2.27.2005
Rollin'
Finishing the Spiderweb Capelet seems to have had the same effect as a shot of Jack Daniel's after a loooooong day - complete rejuvination. I've been like a machine, I tell ya. A machine! I've finished the bottom half of the Einstein jacket and started the upper right piece, so I now possess renewed faith that I can actually finish it by the end of March.
AND I started working on the lovely Cathode. Unfortunately, the boucle I ordered from Handpainted Yarn needed to be doubled to get gauge and actually look right, so I had to order more. But I knitted until I ran out, and I'm almost to the point where I can separate the sleeves from the body - hoorah, indeed. Yesterday, Joe and I went to Pittsburgh Knit and Bead to find a suitable yarn for the ribbing since the burgundy I ordered from Knit Picks is much brighter than it looked on the computer. I ended up with 2 hanks of Gems Opal in eggplant, which the owner rolled into a center-pull skeins for me. Me loves good customer service! Even though the yarn is sportweight as the pattern suggests, I've read many blogs that recommend something heavier....hence, the 2 skeins. I've never seen or heard of this yarn before, but it's really nice to work with and was pretty inexpensive ($6 for over 200yds).
Last but not least, the Lucky Wrap Knitalong starts tomorrow, and I have yet to get gauge! Argh! Must remind my competitive self that knitalong does not equal race!
P.S. As I was typing this entry and simultaneously surfing the web, I came across the new edition of MagKnits. Miss Stefanie, you are just too fabulous for words! ¶ 19:15
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Finishing the Spiderweb Capelet seems to have had the same effect as a shot of Jack Daniel's after a loooooong day - complete rejuvination. I've been like a machine, I tell ya. A machine! I've finished the bottom half of the Einstein jacket and started the upper right piece, so I now possess renewed faith that I can actually finish it by the end of March.
AND I started working on the lovely Cathode. Unfortunately, the boucle I ordered from Handpainted Yarn needed to be doubled to get gauge and actually look right, so I had to order more. But I knitted until I ran out, and I'm almost to the point where I can separate the sleeves from the body - hoorah, indeed. Yesterday, Joe and I went to Pittsburgh Knit and Bead to find a suitable yarn for the ribbing since the burgundy I ordered from Knit Picks is much brighter than it looked on the computer. I ended up with 2 hanks of Gems Opal in eggplant, which the owner rolled into a center-pull skeins for me. Me loves good customer service! Even though the yarn is sportweight as the pattern suggests, I've read many blogs that recommend something heavier....hence, the 2 skeins. I've never seen or heard of this yarn before, but it's really nice to work with and was pretty inexpensive ($6 for over 200yds).
Last but not least, the Lucky Wrap Knitalong starts tomorrow, and I have yet to get gauge! Argh! Must remind my competitive self that knitalong does not equal race!
P.S. As I was typing this entry and simultaneously surfing the web, I came across the new edition of MagKnits. Miss Stefanie, you are just too fabulous for words! ¶ 19:15
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2.24.2005
"It's All Happening"
I'm still quoting Almost Famous. It will stop soon. I promise.
The last time you heard from me, things weren't going so well in Tara Land. Not well at all. And I wish that I could tell you that things took a turn for the better, but that would be a lie. A big FAT LIE!
I knit during my lunchbreak (who doesn't), and it is the one thing that gets me through 8 hours of agony. I brought the Einstein jacket with me to work on that day b/c everything else was in the shitter.
A simple garter stitch jacket. What could go wrong? Well, let me tell ya. When you start knitting your garment, it turns out that it's a mighty good idea to use a needle size smaller than the one used to for your swatch. Why? (Don't all shout the answer out at once.) BECAUSE GARTER STITCH STRETCHES! I take full responsibility for being a dumbass, but I just thought I'd warn you all in case you're suffering from a severe common-sense-deficiency like I was. Now, back to lunchtime... I'm knitting away on Row 162 of 328 when I start thinking "hmmm, this piece is really loooong". Whipped out the tape measure and felt the bile rising in my throat. I even tried scrunching the piece up like an accordian with the unrealistic hope that the garter stitch would "unstretch". It was too much to take. Another piece to frog.... Can this be happening? All I could do was hang my head in shame.
That night, I arrived at the apartment armed with the SNBN errata and a fierce determination to somehow redeem myself. Joe's "thing" was done blocking, and after some minor tweaking and end weaving, he was proudly sporting my first designed garment! After having regained some confidence, I again casted on for the Spiderweb Capelet. And by the end of the evening it was DONE! Well, except for blocking. But check it out!
That's me looking a little smug after conquering the beast. And the best part is that it took only 1 ball of JoAnn Angel Hair (I used a size 13 needle instead of 15 and then blocked it to size). Cue the music...
First I was afraid, I was petrified. Thinking I could never live without you by my side...
Go on. You know the words. ¶ 13:17
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I'm still quoting Almost Famous. It will stop soon. I promise.
The last time you heard from me, things weren't going so well in Tara Land. Not well at all. And I wish that I could tell you that things took a turn for the better, but that would be a lie. A big FAT LIE!
