Chemo Hat

Monday, June 30, 2008

So I started a new project yesterday. Yes, I know, another. Well it's a good one. My mom has been best friends with my "aunt" Jackie since they were both little, and we found out a few months ago that Jackie had lung cancer. So I've been meaning to make her a hat since she's lost her hair.

This past week my sister has been updating me on her condition. They opened her up to remove what they thought was a half a golf ball sized bit of the cancer, and discovered that it had spread and was everywhere, including her heart. I am not sure how long she's got to live, and it really doesn't sound promising.

Either way, I decided that my first priority was to knit the hat I have been meaning to, and also a pair of socks. So I will only be knitting on these two items until they are done and sent off.

I was originally going to make another hat, but the yarn I had just wasn't working for it, and since I'm on a yarn diet, I can't buy any. I decided to stick with what I knew and go with another Pismo hat, like the ones I made my brother and BIL. It's in the yarn I previously started knitting into a Rivendell sock. It's a merino bamboo blend, so even though the hat is more tightly knit, it should still be soft and cool for these summer months.I haven't chosen sock yarn or pattern. I am going to work on the hat and my sister is finding out what size shoe Jackie wears so I can knit socks. If they are close to mine I can just finish up one of my in progress pairs to send to her. Either way, that's the agenda right now and there will be no other knitting. I'm one inch into it and have to get to 5 inches before I start decreases.

That's really all the news I've got today. It's been a month and a half since I've bought any fiber or yarn, and it's getting easier every day! I'm thinking if I make it to three months, maybe I'll reward myself with one skein of sock yarn or something. Sort of a celebratory half way mark thing.

Ok well more later when I've got something to show. In the meantime, look at the pretty Peony! It makes me happy. Too bad the heat killed them off so quick...

Hush-Hush Handspun Hootenanny Questionnaire

1. How long have you been spinning? What skill level do you consider yourself?

I have spinning for a little over a year and I would consider myself intermediate. I am a fast learner!

2. What kinds of yarn do you create (singles/2-ply/3-ply/art yarn)?

I mostly spin 2 ply, my singles aren’t good enough to stand alone yet, and I’m spinning for a 3 ply now. Tried spinning some art yarns, not so good at them, and no real use for them.

3. What do you spin with (spindle/wheel/both)?

I pretty much just use my wheel.

4. What are your favorite fibers to spin with? Anything you don't like?

I love bfl, especially superwash bfl. I have also spun merino, and merino silk. I have some other fibers that I haven’t gotten around to trying yet. Blends are good, anything soft with silk or seacell, etc. I'm picky because my skin is uber sensitive!

5. Who are your favorite crack dealers fiber sources (etsy or otherwise)?

Funky Carolina! Anything sparkly. I love the Creatively Dyed seacell blend I have, and haven’t spun yet. I also love Pigeonroof and Flawful Fibers…

6. What kind of fiber do you want to try?

I would love to try a bamboo, maybe in a blend? I love how shiny it is and wondering how it spins up. I’ve also always wanted to try some batts, like the ones from Loop on etsy, or Terra Bella Spun, or Butterfly Girl Designs. Or some silk would be nice, I've only spun merino silk, so I'd like to try just silk by itself too.

7. Are there any techniques you would like to learn?

I’d like to perfect spinning singles and Navajo plying but that’s about it!

8. Do you dye fiber? If not, would you like to learn?

I do dye. Not as much as I would like, but I have lots of dyes and un-dyed fiber waiting for me to do it!

9. Do you have fiber prep tools (and like to use them) or would you prefer ready to spin fiber?

I would prefer ready to spin, I have hand cards but I’m still learning how to get them to work for me lol.

10. What do you do with your handspun? What projects have you completed?

I mostly spin lace, and some sock weight yarn. So lots of socks and lace! I’ve done a swallowtail and forest canopy shawl from handspun, and a pair of socks. I’m working on a Juno Regina right now, and have yarn spun for an Adamas, and some I’m plying on my spindle for another forest canopy or swallowtail.

