that I decide that I'm not going to do something is the same moment that I decide that I cannot live without doing that same thing.

Learning to knit lace was a really great experience for me, and I thought it was really cool to make holes, then watch them turn into something. Also, Ariane got some nice lace socks out of my learning experience.

Anyway, back to cables... As I was looking for a pattern for some simple cables on a simple project, I came across a pattern for some nice cable wrist warmers at the Wine and Needles blog. It was love at first sight! But then I got cold feet, and wasn't sure if I was capable enough to do cables (all of this was before I actually looked at the pattern).

My cable courage came back when I found out that a good friend of mine, Gill, who just learned to knit in November, told me that she was going to make them. When I saw her progress, I just knew I had to make them. I really hope she posts some pictures *hint hint*.

Today I actually managed to almost complete both of the wrist warmers, and I'm really happy with them. Although, it would be better if the colors matched a little more closely, and one didn't have a huge band of orange. Oh well, no big deal. Guess what? Cables aren't difficult at all, and cable needles are actually fun to use! I couldn't believe how easy this wrist warmers were to make.


Oh, I almost forgot! You would probably like to know what I made them out of, wouldn't you? It's Lang Yarns, and they line is called Tosca. It's 55% Wool and 45% Acrylic. Normally I wouldn't use this much acrylic, but I just couldn't resist the beautiful colors! They remind me of a citrus sunset. Mmmmm......
Emmie must be credited with my finding these wrist warmers, because I actually found them from the link from her page.

I really love the close up picture of the cables. Making cables is like performing magic!

What? 2 Job Interviews?

Yes, that's right. I had two job interviews today. Around about 8pm last night, I got a phone call from someone who I had sent my resume to. She asked if we could meet today, and we did. So, I had an interview at 10am, and the second one at 3:30. I'm feeling really tired now, and needless to say, there was no yarn shopping today.

I decided that with second interview today, I wouldn't have time to have a nice relaxing time picking out yarn and tea. Unless something pressing comes up, I'm going to go check out these places tomorrow morning.

Last night at 5pm I cast on for the Jaywalker again. This time it fits. I think I'm making really good progress on it, considering I've hardly worked on it today. I just started on the heel. The pictures of the sock are from earlier on today, and I've done quite a bit more than I had managed to get done by the time I took the pictures.

More news as it comes! Oh, and keep commenting. I totally love comments and appreciate every one I get.

Sock Frustration

It's been days, hasn't it?

I've been casting on for socks, knitting and inch or two, then frogging them, because they just didn't look right, or perfect, to me. I think I was just picking the wrong yarns for the wrong patterns.

I cast on for Jaywalker yesterday morning, and I was so pleased with myself, because I finally found a perfect match between pattern and yarn. I was using the Winter Berry color from Sunshine Yarns. This color is so beautiful that it makes my mouth water!

The picture is about half of what I got done yesterday.

Why has no one mentioned that Jaywalker is the easiest pattern ever? I would have tried it a lot sooner if I had known that it was going to be so simple. I only needed the instructions for the first pattern row. After that, I didn't have to haul a piece of paper around with me.

So seriously, I did about 6 inches on Jaywalker, and I was so happy with it, and it looked so beautiful. Just before I was going to start the heel, I decided to give it a try on. I couldn't believe it---I couldn't get it over my foot! There was no amount of stretching that would have made it fit, so I had to frog it.

I couldn't believe that my whole day's work had to be frogged! I couldn't bring myself to cast on again last night, so I think I'll cast on again today. There will be lots of measuring and trying things on today! Hey, notice how nice and perfect all the stitches are in the picture below? That's part of what made it so difficult to frog.

I have to mention that I am feeling very flattered by "the other Chrissy" (I also think it's funny that when I say that piece of quoted material, Stu and my Mom both know who I'm talking about!). Anyway, the rest of you probably know her better as the Knittin' Mom. She left a comment for me yesterday saying that I was part of the inspiration for her knit along! I don't think I've ever inspired anything before (except maybe hate or disgust! ha!).

Go check out her knit along right now! It's a simple knit along for us sock knitters out there. It's called the Sock-A-Month Knit Along 2006. I've gotta get knitting so I can have an entry for January!

