I've been admiring my skein of Rook-y Silk Thread 2 that showed up yesterday, and as I look at it I think it may represent everything I love about color.
(Disclaimer: I have no education in color. I'm not an artist. I'm a science geek that likes lots of different things, and sometimes tries to reconcile it with the facts and figures that I may or may not be remembering accurately.)
(Disclaimer #2: I didn't sleep last night because some morons downstairs decided to assemble furniture until 1am, and that of course kept all of us up. I may be rambling just a tiny bit...)
As I've been becoming more and more of a knitter, I've determined that I have to knit what I like, both in pattern and in color. I'd love to have some nice warm mittens for myself, but I just don't really like knitting mittens. I love knit socks, but I don't have the patience for knitting them lately (not to mention that the combination of small needles and tight gauge aggravates my hands). So, I try to only work on patterns that I enjoy, that relax me, which for me does include complicated lace, strangely enough.
The color aspect also figures heavily in my enjoyment of a piece. From a young age, I always loved bright, multicolored things. I was all about the rainbow belts, sparkly t-shirts, and of course make-up well before I should've been wearing it. Make-up artist is my back-up career, and I've loved playing with color. I used to yearn for anything irridescent - fairies with those plastic rainbow wings, costumes with black irridescent beads. I can still spend hours gazing at soap bubbles, watching the swirls of color move back and forth, needing to get close up to see the intensity of the different hues.
I don't claim to know the difference, but I have a few friends that are painters, and I know from my science background that there's a difference between how color is perceived in pigments versus colored light. I have very basic knowledge from highschool and college physics, and I know that pigments reflect/absorb light differently. One thing that always stuck with me, though, was from an advanced histology course I took in university, and I think of it when I look at Rook-y, or at any of the Raven series from BMFA.
It was about the structure of feathers.
(and again, I apologize if I'm oversimplifying, or if I'm wrong; this is what I remember about that series of lectures)
Feathers are composed of a protein, keratin. In their natural state, the color of a feather is a result of reflected light that depends on the protein crystal structure. It's not pigment - the beautiful, intense, irridescence that we see on feathers, particularly the gorgeous greens and blues that shine on black feathers, is light. To me, that was the neatest, coolest effect I'd ever learned about, since I always thought that we can only get intense colors from pigment. I also loved the fact that this gorgeous effect was 'constructed' from light.
So, to me, that makes this yarn even more beautiful, and it makes me appreciate the skills of our hand dyers even more. I think the silk takes dye more intensely, but still has that lovely sheen. It really does look like they took feathers and spun them into silk. How Tina managed to capture light in her dye, I'll never know.
I'm really looking forward to tackling this project once the Shipwreck is done. I won't even wind the yarn until that point, though; it's just too beautiful to resist.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Bad. Bad bad bad.
Although, maybe not as bad as it could be.
I've actually been knitting on my Shipwreck a little bit in the evenings, and it's coming along... I have something like 20 more rounds in the border lace, and then a big ol' bind off round, and it'll be done. Once it's bound off, I'll track down a big pot to dye that sucker in, and be supremely proud of myself (hopefully).
Of course, I'm planning on my next projects before my existing ones are finished, and it's always bad to do that. I still have the Central Park Hoodie in the line-up, but I really don't feel like knitting myself a huge sweater right now. I'm liking the lace, but wanting a challenge, so I'm going to do Aeolian from Knitty Spring '09.
(pardon my laziness, but I can't bring myself to make all the linky in this post, except to say that Maia inspired me to tackle Aeolian, and I hope I'm worthy).
So, I ordered myself some laceweight silk. Gah.
I'm still trying to sort through all my crap here to prepare for our move (in four weeks, dammit), and I have way too much yarn. I'm nearly finished the Boteh scarves for N.'s teachers, and I also like the crochet nearly as much as lace, so a few weeks ago I bought a bunch of Cascade 22o to do some amigurumi once we move and are settled. But this morning I proved that I can't enter my LYS anymore, since I have no willpower.
I went in to see if I could get an Addi for the Aeolian (the largest version calls for a US2 32" circ). They didn't have any US2's, but are willing to order one in for me if I decide to go that route. (Un?)fortunately they were having a volume sale, along with clearance, so I ended up with a royal blue/green/grey skein of Noro Silk Garden sock (for my mom, I swear) and another skein of 220 in a green I couldn't get last time (both of which were 20% off), and three pretty little creamy-pinky-peachy balls of Crystal Palace Musique that were $3, down from $11.50 each! No pics, though, because the lighting today is totally crappy. The whole lot ended up being an average of 50% off the original prices.
And the silk laceweight? BMFA Silk Thread 2. It looks like it'll be GAWGEOUS.
*Sigh* I so don't want to pack boxes. Or clothes. Or dishes. I think I'll just catapult everything into the moving van in one fell swoop, see what comes out the other side.
I've actually been knitting on my Shipwreck a little bit in the evenings, and it's coming along... I have something like 20 more rounds in the border lace, and then a big ol' bind off round, and it'll be done. Once it's bound off, I'll track down a big pot to dye that sucker in, and be supremely proud of myself (hopefully).
Of course, I'm planning on my next projects before my existing ones are finished, and it's always bad to do that. I still have the Central Park Hoodie in the line-up, but I really don't feel like knitting myself a huge sweater right now. I'm liking the lace, but wanting a challenge, so I'm going to do Aeolian from Knitty Spring '09.
(pardon my laziness, but I can't bring myself to make all the linky in this post, except to say that Maia inspired me to tackle Aeolian, and I hope I'm worthy).
So, I ordered myself some laceweight silk. Gah.
I'm still trying to sort through all my crap here to prepare for our move (in four weeks, dammit), and I have way too much yarn. I'm nearly finished the Boteh scarves for N.'s teachers, and I also like the crochet nearly as much as lace, so a few weeks ago I bought a bunch of Cascade 22o to do some amigurumi once we move and are settled. But this morning I proved that I can't enter my LYS anymore, since I have no willpower.
I went in to see if I could get an Addi for the Aeolian (the largest version calls for a US2 32" circ). They didn't have any US2's, but are willing to order one in for me if I decide to go that route. (Un?)fortunately they were having a volume sale, along with clearance, so I ended up with a royal blue/green/grey skein of Noro Silk Garden sock (for my mom, I swear) and another skein of 220 in a green I couldn't get last time (both of which were 20% off), and three pretty little creamy-pinky-peachy balls of Crystal Palace Musique that were $3, down from $11.50 each! No pics, though, because the lighting today is totally crappy. The whole lot ended up being an average of 50% off the original prices.
And the silk laceweight? BMFA Silk Thread 2. It looks like it'll be GAWGEOUS.
*Sigh* I so don't want to pack boxes. Or clothes. Or dishes. I think I'll just catapult everything into the moving van in one fell swoop, see what comes out the other side.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How many ways can I say Meme?
A - Age: 29+
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: ironing
D - Dog's name(s): no pets
E - Essential to start your day: coffee
F - Favorite color(s): pink, purple, green, yellow
G - Gold or Silver: gold
H - Height: 5'7"
I - Instruments you play: flute, piccolo, alto sax, tenor sax, violin
J - Job title: postdoctoral associate
K - Kids: 1
L - Living arrangements: 1 bedroom apt with Hubby and N., soon to be 2 bedroom apartment
M- Most delicious treat: cake
N - Nicknames: Ellie
O - Overnight stay in hospital: only once, when N. was born
P - Pet Peeve: sidewalk hogs
Q - Quote from a movie: It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 2 brothers
T - Time you wake up: 7:00am
U - Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: fennel
W - Workout style: ha ha
X - X-rays you've had: one wrist, several ankle, one chest
Y - Yesterday's best moment: picking up N. at daycare and having him walk over to me all by himself!
Z - Zoo favorite animal: big cats, peacocks
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: ironing
D - Dog's name(s): no pets
E - Essential to start your day: coffee
F - Favorite color(s): pink, purple, green, yellow
G - Gold or Silver: gold
H - Height: 5'7"
I - Instruments you play: flute, piccolo, alto sax, tenor sax, violin
J - Job title: postdoctoral associate
K - Kids: 1
L - Living arrangements: 1 bedroom apt with Hubby and N., soon to be 2 bedroom apartment
M- Most delicious treat: cake
N - Nicknames: Ellie
O - Overnight stay in hospital: only once, when N. was born
P - Pet Peeve: sidewalk hogs
Q - Quote from a movie: It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 2 brothers
T - Time you wake up: 7:00am
U - Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: fennel
W - Workout style: ha ha
X - X-rays you've had: one wrist, several ankle, one chest
Y - Yesterday's best moment: picking up N. at daycare and having him walk over to me all by himself!
Z - Zoo favorite animal: big cats, peacocks
Monday, June 08, 2009
That way madness lies.
(With respects to Wm. Shkspr)
I've been running around and around in circles lately, not taking much time for reflection, or writing, or even a scarce breath, and I can feel the downward spiral begin, back off, and then begin again its inexorable turn. This post has been brewing for a while, and it has nothing to do with any sort of needlecraft or hobby or anything fun.
This happens to me periodically, although not as frequently in the past months. I think the last time was actually a freak-out leading up to going back to work after mat leave, about 6 weeks before I was due to report to the lab. That one was easily explained by hormones and lack of sleep, but this one has been a bit more difficult to pin down.
I've been dealing with work, of course, but that stress is pretty much self-inflicted. I try to do too much, I imagine horrible things, and I beat myself up for experiments that didn't work, but likely had no business working anyway.
There's a part of the work-stress that's not under my control, and that's my contract extensions, and it looks like the economy may finally hit close to home with us. We're privately funded, and have been able to get contract extensions based on our progress and potential quite nicely since I started. The original project was only supposed to take 9 months, but of course those types of estimates are rarely accurate, and we kept on working long past that. Unfortunately for me, this last extension was only for three months, and I may be out of work this fall. The problem is that it's so uncertain, I have no idea whether to look for another position, or hope we can extend past our existing contract.
We can afford for me not to work. We essentially live on one salary, and can continue to do that if I stay home provided we pull the baby out of daycare (and go back to the bottom of the waiting list). I think I can afford to keep him *in* for a couple of months, while I look for another job, but not much more than two or three. Of course, all this is outside my control at this point, and I'm keeping my eyes out for another position that can tide us over until Hubby finishes and we can move back home. So, that aspect of life, while scary, is completely expected, and we have lots of ways to deal with it.
We're also dealing with the M-I-L, but that's nothing new. She's extremely high maintenance, and totally not grounded in reality, and we're eventually going to have to send Hubby up to get her to stay in one place (rather than change apartments every 6 weeks; long story, trust me you don't want to hear it). Right now, she's been stable in the same place for almost three weeks, and seems pretty happy, so we're running with it. I know it's temporary, and the most we'll get out of this place is a few months until the weather starts to change again, so I'm waiting until the end of the summer to start actively worrying about that. And, she's healthy and safe, and has people checking in on her, so it's really not so terrible.
There is one thing I'm not directly dealing with in my day-to-day life, but it never leaves my mind for more than a few hours - my grandmother. Her Alzheimers is getting worse and worse, and my parents are doing their best to make life as normal as possible for everyone involved, but it's so hard. She's at the stage now where she can't make new memories, and she's having a hard time keeping things current for more than a few minutes. Mom will bring her over dinner, put it in the fridge for later, and call before bed, only to find Grammie had forgotten that there even was food in the fridge. She also believes her parents are still alive, and waiting down in the country at her childhood home (which was torn down almost 20 years ago). She keeps saying she needs to go and visit "Mumma and Daddy", and it's so classic that it just kills me. Alzheimers patients often regress like this, and eventually they get to a stage where it does more harm than good to remind them of the truth. My mom used to gently remind her that she's almost 90 years old, and ask her to think where her parents really might be, then she would feel stupid and angry at herself for forgetting. Now, if she gets reminded, or remembers on her own, she gets upset and can't believe that her parents are gone, and have been gone for 40 years. Each day she sets aside her best clothes, because she believes they'll "fit Mumma better" and she'll "bring them down to the country for Mumma when we go visit".
