Kathode Ray Tube

Ten on Tuesday, one day late

2010-11-10T07:49:00.002-05:00

Carole had a great idea for Ten on Tuesday -- 10 dream vacations. I can't resist making a list of ideas:

1. Spain -- have wanted to go there for years. I took a couple of Spanish cooking classes. I love flamenco. Barcelona, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela.

2. Ireland -- Have been meaning to go back (was last there 20+ years ago) and bring my husband and family to see where my dad grew up and visit relatives.

3. Israel -- Have a friend in Tel Aviv who keeps saying come visit!

4. Alaska.

5. More of Canada -- I love Canada. I need to visit areas I haven't been to yet -- British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta. Would love to see those polar bears in Churchill sometime.

6. St. Petersburg Russia -- I need to see the Neva River, the Winter Palace and those other amazing places from the days of Catherine the Great.

7. Yosemite National Park -- Haven't been there yet. So beautiful, must go.

8. Hawaii -- I didn't think I would put this down but it would be so nice to see some lush tropical place with great beaches.

9. Pacific Northwest -- Want to visit Seattle, Puget Sound, Oregon.

10. Brazil -- the music is great so there must be some fun things to do in Brazil!

There -- that's a good list. Jeez, I'd better get cracking on some of them. Time is passing.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-07-20T14:01:00.002-04:00

10 Things to Bring on a Camping Trip:

1. Bug spray
2. Wine
3. Dustpan and brush for the inside of the tent
4. Kadima ball
5. Peanut butter, jelly and bread
6. Camp stove
7. Flashlights -- several!
8. Knitting
9. Beach chairs and swimsuits
10. Marshmallows

We haven't done tent camping in a couple of years but used to do it regularly. It's a ton of fun and the boys love it. It's the packing and setting up that is such a pain!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-07-13T07:43:00.004-04:00

After not having blogged for over 6 months, I finally took Carole's bait and am adding my list of 10 Things I Like About Where I Live. So here we go:

1. I like living in the city and meeting people of all types of backgrounds.
2. I am a 10 minute ride from Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox!
3. I can walk to the center of my neighborhood to do errands and go to the library.
4. My sons know how to get along with diverse groups of kids.
5. I can walk my dog in the beautiful Arnold Arboretum!
6. Beaches and country are not far away.
7. So much music and culture in the city, and much of it is free!
8. There are a great variety of restaurants in the city.
9. Best coffee and ice cream so close by!
10. I don't have to travel big distances because things are very close together.

There ya go.

I'm Still Here and I Still Knit

2009-11-21T10:34:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Claudia L-J, I'm updating the blog. I guess blogs have become so....yesterday. Everybody's tweeting, facebooking (myself included) and commenting on each other's Flickr photo sets. But no one sits down and actually writes a blog post anymore, except the diehards whom I faithfully read. I need to honor that. I would really miss it so much if any of them stopped blogging.

And knitting -- yes I still knit. This is a hat made for my large and handsome nephew who is at college in chilly Michigan. He said it came just in time for the cooler weather. It's raveled but is made out of some Noro Kureyon and some worsted from the now-defunct Marino Lookout Farm in Natick MA (it's a different farm now but they don't do yarn).

And this little baby sweater/hat number is something I actually finished at the end of the summer but got all bummed out because the red color bled into the green when I blocked it! Wah! So unfair! The sweater is called Watermelon (no surprise there) and I knitted it out of Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed, which is lovely yarn. But not colorfast, as I discovered! After all that, I finally gifted it to its intended owner. The parents are thrilled and don't seem to care about the bleeding color but you know what it's like. As a knitter, you don't want these things to show and "ruin" your hard work!! The parents of the little baby are artists so they appreciate handmade things. That's so nice when it means a lot.

I'm knitting a red scarf of Elann Sierra Aran (80% wool, 20% alpaca)for the Red Scarf Project. It's just hard to resist. Students who are from the foster system trying to get through college?!? Like college years aren't hard enough and somehow, you have to go it on your own? You've got to admire that. So a little warm scarf around the neck might help a bit.

I'm not getting much knitting done for me or the family. But after the scarf, I'll do some more. I started a totally cute sweater for my younger son that I found in the Twist Collective online magazine. I'll post when I can find the name of it. It's a top down pullover in Lorna's Laces Worsted.

Been cooking a lot. I just made a Spanish tortilla for a party later on today and it's one of my better efforts. The eggs and potatoes stuck together into one well formed pie and I'm sure it'll taste good. But cooking those things is an oily mess -- I know of no quick or clean way to do it. I have oil on my and all over the kitchen. It smells good, though! Been baking lots of banana bread and soups (curried pumpkin soup).

Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving and I'll post again before 6 months have passed.

Badass lace knitter!

2009-05-11T12:07:00.005-04:00

I am so proud of completing my first lace project -- the pattern is Tilting Ladders and I found it via Knitswreck's Ravelry page. It's from the Barbara Walker Treasury of knitting patterns. Details are on my ravelry page, but it's knit in Rowan Wool/Cotton on Size 7 needles. It took me a while to get the pattern working correctly (mistakes and ripping out) but once I did, I was cruising. This scarf will be used for a Silent Auction at my son's school and I hope someone takes a liking to it! Given my propensity for starting things and giving up when they get difficult, I am very pleased that I stuck with this. It's inspiring me to consider more lace knitting.

I haven't been posting much. My knitting output is not very high although I am always knitting (or buying yarn)! I just bought a kit to knit the Blooming Cotton Scarf in teal and am looking forward to that. I also plan to knit myself a good looking and good fitting cardigan that will flatter my figure. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Some knitting and a new family member!

2009-01-30T14:25:00.003-05:00

I found some Noro Silk Garden Chunky on closeout at Webs and decided to knit myself up one of those cool, colorful Noro striped scarves! While some of the colors in the two different colorways blend together in spots, I am still very fond of the outcome. Here's a closeup:

And, introducing our latest addition to the family, Mia.

Mia is a 14 week old lab/shepherd puppy. We got her from a rescue group in Massachusetts that "imports" stray dogs from down south. Mia is from Tennessee and I think she is in complete and total shock going to pee and poop outside in the ice and snow. Not only that, she has been through a lot of transport and unfamiliar places in the past week, so we are giving her time and space to get used to us. She is very sweet and loves to lick hands. We think once she feels more comfortable, she will want to play more. So, hi Mia and welcome to Massachusetts!

Holiday knitting

2008-12-29T10:48:00.004-05:00

Here's a Fair Isle Christmas ornament I knitted for my brother and s-i-l, from Moth Heaven's pattern. I used worsted instead of DK weight yarn, so I got a ball that fit the width of the styrofoam ball you wrap it around, but there sure was some extra height at the top! I stuffed that with a plastic bag or two. It's a bit lumpy but attractive. I'd say that it's a success, only it should probably go on a big branch not a flimsy one!

Also made some more Calorimetry head wraps for various members of my family. They were a big hit. Some people like them for neckwarmers instead, which is fine with me. I'm still working on the the So-Called Scarf (the one that looks woven). I couldn't resist some Noro Silk Garden Chunky that was on sale at Webs to work up a quick scarf. The colors are luscious. As usual, my plans exceed my capacity to turn it out. I was telling DH that if Armageddon comes or some big storm, I'll have enough yarn to live out my life knitting. Of course, there may not be enough food or coffee or other essentials. But, damn it, I'll have yarn!

Vacation time = fun. Lots of food, wine, seeing friends. It's been so nice to slow down and not have to rush places. Of course, preparing for Christmas was exhausting, between the last minute shopping trips thanks to bad weather, the wrapping (got up at 5 AM on the 24th to start it) and the getting it all ready. It all turned out well and turned out to be fun, well worth it. And no whining about presents.

Happy 2009 to all!

I'm Thankful For.....

2008-11-26T11:45:00.002-05:00

The skunk in our basement that was removed by an exterminator yesterday. Now all we have to do is remove the smell!
The broken water main pipe in front of our house that was fixed quickly today and didn't cost us big bucks.
The wonderful Boston Symphony concert I went to lastnight with my fantastic brother.
Good friends
Seeing family at Thanksgiving

Have a wonderful holiday.

In the dentist's waiting room

2008-11-14T17:10:00.004-05:00

I'm waiting for DS #1 to have his braces put on. While I am knitting, there is a woman next to me yammering on her cell phone to a friend about a party she is having and how to get to her house (on a really nice street in Brookline). She turns to her daughter (about 12-ish) and says, "Did you tell them you were here? Don't be a milktoast!" Between that and the cellphone chatter, I had already formed lots of opinions about this woman. So after giving her friend directions and assuring her that "my driveway can hold 30 cars", she gets off the phone. She berates her daughter for not speaking up (though the daughter did), then goes to the receptionist and tells them how they've been waiting for 10 whole minutes, that she has to be somewhere in 45 minutes and they are holding her up. "You people always give me a hard time if I'm one minute late." She just lit into these nice people for no reason at all. Then, she turned around toward the waiting room for, what, sympathy? Bad move.

Unlike my normal, somewhat lowkey self, I said, "Maybe you should get off your cell phone and tell them you're here." She said to me, "My daughter's old enough to speak up for herself." Sure, whatever. Her daughter was mortified, I'm sure. The receptionist said, "We'll be ready for you soon." I said, "It's not their fault if you're yammering on your phone -- why blame them if you're running late?" Then, the dental hygienist came down to get her. She said to me, "This is none of your business." I said, "Good enough. Then don't talk on your cell phone in here." After she went upstairs, I said, "What a b*#ch!" We all agreed it's the daughter who loses out here, having to deal with such an embarrassing mother. Wow. People are amazing.

When I Grow Up.....

2008-11-14T17:07:00.001-05:00

You Should Be a Doctor

You are practical, sharp, and very intuitive.

Optimistic and energetic, you are a problem solver who doesn't get discouraged easily.

You are also quite compassionate and caring. You make people feel hopeful.

You're highly adaptable and capable. You do well with almost any curve ball life throws at you.

You do best when you:

- Are always learning new subjects

- Use your knowledge to solve problems

You would also be a good therapist or detective.

