eep!

In which Kate becomes a Teen Services librarian

2010-09-28T10:16:00.003-04:00

So in lieu of working in a school library, I've been working more hours at my public library job ... and I am now the teen librarian (yay!). Even though I was "flipped" to this portion of Youth Services earlier this month, I am still really really excited about it.

When my Teen Advisory Board meets for the first time in November, I want to see if any of the kids are interested in a knitting group. Oh yes. A knitting group. I have a lot of extra needles and scrap yarn to get us started, and since I've already taught Andrea how to knit (I need to ask her what poem I used. It was a little violent and involved a fox and a hen-house), I think I can handle teaching teenagers. That, and they won't wave the needles around.

So. Any suggestions for programs? Anyone?

How a yarn store in Spokane, WA helped a girl on Long Island

2010-08-24T13:40:00.003-04:00

Important Knitting Tip: When working on something, like ... oh ... a never ending wedding afghan, make sure you have enough yarn.

Thanks to Paradise Fibers in Spokane, WA, I will be able to finish this darn present. They seem to be the ONLY shop left on the planet that still carries Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in Light Iris ... and they not only shipped two skeins to me, they shipped it to me IMMEDIATELY. I placed my order on Friday, the yarn arrived in Monday. I love Paradise Fibers, Ravelry, and the United States Postal Service immensely.

Now I just need to knit ;)

Tinking Time

2010-08-01T19:09:00.003-04:00

The worst thing to happen when you're on a knitting deadline, almost at the end of a very very very long section...

You discover you are somehow missing a stitch.

I made this discovery about two or three weeks ago whilst watching "Bride and Prejudice," and I have moped about it since. I've tinked back several rows (the agony! the utmost agony!), and tonight's goal is to get to the root of the problem, double-check to make sure I'm at the right point according to the pattern and my stitch counter, and start knitting again.

Watching Captain Jack Harkness whilst doing all of this should mitigate the pain, a bit.

The fact that this is the never ending wedding afghan, which I need need NEED to have finished, blocked, and mailed by September 5th is making this whole process even more aggravating. I expect to be knitting on my dinner break tomorrow evening.

Summer Reading

2010-07-30T14:58:00.006-04:00

One of the beauties of summer vacation (to me, anyway) is that I can read. Read read read. During the school year I stick to doing crossword puzzles before bed, out of fear I'll stay up until 3 in the morning reading.

This is not exactly a problem during the summer. The only problem was that when I assembled my summer reading list, there were 99 books on the list. Yes. Ninety-nine. Oops.

So far, since school let out in June, I have read...

White Night by Jim Butcher (no. 9 in the Dresden Files series)
Priceless: how I went undercover and rescued the world's stolen treasures by Robert K. Wittman. Wittman used to the sole undercover FBI operative rescuing stolen art around the world. This is a fantastic true story, and one I highly recommend.
Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost! by Cornelia Funke. The first in Funke's Ghosthunters series. It's very cute, very silly, and the illustrations are hysterical.
Small Favor by Jim Butcher (no. 10 in the Dresden Files)
Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz (a companion novel to her Blue Bloods series)
Changes by Jim Butcher (no. 12 in the Dresden Files). OMG. My jaw dropped with this one. Just when I thought Butcher could not come up with any more twists, turns, and general mayhem ... he proved me wrong. Again. Wow. I'm still in shock. I can't wait until Ghost Story is released in March.

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross. SO AWESOME. Now I want to go to an actual roller derby. And see Whip It. Also - Derby Girl has been renamed Whip It. So you can search for this book under both titles.

Uncle Andy's Cats by James Warhola. Did you know that almost all of Andy Warhol's cats were named Sam? I didn't. This is yet another adorable cute picture book about James Warhola's famous uncle.
Remembering Crystal by Sebastian Loth. I'm surprised I wasn't bawling. This is a very gentle book explaining death. I would say it is appropriate for the toddler-set.
Broker, trader, lawyer, spy: the secret world of corporate espionage by Eamon Javers. Several years ago I read Confessions of an economic hitman, and since then, I've been interested in corporate espionage. Javers traces the history of corporate espionage from the Pinkwater agency to today, tracing ethics, legalities, and types of spy gadgetry.
It's raining cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder. My one problem with this is that I feel the ending was rather abrupt. Then again, I'm not the target age of reader (think 10 to 14 year old girls).
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. This is the steampunk version of Alice in Wonderland --- or, the real story of Alyss Heart.
Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. I finished this book in one day ... and squee! Loved, loved, loved this! Primrose has hair the colour of carrots in an apricot glaze. Every chapter ends with a recipe, and yay and happiness and squee and joy. This is the written example of what my students refer to as, "Miss F. is spazzing out." I call it the written version of the happy dance, usually performed when a book is super exciting and excellent.

for my middle schoolers

2010-06-25T09:48:00.002-04:00

To my darling students:

I will not be with you in September, but I promise you this: I miss all of you. I will be updating this blog on a fairly regular basis again, and you can comment on here for communication purposes (it won't show up at first --- I get to moderate all comments ). Just let me know who is commenting!

Keep reading, keep being awesome, have a wonderful, fantastic, awesome summer.

- Miss F.

Movie stars and socks

2010-02-27T10:42:00.003-05:00

I went on vacation to Berlin, Dresden, and Prague, and met this dude in the airport.

To quote one of my dearest friends, "You do realize this doesn't happen to other people, right?"

If I was an even better knitter (or a braver person), I would have asked Vin Diesel to hold my sock-in-progress for a picture. However, here's the sock (I was allowed to knit on the plane going to Germany, and the plane going home from the Czech Republic, phew), and the view from the Best Western am Spittelmarkt.

Snow day, with hardly any snow pictures

2010-02-10T17:08:00.003-05:00

Used Judy's Magic Cast On and ... successfully cast on for toe-up socks. I also have some beautiful Ella Rae lace merino (from the last post), that I need to divide into two balls. If there is school tomorrow, I plan on asking around the science department, and see if anyone will let me borrow their scale for five minutes.

In which Kate is somewhat incapable of taking great photos of yarn with PhotoBooth

2010-02-04T22:04:00.004-05:00

I just had a one skein of yarn photo shoot (yay PhotoBooth), and while I normally *love* what I take with PhotoBooth, tonight ... well ... the lighting is off. I tried taking pictures with one lamp on, then two, then three, and the pictures all came out awkward.

Here is a (poor image quality) picture of what I plan to knit into a pair of socks during vacation:

Yarn: Ella Rae Lace Merino. 412 yards.

...and I hear some little (hopefully little) creature in the attic above my room. Off to investigate!

Cross-stitch Endeavors

2010-02-03T22:31:00.003-05:00

One of my co-workers from the public library recently gave me a cross-stitch kit. It's for a bookmark, based on a quilt pattern. It's very pretty, and slightly intimidating.

Why is a simple cross-stitch kit intimidating, you ask? Haven't you taught cross-stitch at historical day camp?

Well... I taught embroidery. I would sketch an outline on the fabric, follow the lines with my needle and thread, and mostly hoped for the best. This does not involve any lines on the fabric. This involves counting. Plus, there are holes in the fabric (it's an even-weave fabric. It's supposed to look like this).