I hate rambling on about this, but I'm pretty sure it's the main contributor to my latest feeling of disconnect, of standing outside my own life in everything except my relationship with N. (who is the best, smartest toddler and saves my life every day), and my darling Hubby. I talk to Grammie on the phone every week, and she sometimes remembers me, sometimes remembers N.'s name, but even when she does, I can tell she only barely remembers. She forgot a few weeks ago that she had a granddaughter, until she was reminded of my name. This disease is so horrible, to have to watch a person disappear while she is still right in front of you, physically very healthy, but mentally absent.
I have so many facets that make up "me". I'm a mother, I'm a wife, I'm a daughter, a sister twice over (my relationships with each of my brothers are very distinct, and are both so important in their own ways), I'm a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, a cousin and niece, a scientist, a knitter, a best friend. And, I'm a granddaughter. Some of these facets are recent, nearly brand new; some are years old. I've been some of these things since I was born, and some only a couple of years.
Some of these facets are mine alone, and some are totally dependent on other people. I'm a knitter because I chose to embrace that part of my personality; I'm a scientist because I'm good at it. N. makes me a mom, and he lets me be make mistakes as I try to be the best mom I can be. Hubby makes me a wife, and I'm so lucky to have him. And so on.
I'm a granddaughter for my grandmother, but I don't know how to be a granddaughter as she disappears. I feel like I have to remember *for* her, but I can't do it for her, and the more we remind her, the harder she takes it. I also can't remember from her point of view, so I just remember from mine - the Christmases, the birthdays, the Sunday dinners; the baking lessons and sewing lessons, playing cards for pennies at her kitchen table.
I'm trying to keep a sense of myself as this goes on, and it's so hard. The thing that hurts is that as she disappears, I feel like I'm disappearing too, and it's so scary. I have her name, and a huge part of my story is tied up with hers, written over 30 years, and the ink is fading, and the paper is crumbling.
I've been running around and around in circles lately, not taking much time for reflection, or writing, or even a scarce breath, and I can feel the downward spiral begin, back off, and then begin again its inexorable turn. This post has been brewing for a while, and it has nothing to do with any sort of needlecraft or hobby or anything fun.
This happens to me periodically, although not as frequently in the past months. I think the last time was actually a freak-out leading up to going back to work after mat leave, about 6 weeks before I was due to report to the lab. That one was easily explained by hormones and lack of sleep, but this one has been a bit more difficult to pin down.
I've been dealing with work, of course, but that stress is pretty much self-inflicted. I try to do too much, I imagine horrible things, and I beat myself up for experiments that didn't work, but likely had no business working anyway.
There's a part of the work-stress that's not under my control, and that's my contract extensions, and it looks like the economy may finally hit close to home with us. We're privately funded, and have been able to get contract extensions based on our progress and potential quite nicely since I started. The original project was only supposed to take 9 months, but of course those types of estimates are rarely accurate, and we kept on working long past that. Unfortunately for me, this last extension was only for three months, and I may be out of work this fall. The problem is that it's so uncertain, I have no idea whether to look for another position, or hope we can extend past our existing contract.
We can afford for me not to work. We essentially live on one salary, and can continue to do that if I stay home provided we pull the baby out of daycare (and go back to the bottom of the waiting list). I think I can afford to keep him *in* for a couple of months, while I look for another job, but not much more than two or three. Of course, all this is outside my control at this point, and I'm keeping my eyes out for another position that can tide us over until Hubby finishes and we can move back home. So, that aspect of life, while scary, is completely expected, and we have lots of ways to deal with it.
We're also dealing with the M-I-L, but that's nothing new. She's extremely high maintenance, and totally not grounded in reality, and we're eventually going to have to send Hubby up to get her to stay in one place (rather than change apartments every 6 weeks; long story, trust me you don't want to hear it). Right now, she's been stable in the same place for almost three weeks, and seems pretty happy, so we're running with it. I know it's temporary, and the most we'll get out of this place is a few months until the weather starts to change again, so I'm waiting until the end of the summer to start actively worrying about that. And, she's healthy and safe, and has people checking in on her, so it's really not so terrible.
There is one thing I'm not directly dealing with in my day-to-day life, but it never leaves my mind for more than a few hours - my grandmother. Her Alzheimers is getting worse and worse, and my parents are doing their best to make life as normal as possible for everyone involved, but it's so hard. She's at the stage now where she can't make new memories, and she's having a hard time keeping things current for more than a few minutes. Mom will bring her over dinner, put it in the fridge for later, and call before bed, only to find Grammie had forgotten that there even was food in the fridge. She also believes her parents are still alive, and waiting down in the country at her childhood home (which was torn down almost 20 years ago). She keeps saying she needs to go and visit "Mumma and Daddy", and it's so classic that it just kills me. Alzheimers patients often regress like this, and eventually they get to a stage where it does more harm than good to remind them of the truth. My mom used to gently remind her that she's almost 90 years old, and ask her to think where her parents really might be, then she would feel stupid and angry at herself for forgetting. Now, if she gets reminded, or remembers on her own, she gets upset and can't believe that her parents are gone, and have been gone for 40 years. Each day she sets aside her best clothes, because she believes they'll "fit Mumma better" and she'll "bring them down to the country for Mumma when we go visit".
I hate rambling on about this, but I'm pretty sure it's the main contributor to my latest feeling of disconnect, of standing outside my own life in everything except my relationship with N. (who is the best, smartest toddler and saves my life every day), and my darling Hubby. I talk to Grammie on the phone every week, and she sometimes remembers me, sometimes remembers N.'s name, but even when she does, I can tell she only barely remembers. She forgot a few weeks ago that she had a granddaughter, until she was reminded of my name. This disease is so horrible, to have to watch a person disappear while she is still right in front of you, physically very healthy, but mentally absent.
I have so many facets that make up "me". I'm a mother, I'm a wife, I'm a daughter, a sister twice over (my relationships with each of my brothers are very distinct, and are both so important in their own ways), I'm a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, a cousin and niece, a scientist, a knitter, a best friend. And, I'm a granddaughter. Some of these facets are recent, nearly brand new; some are years old. I've been some of these things since I was born, and some only a couple of years.
Some of these facets are mine alone, and some are totally dependent on other people. I'm a knitter because I chose to embrace that part of my personality; I'm a scientist because I'm good at it. N. makes me a mom, and he lets me be make mistakes as I try to be the best mom I can be. Hubby makes me a wife, and I'm so lucky to have him. And so on.
I'm a granddaughter for my grandmother, but I don't know how to be a granddaughter as she disappears. I feel like I have to remember *for* her, but I can't do it for her, and the more we remind her, the harder she takes it. I also can't remember from her point of view, so I just remember from mine - the Christmases, the birthdays, the Sunday dinners; the baking lessons and sewing lessons, playing cards for pennies at her kitchen table.
I'm trying to keep a sense of myself as this goes on, and it's so hard. The thing that hurts is that as she disappears, I feel like I'm disappearing too, and it's so scary. I have her name, and a huge part of my story is tied up with hers, written over 30 years, and the ink is fading, and the paper is crumbling.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Another FO ;-)
Stop the presses, alert the media. Two FO's in one week!
(I didn't actually finish both so close together - this one was just waiting a disproportionately long time for some buttons; it's hanging out with the previous incarnation of this pattern)
Baby Yours for BBH (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Baby Yours by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (Ravelry link)
Size: 6 months
Started: March 1, 2009
Finished: May 16, 2009
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight, Colorway Lucky (March 2008 RSC)
Needles: US 4 / 3.5mm
Gauge: the recommended one; I don't remember what it is
Modifications: none
This is in the mail, off to the mommy of its intended recipient, due to arrive the beginning of July. It's the 6 month size, so hopefully it should fit him in the fall (it gets cold early in the season up there in Canada!)
These were so much fun to knit; I hope I'll be able to make a few more at some point.
(I didn't actually finish both so close together - this one was just waiting a disproportionately long time for some buttons; it's hanging out with the previous incarnation of this pattern)
Baby Yours for BBH (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Baby Yours by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (Ravelry link)
Size: 6 months
Started: March 1, 2009
Finished: May 16, 2009
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight, Colorway Lucky (March 2008 RSC)
Needles: US 4 / 3.5mm
Gauge: the recommended one; I don't remember what it is
Modifications: none
This is in the mail, off to the mommy of its intended recipient, due to arrive the beginning of July. It's the 6 month size, so hopefully it should fit him in the fall (it gets cold early in the season up there in Canada!)
These were so much fun to knit; I hope I'll be able to make a few more at some point.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
An actual FO
... but it's crochet. You don't hate me, do you?
(too tired to caption. baby awake at 5am. need coffee.)
So, this was terribly entertaining to make, but completely different than, say, knitting the central sections on the Shipwreck Shawl. Both were lots of fun, but one required lots of concentration and one required nothing but a chair for me to sit in.
It's like my TV watching habits, really: sometimes I like a super intense Law & Order episode, or even a really wacky Lost episode, where I have to pay attention and think about things if I want to figure it out (Shipwreck). And, sometimes I like a good episode of cheezy reality, like the Hills or some sort of Real Rock of Chance of Love in Charm School (since they're all interchangeable on VH1 these days), where I don't actually have to think much.
Don't get me wrong - I don't think crochet is any less intelligent, or any less difficult, than knitting. Right now, for me, it's actually more challenging to figure out the patterns. It's more that the Boteh pattern let me turn my brain off once I figured it out. A nice garter stitch scarf or a stretch of stockinette is the same.
I did immediately start a second Boteh, since I'd like to get a few of these made for my son's teachers, and they fit nicely in a small tote bag. I've gotten tired of dragging a huge 3'x1'x2' totebag around with me, and switched to a Vera Bradley tote (which was my Mother's Day gift, and I LOVE IT, btw), plus my very streamlined laptop case. Easier to carry two small bags plus the baby at the end of the day, instead of the huge tote that always fell over and dropped my stuff on the ground.
So, yay crochet. I won't be afraid of patterns that have crochet trim, or animals with crochet ears, although I'm not ready to take on any amigurumi or large afghans just yet.
(too tired to caption. baby awake at 5am. need coffee.)ETA: Stats for Ellie's Boteh
Ellie's Boteh (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Boteh Scarf by Kathy Merrick (Ravelry link)
Started: May 7, 2009
Finished: May 16, 2009
Yarn: Trekking XXL, Colorway 106 (pastels)
Hook: F
Gauge: ?
Modifications: none
Ellie's Boteh (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Boteh Scarf by Kathy Merrick (Ravelry link)
Started: May 7, 2009
Finished: May 16, 2009
Yarn: Trekking XXL, Colorway 106 (pastels)
Hook: F
Gauge: ?
Modifications: none
So, this was terribly entertaining to make, but completely different than, say, knitting the central sections on the Shipwreck Shawl. Both were lots of fun, but one required lots of concentration and one required nothing but a chair for me to sit in.
It's like my TV watching habits, really: sometimes I like a super intense Law & Order episode, or even a really wacky Lost episode, where I have to pay attention and think about things if I want to figure it out (Shipwreck). And, sometimes I like a good episode of cheezy reality, like the Hills or some sort of Real Rock of Chance of Love in Charm School (since they're all interchangeable on VH1 these days), where I don't actually have to think much.
Don't get me wrong - I don't think crochet is any less intelligent, or any less difficult, than knitting. Right now, for me, it's actually more challenging to figure out the patterns. It's more that the Boteh pattern let me turn my brain off once I figured it out. A nice garter stitch scarf or a stretch of stockinette is the same.
I did immediately start a second Boteh, since I'd like to get a few of these made for my son's teachers, and they fit nicely in a small tote bag. I've gotten tired of dragging a huge 3'x1'x2' totebag around with me, and switched to a Vera Bradley tote (which was my Mother's Day gift, and I LOVE IT, btw), plus my very streamlined laptop case. Easier to carry two small bags plus the baby at the end of the day, instead of the huge tote that always fell over and dropped my stuff on the ground.