Well, I was a social worker for a while, so maybe this thing isn't a crock.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

Introducing the new bed!

2008-10-28T16:11:00.003-04:00

Thar she blows, the new bed and mattress! First real, grownup purchase we have made for ourselves in many years. The bed actually overpowers the small room, but I don't care. It's worth it for the comfort and size. It's so great to have a headboard, when you are reading or watching TV in bed! It's much higher than the old one, so I feel quite elevated, like I'm in a pickup truck as opposed to my Subaru wagon. But I'll get used to it. The good thing is that my back doesn't hurt as much in the morning. I'm hoping this helps lessen my sciatica problem.

Still working on those mystery socks and not getting very far. I restarted the So-Called Scarf, now that I've got the hang of the stitch pattern and don't keep dropping stitches, creating uneven ends. I also, even in these economic hard times, ordered some sock needles from Knitpicks, as well as the Chullo Hat kit. It just sang to me!

Just got over the endless birthday celebrations, including mine, 2 birthday parties for son #2 and my brother's Oktoberfest party. Enough already, with the parties! I'm ready to do something else, like rake leaves!

Endings, birthdays, beginnings

2008-10-23T17:59:00.003-04:00

Today's my 48th birthday. Can't believe I am this age, although I do like even numbers and 48 is divisible by many numbers. In the picture above is the hemp ponchette that I knitted this summer and finished in September. It's supposed to have the ends sewn together to make a poncho but so far I haven't sewn it together and am not sure I'll do so. I have to say, the hemp gets softer as you work with it. I will ravel the details 'cause I can't remember them all now. It was a fun and easy knit, once I got the lace pattern figured out.

Above is the broken bed....it's an old platform bed from my early 20's that came with me to lots of places. But the particle board started ripping and THAT explains why I was sinking into the bed at night!!! The new bed is a real grownup bed, made of cherry in the Mission style. I'm amazed at the idea of us being real grownups. Pics of the new bed once it is in place.

Son #2 turns 6 tomorrow. He is already so excited about multiple birthday parties (the family party and the friends party), gifts and being a big boy. He can't stop talking!

And, lastly, my favorite jazz pianist in the world, Dave McKenna, died over the past weekend. Dave was a special guy, a humble person who could spin out the most amazing webs of music on the piano. He was a pianist by ear only, had never learned to read music. Somehow, he could shift major and minor keys, and adjust all his songs. He created medleys of songs with similar names (with "snow" or "winter" or "delight" in the title) and would weave them together like a magician, with no sheet music to guide him. Dave used to play at different places on Cape Cod, as well as at the Copley Plaza hotel in Boston, where I would see him. I was a college student then. The Oak Bar had no cover, free hors d'oeuvres in the early evenings and expensive drinks. My friend Barbara and I would arrive at 5:30 or 6 for the opening pianist, order one drink and get a good spot. Then, we would stay for the headliner at 8. I never knew how lucky I was, listening to Dave and all the great songs that he played. It was so much fun to guess. "No, it's 'I Can't Get Started' or 'My Ship' or 'What Am I Here For?'! I can certainly recommend many of his albums, including one special one with vocalist Teddi King called "This is New" with accompaniment by Dave. It's all Ira Gershwin songs and they are lovely, including some piano solos by Dave. I urge you to listen to them. He was a very special musician and there won't be another like him, ever. Rest in peace, Dave. Your music has provided a lot of joy to people.

So, that's why my back hurts! (partly)

2008-10-01T13:40:00.003-04:00

I've been noticing when I climb into bed at night to read (at an absurdly early time), things seem more sunken. We have a very old platform bed that I bought in Central Square (Cambridge) years ago in my twenties. It's the same bed we're using now. It's your typical cheap wood-and-fiberboard bed platform that screws together in the middle and you can get drawers that roll under the bed.

On top of the platform rests our foam mattress -- an embarrassingly aged piece of foam if there ever was one. DH has had that since well before I met him (that's 20+ years). We're not big shoppers and tend to live with what we have.

So, this morning after I got out of bed and saw the crater where my body was, I thought something is up. I lifted up the foam mattress and noticed that the fiberboard is tearing and the bed pieces are separating where they are screwed together! Oh my gosh. While I don't think the bed collapsing explains all of my back problems (soreness, sciatica), I would say that this has a lot to do with it.

I told DH it's time for a new, grownup bed. He agreed. But now, I don't know which way to turn. Aside from sleeping at friends' houses or in a bed shop, how does one evaluate mattresses? Should we get a traditional mattress and boxspring? Do we go for one of those memory-foam things that cost a mint? I think I'm actually ready to move on form foam, to be honest. Any advice from readers? And what about a bed frame? Do y'all have a headboard? Has it improved your life tremendously? I keep thinking a headboard would be real nice for reading.

Pics to follow of collapsing bed!

No Matter What You Do, It's Not Enough

2008-09-30T10:23:00.003-04:00

I drive to work in the city and encounter many pedestrians and cyclists. I am a pedestrian myself, once I park my car and head to work. But there's no way to drive and treat a cyclist "right", I've decided.

Case in point: at one intersection, I'm waiting for a left turn light to go green. When it does, a biker in the oncoming lane ignores the red light and crosses in front of me, so I have to wait while he runs the light. No wave or sorry sign. He's just a bike.

Then, I'm turning right on red at Memorial Drive. I have already stopped and let all the pedestrians go, as I should. I wait until a car with the green light passes me. Then, I start to turn. Meanwhile a cyclist going through the intersection (and who I was waiting for) berates me because I'm in the crosswalk and she wants to get on the sidewalk. How am I supposed to know which road/sidewalk surface she wants to ride on? She's shouting at me while I have my window closed. Completely confused, I make a screwy face and cross my eyes. Am I a mind reader?

Ay yai yai.

Meme to distract from lack of knitting

2008-06-24T15:54:00.003-04:00

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

Working at the same job I am in now! I can't believe I have been here for 12 years. My husband and I had bought a two-family house the previous year, a true fixer-upper (where we still are). And he was knocking down walls, we had plastic sheeting up everywhere and were tracking plaster dust all over the house. We had gotten married the previous year (in 1997).

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?

1. Find some clean underwear for the rest of the week.
2. Knit some more of the Hemp Ponchette I started last week!
3. Go to son's Little League playoff game if it doesn't rain.
4. Throw some laundry in the washer.
5. Make a bean salad for a potluck tomorrow.
6. (forgot) Finish "Unaccustomed Earth" before it is due on Thursday.

3. Snacks I enjoy:

1. M&Ms
2. Lemon hummus
3. Stoned wheat thins
4. Cotswold cheese
5. Watermelon

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Pay off my mortgage.
2. Buy a house in Maine.
3. Go to Spain.
4. Make sure kids' college is paid for.
5. Give money to some charities.
6. Start a non-profit to bring more music to Boston Public Schools.
7. Volunteer at the Boston Home.

5. Places I have lived:

1. Boston MA
2. Arlington MA
3. Somerville MA
4. Cambridge MA
5. Back to Boston MA (do you see a theme here??)

6. Jobs I have had:

1. Babysitter
2. Worked in credit card dept. of department store.
3. Filed catalog cards in the Boston Public Library
4. Computer programmer
5. Geriatric Social Worker doing home visits
6. Computer engineer for blind people.
7. Adaptive technology specialist.

This is fun. Maybe I'll include some knitting in the next post!

One Red Sox Sock is Done

2008-05-13T14:33:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm slow but one sock is done. This is one Red Sox sock for Son #1, done in Louet Gems Opal. The foot is too big for son #1 but I think the leg will fit fine, since I decreased some stitches. Because it's a sport weight wool and I was changing needle sizes, it just wasn't consistent. I've cast on for the second sock, using fewer stitches for the foot. Anyone know how to block part of a sock to make the foot shrink and the leg stay the same??

There are some gaps where I changed colors, so I've got to fix that up before DS wears them. He could even wear these for his Little League games, but I think it sure would be hot!

Speaking of baseball, didn't make it to the Stitch and Pitch in Pawtucket alas. I'm hoping for next year. Spring gets so busy with kid activities that it's hard to plan anything else. I also missed NH Sheep and Wool, although I had really hoped to go with a friend who lives in NH. DS #1 really wanted me to come to his game on Mother's Day and watch him pitch, so I did. And he pitched really well. Most of Mother's Day was quite fun, aside from the late-evening tantrums from the kids when we refused to organize a last-minute cookout with the neighbors.

I spent last Friday in the ER, with a newly discovered gallstone! That was quite painful and I'm soo glad it's over. Here's hoping I don't get any others. Umm, I can only describe it as like labor pain except higher up.

While I've been knitting away, I have little to show for it. I finished DS #1's Malabrigo vest and I haven't even uploaded the finished photo. He was happy to wear it when he dressed up as Thomas Jefferson for his Colonial School showcase.

I have been teaching Knitting in DS's afterschool program. The class is mostly 6-8 second-grade girls. They are good learners and are mostly catching on and doing well. Some have the patience, a few abandoned the class. One sweet girl is knitting a baby blanket for her brother out of different colors that I or the other teacher will sew together for her. It's too sweet. The great thing about this class is DS has joined it and is actually doing some knitting. During a recent rainy weekend, I heard the words that are music to my ears: "Where's my knitting?" I could scarcely believe it!

A Day in the Life.....

2008-05-06T21:43:00.002-04:00

(Inspired by Maryse)

6:00 am Hear son #1's alarm clock go off, which wakes me up too. Get up and get dressed, wash up.

6:15 am Get meself breakfast and coffee, mumble to husband and son #1. Get son #1 his Cocoa Puffs for breakfast. (good mom that I am)

6:30 am Wake up son #2, who is more a sleeper in the AM. Try to get him to be somewhat awake while they watch Jimmy Neutron. I read the Globe.

6:45 am More Cocoa Puffs for son #2. The healthy food just keeps coming.

7:00 am Make lunches for kids -- much healthier food (Bagels, fruit, yogurt, etc...) I don't pack anything for myself thanks to intestinal problems.

7:15 am Obligatory ordering of son #2 to get himself dressed. He doesn't want to do what he's told, so it takes extra time to make it all happen. Listen to news on BUR while I make lunches.

