Saturday, November 29, 2008
Chazzie is my little brother...
We had a whirlwind Thanksgiving get-outta-town trip to my parents house three hours northeast of here. We hadn't been up to see them in months... I was missing them pretty fiercely. I craved my Dad's phenomenal grilled turkey, and my Mom's mashed taters and pecan pie. Comfort food... but elevated because it was prepared by my parents. It was great to see them. Also great to see my baby brother Chaz who is not so baby any more... he's 16 now and a junior in high school. He also towers over his big sister. He's a star soccer player, a bass singer in the school choir, the lead in the school play, the pizza jockey at Joe's, he's The Dude. So cool. Joe cool. He's always reminded me of Linus from Charlie Brown. Just a little mussed, but so wise and sweet and kind. He even toted around a baby blue blankey until ahem... not that long ago really. I keep meaning to make him a grownup blankey... a more suitable dusty blue squooshy soft afghan seems to be in order, don't you think? Yes, if it isn't obvious, I adore my baby brother Chaz. It's just the two of us... yes... 14 years apart. Our relationship is one of a kind. I can't wait until he's a grown-up and he has a family of his own. I'll be one doting Auntie, that's for sure.
Chazzie is my little brother...
We had a whirlwind Thanksgiving get-outta-town trip to my parents house three hours northeast of here. We hadn't been up to see them in months... I was missing them pretty fiercely. I craved my Dad's phenomenal grilled turkey, and my Mom's mashed taters and pecan pie. Comfort food... but elevated because it was prepared by my parents. It was great to see them. Also great to see my baby brother Chaz who is not so baby any more... he's 16 now and a junior in high school. He also towers over his big sister. He's a star soccer player, a bass singer in the school choir, the lead in the school play, the pizza jockey at Joe's, he's The Dude. So cool. Joe cool. He's always reminded me of Linus from Charlie Brown. Just a little mussed, but so wise and sweet and kind. He even toted around a baby blue blankey until ahem... not that long ago really. I keep meaning to make him a grownup blankey... a more suitable dusty blue squooshy soft afghan seems to be in order, don't you think? Yes, if it isn't obvious, I adore my baby brother Chaz. It's just the two of us... yes... 14 years apart. Our relationship is one of a kind. I can't wait until he's a grown-up and he has a family of his own. I'll be one doting Auntie, that's for sure.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
mittens galore
I have a great admiration and appreciation for knitted mittens. I always have grand plans to knit mittens like crazy but don't seem to ever get around to it. I will one of these days. In the mean time, I'll keep admiring other handknit beauties. Right now on the Ravelry 'People' page, there is a grouping of knitters who have the most favorited handknit mittens... all I can say is WOW! Check out these beauties! I know you'll be as impressed and in awe as I am. Kind of makes me want to go cast on a mitt right now.
mittens galore
I have a great admiration and appreciation for knitted mittens. I always have grand plans to knit mittens like crazy but don't seem to ever get around to it. I will one of these days. In the mean time, I'll keep admiring other handknit beauties. Right now on the Ravelry 'People' page, there is a grouping of knitters who have the most favorited handknit mittens... all I can say is WOW! Check out these beauties! I know you'll be as impressed and in awe as I am. Kind of makes me want to go cast on a mitt right now.
Monday, November 24, 2008
what to post... what to post...
I didn't mean to go silent on my blog last week. I'm just having a hard time focusing on things to blog about. Fun things to blog about. Not stressful things to blog about which is how I've felt this past week (well... many many weeks actually). It's all sort of coming to a head now and hopefully will all get in line real darn quick here.
Basically my husband is going to be changing careers... going from being self-employed for the last year renovating/flipping/renting houses to going back to work. Not a place he wants to go. I hate to bring it up, but it's 100% driven by the economy woes and how no banks are lending any money to anyone. We have three houses we're trying to rent or sell and that's stressing me out, too. So basically we have houses to sell but no buyers... and no money to buy houses with. Makes it hard to keep this going, don't you think?
We've really enjoyed having my husband working for himself for the last year. He's rejoined the human race and not slaved away making millions for someone else like he did for the last decade. It's not a fun place to be for any of us. It's hard to transition back to that. But I guess the good news is that my husband has several very promising job leads that we hope will come to light this week. All of them will be a major change for our family though so that's hard to swallow.
Not knowing what is going to happen in the near future leaves me with lots of nervous energy and tension. It makes it hard to focus on anything for any period of time.
I did finish my husband's Cobblestone sweater and it turned out perfectly. I also finished a pair of socks for him. Now I'm working on a sweater for my oldest son for Christmas.
Other than knitting, yesterday I had a blast playing outside. It was in the 50s and it was beautiful. No wind, bright sunshine. I soaked up as much as I could. I raked our entire back yard again (nervous energy to burn), and took my boys to the park. It felt great to get outside and run around after quite a cold week we had last week. The temps are supposed to go back down today but the sunshine is still here and that makes me happy. I'm going to make an effort to bundle up and get out as much as I can because it's so good for the soul and the mood of this Mama!
So, in the mean time I'll be here pacing, fretting, twiddling my thumbs while I wait and see what is in store for this family next. It's all an adventure. We're up for just about anything... it's the waiting that eats away at me. I'm keeping positive thoughts though. It's all good. Have a good one, my friends.
Basically my husband is going to be changing careers... going from being self-employed for the last year renovating/flipping/renting houses to going back to work. Not a place he wants to go. I hate to bring it up, but it's 100% driven by the economy woes and how no banks are lending any money to anyone. We have three houses we're trying to rent or sell and that's stressing me out, too. So basically we have houses to sell but no buyers... and no money to buy houses with. Makes it hard to keep this going, don't you think?
We've really enjoyed having my husband working for himself for the last year. He's rejoined the human race and not slaved away making millions for someone else like he did for the last decade. It's not a fun place to be for any of us. It's hard to transition back to that. But I guess the good news is that my husband has several very promising job leads that we hope will come to light this week. All of them will be a major change for our family though so that's hard to swallow.
Not knowing what is going to happen in the near future leaves me with lots of nervous energy and tension. It makes it hard to focus on anything for any period of time.
I did finish my husband's Cobblestone sweater and it turned out perfectly. I also finished a pair of socks for him. Now I'm working on a sweater for my oldest son for Christmas.
Other than knitting, yesterday I had a blast playing outside. It was in the 50s and it was beautiful. No wind, bright sunshine. I soaked up as much as I could. I raked our entire back yard again (nervous energy to burn), and took my boys to the park. It felt great to get outside and run around after quite a cold week we had last week. The temps are supposed to go back down today but the sunshine is still here and that makes me happy. I'm going to make an effort to bundle up and get out as much as I can because it's so good for the soul and the mood of this Mama!
So, in the mean time I'll be here pacing, fretting, twiddling my thumbs while I wait and see what is in store for this family next. It's all an adventure. We're up for just about anything... it's the waiting that eats away at me. I'm keeping positive thoughts though. It's all good. Have a good one, my friends.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
what to post... what to post...
I didn't mean to go silent on my blog last week. I'm just having a hard time focusing on things to blog about. Fun things to blog about. Not stressful things to blog about which is how I've felt this past week (well... many many weeks actually). It's all sort of coming to a head now and hopefully will all get in line real darn quick here.
Basically my husband is going to be changing careers... going from being self-employed for the last year renovating/flipping/renting houses to going back to work. Not a place he wants to go. I hate to bring it up, but it's 100% driven by the economy woes and how no banks are lending any money to anyone. We have three houses we're trying to rent or sell and that's stressing me out, too. So basically we have houses to sell but no buyers... and no money to buy houses with. Makes it hard to keep this going, don't you think?
We've really enjoyed having my husband working for himself for the last year. He's rejoined the human race and not slaved away making millions for someone else like he did for the last decade. It's not a fun place to be for any of us. It's hard to transition back to that. But I guess the good news is that my husband has several very promising job leads that we hope will come to light this week. All of them will be a major change for our family though so that's hard to swallow.
Not knowing what is going to happen in the near future leaves me with lots of nervous energy and tension. It makes it hard to focus on anything for any period of time.
I did finish my husband's Cobblestone sweater and it turned out perfectly. I also finished a pair of socks for him. Now I'm working on a sweater for my oldest son for Christmas.
