flourescent pineapples.
i’ve been a bad blogger.
of course there’s a reason for that. just a little over two weeks ago my dad underwent a pretty major surgery and his seven day hospital stay ended up turning into fourteen. he’s out now so he and mom have escaped to their second home at ‘the lake’.
at the same time, and to make things even more (dis)fun(ctional), mister random and i got a call from our caretaker that a bigger suite was opening up in our complex so we had to scramble to get our applications in. i’m happy to report that the bigger suite is ours (yes!) however this brings us to the (dis)fun(ctional) part – subletting. this past week has been a flurry of faces and bodies poking around our humble little abode, nonstop questions, neverending emails, i’m pretty sure i saw smoke coming out of the telephone handset… let’s just say i’m thankful to not have a job in real estate. too demanding! and some people just suck – seriously. cross your fingers for us that someone gets approved, and fast!
knitting seems to have fallen off the radar lately. while dad was in the hospital i did manage to bang out a sock:
but i seem to have hit a wall with my central park hoodie though. the sleeves are more than halfway done and i just can’t bring myself to finish them off. it’s probably the thought of having to do all that seaming afterwards…*shudder*
had planned on reuniting with my stitch ‘n bitch girls this week, however as you’ve already heard i was tied up playing realtor instead. next week marks the start of the (dreaded) winnipeg fringe theatre festival so who knows when i’ll ever see the light of day again…haha.
viewing time is over for today and mister random’s out playing with his friends tonight so i’ve got the place to myself. maybe i can conjure up some of that lost knitting mojo and finish off my sleeves. or get the leg done on my second sock. or zzzzzzzzz………..
it’s pyjama time folks, ahhh.
it’s a doozie.
What’s new in your world these days? Are you longing for Spring as much as I am? Where I live we had about one week’s worth of nice warm temperatures and since then, it’s been below normal – chilly winds, rain, even snow. Come on sun! I’ve been thinking about making a pair of ‘Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers’ from the Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation book in hopes of hurrying spring the f**k up already. Pardon my french, but it’s almost May. Hurry up spring! Sheesh.
In non-weather related events, last week my Dad finished up the last of his intense chemo & radiation therapy appointments! He is literally pooped. And quite relieved (as well as my Mom!) to have this part of the process complete. Now we go back to waiting, while my Dad’s body recouperates, and while the team of doctors & surgeons plan out what the next steps are. We hope that it will be surgery, as the main point of these treatments was to shrink the tumour to a more ‘operable’ size. Dad says despite the constant pain, he feels less pressure on his insides – let’s hope the doctors have that same prognosis. For now, he’s enjoying the freedom of not having his chemo pack attached to his hip, and is nursing his ’sunburnt’ bottom.
I was tickled pink to find a message from Karen in my Ravelry inbox today. She wanted to let me know that she’d charted the lace pattern on her fabulous Baby Chalice Blanket pattern (ravelry link). How excited am I? Can’t wait to cast on that project again. Might even make it an adult sized blanket and keep it for myself, since I love the pattern so much – hah.
I’m not much of a drinker. In fact up until a few weeks ago, one could say I was a definite non-drinker. I thoroughly enjoyed alcohol in my late teens, pretty much up until I turned the legal drinking age in my province. After that alcohol was gross and I hated the way people acted when they got drunk. I’m still not a fan of drunken lunatics, especially large crowds of drunken lunatics, but I’m trying to get a taste back for alcohol – to enjoy and appreciate social drinking. So for the past 4 or 5 weeks, mister random and I have been testing out wines. You may have noticed me twittering about it:
wine+cheese+baguette+@voulesrandom=happyfriday.
He’s into the reds. Me, being a noob, am trying out whites. We started out with a pinot grigio from Italy which I downed. It tasted not-so-fantastic to me, but I drank it anyways! The next week I moved up to a sauv blanc from New Zealand. Uber yuck! That was a messy night… The next couple of bottles were pretty forgettable, but last Friday I discovered a gem from France in the way of Cynsault Syrah. Yummers! With hints of strawberry & blueberry, it was right up my alley. And I picked it out myself (*pats self on back*). I so look forward to Fridays now. Not sure I’m ready to drink in public again just yet, but in the comfort of my own home, with my fiance…anything goes.