I knit during my lunchbreak (who doesn't), and it is the one thing that gets me through 8 hours of agony. I brought the Einstein jacket with me to work on that day b/c everything else was in the shitter.
A simple garter stitch jacket. What could go wrong? Well, let me tell ya. When you start knitting your garment, it turns out that it's a mighty good idea to use a needle size smaller than the one used to for your swatch. Why? (Don't all shout the answer out at once.) BECAUSE GARTER STITCH STRETCHES! I take full responsibility for being a dumbass, but I just thought I'd warn you all in case you're suffering from a severe common-sense-deficiency like I was. Now, back to lunchtime... I'm knitting away on Row 162 of 328 when I start thinking "hmmm, this piece is really loooong". Whipped out the tape measure and felt the bile rising in my throat. I even tried scrunching the piece up like an accordian with the unrealistic hope that the garter stitch would "unstretch". It was too much to take. Another piece to frog.... Can this be happening? All I could do was hang my head in shame.
That night, I arrived at the apartment armed with the SNBN errata and a fierce determination to somehow redeem myself. Joe's "thing" was done blocking, and after some minor tweaking and end weaving, he was proudly sporting my first designed garment! After having regained some confidence, I again casted on for the Spiderweb Capelet. And by the end of the evening it was DONE! Well, except for blocking. But check it out!
That's me looking a little smug after conquering the beast. And the best part is that it took only 1 ball of JoAnn Angel Hair (I used a size 13 needle instead of 15 and then blocked it to size). Cue the music...
First I was afraid, I was petrified. Thinking I could never live without you by my side...
Go on. You know the words. ¶ 13:17
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2.22.2005
"Excuse me, but would you please F*@# OFF!!!"
Sorry. Another line from Almost Famous. I just couldn't help myself b/c it fits the mood today.
Yes, it's one of those days...
Yesterday I was apparently too catatonic to form a rational thought and, hence, a blog entry that required any effort whatsoever. Or to stop myself from telling the world that I've been to a Vanilla Ice concert. What can I say? It was funny. And I was extremely wasted. Big Surprise.
Here's another shocker for you. Work sucked yesterday. I eventually started (okay, it started at 9AM) daydreaming about coming home and seeing Marion looking all beautiful and causing me to glow with copious amounts of pride. And then after basking in the glory of my own genius, I would start working on a new project..... the Spiderweb Capelet from SnB Nation. Funny how daydreams never pan out.
A Summary of the Evening's Events:
*girl arrives home and sees Marion on the dining room table.
*girl removes blocking pins and carries Marion upstairs to try on. Brimming with expectation
*girl tries on Marion....and appears to be wearing some sort of sack
*girl gently removes Marion, calls her a whore, and throws her into the corner
*girl goes to knitting bag where Spiderweb Capelet has been waiting patiently for some attention. Looking for redemption/satisfaction/bandaid for hurt ego
*girl takes Spiderweb Capelet downstairs and over the course of the evening, knits Rows 1-7.
*girl works Row 8 but at the end, the stitches....they just aren't working out!
*girl gets pissed and rips the whole thing out
*girl starts cursing out girl-who-designed-Spiderweb-Capelet for not listing the number of stitches you're supposed to have after the increase rows
*girl has a massive headache at this point so surrends to the knitting gods for the day and reads her Chuck Palahniuk book b/c only his sick sense of humor can make her feel better
So when I get to work today, before beginning any actual work, I decide to check out Debbie Stoller's site to see if there are any "hints". What I found, is a mistake that makes everything crystal clear.... Learn a little lesson from me, knitting boys and girls, and check here before plunging headfirst into one of the patterns from SnB Nation. Oy.
As for Marion... Well, first of all, she's not giving me much confidence in my designing abilities. But when I try her on and manipulate her to fit the way I want, she actually looks nice. Someday it will all work out....
Someday. ¶ 08:20
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Sorry. Another line from Almost Famous. I just couldn't help myself b/c it fits the mood today.
Yes, it's one of those days...
Yesterday I was apparently too catatonic to form a rational thought and, hence, a blog entry that required any effort whatsoever. Or to stop myself from telling the world that I've been to a Vanilla Ice concert. What can I say? It was funny. And I was extremely wasted. Big Surprise.
Here's another shocker for you. Work sucked yesterday. I eventually started (okay, it started at 9AM) daydreaming about coming home and seeing Marion looking all beautiful and causing me to glow with copious amounts of pride. And then after basking in the glory of my own genius, I would start working on a new project..... the Spiderweb Capelet from SnB Nation. Funny how daydreams never pan out.
A Summary of the Evening's Events:
*girl arrives home and sees Marion on the dining room table.
*girl removes blocking pins and carries Marion upstairs to try on. Brimming with expectation
*girl tries on Marion....and appears to be wearing some sort of sack
*girl gently removes Marion, calls her a whore, and throws her into the corner
*girl goes to knitting bag where Spiderweb Capelet has been waiting patiently for some attention. Looking for redemption/satisfaction/bandaid for hurt ego
*girl takes Spiderweb Capelet downstairs and over the course of the evening, knits Rows 1-7.