I'm going to try to get over to the Knit and Stitch Shoppe in West Vancouver tomorrow afternoon. I feel like I should go in there, because I've had 3 people recommend it to me in the last few days. Liz at the Knitting Meet Up, Noeleen (my sister-in-law), and the woman who interviewed me at the placement agency.

It's funny--- there's a tea shop in West Van that I also want to go to (it's called the Blue Teapot), and since I have to take the bus, I was hoping that the bus ride between these two shops wouldn't be too long. It turns out that they are in the same block! YAY! I love it when I have good luck like that.

The reason that I can't say for sure that I'm going to go over to West Van tomorrow is that I have a job interview tomorrow morning (for those who have been following, it's the one I thought might be today). I'm actually really excited! Wish me luck!

I'm Tired, But I'm Compelled To Blog!

Where should I begin? I've had a busy few days, and I have yarn news, minimal knitting news, and job searching progress to report on.....

Ok, let's start with the job stuff---

I've been sending out resumes like there's no tomorrow, and I got a call yesterday in the late afternoon from a placement agency that in charge of recruiting applicants for the hiring company to interview.

I talked to one of their recruiters for a while on the phone (I must be tired, I almost spelled phone with an "f"). She said I had a really great energy. I guess that's a good thing, right? She asked if I could come in to talk to her associate today, and I did.

As many of you know, I got a really nice suit a few months ago, and had been putting off getting it hemmed (the pants were about a foot too long, and the jacket sleeves were about 4 inches too long). I think it was built for a really tall ape or something.

Anyway, it was too late to go to the tailor last night, so I had to go this morning (my appointment/interview was at 3pm). I arrived a bit before 11am, and found a not on the door that said he'd be out til 12pm. I this point I didn't even know if he'd have time to do the hemming.

Everything turned out alright though, because he was able to do it, and have it ready by 1:30. While waiting for the hemming to be done, I had lunch with my parents, then my Mom drove me to my appointment downtown. The suit looks stunning now that it's the right length.

My appointment went well, and they're going to arrange an interview for Monday. It's a 3 month contract position, but the woman I was talking to said it was likely to turn into a permanent position.

They made me do a bunch of "Clerical testing". That's what they called it anyway. I couldn't believe it! They made me write a math test! I'm pretty sure I failed it, but I know I aced the language aspect. It was stuff like putting names in alphabetical order, grammar, and spelling.

I think everyone will get a kick out of this---- the recruiter asked me if I had any hobbies, and of course I answered that I am a knitter. Guess what? She's a knitter too! It was kind of fun to talk about yarn stores for a little while.

Ok, on to knitting... Stu called me at about 11am to tell me that my sock yarn from Sunshine Yarns had just arrived. That was total torture, because I knew I had to be out of the house all day. It is really beautiful, and I can't wait to start knitting with it. This is the same yarn that my secret sock pal, Kathy, used to knit socks for me.

On Tuesday, I went to the Vancouver knitting meet up group for the first time. It was really great. I met lots of knitters, and I'll definitely go to meet ups as much as I can. I think I was there for about 3 hours! Oh, and there is another Vancouver knitting blogger that I met while I was there. I've linked to her on my sidebar, but I'll link again here. Go check out the CutieKnittahFairy! Now she has a really great energy!

Ok, I really don't feel like typing anymore tonight. I'll save some things for tomorrow. I hope I have some energy tomorrow night, because I'm going to help my sister-in-law with the kids for the day. I should probably explain that I don't use SIL for sister-in-law, because I really like dashes, and I can't resist using them in terms that need two of them.

One last piece of news---We have water pressure again, but the water is really silty, so it looks a bit gross. I am really looking forward to a normal shower tomorrow morning.

*top picture (left to right)- Violets, Winter Berry, Figi, Grapevine

Pretty In Pink

Remember I've been telling you that I've been working on knitted baby stuff for my new niece? I didn't want to go into much detail until I could get some good pictures to show you, and it's been dark and rainy until today. The sun is actually out today, which makes for perfect picture taking weather.