Other than knitting, yesterday I had a blast playing outside. It was in the 50s and it was beautiful. No wind, bright sunshine. I soaked up as much as I could. I raked our entire back yard again (nervous energy to burn), and took my boys to the park. It felt great to get outside and run around after quite a cold week we had last week. The temps are supposed to go back down today but the sunshine is still here and that makes me happy. I'm going to make an effort to bundle up and get out as much as I can because it's so good for the soul and the mood of this Mama!
So, in the mean time I'll be here pacing, fretting, twiddling my thumbs while I wait and see what is in store for this family next. It's all an adventure. We're up for just about anything... it's the waiting that eats away at me. I'm keeping positive thoughts though. It's all good. Have a good one, my friends.
Basically my husband is going to be changing careers... going from being self-employed for the last year renovating/flipping/renting houses to going back to work. Not a place he wants to go. I hate to bring it up, but it's 100% driven by the economy woes and how no banks are lending any money to anyone. We have three houses we're trying to rent or sell and that's stressing me out, too. So basically we have houses to sell but no buyers... and no money to buy houses with. Makes it hard to keep this going, don't you think?
We've really enjoyed having my husband working for himself for the last year. He's rejoined the human race and not slaved away making millions for someone else like he did for the last decade. It's not a fun place to be for any of us. It's hard to transition back to that. But I guess the good news is that my husband has several very promising job leads that we hope will come to light this week. All of them will be a major change for our family though so that's hard to swallow.
Not knowing what is going to happen in the near future leaves me with lots of nervous energy and tension. It makes it hard to focus on anything for any period of time.
I did finish my husband's Cobblestone sweater and it turned out perfectly. I also finished a pair of socks for him. Now I'm working on a sweater for my oldest son for Christmas.
Other than knitting, yesterday I had a blast playing outside. It was in the 50s and it was beautiful. No wind, bright sunshine. I soaked up as much as I could. I raked our entire back yard again (nervous energy to burn), and took my boys to the park. It felt great to get outside and run around after quite a cold week we had last week. The temps are supposed to go back down today but the sunshine is still here and that makes me happy. I'm going to make an effort to bundle up and get out as much as I can because it's so good for the soul and the mood of this Mama!
So, in the mean time I'll be here pacing, fretting, twiddling my thumbs while I wait and see what is in store for this family next. It's all an adventure. We're up for just about anything... it's the waiting that eats away at me. I'm keeping positive thoughts though. It's all good. Have a good one, my friends.
Friday, November 14, 2008
STR Mediumweight
This week, I'd like to tell you about another favorite sock yarn of mine: Socks that Rock, meidumweight from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. This is probably the sock yarn I've bought and used the most of since it first became available nationally. This yarn base is pure squooshy scrumptious quality.
STR Mediumweight is 100% superwash merino wool and tightly spun. It retains incredible softness and warmth wash after wash. They are the socks I reach for first... my warmest, softest socks.The mediumweight is quite a bit heavier than fingering weight sock yarn. I knit it up anywhere from size 2-4 needles with 3 being the most common... and I usually knit fingering weight on size US 0-1. The yardage is fantastic for this yarn for the price especially when compared to other heavier weight sock yarns. You get 380 yds. for $22.50. That's a lot of sock for your buck if you ask me.
Socks that Rock comes in the large variety of colorways. I love them all, however, I tend to lean more towards the watercolor and shaded solids. The
multi-colored yarns are beautiful, and I warn you they are irresistable in the hank but I always have a hard time getting the yarn to behave and not pool its colors as I knit it up.With all the choices on the market for sock yarn, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight stands out among the crowd. I've never found another yarn similar to it. It's pure quality and definitely special yarn. I highly recommend it, if you haven't tried it already.
STR Mediumweight
This week, I'd like to tell you about another favorite sock yarn of mine: Socks that Rock, meidumweight from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. This is probably the sock yarn I've bought and used the most of since it first became available nationally. This yarn base is pure squooshy scrumptious quality.STR Mediumweight is 100% superwash merino wool and tightly spun. It retains incredible softness and warmth wash after wash. They are the socks I reach for first... my warmest, softest socks.The mediumweight is quite a bit heavier than fingering weight sock yarn. I knit it up anywhere from size 2-4 needles with 3 being the most common... and I usually knit fingering weight on size US 0-1. The yardage is fantastic for this yarn for the price especially when compared to other heavier weight sock yarns. You get 380 yds. for $22.50. That's a lot of sock for your buck if you ask me.
Socks that Rock comes in the large variety of colorways. I love them all, however, I tend to lean more towards the watercolor and shaded solids. The multi-colored yarns are beautiful, and I warn you they are irresistable in the hank but I always have a hard time getting the yarn to behave and not pool its colors as I knit it up.With all the choices on the market for sock yarn, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight stands out among the crowd. I've never found another yarn similar to it. It's pure quality and definitely special yarn. I highly recommend it, if you haven't tried it already.
A toast to Knit Night.
Thursday night finally arrives ... it's been a long, full week. Like so many others, we're feeling the pressure in our own circumstances. That's life. But this week it's been compounding and I really needed Thursday knit night with my friends.
I leave about 20 minutes before our set time. It's the height of evening chaos in my house. Dinnertime is usually still in progress, bathtime, homework, it's all happening. It's strange each week to just walk out of that scene on Thursday nights.
I grab my knitting, coat, keys, a couple bucks for a soda. Kiss my boys goodbye and shut the door behind me. Leaving the warmth and energy and attitudes for Daddy to deal with for one night. I get in my rockin' minivan and crank up my music. Pull out and glide down the street. Last night it was raining and I was struck by how sparkly and pretty the street lights, car lights looked in the rain. Blurry. Number 10 on Coldplay's latest CD was playing and I started to get a lump in my throat.
Sitting at the stoplight waiting to turn left felt like it took 10 minutes. I had such a rush of emotion. Blurry car lights in the shiny black rain. Memories of our family vacation to New England flash. The pressure of this week comes crushing down and in a split moment I CRY. I smile. I laugh. It all comes flooding out just as Number 10 on the CD mounts. I turn left finally and cruise down Hickman. The tempo picks up and before I hit the next stoplight I'm done crying. I'm thinking forward to my friends at the cafe. How I dearly need to see them. How I do every week and have for four years. I need them. It's not just about the knitting. It's about our sisterhood. It's about our knitting family.
I pull in to the parking spot at the grocery store. I park in the back of the lot... farthest from the door. Get out, put my hood up to protect myself from the rain. Make sure my knitting bag is closed tight so my wooly wonders don't get wet. I'm struck by how warm it feels out despite the cold rain. A quick walk in to the store and I have a bounce in my step in anticipation of seeing the familiar faces of my knitting friends.
There they are. Ahh. I settle in and settle down. All is right in the universe again. Small talk. Smiles. Laughter. Stories. Woes. Wonderment. New patterns. New Yarns. New projects. New friends. Old friends. Dear friends. I love this. I love them. I love it. I hope you all know how important you are to me. I hope you all know what a special thing we have. Thanks for that. :)
I leave about 20 minutes before our set time. It's the height of evening chaos in my house. Dinnertime is usually still in progress, bathtime, homework, it's all happening. It's strange each week to just walk out of that scene on Thursday nights.
I grab my knitting, coat, keys, a couple bucks for a soda. Kiss my boys goodbye and shut the door behind me. Leaving the warmth and energy and attitudes for Daddy to deal with for one night. I get in my rockin' minivan and crank up my music. Pull out and glide down the street. Last night it was raining and I was struck by how sparkly and pretty the street lights, car lights looked in the rain. Blurry. Number 10 on Coldplay's latest CD was playing and I started to get a lump in my throat.
Sitting at the stoplight waiting to turn left felt like it took 10 minutes. I had such a rush of emotion. Blurry car lights in the shiny black rain. Memories of our family vacation to New England flash. The pressure of this week comes crushing down and in a split moment I CRY. I smile. I laugh. It all comes flooding out just as Number 10 on the CD mounts. I turn left finally and cruise down Hickman. The tempo picks up and before I hit the next stoplight I'm done crying. I'm thinking forward to my friends at the cafe. How I dearly need to see them. How I do every week and have for four years. I need them. It's not just about the knitting. It's about our sisterhood. It's about our knitting family.