11. Are you in need of any spinning gadgets (WPI Gauge, threading hook, etc)?

I don’t need a threading hook, I don’t have a WPI gauge though!

12. What colors "fall into your shopping basket"? Any colors you just can't stand?

I seem to buy a lot of cool colors, but usually the colors that appeal to me are the warm tones, pink and red and orange and yellow. Especially in combinations together.

13. What is on your wheel/spindle right now?

I’m spinning a 3 ply for sock yarn (pinkish superwash bfl from Pigeonroof), and I'm about to start some lace. It is black merino tencel with green and purple shimmery stuff in it from Copperpot.

14. What other crafts/hobbies do you have?

Obviously knitting, I read (or listen to audiobooks quite a bit that I download from audible.com) I play on my Nintendo DS…and my Wii. I paint on occasion.

15. Other than crafts, what are you passionate about?

My kids.

16. Do you have an online wishlist?

Um I have one at the Loopy Ewe, other than that, not really. Here's the link to the Loopy Ewe one.

17. Is there anything that you collect?

I have a big thing for hummingbirds, hence the big tattoo of one I have on my back! Also dragonflies.

18. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have Interweave Knits, and Spin Off, those are the only two I really want. Sensual Knits is a book I’ve been meaning to pick up and haven’t. A few patterns I haven’t gotten around to getting:
Giselle by Marnie MacLean
Envy shawl by Brenda Patipa
La Digitessa by Yarnissima
Snowflakes in Cedarwoods by Anne Hanson (square one)
Tangled Faeries by Terry Ross

I'd also love to try some of the knitpicks harmony needles, the wooden ones! I keep meaning to get them and haven't. I knit most of my socks on size 1.5.

19. When is your birthday?

December 17

20. What book or movie character do you most resemble in personality?

I couldn’t tell you!

21. What is the climate like where you live around this time (need to know for careful shipments of anything meltable)?

It’s hot right now, but you never know! I think if it’s packaged it should be fine. As long as it won’t get on anything else if it DOES melt. (In other words, I’m not above licking the inside of a bag if it’s covered in chocolate)

22. Tell us one weird fact about yourself!

Hmmm, I can burp on command. Not weird enough? I think I’m borderline OCD. I have to make things “even” all the time. Like, if I stub the toe of one shoe while walking, I have to purposely do it to the other. Yep. Weird.

Favorites

Favorite painting/picture(link): I’ve always loved this Georgia O’Keefe painting: Red Canna

Candy: Chocolate, esp truffle or hazelnut ones. Haribo gummy bears…lifesaver lollipops which I can NEVER find anymore…sad.

Food: Hard to say but I looooove a good chicken alfredo pasta dish.

Drink: Dr. Pepper, Cream soda.

Movie(s): Princess Bride, Most Angelina Jolie movies

TV Show(s): Grey’s Anatomy and Big Brother when they are on.

Book(s): Tad Williams Otherland and Shadowmarch series’, The Symphony of Ages series by Elizabeth Haydon, fantasy type stuff, fiction.

Guilty Pleasure(s): My video games. I LOVE my Wii and DS.

As a last note, I’m allergic to alpaca and mohair for sure. I’m pretty sensitive to fuzzies, so probably fibers like angora, camel, etc I’d also be allergic. Not sure as I’ve stayed away from them!

My Sock!

Friday, June 27, 2008

I have uploaded to Ravelry, my first sock pattern for sale!

Here's the link for any of you that are interested: Tendril Embrace

I think my knitting mojo has returned. I've been knitting on the swallowtail shawl all day. Thankfully my arms are in no pain as of yet, and neither are my hands.

Other than that, just working, playing with the kids, normal stuff. Hubby and I actually got to go to dinner the other night. It was nice to just relax for a bit. I got New Super Mario Bros for my DS and it's SO fun. I also went to Game Stop and got Heroes of Mana. I've got the Sword of Mana for the Gameboy Advance, and I love it, so I got the DS one. I haven't really gotten into it yet. The scenes are kinda lengthy to go through in the beginning.