So, yay crochet. I won't be afraid of patterns that have crochet trim, or animals with crochet ears, although I'm not ready to take on any amigurumi or large afghans just yet.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Meeeeeeeeeeme
65 Questions You’ve Probably Never Been Asked
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Navy
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Sleepy
6. What is the closest thing to you that’s red? 3M packing tape
7. Describe the last dream you remember having? Trying to sell chocolate bars to my boss for a fundraiser.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? No
9. What are you craving right now? Cake.
10. Do you floss? Not often enough.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? gypsies
12. Are you emotional? Overly so.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? All the time.
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Bite.
15. Do you like your hair? I used to, but not so much right now... I finally figured out I'm allergic to PPD, so I am very grey at the moment.
16. Do you like yourself? Usually.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I do not think so.
18. What are you listening to right now? Random TV.
19. Are your parents strict? They were, but I appreciate why, and am very grateful.
20. Would you go sky diving? No way.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? An author, an international recording artist, and I think maybe an actor.
23. Do you rent movies often? Not anymore.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you are in? My emery board ;-)
25. How many countries have you visited? I've visited and lived in two.
27. Ever been on a train? Yes.
28. Brown or white eggs? Either - they're the same nutritionally.
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes.
30. Do you use chap stick? Burts Bees.
31. Do you own a gun? No.
32. Can you use chop sticks? Yes.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Hubby and N.
34. Are you too forgiving? Not nearly enough.
35. Ever been in love? Yes.
36. What is/are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Not exactly sure - they're so far away :-(
37. Ever have cream puffs? Yes.
38. Last time you cried? A few days ago.
39. What was the last question you asked? “Anything else to go in the laundry?"
40. Favorite time of the year? Autumn.
41. Do you have any tattoos? No.
42. Are you sarcastic? Oh, yes.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No.
44. Ever walked into a wall? I think so.
45. Favorite color? All of them.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? I think so, but I don't remember.
47. Is your hair curly? No.
48. What was the last CD you bought? I don't remember.
49. Do looks matter? Not looks, but upkeep ;-)
51. Is your phone bill sky high? No (yay comcast!)
52. Do you like your life right now? Pretty much.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No.
54. Can you handle the truth? Yes.
55. Do you have good vision? Definitely not.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I think it might be four people.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Daily.
58. The last person you held hands with? Hubby.
59. What are you wearing? Pink tank top, navy sweat shorts.
60.What is your favorite animal? Ladybugs ;-)
61. Where was your default picture taken? Back in my old apartment
62. Can you hula hoop? I think so.
63. Do you have a job? Yes.
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Coffee.
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? No.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I neglected to mention...
.... that I also got my first offer of a commission the other day.
And it was for crochet!
I was working on the Boteh at lunch, and there's a nurse I see from time to time sitting one table away. Every time I see her, I'm working on something different, and she always asks about it.
This time, she complimented the scarf, and asked me a series of very pointed questions - how long will it take? What would that cost in the store? How much was the yarn? etc. etc. I could see where she was going, but said nothing, and eventually she said, "How much would you charge me for one of those?"
I waved my hand and gave a vague answer, but she insisted, "No, I'm being serious, how much? I'd give you tonnes of time."
The thought is tempting, considering I've seen dead simple garter scarves in novelty yarn sell in gift shops around here for $57. Trekking is retailing for ~$16.50, and I could easily charge $40, but I'm not sure that would cover it for me. I'm not trying to be greedy, and I don't think I'm that good, but everyone's time is valuable, not just mine. I knit to relax, as a hobby, and I don't have time to do unlimited projects, and I'm not sure I would want to do it for money.
My parents both have some experience in this area, so it's not foreign to me. My mom is a qualified seamstress, and did it full time for about six months when she was younger. She remembers the transition from hobby to job, and how her enjoyment faltered significantly. My dad does some really great woodworking, but again - on his own time as a hobby. He could make a lot of money at it, but he always told me he never would - it's no longer fun for him when he has a deadline or a specific order. He's like me - he picks projects that look interesting, rarely makes the same thing twice, and works at his own pace.
I told the woman in the cafeteria that I was very flattered, but that I didn't have time to get my own knitting done, let alone stuff for other people. She insisted she wouldn't pressure me, but I'm not sure that's possible when it becomes a business venture. I told her I would keep her in mind, but I don't think it'll happen right now, and I'm afraid she was insulted. I hope she didn't take it personally.
And it was for crochet!
I was working on the Boteh at lunch, and there's a nurse I see from time to time sitting one table away. Every time I see her, I'm working on something different, and she always asks about it.
This time, she complimented the scarf, and asked me a series of very pointed questions - how long will it take? What would that cost in the store? How much was the yarn? etc. etc. I could see where she was going, but said nothing, and eventually she said, "How much would you charge me for one of those?"
I waved my hand and gave a vague answer, but she insisted, "No, I'm being serious, how much? I'd give you tonnes of time."
The thought is tempting, considering I've seen dead simple garter scarves in novelty yarn sell in gift shops around here for $57. Trekking is retailing for ~$16.50, and I could easily charge $40, but I'm not sure that would cover it for me. I'm not trying to be greedy, and I don't think I'm that good, but everyone's time is valuable, not just mine. I knit to relax, as a hobby, and I don't have time to do unlimited projects, and I'm not sure I would want to do it for money.
My parents both have some experience in this area, so it's not foreign to me. My mom is a qualified seamstress, and did it full time for about six months when she was younger. She remembers the transition from hobby to job, and how her enjoyment faltered significantly. My dad does some really great woodworking, but again - on his own time as a hobby. He could make a lot of money at it, but he always told me he never would - it's no longer fun for him when he has a deadline or a specific order. He's like me - he picks projects that look interesting, rarely makes the same thing twice, and works at his own pace.
I told the woman in the cafeteria that I was very flattered, but that I didn't have time to get my own knitting done, let alone stuff for other people. She insisted she wouldn't pressure me, but I'm not sure that's possible when it becomes a business venture. I told her I would keep her in mind, but I don't think it'll happen right now, and I'm afraid she was insulted. I hope she didn't take it personally.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Is anybody still out there?
I wouldn't blame you if you weren't ;-) I pretty much suck at blogging lately, and I'm not sure why, but c'est la vie. It'll come back, I'm sure.
Life has been pretty good round these parts. My darling boy turned 1, two days later I turned (a great deal more than 1), and we had a great birthday week. I've been working steadily on the Shipwreck, and even had a great few hours when my mother was down for N.'s birthday where we put him in daycare, and sat in Starbucks knitting all morning before picking him up and heading home. I realized last week, though, that I have to put my Shipwreck down. Thousands and thousands of repetitions of k2tog/yo have been getting to me. I'll finish it, I'm determined, but I wanted something to work on during my lunchbreak that was more portable, but yet not socks. The Central Park Hoodie isn't going to be portable, and I've done cables lately, which means I want a break from cables, too. I have KADD (knitting ADD - apologies if someone else has coined this). So, what to do?
Enter the Boteh Scarf (Ravelinky) or as I like to call it, Suck it Crochet, I'll Beat You Yet.
I've always found crochet to be a bit out of my reach, and it was driving me bonkers. I used to make chains with my best friend when we were like, 5 years old, and had no crochet hooks but found our fingers worked fine. I managed to do two circles to sew onto the knitted elephant as ears last year, and it wasn't too taxing, but I felt like I never really got it. I have a teaching book that is a great start, and I spent some time in 2007 trying things out - sc, hdc, dc, shell stitch, etc. But again, I never got it; I found myself having to look at the directions every few stitches to see what I was doing.
It's a very intangible thing with me, getting it, and it took me quite some time before I achieved that level of understanding with my knitting. It happened, though, somewhere between my first BSJ and now - I can read my stitches, predict what happens next, and let a pattern flow. It's a pretty great feeling, and I've wanted to get there with crochet for years.
The other day, it happened.
Ages ago, I had bought the Interweave Crochet issue with the Boteh in it on the suggestion of the LYS owner, I think it was for a bag that's in there - she felt it was a good introduction to working motifs. I never went for it, though, and the mag sat on my shelf. But I'd seen the Boteh, and kept going back to it. It had a chart, which was scary but not completely out of reach (I knit better from charts than written instructions), but it also had written instructions that seemed clear. Every few months I'd pull it down, look at it, study it for 10 minutes or so, and put it back on the shelf. Last week, I looked again. Yep, still there. Still charted. Still foreign, but wait - when I looked closer, I realized it's made up of chains and only two other stitches - hdc and dtr. Dtr is rare, but not complicated, and hdc is nice and small. Chains are simple. Do I have a size F hook? Check. What about some fingering weight that I love? Holy Lord, check^∞. I finally settled on my one ball of trekking XXL, wound up from yet another failed sock, started with a simple chain, and trusted in the pattern.
It took me three modules of blindly following the written instructions before I could put the work down, look at it from a distance, and see what was going on. Then, over the weekend, it happened.
I got it.
I could see how the hdc's were making up the structure, what the turning chains of different lengths actually did (even though I know why they're there, in theory, from reading about it), and how a dtr is actually constructed. It was really a moment for me. I stopped needing to look at the pattern, or mark down which row I was on.
Ha! You won't beat me, crochet!
Now, I'm not under any delusions that this is a complicated pattern. It's only two or three different stitches, for heaven's sake. But I understand the stitches, just like I understand how different increases and decreases work in knitting, and how a cable is built. I know there's volumes to learn, and I haven't even touched crochet increases and decreases yet, but I feel it now. It's not untouchable anymore.
I'm not switching loyalties, though; I'm a knitter first, and I always will aspire to be a Knitter by trying more and difficult things. But, this small victory is huge for me. Plus, it's a cute, trendy scarf that could be whipped up with any of my sock yarns as a quick gift ;-)
~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, my husband is cute. He found this mug on the Starbucks sale shelf before I did, and insisted it come home with us for my birthday ;-)
Life has been pretty good round these parts. My darling boy turned 1, two days later I turned (a great deal more than 1), and we had a great birthday week. I've been working steadily on the Shipwreck, and even had a great few hours when my mother was down for N.'s birthday where we put him in daycare, and sat in Starbucks knitting all morning before picking him up and heading home. I realized last week, though, that I have to put my Shipwreck down. Thousands and thousands of repetitions of k2tog/yo have been getting to me. I'll finish it, I'm determined, but I wanted something to work on during my lunchbreak that was more portable, but yet not socks. The Central Park Hoodie isn't going to be portable, and I've done cables lately, which means I want a break from cables, too. I have KADD (knitting ADD - apologies if someone else has coined this). So, what to do?
Enter the Boteh Scarf (Ravelinky) or as I like to call it, Suck it Crochet, I'll Beat You Yet.
I've always found crochet to be a bit out of my reach, and it was driving me bonkers. I used to make chains with my best friend when we were like, 5 years old, and had no crochet hooks but found our fingers worked fine. I managed to do two circles to sew onto the knitted elephant as ears last year, and it wasn't too taxing, but I felt like I never really got it. I have a teaching book that is a great start, and I spent some time in 2007 trying things out - sc, hdc, dc, shell stitch, etc. But again, I never got it; I found myself having to look at the directions every few stitches to see what I was doing.
It's a very intangible thing with me, getting it, and it took me quite some time before I achieved that level of understanding with my knitting. It happened, though, somewhere between my first BSJ and now - I can read my stitches, predict what happens next, and let a pattern flow. It's a pretty great feeling, and I've wanted to get there with crochet for years.
The other day, it happened.
Ages ago, I had bought the Interweave Crochet issue with the Boteh in it on the suggestion of the LYS owner, I think it was for a bag that's in there - she felt it was a good introduction to working motifs. I never went for it, though, and the mag sat on my shelf. But I'd seen the Boteh, and kept going back to it. It had a chart, which was scary but not completely out of reach (I knit better from charts than written instructions), but it also had written instructions that seemed clear. Every few months I'd pull it down, look at it, study it for 10 minutes or so, and put it back on the shelf. Last week, I looked again. Yep, still there. Still charted. Still foreign, but wait - when I looked closer, I realized it's made up of chains and only two other stitches - hdc and dtr. Dtr is rare, but not complicated, and hdc is nice and small. Chains are simple. Do I have a size F hook? Check. What about some fingering weight that I love? Holy Lord, check^∞. I finally settled on my one ball of trekking XXL, wound up from yet another failed sock, started with a simple chain, and trusted in the pattern.