I pull in to the parking spot at the grocery store. I park in the back of the lot... farthest from the door. Get out, put my hood up to protect myself from the rain. Make sure my knitting bag is closed tight so my wooly wonders don't get wet. I'm struck by how warm it feels out despite the cold rain. A quick walk in to the store and I have a bounce in my step in anticipation of seeing the familiar faces of my knitting friends.
There they are. Ahh. I settle in and settle down. All is right in the universe again. Small talk. Smiles. Laughter. Stories. Woes. Wonderment. New patterns. New Yarns. New projects. New friends. Old friends. Dear friends. I love this. I love them. I love it. I hope you all know how important you are to me. I hope you all know what a special thing we have. Thanks for that. :)
A toast to Knit Night.
Thursday night finally arrives ... it's been a long, full week. Like so many others, we're feeling the pressure in our own circumstances. That's life. But this week it's been compounding and I really needed Thursday knit night with my friends.
I leave about 20 minutes before our set time. It's the height of evening chaos in my house. Dinnertime is usually still in progress, bathtime, homework, it's all happening. It's strange each week to just walk out of that scene on Thursday nights.
I grab my knitting, coat, keys, a couple bucks for a soda. Kiss my boys goodbye and shut the door behind me. Leaving the warmth and energy and attitudes for Daddy to deal with for one night. I get in my rockin' minivan and crank up my music. Pull out and glide down the street. Last night it was raining and I was struck by how sparkly and pretty the street lights, car lights looked in the rain. Blurry. Number 10 on Coldplay's latest CD was playing and I started to get a lump in my throat.
Sitting at the stoplight waiting to turn left felt like it took 10 minutes. I had such a rush of emotion. Blurry car lights in the shiny black rain. Memories of our family vacation to New England flash. The pressure of this week comes crushing down and in a split moment I CRY. I smile. I laugh. It all comes flooding out just as Number 10 on the CD mounts. I turn left finally and cruise down Hickman. The tempo picks up and before I hit the next stoplight I'm done crying. I'm thinking forward to my friends at the cafe. How I dearly need to see them. How I do every week and have for four years. I need them. It's not just about the knitting. It's about our sisterhood. It's about our knitting family.
I pull in to the parking spot at the grocery store. I park in the back of the lot... farthest from the door. Get out, put my hood up to protect myself from the rain. Make sure my knitting bag is closed tight so my wooly wonders don't get wet. I'm struck by how warm it feels out despite the cold rain. A quick walk in to the store and I have a bounce in my step in anticipation of seeing the familiar faces of my knitting friends.
There they are. Ahh. I settle in and settle down. All is right in the universe again. Small talk. Smiles. Laughter. Stories. Woes. Wonderment. New patterns. New Yarns. New projects. New friends. Old friends. Dear friends. I love this. I love them. I love it. I hope you all know how important you are to me. I hope you all know what a special thing we have. Thanks for that. :)
I leave about 20 minutes before our set time. It's the height of evening chaos in my house. Dinnertime is usually still in progress, bathtime, homework, it's all happening. It's strange each week to just walk out of that scene on Thursday nights.
I grab my knitting, coat, keys, a couple bucks for a soda. Kiss my boys goodbye and shut the door behind me. Leaving the warmth and energy and attitudes for Daddy to deal with for one night. I get in my rockin' minivan and crank up my music. Pull out and glide down the street. Last night it was raining and I was struck by how sparkly and pretty the street lights, car lights looked in the rain. Blurry. Number 10 on Coldplay's latest CD was playing and I started to get a lump in my throat.
Sitting at the stoplight waiting to turn left felt like it took 10 minutes. I had such a rush of emotion. Blurry car lights in the shiny black rain. Memories of our family vacation to New England flash. The pressure of this week comes crushing down and in a split moment I CRY. I smile. I laugh. It all comes flooding out just as Number 10 on the CD mounts. I turn left finally and cruise down Hickman. The tempo picks up and before I hit the next stoplight I'm done crying. I'm thinking forward to my friends at the cafe. How I dearly need to see them. How I do every week and have for four years. I need them. It's not just about the knitting. It's about our sisterhood. It's about our knitting family.
I pull in to the parking spot at the grocery store. I park in the back of the lot... farthest from the door. Get out, put my hood up to protect myself from the rain. Make sure my knitting bag is closed tight so my wooly wonders don't get wet. I'm struck by how warm it feels out despite the cold rain. A quick walk in to the store and I have a bounce in my step in anticipation of seeing the familiar faces of my knitting friends.
There they are. Ahh. I settle in and settle down. All is right in the universe again. Small talk. Smiles. Laughter. Stories. Woes. Wonderment. New patterns. New Yarns. New projects. New friends. Old friends. Dear friends. I love this. I love them. I love it. I hope you all know how important you are to me. I hope you all know what a special thing we have. Thanks for that. :)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Twist Collective, Winter 2008
Oh, my friends. You have to go check out the new issue of Twist Collective. There are many, many stunning patterns. While sitting here, I'm knitting on a garter stitch lengthwise scarf for charity... perfect knitting for reading articles. I just read Taking Good Care by Margaret Klein Wilson and loved it. I know you will, too. I have to admit, I've never gotten knitting magazines for the articles. I'm all about pattern pron. Hah.
Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE almost all of the patterns... no ... all of the patterns in this issue. The one I'll probably knit is called Vaila which is a textured pullover that is so.beautiful. I have some Dream in Color classy in November Muse (browns) in my stash which I'll probably use. This will wait until everything else is off my needles, though. We're on lockdown here, folks. I also love Norah Gaughan's cabled cardi... even the color. This one might go on the queue list. A few other faves: Ysolda's cabled cardi... such feminine shaping! The Harika socks, they look like fun! The entrelac beret looks like the perfect 'something different' project. The cable panel on Sylvi is STUNNING. I might buy this pattern down the road just for the panel. I do have to admit that I don't like where it is placed on the cardi... what a shame to have all that detail hidden underneath a hood!? I might use it on an afghan ... someday. The post war mittens are also very cute.
I also love Stormsvale, Rebecca, the Ariosa cowl ... gosh! I could go on! Twist Collective is a 'free' online publication full of beautiful lavish photos, articles, and columns. You can browse the patterns and purchase them individually. I think this is brilliant. The benefit is that designers get proper credit for their work and they make money from each sale by folks purchasing the patterns individually.
I was not aware that designers of knitware were paid so little when selling their designs to larger publications like Interweave Knits. Just a couple hundred dollars for something that could take off like wildfire just doesn't seem right... as knitters we can identify with how long the planning process takes to knit a sweater, let alone write out an original design. I have a lot more respect for designers after reading various articles and listening to a few podcasts on the subject. It's something I took for granted before. In fact, the first issue of Twist, for me, was just eye candy. I took it at face value and the creators didn't shove in our face why their way was better. They don't need to do that. It's all the other twitter around blogland that has brought it to light. Now I look at this second issue of Twist a little differently. Now I care.
Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE almost all of the patterns... no ... all of the patterns in this issue. The one I'll probably knit is called Vaila which is a textured pullover that is so.beautiful. I have some Dream in Color classy in November Muse (browns) in my stash which I'll probably use. This will wait until everything else is off my needles, though. We're on lockdown here, folks. I also love Norah Gaughan's cabled cardi... even the color. This one might go on the queue list. A few other faves: Ysolda's cabled cardi... such feminine shaping! The Harika socks, they look like fun! The entrelac beret looks like the perfect 'something different' project. The cable panel on Sylvi is STUNNING. I might buy this pattern down the road just for the panel. I do have to admit that I don't like where it is placed on the cardi... what a shame to have all that detail hidden underneath a hood!? I might use it on an afghan ... someday. The post war mittens are also very cute.
I also love Stormsvale, Rebecca, the Ariosa cowl ... gosh! I could go on! Twist Collective is a 'free' online publication full of beautiful lavish photos, articles, and columns. You can browse the patterns and purchase them individually. I think this is brilliant. The benefit is that designers get proper credit for their work and they make money from each sale by folks purchasing the patterns individually.