Stu is out this morning, so I can pin my projects to his futon without him getting mad about me sticking holes in his bed. Um...I mean, I never put pins in his bed....

I was at Urban Yarns last Monday, looking for a cute pink project to knit for the new baby, and I managed to find two (amazing, I know!). Both projects are out of Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino pattern book.


The first project I've been working on is the pair of baby booties. They are so adorable, and really easy. I have never seen a pattern tell you to cut the yarn, then reattach it again so many times. I had about 12 ends per bootie to weave in! Bootie one has all the ends woven in and just needs a button, which I picked up earlier this week. Bootie two still needs its ends woven in and a button. They sure don't take much time or yarn to make. Maybe half a ball of Cashmerino Baby.

I don't really like weaving in ends (who does?), so I've been busying myself with the sweater I'm making for the baby. It's the Matinee Coat from the same book. Believe it or not, this coat is the first time I've ever used the seed/moss stitch! It's coming out really nicely, and I will definitely use it again. It looks so professional. This little coat is knitting up surprisingly quickly, and the moss stitch is not nearly as fiddly as I thought it would be.

I've had a really hard time getting an accurate color picture, so I've grabbed some pics from the Debbie Bliss website to show the color a bit better. I decided that I liked the pink in the book, so I went with the same one. The coat only takes 4 balls (or at least that's what the pattern says).

I just love the idea of a matching sweater/coat and booties.

I'm guessing you guys can tell the difference between my pics, and the professional ones. The professional ones capture the real color of the yarn much better than mine, but I've posted mine to give you an idea of my progress.

I'll post more progress pics as they come.

Do You Want To Hear Something Stupid?

It's really embarrassing, and I've been debating about whether to tell you about it or not. I'd rather pretend it didn't happen, but I think you'll get a kick out of it.

I started knitting a nice easy sock. I needed to knit something mindless after knitting the Falling Leaves sock from Knitty.com. Did I ever post about that?

I started with some nice Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock yarn in Seaside, a 2.0mm circ (for magic loop), and just jumped in.

I did ribbing until I didn't feel like it anymore, then switched to stockinette, until I felt the leg was long enough.

I was just cruising along, and was really happy when I thought the leg was long enough, and proceeded to start the heal turn.

Does it seem like I missed a step to you? Yeah, I got half way through the heal turn, before I realized that I forgot to knit a heel flap. Doh!!

I played it cool though. I was like " I know how to fix this, I'll just rip it down to the point before I started the heel turn". I was using the ripping technique where you insert an needle, then rip it down (which I had thought I'd mastered). Note to self: Practice this technique!

Now I have one side of the sock on a stitch marker, and the other side is ripped down too far and the stitches aren't being held by anything. I was just going to frog the whole thing, but I decided to use a yarn needle and thread a piece of waste yarn through, so I can reinsert the needle.

The disappointing thing about the "mistake" in this sock is that this is my first time using Lorna's Laces, and I really love knitting with it. Also, I can't wait to wear these socks! So soft!

In good news, I just had to show everyone this amazing orange I ate earlier. I was really really good and sweet, but that isn't the cool thing about it. It's coloured like a grapefruit! But it's an orange! The sking is orange and everything.

I don't know if you can see the ruby colour of this orange. It's not a blood-orange, it's different from that. I've never seen anything like this before.

If you're local and want to try one, I got mine at Capers on Saturday. I really recommend a taste!

I guess I can now call my blog a "knitting and odd fruit review blog". Yeah, I don't think so!

2000 Socks Knit Along for 2006

I just found out about a great knit along for sock knitters. The goal of the knit along is for the participants to knit 2000 socks (combined) throughout the year.

I always like it when a knit along is for something I would be doing anyway. I just put the button (and link) in my sidebar under "Knit Alongs". Check it out!

Secret Pal 7

For the first time ever, I am taking part in a secret pal!! I've been watching other knitting bloggers participate for a while now, and have always wanted to take part. I figured that Secret Pal 7 would be a great place to jump in!

The Questions---


1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?