7:30 am Brush teeth of son #2 and get his shoes on. Collect all the stuff we need to bring to school and head out the door.

7:40 am Try to separate the kids from baseballs, bats, pitchbacks and bicycles, so we can get in the car and head to school.

8:00 am Arrive at preschool. Drop off son #2. Obligatory kisses and hugs before he will let me leave.

8:15 am Son #1 angry with me because I yelled at him for hitting son #2. We discuss in the car and come to a rapprochement. He claims he wasn't hitting his brother (yeah, right).

8:25 am Arrive at son #1's school. Drop him off. Corner a few parents to get them to run for PTA offices for next school year so I don't have to do it.

8:40 am Head to work. Listen to NPR and space out happily.

9:05 am. Make it into garage at work. Park car.

9:15 am Line at the slowest Dunkin Donuts in the world is way too long Head over to alternative coffee shop where they know what they're doing.

9:30 am Check email, make phone calls, talk to coworkers. Order a new computer for my sister (academic discount). Do some actual work.

1:00 pm Go outside, sit in sun and knit Red Sox sox for son #1. Best part of day.

1:45 pm Back to work, do some moderately productive things.

5:00 pm Head out to car. Go to meeting at son #1's school. We discuss fundraising. It's the same conversation that has been going on for 4 years now. The school where son #1 goes is racially, culturally, economically diverse and there is discussion of how the fundraisers exclude and offend no matter what you try to do or how hard you work.

7:30 pm I can't take it anymore and walk out. I go home, have a bit of dinner and some wine (whine) to take off the edge. Husband is cranky, so I get the kids ready for bed and read books.

9:00 pm Sit down at computer, send emails about the meeting to friends who were there. Look on Destash to see if there's any yarn available to buy that might make me feel better! (Not that I don't have a goodly stash as it is!).

9:30 pm Read blogs, do some blogging of my own (finally) and get ready for bed.

If you're still reading this, thank you for your patience!

Time to Post!

2008-02-07T10:17:00.001-05:00

Time for me to get off my duff and stop reading other people's regular blog entries and post some of my own! I've been so lazy with the blog. The best excuse yet is "the camera cable in downstairs in the cold 1st floor". That's been my excuse-of-choice. The other excuse is my overexposed knitting photos. I can't seem to take a good flash photo without it being too bright. There, how's that for excuses?

Now for some photos:

This is the Presto Chango sweater (a free pattern from Jimmy Beans Wool). I made it for a friend's new baby in Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton. I thought it came out really well. The yarn is wonderfully soft and nice to work with. There was plenty of yarn for a 2nd panel (the idea being if the baby stains the sweater, you can unbutton the panel and put another one on)! I think it's brilliant, knowing how much babies gack.

Made the hubby an Irish Hiking hat as a late Christmas gift. It could have been a bit longer but he doesn't have a big head and I was knitting to the pattern. Made with Berroco Pure Merino in Gray. Like the yarn a lot too. He's a gray lover. Loves that gray.

What else? Didn't get the Red Sox sox done for the boys for Christmas. Planning to do it this winter/spring. I finally found a pattern that might help me with my gauge and sizing problems (Priscilla's Dream Socks).

I ripped out a knitted Manos scarf from last year that I didn't like (it curled and just didn't look that nice, considering how lovely the yarn is). And I started this pattern instead, which I like a lot.

Last but not least, DS #1 is turning 9 at the end of this month. He is a lover of green and all things Irish. He originally asked me for a sweater with the Irish flag on it but I just couldn't bring myself to do it (we live in Boston, where the Irish flag can be misinterpreted as a "whites rule" message). So, I found some wonderful Malabrigo Worsted in Verdes and am knitting him a basic v-neck pullover. The yarn is very soft and lovely to work with. This should fulfill his need for green!

OK, kntting content complete. I will write more in the future about life, my lack of following through on a diet (ahem, choosing a different eating lifestyle), exercising more and trying to get more organized. However, January blew by with little of that being accomplished, thanks to the flu, colds and MIL who is very ill. I hope to pick up and address some of these priorities soon!

Poly-Calorimetry

2007-11-20T09:36:00.001-05:00

Despite the blog silence, I've been pretty busy with knitting. As you can see, I've been on a Calorimetry roll. Once I figured out the short row thing, these knit up pretty quickly. I love working with the 127 Print and seeing how the color changes come out. I've already given one to my niece and one to my s-i-l. My s-i-l has short hair, so she wears it as a neck warmer. I figure I'll knock out a few more of these for Christmas (I have 3 sisters).

This hat was knitted in Noro Kureyon (can't remember what number) for my favorite jazz DJ in the world. Ron is a great guy who knows a ton about jazz, classical music, opera and is just a swell person. I made the hat a bit too big but told him how to reblock it to get it smaller.

I'm also working on a Presto Chango baby sweater for a coworker. Baby hasn't arrived yet, so I've still got time to screw up the lacework in the front panel! Not my area of expertise. It's a fun knit, though. And the Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton is so soft and wonderful to work with. Like buttah.

And, of course, I've added to the stash (sorry, no photos of that). I bought some Queensland Kathmandu Tweed to make the Logan shawl in the Winter issue of IK. I'm also making a friend some Subway Mittens by Subway Knitter from the same issue. I'm making those out of Mista Alpaca Worsted to match a scarf that I made for a fundraising auction. Her lovely husband bought her the scarf and I told her I'd make mittens to match. And how useful, as she is a subway rider!

I'm also hoping to make Red Sox socks for my 2 sons for Christmas. Think I can get this all done?? I'll have to stay up later and stop burrowing under the covers.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

I Just Can't Get Started

2007-09-10T15:47:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been quite a few weeks between posts. Since then, I finished one Monkey sock and started the second. Then, I came down with Second Sock Syndrome and the sock is still on the needles. Pics to come, as they are, of course, on another computer.

In between all that, I started a baby sweater for a friend using the Peapod Baby Sweater pattern in orange Cotton Cashmere (Debbie Bliss). However, I've had problems focusing on the pattern (it's an unusual ribbing and I can't seem to get it right). I think I should just do a test swatch instead of trying to do the whole thing at once and screwing it up!

Then, I thought, maybe I need to opt for a simpler sweater. So, I started knitting the Mason Dixon Baby Kimono in Katia Sonrisa, shown below.

Only the gauge was too small. So, I ripped it out and thought that I'll try it on bigger needles. Have I done that yet? No.

Oh, right. I forgot that I also knit a Mason Dixon mitred square in Cotton Classic to see what it would look like. Here's my first square:

Then, I knitted a swatch of Debbie Bliss Cathay because I've been planning to knit Tahoe from Knitty. I knitted the swatch this weekend. Have I measured it? No. I'll get around to that. Maybe I can then find something to distract me from the baby sweater to distract me from finishing the socks.

And this is how nothing (or few things) get accomplished!

Monkey Socks

2007-07-09T22:24:00.001-04:00

P6270057
Originally uploaded by kathoderaytube

Monkey Socks, begun 7/5/07. Already through the heel and on to the foot of the first sock. It's a very fun, addicting pattern!

PS -- Sorry for confusing posts. I'm still figuring out how to add photos from Flickr without creating new posts each time.

Artyarns Supermerino Pullover

2007-07-09T22:19:00.001-04:00

P6050018_edited
Originally uploaded by kathoderaytube

Here are the pics, as promised.

Summer Knits without pics

2007-07-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Been working on

Brown Sheep baseball jacket. This was a WIP for Son #1. I discovered a big mistake in the cardigan front, and ended up frogging the entire thing (had only knitted the front) so I could start afresh. I'm not crazy about the yarn (Encore Chunky in overly-bright red, white and blue) or the pattern (not well written, everything is in columns depending on the yarn type and size). Fortunately, I left the knitting at my sister's house 100 miles away and oh, well -- I'll just have to get to it when I'm next there. Son #1 is chomping at the bit for this sweater, but right now, it's too dang hot to wear it. So, I will get it done for fall.

That has allowed me to start a new project -- Monkey Socks in Cherry Tree Hill Supersock , African Grey colorway. What fun! I was very intimidated by the pattern at first, but it's not proving to be so hard. It took me forever to cast on. I only know one cast-on (knitted cast on) and I know from past experience that it's too tight for sock cuffs. So, I experimented with a Provisional Cast On. I must have tried this god*$#)@)@ cast-on about 6 times before I just became impatient and gave up. I kept losing stitches when going from the waste yarn to the actual yarn. I was going crazy. I finally just did a long tail cast-on and got it after a few tries. I was convinced that the socks were never going to take form, thanks to my casting on problems! But finally, I began to see results. Of course, when I have time to blog, I never have my camera nearby, so I promise to upload photos later.

I got lots of knitting done watching Wimbledon. I neglected my children and housework, while I knit and watched the amazing Federer-Nadal final match. All 4.5 hours of it. Who cares if it's a nice day? There's tennis on TV! And how about that amazing Venus Williams??!? If Venus and Serena lived in another country that valued tennis more, they would be royalty. They already are to me.
Of course, once I finish the Monkey socks, it's time to start some Jaywalkers! I'm always behind the times.
Finished Son#2's Artyarns Supermerino hooded sweater. Looks great, he won't wear it (too hot these days). It wasn't a bad knit at all and fun to do a top-down sweater. But, I did end up with these big gaps under the arms when picking up the stitches for the arms and I'm not quite sure what I did wrong. I did do some extra stitching in the sewing up to make sure nothing gives way. Any advice appreciated.

Hope everyone's summers are going well. It's been a busy one, despite my part-time work status. There always seems to be stuff to do. Sons are in various summer camps, lots going on family-wise (sister retired from her job, f-i-l, sadly, passed away in June) and I am living for vacation in Maine in August.

Pictures later, promise!

Biding your time is good

2007-05-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

For once, waiting is paying off! I had been wanting so badly to buy some Debbie Bliss Cathay so I could make Tahoe in the most recent Knitty. But, I held off until I got rid of some yarn so I wouldn't be spending more money I don't have. And voila! Cathay is on closeout at Webs!! How great is that?? I will be casting on soon. Put it in the queue.