On the needles I’m currently working on finishing up a pair of fingerless mittens. I wanted to knit something that would go with my Purple Thermis! I found this pattern which also uses a waffle stitch – I think they will go together nicely.
And for him, I’m pretty sure I’ll knit up a pair of these babies, double stranded with the same yarn used for his random request (Ravelry link). I’m so in love with all things green right now…
Two more projects have hit the frogpond recently: my Seascape Stole and Lace Ribbon Scarf both got the boot. Been doing some ’spring cleaning’ in my knitting corner and realized that I will likely never finish these guys. So rip-it, rip-it, rip-it I go and both patterns are going back into the Rav queue. I definitely want to knit both patterns again, the Lace Ribbon Scarf will be with a softer yarn – maybe I’ll indulge in some Manos… Oh the possibilities.
Tomorrow is Wednesday which means it’s Stitch ‘n Bitch night! Last week I played hooky and stayed home nursing a headache. I don’t plan on missing out on the fun tomorrow. Sounds like we might have a pretty decent crowd of crafters coming out – some newer faces, some older faces – a great mix. Now if only the weather will hold out and permit us some patio time… I’m crossing my fingers!
One more thing before I sign off for the night. If there are any musical fanatics out there, and you’re going to be in town next Monday or Tuesday, then I’ve got a great offer for you! The theatre I work for is producing a new Andrew Lloyd Webber/Ben Elton musical called The Boys in the Photograph. Over the last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of watching the enormous set being built, painted, and transferred onto our modest little stage; hearing the giant cast’s enthusiastic rehearsals; and just feeling the buzz of energy that’s been floating around our theatre. This production is going to be HUGE! We’ve got some great seats still available for two of our previews next week and I’d love to extend a ‘friends and family’ offer to all of my cyber-friends. We’re selling all available tickets for our April 27th and April 28th previews for only $45 each – that’s up to $30 off per ticket!! Simply login to our website using Promo Code 1111 to take advantage of this super deal. And even if you can’t make it to one of the previews, I still recommend trying to catch one of the regular performance – it’ll cost you more than $45, but in my opinion seeing a new AWL musical is well worth every penny.
*insert cute & witty title here*
All I can focus on right now is the fact that my belly is full of garlic cheddar biscuits – a la Red Lobster. Now that I’ve stated that fact, let’s carry on.
I’ll start with the least happiest piece of knitting news – the big bad baby blanket is gonzo. Evidently I was not meant to knit a blankie for my nephew. After failing on attempts #1 and #2 on the baby chalice blanket, I gave attempt #3 a try with the big bad baby blanket pattern (read all about that here, if you’re interested). I’m such a slow knitter, so it took me what felt like eons to finish just one ball of yarn. After joining the second ball and knitting about one third of it something became glaringly obvious – ball #2 was a whole lot more blue than the first. To quote Mos Def’s character from Be Kind Rewind: ”what the duck”. What the duck, man! Maybe the difference in colouration is not so noticeable to you, but it was enough for me to wave my white flag.
I surrender. I will not knit a blankie for my nephew. I will find some other cute toy/sweater/hat, etc to work on and hope for a better outcome. Suggestions?
Thankfully just before the baby blanket incident, I finished an awesome cowl using some awesome yarn. It’s Balsam by Ilga Leja and I used just over one skein of Fleece Artist Woolie Silk 3-ply. I so rarely block my knitted garments, but in this case it was necessary to widen the shoulder portion of the cowl. In doing so I totally stretched out the neck part as well and when he tried it on it was just flimsy and lifeless. I had no idea whether re-blocking would fix that mistake but I went ahead and tried it anyway, soaking only the neck portion in hot hot water, then pinned it back onto my blocking board.
It worked! And he modelled it for me too. I still have just under one skein left of this yarn and am stumped as to what to make with it. Matching fingerless mitts maybe? But which pattern?? Again: suggestions anyone?