It took me three modules of blindly following the written instructions before I could put the work down, look at it from a distance, and see what was going on. Then, over the weekend, it happened.
I got it.
I could see how the hdc's were making up the structure, what the turning chains of different lengths actually did (even though I know why they're there, in theory, from reading about it), and how a dtr is actually constructed. It was really a moment for me. I stopped needing to look at the pattern, or mark down which row I was on.
Ha! You won't beat me, crochet!Now, I'm not under any delusions that this is a complicated pattern. It's only two or three different stitches, for heaven's sake. But I understand the stitches, just like I understand how different increases and decreases work in knitting, and how a cable is built. I know there's volumes to learn, and I haven't even touched crochet increases and decreases yet, but I feel it now. It's not untouchable anymore.
I'm not switching loyalties, though; I'm a knitter first, and I always will aspire to be a Knitter by trying more and difficult things. But, this small victory is huge for me. Plus, it's a cute, trendy scarf that could be whipped up with any of my sock yarns as a quick gift ;-)
~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, my husband is cute. He found this mug on the Starbucks sale shelf before I did, and insisted it come home with us for my birthday ;-)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A triumph of will
Well, I've been doing a bit of knitting lately, although not as much as I'd like. Baby N. will be having his first birthday this Saturday, and I've been stockpiling party necessities. For me, that includes baking cake layers and two dozen cupcakes, and freezing them for decorating the night before. Buttercream has been made and set aside, waiting to be colored and piped, and hats and noisemakers sit next to balloons that still need air.
I didn't knit at all on Monday, and I think my sanity suffered for it. I was tired to begin with, and I threw a couple of novels in my bag along with my shawl, because I'd missed breakfast and can't actually knit and butter a bagel in the cafeteria at the same time. I ended up reading one novel and starting the second, but didn't knit a stitch. And, I went home more exhausted, more scattered, than I was all day.
I did get one and a half rounds done on the shawl at lunch today, while chatting with Hubby, but it's not capturing me this week. I think part of the reason is that I swatched for my central park hoodie and I need to swatch again; plus, I'm not sure what size to make, and I'm having a crisis over it*. But, I'll keep plugging away, because I love a challenge, and the feeling of triumph is so 'lishiss.
(I have a friend with a two year old. "How's your supper Lily?" "It's 'LISHISS!" She's the one who's delicious ;-) )
So. Yes. Triumphs. I ran into a grad student a week ago, who was knitting while waiting for the bus; I know of her, but haven't met her, so I decided to ask her about her knitting. We chatted for a few minutes, and in mentioning my shipwreck, she said, "Circular shawls are fun. That last row will be a triumph of the will."
So, I'm pushing toward that. I think, by my calculations, I'm about a third of the way through the openwork border. I'm hoping to be done by winter ;-)
In the meantime, I'll be having a birthday party for my best boy, then maybe a little lunch out for my own birthday... I don't need any more presents - last year I got a baby for my birthday, and it's really tough to top that.
*The CPH is driving me nuts, though, truly. I like a snug sweater, and although some people say it runs small, others seem to have had no trouble. I'm at the top end of one size, but I don't want to go up a size and end up with a sweater that I'm swimming in, but I also don't like the pressure of needing to lose five more pounds to fit comfortably into a piece of clothing. Gah.
I didn't knit at all on Monday, and I think my sanity suffered for it. I was tired to begin with, and I threw a couple of novels in my bag along with my shawl, because I'd missed breakfast and can't actually knit and butter a bagel in the cafeteria at the same time. I ended up reading one novel and starting the second, but didn't knit a stitch. And, I went home more exhausted, more scattered, than I was all day.
I did get one and a half rounds done on the shawl at lunch today, while chatting with Hubby, but it's not capturing me this week. I think part of the reason is that I swatched for my central park hoodie and I need to swatch again; plus, I'm not sure what size to make, and I'm having a crisis over it*. But, I'll keep plugging away, because I love a challenge, and the feeling of triumph is so 'lishiss.
(I have a friend with a two year old. "How's your supper Lily?" "It's 'LISHISS!" She's the one who's delicious ;-) )
So. Yes. Triumphs. I ran into a grad student a week ago, who was knitting while waiting for the bus; I know of her, but haven't met her, so I decided to ask her about her knitting. We chatted for a few minutes, and in mentioning my shipwreck, she said, "Circular shawls are fun. That last row will be a triumph of the will."
So, I'm pushing toward that. I think, by my calculations, I'm about a third of the way through the openwork border. I'm hoping to be done by winter ;-)
In the meantime, I'll be having a birthday party for my best boy, then maybe a little lunch out for my own birthday... I don't need any more presents - last year I got a baby for my birthday, and it's really tough to top that.
*The CPH is driving me nuts, though, truly. I like a snug sweater, and although some people say it runs small, others seem to have had no trouble. I'm at the top end of one size, but I don't want to go up a size and end up with a sweater that I'm swimming in, but I also don't like the pressure of needing to lose five more pounds to fit comfortably into a piece of clothing. Gah.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
100 Truths meme
1. last beverage -> caffeine-free diet pepsi
2. last phone call --> Hubby
3. last text message → Hubby
4. last song you listened to → Nightblindness
5. last time you cried → three days ago
HAVE YOU EVER:
6. dropped your phone in the toilet → nope
7. depended on someone → yes
8. dated someone twice → yes
9. been cheated on → yes
10. kissed someone & regretted it → yes
11. lost someone special --> yes
12. been depressed → yes
13. been dumped → yes
LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:
14. pink
15. yellow
16. green
17. pink
THIS past 6 months HAVE YOU:
18. Made new friends → yes
20. Laughed until you cried → yes
21. Met someone who changed you → no
22. Found out who your true friends were → no
23. Found out someone was talking about you → no
24. Kissed anyone on your tag list → ?
25. How many people on your tag list do you know in real life → ?
26. How many kids do you want to have → total of 2 or 3
27. Do you have any pets → no
28. Do you want to change your name → no
29. What did you do for your last birthday → had a baby
30. what time did you wake up today → 6:15
31. What were you doing at midnight last night: sleeping
32. Name something you CANNOT wait for → moving!
34. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life → live closer to home
35. What are you listening to right now → Silver Lining
36. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom → yes
37. What's getting on your nerves right now → the too-cold temp in lab
38. Most visited webpage → flickr
FIRSTS :
56. First love → Mike
57. First piercing → ears
58. First best friends → Gina
59. First sport you joined → none
60. First pet → Muffin
61. First vacation → Halifax
62. First concert → Bryan Adams
63. First crush → Toby
RIGHT NOW:
64. Eating → nothing
65. Drinking → nothing
66. I'm about to → go eat lunch
67. Listening to → still Silver Lining
68. Waiting for → my brain to wake up
YOUR FUTURE :
69. Want kids → have one, want more
70. Want to get married → already did
71. Careers in mind → anything at HOME
WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? :
72. Lips or eyes: eyes
73. Hugs or kisses → both
74. Shorter or taller → taller
75. Older or Younger → older
76. Romantic or spontaneous →romantic
77. Nice stomach or nice arms → arms
78. Sensitive or loud → sensitive
79. Hook-up or relationship → relationship
80. Trouble maker or hesitant → hesitant
HAVE YOU EVER :
81. Kissed a stranger → no
82. Dined & Dashed → no
83. Lost glasses/contacts → no
84. Sex on first date? no
85. Broken someone's heart : yes
86. Had your own heart broken → yes
87. Been arrested ? no
88. Turned someone down → yes
89. Cried when someone died → yes
90. Liked a friend? → yes
DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
91. Yourself → yes
92. Miracles → yes
93. Love at first sight → not really
94. Heaven → yes
95. Santa Clause → no
96. Kiss on the first date → yes
97. Angels → yes
ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
98. Is there one person you want to be with right now → two - Hubby and N.
99. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time → no
100. Posting this as 100 Truths → yes
2. last phone call --> Hubby
3. last text message → Hubby
4. last song you listened to → Nightblindness
5. last time you cried → three days ago
HAVE YOU EVER:
6. dropped your phone in the toilet → nope
7. depended on someone → yes
8. dated someone twice → yes
9. been cheated on → yes
10. kissed someone & regretted it → yes
11. lost someone special --> yes
12. been depressed → yes
13. been dumped → yes
LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:
14. pink
15. yellow
16. green
17. pink
THIS past 6 months HAVE YOU:
18. Made new friends → yes
20. Laughed until you cried → yes
21. Met someone who changed you → no
22. Found out who your true friends were → no
23. Found out someone was talking about you → no
24. Kissed anyone on your tag list → ?
25. How many people on your tag list do you know in real life → ?
26. How many kids do you want to have → total of 2 or 3
27. Do you have any pets → no
28. Do you want to change your name → no
29. What did you do for your last birthday → had a baby
30. what time did you wake up today → 6:15
31. What were you doing at midnight last night: sleeping
32. Name something you CANNOT wait for → moving!
34. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life → live closer to home
35. What are you listening to right now → Silver Lining
36. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom → yes
37. What's getting on your nerves right now → the too-cold temp in lab
38. Most visited webpage → flickr
FIRSTS :
56. First love → Mike
57. First piercing → ears
58. First best friends → Gina
59. First sport you joined → none
60. First pet → Muffin
61. First vacation → Halifax
62. First concert → Bryan Adams
63. First crush → Toby
RIGHT NOW:
64. Eating → nothing
65. Drinking → nothing
66. I'm about to → go eat lunch
67. Listening to → still Silver Lining
68. Waiting for → my brain to wake up
YOUR FUTURE :
69. Want kids → have one, want more
70. Want to get married → already did
71. Careers in mind → anything at HOME
WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? :
72. Lips or eyes: eyes
73. Hugs or kisses → both
74. Shorter or taller → taller
75. Older or Younger → older
76. Romantic or spontaneous →romantic
77. Nice stomach or nice arms → arms
78. Sensitive or loud → sensitive
79. Hook-up or relationship → relationship
80. Trouble maker or hesitant → hesitant
HAVE YOU EVER :
81. Kissed a stranger → no
82. Dined & Dashed → no
83. Lost glasses/contacts → no
84. Sex on first date? no
85. Broken someone's heart : yes
86. Had your own heart broken → yes
87. Been arrested ? no
88. Turned someone down → yes
89. Cried when someone died → yes
90. Liked a friend? → yes
DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
91. Yourself → yes
92. Miracles → yes
93. Love at first sight → not really
94. Heaven → yes
95. Santa Clause → no
96. Kiss on the first date → yes
97. Angels → yes
ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
98. Is there one person you want to be with right now → two - Hubby and N.
99. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time → no
100. Posting this as 100 Truths → yes
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sending my knitting vibes out into the universe
I had another knitting-in-public encounter yesterday, and it was probably the cutest one yet... although it's been happening more and more lately, so I have a lot to choose from.
These days, I still have Mondays and Fridays off for the most part, but I don't like to take N. out of daycare those days because it makes his transition harder. So, I have two choices - go home and get stuff done around the apartment (and knit), or stay on campus and get errands done (and knit). I'd like to stay home for the day, even if just to keep on top of the laundry, and it would mean I have access to food and all-day coffee that won't cost an arm and a leg. The problem is - I can't seem to bring myself to leave N. on campus and go home without him; I feel like I'm abandoning him if I don't stay within a few minutes walk of the daycare center.
As a result, my Mondays and Fridays go something like this:
8:30am - catch bus to campus
9:00am - drop N. off at daycare, check in with teachers, kiss chubby kid cheeks
9:20am - buy coffee/bagel, hunker down at hospital caf (attached to my lab building), read while eating breakfast.
9:50am - commence knitting
11:45am - meet Hubby for lunch
12:10pm - recommence knitting
12:40pm - run errands, go to Walgreens, buy stamps, check on lab experiment
1:30pm - buy coffee, recommence knitting
3:30pm - visit Hubby at his lab to check email
3:40pm - recommence knitting
4:50pm - pack up knitting
5:00pm - pick up N.