Yard sale blues

2007-05-27T11:38:00.000-04:00

So, the yard sale was underwhelming. A lot of work, a hot day and we had it on a long weekend, when many people go away. But, it was good to just get the stuff out of the basement and into the light of day. Some stuff sold, some didn't. I had a bunch of yarn that no one bought. So, I gave some to a friend who is learning to knit. I'm saving the rest to give to Rosie's Place. They have a really cool Arts Initiative that my friend runs. The guests have access to all kinds of arts programs to participate in. And knitting is one of them. So, if you have any extra yarn, it can be used there.

The good news about the yard sale is that none of the stuff went back into the house. DH took two truckloads of yard sale stuff to the thrift shop. I have another load in my car that's going there too. So, it's a start! More culling of things we don't need any longer. A friend told me that one the largest growing businesses in America is -- you guessed it -- storage facilities. We all have too much crap that won't fit in our houses.

Tomorrow, off to visit friends at the beach. A nice break.

I Saw a Coyote Today

2007-05-24T14:32:00.000-04:00

I did! I was driving on the VFW Parkway in West Roxbury (within the Boston city limits but a fairly woodsy area) and a coyote ran across the road headed toward a more wooded area! I couldn't believe it. The first one I have ever seen.

There's an article in today's Boston Globe about a whole coyote family that lives near this area: Coyotes in West Roxbury

There's also some photos too, but I think you need to go to the site to get to the link.

Amazing!

Moving Along

2007-05-20T21:08:00.001-04:00

I've been having tons of fun using Ravelry. It's also forced me to upload more of my knitting photos to Flickr and organize them, so that's a good thing. I've got a few projects in progress up in my Ravelry notebook and more to add, as well as FO's and items in my queue. It's lots of fun. Thanks to Jessica and Casey.

I'm also cleaning up my house in preparation for yard sale over Memorial Day weekend. I'm sure I've mentioned that DH and I are *both* packrats. Two pack rats together = too much stuff. So, we're destashing a lot of our detritus from the past 19 years together (wow, 19 years??), and even from before that! Lots of baby and toddler equipment to divest ourselves of, as well.

And, I am also planning a retirement party for my oldest sister who is making a big change in her life. She has worked for the Commonwealth of Mass. for 34 years, and has a well deserved break coming her way. She has done so much good work over the years -- Welfare Dept, Dept. of Social Services, Child Support Enforcement and Family Court work. All of it tough and all of it so desperately needed. Kudos to you, Mimi. Now, it's time to take care of yourself and have more fun!

To jump on the bandwagon, here are Seven Random Things About Me:

1. I am the youngest of 5 kids.

2. In my young adulthood, I was a complete agoraphobic. Afraid of traveling, afraid of subways, afraid of being afraid. I was a mess. I wanted so much to be part of the world, but felt completely overwhelmed by it. Lots of therapy, medication and years of experience later, I can say that it does get a whole lot better.

3. I love dogs. I love seeing eye dogs. When I worked exclusively with blind people, it was a huge perk to visit people with these great dogs. DH and I adopted a friend's retired seeing eye dog, Alisa. Sadly, she only lived with us a few months before she passed away. She was a sweetheart and served her original owner well.

4. I fantasize a lot about moving to Maine. The older I get and the more entrenched we all become in city living, the further away that dream feels.

5. I want to take a summer off when the kids are older and drive cross country, camping the whole way. DH and I did this years ago for a month, after I finished grad. school. We spent a month on the road and headed west. We spent most of our time in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming (Badlands, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier National Parks) as well as parks in the Canadian Rockies. Then we had to turn around and head back east, this time through Canada. It's the best time I've ever had. Thirty days straight of camping, often in a different park every night. What a blast. Every summer, I want to quit my job and head west.

6. I love music and took piano lessons as a kid, but didn't enjoy it. As an adult, I tried to take piano lessons again. But I was distracted and didn't practice. I still hope to try one more time and put some effort into it. I also have sung in local choruses and would like to do that again.

7. I always thought of myself as an introvert, but the older I get, I realize that I am quite the talker and socializer. I think I have to thank my late dad, a true Irishman with a gift of gab, for that.

At a loss on Mother's Day.

2007-05-13T18:11:00.000-04:00

I normally don't write too much about personal things but this one's too big to ignore. A dear friend lost her second son a few days ago. Now, she and her husband, parents of two, have no children. The pain is so great that my heart feels constantly like it will burst. If I feel so badly, what is it like for her? How does one go on and find meaning and face every day in a new reality? This is an issue we are all faced with at some times in our lives, but hopefully, not in such horribly wrenching ways. Please say a prayer or a hope for her and her husband to carry on.

It leaves me thinking of what I can possibly do. I immediately thought of knitting her a Nina Shawl from Mason Dixon Knitting. It might help provide a little comfort during those tough times. Her son was a dear, a son any mother would be proud of. And the idea that he is not here with her this Mother's Day to celebrate with, it's just too much. All I can do is kiss my little guys and be glad they are here with me and DH.

Late breaking FO's

2007-04-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Sheepy Sweater Finished While It Still Fits!

This sweater was started (mumbly mumbly) years ago and I believe it was actually meant for Son #1. It's a size four and Son #1 is now 8 years old. I finished all the pieces a while back -- at least two years ago. But being my usual ADD self, I put the pieces away and said, "I'll deal with the sewing up later!" Later it was.

Then, a while back, I did start sewing up, but ran into problems with the sewing up. Lots of knots and bunched up pieces that didn't match on both sides. So, I had to pull out the yarn and the sewing and start over. This time, I stuck with it. And I did manage to finish yet another knitted item. A big deal for distractable me.

Heck, at least it fits Son #2! Of course, on Easter Sunday, I said, "D., do you want to wear the Sheepy Sweater to Aunt E's?" "No thanks, Mom." Grrr.

Pattern: Yankee Knitter
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride in dark green.
Size 4

I'm also working on a hooded sweater for same DS #2 (am I crazy?) in Artyarns Supermerino. I already found a mistake in the pattern and emailed Artyarns. No answer. Luckily, I think I figured out what was wrong with the math but I find the pattern not specific enough. So, be forewarned. The yarn sure is nice, though. And machine washable!!

Happy Spring!! I'm trying to sell some of my stash so I can buy some Debbie Bliss Cathay to make this. Wish me luck!

One more thing

So, I got this lovely postcard in the mail from the Orphan Foundation, thanking me for the red scarf! It was such a wonderful thing to get and made me feel good. Then, I looked at the photo of the Executive Director, who is draped in tw scarves. One of them might be mine! I knitted a cranberry colored scarf in basketweave stitch and the scarf she's wearing could be mine! But, out of 12,000, it could also be someone else's. Still it's fun to speculate!

Spring FO's

2007-03-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a while. I've been lame about posting and really, really busy! So, first things first:

Here's a photo of my red scarf for the Red Scarf Project, that I was late in submitting, but finally got around to! It was an Encore Worsted Weight yarn (nice color, not great yarn) in a basketweave stitch. I liked how the basketweave pattern came out.

Next...

This one was done for a fundraising auction at DS's school. It's an Irish Hiking Scarf done in Misti Alpaca Chunky in a lovely Olive with Teal and Gold highlights. I used Size 10.5 needles. It's definitely a seriously thick scarf, substantial and warm as heck!

Here's a close up photo:

Try not to mind the double chin.

Next scarf that is also for the fundraising auction:

This one is knit in Fiesta Yarns Rayon Boucle, in a gorgeous Green-Magenta-Black colorway called Madrid! It knits up easily on fat (size 15) needles and it's a lovely shoulder wrap that's great for spring and summer. You'd want to bid on this, wouldn't you? Here's a shot round the shoulders:

I really like how this came out and would recommend this yarn for a lightweight and colorful wrap for air conditioned offices or outdoor events. Do I sound like a fashion magazine? Here's the amount of yarn left over after binding off:

Eek! I sure cut that close, didn't I? It was only one skein's worth for the wrap, so I wanted to get as much out of it as I could. And I did!

The previously mentioned school auction is killing me. I'm planning it with a few other parents, and this is the first one the school has ever had, so it's all being done from scratch. I'm sure this will be a trial run and we'll figure out what doesn't work and what does, so we can improve it next year. If I life that long. Right now, just gotta get those annoying city permits so we can have the event. And that is taking much longer than necessary.

Ciao for now!

Mid -February updates

2007-02-19T14:32:00.000-05:00

V-Day Recap
It's been a busy month -- Valentine's day is a big deal if you're 4 and 8. The boys have lots of Valentine's to make for classmates and teachers. Valentine's day is also DH's birthday so I made him a Rosie's Chocolate Cheesecake for his birthday cake and pasta with shrimp for birthday dinner. He got some good books for his birthday if I do say so myself, as well as LL Bean slippers, so he was pleased. And lucky me! For V-day, I got an IPod! I'd been talking about it but was surprised nonetheless. I'm busy right now uploading tons of my CDs to ITunes to transfer to the IPod. And I have a lot of CDs.

What a treat to have all of my music with me in such a tiny device. I listen to a lot of classical music, jazz and world music, so what I like to listen to is really specific and it's great to have my favorite pieces so portable!

Just in time, too. It's school vacation week and I've taken the week off. C (the 8 year old) is going to baseball "camp" (morning baseball clinics) in Foxboro (about 25 miles south of me) and I can enjoy the IPod and some knitting while I hang out there. I can also get some knitting done as well!

Knitting Content:
So, I did finish the red scarf for the Red Scarf Project, but alas do not have pics. It came out nicely in a dark red heather basketweave stitch. However, the Encore Worsted is a very "squeaky" acrylic blend yarn and I didn't like working with it. However, it's certainly easy for a college student to wash!

Finished another fruit cap for a friend's baby due soon. Put the Calorimetry on hold while I knit a scarf for DS's school fundraising auction. I'm knitting Midwest Moonlight from Scarf Style in Green Mountain Cotton Comfort. The yarn is lovely and the color is great. But I'm not a very good lace knitter so I may need to rip and restart the scarf so the design comes out right. It's not a hard pattern once you get used to it, but I am easily distracted and can make mistakes. Regularly. Repeatedly.