I am a total yarn snob! There, I've admitted it. A tiny bit of artificial content is okay though (I'd say 30% or less). Hey, I guess I'm also a very specific yarn snob.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I have used a drop spindle and have done some crocheting in the past, but I don't any more. I'd rather be knitting.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I just got a blue Lantern Moon Silk Needle Case for Xmas. The rest are randomly located in my yarn bins, behind couch cushions, under the couch, etc.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit when I was about 5 (knitting off and on for a few years), then I picked it up again when I was 18 (I'm 22 now). I'd say that I am somewhere between intermediate and advanced, leaning towards the advanced side.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Nope.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Hmm... I like vanilla, bergamot, lavender.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I do have a bit of a sweet tooth. My favorites are chocolate, and anything chewy, like gummy bears, caramel, etc. Oh yeah, I love caramel!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I've tried lots of things, but I'm an utter failure at most of them. I stick to the knitting!

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD).

My computer, and my iPod both love MP3s. I mostly like rap and hip-hop, but I'm also loving INXS right now, and Nickelback, and I love Celtic music. Okay, honestly, I love all kinds of music. I've even been known to enjoy some country music once in a while.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I usually stick with blues, greens, reds, pinks, and pale purple. I love pastels, but rarely buy them (I don't know why I don't). I've ordered some Sunshine Yarn, so come back in a few days to see my ideal colours. I think they're fairly representative.

I stay away from browns. I find them a bit boring. Oh, and I don't really like neons, or bright orange or yellow. Super muted of these is fine though.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live with my fiance, our little (obnoxious) grey tabby, and several small tropical fish.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I rarely leave the house without a scarf. I never wear hats. Sometimes mittens. I'm not totally into ponchos.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Fancy hand dyed sock yarns, merino, cashmere, anything handpainted, soft wool.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Acrylic!! I don't really like cotton all that much either.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Socks! They are by far my favorite thing to knit. I could knit them all day everyday. I've also been working on lace on socks. Fun fun!

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks.

17. What are you knitting right now?

Um...socks, baby stuff, booties, sweater, blanket, etc (for my new niece), Bolero Jacket from Simply Soft (Debbie Bliss). I'm sure there's more, but I just can't think of it right now.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circs.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Addi Turbos. Actually I've always wanted a to try the short straight plastic fruity coloured needles from Crystal Palace.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes, both.

22. How did you learn to knit?

My Grandma, then books.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Maybe a year?

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

I'm really starting to like Hello Kitty.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I don't have any, but I like VK, and have always wanted to get my hands on a copy of IK.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

I girl can always use more sock yarn! The fruity Crystal Palace needles (above). I can't really think of any patterns, but I always keep an eye out for easy lace sock patterns.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I can't think of anything off the top of my head. I leaned lots of new techniques over the last year, so I'm just sort of running with them.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Totally! My foot is 10 inches long, 9 inches around the ball of my foot, and my ankle is 9.5 inches around.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

April 27.

Why Yes, This Is The Second Post Today

I went on a button excursion to A Touch of Wool on Dunbar Street today, and found some cute/pretty/suitable buttons for the booties I've been working one. They look like little pearls.

One bootie is done (except for the button), and the other still needs its many ends woven in, and the button.

I hate finishing work. I think it's because I have no confidence in my finishing work, because I haven't really done much of it. This includes weaving in the ends. I think I'm getting better though.

I broke down and got an Addi Turbo in the 3.25mm size to use on the baby sweater today. Things are moving along much more quickly now. I hope to get the majority of it done by the end of the weekend, since I'm going to kick the job search into high gear on Monday.

I have the whole weekend to knit freely, since Stu kindly (very very kindly) did ALL of the dishes tonight. My mind and energy have been elsewhere lately, so there has been absolutely NO housework happening here.

I really want to get some knitting progress pics posted this weekend as well. I just have to make sure I remember while it's still light out.

Can you believe that tomorrow is the 7th day of the new year? It's been a week already! Is everybody sticking to their resolutions? I'm still sticking by mine, although I'm not calling them resolutions, because if I do, they won't last. I'm just calling them changes that happened to coincide with the new year.

Oh, I have a question that I keep forgetting to post about --

What makes a knitting blog a good knitting blog to you?