I was not aware that designers of knitware were paid so little when selling their designs to larger publications like Interweave Knits. Just a couple hundred dollars for something that could take off like wildfire just doesn't seem right... as knitters we can identify with how long the planning process takes to knit a sweater, let alone write out an original design. I have a lot more respect for designers after reading various articles and listening to a few podcasts on the subject. It's something I took for granted before. In fact, the first issue of Twist, for me, was just eye candy. I took it at face value and the creators didn't shove in our face why their way was better. They don't need to do that. It's all the other twitter around blogland that has brought it to light. Now I look at this second issue of Twist a little differently. Now I care.
Twist Collective, Winter 2008
Oh, my friends. You have to go check out the new issue of Twist Collective. There are many, many stunning patterns. While sitting here, I'm knitting on a garter stitch lengthwise scarf for charity... perfect knitting for reading articles. I just read Taking Good Care by Margaret Klein Wilson and loved it. I know you will, too. I have to admit, I've never gotten knitting magazines for the articles. I'm all about pattern pron. Hah.
Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE almost all of the patterns... no ... all of the patterns in this issue. The one I'll probably knit is called Vaila which is a textured pullover that is so.beautiful. I have some Dream in Color classy in November Muse (browns) in my stash which I'll probably use. This will wait until everything else is off my needles, though. We're on lockdown here, folks. I also love Norah Gaughan's cabled cardi... even the color. This one might go on the queue list. A few other faves: Ysolda's cabled cardi... such feminine shaping! The Harika socks, they look like fun! The entrelac beret looks like the perfect 'something different' project. The cable panel on Sylvi is STUNNING. I might buy this pattern down the road just for the panel. I do have to admit that I don't like where it is placed on the cardi... what a shame to have all that detail hidden underneath a hood!? I might use it on an afghan ... someday. The post war mittens are also very cute.
I also love Stormsvale, Rebecca, the Ariosa cowl ... gosh! I could go on! Twist Collective is a 'free' online publication full of beautiful lavish photos, articles, and columns. You can browse the patterns and purchase them individually. I think this is brilliant. The benefit is that designers get proper credit for their work and they make money from each sale by folks purchasing the patterns individually.
I was not aware that designers of knitware were paid so little when selling their designs to larger publications like Interweave Knits. Just a couple hundred dollars for something that could take off like wildfire just doesn't seem right... as knitters we can identify with how long the planning process takes to knit a sweater, let alone write out an original design. I have a lot more respect for designers after reading various articles and listening to a few podcasts on the subject. It's something I took for granted before. In fact, the first issue of Twist, for me, was just eye candy. I took it at face value and the creators didn't shove in our face why their way was better. They don't need to do that. It's all the other twitter around blogland that has brought it to light. Now I look at this second issue of Twist a little differently. Now I care.
Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE almost all of the patterns... no ... all of the patterns in this issue. The one I'll probably knit is called Vaila which is a textured pullover that is so.beautiful. I have some Dream in Color classy in November Muse (browns) in my stash which I'll probably use. This will wait until everything else is off my needles, though. We're on lockdown here, folks. I also love Norah Gaughan's cabled cardi... even the color. This one might go on the queue list. A few other faves: Ysolda's cabled cardi... such feminine shaping! The Harika socks, they look like fun! The entrelac beret looks like the perfect 'something different' project. The cable panel on Sylvi is STUNNING. I might buy this pattern down the road just for the panel. I do have to admit that I don't like where it is placed on the cardi... what a shame to have all that detail hidden underneath a hood!? I might use it on an afghan ... someday. The post war mittens are also very cute.
I also love Stormsvale, Rebecca, the Ariosa cowl ... gosh! I could go on! Twist Collective is a 'free' online publication full of beautiful lavish photos, articles, and columns. You can browse the patterns and purchase them individually. I think this is brilliant. The benefit is that designers get proper credit for their work and they make money from each sale by folks purchasing the patterns individually.
I was not aware that designers of knitware were paid so little when selling their designs to larger publications like Interweave Knits. Just a couple hundred dollars for something that could take off like wildfire just doesn't seem right... as knitters we can identify with how long the planning process takes to knit a sweater, let alone write out an original design. I have a lot more respect for designers after reading various articles and listening to a few podcasts on the subject. It's something I took for granted before. In fact, the first issue of Twist, for me, was just eye candy. I took it at face value and the creators didn't shove in our face why their way was better. They don't need to do that. It's all the other twitter around blogland that has brought it to light. Now I look at this second issue of Twist a little differently. Now I care.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
knitting sickness
I think there is such a thing... knitting sickness. My mind is overtaken with all things knitting related. I obsess about patterns, yarns, my projects, my stash, books, blogs, yadda yadda. I get so caught up with it that I don't realize how it's affecting other areas of my life. For example... I used to have other hobbies! Shock! I used to read books and not just listen to audio books so I could accomodate my knitting. I used to scrapbook. I used to do other crafty things. I even have a sewing machine that is a year old that I've never used. It's another hobby that would require teaching myself a whole new set of skills. It just takes too much time from knitting.
Whoa man. This isn't good. Is it? Most of the time it seems like a healthy obsession. I am knitting for my family. I knit for charity. I knit things for myself that make me happy. Those are all good things and I don't deny it. But I miss reading. I miss scrapbooking. I miss other outlets of my life. I go through this every few months. I put away everything related to knitting for a short while. It seems that in order not to get crazed about my knitting I have to banish it from my life.
What I need to find is some middle ground.
I need to get disciplined.
I need to not set such crazy deadlines on myself to get something finished.
I need a change of pace. I need to dig the rest of my life out from under all of this yarn.
I'm only half kidding.
When I taught myself how to knit, I was embracing the idea of learning something new. Taking the time to learn new things, read instructions, broaden my crafty horizons. All that seems to be squelched. It feels easier to stick with what I know. Something I'm already good at.
Time seems so limited as it is. Two kids. Husband. Life. There isn't much time left for hobbies. So I stick with what I know so I can actually see progress. Spreading myself between numerous hobbies seems like having too many projects on the needles and never seeing much progress.
Do you ever feel like this? Maybe you have it all figured out. I don't know. Am I the only one?
Whoa man. This isn't good. Is it? Most of the time it seems like a healthy obsession. I am knitting for my family. I knit for charity. I knit things for myself that make me happy. Those are all good things and I don't deny it. But I miss reading. I miss scrapbooking. I miss other outlets of my life. I go through this every few months. I put away everything related to knitting for a short while. It seems that in order not to get crazed about my knitting I have to banish it from my life.
What I need to find is some middle ground.
I need to get disciplined.
I need to not set such crazy deadlines on myself to get something finished.
I need a change of pace. I need to dig the rest of my life out from under all of this yarn.
I'm only half kidding.
When I taught myself how to knit, I was embracing the idea of learning something new. Taking the time to learn new things, read instructions, broaden my crafty horizons. All that seems to be squelched. It feels easier to stick with what I know. Something I'm already good at.
Time seems so limited as it is. Two kids. Husband. Life. There isn't much time left for hobbies. So I stick with what I know so I can actually see progress. Spreading myself between numerous hobbies seems like having too many projects on the needles and never seeing much progress.
Do you ever feel like this? Maybe you have it all figured out. I don't know. Am I the only one?
knitting sickness
I think there is such a thing... knitting sickness. My mind is overtaken with all things knitting related. I obsess about patterns, yarns, my projects, my stash, books, blogs, yadda yadda. I get so caught up with it that I don't realize how it's affecting other areas of my life. For example... I used to have other hobbies! Shock! I used to read books and not just listen to audio books so I could accomodate my knitting. I used to scrapbook. I used to do other crafty things. I even have a sewing machine that is a year old that I've never used. It's another hobby that would require teaching myself a whole new set of skills. It just takes too much time from knitting.
Whoa man. This isn't good. Is it? Most of the time it seems like a healthy obsession. I am knitting for my family. I knit for charity. I knit things for myself that make me happy. Those are all good things and I don't deny it. But I miss reading. I miss scrapbooking. I miss other outlets of my life. I go through this every few months. I put away everything related to knitting for a short while. It seems that in order not to get crazed about my knitting I have to banish it from my life.