*girl works Row 8 but at the end, the stitches....they just aren't working out!
*girl gets pissed and rips the whole thing out
*girl starts cursing out girl-who-designed-Spiderweb-Capelet for not listing the number of stitches you're supposed to have after the increase rows
*girl has a massive headache at this point so surrends to the knitting gods for the day and reads her Chuck Palahniuk book b/c only his sick sense of humor can make her feel better
So when I get to work today, before beginning any actual work, I decide to check out Debbie Stoller's site to see if there are any "hints". What I found, is a mistake that makes everything crystal clear.... Learn a little lesson from me, knitting boys and girls, and check here before plunging headfirst into one of the patterns from SnB Nation. Oy.
As for Marion... Well, first of all, she's not giving me much confidence in my designing abilities. But when I try her on and manipulate her to fit the way I want, she actually looks nice. Someday it will all work out....
Someday. ¶ 08:20
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2.21.2005
"I Dig Music"
Sorry, I watched "Almost Famous" yesterday....
So Gwyn tagged me for this music thingamabob, which is pretty sweet b/c I don't feel like having to pull my thoughts together for an actual post today!
1. Total amount of music files on your computer?
How about none? I'm not too happy about this fact, but I'm not going to go into it b/c this post will quickly turn into a rant. Let's just say that if my local Best Buy goes up in flames, I'll be dancing around the fire playing the bagpipe.
2. The last CD you bought was:
Marilyn Manson's "Lest We Forget"
3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
Guns n Roses "Don't Cry" On my way to work. How fitting.
4. Write down 5 songs that you often listen to or that mean alot to you:
Okay, here's where I'm gonna dork out on y'all.... Most of my "music memories" date back to college, so be warned.
"Livin on a Prayer", Bon Jovi
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper
"Not Tonight", Lil Kim
"Lil Red Corvette", Prince.... or "Darling Nikki"...
"Ice Ice Baby", Vanilla Ice. (yes, Vanilla Ice! I've actually seen him LIVE. Picture that!)
And I'm throwing in "Pretty Noose" by Soundgarden. Just b/c it's my favorite song to crank up really loud on a Friday afternoon.
5. What 3 people are you going to pass this baton to and why?
I'm going with Nora and Holly b/c I want to know what's up with my fellow Pittsburgh knitters/bloggers and Tina b/c she rocks! ¶ 10:09
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Sorry, I watched "Almost Famous" yesterday....
So Gwyn tagged me for this music thingamabob, which is pretty sweet b/c I don't feel like having to pull my thoughts together for an actual post today!
1. Total amount of music files on your computer?
How about none? I'm not too happy about this fact, but I'm not going to go into it b/c this post will quickly turn into a rant. Let's just say that if my local Best Buy goes up in flames, I'll be dancing around the fire playing the bagpipe.
2. The last CD you bought was:
Marilyn Manson's "Lest We Forget"
3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
Guns n Roses "Don't Cry" On my way to work. How fitting.
4. Write down 5 songs that you often listen to or that mean alot to you:
Okay, here's where I'm gonna dork out on y'all.... Most of my "music memories" date back to college, so be warned.
"Livin on a Prayer", Bon Jovi
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Cyndi Lauper
"Not Tonight", Lil Kim
"Lil Red Corvette", Prince.... or "Darling Nikki"...
"Ice Ice Baby", Vanilla Ice. (yes, Vanilla Ice! I've actually seen him LIVE. Picture that!)
And I'm throwing in "Pretty Noose" by Soundgarden. Just b/c it's my favorite song to crank up really loud on a Friday afternoon.
5. What 3 people are you going to pass this baton to and why?
I'm going with Nora and Holly b/c I want to know what's up with my fellow Pittsburgh knitters/bloggers and Tina b/c she rocks! ¶ 10:09
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2.17.2005
Beating the Blah Blahs
I was getting myself acquainted with the gals in the Lucky Clover Knitalong today, when I came across Anna's blog. Apparently, I am not the only one feeling less than fabulous! Hmm, what gives? I think I'm taking Nora's approach tonight (even though it didn't work out for her, poor thing) and busting out the good stuff. Wine, the Einstein jacket, and "The O.C." As in C-ya later, blah blahs! (oh my god, I can't believe I just made such a lame joke!)
But I got a package in the mail today that definitely put a little spring in my step and lit the proverbial fire under my bum to wrap up the WIPs.
Oh yeah baby, that's some of the famous Knit Picks yarn that you've been hearing so much about and wondering "can it be that good? should I buy some????" Let me first say that all the skeins you see are Merino Style. I admit to being an itchy yarn hater, so I'm pretty stoked about this stuff. It's hard to get a good feel for its true potential simply by groping the skein though, but I think it's safe to say that it's worth the dineros. The burgundy you see is going to be paired up with the yarn I got from Handpainted Yarn to make Cathode, the turquois will be whipped into Tempting part deux for my friend Melissa (aka Shequita), and the purple .... well I just thought it was pretty.