Since I'm guilty of overthinking simple things ... the even-weave fabric threw me off. Where am I supposed to put the needle? Through the hole? Through the spot of fabric present? Thanks to a Google Image Search (query: "how to cross stitch") and the nice people at Needlework Tips & Techniques, I now know that I'm supposed to insert the needle in the space between the fabric.

Now I just need to conquer the counting stitches bit.

I'm excited for the project (plus, bookmark, yay), and I'm already trying to figure out Good Times To Cross Stitch. These times do not include subway rides or watching the X-Files (subways are for sock knitting and reading, TV time is for knitting the never ending afghan. I also need to figure out a time to work on Teddy's first toupee and baby biker sweater). I have some ideas on Good Cross-Stitch Times. These times include my lunch hour (small, portable), listening to NPR, and socializing with friends (yes, I am THAT girl).

The neverending project

2010-02-03T20:33:00.001-05:00

Back to working on the Wedding Afghan. Remembered why I don't work on this during my lunch break: too difficult to read pattern, wield cable needle, and eat lunch at the same time.

Julie's Socks

2010-01-28T19:52:00.004-05:00

It took only twenty days, but Julie's second sock is finished. I just need to weave in the ends, and I can send it off to her by Saturday. I hope she models the socks (and lets me put a picture on the blog!).

Sock information
Pattern: basically, my own. Very plain. Started off with the cuff for Cookie A.'s Pomatomus, knit in stockinette for several inches, did the heel from Pomatomus, knit in stockinette for several more inches, and then did the toe of Pomatomus. It's a very, very, very basic, plain sock, also knit up in Patons Kroy Socks Stripes (Mulberry Stripes colorway), on size US 2 dpns. It took a full skein, and then a few yards ... so I'm guesstimating about 175, 180 yards.

MacBook Cozy (or: what I knitted to protect my macbook from my bag)

2010-01-10T21:35:00.004-05:00

Of course, I do not have a picture of my MacBook snuggled in her new cozy, but that's because the camera is in my desk (and I'm too lazy to leave the couch).

Started January 3, finished January 10th. I knitted like a madwoman. Knitted up on US 7 circs (which are Addi Turbos, yum). Casted on 80 stitches, knit flat for two rows, then joined in the round. I did a subtle striping pattern (and I finally figured out how to stripe without causing too many small disasters). Knitted up both balls of Cascade Yarns Luna in colourways 744 and 746. Realized I did not have enough of the Luna, but thankfully had some Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Paints in Tropical Paint left over. Grafted at the end. Still need to weave in ends.

This week's knitting projects will include: Oh Yeah, I Should Probably Finish Those Socks for Julie and Heh, I Should Finish This Afghan Before The One-Year Anniversary!

Improvising

2010-01-08T22:50:00.002-05:00

Ran out of the Luna today during lunch. Thankfully, I had some of the Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in Tropical Punch left over. I don't have a lot of yardage, so this should be very interesting! Happily, I have the needles AND yarn (gasp!) I need for Julie's second sock. The goal is to cast on 72 stitches either tonight or tomorrow (24 sts per needle), knit the first 10 rows as [p1, k1tbl], and then knit in stockinette for an indeterminate number of stitches.

Thursday night knitting

2010-01-07T21:02:00.003-05:00

Knitting at home. Project is almost finished ... though I might run out of yarn first. The chances of adding a pink merino wool are getting higher and higher.

Win a prize!

2010-01-06T21:25:00.003-05:00

First person to correctly guess what this is wins a prize.*

*the prize may be stickers if I know you, or a link to your blog if I don't know you. ;)

Update soon, I promise

2010-01-03T00:53:00.002-05:00

I have an extensive blog post all written up and ready to publish, if it were not for the fact that I'm having a little trouble with iPhoto at the moment. As soon as the problem is resolved, pictures of the finished Thujas will be posted here and on Ravelry, along with some of the December 19th blizzard pictures.

Sorry for the delay.

Last Finished Objects of 2009 (originally written on January 2)

2010-01-03T00:19:00.005-05:00

Happy new year everyone. The break is almost over, and I'll be returning to work on Monday morning, quite possibly with the wedding afghan in tow (to work on during lunch).

The break went by in a blur, readily helped by the fact that I had acute bronchitis for a good week ... and thought it was just a bad chest cold. I'm better now, thanks to a speedy doctor's visit, a chest x-ray, and lots and lots of antibiotics.

Anyway, I have some pictures to show ...
For those not on the East Coast of the United States, there was a blizzard on Saturday, December 19th. There was a lot of snow. My part-time job ended several hours ahead of schedule, which meant I, in a fit of brilliance, decided to drive to the nearest train station and catch a ride to Manhattan for the blizzard.

Here are the socks in progress in the car...

And here they are, finished!
Thuja socks, pattern by Bobby Ziegler.
Barely used up two skeins of Artyarns Supermerino in colorway 151 Calypso, purchased at Knitting on the Lamb in Huntington, NY.
Knitted on US 6 dpns. Started on December 5, finished on December 22nd. They are warm, comfy, and fit perfectly.

Weekend Plans --- the blizzard is not allowed to interfere

2009-12-19T12:45:00.003-05:00

Plan for the weekend if I manage to make it into Manhattan:

Dinner

Contra dancing

MoMA to see the Tim Burton exhibit if my host needs to leave super-early, and I am unable to get a train back out to Long Island immediately.

For my train and subway rides, I plan to finish the Pink Thujas (I've turned the heel on the second sock, and I have about two or three more inches to knit before I can start the toe), and read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. It's one of the newer acquisitions for my school library, and I want to formulate a book talk on it.

Pink Thujas

2009-12-09T22:26:00.006-05:00

This led to ...

This.

The first half of my Thuja socks are finished ... and wow, I do not think I have ever been this ridiculously happy with a grafted toe before. When the second sock is finished (this took me four days. FOUR DAYS. My goal is to finish the second sock by Saturday), I'll take lots of pictures ... and show off the grafted toes. The yarn information will also be posted. Bwahaha.

This project has been generating conversation with my coworkers. Most of the women think the colours are adorable, and the men are asking me to knit pink socks for the other men. Erm. Maybe if they buy the yarn and don't expect anything until next summer.

I also had a major revelation today concerning Julie's second sock project. It doesn't need to be insanely complicated. I could just do a simple sock in stockinette.

...

Also ... does anyone know how to correctly pronounce Thuja? Is it "thew-JA" or "thew-ya"?

GRRRR!

2009-11-17T19:01:00.004-05:00

I know that I definitely own a pair of size US 6 dpns. In fact, in my last post, you can see them jutting out of the Eggplant Socks.

I cannot find them.

Now, if I had not used these dpns since Summer '06, that would be perfectly understandable as to why I cannot find them. However, I used them as recently as mid-October of this year, knitting a baby beret that there is no record of on Ravelry. Ah, that's why. I knitted the Baby Beret from the ever-so fabulous (and aptly named) Wacky Baby Knits by Alison Jenkins. Back to my story. My US 6 dpns were used, they were fabulous, and now I cannot find them.

On Saturday morning I actually drove out to Michael's at 9 in the morning to buy these precious tools, but the only size sixes available were in the circular variety ... which I foolishly bought.

My brain has trouble processing two sets of circs for in-the-round projects, especially for socks. Until I either a) find my wandering US 6 dpns (which are in a lovely Brittany wood, if I do so recall, so nice and soft and supple in my hands) or b) buy some cold, hard Susan Bates, for they are cheap and I must save money ... the Thujas shall not be cast on.