So that's all that's going on. I'm hoping to get through the swallowtail shawl in the next few days, and then I'll be back with pictures!

Loopy swap package!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Today I mailed off my package to my loopy swap partner, and was thrilled to find that mine had arrived! My pal was amazing and sent the best stuff I think she could have for me. I couldn't love it any more! The scarf is knit in Tempted Glam Grrl, so it's sparkly! There is an extra skein which I think I may knit handwarmers with. I got a book, stitch markers, a heart shaped tape measure, some body wash and scrub, more yarn, a pretty notepad (I go through so many of these, I love how I get some in all my swaps) and a few other things.

Oh man this is a great swap package! I only hope my pal loves hers as much as I do.

Here is a picture of my progress on my Juno Regina. I know I said I'd go back to the swallowtail, but I just couldn't put it down until I got past the diamond pattern. Now that it's straight rows, I'll be able to leave it and finish the other first. I adore it though. I'm thinking I'll knit the two halves so they will be symmetrical, and graft the center. I brought home a new DS game today. New Super Mario Bros. It's good so far, I love me some Mario! I had to have at least one other game besides Zelda. I may also end up with Pokemon but other than that, I have no idea. I'm picky about the games I like. :) I've been playing it a lot though, since my arms hurt so bad still. Stupid arms!

Ok well that's it for now, more later I'm sure!

Hand Cards!

Monday, June 23, 2008

So at Saturday's knit group I took a look at some hand cards, and a pair came home with me! (Ignore the massive mess on my desk. Yes, it always looks this way.) Here's a picture of them, and my first little rolag, which I started pulling into roving. I think it's going to take me a bit to get the hang of these things, they seem to want to stick together really bad. I like it though, it's fun, and now I have lots of little rolags here on my desk...

I started my Juno Regina out of handspun. I couldn't stop myself. I was feeling a bit depressed yesterday about something, and needed to start something new. Now that I've started it, I'll go back to knitting on the swallowtail until it's done.
Isn't it pretty though? I love it so far. I haven't been knitting or spinning much at all. I really think I have carpal tunnel, or something of the sort, because I'm in serious pains. When I type, or knit, or spin, it just feels like stabbing in my arm. Actually, it's not just then anymore, it's all day at random intervals. So I haven't been doing much. Plus my computer chair is broken and annoying to sit in. So I usually spin in it, and sit on the computer, and now I don't want to.

I did manage to finish the project for my swap, so that's done and will be mailed tomorrow. I still can't show pictures, but I will when she gets it.

Chad bought me a Nintendo DS (a white one). I'm very excited about it. I've been wanting one, and it's fun so far! I have a Zelda game, can't go wrong there! So now I'm off to play it for a bit, because the children are actually napping, and I need to relax while I can.
Here's a picture of a pretty moth we found outside. It's wings were SO cool.

Nanner sock.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

This is the progress I've made on my nanner sock. I need to focus more on my swap project though, only have until Sunday to finish up and send! I am planning the last few things to get for it as well. I've seen a few of the packages others have recieved and man oh man people are going all out!

Here we have growth! We planted flowers a week or two ago, and finally they are sprouting. See all the tiny green specks? Yeah those were seeds. It's funny, they are in all the pots, and they all are bent over to the direction of the sun. I love that.Well I guess that's bout it. No new audio books, though I might buy one tonight...I need something for work tomorrow. Wednesdays are pull days for me. Meaning, we get a huge list of stuff to pull, either cd's or dvd's usually, and we have to go find it and pack it up and send it back to the warehouse or wherever. It's long, tedious, boring work. I really don't mind it, but need to be entertained.

Ok well off to plurk and knit!

Picture Meme

Monday, June 16, 2008

1. Hattie, 2. Chocolate Bar, 3. In Front Of Shaker High, 4. Night London Eye Green Colors, 5. Angelina Jolie, 6. real_dr_pepper, 7. Ravello , Italy, 8. Raspberry - Swirl Cheesecake, 9. Little Artist, 10. Duck Family Portrait, 11. Emotional sky, 12. sick girl

Ok everyone is doing these, so I might as well. Here's how it works.