But wait, there's one more. The hank is Alpaca Cloud, and I can't tell you what happened when I first felt it, but let's say that it's good there were no pictures taken! It is soooo soft! I was intending to pair it up with the purple Merino Style for something spiffy, but now.... ??? I have been checking out the Paisley Lace Shawl in the new Interweave Knits, so perhaps, I'll just have to buy more (shucks)! ¶ 17:56
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I was getting myself acquainted with the gals in the Lucky Clover Knitalong today, when I came across Anna's blog. Apparently, I am not the only one feeling less than fabulous! Hmm, what gives? I think I'm taking Nora's approach tonight (even though it didn't work out for her, poor thing) and busting out the good stuff. Wine, the Einstein jacket, and "The O.C." As in C-ya later, blah blahs! (oh my god, I can't believe I just made such a lame joke!)
But I got a package in the mail today that definitely put a little spring in my step and lit the proverbial fire under my bum to wrap up the WIPs.
Oh yeah baby, that's some of the famous Knit Picks yarn that you've been hearing so much about and wondering "can it be that good? should I buy some????" Let me first say that all the skeins you see are Merino Style. I admit to being an itchy yarn hater, so I'm pretty stoked about this stuff. It's hard to get a good feel for its true potential simply by groping the skein though, but I think it's safe to say that it's worth the dineros. The burgundy you see is going to be paired up with the yarn I got from Handpainted Yarn to make Cathode, the turquois will be whipped into Tempting part deux for my friend Melissa (aka Shequita), and the purple .... well I just thought it was pretty.
But wait, there's one more. The hank is Alpaca Cloud, and I can't tell you what happened when I first felt it, but let's say that it's good there were no pictures taken! It is soooo soft! I was intending to pair it up with the purple Merino Style for something spiffy, but now.... ??? I have been checking out the Paisley Lace Shawl in the new Interweave Knits, so perhaps, I'll just have to buy more (shucks)! ¶ 17:56
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2.16.2005
Where's that darn corkscrew?
Ah, the funk persists! Maybe it's the crap weather we've been having. Maybe I just need a good old fashioned kick in the pants. Yeah, that's probably it. I've decided to join Jodi's WIP Challenge to try to infuse some purpose into my knitting cause right now I'm feeling a little blah blah blah. Kinda like I've turned into one of the adults from a Charlie Brown cartoon... Granted, I don't have many WIPs. My oldest dates back to the summer time (oh, that's ancient) when apparently I had nothing better to do than to start a scarf using random scraps from my hence. From here on out, she shall be dubbed the Scrapple Scarf. Magical, huh?
She's one part Berroco Suede,1 part ONline Gina, and one part some Katia yarn I used for a sweater many moons ago. Things start going wrong when I see all those ends piling up that must be dealt with. I actually just started tying them in knots. The horror!
And here's the top of Marion that is in dire need of a good frogging. See those raglan-ish sleeves? I just didn't realize how stupid they'd look with the rest of the sweater until it was too late.
There they are. Out in the open. I'm setting my deadline as March 1 because I also signed up for the Lucky Clover Wrap knitalong. Because I just couldn't help myself. ¶ 17:43
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Ah, the funk persists! Maybe it's the crap weather we've been having. Maybe I just need a good old fashioned kick in the pants. Yeah, that's probably it. I've decided to join Jodi's WIP Challenge to try to infuse some purpose into my knitting cause right now I'm feeling a little blah blah blah. Kinda like I've turned into one of the adults from a Charlie Brown cartoon... Granted, I don't have many WIPs. My oldest dates back to the summer time (oh, that's ancient) when apparently I had nothing better to do than to start a scarf using random scraps from my hence. From here on out, she shall be dubbed the Scrapple Scarf. Magical, huh?
She's one part Berroco Suede,1 part ONline Gina, and one part some Katia yarn I used for a sweater many moons ago. Things start going wrong when I see all those ends piling up that must be dealt with. I actually just started tying them in knots. The horror!
And here's the top of Marion that is in dire need of a good frogging. See those raglan-ish sleeves? I just didn't realize how stupid they'd look with the rest of the sweater until it was too late.
There they are. Out in the open. I'm setting my deadline as March 1 because I also signed up for the Lucky Clover Wrap knitalong. Because I just couldn't help myself. ¶ 17:43
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2.15.2005
I Need a Fix
Man, am I in a funk. I don't even think that's proper grammar, and I don't care. My job has started to make me dread the mornings again.... and after only 6 months, no less. Then I get to go home and knit until my eyes start spinning around with stars inside them like cartoon characters who've just gotten punched out or had some Scooby Snacks. Before I have you all kinds of confused, I'm not talking about knitting as in the hobby. I'm talking about knitting as in the stitch. That's right.... just *K and repeat from * to infinity.
First we have Joe's sweater, which I am hoping to submit for the summer Knitty and, therefore, can't really talk about. Let's just say, Joe wanted a "plain" sweater so it involves lots of K.