Artyarns Addict?

2009-11-13T16:57:00.005-05:00

I seem to be obsessed with Artyarns Supermerino.

Cue: it's been several years, but I bought my *third* massive purchase (massive being more than one skein) of Artyarns Supermerino, this time in colorway 151 Calypso ... for ... yes ... Thuja socks. I walked into Knitting on the Lamb, and emerged with three skeins of pink stripey happiness.

The first time I knit up some Thujas, it was the first time I had ever knitted socks ... and it was for a now-ex boyfriend. I was hooked after I finished that pair. They rocked. They were green. I post a picture of them here, but they do show the ex's feet, and I have a feeling that won't go over too well with him.

The second pair of Thujas I knit was the summer after that, in 2006. They were my mom's birthday present, and I call them her eggplant socks. They are purple, and as I ran out of purple for the toes, I finished them off with the leftover green. Here's an image of one of the socks in progress, sans green toes.

So tonight I have my three little skeins, sitting in my lap, and when I return from dinner I plan on winding them up. Never mind the other sock I need to cast on for Julie, the Celtic Knot afghan for Sean and Becky, the scarf for my nephew, the hat for my niece. It's getting colder out and I need socks, dammit.

Cookies

2009-09-27T17:49:00.002-04:00

My first batch of Cold Weather Cookies are in the oven.

For those of you not in the know, I have been effectively banned from baking whenever it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Apparently baking during a heat wave is anathema. Since it was a gorgeous 60-something degree day, complete with dreariness and continual mist, I was given the green light.

Tonight I made my usual chocolate chip cookies, but I also mixed in white chocolate chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. Tomorrow I may or may not bake an apple crisp. I was just on the phone with my brother, and my sister-in-law and the kids have been baking up a storm of all things apple today. Apple cake, apple bread, other things with apples...

Two panels

2009-08-28T10:01:00.005-04:00

Rather horrid photo of the Celtic Wedding Knot ... two panels being worked upon at once, on an extremely long US 10.5 circular needle. When watching Doctor Who the other night, I realized I had made a glaring error with one of the cables. It's fixed now. Phew.

Tea time

2009-08-23T23:44:00.003-04:00

It took me quite a bit of time, but I finally realized why I take so many naps on the weekends.

I don't have caffeinated drinks between Friday afternoon and Monday morning. I'll start drinking tea (doctored with milk and sugar, of course) to combat the epic sleepiness.

The afghan is coming along nicely, I've been bad and haven't been photographing my progress. One of my skeins of yarn was a huge tangled mess, which is why I haven't knitted for several days ---- the mess was that bad. My mother finished untangling it for me, so tomorrow, hopefully, I'll be knitting again.

How my niece and I bonded

2009-08-15T01:20:00.006-04:00

Last time I saw my niece, I showed her the magical way of turning skeins into center-pull balls of yarn with the swift and ball winder. Here are two balls of Cascade Yarns in Luna, the top in green, the bottom in brown. The colorways are 746 (the green) and 744 (brown). 100% Peruvian cotton which needs to be handwashed (good to know).

The niece will be staying with us for a week this summer, so I have a feeling a lot more of my wool will be wound up ...

Let the sun shine in

2009-08-15T01:04:00.003-04:00

Of course, as I write this, it is well past the witching hour, and I'm in my pajamas.

I just got back from seeing HAIR for the second time, and I'll put it this way: seeing a Broadway show when *not* sick to your stomach is always a good time.

My summer has been absolutely bonkers, and in a good way. Last August I spent the majority of the month on the couch, courtesy of Epstein-Barr. (If anyone knows of a support network, please let me know) This summer, I spend some time on the couch every afternoon ... but it's recovering from ...

...block printing, creating exhibits with my campers, creating scrimshaw, making hornbooks, playing graces or tag outside, decoupaging boxes...

Phew. Looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow! Knitting post soon, I promise.

1930s gangster movies and ... baby hats

2009-07-10T13:49:00.004-04:00

There are several things needed to enjoy a good movie, in my opinion.

A comfortable seat.

Something to snuggle in (sweater, blanket, pashmina).

Knitting.

I was definitely the only person knitting during the Sunday night showing of Public Enemies in Hicksville.The yarn is Lily Sugar'n Cream Stripes in ... American Stripes. I'm using size 7 needles as usual, and the pattern is my old favorite, the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch 'n Bitch.

Erm, anyone remember that wedding gift I'm knitting?

2009-07-10T13:41:00.003-04:00

The Celtic Wedding Knot afghan is chugging along, and I finished knitting up the first panel last night. Then I immediately cast on for the second panel. I have about two or three rows done of the second panel, and I'm wondering if my Addis can support two panels at once. It's not very long (about... uh... twenty four to thirty six inches? Math and I don't get along).

As it is, when the wedding rolls around Labor Day weekend, my cousin and his bride will receive a photograph of the afghan in progress.

I have the BEST college roommate ever

2009-07-10T13:37:00.003-04:00

My senior year college roommate Andrea has made some guest appearances on this blog ... but something arrived in the mail today that just cemented her roommate soulmate status.

Wool.

Not just any wool...

ICELANDIC WOOL. FROM ICELAND. LAND OF VIKING SHEEP.

I'll post the information on Ravelry later ... but omg. omg. omg. ICELANDIC WOOL!

(goes off and does happy dance)

What I have been doing

2009-07-03T23:35:00.003-04:00

Since our last post, the school year has wrapped up, I came down with the flu (not swine!), and happily started my summer vacation. My summer job has not started yet, and while there are no pictures of the knitting...
Steamed crab night. That is not my head.

Roxy Paine installation on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

There should be an update on the wedding afghan in about a week or so ... or at least summer-time pictures. Have a happy Fourth of July everyone!

Knitting, Baking, Grading, and Inspiration, all at once

2009-06-02T22:44:00.007-04:00

Several things:

One: I just realized that on Ravelry, you can upload pictures from your computer. I no longer need to freak out about my Flickr account. On Flickr, the free account only holds 200 pictures. Because of Ravelry, I am almost near that magic number.

Two: I cast on the Judi & Co. Rococo (or is it Rayon Rococo) in Sizzle. I'm using US 11 needles, casted on 40, and doing a lovely garter stitch back and forth. This is rather simple knitting. I'm loving it.Three: I had a Banana Bread Mix. It required an oven, 1/4 cup oil, 1 cup water, and 2 eggs. Since the measuring cup was in the sink ... I guessed on the water, threw in two very ripe, very mushy smushy bananas, and a handful of chocolate chips. C'est magnifique!
Four: I need to do a ton of grading tomorrow. Grr.
Five: I need to get my hands on a stitch dictionary. Like now. This is what I want to knit. When J was on his phone, I happened to look at the base of the nearest lamp post. (We were by the 81st street subway station). Wow. Wouldn't that look awesome in a sweater or a scarf?

50% off yarn? You betcha I'm buying some.

2009-06-02T10:11:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday night, I had fun. I had a lot of fun. That picture? That's just some of the fun I had.

One of the women in my knitting group used to run a yarn store. The store is currently in her living room, and needless to say, when we met at her house instead of our usual meeting place ... I barely paid attention to my knitting. I spent about two hours touching, smelling, eying gorgeous yarns of every fiber, weight, color possible.