Go to flicker and type in your answer to each of the questions below. Using only the first page of results, choose a picture and add it's url to FD's Mosaic Maker. Tada!

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

Easy as pie. Go do it.

I'll be back tomorrow hopefully with some sock progress to show. I'm working on a "nanner" sock. If you want to know what that is, maybe you should plurk me?

OMG it's a FO!!!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Yes that's correcto. I somehow managed to finish something. Behold:
The Swirls socks are finished. I finished up the toe this morning and had it kitchenered before lunch. I think they are gorgeous and should wear well as they are knit on such small needles. I can't wait to wear them. I think in a few days. I sliced my toe open on something yesterday and it was bleeding pretty bad, so I don't want to risk blood on any hand knit socks until it's healed. Then today I slammed my toe into a piece of wooden furniture, and I really think I broke it. I'm in some serious pain. We'll see how it feels, I have to work tomorrow, 5 hours. I'll have to be gentle.

Not a good thing though, since I'm supposed to be cleaning. Our part of the house is beyond cluttered. We have someone coming on Sunday to install a ceiling fan in our bedroom, and fix a light or something. So things have to be presentable.

I'm knitting on my loopy swap project. It's so easy, but I just can't seem to get far on it! I need to get the rest of the package together in the meantime, it's to be mailed by the 22nd.

Here is a picture of Nicholas with his new kitty Pounce. He got it for going potty today. It seems like we'll have a week of him going a few times a day for a week and then for 4 days he refuses. It's a slow process. So hopefully this reward will help. He loooooves kitties of any kind and was super excited about it.Ok now, off to knit and rest my poor toe. Maybe it's not broken, just still stinging from impact. I can wish right?

ETA: Forgot to ask: Have you plurked today?

Rivendell

Monday, June 09, 2008

So here is the picture that I promised of my redone Rivendell sock. The yarn I switched to is Claudia Handpainted fingering weight, in Sea Dreams. I bought it at The Loopy Ewe ages ago, and I think it's the perfect color for this.
I love how it looks so far, but I have changed a few things about it, the pattern is seriously lacking in clarity and direction. I hope some of that was fixed since it was published in a book. Regardless, I am enjoying knitting it.

A picture, though blurry, of my recent spinning. It's superwash bfl from Pigeonroof in Pink Lady and very pretty. This one was the best picture of the colors, the non-blurry ones were all destroyed by flash. I'm spinning for a 3 ply sock yarn. This is 2/3 of bobbin one. I can't wait to finish it!
Other than that, not much is going on. I've just finished listening to an audiobook. I signed up for an account at audible.com. There is a discounted rate (7.49 per month) for the first three months. You get one credit, which in most cases is one book. Well now that I've finished my book, I'm aching for another! I do get a discount with my account if I purchase them outright, but it's a good bit more than buying credits (try 15-25 per book!)...so now I have to wait till next month for my next credit...sigh.

So I'm building up my wish list, that way I won't forget all the books I want to get. Ok well off to do some more spinning and knitting, and laundry for work tomorrow. It's my first 8 hour shift in months, so I best be prepared and get to bed early!

Knit So Fine

Friday, June 06, 2008

So today I went to Borders. I went looking for two books. One was a cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. It seems like a good book for sneaky ways to make your kids eat stuff they wouldn't normally. So they had it, but my other book trumped that one. I only had one coupon you see, and so that one will wait for a week or two until they email me another.

This is the book I got:
I've known since the previews that I wanted to get it and after looking through it in person, I couldn't leave it there. Besides, it was the last copy they had! Here are some pictures of my favorites from the book.

Eyelet Halter:
Dolman Top:
I like this top even though it's not something I'd probably wear. Maybe without the sleeves though, like a short sleeve or vest thing.