Next we have the commission piece for Deb, which is the Einstein Coat from Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch." See, it's right there in the name of the book! For the first piece, you have to knit 164 garter ridges (ie, 328 rows). I'm on 19 and I want to hang myself with my Addi Turbos.
Finally, we have Marion. I have yet to frog the shoulders b/c I know that all that awaits me is stockinette stitch. It's like going back into the gauntlet after you've already slain the dragon (or escaped the American Gladiators, depending on your preferred entertainment).
But tomorrow is Knitting Meetup and I am determined to go, since I've never been. However, I am not strolling in there with my garter stitch sweater or a knitted tube. Oh no. I've got far too much pride (and eg0) for that. I'm bringing the goods to get started on the Spiderweb Capelet from SnB Nation. Lace, crochet chains and pompoms - what more could a girl want?
How about this?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Oh, I feel so much better...... ¶ 09:53
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Man, am I in a funk. I don't even think that's proper grammar, and I don't care. My job has started to make me dread the mornings again.... and after only 6 months, no less. Then I get to go home and knit until my eyes start spinning around with stars inside them like cartoon characters who've just gotten punched out or had some Scooby Snacks. Before I have you all kinds of confused, I'm not talking about knitting as in the hobby. I'm talking about knitting as in the stitch. That's right.... just *K and repeat from * to infinity.
First we have Joe's sweater, which I am hoping to submit for the summer Knitty and, therefore, can't really talk about. Let's just say, Joe wanted a "plain" sweater so it involves lots of K.
Next we have the commission piece for Deb, which is the Einstein Coat from Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch." See, it's right there in the name of the book! For the first piece, you have to knit 164 garter ridges (ie, 328 rows). I'm on 19 and I want to hang myself with my Addi Turbos.
Finally, we have Marion. I have yet to frog the shoulders b/c I know that all that awaits me is stockinette stitch. It's like going back into the gauntlet after you've already slain the dragon (or escaped the American Gladiators, depending on your preferred entertainment).
But tomorrow is Knitting Meetup and I am determined to go, since I've never been. However, I am not strolling in there with my garter stitch sweater or a knitted tube. Oh no. I've got far too much pride (and eg0) for that. I'm bringing the goods to get started on the Spiderweb Capelet from SnB Nation. Lace, crochet chains and pompoms - what more could a girl want?
How about this?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Oh, I feel so much better...... ¶ 09:53
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2.11.2005
SNAFU
So I got Stinky Marion all blocked out... I put her on for the grand unveiling.... and.... I HATE the shoulder shaping. I should've known, but woulda could shoulda. Otherwise, I'm loving her, but now I need to rip out the yoke and redo. Somehow. Let's add that to the 2 other sweaters that I'm making right now, why don't we? At least it's only a few inches, but daaaaaaamn.
I did finish my Headline News hat (with Lion Brand Wool Ease) and I am LOVING IT. See, I hate my hair and am in the midst of growing out the result of a lapse in my better judgement (Note to self: do not cut hair short again. with layers. EVER), so I decided to make the "rasta" version of the hat. Whattdya know, all the snakes fit up in there and man is it comfy! I want to make like 5 more. Thank you Shannita! But why is it that when I wear this hat, I immediately start singing "pass the dutchie on the left-hand side......"?
This picture makes me realize how bad my camera sucks. I just got my order from Handpainted Yarn, and the colors are yummy in my tummy! My camera is just trying to make a liar out of me, I swear. Said yarn is going to be used to make me a Cathode once I find a suitable yarn for the ribbing.
And here's some more handspun yarn that I received in the mail from Miss Deb for another commission piece. If you missed the whole story behind this partnership made in heaven, you can find it in the 16 January 2005 post. This particular color is not getting me hot under the collar, but it is some mighty soft wool.
WEDDING MISCELLANY (for the curious among you): I finally got off my kiester and found a picture of my wedding dress. Let me clarify right now that I'm not getting all fancied up with it like the girl in the picture (no veil!). Allow me to show you how I roll....
Location: Belize
Backdrop: badass Mayan temple (for real, they let you do that!)
Hair: pulled back and hopefully somehow shellacked so that the heat and humidity do not make me look like this on my wedding day. Oh, and let's stick in a flower or two for good measure.
Feet: much to my mother's dismay, FLIP FLOPS! Granted, they will be somehow "spiffed" up a bit, but when ya cut right down to it, they will be your run of the mill $5 flipflops from Old Navy.
Joe is still trying to work out his wardrobe selection for the big day, but I assure you it will be DEAD-SEXY.
Now, please allow me to whine for a bit about all the fun being had at Stitches West while I am stuck freezing my nips off in Pittsburgh. I lived in the Bay Area for 4 years and do you think I ever went to check it out? noooooo. Don't even ask why b/c I might have to admit that I'm a big pussy. But reading about Jen and La's drunken yarn-buying adventures and the dinner-along is making me mad jealous. Argh! Is it too early to start planning ahead for Stitches East? By the way, Jen, thanks for the tip on the kitty litter! It sounds kinda scary, but desperate times call for desperate measures!