What I need to find is some middle ground.
I need to get disciplined.
I need to not set such crazy deadlines on myself to get something finished.
I need a change of pace. I need to dig the rest of my life out from under all of this yarn.
I'm only half kidding.
When I taught myself how to knit, I was embracing the idea of learning something new. Taking the time to learn new things, read instructions, broaden my crafty horizons. All that seems to be squelched. It feels easier to stick with what I know. Something I'm already good at.
Time seems so limited as it is. Two kids. Husband. Life. There isn't much time left for hobbies. So I stick with what I know so I can actually see progress. Spreading myself between numerous hobbies seems like having too many projects on the needles and never seeing much progress.
Do you ever feel like this? Maybe you have it all figured out. I don't know. Am I the only one?
Whoa man. This isn't good. Is it? Most of the time it seems like a healthy obsession. I am knitting for my family. I knit for charity. I knit things for myself that make me happy. Those are all good things and I don't deny it. But I miss reading. I miss scrapbooking. I miss other outlets of my life. I go through this every few months. I put away everything related to knitting for a short while. It seems that in order not to get crazed about my knitting I have to banish it from my life.
What I need to find is some middle ground.
I need to get disciplined.
I need to not set such crazy deadlines on myself to get something finished.
I need a change of pace. I need to dig the rest of my life out from under all of this yarn.
I'm only half kidding.
When I taught myself how to knit, I was embracing the idea of learning something new. Taking the time to learn new things, read instructions, broaden my crafty horizons. All that seems to be squelched. It feels easier to stick with what I know. Something I'm already good at.
Time seems so limited as it is. Two kids. Husband. Life. There isn't much time left for hobbies. So I stick with what I know so I can actually see progress. Spreading myself between numerous hobbies seems like having too many projects on the needles and never seeing much progress.
Do you ever feel like this? Maybe you have it all figured out. I don't know. Am I the only one?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
a couple links
WEBS has a new web site design and it looks great! nice job!
My favorite LYS is Purl Diva in Brunswick, Maine... yea, not exactly local but still my favorite. I read the store blog daily and today there was a link to an article about Twist Collective which I found to be interesting and enlightening. Twist Collective has beautiful patterns for sale for their fall 2008 issue. I personally want to knit Wisteria. The winter 2008 issue should be live this week, according to the article.
My favorite LYS is Purl Diva in Brunswick, Maine... yea, not exactly local but still my favorite. I read the store blog daily and today there was a link to an article about Twist Collective which I found to be interesting and enlightening. Twist Collective has beautiful patterns for sale for their fall 2008 issue. I personally want to knit Wisteria. The winter 2008 issue should be live this week, according to the article.
a couple links
WEBS has a new web site design and it looks great! nice job!
My favorite LYS is Purl Diva in Brunswick, Maine... yea, not exactly local but still my favorite. I read the store blog daily and today there was a link to an article about Twist Collective which I found to be interesting and enlightening. Twist Collective has beautiful patterns for sale for their fall 2008 issue. I personally want to knit Wisteria. The winter 2008 issue should be live this week, according to the article.
My favorite LYS is Purl Diva in Brunswick, Maine... yea, not exactly local but still my favorite. I read the store blog daily and today there was a link to an article about Twist Collective which I found to be interesting and enlightening. Twist Collective has beautiful patterns for sale for their fall 2008 issue. I personally want to knit Wisteria. The winter 2008 issue should be live this week, according to the article.
Monday, November 10, 2008
NoMoNaKniSweMoBloPoMoHoHoHo
Secretly, I've been participating in NaBloPoMo this month. I signed up and everything. I wasn't going to mention it here until the end of the month so then I could say SEE! LOOK WHAT I DID! But alas, I already broke the rules -- I missed posting to the blog both days this weekend. Blargh! I didn't plan on it, it just happened. I wanted to do this but really, what's the big deal? Oh well! So there you have it, folks -- I'm a NaBloPoMo dropout!
I also am not going to be freaking out over finishing a sweater this month for NaKniSweMo. I have way too many projects on the needles and am starting to get those crazy Christmas present projects in my mind that I'm actually considering -- afghans, sweaters, socks... oh my! hahaha -- yea! right!
So there you have it. I'm a slacker. You can call me that if you want. I won't cry.
I also am not going to be freaking out over finishing a sweater this month for NaKniSweMo. I have way too many projects on the needles and am starting to get those crazy Christmas present projects in my mind that I'm actually considering -- afghans, sweaters, socks... oh my! hahaha -- yea! right!
So there you have it. I'm a slacker. You can call me that if you want. I won't cry.
NoMoNaKniSweMoBloPoMoHoHoHo
Secretly, I've been participating in NaBloPoMo this month. I signed up and everything. I wasn't going to mention it here until the end of the month so then I could say SEE! LOOK WHAT I DID! But alas, I already broke the rules -- I missed posting to the blog both days this weekend. Blargh! I didn't plan on it, it just happened. I wanted to do this but really, what's the big deal? Oh well! So there you have it, folks -- I'm a NaBloPoMo dropout!
I also am not going to be freaking out over finishing a sweater this month for NaKniSweMo. I have way too many projects on the needles and am starting to get those crazy Christmas present projects in my mind that I'm actually considering -- afghans, sweaters, socks... oh my! hahaha -- yea! right!
So there you have it. I'm a slacker. You can call me that if you want. I won't cry.
I also am not going to be freaking out over finishing a sweater this month for NaKniSweMo. I have way too many projects on the needles and am starting to get those crazy Christmas present projects in my mind that I'm actually considering -- afghans, sweaters, socks... oh my! hahaha -- yea! right!
So there you have it. I'm a slacker. You can call me that if you want. I won't cry.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Creatively Dyed luxury sock
Tonight I thought I'd start a new sort of regular post on my blog. Each week I'm going to tell you about one of my tried and true, favorite knitting related things ... a good yarn, a certain book, pattern designer, whatever strikes my fancy. Tonight I thought I'd lead off with one of my favorite sock yarns... what else??
I've bought a lot of sock yarn over the years. I've knit up a lot of sock yarn. I tend to be a little more careful when making my selections nowadays. My not-so-strict rules are:
So if you've 'tried it all' when it comes to sock yarn and are looking for something different, try Creatively Dyed luxury sock. You'll love it.
I've bought a lot of sock yarn over the years. I've knit up a lot of sock yarn. I tend to be a little more careful when making my selections nowadays. My not-so-strict rules are:... something I haven't tried yet and I think might be different than all the rest.Creatively Dyed luxury sock (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon) is now one of my favorite sock yarns. I knit up these socks to the left (rav link) last June in the Hot Salsa colorway. I loved how the yarn didn't pool but had brilliant color variations. The base yarn is special and different because it has a smidge of cashmere in it. This is the first time I've knit socks with cashmere. I was skeptical that just 10% cashmere would make this yarn feel that different.. but it certainly does. These socks are softer than my other socks but so far have held up beautifully. I machine wash these with the rest of the family laundry (on cold) and lay flat to dry. I used the Monkey sock pattern on size US1/2.25mm needles.
...if it is a yarn I've bought before, I have to have used it up and loved it.
...souvenir yarn bought from a LYS where I'm traveling, and hopefully a product from that state.
So if you've 'tried it all' when it comes to sock yarn and are looking for something different, try Creatively Dyed luxury sock. You'll love it.
Creatively Dyed luxury sock
Tonight I thought I'd start a new sort of regular post on my blog. Each week I'm going to tell you about one of my tried and true, favorite knitting related things ... a good yarn, a certain book, pattern designer, whatever strikes my fancy. Tonight I thought I'd lead off with one of my favorite sock yarns... what else??
I've bought a lot of sock yarn over the years. I've knit up a lot of sock yarn. I tend to be a little more careful when making my selections nowadays. My not-so-strict rules are:
So if you've 'tried it all' when it comes to sock yarn and are looking for something different, try Creatively Dyed luxury sock. You'll love it.