This picture just shows *half* of what I bought that night. Five other skeins are scattered about my house (and in the case of two, in my car). Here, from left to right there is ... Artyarns Handpaint Stripes in 103, Perla Trendsetter Yarns in Linen (sparkly!), and two skeins of unknown parentage, but they are novelty ... and I'll be using them to give an extra punch to some plain knitting.

I'm incredibly excited about all this new yarn in my life, and have Grand Plans for some of the skeins. Eee!

Yardage Concerns

2009-05-26T21:54:00.002-04:00

I've been bad this past week, as I have hardly knitted at all. Today I picked up the afghan again, and realized that I am now on my third ball of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in Jelly Bean. However, I am still working on the first panel of the afghan. I am beginning to worry that I may not have enough yardage to complete the darn thing.

So silky, how will it stay in my hair?

2009-05-18T22:22:00.002-04:00

I've been working on this little headband on and off for a few weeks now. Obviously not major knitting, and I don't need to think very hard while working on this. The Simple Lace Headband is a good pattern, though I need to figure out how long this little thing is supposed to be.

The only complaint, which is my fault, is that the silk won't stay put on my head. I'm going to use a few strategically placed bobby pins to keep the damn thing on. I do love that this is using up what little yardage of the silk I had left over from my silk-and-mohair Edgar ... and the color pops against my dark hair.

Possibly the WORST Image ever

2009-05-18T22:21:00.003-04:00

But photographic proof that I finished the first of Julie's socks!

Existence! Who knew!

2009-05-11T21:34:00.004-04:00

The blog and I still exist!

I have misplaced my camera cable, so while there are pictures, they are being held hostage on my digital camera.

The Celtic Knot Afghan is coming along beautifully. I am now on gauge (I think), using Addi Turbos in US 10.5. The difference between the 10.5 and 10 is astounding. I am on my second skein of Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in Jelly Bean.

I also, around April 21st, cast on the Simple Lace Headband by Melissa Mall (ravelry link). It's a small project, and I'm using up the last twelve yard of my pink Colinette Tao. US 6 needles are being used for the project.

I've joined a knitting group at a local bookstore, thanks to one of my friends from work. Yay! The meeting place is highly dangerous: there are books. Lots of books. Including the latest Rick Riordan, The Last Olympian. (For those not in the know, The Last Olympian is the fifth, and perhaps final?, book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series)

Questions

2009-04-11T23:47:00.002-04:00

I recast on with the 6.5mm Addi Turbo circs, and was steadfastly knitting away on the afghan when my niece piped up,

"You're making a big blanket? I can't believe it!"

I wasn't sure if she was confused by the needles being connected (this might have been the first time she saw circs in her life), or the fact that I was working on only 1/3 of a blanket.

On the other hand, I'm rather glad I went up a needle size. The difference in gauge is absolutely astounding. The panel is much wider now!

Off by .5mm

2009-04-09T23:01:00.005-04:00

As I was knitting and watching Bones tonight, I realized something.

I've been using the wrong needle size.

See, the recipe for the Celtic Knot Afghan calls for US 10.5 /6.5mm needles. I grabbed what I thought was my US 10.5 circs, cast on, and have been happily knitting this thing for a week. I am a row or two away from finishing the first repeat of 40 rows.

What I grabbed was my US 10/6.0mm circs. It's not that much of a difference, though my gauge may be a bit off (I'm curious to know what the gauge is myself, actually).

Edit: This Friday afternoon I went to the nearest yarn store, where I reluctantly bought the correct size needle. Reluctantly, as Addi Turbos were the only needles in stock (and Susan Bates are much cheaper), and as I am really not looking forward to frogging this beast.

Not your average wedding afghan

2009-04-06T22:13:00.003-04:00

I haven't been blogging as much as I would like to, and I've fallen quite behind in keeping up with my blogroll. I have a vacation coming up, so there will be some time reuniting myself with the knitting blogosphere.

Last week I cast on the Celtic Knot Afghan, and I reached row 19 tonight. I'm enjoying the pattern so far, though why, oh why, Nicky Epstein, did you not chart this?

Progress so far...

There would have been more progress made this weekend, but I idiotically left my knitting behind when I went to a lecture. I picked at my nail polish in sheer frustration.

Celtic Wedding Knot

2009-03-31T18:26:00.004-04:00

Light Iris

Jelly Bean

I love my local yarn store, Knitting on the Lamb. The owners are incredibly helpful, and fun to talk with. After work today, I drove over to Huntington to get around 1700 yards of worsted weight wool for the Celtic Knot Afghan that I will be giving to my cousins as a wedding present, come September.

Five skeins of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Paints in Jelly Bean and three skeins of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in Light Iris... I think I might have enough yardage. I just need to scare up a size 10 1/2 circular knitting needle, my trusty cabling hook, and my row counter so I can cast on tonight.

My cousin and his bride-to-be already know they are receiving an afghan as a wedding present, and I doubt they know about this blog. So there will be sneaky pictures posted every once in a while!

I live!

2009-03-22T10:57:00.002-04:00

The past two weeks have been absolutely crazy for me. I started my new job, as a long-term leave replacement school media specialist for an elementary school. I teach 700+ kids a week, and am the librarian for almost 1000 kids.

Julie's sock has been generating interest in the faculty lunch room, as is the baby hat I started to knit for my predecessor. I desperately need to take pictures of the current knitting pictures and post them!

Pop!

2009-03-03T20:37:00.003-05:00

Today I heard the one noise I do *not* want to hear from the microwave.

Popping.

...I was melting butter. Windex isn't even helping clean up the mess.

On the bright side, my Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cookies came out of the oven about 20 minutes ago, and I'm raring to try one.

Charcoal Briquettes of Batter. Joy.

2009-02-24T19:47:00.002-05:00

I essentially wrote this to my college roommate in a letter ... but there is more space here, in which I was able to add more detail.

I think I need to get a bigger Bundt pan. I have a small Bundt pan ... and while it looked small, I figured, well, lets see how much batter the bugger can hold. Hmm. Almost to the top. This should be fine.

No. No it was not. I have never seen batter resemble charcoal briquettes - LIGHTED CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES - ever in my life. It overflowed the pan, was hanging like clocks in a Dalí painting on the rack, and was doing a good impression of one of the circles of Hell on the bottom of the oven. The freaking things are ON FIRE. I've been scooping them out with a long metal spoon and throwing them into the sink. I have no desire to light the garbage on fire. I can only imagine explaining that to the fire department. "Well, you see sir, the cake was on fire, so I just threw these here pieces of fiery batter into the garbage ...."

My eyes are somewhat watery from the smoke. I threw open the window and the sliding glass door, and for once in my life, was glad that the somke alarm was dismantled.

Fittingly, this is Devil's Food Cake. This would be ironic if it was Angel's Food Cake.

... and it turns out, I do have a bigger Bundt pan. It's with the other baking implements that I passed over, in order to make the Most Smokey, Flamey Fiery Bundt Cake and Matching Bundt Cake Briquettes.

Do you read me?

2009-02-22T19:18:00.002-05:00

(Unfortunately, I cannot credit the photographer ... as I don't know who took it. Great job!)

My mother's younger cousin, Arlene, is a talented sixth-grade English teacher, in Upstateland, New York.