P.S. Sorry for the long post but work + Friday - beer = blog
Got it? ¶ 10:55
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So I got Stinky Marion all blocked out... I put her on for the grand unveiling.... and.... I HATE the shoulder shaping. I should've known, but woulda could shoulda. Otherwise, I'm loving her, but now I need to rip out the yoke and redo. Somehow. Let's add that to the 2 other sweaters that I'm making right now, why don't we? At least it's only a few inches, but daaaaaaamn.
I did finish my Headline News hat (with Lion Brand Wool Ease) and I am LOVING IT. See, I hate my hair and am in the midst of growing out the result of a lapse in my better judgement (Note to self: do not cut hair short again. with layers. EVER), so I decided to make the "rasta" version of the hat. Whattdya know, all the snakes fit up in there and man is it comfy! I want to make like 5 more. Thank you Shannita! But why is it that when I wear this hat, I immediately start singing "pass the dutchie on the left-hand side......"?
This picture makes me realize how bad my camera sucks. I just got my order from Handpainted Yarn, and the colors are yummy in my tummy! My camera is just trying to make a liar out of me, I swear. Said yarn is going to be used to make me a Cathode once I find a suitable yarn for the ribbing.
And here's some more handspun yarn that I received in the mail from Miss Deb for another commission piece. If you missed the whole story behind this partnership made in heaven, you can find it in the 16 January 2005 post. This particular color is not getting me hot under the collar, but it is some mighty soft wool.
WEDDING MISCELLANY (for the curious among you): I finally got off my kiester and found a picture of my wedding dress. Let me clarify right now that I'm not getting all fancied up with it like the girl in the picture (no veil!). Allow me to show you how I roll....
Location: Belize
Backdrop: badass Mayan temple (for real, they let you do that!)
Hair: pulled back and hopefully somehow shellacked so that the heat and humidity do not make me look like this on my wedding day. Oh, and let's stick in a flower or two for good measure.
Feet: much to my mother's dismay, FLIP FLOPS! Granted, they will be somehow "spiffed" up a bit, but when ya cut right down to it, they will be your run of the mill $5 flipflops from Old Navy.
Joe is still trying to work out his wardrobe selection for the big day, but I assure you it will be DEAD-SEXY.
Now, please allow me to whine for a bit about all the fun being had at Stitches West while I am stuck freezing my nips off in Pittsburgh. I lived in the Bay Area for 4 years and do you think I ever went to check it out? noooooo. Don't even ask why b/c I might have to admit that I'm a big pussy. But reading about Jen and La's drunken yarn-buying adventures and the dinner-along is making me mad jealous. Argh! Is it too early to start planning ahead for Stitches East? By the way, Jen, thanks for the tip on the kitty litter! It sounds kinda scary, but desperate times call for desperate measures!
P.S. Sorry for the long post but work + Friday - beer = blog
Got it? ¶ 10:55
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2.08.2005
Does anyone smell ROTTEN ASS?
My dining room has been taken over by the Green Swamp Monster. Alias: Marion. Does all alpaca smell like toilet water when wet or just the cheap stuff from Elann? Yoinks! I might have to take some Febreze to that stinky little bitch.
Here's some random dribble... In case anyone was wondering, I used 3 balls (and every last bit of them, I might add) of Mondial Merino Plus for my Tempting. Ball busting. That's what I'm all about.
P.S. Thanks for the compliment, Tina!
¶ 11:18
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My dining room has been taken over by the Green Swamp Monster. Alias: Marion. Does all alpaca smell like toilet water when wet or just the cheap stuff from Elann? Yoinks! I might have to take some Febreze to that stinky little bitch.
Here's some random dribble... In case anyone was wondering, I used 3 balls (and every last bit of them, I might add) of Mondial Merino Plus for my Tempting. Ball busting. That's what I'm all about.
P.S. Thanks for the compliment, Tina!
¶ 11:18
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2.07.2005
Hanger Nipples and Big-Headed Baby Dogs
Some lessons can only be learned the hard way. Especially when it's a boy learning the lesson b/c, let's face it, they don't like to get advice from girls. It's fairly safe to say that Joe will not be hanging is sweaters after the hilarity (for me, anyway) that ensued this morning. Here's the recap:
Joe: walks into bedroom with shirt on
Tara: nice hanger nipples starts laughing
Joe: WTF ARE HANGER NIPPLES? getting annoyed
Tara: falls on bed laughing harder Go look in the mirror
Joe: goes to bathroom WHAT THE FUCK????
Tara: They're fucking hanger nipples! HELLO, TOKYO!!! laughing so hard my belly hurts
Needless to say, he was a bit annoyed -- at the nipples and at me laughing at him. When he tried on 2 other shirts that also had nipples (and I'm talking some Pam Anderson nipples here), I almost had to change my pants. Oh, boys are fun.