5:20pm - on the bus back home.
It sounds very eventful, I know ;-) and I love having the time to put on my knitting and reading (I was an avid reader until N. was born, then lost the extra time to do it in). The problem is, I don't have a functional iPod right now (actually, I just don't know where it is) and the hours alone in the caf can get quite lonely. I really like it when people come up to me to ask me about what I'm doing.
Oftentimes, it's a group of two or three ladies that are there to eat lunch, and on their way out, they ask me what I'm making. When it involves a baby sweater, there are often comments on the "lovely colors", and those make me feel a little guilty. I don't feel like I deserve to be complimented on picking out the gorgeous hand-dyed yarns I use - those compliments should all go to the talented color artists like Tina Newton at BMFA and the talented people at Dream in Color. Sometimes I get the whole, "Gosh, that's so complicated - you're so patient and skilled" etc etc., and that one also makes me uncomfortable; I can follow directions when they're well written, and I'm selfish in knitting - it relaxes me. (And, these people are neurosurgeons and researchers half the time - if they don't have the skill and patience to knit, I'm thinking I don't want them poking about in my brain.)
Yesterday, though, was one of those "send out vibes and they'll come back to you" days. I ended up sitting in the middle of the caf, directly behind the cash, because it was really crowded and I couldn't get my usual quiet corner. But, I took out my Shipwreck Shawl anyway, since I really want to keep moving forward. I got to the point where I had to shift hundreds of beads down the yarn to be able to keep going, and as I was doing that I noticed one of the hospital volunteers watching me over her empty tray. She was the cutest little old lady, but made no effort to hide her staring. I smiled, and she came over to me to ask me what I was making, so I showed her the photo on the pattern, rather than taking an amoeba and trying to insist it would flatten out to a lace shawl.
She admired my handiwork, then started asking me about how I found time to do it, if I worked, if I was a mother, etc. I always love hearing people say things like, "You young people, I don't know how you find the time to do it all!" but it was nice to hear her add, "Sometimes you don't get to do it all, but the things that you should let slide are the cluttered house and the unfolded laundry - enjoy your kids and enjoy your hobbies, the house will always be there." She was amazed at the affordability of the yarn (she thought it was much more expensive, especially after hearing it was a silk blend), and that was kind of fun to talk to her about internet ordering.
It turns out she used to knit years ago, but has put it down lately in favour of painting and quilting due to macular degeneration. The wonderful thing, though, was when she spent a few minutes looking at the pattern, and at my knitting on the needles. She lit up and said, "I can see that! I can see the pattern and I can see what you're doing!" She told me she had a half-finished fisherman's sweater at home, and that she was going to see if she could pick it up again. There's nothing quite like hearing, "Dear, I'm so happy I stopped to talk to you. You've inspired me to knit again, I'm so thankful!"
(She was so excited that she left without taking her empty tray and garbage, and came running back two minutes later)
I told my mom about it last night, and then of course she and I got into a whole different discussion about knitters and knitting philosophy. I know in some ways it's just a dorky hobby, but I really feel like I belong to a wonderful, diverse community of talented people, and if I make someone's day a bit brighter, it's all worth it.
And, I get to look at pretty things like this ;-)
These days, I still have Mondays and Fridays off for the most part, but I don't like to take N. out of daycare those days because it makes his transition harder. So, I have two choices - go home and get stuff done around the apartment (and knit), or stay on campus and get errands done (and knit). I'd like to stay home for the day, even if just to keep on top of the laundry, and it would mean I have access to food and all-day coffee that won't cost an arm and a leg. The problem is - I can't seem to bring myself to leave N. on campus and go home without him; I feel like I'm abandoning him if I don't stay within a few minutes walk of the daycare center.
As a result, my Mondays and Fridays go something like this:
8:30am - catch bus to campus
9:00am - drop N. off at daycare, check in with teachers, kiss chubby kid cheeks
9:20am - buy coffee/bagel, hunker down at hospital caf (attached to my lab building), read while eating breakfast.
9:50am - commence knitting
11:45am - meet Hubby for lunch
12:10pm - recommence knitting
12:40pm - run errands, go to Walgreens, buy stamps, check on lab experiment
1:30pm - buy coffee, recommence knitting
3:30pm - visit Hubby at his lab to check email
3:40pm - recommence knitting
4:50pm - pack up knitting
5:00pm - pick up N.
5:20pm - on the bus back home.
It sounds very eventful, I know ;-) and I love having the time to put on my knitting and reading (I was an avid reader until N. was born, then lost the extra time to do it in). The problem is, I don't have a functional iPod right now (actually, I just don't know where it is) and the hours alone in the caf can get quite lonely. I really like it when people come up to me to ask me about what I'm doing.
Oftentimes, it's a group of two or three ladies that are there to eat lunch, and on their way out, they ask me what I'm making. When it involves a baby sweater, there are often comments on the "lovely colors", and those make me feel a little guilty. I don't feel like I deserve to be complimented on picking out the gorgeous hand-dyed yarns I use - those compliments should all go to the talented color artists like Tina Newton at BMFA and the talented people at Dream in Color. Sometimes I get the whole, "Gosh, that's so complicated - you're so patient and skilled" etc etc., and that one also makes me uncomfortable; I can follow directions when they're well written, and I'm selfish in knitting - it relaxes me. (And, these people are neurosurgeons and researchers half the time - if they don't have the skill and patience to knit, I'm thinking I don't want them poking about in my brain.)
Yesterday, though, was one of those "send out vibes and they'll come back to you" days. I ended up sitting in the middle of the caf, directly behind the cash, because it was really crowded and I couldn't get my usual quiet corner. But, I took out my Shipwreck Shawl anyway, since I really want to keep moving forward. I got to the point where I had to shift hundreds of beads down the yarn to be able to keep going, and as I was doing that I noticed one of the hospital volunteers watching me over her empty tray. She was the cutest little old lady, but made no effort to hide her staring. I smiled, and she came over to me to ask me what I was making, so I showed her the photo on the pattern, rather than taking an amoeba and trying to insist it would flatten out to a lace shawl.
She admired my handiwork, then started asking me about how I found time to do it, if I worked, if I was a mother, etc. I always love hearing people say things like, "You young people, I don't know how you find the time to do it all!" but it was nice to hear her add, "Sometimes you don't get to do it all, but the things that you should let slide are the cluttered house and the unfolded laundry - enjoy your kids and enjoy your hobbies, the house will always be there." She was amazed at the affordability of the yarn (she thought it was much more expensive, especially after hearing it was a silk blend), and that was kind of fun to talk to her about internet ordering.
It turns out she used to knit years ago, but has put it down lately in favour of painting and quilting due to macular degeneration. The wonderful thing, though, was when she spent a few minutes looking at the pattern, and at my knitting on the needles. She lit up and said, "I can see that! I can see the pattern and I can see what you're doing!" She told me she had a half-finished fisherman's sweater at home, and that she was going to see if she could pick it up again. There's nothing quite like hearing, "Dear, I'm so happy I stopped to talk to you. You've inspired me to knit again, I'm so thankful!"
(She was so excited that she left without taking her empty tray and garbage, and came running back two minutes later)
I told my mom about it last night, and then of course she and I got into a whole different discussion about knitters and knitting philosophy. I know in some ways it's just a dorky hobby, but I really feel like I belong to a wonderful, diverse community of talented people, and if I make someone's day a bit brighter, it's all worth it.
And, I get to look at pretty things like this ;-)Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wrecked.
So, the Shipwreck Shawl is all consuming. It helps, I suppose, that I've had a Friday and a Monday to work on it (my usual days off), but I'm surprised at how fast it's coming. I'm completely finished the center patterned sections, and am about 1/6 through the first row of netting.
It's about 7 times as big as this now ;-)
I'm under no illusions that the rest of it will go as fast, nor am I expecting it to remain portable. The initial netting row (yo, k2tog) involves moving from US4's to US8's, and it's proving to be torture. Even once I'm done that initial transfer, there's the bead issue to contend with, and I think I'll be lucky to get one row done per day. I'm thinking I might be lucky to get two done per week, actually. I just desperately hope I don't get so annoyed with this section that I give it up and let it hibernate. Although, I'm leaving the door open for anything.
Watching this project grow over just a few days, and enjoying it so much, makes me believe even more in the whole "knit what you like" philosophy. I don't do Christmas knitting very often, or even gift knitting (except for baby sweaters), because I don't like deadlines, and I don't like to knit with yarn or patterns that I don't absolutely love. I tried to do the Leyburn socks for the knit-along, but it was such a spectacular failure that I won't do that again. I like the yarn, of course (STR!), and I like the color, but the pattern wasn't fun for me, and the gauge was causing some flare-ups in my hands. I gave up, and I don't really regret it. Knitting time is precious for most of us (with the exception of those who do it for a living), and I feel it's doubly wasted when I knit on something I don't like - first, I'm not getting the enjoyment that I feel should come with knitting, and second, I knit much more slowly on things I don't like (more wastage).
I have to get over my complete hatred of frogging, though, in order to live my philosophy, since sometimes there's no way of knowing I'll hate a project until I'm knee-deep. Those Leyburns are still on the needles even though I know I'll never finish them, and I really should rip 'em out.
But not until I'm done my Shipwreck ;-)
It's about 7 times as big as this now ;-)
I'm under no illusions that the rest of it will go as fast, nor am I expecting it to remain portable. The initial netting row (yo, k2tog) involves moving from US4's to US8's, and it's proving to be torture. Even once I'm done that initial transfer, there's the bead issue to contend with, and I think I'll be lucky to get one row done per day. I'm thinking I might be lucky to get two done per week, actually. I just desperately hope I don't get so annoyed with this section that I give it up and let it hibernate. Although, I'm leaving the door open for anything.
Watching this project grow over just a few days, and enjoying it so much, makes me believe even more in the whole "knit what you like" philosophy. I don't do Christmas knitting very often, or even gift knitting (except for baby sweaters), because I don't like deadlines, and I don't like to knit with yarn or patterns that I don't absolutely love. I tried to do the Leyburn socks for the knit-along, but it was such a spectacular failure that I won't do that again. I like the yarn, of course (STR!), and I like the color, but the pattern wasn't fun for me, and the gauge was causing some flare-ups in my hands. I gave up, and I don't really regret it. Knitting time is precious for most of us (with the exception of those who do it for a living), and I feel it's doubly wasted when I knit on something I don't like - first, I'm not getting the enjoyment that I feel should come with knitting, and second, I knit much more slowly on things I don't like (more wastage).
I have to get over my complete hatred of frogging, though, in order to live my philosophy, since sometimes there's no way of knowing I'll hate a project until I'm knee-deep. Those Leyburns are still on the needles even though I know I'll never finish them, and I really should rip 'em out.
But not until I'm done my Shipwreck ;-)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
LOVE.
Lace, that is.
I cast on yesterday for the Shipwreck Shawl (Ravelink), which I shouldn't have done since the latest Baby Yours isn't finished yet, but so be it. I've been sick, I felt like it, so there *stomps feet*.
I think I love knitting lace.
I realize it's not a hugely complicated pattern (or at least, the first two sets of charts aren't too bad), but it's so much fun. As I knit more and more projects, I find myself getting more and more comfortable with the process, and I love it. I also feel like I can "read" my knitting better, and once I'm in the swing of it, it's easier to predict what comes next and/or memorize the charts, rather than looking up at every single stitch to double check.
I'm halfway through the Bleeding Heart section, and I'm a bit worried about all the stitch marker shifting in the Madeira chart, but we'll see how it goes. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the process.
I cast on yesterday for the Shipwreck Shawl (Ravelink), which I shouldn't have done since the latest Baby Yours isn't finished yet, but so be it. I've been sick, I felt like it, so there *stomps feet*.
I think I love knitting lace.
I realize it's not a hugely complicated pattern (or at least, the first two sets of charts aren't too bad), but it's so much fun. As I knit more and more projects, I find myself getting more and more comfortable with the process, and I love it. I also feel like I can "read" my knitting better, and once I'm in the swing of it, it's easier to predict what comes next and/or memorize the charts, rather than looking up at every single stitch to double check.