Now that the baby blanket project has been squashed and his cowl is finished, I’m free to work on whatever I want – plus my March Sockdown! challenge socks; my periwinkleberries. I worked on those at stitch ‘n bitch this week and got about 3 or 4 pattern repeats done.
And yes, I lay the sock in progress on top of the soon to be frogged baby blanket for this photo… Anyways, I’m pretty sure I’ll have to knit more than the 8 pattern repeats that Twinkleberry originally calls for – otherwise these will be more like ankle socks. The yarn is super nice. Soft and silverly blue. Nummy.
Ooh I finally bought the Thermis pattern a couple weeks ago. Trouble is, now I’m not sure what colour or type of yarn I want to use. I’m trying to be good and not buy and new yarns, so I think it’ll have to be knit with something that’s already in my stash… But even then there’s too much to choose from! I’ve narrowed it down to two choices:
I’m leaning towards the lilac colour. Also want to make some *somewhat matchy* fingerless mitts for me too, to go with the cowl. Oh gawd, and I have to choose buttons yet! Dare I ask for your opinions again? Geez, I’m super needy and indecisive today aren’t I? LOL.
One final thought: must dig out my spinning. She has inspired me – what an amazing crafter!
chirp.
Oh dear, I’ve gone and gotten myself into yet another social media obsession. As if trying to stay current with happenings on Ravelry, Facebook, Google Reader, and Flickr weren’t enough to keep me busy – now I’m tweeting too. Actually, I’m tweeting again. I’d already discovered the world of Twitter back in November. Became disenchanted with it rather quickly back then. But I came crawling back, like a true junkie, and now I can’t seem to pull myself away! Gah. There’s scads of knitterly folk on there too, which is superawesome.
You can follow me here.
Do it. But be warned: it gets addicting. Trust me.
Yesterday was a good day. A much needed ‘mental health’ kinda day. Work’s been kinda cruddy lately, and I haven’t felt much like socializing. Feel like a turtle hiding in my shell, too scared to poke my head out in case anything else bad decides to come my way… That said, I really miss my SnB girls. Once again, it’s been too long 
So yesterday I got up for work, showered and realized that I’d emotionally hit a wall. I called in sick (like I said, it was a ‘mental health’ day) and spent most of the morning doing laundry & knitting. (And tweeting…) My man got off work early and we decided to visit the big box furniture store where we bought our dinette set to exchange the one dud chair that came with ours. Ready for a fight, we were. Happily, the exchange was hassle free.
OMG WE FINALLY HAVE A COMPLETE DINETTE SET.
This excites me.
Immensely.
Dinner consisted of teryaki pork tenderloin, roasted asparagus with garlic, and mushroom risotto. Yum. And we sat at the table = DOUBLE YAY. In hindsight I should have photographed the ocassion…
Then it was off for a round of mini golf! Gotta practice put-putting; soon enough it’ll be time to hit the real greens.
Came home and watched the all new epi of LOST – whoa nelly, this season’s been fan-fucking-tastic so far. Like really really.
Oooh on Monday we welcomed a new member into our little family: a nephew, Tyler David. He’s the one I’ve been knitting that baby blanket for. Speaking of that baby blanket…
Oh lord it’s not getting anywhere fast. I’m probably only about 1/3 of the way finished. Yeesh. It’s all Twitter’s fault. I’d better get back to myTwitting…I mean knitting, now.
swimming against the current(s).
Please excuse my absence this week – I’d thought about blogging at least once or twice, but just couldn’t bring myself to actually sit down and start banging out words on the ol’ keyboard.
Too many projects on the go. Not enough progress being made.
On top of the Lace Ribbon Scarf & Seascape Stole (which have remained untouched for days & days now) and in addition to the Sockdown! January Pomatomus socks, I’ve cast on for the first of two planned February Sockdown! challenges — a pair of Sweetheart Socks. And I sincerely hope these will be finished by next Saturday. *insert copius amounts of laughter here*
The yarn is one I’ve never tried before: Diamond Yarns Foot Loose (90% fine superwash merino, 10% nylon). So far it’s been great to work with. And totally affordable to boot!