Stash Moratorium (kind of)
I have not been so great with the yarn diet. The only thing I can say in my defense is that they are all for specific gift projects -- a fundraising auction item and a baby gift. But that won't decrease the stash. So, I'm back on the wagon after my "gotta have it" splurge.

Winter
I've been cooking a lot lately and staying indoors, due to the cold and icy weather. In some cases, it's great. But we all get cabin fever and the boys fight if they're not apart for a while. I've been trying to do some exercise videos at home to get in shape. I really don't have the time or money for a gym membership, so we'll see how the at-home exercise goes.

January flies by

2007-01-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Trip Recap

Well, two weeks ago I was blogging about going to London and it already feels like a long time ago! What a blast! A wonderful city, a terrific time, great travel mates. We got to do a lot (3 museums, 1 outdoor market, sightseeing, tube riding, partying and tea drinking) and talk a lot.

My partners in crime, one of whom insisted on wearing purple knickers [panties] in every photo. Here they are looking especially dignified at St. Martin in the Fields.

Probably one of the most amazing public art pieces I've ever seen was in Trafalgar Square. It is a sculpture called Alison Lapper Pregnant, a beautiful sculpture of a disabled woman who has no arms and shortened legs. It's breathtakingly striking and sits very high up, right in front of the National Gallery. It says a lot about the presence of someone with a disability in one of the most central squares in Britain.

Some more London scenes:

Golden sculpture of Springbok over the doorway of the South African Embassy.

Tiny cars on tiny streets.

Parliament buildings from a boat ride.

Knitting Updates

I'm late with the red scarf for the Red Scarf Project, but am hoping to get it done and send it in a bit late. I'm doing an Encore Worsted scarf (wool-acrylic) in a basketweave stitch. Like the pattern, the yarn no so much.

Working on Calorimetry for a friend in Araucania Atacama Alpaca. Coming along nicely, but scarf has to come first.

Also doing a hat in Noro Kureyon. It's kinda itchy, I'm thinking of lining it with fleece or something. Has anyone done that?

Pics to come in a post soon. Happy end of January!

London bound

2007-01-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

I am very fortunate to be heading to London next weekend (MLK Day weekend) with two friends! One of them has a flat in London when she and her husband are not in Boston. So, we're going for a girls' weekend in London town! Should be real fun. Though I've visited the British Isles (Scotland, N. Ireland, Ireland), I've never been to England proper. So, this is my big chance! I'm very excited. Some visits to the V&A Museum, The Tate Modern and assorted palace type places are in order. We'll see how much we can cram into 4 days.

Holiday Gift

My DH gifted me with a wooden swift and ballwinder for Christmas. I needed to wind up some more skeins of the Misti Alpaca Chunky I've been using for the Irish Hiking Scarf and broke it out the other night. Of course, it took me a while to get the hang of it, complete with tangling, knotting and cursing. I thought it was a good time to do it -- the kids were in bed, DH wasn't feeling well and went to bed early. I had the dining room table to myself. But, little D. is known for never staying in bed once he goes to bed. Once he saw the setup in the dining room, he had to be a part of it. "This is cool!" he said. So, I let him do some ballwinding too. Cute picture follows.

Christmas tree dismantling techniques

We took the Christmas tree down the other day. As I'm sure you know, grabbing the tree and yanking it down the stairs (we live on a second floor) and out the door means lots of pine needles everywhere. So, DH found a new and interesting way to get the tree outside. He pruned every branch off and stuck them all in a trashcan.

Then, all you're left with is a pine trunk in the tree holder. Unscrew, take out the door and you are done! Here are DH and son C. showing Dad's handiwork:

Still life with stump. Just a suggestion for next year!

Happy Holidays and updates

2006-12-28T15:18:00.000-05:00

Hello to my 2 or 3 faithful readers (who are not me!).

It's been forever since I blogged. Not due to a lack of knitting I might add, but just general pre-holidays pandemonium. Also, the pictures were always on a camera that was either out of batteries, not with me or DH's camera. But now, I've got my act together and have lots to post.

First of all myself modeling Clapotis:

I'm really, really pleased with how it came out. I was convinced as I did the decreases down to the last stitches that I would find myself a few stitches short and the decrease rows would not be symmetrical. But, miracle of miracles, that did not happens and it's about as symmetrical as Clapotis can get! It's very soft and warm, fun to wear and colorful. Perfect colors (Tuscany colorway) for the holidays. I did have to buy a fourth skein (different dye lot which was darker) to finish it off, so I'm warning y'all about that in case you embark on this project yourselves. Luckily, I was not so worried about the dye lot since it's a big floppy shawl and the dye lot changes are not terribly noticeable. So, that's done!

Moving on....

I gifted a Booga Bag to my lovely niece for Christmas. I actually made this back in the summer and finally attached the I-cord to it hours before she arrived to exchange presents. Nothing like a little procrastination! It's Noro Kureyon, and the color's been discontinued so I can't tell you which one it is!

In progress...

I'm knitting socks in Fortissima Socka Mexico for another niece. Here's the pic:

I love the yarn, which I ordered from Astrid's Dutch Obsessions. She has wonderful sock yarns at reasonable prices. The shipping is pricey, though. Best to do a mass order with a group of people. Lots of fun sock yarns and colorways. So, I've turned the heel on the first sock and need to complete that sock. Then, have to do the second. It was going to be for Christmas, but there wasn't enough time. She has a birthday in April, and I'll have enough time to complete them for her (gasp) 22nd birthday!

Badly Needed Yarn Diet

So, many of us knitters have stashes. Some of us have stashes that are bigger than others. For some reason, over the past 2-3 years, I've gone somewhat wild with my stashbuilding. Never mind having enough work clothes or replacing bras as often as I should. Haven't been doing that. But I sure have been shopping online and in person for yarn in a big way. It's out of control. I have containers and containers of yarn. It's nice yarn and I actually love all of it (like my music collection!), but it's got to stop. We need to get our finances under control and make sure we're saving for college educations and retirement, like most adults with children. Yarn won't pay for four years of college. And, you know it's bad when your 7 year old says, "Mom, you have way too much yarn." Gulp. Yes, I do.

So, let the word go forth, that on this day and for the next year and beyond, I am on a yarn diet . The rules are as follows:

Knit From Your Stash 2007: Guidelines for Kathode, adapted from Wendy's:

1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1, 2007 and run through September 30, 2007 -- a period of nine months. I'll try to keep it going beyond September 30.

2. We will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:

2.a. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that we really and truly do not have the yarn for, we may buy yarn to knit that gift.

2.b. If we are knitting something and run out of yarn, we may purchase enough to complete the project.

2.c. We each get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card -- we are each allowed to fall off the wagon one time.

3. We are allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

I have deleted all my bookmarks to Ebay, Webs, and my other fave online retailers. I may need to buy 2 more skeins of Misti Alpaca Chunky to finish a scarf, but that's it! I swear! I'll try to stay honest with this. I really, really need to do it.

To end this ultralong post, here's a photo of the scarf in progress:

This is the Irish Hiking Scarf. It's a very easy knit and pretty. The yarn is soft and wonderful to work with, but a bit splitty. I don't know if this will be a gift or if I'll keep it. We'll see how it goes.

Happy new year to all and I promise more regular posts in 2007! After all, I won't be shopping for yarn and can knit and blog more!

Better mood and pictures of Clappy

2006-11-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I've recovered from my doom and gloom mood of a couple of days ago. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and having some time off. I made a Pear-Cardamom cake lastnight and I think it'll be a nice dessert offering.

Here's a photo of Clapotis as it's making its way to the end. I've had some problems with decreases and had to frog back a few times to get on track and make sure the dropped stitch interval was symmetrical, but for the most part, I think it will be fine. I was hoping to have it done to wear on Thanksgiving day, but that won't be happening.

I actually started this piece two years ago just after Thanksgiving at my sister-in-laws's (where we are going this Thanksgiving as well). She was amazed at how many times I started Clappy, knitting for a while, realized a mistake I was making and then ripped it out to start over. "I could never do that," she said. But I thought it was fun and the constant frogging helped me figure out the pattern and how it worked.

After Clappy is done, I have some sewing up of kid sweater pieces to do. Then, 4 y.o. guy (Little D.) needs a pair of socks, so I'll be doing those. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Grouchy blog entry

2006-11-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

There is incessant jackhammering outside my office on the street. It is a huge pain in the ass. My 4 y.o. makes a scene every morning at preschool dropoff. I thought we prepared for a better dropoff and talked about getting stickers for a good dropof. His dad and I told him if there were enough stickers this week, we could do a special thing together. It didn't work. He knows Mom is an easy mark. He doesn't do this stuff with Dad. I know, I know. Rome wasn't built in a day.

The fun part of the day is that walking from my car to my office, I passed a student with a knitted Pac Man hat on! Complete with all the multicolored characters! It was so great that I voluntarily pulled myself out of my doomed mood and smiled for a while.

Grrr. Not to mention the hell drive to Philadelphia Thursday morning. Wish me luck. There will be fighting brothers in the back seat. It was easier with the dog.

Clappy is zooming along, some stuff for sale

2006-10-29T14:50:00.000-05:00

I've been working very hard on my Clapotis and am almost done with the middle part (where you drop the stitches diagonally every 6th stitch). It's looking great and I have been working on it whenever I get a chance to the exclusion of things like housework, cooking, etc..

Also, I am selling some yarns as well as Alice Starmore books on Ebay to make some money to pay off a few other bills. The Alice Starmores are such beautiful books with great sweaters, but in reality, the odds of my making these are not very high. And the yarns are lots I am destashing, since I can't use all that I've got! So, bid if you are interested!

One more FO

2006-09-25T12:28:00.000-04:00

Finished DS's red white and blue socks in August. Forgot to post a picture of these! I like 'em but wish I'd tried harder to match up the colors so they're symmetrical with each sock. Otherwise, they're warm and toasty for the cold weather to come.