I'm halfway through the Bleeding Heart section, and I'm a bit worried about all the stitch marker shifting in the Madeira chart, but we'll see how it goes. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the process.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Are crappy pictures better than no pictures at all?
I'm going to assume yes.
Clockwise from top right:
Knitpicks interchangeable needle set,
Knitpicks bare merino/silk sock yarn,
Jacquard Acid dyes in Sapphire Blue and Jet Black,
Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Amethyst Heather,
and Knitpicks CotLin in Glacier.
My birthday haul is not too bad. I've been wanting the needle set for a while, since it's a pain to walk to the store each time I want a new length/size of circ. I'm hoping this is as useful as it promises to be. The Bare sock yarn and dye are for the Shipwreck Shawl (Ravelink) that I cast on yesterday. It promises to be an interesting knit, but I just couldn't resist it. I even have beads for it, which I may regret. The Wool fo the Andes is for a Central Park Hoodie, which I will start after I finish the shawl (hopefully), and the CotLin is for my mother - she wants to knit when she visits, and is scared to risk bringing knitting on the plane (although I know it would probably be fine). This way, she doesn't have to check luggage, and she can knit when she gets here.
I'm not totally oblivious to the fact that summer is coming, and all that wool isn't going to be that much fun to knit with, but I did get the majority of my clapotis done during the summer last year, and I tend towards air conditioned spaces anyway, so it shouldn't be too bad.
The Baby Yours for my friend is nearly done - the pieces are all finished, so it's just seaming and trim that's left. I should've done that before casting on for the shawl, but I felt like spoiling myself this week. The plague of cold and flu has once again desecended upon my house, and I feel like crap. Not helped by the baby waking at all hours because the poor little thing is congested. But, we'll get through it. Knitting helps, surprisingly ;-)
Clockwise from top right:Knitpicks interchangeable needle set,
Knitpicks bare merino/silk sock yarn,
Jacquard Acid dyes in Sapphire Blue and Jet Black,
Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Amethyst Heather,
and Knitpicks CotLin in Glacier.
My birthday haul is not too bad. I've been wanting the needle set for a while, since it's a pain to walk to the store each time I want a new length/size of circ. I'm hoping this is as useful as it promises to be. The Bare sock yarn and dye are for the Shipwreck Shawl (Ravelink) that I cast on yesterday. It promises to be an interesting knit, but I just couldn't resist it. I even have beads for it, which I may regret. The Wool fo the Andes is for a Central Park Hoodie, which I will start after I finish the shawl (hopefully), and the CotLin is for my mother - she wants to knit when she visits, and is scared to risk bringing knitting on the plane (although I know it would probably be fine). This way, she doesn't have to check luggage, and she can knit when she gets here.
I'm not totally oblivious to the fact that summer is coming, and all that wool isn't going to be that much fun to knit with, but I did get the majority of my clapotis done during the summer last year, and I tend towards air conditioned spaces anyway, so it shouldn't be too bad.
The Baby Yours for my friend is nearly done - the pieces are all finished, so it's just seaming and trim that's left. I should've done that before casting on for the shawl, but I felt like spoiling myself this week. The plague of cold and flu has once again desecended upon my house, and I feel like crap. Not helped by the baby waking at all hours because the poor little thing is congested. But, we'll get through it. Knitting helps, surprisingly ;-)
Monday, March 16, 2009
There's been actual knitting happening, although not much picture-taking.
I've been steadily working on the Baby Yours for my friend's baby boy-to-be, mostly on my days off, and it's coming along nicely. The back, and right front, are done, and the left front is nearly there. It's still lots of fun, but I'll have to do something else before I do this one again - I love the pattern, but I'm a scatterbrain with a short attention span. I'm surprised I even cast on for a second sweater in the same pattern so fast. It's really great in the STR, and I think this will be lovely.
(Total disclosure - I know this will be lovely, because searching on Ravelry revealed someone else had already done it in this color)
I also have ordered my birthday present, and it's supposedly in the mail winging its way to me. I was bad. Very bad.
Originally I wanted to order yarn for my mom. She's flying down for N.'s birthday at the end of next month, and wants to have a project down here to work on. She picked a nice little girl's sweater to give to Baby O., my niece/her granddaughter, and I ordered some yarn from Knitpicks. But, of course, I wanted to make the order worthwhile, so I put some yarn to knit the Central Park Hoodie in my little shopping cart. Finally. I've had the pattern for a while, and really want to knit myself a sweater.
So, that was fine. Until the spring Knitty came out, and I saw a shawl pattern that I absolutely fell in love with. I also really want to knit myself a shawl, and this one is just beautiful. It's knit in undyed yarn, has beads knit into the very wide border, and is dyed after the fact. So, I put some undyed yarn in the cart (the stuff that was called for in the pattern), along with two acid dye colors, as well as beads from a different website.
Gah.
Pictures, etc. later, I promise.
(Total disclosure - I know this will be lovely, because searching on Ravelry revealed someone else had already done it in this color)
I also have ordered my birthday present, and it's supposedly in the mail winging its way to me. I was bad. Very bad.
Originally I wanted to order yarn for my mom. She's flying down for N.'s birthday at the end of next month, and wants to have a project down here to work on. She picked a nice little girl's sweater to give to Baby O., my niece/her granddaughter, and I ordered some yarn from Knitpicks. But, of course, I wanted to make the order worthwhile, so I put some yarn to knit the Central Park Hoodie in my little shopping cart. Finally. I've had the pattern for a while, and really want to knit myself a sweater.
So, that was fine. Until the spring Knitty came out, and I saw a shawl pattern that I absolutely fell in love with. I also really want to knit myself a shawl, and this one is just beautiful. It's knit in undyed yarn, has beads knit into the very wide border, and is dyed after the fact. So, I put some undyed yarn in the cart (the stuff that was called for in the pattern), along with two acid dye colors, as well as beads from a different website.
Gah.
Pictures, etc. later, I promise.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Memerrific
39 Secrets About Yourself
Be HONEST no matter what.
1. Name one song that reminds you of an ex?
Mambo No. 5
2. Where was your profile pic taken?
My old apartment
3. What's your middle name?
Ellie
4.relationship status?
Happily married
5. Honestly, does your crush like you back?
Yes
6. What is your current mood?
Tired
7.What colour underwear are you wearing?
Bright pink
8.What makes you happy?
Having time to spend with my family, and a little extra to knit
10. If you could go back in time, and change something what would you change
I would get out of a couple of bad relationships earlier than I did.
11. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day- what would you be?
Cat
12. Ever had a near death experience?
I don't think so
13. Something you do a lot?
Worry
14. What's the name of the song stuck in your head right now?
None
15. Who did you copy and paste this from?
Ruthie
16. Name someone with the same b-day as you?
Michael Caine - a classmate, not the actor
17. When was the last time you cried?
A couple of days ago
18. Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?
Yes, two songs (and it was NOT for karaoke)
19. If you could have one super power what would it be?
Flying
20. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite/same sex?
Eyes
21. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Grande nonfat latte
22. What's your biggest secret?
How lazy I am
23. Favourite colour?
Pink
24. When was the last time you lied?
Probably a few days ago :(
25. Hopeful destination
Canada
27. What are you eating or drinking at the moment?
Coffee
28. Do you speak any other language?
French (a bit)
29. What's your favorite smell?
Baking pies
30. If you could describe your life in two words what would it be?
Nearly ideal
31. When was the last time you gave/received a hug?
Today
32. Have you ever been kissed in the rain?
Yes
33. What are you thinking about right now?
How much laundry there's about to be to fold
34. What should you be doing?
Folding the laundry
35. What was the last thing that made you upset/angry?
My mother-in-law
36. How often do you pray?
Not often enough
37. Do you like working in the yard?
Not really. Prefer sitting in the yard and reading/knitting
38. If you could have any last name in the world, what would you?
My own name
39. Do you act differently around your crush?
Nope
*Does anybody notice how many of the meme questions are starting to sound like they're written by junior high students? Although they probably are... duh ;-)
Be HONEST no matter what.
1. Name one song that reminds you of an ex?
Mambo No. 5
2. Where was your profile pic taken?
My old apartment
3. What's your middle name?
Ellie
4.relationship status?
Happily married
5. Honestly, does your crush like you back?
Yes
6. What is your current mood?
Tired
7.What colour underwear are you wearing?
Bright pink
8.What makes you happy?
Having time to spend with my family, and a little extra to knit
10. If you could go back in time, and change something what would you change
I would get out of a couple of bad relationships earlier than I did.
11. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day- what would you be?
Cat
12. Ever had a near death experience?
I don't think so
13. Something you do a lot?
Worry
14. What's the name of the song stuck in your head right now?
None
15. Who did you copy and paste this from?
Ruthie
16. Name someone with the same b-day as you?
Michael Caine - a classmate, not the actor
17. When was the last time you cried?
A couple of days ago
18. Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?
Yes, two songs (and it was NOT for karaoke)
19. If you could have one super power what would it be?
Flying
20. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite/same sex?
Eyes
21. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Grande nonfat latte
22. What's your biggest secret?
How lazy I am
23. Favourite colour?
Pink
24. When was the last time you lied?
Probably a few days ago :(
25. Hopeful destination
Canada
27. What are you eating or drinking at the moment?
Coffee
28. Do you speak any other language?
French (a bit)
29. What's your favorite smell?
Baking pies
30. If you could describe your life in two words what would it be?
Nearly ideal
31. When was the last time you gave/received a hug?
Today
32. Have you ever been kissed in the rain?
Yes
33. What are you thinking about right now?
How much laundry there's about to be to fold
34. What should you be doing?
Folding the laundry
35. What was the last thing that made you upset/angry?
My mother-in-law
36. How often do you pray?
Not often enough
37. Do you like working in the yard?
Not really. Prefer sitting in the yard and reading/knitting
38. If you could have any last name in the world, what would you?
My own name
39. Do you act differently around your crush?
Nope
*Does anybody notice how many of the meme questions are starting to sound like they're written by junior high students? Although they probably are... duh ;-)
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Baby Yours of mine
Finished, except for the buttons (these are stand-ins):
Baby Yours for a mystery baby (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Baby Yours, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, from Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Started: January 20, 2009
Finished: February 28, 2009
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy, colorway Butter Peeps
Needles: US 6/4.25mm bamboo 16" circs
Gauge: ~6st/inch in double moss
Modifications: On purpose - yarn selection, obviously. Things that just happened - I think I did my RT columns incorrectly, but they look OK; I wasn't going to rip it out because of that.
Thoughts:
The pattern is lovely, and was really fun to knit. I've been OK with cables before now, but this sweater really helped me with chart reading and complex cabling. I'll never be afraid of cables again. Next time, I might cast on fewer stitches for the front left and back panels, though; the M1's that were used to add enough width to compensate for the cable panel weren't quite enough to prevent it from pulling in.
The DiC is also really amazing; the color is so cute and fun and yummy. I'm not sure it's entirely suited for this pattern. It's finer than the STR Mediumweight that it calls for, and the resulting fabric is a bit flimsy.
I'm also wondering what it would be like if I replaced the double moss with stockinette, at least on the sleeves. I think the moss will be crisper in STR, so the next one I do will likely be in that yarn instead.
Bottom line - I'll be making this again. And hopefully again and again. This one will either go into my cedar chest for any future daughters I may be blessed with, or else I'll give it to Niece v1.0. It does deserve to be worn.
(After I get decent buttons, that is.)
Baby Yours for a mystery baby (Ravelry link)
Pattern: Baby Yours, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, from Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Started: January 20, 2009
Finished: February 28, 2009
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy, colorway Butter Peeps
Needles: US 6/4.25mm bamboo 16" circs
Gauge: ~6st/inch in double moss
Modifications: On purpose - yarn selection, obviously. Things that just happened - I think I did my RT columns incorrectly, but they look OK; I wasn't going to rip it out because of that.
Thoughts:
The pattern is lovely, and was really fun to knit. I've been OK with cables before now, but this sweater really helped me with chart reading and complex cabling. I'll never be afraid of cables again. Next time, I might cast on fewer stitches for the front left and back panels, though; the M1's that were used to add enough width to compensate for the cable panel weren't quite enough to prevent it from pulling in.