I have to toot my horn for a bit now b/c I finished 2 sweaters in one week! Is that a record? Well, for me it is so don't rub it in if you knit faster than me! Both sweaters-of-the-moldy-green are finished and in need of blocking. Well, Tempting is blocking at the moment but Marion will have to wait b/c my dining room table is only so big. While I was at JoAnn's this weekend picking up my sewing supplies, I also picked up some Angel Hair. Now, I know many a knitter who would think me common white trash for making a yarn purchase at a craft store, but I confess to be a much bigger yarn whore than yarn snob. My acquisition was fueled by 2 key factors:
1. It was there.
2. It was NOT moldy green. In fact, it is techni-color purple and may just turn into a Spiderweb Caplet (via Stitch n Bitch Nation).
So there it is.
I also think it's interesting to report that Frisco's head measures 16" around at 5 months. For reference, Georgie's head is 14". At this point, I'm assuming his pit bull genes are kicking the German Shepherd genes' asses b/c his head is growing much faster than the rest of him. He's not getting very tall, and he's already got bigger muscles than me. How sad. He also likes to play with yarn like a kitty, but that's neither here nor there.
¶ 18:00
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Some lessons can only be learned the hard way. Especially when it's a boy learning the lesson b/c, let's face it, they don't like to get advice from girls. It's fairly safe to say that Joe will not be hanging is sweaters after the hilarity (for me, anyway) that ensued this morning. Here's the recap:
Joe: walks into bedroom with shirt on
Tara: nice hanger nipples starts laughing
Joe: WTF ARE HANGER NIPPLES? getting annoyed
Tara: falls on bed laughing harder Go look in the mirror
Joe: goes to bathroom WHAT THE FUCK????
Tara: They're fucking hanger nipples! HELLO, TOKYO!!! laughing so hard my belly hurts
Needless to say, he was a bit annoyed -- at the nipples and at me laughing at him. When he tried on 2 other shirts that also had nipples (and I'm talking some Pam Anderson nipples here), I almost had to change my pants. Oh, boys are fun.
I have to toot my horn for a bit now b/c I finished 2 sweaters in one week! Is that a record? Well, for me it is so don't rub it in if you knit faster than me! Both sweaters-of-the-moldy-green are finished and in need of blocking. Well, Tempting is blocking at the moment but Marion will have to wait b/c my dining room table is only so big. While I was at JoAnn's this weekend picking up my sewing supplies, I also picked up some Angel Hair. Now, I know many a knitter who would think me common white trash for making a yarn purchase at a craft store, but I confess to be a much bigger yarn whore than yarn snob. My acquisition was fueled by 2 key factors:
1. It was there.
2. It was NOT moldy green. In fact, it is techni-color purple and may just turn into a Spiderweb Caplet (via Stitch n Bitch Nation).
So there it is.
I also think it's interesting to report that Frisco's head measures 16" around at 5 months. For reference, Georgie's head is 14". At this point, I'm assuming his pit bull genes are kicking the German Shepherd genes' asses b/c his head is growing much faster than the rest of him. He's not getting very tall, and he's already got bigger muscles than me. How sad. He also likes to play with yarn like a kitty, but that's neither here nor there.
¶ 18:00
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Here she is, my moldy green Tempting. As you see, I tried to fancy it up a bit with the ribbon, but I'm now realizing I'm a dumbass and bought the wrong size ribbon. In the words of Homer Simpson, DOH!
¶ 17:51
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2.03.2005
State of my Mind
I have to tell ya, it feels GOOD to be knitting for myself - and only myself! I'm pretty close to finishing Tempting (about 4 more inches to go) and it looks like my tight rope walk is going to pay off with enough yarn to make the sweater. Granted, I shortened the body by 2" (which I wanted to do anyway), but I also shortened each sleeve by about 1/2" because I was starting to get nervous. How much would it fucking suck to join it all up and run out of yarn right at the end???? Really freaking bad, that's how much! So I played it safe, and now it seems a bit too safe. Doesn't that just piss you off? Maybe I'll just keep knitting until I run out of yarn and see where that leaves me.... I don't have the ribbon for this picked out yet, so my goal is to have the sweater all knitted up by Saturday so I can take it with me to JoAnn's. I have to get "supplies" for the sewing class I'm taking in March (who else thinks I'll forget about the class by the time that rolls around?), so I can pick out my ribbon too. Hoorah, hoorah.
I've also joined Marion and am now trying to figure out the whole shoulder shaping thing. I loves me a good adventure! It is kinda disturbing that both these sweaters I'm knititng are the same moldy shade of green. You'll see what I mean when I get around to taking some pictures. Oh yeah, and the yarn Joe wanted for his sweater is......GREEN!
SIDE NOTE: Maybe I was the only one who joined a piece of knitting in the round simply by continuing to knit and then trying to tighten up that first stitch in subsequent rounds. But I'm hear to tell you that there's a better way! I was always annoyed at the little jog I'd have where the join was, and I'd try my damnedest to fix it when I wove in that end. When I tried the 2-circular needle method of knitting sleeves, socks, etc., I came across this piece of advice that I'd like to share. Instead of just knitting the first stitch [let's call it Stitch #1], slip it onto the right needle and then leapfrog the first stitch on the right needle [let's be original and call it Stitch #2] over Stitch #1 and onto the left needle [don't drop it]. Then you start the first round by knitting Stitch #2. I think it makes the join alot smoother even though it's kinda tricky. I used this method for Tempting and the sleeves for Marion, and you can definitely see the difference!