I've bought a lot of sock yarn over the years. I've knit up a lot of sock yarn. I tend to be a little more careful when making my selections nowadays. My not-so-strict rules are:... something I haven't tried yet and I think might be different than all the rest.Creatively Dyed luxury sock (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon) is now one of my favorite sock yarns. I knit up these socks to the left (rav link) last June in the Hot Salsa colorway. I loved how the yarn didn't pool but had brilliant color variations. The base yarn is special and different because it has a smidge of cashmere in it. This is the first time I've knit socks with cashmere. I was skeptical that just 10% cashmere would make this yarn feel that different.. but it certainly does. These socks are softer than my other socks but so far have held up beautifully. I machine wash these with the rest of the family laundry (on cold) and lay flat to dry. I used the Monkey sock pattern on size US1/2.25mm needles.
...if it is a yarn I've bought before, I have to have used it up and loved it.
...souvenir yarn bought from a LYS where I'm traveling, and hopefully a product from that state.
So if you've 'tried it all' when it comes to sock yarn and are looking for something different, try Creatively Dyed luxury sock. You'll love it.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
yes, this really is just a post about the weather.
The only thing that has been consistent about our weather in the last few days is that it has sucked for the most part. I will acknowledge that before all this wonky weather we were spoiled with beautiful Indian summer conditions.
But now, mother nature keeps changing things up on us... sun, rain, sun, hail, sun, wind, cold, rain, thunder, severe storm, sun, rain, and soon we're expecting to see the snow flurries roll in. I have to admit it's kind of exciting in an odd way. The dramatic sky with white puffy snowclouds and dark gray storms off in the distance make a great backdrop for the last few fall leaves on the trees.
Weather is in the forefront of the minds of Iowans pretty much all the time. I can't imagine living in a climate where things stayed the same all the time. Like when we were in Hawaii... it never changed. Of course, it was always great so that was a bonus but it got to be kind of boring. The local TV weatherman didn't get much action on the newscast. What a difference from here where our weather folks lead off the news pretty often.
But now, mother nature keeps changing things up on us... sun, rain, sun, hail, sun, wind, cold, rain, thunder, severe storm, sun, rain, and soon we're expecting to see the snow flurries roll in. I have to admit it's kind of exciting in an odd way. The dramatic sky with white puffy snowclouds and dark gray storms off in the distance make a great backdrop for the last few fall leaves on the trees.
Weather is in the forefront of the minds of Iowans pretty much all the time. I can't imagine living in a climate where things stayed the same all the time. Like when we were in Hawaii... it never changed. Of course, it was always great so that was a bonus but it got to be kind of boring. The local TV weatherman didn't get much action on the newscast. What a difference from here where our weather folks lead off the news pretty often.
yes, this really is just a post about the weather.
The only thing that has been consistent about our weather in the last few days is that it has sucked for the most part. I will acknowledge that before all this wonky weather we were spoiled with beautiful Indian summer conditions.
But now, mother nature keeps changing things up on us... sun, rain, sun, hail, sun, wind, cold, rain, thunder, severe storm, sun, rain, and soon we're expecting to see the snow flurries roll in. I have to admit it's kind of exciting in an odd way. The dramatic sky with white puffy snowclouds and dark gray storms off in the distance make a great backdrop for the last few fall leaves on the trees.
Weather is in the forefront of the minds of Iowans pretty much all the time. I can't imagine living in a climate where things stayed the same all the time. Like when we were in Hawaii... it never changed. Of course, it was always great so that was a bonus but it got to be kind of boring. The local TV weatherman didn't get much action on the newscast. What a difference from here where our weather folks lead off the news pretty often.
But now, mother nature keeps changing things up on us... sun, rain, sun, hail, sun, wind, cold, rain, thunder, severe storm, sun, rain, and soon we're expecting to see the snow flurries roll in. I have to admit it's kind of exciting in an odd way. The dramatic sky with white puffy snowclouds and dark gray storms off in the distance make a great backdrop for the last few fall leaves on the trees.
Weather is in the forefront of the minds of Iowans pretty much all the time. I can't imagine living in a climate where things stayed the same all the time. Like when we were in Hawaii... it never changed. Of course, it was always great so that was a bonus but it got to be kind of boring. The local TV weatherman didn't get much action on the newscast. What a difference from here where our weather folks lead off the news pretty often.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Creamy Dreamy
I seem to be drawn to creamy white knits lately. This is a color that I've never really given much thought. In a world of beautiful yarns hand-dyed every shade of the rainbow, creamy vanilla yarn is what stands out the most to me.
The few times that I have worked with undyed yarn have been a real treat. Like I've said before, undyed yarn feels softer and squooshier to me... and it is... because it's less processed. I guess that goes hand in hand with the whole organic yarn trend but that's not what I'm getting at. I just love the look of aran sweaters and intricate socks in creamy dreamy vanilla yarns.
I did end up snagging a creamy skein of natural Malabrigo Sock at TLE last night. Marshmalabrigo...mmmmmmmmmm.
The few times that I have worked with undyed yarn have been a real treat. Like I've said before, undyed yarn feels softer and squooshier to me... and it is... because it's less processed. I guess that goes hand in hand with the whole organic yarn trend but that's not what I'm getting at. I just love the look of aran sweaters and intricate socks in creamy dreamy vanilla yarns.
I did end up snagging a creamy skein of natural Malabrigo Sock at TLE last night. Marshmalabrigo...mmmmmmmmmm.
Yes Yes Yes!
Last night was exhilarating! Watching the election results come in went a lot faster than I thought it would... geez... especially when compared to the last two Presidential elections.
It was amazing to watch history play out on TV. The emotional release I felt when Barack Obama was announced the winner caught me off guard. It was a release of pent up frustration and a new, overwhelming sense of hope that rushed over me like a comforting warmth. I cried and cried. Historical! Emotional! Electric!
My friend Lynda wrote a blog post yesterday that I took to heart. She said it so well... you should go read her words. I'm going to hold on to this feeling and be there for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters, my neighbors, my community. It's just one of the many messages that have resonated with me during Barack Obama's campaign. He has already touched my life in many ways just with his words. I can't wait to see what he does for our country during his time as president.
I AM my brother's keeper, I AM my sister's keeper. YES WE CAN!
It was amazing to watch history play out on TV. The emotional release I felt when Barack Obama was announced the winner caught me off guard. It was a release of pent up frustration and a new, overwhelming sense of hope that rushed over me like a comforting warmth. I cried and cried. Historical! Emotional! Electric!
My friend Lynda wrote a blog post yesterday that I took to heart. She said it so well... you should go read her words. I'm going to hold on to this feeling and be there for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters, my neighbors, my community. It's just one of the many messages that have resonated with me during Barack Obama's campaign. He has already touched my life in many ways just with his words. I can't wait to see what he does for our country during his time as president.
I AM my brother's keeper, I AM my sister's keeper. YES WE CAN!
Creamy Dreamy
I seem to be drawn to creamy white knits lately. This is a color that I've never really given much thought. In a world of beautiful yarns hand-dyed every shade of the rainbow, creamy vanilla yarn is what stands out the most to me.
The few times that I have worked with undyed yarn have been a real treat. Like I've said before, undyed yarn feels softer and squooshier to me... and it is... because it's less processed. I guess that goes hand in hand with the whole organic yarn trend but that's not what I'm getting at. I just love the look of aran sweaters and intricate socks in creamy dreamy vanilla yarns.
I did end up snagging a creamy skein of natural Malabrigo Sock at TLE last night. Marshmalabrigo...mmmmmmmmmm.
The few times that I have worked with undyed yarn have been a real treat. Like I've said before, undyed yarn feels softer and squooshier to me... and it is... because it's less processed. I guess that goes hand in hand with the whole organic yarn trend but that's not what I'm getting at. I just love the look of aran sweaters and intricate socks in creamy dreamy vanilla yarns.
I did end up snagging a creamy skein of natural Malabrigo Sock at TLE last night. Marshmalabrigo...mmmmmmmmmm.
Yes Yes Yes!
Last night was exhilarating! Watching the election results come in went a lot faster than I thought it would... geez... especially when compared to the last two Presidential elections.
It was amazing to watch history play out on TV. The emotional release I felt when Barack Obama was announced the winner caught me off guard. It was a release of pent up frustration and a new, overwhelming sense of hope that rushed over me like a comforting warmth. I cried and cried. Historical! Emotional! Electric!