She's also a great singer.

Go check out Angel Lena's techno-boppy hit ... "Do you read me?"

Tulip Setting

2009-02-21T00:18:00.003-05:00

So in the past few weeks, when I've been volunteering at the museum, I was taught something very important about digital cameras.

The macro (it looks like a tulip) setting.

Whenever I tried to take a close-up picture of anything before, it would come out a blurry mess.

Now?

Stitch definition baby. Stitch definition.

Yarn Sale at Michaels

2009-02-16T14:31:00.004-05:00

Today my friend and I went to the craft store... where Patons Kroy Socks Stripes were on sale. They were marked down a dollar each, I had a fifty-percent off coupon ...

Three skeins of sock yarn later, I hope I have enough to make the long-promised socks for Julie (of nosemitten ownership).

Patons Kroy Sock Stripes in the Mulberry Colourway, about 498 yards total. Machine washable, and according to the website, fond of US 3 dpns. Julie has specified that her socks be different, so I'll be using two different patterns. Which patterns, I'm not really sure...

Tropical Punch, Baby?

2009-02-16T14:28:00.003-05:00

Finished Tropical Punch Baby Hat!
Stats: Size 7 US dpns
Roughly a quarter of a skein of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Paints in Tropical Punch.
Pattern? Jennifer L. Jones' Umbilical Cord Hat, published in Stitch 'N Bitch.

No more leaves

2009-02-14T18:13:00.004-05:00

So, as the most astute have noticed, Foliage Deux has disappeared. I was about eight rows from binding off when I realized I had about a yard of yarn left.

This was going to be a problem.

Instead of ripping back completely, I cast on one of my constant baby hats... and ....

Knitting a baby hat out of a grown-up hat? Quite possibly the easiest way to travel!

And in honor of Valentine's Day ... my dog, being utterly cute:

That's my pup, trying to make a nest on my bed. All shall bow before her.

Foliage Deux

2009-02-05T23:33:00.002-05:00

I'm chugging along on my second Foliage hat. I am using what is left over of the Cascade 220 Superwash Paints ... and as I am roughly thirteen rows from binding off, I hope I have enough!

I've been wearing *my* Foliage around town, and I love it! I love how the colours pool, I love how it feels, and how I did not have to make any little pompoms (I am not a fan of making pompoms).

Tomorrow I will attempt (for the third day in a row) to drive out to Elementary School ... in rush hour traffic. When I start working, I am to be in the school by 8:05 a.m. I want to see how long it takes me to get from Point A to Point B ... with some time left over for Unexpected Emergencies and Getting a Parking Space.

Foliage for the head

2009-02-02T14:47:00.005-05:00

So right now my dog is sitting on my bed, and I'm anxiously watching to make sure she doesn't make a jump *off* the bed. (For those not in the know, Misty is a seven pound toy poodle ... who is fourteen years old and quite possibly blind in one eye. She is adorable).

However, I have asomething pretty I wish to share.
Foliage by Emilee Mooney. Knit on US 7 dpns and US 5 dpns. Used about half a skein of Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in Tropical Punch. Took a grand FIVE days to knit up.

I really liked this pattern, and it was the first time I knit a hat from the top down. I think I have enough for a *second* hat, so I'll be starting that this afternoon. Plus, this hat *made* me go the LYS to buy some Susan Bates US 5 dpns ... in which I entered Knitting on the Lamb, declared the store dangerous, and asked for some needles. Happily, the store owner is used to me coming in every few months or so, declaring the place dangerous, and then seeing me twitch in delight at all the beautiful yarn.

Weekend Chores

2009-01-31T13:05:00.002-05:00

According to my Yarn Harlot desk calendar, today is the day I should maybe cull my stash.

I'm not.

Last night my mother and I went through hats, scarves and gloves ... a fair amount of the scarves knitted by me whilst in high school ... and donated a chunk of them to the local mission. So if you have an embarrassing excess of scarves in your house ... donate them to your local mission, thrift store, church. It's cold out there.

Parsnips

2009-01-27T00:56:00.003-05:00

I was just on the Amateur Gourmet's blog ... and just found the most amazing recipe.

Roasted Parsnips.

Directions? Only one paragraph. Sweet.

I haven't had parsnips since I did Stone Soup with my campers back in 2007. I'm going to pick up between 4 and 5 pounds of them tomorrow after volunteering.

I look stupid in berets

2009-01-26T22:24:00.004-05:00

I think the title says it all.

I frogged Meret, and cast on Foliage by Emilee Mooney. It's the first time I've knit a hat from the top-down, and while it is nifty seeing it grow... man, was it awkward knitting the first few rows! Otherwise, completely enjoyable knit, and I'll be working on it whilst watching Torchwood.

Headboard Quest

2009-01-20T18:45:00.002-05:00

For the past two years, my bed has lived sans headboard.

Finally, on IKEA last night, I found my dream headboard. Simple lines, white, conducive to leaning against while reading late at night... the Malm double bed frame.

The idea was for my dad and I to check it out after work tomorrow night ... except it's not in stock at our local IKEA.

Hat Dreams

2009-01-20T17:20:00.003-05:00

I have a gorgeous skein of Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in ... 9859 (it's pretty and it's pink. That's all I needed to know).
It's about 220 yards ... and I really want to knit myself a lacy-beret like hat. Two problems: Andrea has my ball winder ... and I look kinda ... awkward in berets. More awkward than normal.

However, the Meret (Mystery Beret) on Ravelry has caught my eye. I'm like a woman obsessed. I'm printing out the pattern right now, and planning to cast on in the next ten minutes. I'll be breaking out the swift and winding with my hands and legs if need be.

Veil Making for Idiots, Part 3

2009-01-20T16:33:00.005-05:00

Today's discussion involves ... trim.

The edge of the veil was unfinished, and since I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I hand sewed several yards of ribbon to the edges.

Today, I added the finishing touches to the headband. I hot glued some ribbon to the headband ... then started with the rhinestones. I hotglued 4mm and 5mm rhinestones to the headband, 5mm rhinestones on the veil, and several 4mm rhinestones on the bridal bouquet.

Hot glue and rhinestones ... and already burned fingers? Ouch.

Final masterpiece!

Not a veil

2009-01-19T22:43:00.003-05:00

What else does a bride need?

A bouquet!

Ten fake roses ... which I attached in groups of two and three with rubber bands ... and then the whole bunch with rubber bands (should have used duct-tape for reinforcement). Then I wrapped the "stems" with ribbon, anchored everything in place with my needle and thread ... and added a festive bow (also anchored!).

Veil Making for Idiots, Part 2

2009-01-19T22:30:00.005-05:00

The Veil Making Saga continues.

I bought about thirty-nine dollars worth of materials ... twenty-nine of those dollars going towards this veil.
I bought a veil kit thingie at Michael's, and promptly took the veil off the hair comb. I then started to pin the veil to the headband.

The next step involved sewing the veil *to* the headband. This was a lot harder than it sounds. My fingernails ripped, the needle and my thumb became a little too well acquainted ... and then I grabbed my great-grandma's thimble. Oh thank heavens for that thimble. Made the sewing much easier.

After that, I tried on the veil (because, um, that's what you do. Yeaaah). See how it's almost reaching my butt? I wasn't too thrilled with that.

So I decided to make it poofy. Trust me, it was horrifying in person.The veil is almost finished, so part three should be posted in the next few days!