I'm really curious about your thoughts on this, and would love it if you would share your criteria/ opinions with me.

Thanks

I just wanted to thank everyone who commented on my post yesterday. I think your comments gave me a much needed boost of encouragement, and I'm feeling a lot better today.

I think I need to sort out a job hunting schedule. I've been thinking about a 2 hour mandatory search time in the morning, resulting in 4 applications being submitted. It'll be a bit of a challenge, but definitely do-able.

Hey! Guess what? According to my schedule, I'm already done for today!

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress, and thanks for your kindness (it was definitely needed yesterday).

I've been working on another baby project, and I'm not going to tell you what it is until I can take some pics, but the project got me thinking about knitting needles.

I started the project on a Crystal Palace Bamboo Circular 2.75mm needle. After a few rows, I was supposed to switch to a 3.25mm needle. Now, when I was at the store, I was like, "No, I'm not going to buy a new 3.25, I should make do with what I have, save money, etc." I should just hit myself with a shovel everytime I think something like that.

I guess I've been using Addi Turbos and other really nice needles for too long, because knitting with regular aluminum needles (I think they're Aero), seems like a rare form of torture.

The needles are also straight, and the long type, so I can't even sit down to knit, because I don't have enough room to maneuver it! I either have to stand up, or lie down.

Hopefully a needle change will make this go faster and be more enjoyable.
I'm only 3 inches into my project too, so I'm really considering getting a new 3.25 circ today.

I'll leave everyone with another adorable pic of my niece, who finally has a name.

Meet Anna Jane Blue--

I Think I'm Getting Discouraged

Today is day 5 of the job hunt, and let me tell you, it is not going well. I've applied for about 15+ positions, and not one call back yet.

It's difficult, because I'm not sure what I want to do, and even if I knew, I don't have any experience in anything relevant, so I couldn't get the job. At this point, I just want to work, so I don't have to worry about paying February's rent, and my growing Visa bill.

Why didn't someone tell me that a Bachelor of Arts degree in English was useless? Why? Why? Why?

My mom says that a degree is something that no one can take away from you, and that's part of its value. I don't think I could pay someone to take this one away, because there's just no demand.

Maybe I should start thinking about doing something unconventional. Maybe start my own business or something. Maybe, dare I say it, go back to school and get a useful credential. No, I'm not quite that desperate yet.

Maybe I should just start picking out my cardboard box. I hate job searching, and I don't think that job searching likes me much either.

I just spend and hour and a half searching monster.ca and workopolis for jobs, and I applied for a few. I don't think I'll have much luck though.

I'm not even sure I want any of the jobs I applied for. I just want to go and hide where there is no phone, so I can't get any calls, and just knit all day forever.

I guess I'm like a lot of people...Nothing comes easily for me, and every day is a constant struggle.

It's More Fun To Knit Than Job Hunt/My Love (of knitting) Can't Pay The Rent

That sweet little baby you saw a few posts ago has inspired me to learn to make booties. I was in at Urban Yarns on Monday afternoon to get inspired by pink yarn, since the new baby is a girl. After lots of looking around I found a Debbie Bliss book called, Baby Cashmerino. The yarn showcased by this book is Cashmerino Baby (yeah, um, duh!). I opted for the pink, which is quite pretty.

I always thought that booties would be difficult to knit, but it turns out that they're actually quite easy to make. At first I had no idea how they would come together, but I just kept following the instructions, and finally I had an "Ah ha!" moment, where it all made sense.

These booties are really surprisingly quick to make, and they are so cute! I'm really enjoying knitting them.

I got some new knitting needles while I was shopping as well. As most of you already know, Addis don't come in 2.25mm or 2.75mm needles. I was really disappointed about this. Yesterday, I noticed that Urban Yarns had Crystal Palace 35" circs in the proper sizes, so I got those.

Aparently these needles are new and improved, but the joins are still a bit rough. I think they'll be alright though. I've never used Crystal Palace needles before these ones (I'm making the booties on them), but I think they're actually quite nice to knit with.