The DiC is also really amazing; the color is so cute and fun and yummy. I'm not sure it's entirely suited for this pattern. It's finer than the STR Mediumweight that it calls for, and the resulting fabric is a bit flimsy.
I'm also wondering what it would be like if I replaced the double moss with stockinette, at least on the sleeves. I think the moss will be crisper in STR, so the next one I do will likely be in that yarn instead.
Bottom line - I'll be making this again. And hopefully again and again. This one will either go into my cedar chest for any future daughters I may be blessed with, or else I'll give it to Niece v1.0. It does deserve to be worn.
(After I get decent buttons, that is.)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Greenery
So, I've wound both of my green choices, and tried my darndest to get decent photos.
Dream in Color Smooshy
"Go Go Grassy"
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight
"Lucky"
And, finally, a side-by-side comparison:
In the side-by-side, you can see that there's a significant difference in weight. I think the sweater I'm knitting in the DiC is working out nicely, although the fabric is maybe not as dense as it should be.
In terms of a color comparison, you can really see how bright the STR is compared to the DiC, but I really don't think it's fair to put them side-by-side. The DiC is very sweet and soft, without being anywhere near a pastel shade, but it of course looks dull compared to the STR. They're both lovely for different reasons.
I've sent pics to A., who will hopefully be enjoying looking at this sweater on her little one for a while, and I've asked her to choose. While I bought the DiC specifically to make a sweater for this baby, I'm actually hoping she'll choose the STR. It's bright and springy, and I do really enjoy knitting with STR. The Foo Foo February sweater was one of my favourite things to do in a long time.
Although, as an aside that I may have mentioned before, I'm not liking the STR for socks lately. I think it's just that I've been knitting things other than socks for such a long time, and the tight-tight gauge is hurting my hands; it may just be socks that I'm not liking, not necessarily STR for socks. I hate to give up so easily, but I'm not likely to be finishing the Leyburns I started, at least not anytime soon. I've developed some pain in my right hand that I'm not sure has to do with knitting (it's mainly in fingers that aren't involved in the actual knitting motions). I'm desperately afraid it's heralding the onset of arthritis; my mom, who worked for the Arthritis Society for years as a therapist, couldn't tell me that it's not possible, so I'm just keeping an eye on it for the time being. I'd hate to be forced out of this craft while I'm just getting going.
But, no decisions and no knitting today. N. was sent home from daycare yesterday with a fever, and we're required to keep him home until he's 24h fever-free, so I'm home this afternoon. The problem is that it was just a small teething fever that disappeared as soon as it came on, and he's been fine since 8pm yesterday. I still have to miss work, though, which irks me; I do appreciate the policy, however, since it keeps kids home that are seriously sick and contagious. So, we're going to go for a walk while it's still sunny, rather than sit in this tiny apartment bumping around like bees in bottles.
Dream in Color Smooshy"Go Go Grassy"
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight"Lucky"
And, finally, a side-by-side comparison:
In the side-by-side, you can see that there's a significant difference in weight. I think the sweater I'm knitting in the DiC is working out nicely, although the fabric is maybe not as dense as it should be.
In terms of a color comparison, you can really see how bright the STR is compared to the DiC, but I really don't think it's fair to put them side-by-side. The DiC is very sweet and soft, without being anywhere near a pastel shade, but it of course looks dull compared to the STR. They're both lovely for different reasons.
I've sent pics to A., who will hopefully be enjoying looking at this sweater on her little one for a while, and I've asked her to choose. While I bought the DiC specifically to make a sweater for this baby, I'm actually hoping she'll choose the STR. It's bright and springy, and I do really enjoy knitting with STR. The Foo Foo February sweater was one of my favourite things to do in a long time.
Although, as an aside that I may have mentioned before, I'm not liking the STR for socks lately. I think it's just that I've been knitting things other than socks for such a long time, and the tight-tight gauge is hurting my hands; it may just be socks that I'm not liking, not necessarily STR for socks. I hate to give up so easily, but I'm not likely to be finishing the Leyburns I started, at least not anytime soon. I've developed some pain in my right hand that I'm not sure has to do with knitting (it's mainly in fingers that aren't involved in the actual knitting motions). I'm desperately afraid it's heralding the onset of arthritis; my mom, who worked for the Arthritis Society for years as a therapist, couldn't tell me that it's not possible, so I'm just keeping an eye on it for the time being. I'd hate to be forced out of this craft while I'm just getting going.
But, no decisions and no knitting today. N. was sent home from daycare yesterday with a fever, and we're required to keep him home until he's 24h fever-free, so I'm home this afternoon. The problem is that it was just a small teething fever that disappeared as soon as it came on, and he's been fine since 8pm yesterday. I still have to miss work, though, which irks me; I do appreciate the policy, however, since it keeps kids home that are seriously sick and contagious. So, we're going to go for a walk while it's still sunny, rather than sit in this tiny apartment bumping around like bees in bottles.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
More sweaters to knit.
Well, my best friend A. decided to find out what flavour of baby she's having, and it turns out that it's pretty unequivocally a boy (yay!).
Which means that my yellowy-pinky Baby Yours (Ravelinky) sweater isn't going to cut it.
I could give her the BSJ I made out of my STR Lucy, which still isn't seamed or buttoned, but it's not speaking to me. I did ask her what she would like, out of the unisex/boy colors of orange, blue, green, and purple that I have in the Dream in Color Smooshy stash, and she was pretty clear that she wanted green.
(Although, she has no idea what kind of yarn I'm using, nor has she seen any pics, so she could be expecting any shade of green other than the one I have.)
Because she seemed to want green, I'm now re-thinking using the DiC, and contemplating using my skein of Lucky STR from last year's sock club. I've seen it used for a few baby sweaters on Ravelry, and it doesn't seem to be striping or pooling in any sort of obnoxious way. Plus, A. did mention that she likes very bright colors, and while I love the DiC Go Go Grassy, it's by no means bright. Maybe I'll take both skeins out tonight and give them a good look.
I have the sleeves and buttonband/edgings left to go on the yellow Baby Yours, so hopefully I can get it done over the next week or so. I'm desperately trying to actually take my days off, but it's a pain. I'm on contract as part-time, but I really want to push this project forward, so when I'm on campus to feed Baby N., I inevitably come into the lab for a few hours. Now that he's starting to wean, I'm hoping to actually only work part time, rather than give 15 or so unpaid hours per week. I'd gladly take the money and work full time, but since that's not an option, I have to start taking me-time.
(Gah. I'm all about the rambly posts lately.)
Which means that my yellowy-pinky Baby Yours (Ravelinky) sweater isn't going to cut it.
I could give her the BSJ I made out of my STR Lucy, which still isn't seamed or buttoned, but it's not speaking to me. I did ask her what she would like, out of the unisex/boy colors of orange, blue, green, and purple that I have in the Dream in Color Smooshy stash, and she was pretty clear that she wanted green.
(Although, she has no idea what kind of yarn I'm using, nor has she seen any pics, so she could be expecting any shade of green other than the one I have.)
Because she seemed to want green, I'm now re-thinking using the DiC, and contemplating using my skein of Lucky STR from last year's sock club. I've seen it used for a few baby sweaters on Ravelry, and it doesn't seem to be striping or pooling in any sort of obnoxious way. Plus, A. did mention that she likes very bright colors, and while I love the DiC Go Go Grassy, it's by no means bright. Maybe I'll take both skeins out tonight and give them a good look.
I have the sleeves and buttonband/edgings left to go on the yellow Baby Yours, so hopefully I can get it done over the next week or so. I'm desperately trying to actually take my days off, but it's a pain. I'm on contract as part-time, but I really want to push this project forward, so when I'm on campus to feed Baby N., I inevitably come into the lab for a few hours. Now that he's starting to wean, I'm hoping to actually only work part time, rather than give 15 or so unpaid hours per week. I'd gladly take the money and work full time, but since that's not an option, I have to start taking me-time.
(Gah. I'm all about the rambly posts lately.)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A February Baby Sweater for a February baby! (Sorry, no pics)
Well, my SIL had her darling daughter this morning at 6:20 local time, and everyone is doing just fine. No pics to post of her in the Foo Foo February and Foo Foo Booties, being as she's just about 16 hours old.
(Truthfully, there might not be any pics of anything but her feet - her parents are extremely private, and though I'm not sure they even know I have a blog, I have to respect their wishes.)
Suffice it to say, she's gorgeous, might even have some red hair, and the new family is doing just fine. It was a really great phone call to wake up to first thing this morning ;-)
(Truthfully, there might not be any pics of anything but her feet - her parents are extremely private, and though I'm not sure they even know I have a blog, I have to respect their wishes.)
Suffice it to say, she's gorgeous, might even have some red hair, and the new family is doing just fine. It was a really great phone call to wake up to first thing this morning ;-)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Allow me a moment, won't you?
I simply must go on and on about this sweater, and this yarn.
A beautiful sweater on a skanky windowsill... get some better backdrops, will ya?
Well, maybe not ON and on, but you know what I mean.
This stuff is yummy. I mean, Yumm. O. Seriously.
I've been checking it out online for a while, and there seem to be plenty of photos of a lot of their colorways to compare. Some shots are better than others, and the better ones are just gorgeous. In some lights this stuff almost glitters. I didn't fool myself into thinking that it was going to be quite that nice in person, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I picked the yellow to start with, partially because of its name ("Butter Peeps"), and partially because of its somewhat gender-neutral color. This sweater may go to a baby that's due to arrive in July, but it all depends on whether the mama decides to find out the gender, and if she tells me. I just couldn't resist the color, though.
The main base color is yellow, from what I can tell, but the color magic only begins there. It has patches of pink, peach, and some imperceptably green and purple spots that can even tend towards being a muddy light grey color. If you think about all the ingredients, you might be afraid that it'd be ugly, but it works so well. It's like the yarn is quiet and shy and is blushing from all the attention.
I'm loving the pattern, too; it's making for some great lunchtime knitting. This was the progress as of this morning:
Love. L. O. V. E. Seriously.
It's unblocked, of course, and slightly wonky, but this is the cabliest that I've ever gotten, and I have to say that I'm pretty darn proud of myself.
Although, truth be told, I shouldn't be so egotistical. I've determined that cabling is actually not that hard once you understand what's going on, and once you can go at it without fiddling with a cable needle, it's not that much slower than the check panels on the sides. I really find myself becoming a bit of a knitting missionary, and I have a feeling that this one is going to be a testimony. The mama-to-be is the same one who expressed an interest in learning how to knit, and got some Cascade 220 and needles from me for Christmas... we'll see how much these baby sweaters do to nudge her in the right direction.
(assuming, of course, that I can get the sweaters to her way before baby is born; she sure as hell won't have time to learn to knit after the birth for a loooong time!)
A beautiful sweater on a skanky windowsill... get some better backdrops, will ya?Well, maybe not ON and on, but you know what I mean.
This stuff is yummy. I mean, Yumm. O. Seriously.
I've been checking it out online for a while, and there seem to be plenty of photos of a lot of their colorways to compare. Some shots are better than others, and the better ones are just gorgeous. In some lights this stuff almost glitters. I didn't fool myself into thinking that it was going to be quite that nice in person, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I picked the yellow to start with, partially because of its name ("Butter Peeps"), and partially because of its somewhat gender-neutral color. This sweater may go to a baby that's due to arrive in July, but it all depends on whether the mama decides to find out the gender, and if she tells me. I just couldn't resist the color, though.
The main base color is yellow, from what I can tell, but the color magic only begins there. It has patches of pink, peach, and some imperceptably green and purple spots that can even tend towards being a muddy light grey color. If you think about all the ingredients, you might be afraid that it'd be ugly, but it works so well. It's like the yarn is quiet and shy and is blushing from all the attention.
I'm loving the pattern, too; it's making for some great lunchtime knitting. This was the progress as of this morning:
Love. L. O. V. E. Seriously.It's unblocked, of course, and slightly wonky, but this is the cabliest that I've ever gotten, and I have to say that I'm pretty darn proud of myself.