Pancakes

2009-01-18T16:04:00.003-05:00

While making chocolate chip pancakes this morning, I stupidly grabbed the skillet.

I think I have 2nd degree burns, and had a pleasant trip to the ER (and I'm not being sarcastic). I was given a pill and a shot for the pain, and feeling a lot better (though somewhat loopy).

Major problem? My left thumb and pointer finger are wrapped up like miniature-Michelin men ... and I can't knit.

Veil Making for Idiots

2009-01-16T17:26:00.004-05:00

As I've probably mentioned before, I'm the volunteer costumer for Tech Savvy High School. This spring's musical is The Wedding Singer. I just got the email saying what props I could start on ... a wedding veil, a bridal bouquet, and a fake wedding cake.

I have never made a bridal veil before, so I'll be documenting this step by step.

Step One:

Locate a headband.

My inspiration is from the wedding veil-headband worn by Laura Benanti in the Broadway production of The Wedding Singer.

(not my picture, taken from the http://www.flickr.com/photos/whatarerecords/144101843/ page)

I finally found this at Claire's Boutique:

And ripped the flowers off to make this:
I'm saving the flowers, in case I need to fashion a boutonniere.

There's enough fabric for me to wield a needle and attach the veil, which will be in our next installment.

TV Knitting

2009-01-15T16:21:00.004-05:00

The day was spent productively, watching some Torchwood (my crush on John Barrowman and Burn Gorman continues to grow) and knitting away on Jett's scarf. I am now on the final part of the scarf, and will hopefully have it finished within the next week or so.

I just finished reading a very interesting British book, The Devil's Flu by Pete Davies. Published in the States in 2000, it's an interesting read about the 1918 influenza pandemic ... and the scientific search for the virus.

Jetty's Scarf!

2009-01-14T19:06:00.004-05:00

Hi Jett! This is the beginning of your DNA scarf! It will be knit in five sections, and I'm halfway through (almost done with the second blue section). It should be done by your birthday next month. :)

Wedding Planning

2009-01-06T00:13:00.004-05:00

Caught you off guard with that title, eh? I'm not getting married, but one of my cousins will be tying the knot in September.

I'm planning to knit up brooklyntweed's Hemlock Ring Blanket as a wedding gift. I'm torn between Comfy and Swish Worsted. I've worked with Swish Worsted before and loved it, but more fond of the colorways available in Comfy (Neither bride nor groom are allergic to cotton or wool).

So my question is: has anyone worked with Comfy? While I want to tear my hair out from working with something that is mostly cotton, fiber-wise?

Lost?

2009-01-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

Where the hell is my cable hook?

I know it came home with me from Rochester ... but where is it?!

First Finished Project of 09

2009-01-05T21:08:00.003-05:00

I proudly present my silk and mohair Edgar:
Finished this afternoon whilst watching the pilot episode of X-Files, I bound off, and realized that I had twelve yards of the silk left (meaning I could have had 14 diamonds instead of 13. Alas). I have a ton of mohair left over, and I plan to maybe pair that with some yarn I picked up in Saratoga Springs this summer.

Finished stats for my lovely Edgar.
Started sometime in March 2008, finished January 5, 2009.
US 8 needles
Used not even a full skein of Colinette Parisienne in the Marble colourway, and about 114 yards of Colinette Tao in Coral Reef.
Yarns purchased at Knit and Be Happy in New Paltz, NY.

2009: The Year of Three Major Projects

2009-01-04T18:49:00.003-05:00

It is quite nice starting the new year knowing that I only have three major knitting projects that need to be completed by September 5th.

DNA Scarf numero three-o for the super awesome Jett (to be finished by February 13th).

Mismatched socks for the fabulous Julie J., she who already possesses a nosewarmer.

A fantastic wedding afghan for cousin Sean and his wife-to-be Becky (wedding date: September 5th).

Flew on a jetplane

2008-12-30T16:22:00.001-05:00

Arrived in Rochester safely. My suitcase, with knitting project inside it, also arrived safely (big sigh of relief).

I'll be casting on for my cousin's DNA scarf later tonight.

More DNA!

2008-12-30T01:56:00.003-05:00

Despite the fact that I need to be awake... oh in four hours... I have realized what I am going to knit and how I'm getting it to Rochester.

I'm going to be working on yet *another* DNA scarf (I am just churning these out this year. I am a DNA-making machine) ... on my trusty metal US 11s and my trusty metal cabling hook.

The TSA does not like metal knitting needles.

I am going to check my suitcase.

That's it. That's my wonderfully insane plan. Instead of throwing my suitcase in the overhead compartment, I'm going to check it in, which means I get to have my knitting in Rochester!

The fact that I'm blogging my wonderfully awesome plan speaks levels about my knitting addiction.

The Great TSA

2008-12-28T14:35:00.003-05:00

Whilst driving to the library, I was thinking about knitting as a hobby.

It's not. It's more of an addiction for me. On my attempt to visit Alissa last night, I looked through my stash and knitting basket like a woman possessed, trying to find idiot knitting.*

Now I'll be flying to Rochester on Tuesday, and I have the same problem. What knitting can I bring with me ... that will get through airport security ... and last me until Saturday night when I return? I restarted my silk and mohair Edgar that I haven't touched since March or April. I'm using veeeeeery long US 8 needles, that while plastic, are veeeeeery long. There is nothing on the TSA website about proper length of needles, just that circs should be less than 31 inches long ... and plastic or bamboo (there goes my 40 inch Addi Turbos).

On a slightly related note, I went to the library today and came home with two hardcover books. Oh yes. I'll be awesome with my nonfiction medieval book and my fantasy book.

(The reindeer that live in my backyard.)

*Idiot knitting, for me, consists of baby hats. Very very simple baby hats. You cast on. You knit for five inches. You start to decrease. The five inches of stockinette can be done anywhere. It is fantastic.

Big Thick Scarf

2008-12-27T16:52:00.004-05:00

It's freaking cold in Rochester. And as I'll be there in a few days (got a plane ticket, so I won't have to drive, hah!) ... and I'm always cold...

I present the Big Thick Scarf.

(fantastically shoddy photography by moi)

Knitted up over three days on US 19 needles, with two skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Blossom (a nice, muted rose). It was a very quick project, and I used a simple 2x2 rib. I think I cast on around 24 stitches. (Maybe 26)
This should hopefully protect my face and neck from the frigid temperatures of Rochester whilst I visit friends for the New Year (it's going to range between the teens and the thirties. Eep).

Monkeying Around

2008-12-27T16:39:00.003-05:00

I am glad to say that I have finished the Monkey socks! I managed to graft the toe of the second sock differently than the first, and you can tell I became more comfortable with the gusset the second time around ... but they're done!So final information:
2.75mm dpns
Size: 10 in Women's
Not even a whole skein of Zitron Trekking Handart in the Brazil colorway
Officially started: April 4, 2008
Officially finished: December 27, 2008
(to save face, I should state that over the months I switched needles, lost needles, misplaced the pattern, got eaten up by knitting presents, was sick...)

Pajamas in the middle of the afternoon

2008-12-27T15:38:00.003-05:00

So my car was all packed, I had some knitting in the passenger seat, I was cruising down the LIE ... and felt absolutely, utterly exhausted. I could have closed my eyes and fallen asleep right then.