Since taking the above picture, I’ve had to frog and restart using smaller needles. The ones in the picture are my 3mm bamboo dpns – the resulting cuff was HUGE!!! I had to dig deep into my notions box, but I found just what I needed: 2mm aluminum dpns; they were amongst numerous other dpns, circs & straight needles which were passed on to me by the marvelous McAllister girls. (Thank you Granny Fran.) 2mm is by far the smallest needle I’ve ever knit with – they’re so tiny!
Found some suitable yarn for a baby blanket that I’ll need to have done by early to mid March. Am trying very hard to resist castonitis with that blanket. It’s easy and right now I crave easy. Maybe you’ve seen it? I found it on Ravelry: Baby Chalice Blanket. It’s gorgeous and in fact I could see myself knitting an adult sized blankie using the same pattern. I was hoping to locally locate some Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted like the pattern calls for, but no such luck…yet!
Managed to walk away from many beautiful yarns at the LYS this weekend. Most notably my beloved Malabrigo – that took strength! Although it’s been calling to me ever since. I sense that a return trip will be in store next week and some new Malabrigo (worsted & sock) WILL be coming home with me…
This past week I ventured out to Stitch ‘n Bitch after a 6 week hiatus. SIX WEEKS! Needless to say I didn’t get much knitting done. It was so good to re-connect with everyone there! And was just the right cure for my generally bummed out state of mind these days.
Three songs I’m loving right now:
1 – Lost? by Coldplay
2 – My Same by Adele
3 – Paranoid by Kanye West feat. Mr. Hudson
bobblehead.
I love my mitten. It’s a (mmm)Malabrigo mitten *sigh* I’m walking around the place like Michael Jackson: one-glovin’ it, all the way. So hip. First time making bobbles, first time using the i-cord cast on. Total cinch.
This little beauty came off the needles last week. Pattern is “Fern Glade” (found on Knitty). Not sure what to do with this one yet. I like it but already have a plethora of knitted hats. Maybe stash it away for future gifting needs…
Miss my stitch ‘n bitches. I’ve been MIA for the last 3 knit-nights. Hopefully life doesn’t get in the way this week.
Time for Sunday tea. And chores. Boo/Hiss/Grr.
a post past bedtime.
Lately I’ve been up late(r) than usual. Makes for really tough mornings. And excessive amounts of coffee.
It’s a busy time of year. Celebrations with family, friends, co-workers, knitting buddies – everyone. This makes me happy; sometimes I wish Christmas happened at least 4 times per year. Seeing people you rarely see, spreading good cheer, sharing laughter, and all those good things that make for happier moments in life. Except the crowds of shoppers – that part I could live without. I think we can all agree on that one…
Tonight the Wooly Bullies got together for a holiday potluck & gift swap. What could be better! Knitters, food, AND crafty-themed gifts? Heck yes. It was a lovely time. And a fabulous way to kick off Christmas va-cay.
Yep I’m work-free for the next 11 days. And that leaves ample time for last minute Christmas knittin’. (7 more days) Still feeling pretty good about the handknit items being packaged with care as this year’s gifts. The K.I.S.S. method really makes for relatively stress-free knitting. Just have a couple more things to finish up before the big day – a second artichoke sock, finish a cabled earflap toque, and one pair of slippers. Anything over and above those last items is gravy (and I loooooooove gravy!).
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Andy Williams. That’s my most favourite-ist Christmas tune. I will sing aloud without a care to that one. Can’t help but have a big goofy smile on my face anytime I hear it. How about you? What’s your fave holiday tune? I’d love to hear, so drop me a comment aight?
And have a Merry Christmas, eh?
progress report: day three.
Day three already!?? Wow, better make this a fast post. Let’s get right down to it then.
First up, the Scarf Stroke. After 2 re-starts, I finally made it through 1 full pattern repeat. Forgot how much I love watching Noro yarn knit up.