Asymmetric Cardigan:
Traveling Stitch Legwarmers:
Lattice Lace Pullover:
Lace Stole:
Fingerless Elbow Mitts:
I think it's neat how these kind of match the legwarmers. Though I wouldn't wear them together, too matchy. I also loooove that they go up past the elbow. Good in white for a winter wedding! Obviously not mine lol, but that's the first thing I thought of.

Cowlneck Pullover:
Cabled Vest:
Kimono Top:
I adore this pattern almost above all others. Look at the fun stitch pattern! I know there was a skirt with this butterfly looking stitch, on Knitty Gritty. I wanted to make it but it was a teeny size. It looks flattering too.
And of course I like the Lace Trimmed Raglan on the cover besides. The book has lots of good information on why knitting with finer yarns is worth the effort, shaping, better fit, durability. I think it's great! I love this barbie doll picture they show, to emphasize the difference in fit and shape between thick and fine yarn garments.
The caption to the left reads:

"Even the fashion doll-with her exaggerated proportions-looks better in the clingy, thin, curve-hugging fine-gauge yarn."

The only thing that is weird, is they didn't really name the garments. They are more just descriptions of the item. I think they could have been a little more creative, but whatever. I like the patterns and I suppose that's what counts.

I caved today and started the Rivendell sock. I couldn't help it. I really just wanted to see how my chosen yarn looked in it, and I'm so close to finishing my swirls socks anyway. So I got a little bit past this point in the picture, and decided that it's not so much the colors I don't like, as the yarn. It's a tencel blend, so not as much give, and I think with the wraps that's essential. I think the yarn is also a tad too bright. So I ripped and went with my second choice which I think I'll be happier with. Pictures of it later when I get further on it. I love the pattern though!

Tomorrow is knit group at Paradise Fibers. Not sure if I'll bring knitting or spinning yet. Either way, it will be great to get out of the house!

New Projects

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Yesterday I started Melissa's swallowtail shawl I'm knitting up for her. I started with size 3's, and it was just small and too tight, and so I switched to size 5's since all my 4's are in use, and I think it's much better. Not too tight or loose. I like how the colors spread out. Not much pooling-wise. I've got 5 of 14 repeats done. I know this will be a quick knit.
In the mail today I got the two NeedleKeeps I ordered. You may remembered I ordered some of these back in like January or so. I love them so much. Last time I got a 6 and a 7 inch. This time I ordered a 5 and a 6. Most of my needles are 6 inches, but a few are shorter or longer. My Brittany size 2 dpns are actually longer than 7 but they still fit into the 7 inch, the cap just sticks up a bit, but it works. These two have cute little charms. A froggie on the left, and a pink sandal with a flower that has little gemstones. Super adorable! Everyone should have these. I like to store my dpns in them too, keeps them safe, and unbroken.
I also got some yarn I traded for. Two and a half balls of Noro Kureyon in color 150. Grey, aqua, and some green. I got them to make a scarf like Melissa is making for her hubby. Chad liked it, so I thought I'd surprise him with one this winter.
I also started spinning my Pink Lady superwash bfl from Pigeonroof for the June Spin along on the Spinner Central board on Ravelry. I am going for a 3 ply sock, my first! It's spinning up so pretty. Pictures of that later!

Ok well that's it for now.

Cherrybomb

Monday, June 02, 2008

Look look look! Look what I have finished!Ok it needs washing, but it's done being spun and plied!I adore it. It started as about 4 ounces of bfl from the Yarn Wench, and I spun it to a thicker laceweight. If I calculate correctly, there are 830 yards here. Not bad! I had a bit leftover on one bobbin, I spun the first bobbin a little thinner than the second, but it's fine. It wasn't a huge difference. I am about to go put it in a bath, and hope it dries quick. I want to cast it on already! In case you have forgotten, it's been a bit since I've talked about my plans for this, it's for Juno Regina. I think I'll take out one of the diamond repeats, to make it thinner, and make up for having a little less yardage than the pattern calls for. It's going to be so pretty!

Ok well off to soak my lovely yarn. Night!