I did some major yarn shopping while on vacation in August. I got to visit Purl Diva in Brunswick and met the amazing Ellen. I scored some Lorna's Laces Worsted in Motherlode for a cardigan for myself, and some Reynolds Whiskey for socks for DH. I also visited Maranacook Yarns in Readfield near where I was staying, and a yarn/craft shop in Rangeley whose name is escaping me at the moment. I found some lovely cranberry colored Bartlett Yarn worsted for a kid sweater. Bartlett Yarns are the best smelling yarns I've ever gotten -- the lanolin smell is heaven!

Fall brings new FO's, fun times

2006-09-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

Somehow, despite, many other competing interests, I made it to the Boston Knit Out and it turned out to be a nice day, despite the weather forecast. There was swag available and I got some lovely red yarns, making me think there is a theme for the day. I need to knit up a lovely red scarf. Here's the photo of my take for the day:

From top to bottom, some Reynolds Garden Tweed in a muted red and beige mix(cotton, linen, viscose), some Manos Cotton Stria in a lovely red, and a bag of Skacel Gatto (all nylon) in great shades of red, orange, white and yellow. Got to see some fellow MIT knitters, including Rhonda, Erin (and baby Geneva -- what a cutie!) and Christine.

In other knitting news, I finished DS's preschool nap blanket in Muench Big Baby (12 balls, but you can do it with less) using Basketweave stitch on size 15 needles. It knit up fast and is very soft. DS's comments?? "It smells like Mommy." I love that.

After the blanket is done, I'm back working on Clapotis, which I ripped out earlier this summer so I can start afresh. It's going better and I'm amazed at how much more I understand about the pattern through repetition. Does that mean I should just knit everything new 5 or 6 times?? Gawd, I hope not. Sorry, no photos of that one yet, but I'll post some as it progresses. It's in Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb, Tuscany (red, blue, green) colorway. This yarn is very hardy, as I've knit and ripped this out multiple times. It still retains its strength and sheen. Good stuff.

Catching up

2006-08-13T17:47:00.000-04:00

Well it's been forever since I posted. Sheer laziness on my part. And a busy (but mostly good) summer! Spent lots of time with Kid #1. Went to San Diego with him so I could go to a conference, did the zoo, Padres game, saw my sis and her family. Son #1 got to go to Comic Con with his comics-crazed cousins and uncle! He had a ball!

Since I've been back, I've finished up my sister's socks:

These were done in Plymouth Sockotta on Size 2 needles. She lives in California so socks with cotton in them are just great. She took care of Kid #1 while I went to my conference (on her vacation) so she deserves some nice socks!

I came to a screeching halt on Son #1's baseball sweater when I noticed the decreases in the front of the sweater (cardigan) did not match up. So, I'm going to have to frog back to the beginning of the decreases and start again. See what I mean??

Son #1 is also getting red white and blue socks that I started ages ago. They are just about done and of course, for parity's sake, I need to make a pair for Son #2. that's the next project along with a minkie (blankie) for Son #2 to have at preschool for his naps. I was inspired my Ms. Knit and Tonic's project for her daughter. I never got around to knitting Son #2 a homemade blanket but it's never too late!

In a more serious vein, I have also been flat out. My older sis took a bad fall on the stairs at my house and ended up in the hospital with a fractured cervical vertebra (C-1). Luckily, she is up and around and the vertebra will heal. But she needs to wear a collar for 6 weeks and be very careful (no driving or turning the neck). It's one thing when your parents get sick and die, but another one entirely when your siblings do. So, it's been a scare and we are a bit worried about her balance and how the fall happened. But thank goodness, she will be OK.

Off to Maine (Rangeley and Winthrop) next weekend for some well deserved vacation. I plan to work on Son #2's socks and minkie. I hope everyone has had a good summer. I'm back to working three days a week at World's Greatest Engineering University but hope to join my knitting group when I can.

PS -- Did you, my knitting friends, notice that many other major league baseball teams have "Stitch and Pitch" events happening at their ballparks that actually *encourage* knitters to come to their games and provide them with wonderful goodies courtesy of The National NeedleArts Association???? God forbid the Red Sox would do anything like this since they sell out every game. Can we get a grass roots effort going to encourage John, Larry, Tom and Theo to consider this???

Springtime candy, knitting in progress

2006-05-31T14:53:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I've posted. I have been knitting! Here are some WIPs:

Brown Sheep Baseball Jacket in Encore Chunky for Son #1, the baseball obsessed kid that he is. He cried so much during the deluge of rain we had in May, because his baseball games were cancelled. Boo Hoo!

This is the beginning of a pair of socks in Sockotta (cotton/wool/poly) for my sis in California. However, I've been messing with the measurements and pattern since she has little feet and the Women's Medium seemed too big.

Lastly, I may have mentioned that I joined the Candyswapper group and I just received this fabulous handmade basket from Heidi of Step Into My Thimble, along with springtime jelly beans, Peach Mentos and chocolate foil ladybugs. It was so beautifully made and presented. Thanks, Heidi!

I made sure I availed myself of WEBS' anniversary sale items. I bought a bunch of yarns to make some very fun things, like the Nina Shawl in the Mason Dixon Knitting book. Should be fun and not hard to do. Loving the warshrags that everyone is churning out!

It's good to know they care...

2006-04-25T13:04:00.000-04:00

I doubt the Red Sox are going to do anything about this (only showing their games on cable) but at least I let them know how rotten that is:

Kathleen,

Thank you for writing the Boston Red Sox and voicing your concern
regarding the television broadcasting schedule. I want to assure you
that your input has been taken into account and brought to the
attention of management and ownership.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to contact me.

Sincerely,
Lindsay Magee
Fan Services

-----Original Message-----
Posted At: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 3:02 PM
Posted To: Fan Emails
Conversation: bos - Other - None - Why no TV games?
Subject: bos - Other - None - Why no TV games?

E-mail From: Kathleen Cahill

I do not subscribe to NESN. I do not have $40 per month to spend on
cable. That means that my family is unable to view Red Sox games on
TV.
Why are you doing this? The games are sold out -- what's the problem
with broadcasting some of them on local TV outlets? If you do it this
way, you can say goodbye to your fan base. This is greedy and unfair.

We are taking over the world

2006-04-18T13:57:00.000-04:00

Bag in progress

2006-04-05T15:54:00.000-04:00

Here's a ready-to-be-felted Booga Bag in Noro Kureyon (I think it's color 126). It's very fun to knit with and knit up very quickly. Finished the I-cord today and I'm hoping to get through one hot wash tonight, then figure out if it needs more. My first attempt at felting!

Thought you might also like a picture of our newly-tiled kitchen backsplash. It only took 7 years to get this done. About the same age as my DS! We chose some pretty colorful tiles because the kitchen doesn't have a lot of color otherwise.

Was the lucky recipient of some free sock yarn from Wendy who was destashing her sock yarn and only wanted amusing emails in exchange for yarn. So, thank you, Wendy! I said almost everything I could think of about Ed Grimley to be amusing. Here's a photo of the lovely yarn I got in the mail Tuesday.

Photos of the bag once it is all nice and felted. Hopefully, there will be enough room for at least a wallet and set of keys.

Chausettes sont fini!

2006-03-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

Here they are -- only the second pair of socks I've knit (and the first ones were a long time ago!). They are knit in Knit Picks Sock Garden in Zinnia on Size 2 needles. I used a very good toe up sock pattern from Lucy of Mind's Eye Yarns.

DH husband likes them a lot and wore them to bed the other night. I think he's worried he'll chew them up if he uses them as work socks and I agree that they're a bit too delicate for workboots.

I'm currently working on a little baby hat for a coworker. I go home at night from work and after getting the kids to bed, can't wait to look at pattern books, visit my stash or come up with fancy ideas for projects. Yet for some reason, I can only sit and knit for a short time. Always searching, I guess.

Slowly, slowly, said the sloth...

2006-03-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

The socks are coming along and just about done! I will have pics up soon.

I joined Super Eggplant's Candyswap which seems like a good way to distract oneself from dieting and eating right.

Attended the Bat Mitzvah of DH's niece in Philadelphia last weekend...mazel tov, Emily!

Hoping to make a little baby hat for coworker's baby shower in 2 weeks, once the sox are done.

After reading some lovely poems on various blogs, I found myself feeling all sentimental for my Dad, a great lover of poetry and reciter of it. I was rereading Gray's Elegy in a Country Churchyard. My father knew it by heart and would happily recite it at anytime with a twinkle in his eye. My brother read it at the end of his eulogy of my dad. Here's a snippet (the rest is at this link )

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,
The lowing herd winds slowly o'er the lea,
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way,
And leaves the world to darkness and to me.

How I miss my Dad.

Cramming everything into one post!

2006-02-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

So, where to begin? The sock I was knitting on Size 3 needles (I thought they were 2's) was too big. So, I bravely frogged the sock (got as far as the gusset)and started again on size 2 needles. So, far, it's going fine. I am more hopeful!

I've been all hot on making cookies and decorating them. I borrowed Martha Stewart's Baking Book from the library and made a bunch of Valentine Cookies, then made Royal Icing and decorated them. My son C. helped me. This is the outcome. Very colorful!

I'm sitting at home while the blizzard rages all around us. I can barely see across the street! A good day for laundry, cooking and Valentine making. But, especially for Olympics! Watched some of the Opening Ceremonies which were typically bizarre and colorful! I'm loving the speed skating and am sad that Michelle Kwan had to drop out. You've gotta love her even more for having the courage to drop out and knowing her limits.

I will continue with my sock and forge ahead. In the meantime, in the interest of all types of crafts, I will leave you with some photos of one of DH Bob's wood turned vessels. He went to the Fuller Craft Museum yesterday to see a wood turning exhibit and when he got home, pulled out one of the turned vessels he had made in a turning class. I think it's lovely -- and in the picture, it is filled with old clay marbles that a neighbor gave us. DH Bob is a Valentine baby -- born on the living room couch, no less! Happy Birthday, honey!

Moving right along...

2006-01-31T16:29:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my blog readers who encouraged me to focus on one project at a time (and cover the others with a blanket!). I decided to stick with socks for now. I started a pair of toe up socks for DH, whose birthday is Feb. 14! I figure that if I can get through the heel successfully, I can finish the socks and also finish DS's socks for his birthday on Feb. 28! Don't know if that's too ambitious but I'm not taking on any more projects until I can deal with at least 1 pair of socks.