Although, truth be told, I shouldn't be so egotistical. I've determined that cabling is actually not that hard once you understand what's going on, and once you can go at it without fiddling with a cable needle, it's not that much slower than the check panels on the sides. I really find myself becoming a bit of a knitting missionary, and I have a feeling that this one is going to be a testimony. The mama-to-be is the same one who expressed an interest in learning how to knit, and got some Cascade 220 and needles from me for Christmas... we'll see how much these baby sweaters do to nudge her in the right direction.
(assuming, of course, that I can get the sweaters to her way before baby is born; she sure as hell won't have time to learn to knit after the birth for a loooong time!)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Meme. It's what's for dinner.
How old will you turn in 2009?
31
Would you date someone 8 years older than you?
Have no idea
What were you doing at 4 AM?
Sleeping
What's your relationship with the last person you texted?
Married to him
What did you do today?
Dishes, laundry, baking
What is the last card game you played?
cribbage
Will your next kiss be a mistake?
No
Where are your siblings?
Both back in my home province
Do you want kids?
Have one; will hopefully have more in the future (note - FUTURE. not NEAR future ;-))
Did you go out or stay in last night?
Stay in.
When is your next road trip?
Possibly late spring/early summer
Last time you saw your parents?
almost a month ago
Who was the last person to give you a ride somewhere?
Hubby
What were your first thoughts this morning?
Go back to sleep, darling baby, PLEASE.
Are you a jealous person?
Not really
Do you know anyone who has messed up your life?
Hm. I'd have to say yes, but I managed to fix it rather quickly ;-)
What side of a heart do you draw first?
left
What is bothering you right now?
Lonliness
Are you good at hiding your feelings?
No
Is there any meaning behind your profile songs?
Do I have profile songs?
Do you believe what comes around goes around?
Yes
Do you trust people easily?
Not since I got burned a bunch of times.
One thing you're looking forward to?
Sleep
Is it harder to be rejected or to reject someone else?
To be rejected
What was the last thing you drank?
Diet Sprite
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
Most of them have been around a very very long time
Would you ever parachute off a plane?
No way
Is your birthday on a holiday?
No
Do you want to hit something?
Not right now
Were you happy when you woke up this morning?
Yes, because N. woke up happy
What are you seriously wearing?
pink shirt, gym shorts
Do you currently have a hickey?
Heck, no
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Mom
Is there anything that you are craving for right now?
Poutine
Do you drink tea?
Not very often
Is anyone on your bad side right now?
Not really
Do you clean when you’re upset?
Sometimes
What are you listening to?
TV
Any plans for tomorrow?
Work for a 1/2 day, then lots of knitting
Who were your last 3 texts from?
All from Hubby
Have you bought any clothing items in the past week?
No
Has anyone ever asked you if you were retarded?
No
How tall are you?
5'7"
Do you wish you could be a kid again?
Yes
Do you lick your plate when you're finished eating?
Depends on what it is ;-)
Do you get mad if you lose?
Sometimes, but mostly at myself
When you say you don't care, do you mean it?
Usually
Where were you at 3:02 AM this morning?
Sleeping
What woke you up this morning?
The baby ;-)
When you are home alone, do you still close the door when you shower?
I haven't been home alone in almost a year...
What time did you wake up this morning?
6:50AM
What don’t you leave the house without?
Cell phone
Have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road to puke?
No
Have you recently done anything that you wouldn't want your parents to find out?
No
What happened at 9 AM today?
Baby N. had his cereal
How would you feel if your last ex fell in love with someone else?
At the time, I was upset, but now I'm grateful.
Does your phone normally ring in the middle of the night?
Not usually; when it does, it's always a wrong number
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
No
How many hours did you sleep last night?
8
Ever slept in a bed with the same sex?
Yes
Are you mad at someone?
No
Who do you live with?
Hubby and N.
Do you find the opposite sex confusing?
Not really
Do you trust all of your friends?
Yes
Has anyone upset you in the last week?
Yes
Do you always answer your phone?
No. If it's the MIL, I hand the phone to Hubby.
Will you be in bed within twenty minutes?
Probably
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I don't think so; I haven't been able to thus far
Does the future scare you?
Yes
Good day?
Meh
Do you mind being cold?
Not really
Are you afraid of falling in love?
No
Have you held hands with anyone in the past week?
Yes
Do you know anyone that smokes pot?
Used to, but thank heaven she's out of my life, for lots of reasons
Would your best friend forgive you for sleeping with their boyfriend/girlfriend?
Would never happen
Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Baby N.
Do you know anyone who's pregnant?
Yes, Dear friend A. and SIL R.
Is banana bread better with or without chocolate chips?
Without
Cheeseburger or Patty Melt?
Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Pepsi
What's worse; dry skin or chapped lips?
Dry skin
If you go to school, what color of notebook do you use?
Lab notebooks at work, endlessly
What color of lights do you put on your Christmas tree?
Multi-colored
Speaking of that... Do you like Katy Perry's song, 'Hot 'N Cold'?
Yes, but not her first single
What's usually colder, your hands or your feet?
Feet
Does your school focus way too much on sports?
My high school did, to the point where the academically inclined kids had to take it up with the stupid jock vice principal.
What color was the CD you last burnt?
Gray
What brings out the worst in you?
Dishonesty
Think back to a year ago: In what ways have you changed?
I'm a mother now, and I've learned to put myself last and I enjoy every minute of it ;-)
Doesn't it drive you nuts when people think they 'need' to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Sometimes, but everyone's different and I try not to judge.
Do you know anyone that thinks that?
Yes
Where did you buy the bra you're currently wearing?
Ummmm... what bra?
How long did you wait before going out with someone after you broke up with your last boyfriend?
I think I waited 18 months between last boyfriend and Hubby.... he was worth the wait.
What's your favourite song by 'Paramore'?
Who?
Do you 'Picnik' your pictures?
Nope
What's better: Grilled cheese or grilled ham and cheese?
Grilled ham and cheese
Would you rather go to Canada or Mexico on vacation?
Right now, I'd love to go to Canada.
If you ride the bus, where do you usually sit?
Front seat
What song is currently stuck in your head?
None
Have you ever been naked on webcam?
Hell no
If you have a garage, how many cars fit in it?
No garage, no car
31
Would you date someone 8 years older than you?
Have no idea
What were you doing at 4 AM?
Sleeping
What's your relationship with the last person you texted?
Married to him
What did you do today?
Dishes, laundry, baking
What is the last card game you played?
cribbage
Will your next kiss be a mistake?
No
Where are your siblings?
Both back in my home province
Do you want kids?
Have one; will hopefully have more in the future (note - FUTURE. not NEAR future ;-))
Did you go out or stay in last night?
Stay in.
When is your next road trip?
Possibly late spring/early summer
Last time you saw your parents?
almost a month ago
Who was the last person to give you a ride somewhere?
Hubby
What were your first thoughts this morning?
Go back to sleep, darling baby, PLEASE.
Are you a jealous person?
Not really
Do you know anyone who has messed up your life?
Hm. I'd have to say yes, but I managed to fix it rather quickly ;-)
What side of a heart do you draw first?
left
What is bothering you right now?
Lonliness
Are you good at hiding your feelings?
No
Is there any meaning behind your profile songs?
Do I have profile songs?
Do you believe what comes around goes around?
Yes
Do you trust people easily?
Not since I got burned a bunch of times.
One thing you're looking forward to?
Sleep
Is it harder to be rejected or to reject someone else?
To be rejected
What was the last thing you drank?
Diet Sprite
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
Most of them have been around a very very long time
Would you ever parachute off a plane?
No way
Is your birthday on a holiday?
No
Do you want to hit something?
Not right now
Were you happy when you woke up this morning?
Yes, because N. woke up happy
What are you seriously wearing?
pink shirt, gym shorts
Do you currently have a hickey?
Heck, no
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Mom
Is there anything that you are craving for right now?
Poutine
Do you drink tea?
Not very often
Is anyone on your bad side right now?
Not really
Do you clean when you’re upset?
Sometimes
What are you listening to?
TV
Any plans for tomorrow?
Work for a 1/2 day, then lots of knitting
Who were your last 3 texts from?
All from Hubby
Have you bought any clothing items in the past week?
No
Has anyone ever asked you if you were retarded?
No
How tall are you?
5'7"
Do you wish you could be a kid again?
Yes
Do you lick your plate when you're finished eating?
Depends on what it is ;-)
Do you get mad if you lose?
Sometimes, but mostly at myself
When you say you don't care, do you mean it?
Usually
Where were you at 3:02 AM this morning?
Sleeping
What woke you up this morning?
The baby ;-)
When you are home alone, do you still close the door when you shower?
I haven't been home alone in almost a year...
What time did you wake up this morning?
6:50AM
What don’t you leave the house without?
Cell phone
Have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road to puke?
No
Have you recently done anything that you wouldn't want your parents to find out?
No
What happened at 9 AM today?
Baby N. had his cereal
How would you feel if your last ex fell in love with someone else?
At the time, I was upset, but now I'm grateful.
Does your phone normally ring in the middle of the night?
Not usually; when it does, it's always a wrong number
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
No
How many hours did you sleep last night?
8
Ever slept in a bed with the same sex?
Yes
Are you mad at someone?
No
Who do you live with?
Hubby and N.
Do you find the opposite sex confusing?
Not really
Do you trust all of your friends?
Yes
Has anyone upset you in the last week?
Yes
Do you always answer your phone?
No. If it's the MIL, I hand the phone to Hubby.
Will you be in bed within twenty minutes?
Probably
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I don't think so; I haven't been able to thus far
Does the future scare you?
Yes
Good day?
Meh
Do you mind being cold?
Not really
Are you afraid of falling in love?
No
Have you held hands with anyone in the past week?
Yes
Do you know anyone that smokes pot?
Used to, but thank heaven she's out of my life, for lots of reasons
Would your best friend forgive you for sleeping with their boyfriend/girlfriend?
Would never happen
Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Baby N.
Do you know anyone who's pregnant?
Yes, Dear friend A. and SIL R.
Is banana bread better with or without chocolate chips?
Without
Cheeseburger or Patty Melt?
Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Pepsi
What's worse; dry skin or chapped lips?
Dry skin
If you go to school, what color of notebook do you use?
Lab notebooks at work, endlessly
What color of lights do you put on your Christmas tree?
Multi-colored
Speaking of that... Do you like Katy Perry's song, 'Hot 'N Cold'?
Yes, but not her first single
What's usually colder, your hands or your feet?
Feet
Does your school focus way too much on sports?
My high school did, to the point where the academically inclined kids had to take it up with the stupid jock vice principal.
What color was the CD you last burnt?
Gray
What brings out the worst in you?
Dishonesty
Think back to a year ago: In what ways have you changed?
I'm a mother now, and I've learned to put myself last and I enjoy every minute of it ;-)
Doesn't it drive you nuts when people think they 'need' to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Sometimes, but everyone's different and I try not to judge.
Do you know anyone that thinks that?
Yes
Where did you buy the bra you're currently wearing?
Ummmm... what bra?
How long did you wait before going out with someone after you broke up with your last boyfriend?
I think I waited 18 months between last boyfriend and Hubby.... he was worth the wait.
What's your favourite song by 'Paramore'?
Who?
Do you 'Picnik' your pictures?
Nope
What's better: Grilled cheese or grilled ham and cheese?
Grilled ham and cheese
Would you rather go to Canada or Mexico on vacation?
Right now, I'd love to go to Canada.
If you ride the bus, where do you usually sit?
Front seat
What song is currently stuck in your head?
None
Have you ever been naked on webcam?
Hell no
If you have a garage, how many cars fit in it?
No garage, no car
Leyburns
Ok... so I did cast on, and here it is:
I remembered why I switched from socks - the tight gauge and metal needles hurt, dammit ;-)
ETA: These are the Leyburn Socks for the KAL I mentioned.
I remembered why I switched from socks - the tight gauge and metal needles hurt, dammit ;-)
ETA: These are the Leyburn Socks for the KAL I mentioned.
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