My friend Lynda wrote a blog post yesterday that I took to heart. She said it so well... you should go read her words. I'm going to hold on to this feeling and be there for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters, my neighbors, my community. It's just one of the many messages that have resonated with me during Barack Obama's campaign. He has already touched my life in many ways just with his words. I can't wait to see what he does for our country during his time as president.
I AM my brother's keeper, I AM my sister's keeper. YES WE CAN!
It was amazing to watch history play out on TV. The emotional release I felt when Barack Obama was announced the winner caught me off guard. It was a release of pent up frustration and a new, overwhelming sense of hope that rushed over me like a comforting warmth. I cried and cried. Historical! Emotional! Electric!
My friend Lynda wrote a blog post yesterday that I took to heart. She said it so well... you should go read her words. I'm going to hold on to this feeling and be there for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters, my neighbors, my community. It's just one of the many messages that have resonated with me during Barack Obama's campaign. He has already touched my life in many ways just with his words. I can't wait to see what he does for our country during his time as president.
I AM my brother's keeper, I AM my sister's keeper. YES WE CAN!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE
VOTE vote vote vote VOTE vote vote vote VOTE vote vote vote VOTE
Today feels a bit like Independence Day, doesn't it? Very red white and blue, very patriotic. It feels great to be a part of this big great country. It feels great to be a part of the process. It's one of the millions of reasons I'm proud to be American.
So go VOTE, folks!
Monday, November 3, 2008
VOTE
VOTE vote vote vote VOTE vote vote vote VOTE vote vote vote VOTE
Today feels a bit like Independence Day, doesn't it? Very red white and blue, very patriotic. It feels great to be a part of this big great country. It feels great to be a part of the process. It's one of the millions of reasons I'm proud to be American.
So go VOTE, folks!
Indian Summer
It's 74 degrees outside. The sun is shining. The breeze is causing a blizzard of golden leaves. It's a magical kind of day. The extended forecast is predicting flurries for later this week. Crazy and typical weather for this time of year. But for today I have my windows open and I'm enjoying the sound of the squirrels playing in the leaves and the breeze blowing my wind chimes. So nice.
The babe is down for a nap and is not yet asleep... he's talking to the walls and playing. This is great because it usually buys me a few more minutes before he actually goes to sleep. Nice! I'm going through photos to upload to work on our annual scrapbook. I'm also contemplating some custom calendars and some holiday cards. Snapfish has such fun photo projects.
So tomorrow is the big day! The day we go to vote. I'm excited and eager. I'm also hoping that the lines aren't too long... I'll probably go after the school and work day has begun in hopes that I'll make it through faster since I'll have the babe in tow. Vote Vote Vote Vote!
Yesterday we spent the entire day outside. We divided a whole bunch of our perennials and also planted 100 tulip and daffodill bulbs along with some allium and some speical lily bulbs that my husband dug up at another property. I'm excited to see all of these bulbs come up in the spring. It should be quite the show!
Last night I made chicken, twiced baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner. It was definitely another failed chicken attempt as of late. I am not preparing it any differently. I prep it and clean it good. But it just tastes horrid! Has anyone else had this problem? I was so furious after spending time and money on making yet another failed chicken dinner that I've sworn it off for a good long while to come. It just tasted off... it just wasn't good.
I'm off to knit for a while. I know I have two sweaters to knit but I'm trying to get another pair of socks on the needles. Now I'm thinking feather and fan with my tess' designer red sock yarn.
The babe is down for a nap and is not yet asleep... he's talking to the walls and playing. This is great because it usually buys me a few more minutes before he actually goes to sleep. Nice! I'm going through photos to upload to work on our annual scrapbook. I'm also contemplating some custom calendars and some holiday cards. Snapfish has such fun photo projects.
So tomorrow is the big day! The day we go to vote. I'm excited and eager. I'm also hoping that the lines aren't too long... I'll probably go after the school and work day has begun in hopes that I'll make it through faster since I'll have the babe in tow. Vote Vote Vote Vote!
Yesterday we spent the entire day outside. We divided a whole bunch of our perennials and also planted 100 tulip and daffodill bulbs along with some allium and some speical lily bulbs that my husband dug up at another property. I'm excited to see all of these bulbs come up in the spring. It should be quite the show!
Last night I made chicken, twiced baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner. It was definitely another failed chicken attempt as of late. I am not preparing it any differently. I prep it and clean it good. But it just tastes horrid! Has anyone else had this problem? I was so furious after spending time and money on making yet another failed chicken dinner that I've sworn it off for a good long while to come. It just tasted off... it just wasn't good.
I'm off to knit for a while. I know I have two sweaters to knit but I'm trying to get another pair of socks on the needles. Now I'm thinking feather and fan with my tess' designer red sock yarn.
Indian Summer
It's 74 degrees outside. The sun is shining. The breeze is causing a blizzard of golden leaves. It's a magical kind of day. The extended forecast is predicting flurries for later this week. Crazy and typical weather for this time of year. But for today I have my windows open and I'm enjoying the sound of the squirrels playing in the leaves and the breeze blowing my wind chimes. So nice.
The babe is down for a nap and is not yet asleep... he's talking to the walls and playing. This is great because it usually buys me a few more minutes before he actually goes to sleep. Nice! I'm going through photos to upload to work on our annual scrapbook. I'm also contemplating some custom calendars and some holiday cards. Snapfish has such fun photo projects.
So tomorrow is the big day! The day we go to vote. I'm excited and eager. I'm also hoping that the lines aren't too long... I'll probably go after the school and work day has begun in hopes that I'll make it through faster since I'll have the babe in tow. Vote Vote Vote Vote!
Yesterday we spent the entire day outside. We divided a whole bunch of our perennials and also planted 100 tulip and daffodill bulbs along with some allium and some speical lily bulbs that my husband dug up at another property. I'm excited to see all of these bulbs come up in the spring. It should be quite the show!
Last night I made chicken, twiced baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner. It was definitely another failed chicken attempt as of late. I am not preparing it any differently. I prep it and clean it good. But it just tastes horrid! Has anyone else had this problem? I was so furious after spending time and money on making yet another failed chicken dinner that I've sworn it off for a good long while to come. It just tasted off... it just wasn't good.
I'm off to knit for a while. I know I have two sweaters to knit but I'm trying to get another pair of socks on the needles. Now I'm thinking feather and fan with my tess' designer red sock yarn.
The babe is down for a nap and is not yet asleep... he's talking to the walls and playing. This is great because it usually buys me a few more minutes before he actually goes to sleep. Nice! I'm going through photos to upload to work on our annual scrapbook. I'm also contemplating some custom calendars and some holiday cards. Snapfish has such fun photo projects.
So tomorrow is the big day! The day we go to vote. I'm excited and eager. I'm also hoping that the lines aren't too long... I'll probably go after the school and work day has begun in hopes that I'll make it through faster since I'll have the babe in tow. Vote Vote Vote Vote!
Yesterday we spent the entire day outside. We divided a whole bunch of our perennials and also planted 100 tulip and daffodill bulbs along with some allium and some speical lily bulbs that my husband dug up at another property. I'm excited to see all of these bulbs come up in the spring. It should be quite the show!
Last night I made chicken, twiced baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner. It was definitely another failed chicken attempt as of late. I am not preparing it any differently. I prep it and clean it good. But it just tastes horrid! Has anyone else had this problem? I was so furious after spending time and money on making yet another failed chicken dinner that I've sworn it off for a good long while to come. It just tasted off... it just wasn't good.
I'm off to knit for a while. I know I have two sweaters to knit but I'm trying to get another pair of socks on the needles. Now I'm thinking feather and fan with my tess' designer red sock yarn.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
malabrigo sock
Did you see that Webs has Malabrigo Sock available for pre-order? Also, The Loopy Ewe will be stocking it on their web site next week. So are you going to order some? I thought I'd freak and order some but then last week I went through my stash... holy cow I have a lot of sock yarn. Do I need the next latest and greatest? Nah. But if I did order some... I think I'd order the natural color. I bet it's so soft and squooshy. It always seems to me that undyed yarn is extra soft, too. I'd probably knit the Chalet socks or maybe New England socks both from Nancy Bush.