Will post a pic soon. DH's socks are pretty bright -- Knit Picks Sock Garden in Zinnia!

I hosted my "other knitting group" lastnight at my house -- those who could come. Four of us have been knitting together since 1990-ish. I can't believe how long it's been! I have to admit that the "other knitting group" is much more focused on talking and we do about 15 minutes of gratuitous knitting at the end of the evening!

One step forward and three steps back...

2006-01-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

I am going through a trial ridden period of knitting ADD. This is when I start one project, run into problems, have to frog and reknit, discover another problem, frog and reknit a few times and get frustrated. In my frustration, I get distracted and decide to jump over to another project. This leaves me, ultimately, with about 5 simultaneous projects, none of which are getting anywhere because I've run into problems on all of them! And then I just totally lose focus. So what do I do? I get distracted by the thought of a new project and its possibilities, and then I buy more yarn! This is why my house is full of yarn and WIPs.

This is not unique to my knitting -- my house is messy and full of started projects that aren't finished. But it seems to be best represented in the way that I approach knitting projects. I wish I could be more focused about lots of things in my life and knitting is one of them. I'm think of doing the knitting olympics just so I can make myself focus on one thing! I also get way too ambitious and think I can accomplish lots of projects that aren't realistic.

Combine that with increasing my work hours and the fact that my little one D. who is 3 years old, likes to stay up late, go to bed and get up about 4 times during the evening, and I can't get much done. Aaargh. Any advice from my few readers is appreciated.

Yours in distraction.

Multidirectional scarf and classic mittens

2006-01-02T20:38:00.000-05:00

I started this multidirectional scarf in Diakeito Diamusee as a way to practice short rows. I have trouble with short rows in the socks I have begun so thought this might be good practice and I love the way the many colors of the yarn shows up diagonally in the scarf pattern. So, it's been going really well! Here's a close up:

I'm loving it and it will be a 25th birthday gift for my niece. Now, instead of something new, here's something old:

This is a pair of mittens bought somewhere in the midwest (probably Wisconsin or Minnesota) on a road trip in 1990, probably at some craft fair. I recall that DH and I stopped in La Crosse to go to the Company Store factory outlet and may have gone other places in La Crosse. The tag says "Estonian Mittens by Chris' mother $19.98". DH found them in a box in our basement. Aren't they amazing? I aspire to such knitting. DH gave me Latvian Mittens by Elizabeth Upitis. I hope to knit something like these in the future.

In the meantime, the multidirectional scarf will do. Happy New Year to all!

You know you're a bit knitting obsessed when...

2005-12-09T20:07:00.000-05:00

...it's snowing heavily and you shovel out the driveway and car so you can get the new cable needle out of a bag in the car 'cause you need it for the hat you're knitting.

...while you are out shoveling, the 3 year old finds your knitting and pulls it apart. I'm grumpy over that but I can rip back and redo.

I feel like these entries belong in one of Yarn Harlot's books! Jeez Louise -- I've had all these ideas for "easy" Christmas presents and none of them is going as planned. The scarf I was going to knit out of foofy novelty yarn has a massively tangled ball. The hat (the WIP that my son took apart) has seen a few incarnations already. My 12 year old neighbor down the street is knitting novelty scarves for $10 each to raise money for her friend's gift. Maybe I should just order a bunch from her!

..or give up and just get gift certificates!

Some finished items

2005-11-28T21:16:00.000-05:00

Went on a Veteran's Day field trip to Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Mass. It's run by the Mass. Audubon Society and it's a working organic farm. They also spin wool and I could not resist buying a couple of skeins pictured below. I was thinking of a hat for DH with the lovely wool. Any suggestions? Moving on....

Knitted this on the ride to and from PA for Thanksgiving! It's a scarf (as yet unblocked) in Manos del Uruguay, colorway 111. It's called "Eclipse" but to me, it looks like a sunset. Half the fun is watching how it knits up and how the colors glow in the sunlight. Will block and attach fringe later. I think I'm keeping this one for myself! Check out the closeup colors in the top picture. Moving right along...

Finished the Harry Potter sweater for C. He loves it and wore it on Thanksgiving Day, but as the day went on (7 hour drive to Pennsylvania), he started removing pieces of his clothing to get more comfortable. I still need to block it anyway. Stats:

Pattern: Weasley Pattern from Alison's knit along
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in Midnight and Pickle (for the trim), 5 balls total
Needles: Size 6 US

Need to knit some Christmas gifts, including a cabled vest for DH, but I'm not sure if I'll get that done in time for Christmas or his February birthday. More on that later. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Bad Hair Day

2005-10-25T12:21:00.000-04:00

So, maybe it's me. Having a 6 year old boy caused me to not expect fights in the morning over hairstyles and gel! But that's what happened this morning. C. decided that he wanted to style his hair (he's got your basic bowl cut) by combing it back, putting gel in it and having it stick up! He said there are a couple of boys at school who wear their hair this way.

I told him I'd help him comb his hair wet (this is just before racing out the door) and put some gel in it. However, the combing wasn't right, the gel didn't do what it was supposed to (defy gravity, I guess) and it all ended in a big tantrum filled meltdown. I was trying so hard not to laugh. It was so important to him but his hair was long enough that it wasn't sticking up.

I'll take him for a haircut and they can put the gel in his hair the way he wants it. In the meantime, I hadn't even *brushed* my own wet hair, in trying to get everyone else ready for the day. Wow, he's only 6. Who knew?

Getting better at intarsia

2005-10-24T12:32:00.000-04:00

It's coming along. Actually, I finished the "C" on the Harry Potter sweater the other night and it looks pretty good! I should finish the front in the next few days and can pick up stitches for the sleeves. It's hard to do clear intarsia letters if you use curvy letters (as opposed to vertical ones) but I think it came out pretty well. The stitches are much tighter now when I change colors.

A whirlwind weekend -- had D's third birthday party. A good time was had by all! Bob the Builder cake for the kids and mimosas for the grownups. And it was my birthday too! DH and I went out to Mistral for dinner! Thank God for gift certificates. The food was wonderful, the restaurant a bit pretentious but fun to go out to a swanky place for a change.

HP sweater in progress and other stuff

2005-10-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

Just about done with the back of the Harry Potter sweater. I was going to do both sleeves at once, then tackle the front last because I have to adapt an intarsia "C" for my son's first initial. But it turns out that the sides are done first, then seamed and you pick up the stitches to knit the sleeves. So much for that.

I'm getting crazy over yarn. I cut back my work hours, so I am making less money. However, knowing that Mission Falls will not be manufacturing its yarns much longer makes me want to buy and hoard! Maybe I should use the stash I already have.

I already have a bunch of Mission Falls to knit my sister a lovely wrap called "Mimi" (her nickname) if not for Christmas, then for her spring birthday.

Had a good weekend. Cooked a lot -- ratatouille, chicken marbella, banana muffins. It was great not to rush anywhere. Also enjoyed the Angels beating the Yankees in the Division Series. Go Angels!

Missed the Knit Out

2005-10-04T15:47:00.000-04:00

Darn, missed the Boston Knit Out...looked like lots of fun! Why do so many things all happen on the same day?? In the AM, I did the Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimers Association. Thanks to those of you who contributed! It was a gorgeous and warm morning along the Charles. And in the afternoon, my son's school pals marched in the Roslindale Day Parade, so I marched with them. I got my exercise on Sunday!

In knitting news, I finished 2 fruit caps and they're all wrapped up. Am working in Harry Potter sweater for son #1. Am almost done with the back. Pics to come soon.

Fun at the Fair!

2005-09-26T16:10:00.000-04:00

Took the kids to Unity, Maine this weekend to the Common Ground Country Fair, sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association. Not only was it a gorgeous day and a wonderful fair, but it's got to be one of the best organized events I've ever been to! They don't forget a thing -- help with parking, a disabled/elderly parking lot that's closer, valet bike parking (and bike riders get special cheers), recycling items used at the fair, and I could go on and on!

Saw lots of fiber artists, spinners and dyers. I was able to restrain myself (due to a very limited budget) and bought some lovely merino sock yarn (i'll get a picture up soon). The kids got to play in a kids area that had place to dive into haystacks, a "Wall of Sound" that had every possible pot, pan and trash can lid nailed to a wooden frame for kids to bang on and other fun kid things.

Many nice (and happy) animals -- bunnies, roosters, ducks, hens, cows, oxen. Very talented and smart sheepdogs herding sheep and ducks! Organic food only was sold -- my only complaint is a lack of caffeinated items, but the food is delicious! Had crab rolls, organic french fries, "pie in a cone", and some lovely other foods.

I highly recommend this fair to anyone -- it gets crowded but is well worth it. It's why Maine is such a special place.

Finished a couple of fruit caps for a new baby and his big sister -- will post those in the next few days too. Ciao for now.

Star of the day, who will it be?

2005-09-20T22:36:00.000-04:00

I'm on a roll, what can I say?? Here's little D. in his finished Star Sweater from Wee Knits (Mission Falls pattern book) done in Mission Falls Cotton. Sorry the picture is a bit fuzzy -- my camera is doing new, strange things.

The intarsia for the star was my first attempt at intarsia and had lots of gaps and unevenness, but overall, I'm pretty happy with the way the sweater turned out! And, despite the fact that I finished it late, it still fits him! I guess there are good things about being small for your age!

Life is what happens while you're making other plans

2005-09-19T16:58:00.000-04:00

So, my first day "off" was supposed to be Thursday. My little 2 y.o. D. had a cold so I kept him home that day. So much for the day off. That was OK, though. When your little one is cranky and unhappy, you don't want to send them to daycare (well sometimes you do). The plan was to send him on Friday instead. Until he got another asthma attack (first one was in May) and we spent Friday at the Emergency Room! There is nothing quite like little D. on steroids -- first the nebulizers, then the prednisone. Then, he is rocketing around the waiting room, the examining room, pushing every button on the computer (apparently, he reset the patient display board out by the ER front desk!), grabbing latex gloves out of the boxes, trying to activate oxygen/gas knobs in the wall! What fun!