And lastly, the Sock Put. By far my fave project right now. And likely the one that will be finished first. First time using Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome and am LOVING it. That yarn + with the fantastic KnitPicks Harmony dpns + the awesomely fab Spring Foward pattern = a big ol’ smile on this daisy’s face.
Haven’t had much knitting time over the past couple of days. The work I had done in starting the Lace Ribbon scarf en route to the lake was promptly frogged. That’ll show me for taking an easy pattern for granted, lol. And stupidly, forgot to wind my sock yarn into a ball before the games began so Friday night was spent re-knitting the scarf,
then enlisting the help of my Momma with the winding. (Speaking of Mom, I think she may have her eyes on the Sock Put socks… Must be careful or these ones will be living on her feet too – heh!)
Saturday morning was a lazy day spent in the sun watching birds and knitting socks. No knitting for me on Saturday night because I was out. At the Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers concert. Considered bringing the socks along, but glad I didn’t because we were groovin’ hard with Mr. Petty and his freakin’ fantastic band all night long. Whatta great show. So awesome.
That brings us to today. I’ll do a quick round of household chores and then the sticks will be clickin’ for the rest of the day. With the games playing on the telly in the background, of course.
Before I run off though, I just want to apologize to my knitting friends. Sorry I missed knit night this week. Don’t think supper agreed with me that night, so I opted instead to knit on the balcony in my jammies instead.
thirty plus one.
Once again I’ve waited too long to post in blog-land. Guess I should have lots to say this time…
I’ve completed another pair of socks, in the previously mentioned Froot Loop pattern. I really like them. So did my Mom. And it is she who wears them 
That’s okay, it keeps me wanting to knit more socks. Unfortunately I must hold and resist the intense urge to cast on for another pair of socks off while I work on a top secret, unbloggable project. I shall reveal this special WIP once it has reached it’s destination. End topic.
So what’s been happening since May? Well our local Stitch ‘n Bitch group have been testing out different outdoor patios for our weekly knit nights; that’s been fun. We also got a group of fibre geeks together and took a field trip out to a sheep farm, where we received a tour of the facilities as well as demonstrations on how wool is made – from the sheep to the skein. We even learned how to spin wool using a drop spindle. (Hmm, do I sense another addiction coming on?) Here’s a shot of us fibre geeks at Sheeples:
And a picture of the wool that came home with me:
This past Saturday was World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIP). I hope that wherever you live, if you are a knitter, that you did your part by knitting in public. We held our event on a university campus and a good group of knitters, crochetters and spinners showed up with their WIPs and plenty of food to share.
It’s been a while since I tackled my yarn corner, so today I decided to tidy it up a bit. This is what it looked like before I touched it:
And this is afterwards:
Yes that’s right, I basically shoved it all underneath the bench. And attempted to cover it up with a sheet. Works for me!
One more thing before I go… This past week my birthday happened to fall on the same day as the 2nd annual Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts / Winnipeg Arts Council Awards Show. Our theatre had a table at the luncheon and I was fortunate enough to attend. There were buttons left on each table for us to take home, so I picked out one of each.
They’re totally cute. Bye for now!!!!!!!
everyone else is doing it.
Met up with a great group of knitters & crochetters this week in celebration of Bobmas Eve. Everyone brought with them some of their unloved stash for a yarn swap. It was fun, and I think most of my swapped yarn found new owners. Heck I even came home with a few miscellaneous skeins.
I did notice however, that as far as WIPs, I was clearly in some sort of minority. Everyone was knitting socks! Well not EVERYONE persay, but a pretty large chunk of the girls were. Well that does it, doesn’t it – Must. Knit. Socks. Need to see what all the hype is about, right? Right.
So this morning I browsed my Ravelry queue and found a pattern I’d like to try: Monkey by Cookie A. I’m using some Patons Kroy that has been in my stash for a wee while now. It’s a varigated yarn in blues & purples. See:
Went up a size in needles too. Have just cast on the requisite number of stitches and am currently working the twisted rib cuff on sock no. 1 – Woo hoo!