Which is why I'm home now, instead of at my friend Liss's house, 175 miles away from me. I haven't seen her in almost a year, and feel absolutely pathetic that I'm not up to making long car trips yet. I've spent the week sick (Christmas Eve: fever, spent most of day in bed. Christmas day: exhausted, had to leave Aunt's house early, missed dessert. Yesterday: slept incredibly late in, just stuffy. Today: couldn't fall asleep until 4 a.m. because of sinuses, generally fatigued).

So my dear Liss, if you're reading this, I miss you dearly, and have your Christmas presents in my car.

Its back...

2008-12-20T20:57:00.003-05:00

As I was about to sit down and watch the final episode of series three (Doctor Who --- what else?), I realized I was finished with the DNA scarf (I had woven in the ends). If I did not have anything to knit while watching the Doctor, I was going to go absolutely bonkers.

I pulled my knitting basket in, ready to find the silk and mohair Edgar I started working on back in April ... and found my 2.75 US dpn.

My missing 2.75 US dpn.

Baby, the Monkey sock is back. With any luck, I'll be modeling my finished pair by Christmas Eve.

Looks like Christmas...

2008-12-20T20:51:00.003-05:00

I finished my brother's DNA scarf just last night. I also baked gingerbread cake (Trader Joe's Gingerbread Cake mix, mmmm).

(just in case my brother reads my blog, a slightly awful picture)

Finished (pre-blocking) dimensions for the DNA scarf: 10 inches wide, about 56 inches long (not as long as the five feet I envisioned, but what can you do).

Snowy day

2008-12-19T23:29:00.004-05:00

On Thursday, my father and I had a disagreement over how much snow would fall on Friday. He said no more than 3 inches, I insisted on 6 to 10 inches.

It's Saturday... still snowing (lightly, I might add), but as of last night? More than 6 inches. We're going to have a White Christmas on Long Island, and I couldn't be happier about it. Driving in the mess today was wonderful (I thought I would never say that), it reminded me of when I was living upstate and driving about New Paltz ... or to Providence, RI (I love the Massachusetts Turnpike, which I have renamed Pilgrim Pike in my head. I also am still amused that to reach Providence, I had to pass by Purgatory Chasm. Hehehehe).

For my readers ... here are some pictures from yesterday and today.

Unemployed Librarians Guild

2008-12-17T16:15:00.006-05:00

(a muff at a historic site, that will not be named. i am madly in love with this muff. it's pink!)

I have been out of work for a month, finished student teaching two weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoying my time off. Never fear, I am looking for a job, and sending out resumes and cover letters frequently.

So what does an unemployed librarian do?

- Read like a mofo.
I've been reading like a maniac this month. It's so nice reading for fun ... and for professional development (funny how those intertwine!). I broke my "try not to buy books" rule (for book money and yarn money is one and the same) in order to read the third book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Titan's Curse was totally worth it. I emailed one of my dearest friends from college telling her she must must must read The Lightning Thief. Currently I'm reading the first book in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites.

- Catch up on Doctor Who
I'm planning to! That's tomorrow's activity. Knitting and David Tennant. Mmm. I have about three more episodes left in Series 3.

- Knit that Christmas present for her brother...
I am now fifty percent finished with Rob's present. I started the third skein of wool last night while watching NCIS and whatever was on after it.

- Volunteer!
Yesterday was the first time in months that I was able to see the Costume Ladies. We visited Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay ... where I spent several lovely hours volunteering today. Hats! Bonnets! Kepis! Pictures! I can't wait to go back and play next week.

Three quarters to go!: Or, why my brother's Christmas present might be on the needles in ... 15 days

2008-12-10T13:57:00.004-05:00

One quarter done!

It only took me ... about three months, but the first quarter of Rob's Christmas scarf is finished!

As a refresher, I'm knitting this baby up on US 11 needles, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in White. This is a great wool to work with, and feels oh so nice on the fingers. The only downfall is that this is handwash only...

So I have fifteen ... no, thirteen, days to finish this baby up. The adults in my family exchange gifts on Christmas Eve (after the little ones are put to bed), and I would like to give something to my brother that *isn't* on needles.

Thankfully, he's the only person I'm knitting for this year!

Hurray!

2008-12-09T20:13:00.001-05:00

The scarf for my brother is coming along very slowly. My goal is to finish the first skein of wool tonight, and maybe start on the second skein.

In other news, my last graduate course is tomorrow night.

Since y'all been so patient...

2008-11-29T23:37:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos.

Trish's Scarf:

The Second Monkey Sock:

The view from the beach by my house:

The Most AMAZING Cupcake Ever from the Culinary Institute of America (thanks Mom!):

Quick and mini book reviews

2008-11-09T15:10:00.003-05:00

So several people know that in real-life, I'm an aspiring librarian. This of course influences what Christmas presents I get for my family (heh heh heh).

For my brother, his scarf is still in the post-cast-on stage. Once I finish my second sock, I'll dive right back to his Christmas present. It might be wrapped up still on the needles, with a promise of "I'll finish it, I swear."

For my niece I picked up Horns & Wrinkles by Joseph Helgerson at the Scholastic Book Fair. It looks like a cute book, and I'll be reading it before I give it to her (and being very careful to not break the spine while doing so).

I read an absolutely beautiful pop-up book last night at Borders, which I desperately covet. Tomie de Paola's Brava, Strega Nona. This book is totally made of win.

Pictures later this week of Trish's (finished!) scarf and the sock-in-progress.

Fuzzy white scarf

2008-11-06T22:53:00.002-05:00

So back in August I started a scarf for my co-worker Trish.

I just finished it last night.

Yes, that was a pathetically long time to finish a garter stitch scarf ... that only used one skein. But it's over. And done. And ... short. I think I'll suggest that it's a neck warmer, and that a decorative pin could be used to fasten it at the neck.

The scarf is incredibly soft though, so I think Trish will forgive me :)

Vote for books!

2008-11-04T18:49:00.003-05:00

Did you vote today?

If you didn't, and live on the East Coast, there are two more hours before the polls close.

Friday was Halloween, and Friday meant student teaching. My upper elementary students have been learning about elections for the past week, so I put on my red 1860s dress, and decided to be Susan B. Anthony. Most of my little ones knew exactly who I was (once I told them. The response was "Oooo! We just learned about her!").

Washington Square

2008-10-18T23:49:00.003-04:00

Second Monkey sock is coming along! This picture was taken Thursday afternoon in Washington Square Park. I finished the first lace repeat on the leg this evening.

Trouble on the Green Sea

2008-10-06T19:16:00.007-04:00

And this, my dear readers, is why I have not made progress on my second Monkey sock. Tangled, utterly tangled ball of yarn. I'm almost done untangling it (with a pin. I need a PIN!) and then I can cast on (for the umpteenth time) and have a finished sock.

In which our plucky heroine talks about student teaching...

2008-10-01T22:25:00.005-04:00

Pictures, soon, I promise.

Despite having today and yesterday off for the Jewish New Year, I'm scrambling to finish my homework before tomorrow. I am teaching four AP and college level classes tomorrow the joys of works cited, according to the MLA (I'm more of a Chicago Manual of Style girl myself, but eh).