Meanwhile, I had spent the whole day with a sinus headache that good old Ibuprofen wasn't curing. I thought, "If they admit him again (he had to be admitted back in May), I will just die!" I knew D. would be OK. Last time he was at the hospital, he did laps around the floor from 6 AM to 9 PM. It was unbearable.

Fortunately, the breathing got better as the afternoon progressed and he was able to go home with me. If my headache wasn't so bad, I would have downed a bottle of wine after that day. He's doing much better now and is back on inhalers.

Oh right -- knitting content?? I did do a bit of knitting in the ER but as you can imagine, I was a bit preoccupied. Doing a couple of fruit caps for some little babies I know.

Here's to preventive inhalers!

FO, FO!

2005-09-13T21:29:00.000-04:00

Finished Object!

Purse in Crystal Palace Deco-Ribbon (2 balls)
Pattern from Crystal Palace website (free)
Given to younger son's speech therapist
August 2005

The pressure is on...

2005-09-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

Well, not only did Christine create a link to the MIT Stitch and Bitch blog off the MIT Home Page on Saturday, but I realized a few folks are linkin' to my blog. So, I'd better put something on it.

Of course, I have a new laptop and can't find the CD that has all the drivers and software for my digital camera! And this is coming from a technology person. This is embarrassing. I should really get off my duff and reinstall that stuff. But I'm good at procrastination.

But I actually have some finished objects to show and am very excited, given my propensity to not finish things! So, I promise to have pics up soon by the end of this week.

I'm gonna miss seeing my Stitch and Bitch Group every week. I won't be working Thursdays any more so I'll pop in for some knitting but won't be there every week. Bummer. But really nice to have a day with no kids and no job -- I can actually strip that wallpaper in the front hall after watching it peel for 10 years!

Gotta write something new

2005-06-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

Well, here it is June 30th! What have I finished in the knitting realm? Nothing yet.

What have I been working on?

1. Almost done with a bag made from Crystal Palace Deco Ribbon -- pretty stuff!
2. Have finished knitting the pieces of younger son's Berroco Lullaby sweater. Gotta steam and seam!
3. Started a sweater in Rowan Cotton Tape and am almost done with the back.

As usual, way too many yarn purchases, as I cut a swath in the yarn inventories of others the world over. Going camping this weekend, hopefully I can get some knitting done while sitting on the ground.

Cheers and happy summer! Pictures to come in a future post.

2005-05-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

Mothers Day flowers from my big sistah!

2005-05-05T16:46:00.000-04:00

Lovely items from Secret Pal Melissa! Thanks, Melissa!

Lovely things from Secret Pal!

2005-05-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

So, I was home this afternoon with a sick little boy and I heard the USPS delivery truck leave a package in the front hall! I found some way to extricate myself from my little one and ran down to get it. What did I find!! Such wonderful things.
A lovely card with some fiber cows on it! My SP4 is Melissa of The Syntax of Things! I was totally surprised!

And all the lovely gifts in the package were wrapped in fabulous hot pink tissue paper, adding to the suspense! First a lovely tiny box of Godiva chocolates! Next, a hot pink leather cardholder to match the tissue paper! Then, a fabulous notebook with multicolored stars on the cover (some pink)! (I think Melissa likes pink, judging form those cupcake stitch markers, hee hee!) A hilariously scrumptious mousepad, with balls of yarn and chocolates mixed together in cupcake wrappers! Makes me hungry for yarn and chocolate when I look at it. Moving right along....(it doesn't end), a lovely skein of Cherry Tree Hill Glitter Alpaca in "Country Garden", a lovely mix of greens, purples, blues and pinks with a bit o' glitter mixed in! Along with it, came a pattern for a scarf made of the Glitter Alpaca. Thanks, Melissa! Both of the scarf pattern styles are lovely -- I'll have a hard time choosing! And last but not least, The Harmony Guide to Knitting Techniques Volume I.
I don't have any of these so I'm psyched!

Thank you, Melissa! It's been fun having you as the Secret Pal bestower!

I guess I am a "Yankee English" speaker

2005-04-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% Yankee

30% General American English

10% Dixie

10% Upper Midwestern

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

2005-04-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

More gifts from Secret Pal. Some lovely yarn from Knit Wits, as well as Addi Turbos (already in use), knitting nets, and some lovely loose tea from NYC!

2005-04-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Great stitch markers from Secret Pal! Thanks, SP!

2005-02-14T12:40:00.000-05:00

Headband I'm making for my 6 y.o. son. Almost done.

2005-02-14T12:35:00.001-05:00

Clapotis with ladder effect.

2005-02-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

A view of Clapotis with dropped stitches (colors don't translate well)!

2005-02-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

New Koigu yarn for Charlotte's web!

Some progress on Clapotis!

2005-02-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

Been doing great with Clapotis! I'm now at the point where I'm dropping stitches and the lovely ladder effect is coming into view. Here are few photos. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't do the colors justice. It's more of a tomato-ey red color and it's coming out so bright! And there's also orange, green and blue. So, just trust me on this. It's Lorna's Laces Tuscany.

Secret Pal sent me a lovely e-card and a lovely paper card. So, thanks SP! It's fun getting mail!

Secret Pals 4 Questionnaire Answers

2005-01-27T15:48:00.000-05:00

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)?
I prefer natural fibers or mixes of natural fibers and acrylic.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Neither.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Smoke, cats, heavily scented things.

4. How long have you been knitting?
On and off about 20 years, I go through spurts of interest.

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

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

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Oh, yeah. I love chocolate (Lindt, Ghirardelli, Swiss and Belgian chocolate). I like milk chocolate more than dark.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I do some crafts with my kids but am not the greatest crafter outside of knitting.

9. What kind of music do you like?
I listen to a lot of jazz, world music, and classical music. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes, I can listen to MP3s.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I tend to go for the olive/purple/green/teal color palette. I don't like pastels. I also love earth tones (brick, orange, reds).

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married with two small sons (6 and 2). Our sweet dog of 10 years just died! Sniff.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Finishing what I start, traveling more, taking better advantage of fun opportunities, living in the moment.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I'm enjoying Lorna's Laces at the moment. Also would like to knit with Manos del Uruguay. I love alpaca. I haven't tried any cashmere and would like to try merinos more. I love space dyed stuff.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I'm not very crazy about most acrylics and some of the novelty yarns that are hard to knit with. I just bought some "Sesamo" by Filatura that is very hard to knit with.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I'm doing Clapotis and trying not to screw it up. I love buying yarn but have a hard time sticking to projects and finishing them.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I love scarves and mittens.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Clapotis, kid sweater in Mission Falls cotton, headband for son.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
I like shawls better. Ponchos make me think I'm ten years old again.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circular.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo and aluminum. I also just got a pair of ebony needles that I love. I'd love to try some Addi Turbos -- everyone raves about them.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
I have in the past. I plan to do some socks this year.

22. How did you learn to knit?
My Mom taught me. Then I got impatient and a friend's Mom helped me learn. Other friends have assisted me in learning knitting.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Ouch, about 20 years. A lovely Reynolds Lopi sweater than would certainly not fit any longer!

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love Bugs Bunny, Bullwinkle and Underdog.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Rocks, minerals, old postcards.

Things about me (less than 100)

2005-01-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

1. I am a born and bred Bostonian -- without the accent!
2. I am married with two boys (6 and 2).
3. I work in assistive technology -- technology for people with disabilities.
4. I endured 12 years of Catholic school! Plenty of therapy bills to follow up on that.
5. I love music -- classical, jazz, Brazilian music, salsa, world music.
6. I am a big dance fan -- ballet and modern dance.
7. Lest you think I am overly cultured, I am also a fan of Bugs Bunny, old cartoons (Bullwinkle, Underdog, etc...), and other schlocky pop culture things from the 60s and70s.
8. And, I am a very happy Boston Red Sox fan -- yeah, you Sox!
9. I speak Ubbi-Dubbi fluently.
10. My Mom taught me to knit and crochet, but it took lessons from friends to get me into knitting regularly.

I'll stop there for now.

Joined Secret Pals 4!

2005-01-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm excited! I just sent an email to join Secret Pals 4 ! It sounds like a very fun diversion and a way to make an online friend. I just keep reading knitting blog after knitting blog and wondering who all these talented people are! It's quite impressive.

More to come later. Still working on Clapotis, a headband for my son, and trying to finish Star Sweater for younger son.

2004-12-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

Added Dancing Leaf Farm yarn to my stash!

2004-12-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

Another fruit cap

Catching up

2004-12-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

Been buying lots of yarn. I have been knitting some too. Almost done with Star Sweater for my 2 y.o. son (Mission Falls pattern and cotton yarn).

Finished a few fruit caps for kids I know. The lovely people who roast our coffee and deliver it had a baby, so I knitted a strawberry cap for their little baby girl. See photos above this post for the finished product.

Been buying some lovely multicolored yarn from Dancing Leaf Farm that I found at my local yarn store, Circles, in Jamaica Plain, MA. Plan to make a shawl with it. I posted a photo above this entry of the lovely yarn.

Also working on Clapotis scarf from Knitty Fall 04 with lovely, shiny, soft yarn from Lorna's Laces.

Visited relatives in Philadelphia over Thanksgiving and made a stop at Sophie's Yarns in Center City. Great place and a nice collection of yarns. I bought some lovely alpaca in a black/brown color combination.

2004-10-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

Elephants on parade.

Elephants on Parade

2004-10-06T15:43:00.000-04:00

The Ringling Brothers Circus arrived in town yesterday, and they park their long train cars next to MIT, where I work! So, today was they day that they march the animals (horses, ponies and elephants) down to the Fleet Center, where they are performing. Take a look. It's so hilarious and incongruous to see these beautiful elephants trotting down the street, tail to trunk, in front of these austere academic buildings!

It's easier to buy yarn than finish projects!

2004-09-15T16:10:00.000-04:00

I am in a phase where I can't stop buying yarn. I have a very large stash in my basement, and luckily, had stopped my habit a few years back (especially when I had kids and little time to knit). But this summer, I started buying all kinds of fun, novelty yarns to make scarves out of, and the habit has begun anew. I see all those wonderful colors and I'm swept away by ideas, some of which materialize and some which don't.