Along with the booties, I'll be making the Matinee coat from the same book. The coat/sweater will be in the same colour as the booties, so it'll all be cute and matching.

In other non-knitting news, I got my hair cut today. He darkened it up a bit, and shortened it up a bit, and I think it looks great. I've got some long sweepy bangs going on, but they aren't really bangs. He said it would make me look more mature for job hunting.

Speaking of job hunting, I've had no luck yet. I've applied for an Administrative Assistant job, and I really hope I can get an interview for that, because it looks really good. I think I'm starting to get a bit stressed about finding a job.


My secret sock pal, Ariane at Wicked Stitches, received her socks today, and she seems thrilled with them. Head on over to her blog and check them out (she says she'll post about them soon). Check out the colour compared to the colour of the socks she knit for her pal. They're almost identical! I'm really glad she likes them, because I've been worrying that she wouldn't like them.

I really want to post pics of all my knitting endevours, but my camera is just not behaving, unless it has the perfect light, and it doesn't consider night time to be perfect light. I'll take pics as soon as I can. Hopefully I'll have at least one finished baby bootie by tomorrow.

Starting The New Year Off Right!

I wanted to post this last night, because everything was done but the picture taking, but I was really tired by 10pm, so I opted for bed instead.

I've got my first started object and my first FO of the year (and they are both the same project!). Talk about starting the new year off right.

I present to you, the No(ro) More Shinano(gins) Wrist Warmers.

Oddly enough, when this yarn barely touches your skin it's a little itchy, but in wrist warmer form, its not itchy at all. Besides, they're nice and warm and very fashionable.

They need a pretty good block though, because they're a bit tight. I don't want them falling down though, so they have to stay a bit tight.

Wrist Warmer #1 and #2 don't really look alike though. I guess that's what you get when you use one ball of Noro for a pair of something.

I think that one of the most impressive things about this project is that I only used one ball of Noro Shinano, and I still have a fair amount left. I was being cautious, and not making the warmers too long, because I didn't want to run out of yarn. I think I have enough left for an iPod cover or two. It's too bad I didn't buy more of this yarn, because it's really pretty, and I might have done some leg warmers out of it. I have some Silk Garden that I'm going to use for leg warmers though, so no worries.

And Finally Back To Thoughts On The Voodoo Wrist Warmers!

I started (and almost completed) one of the Voodoo Wrist Warmers from Knitty.com a few months ago. Unfortunately that button hole thumb thing was too tight, and I decided to frog the whole thing.

I moved on to other things, completely forgetting about the warmth and comfort of my wrists. This morning, I was looking for something to knit, when I remembered that the Voodoo pattern was still sitting on the back of the couch (no time for housework! too much knitting to do!). I decided to give the wrist warmers another go.

This time, I am doing my own thing! I'm using Noro Shinano and 4.5mm Addi Turbos for the magic loop after casting on 24 stitches. I did about 3 or so inches in 45 minutes, which isn't too bad. It's still in 2x2 ribbing, but I'm not going to do thumb holes. They are just going to be wrist tubes. I think they'll look good over a black top to add some colour.

Since I'm doing my own thing, and this is my second attempt, I thought I might rename them to No(ro) More Shinano(gins). Oh god, I hope that I'm not the only one who gets that.

As you can see from the pictures, the colour of the yarn is really quite pretty, and it's nice and soft.

After seeing my adorable new niece yesterday, I decided that she needs a nice handknit blanket. I'm really glad she's a girl, because I can make it pink, just like my blankie that I still have (I'm not ashamed, go ahead and make fun!). I had some Rowan Soft Baby to make a blanket from and I have 2 balls of a pale peachy pink and two balls of cream. I don't really like the cream, but the pink is quite nice. Originally, I started on the blanket in cream several months ago, using 4.5mm needles, and it was taking forever. This time, I was smart and started in the pink with 6.5 mm needles. It makes a really nice fabric, not to tight or too loose. I'm using straight garter stitch, so it's a bit boring to knit, but it's really soft, and I think that my brother and sister-in-law will like it. I think it'll look much better once blocked.

Oh, and by the way, the best way to have someone not want their own baby is not to put an adorable newborn in front of them.