I have the PowerPoint for the SmartBoard ready, I have the "Cheat Sheet for Works Cited" prepared, the formal lesson plan finalized in writing (I have it in my head and in jotted notes. I know how the lesson has to go. I just need to write it formally for my teaching portfolio), my fingernails are painted...

And I'm panicking. After the first lesson, I sail through the others, but it's that first lesson that always makes me nervous. And that my four hour class is tomorrow and I haven't finished that homework. Semesters past, not being in bed before 10 p.m. did not fluster me. It does now, especially as I'm getting up at 5:15, to be out the door by 6.

Back to the never-ending pile of work.

TV = Knitting time

2008-09-23T11:46:00.002-04:00

My knitting has totally fallen by the wayside. Last night during my Monday night TV shows (yay new season), I knitted on Trish's scarf. I had accidentally taken the needles *out* of the knitting a few days ago, and as Heaven can be finicky... I had to carefully undo the stitches (ripriprip) and recast on. 20 stitches on, and a few inches knitted last night. Phew.

Now I just need to print out the DNA chart ... again.

It's raining books

2008-09-23T11:40:00.003-04:00

I had the most pleasant surprise waiting for me on my bed this weekend.

A package.

When I'm away for the weekend, my father puts my mail on my bed. This weekend was no exception, except there was a small package. The return address was Macmillan. Looking at the tracking number revealed the package was born in Kentucky.

It was a book. To be specific, an Advance Reading Copy for Lori Handeland's Any Given Doomsday, due out in November 2008. A quick game of email tag revealed that my friend L had nothing to do with the surprise. Not complaining, free book! Once I finish reading The Duke and I I can start on Any Given Doomsday. Hopefully :)

2008-09-22T05:46:00.002-04:00

Best picture from the Ren Faire on Saturday.

Photo taken by the Time Lord

Why I haven't been knitting...

2008-09-16T17:05:00.005-04:00

...like a maniac. I'm still knitting, don't fear. I'm just not getting a lot of knitting time in at all this week (knitting while driving is frowned upon). This is week 2 of Student Teaching, and this is one of the things I did today:

Nifty, eh?

And this is the obligatory knitting picture of the week:

Christmas DNA scarf for my brother in white. You can see the beginnings of the cables!

Now I need to go and write about the New York State Standards, and how media specialists can help in meeting those standards... should have done this yesterday, when I was at work, where *all* the Standards are in binders...

More DNA

2008-09-15T05:54:00.004-04:00

Eight rows seed stitch, and about five rows into the chart for the DNA scarf. This baby is going to be an all-white scarf, as per my brother's request. It will consist of four skeins of Wool of the Andes (what I used for the last DNA scarf), and hopefully will be between six and seven feet, not *anywhere* near eight feet long! Again, I used size US 10s for the seed stitch and first row, and now I'm onto size US 11s. Metal US 11s. Click click click. I like the sound.

In other news, it is 77 degrees out ... at 5:57 a.m. High of 84 to be reached, but I won't be surprised if it's at 60-something in Tech Savvy High School Library (fake name, of course. But really, the place is very tech savvy. I can't wait to play with the SmartBoard).

Old house

2008-09-14T21:26:00.002-04:00

I love old houses, don't you? I drove past this lovely on the way to work this summer. Since student teaching takes me on different roads, I miss seeing this beauty during my morning commute.

The structure of human life

2008-09-14T15:01:00.002-04:00

Pretty pretentious title for a blog post, eh?

Anyway, right now I'm printing out Beth Luey's article, "Why book history matters" (printed in Logos, back in 2004), contemplating organizing my closet by regular clothes versus Student Teaching Clothes, and hoping that the 18th century book I'm analyzing for my History of the Book class is indeed in an 18th century binding.

But back to the structure of human life.

I am going to cast on for the DNA scarf sometime today (between reading and highlighting Beth Luey's article and making lunch for tomorrow), and will be carting it around with me for the next few weeks. The sock will be for the train and subway adventures that belong to Thursday, when I commute to Manhattan for class.

Tweet!

2008-09-11T00:17:00.002-04:00

Hello fellow Twitter Tweeters!

Thanks to the very informal poll (answered by KnittyBob), I'll be casting on for my brother's scarf tomorrow.

Or will I? It all depends on if I can find the pattern...

Back to homework.

A sock, a sock, my kingdom for a sock!

2008-09-07T19:13:00.005-04:00

Guess what I finished yesterday?

One of my girlfriends had tapestry needles on hand *and* a copy of Stitch 'N Bitch. With the tapestry needle and the step-by-step instructions for grafting I was able to finish sock 1 of the Monkey Socks. And it fits beautifully!

And if Glenna C ever hosts a webinar on Using Your Own Feet to Model Knitted Socks, I would totally take it.

Tapestry Needles

2008-09-06T12:06:00.003-04:00

There are some things a knitter should usually have.

A tapestry needle is one of them.

I need to graft the toe, and then I'll be done with the Monkey sock. Except... I'm visiting friends upstate and there are no tapestry needles to be found.

Le sigh.

Cleverness

2008-09-02T13:08:00.005-04:00

Turning the heel of a sock always makes me feel incredibly clever. After working on the heel flap, turning the heel suddenly transforms my knitting into something that is 3D on one needle. It amazes me every time.

Not second sock syndrome, but close

2008-08-27T22:42:00.002-04:00

And two of the secret projects?

Totally the same pattern. This might be too much of a good thing.

Secret projects

2008-08-27T21:58:00.002-04:00

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about my monkey sock :) In fact, here's Crazy Black Sheep modeling for you...

However, I have several secret projects that I am working on.

One which needs to be finished very soon, two for Christmas, one for February, and one that will take me a while, so I can't put a time line on it yet. But it must be finished before the weather gets warm ... next year. And those, my dear readers, are all my clues.

Fantastic music!

2008-08-27T21:51:00.002-04:00

Last night was very exciting, as my lovely cousin Racquel performed at Chick Singer Night, at the Bitter End!

Accompanied by the Chick Singer Night Band, Frank Walker, Scott, and Krissy Holly, Racquel delivered an amazing set. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures (though I was in charge of Scott's camcorder).

You were fantastic! I'm so proud of you! :)

Also in the crowd were a bevy of relatives who all wanted to see Racquel perform at New York City's oldest rock club (hi everyone!).

Go over to Racquel's myspace page or to CDBaby if you want to hear some of her tunes.

The "Wrong" Side of Besotted and a health update

2008-08-21T12:35:00.002-04:00

This post is primarily for Jessica, who wanted to know what the "wrong" side of cables looked like. Not scary at all! Kinda endearing, in a weird, other-side-of-the-cables way.

In other knitting news, I'm finished the cuff for my first Monkey. Later today I'll start the leg. I'm trying to resist the combined siren calls of Old Navy, Michaels, the library, the bookstore, the mall... this whole being home to convalesce is driving me a little crazy. (But when I do go out to do something, like tag along with my dad to Price Club, I have to take a 2 and a half hour nap afterward. Bummer)

On the health front, I heard back from the ENT doctor ... and I do not have the feared strep throat or tonsillitis. In fact (and this might be Too Much Information), there was no bad bacteria in my throat.

Basically, my throat decided to swell to such magnificent, agonizing proportions, because of the Mystery Virus.

I think I'll be rebellious tonight and make chocolate chip cookies ... with milk chocolate, white chocolate, and slices of dark chocolate truffles.