Tonight I'm playing with Tess' Designer Yarns 'supersocks and baby' in a beautiful variegated red from my stash... I'm thinking about casting on for the New England socks using that. I also want to cast on another pair of Broadripples using some of the Sophie's Toes yarn I stashed a while back. Ahh... sockalicious.
Tonight I'm playing with Tess' Designer Yarns 'supersocks and baby' in a beautiful variegated red from my stash... I'm thinking about casting on for the New England socks using that. I also want to cast on another pair of Broadripples using some of the Sophie's Toes yarn I stashed a while back. Ahh... sockalicious.
malabrigo sock
Did you see that Webs has Malabrigo Sock available for pre-order? Also, The Loopy Ewe will be stocking it on their web site next week. So are you going to order some? I thought I'd freak and order some but then last week I went through my stash... holy cow I have a lot of sock yarn. Do I need the next latest and greatest? Nah. But if I did order some... I think I'd order the natural color. I bet it's so soft and squooshy. It always seems to me that undyed yarn is extra soft, too. I'd probably knit the Chalet socks or maybe New England socks both from Nancy Bush.
Tonight I'm playing with Tess' Designer Yarns 'supersocks and baby' in a beautiful variegated red from my stash... I'm thinking about casting on for the New England socks using that. I also want to cast on another pair of Broadripples using some of the Sophie's Toes yarn I stashed a while back. Ahh... sockalicious.
Tonight I'm playing with Tess' Designer Yarns 'supersocks and baby' in a beautiful variegated red from my stash... I'm thinking about casting on for the New England socks using that. I also want to cast on another pair of Broadripples using some of the Sophie's Toes yarn I stashed a while back. Ahh... sockalicious.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sweatervember
If last month was Socktober, I hearby declare this to be Sweatervember. It's actually NaKniSweMo, but I'm not necessarily knitting a marathon sweater but just appreciating the handknit sweater this month... while knitting a couple sweaters. I have two on the needles right now.
1. Cobblestone - a pullover for my husband. The body is done and I just cast on for the first sleeve. This sweater is mostly stockinette stitch done in the round and is quite a simple knit.
2. Staghorn - a pullover for me. The pattern is from the book A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. I love love love it. It's basically two heavily cabled panels and then sleeves with saddle shoulders. I've never knit a sweater with this construction and am quite excited about it.
Per the pattern, the center panel is actually XOXO cables. I changed it to just be more staghorn cables ... smaller versions of the larger outer cables. Not much to modify, the cables just stay the same on every repeat making it easy to remember. I love the braids that run from the ribbing all the way up the front. I also love the double moss stitch for extra coziness. The saddle shoulders have the larger staghorn cable running all the way up to the neckline. I love how fluid and graceful this is. It's somewhat of a boxy pattern, but I think this detail makes it tailored enough to make it elegant.
I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the 'marsh mix' colorway... mostly green, with flecks of blue, purple, and gold in the fuzz. I thought this sweater would knit up bulkier than it is but it's really not as thick as I thought it would be and the alpaca gives it a nice drape and ultra softness.
In the photo, the back is about halfway done. I have a long way to go. For Sweatervember I want to get most, if not all of this sweater completed. As well as my husband's Cobblestone pullover. Then I want to make some sweaters for my boys. I'm thinking another Vestee for the babe this time with long sleeves and probably in a green color. His was so cute and he needs a larger version. Big brother wants another cabled pullover in brown. So both of them are getting sequals of favorite sweaters.
1. Cobblestone - a pullover for my husband. The body is done and I just cast on for the first sleeve. This sweater is mostly stockinette stitch done in the round and is quite a simple knit.
2. Staghorn - a pullover for me. The pattern is from the book A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. I love love love it. It's basically two heavily cabled panels and then sleeves with saddle shoulders. I've never knit a sweater with this construction and am quite excited about it.
Per the pattern, the center panel is actually XOXO cables. I changed it to just be more staghorn cables ... smaller versions of the larger outer cables. Not much to modify, the cables just stay the same on every repeat making it easy to remember. I love the braids that run from the ribbing all the way up the front. I also love the double moss stitch for extra coziness. The saddle shoulders have the larger staghorn cable running all the way up to the neckline. I love how fluid and graceful this is. It's somewhat of a boxy pattern, but I think this detail makes it tailored enough to make it elegant.
I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the 'marsh mix' colorway... mostly green, with flecks of blue, purple, and gold in the fuzz. I thought this sweater would knit up bulkier than it is but it's really not as thick as I thought it would be and the alpaca gives it a nice drape and ultra softness.
In the photo, the back is about halfway done. I have a long way to go. For Sweatervember I want to get most, if not all of this sweater completed. As well as my husband's Cobblestone pullover. Then I want to make some sweaters for my boys. I'm thinking another Vestee for the babe this time with long sleeves and probably in a green color. His was so cute and he needs a larger version. Big brother wants another cabled pullover in brown. So both of them are getting sequals of favorite sweaters.
Sweatervember
If last month was Socktober, I hearby declare this to be Sweatervember. It's actually NaKniSweMo, but I'm not necessarily knitting a marathon sweater but just appreciating the handknit sweater this month... while knitting a couple sweaters. I have two on the needles right now.
1. Cobblestone - a pullover for my husband. The body is done and I just cast on for the first sleeve. This sweater is mostly stockinette stitch done in the round and is quite a simple knit.
2. Staghorn - a pullover for me. The pattern is from the book A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. I love love love it. It's basically two heavily cabled panels and then sleeves with saddle shoulders. I've never knit a sweater with this construction and am quite excited about it.
Per the pattern, the center panel is actually XOXO cables. I changed it to just be more staghorn cables ... smaller versions of the larger outer cables. Not much to modify, the cables just stay the same on every repeat making it easy to remember. I love the braids that run from the ribbing all the way up the front. I also love the double moss stitch for extra coziness. The saddle shoulders have the larger staghorn cable running all the way up to the neckline. I love how fluid and graceful this is. It's somewhat of a boxy pattern, but I think this detail makes it tailored enough to make it elegant.
I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the 'marsh mix' colorway... mostly green, with flecks of blue, purple, and gold in the fuzz. I thought this sweater would knit up bulkier than it is but it's really not as thick as I thought it would be and the alpaca gives it a nice drape and ultra softness.
In the photo, the back is about halfway done. I have a long way to go. For Sweatervember I want to get most, if not all of this sweater completed. As well as my husband's Cobblestone pullover. Then I want to make some sweaters for my boys. I'm thinking another Vestee for the babe this time with long sleeves and probably in a green color. His was so cute and he needs a larger version. Big brother wants another cabled pullover in brown. So both of them are getting sequals of favorite sweaters.
1. Cobblestone - a pullover for my husband. The body is done and I just cast on for the first sleeve. This sweater is mostly stockinette stitch done in the round and is quite a simple knit.
2. Staghorn - a pullover for me. The pattern is from the book A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. I love love love it. It's basically two heavily cabled panels and then sleeves with saddle shoulders. I've never knit a sweater with this construction and am quite excited about it.
Per the pattern, the center panel is actually XOXO cables. I changed it to just be more staghorn cables ... smaller versions of the larger outer cables. Not much to modify, the cables just stay the same on every repeat making it easy to remember. I love the braids that run from the ribbing all the way up the front. I also love the double moss stitch for extra coziness. The saddle shoulders have the larger staghorn cable running all the way up to the neckline. I love how fluid and graceful this is. It's somewhat of a boxy pattern, but I think this detail makes it tailored enough to make it elegant.
I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca in the 'marsh mix' colorway... mostly green, with flecks of blue, purple, and gold in the fuzz. I thought this sweater would knit up bulkier than it is but it's really not as thick as I thought it would be and the alpaca gives it a nice drape and ultra softness.
In the photo, the back is about halfway done. I have a long way to go. For Sweatervember I want to get most, if not all of this sweater completed. As well as my husband's Cobblestone pullover. Then I want to make some sweaters for my boys. I'm thinking another Vestee for the babe this time with long sleeves and probably in a green color. His was so cute and he needs a larger version. Big brother wants another cabled pullover in brown. So both of them are getting sequals of favorite sweaters.
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