Off the knitting beat for a minute, Joe and I have finally started doing wedding stuff. I may have glossed over this in other posts, but we're engaged and are getting married in April 2006. We wanted something easy, so the wedding is going to be in Belize, and we're honeymooning in Brazil. By far, the travel planning has been my favorite part of this whole she-bang. (If you're curious, we're getting married at the Five Sisters Lodge in the Cayo District.) We're having a party at the zoo when we get back for all the people not coming to Belize with us, and this is slowly sucking the life out of me. I know it will be fun in the end (b/c I'm leaving if it's not), but thinking about caterers, linens, entertainment, etc makes me want to jump off the Homestead Highlevel Bridge. I bought my dress last weekend at a place in Boardman, Ohio called Toula's. I feel like a total sellout b/c I ended up buying an actual wedding dress instead of just a plain ol' white dress like I set off to do (b/c I'm such a virgin!). But it's pretty, relatively simple, NOT poofy, and NOT strapless so I'm pretty pleased. I don't even know who the designer is or I'd try to find a pic of it. Yeah, I'm sorta like the anti-bride.
Lastly, is it harassment that my conservative boss won't shut the fuck up about the George W show last night? I haven't even had my second cup of coffee yet, and he's already giving me reasons to put my head through a wall.
¶ 09:03
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I have to tell ya, it feels GOOD to be knitting for myself - and only myself! I'm pretty close to finishing Tempting (about 4 more inches to go) and it looks like my tight rope walk is going to pay off with enough yarn to make the sweater. Granted, I shortened the body by 2" (which I wanted to do anyway), but I also shortened each sleeve by about 1/2" because I was starting to get nervous. How much would it fucking suck to join it all up and run out of yarn right at the end???? Really freaking bad, that's how much! So I played it safe, and now it seems a bit too safe. Doesn't that just piss you off? Maybe I'll just keep knitting until I run out of yarn and see where that leaves me.... I don't have the ribbon for this picked out yet, so my goal is to have the sweater all knitted up by Saturday so I can take it with me to JoAnn's. I have to get "supplies" for the sewing class I'm taking in March (who else thinks I'll forget about the class by the time that rolls around?), so I can pick out my ribbon too. Hoorah, hoorah.
I've also joined Marion and am now trying to figure out the whole shoulder shaping thing. I loves me a good adventure! It is kinda disturbing that both these sweaters I'm knititng are the same moldy shade of green. You'll see what I mean when I get around to taking some pictures. Oh yeah, and the yarn Joe wanted for his sweater is......GREEN!
SIDE NOTE: Maybe I was the only one who joined a piece of knitting in the round simply by continuing to knit and then trying to tighten up that first stitch in subsequent rounds. But I'm hear to tell you that there's a better way! I was always annoyed at the little jog I'd have where the join was, and I'd try my damnedest to fix it when I wove in that end. When I tried the 2-circular needle method of knitting sleeves, socks, etc., I came across this piece of advice that I'd like to share. Instead of just knitting the first stitch [let's call it Stitch #1], slip it onto the right needle and then leapfrog the first stitch on the right needle [let's be original and call it Stitch #2] over Stitch #1 and onto the left needle [don't drop it]. Then you start the first round by knitting Stitch #2. I think it makes the join alot smoother even though it's kinda tricky. I used this method for Tempting and the sleeves for Marion, and you can definitely see the difference!
Off the knitting beat for a minute, Joe and I have finally started doing wedding stuff. I may have glossed over this in other posts, but we're engaged and are getting married in April 2006. We wanted something easy, so the wedding is going to be in Belize, and we're honeymooning in Brazil. By far, the travel planning has been my favorite part of this whole she-bang. (If you're curious, we're getting married at the Five Sisters Lodge in the Cayo District.) We're having a party at the zoo when we get back for all the people not coming to Belize with us, and this is slowly sucking the life out of me. I know it will be fun in the end (b/c I'm leaving if it's not), but thinking about caterers, linens, entertainment, etc makes me want to jump off the Homestead Highlevel Bridge. I bought my dress last weekend at a place in Boardman, Ohio called Toula's. I feel like a total sellout b/c I ended up buying an actual wedding dress instead of just a plain ol' white dress like I set off to do (b/c I'm such a virgin!). But it's pretty, relatively simple, NOT poofy, and NOT strapless so I'm pretty pleased. I don't even know who the designer is or I'd try to find a pic of it. Yeah, I'm sorta like the anti-bride.
Lastly, is it harassment that my conservative boss won't shut the fuck up about the George W show last night? I haven't even had my second cup of coffee yet, and he's already giving me reasons to put my head through a wall.
¶ 09:03
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