tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68836709706593630702024-03-13T07:25:52.677-07:00Mo Knitsknitting, spinning, dyeing, life as a mother of two monkeys...michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-32771423738445816512009-08-30T14:42:00.000-07:002009-08-31T10:49:54.247-07:00the summer of my 39th yearWell, I realize that summer is not yet over but I gauge it by the school year and it feels over. I started out the summer in Vermont, a beautifully green and country setting. I realized more than ever this time how much of a city girl I actually am. The bugs and the mud got to me. Overall though, it was a great trip. We rented a beautiful farm house close to the in-laws. Everyone seemed happy and the boys got to experience things they would not have here in Oakland. I shot a gun for the first time, not too gracefully or too good of a shot, but oh well, I don't see target shooting as a future of mine. <br /><br />I knitted a sock, a sleeve, part of a scarf and a couple of shawls. <br /><br />I read a few books, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elegance-Hedgehog-Muriel-Barbery/dp/1933372605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251740211&sr=8-1">The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Netherland-Vintage-Contemporaries-Joseph-ONeill/dp/0307388778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251740274&sr=1-1">Netherland by Joseph O'Neill</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drowning-Ruth-Novel-Oprahs-Book/dp/0345439104/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251740330&sr=1-1">Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/While-Gone-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/0345443284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251740432&sr=1-1">While I Was Gone by Sue Miller</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/White-Tiger-Novel-Booker-Prize/dp/1416562605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251740470&sr=1-1">White Tiger by Aravind Adiga</a>. I got some spinning done as well, finished the spinning for what I hope will be my first handspun sweater. I'm also drop spinning some cashmere silk and finding a new love and appreciation for drop spinning. It's been very peaceful and slow for me compared to spinning on the wheel. <br /><br />I got to spend a few weeks with one of my very best friends and her kids who usually live across the world in London. I got to go to a girls weekend in Calistoga, which was like heaven. Just perfect in every way. And I feel very happy, trying not to get anxious about all the scheduling and busyness that is around the corner. Almost 40. It is amazing to me to be here at this juncture, I never thought as a young person that I would someday be 40. Not that I wouldn't live that long, but that the day would just be so far away in the future that it just wouldn't come. I'm okay with it. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by my incredible friends and family. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/3874538841/" title="My creation by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3874538841_d311ee208b_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="My creation" /></a>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-2874175860552189122009-05-24T14:33:00.000-07:002009-05-24T15:43:17.976-07:00Music in my earsSeeing live music takes me back to when I was little and my step-dad was always in a band and we were there, listening, dancing, singing-along, and watching. I remember being tired and wanting to go home, but now when I see music, I think about those days and how special I felt because I knew the band. And even though these days I hardly ever see live music and I hardly ever know the band, I still get that feeling of being special. Friday night we went to the Fox Theater and saw TV on the Radio. I was not a huge fan beforehand, but I am now, it was a great show. I was high on life. They put on a kickass performance, it was so much fun. <br /><br />And the <a href="http://thefoxoakland.com/">Fox Theater</a>, what a beautiful job they've done restoring it, we had an amazing view of the stage. It has to be one of the best places to see a show. <br /><br />This blog is seriously neglected. It takes time and energy that I don't give it. But I have been knitting and spinning. I've been knitting lots of gifts, now I'm just knitting to knit some my yarn that I have accrued. <br /><br />I'm knitting the Winter Windows Silk Scarf from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Luxury One-Skein Wonders</span>, which was a lovely mother's day gift. I'm using some yak/silk handspun from the Ultra<a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com"> Verb For Keeping Warm</a> Fiber Club,"Capitan Pink's Lost Pearl". I tried knitting the Silk Berry Bag with this same yarn, but there was something wrong with the pattern and I didn't have the patience to figure out what it was. This is a nice book full of beautiful little things to knit, but almost every pattern has some corrections so be sure to check <a href="http://storey.com">storey.com</a> if you're knitting out of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3561083814_ac88cdd15d.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3561083814_ac88cdd15d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Also on the needles is a lace stole from <a href="http://www.knitty.com">Knitty</a>, the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTseascape.html">Seascape Stole</a>. I can't seem to put this down for very long, it keeps calling to me. I'm knitting it with Malabrigo Lace and it is very, very soft. A one ply though which will probably not hold up to well. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3561098780_1ff7169bd5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3561098780_1ff7169bd5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm trying unsuccessfully to spin fingering weight yarn. This is my attempt. It's a little thick in places. I think next time I'll try the high speed whorl. I do love this yarn though, so pretty. it's made from overdyed BFL from <a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb For Keeping Warm</a>. Another beautiful creation by Kristine. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3560260919_279ff208f9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3560260919_279ff208f9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-76041006444742071002009-03-07T13:33:00.000-08:002009-03-10T11:50:05.853-07:00I'm backSo I'm back from my international travel. <br /><br />There were birthday celebrations.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3335945599_d2c9f1eb0e_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3335945599_d2c9f1eb0e_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A Lazy Day At the Pub.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3336810318_24b78c8323_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3336810318_24b78c8323_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3335974877_26748e0e84_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3335974877_26748e0e84_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />3 days in Spain...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3335946191_7e432f7ae8_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3335946191_7e432f7ae8_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />at the airport<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3336781396_4056fe9c9f_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3336781396_4056fe9c9f_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />at our favorite tapas bar<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3336787440_ec297cd1b8_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3336787440_ec297cd1b8_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />La Pedrera<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3336787444_737596030b_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3336787444_737596030b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Witch chaser atop La Pedrera<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3336787446_4eb13da6f6_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3336787446_4eb13da6f6_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Roof of Sagrada Familia<br /> <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3336787450_0dda8eaef2_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3336787450_0dda8eaef2_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />View of Barcelona from La Sagrada Familia<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3336793872_51c98a1dbb_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3336793872_51c98a1dbb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3336793624_4d9fee91b0_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3336793624_4d9fee91b0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3335958351_9a5e1b6370_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 203px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3335958351_9a5e1b6370_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3335958105_f4afaca714_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3335958105_f4afaca714_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A beautiful Spanish Marketplace<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3335957817_3fcf492a11_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3335957817_3fcf492a11_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A funky costume shop near our hotel...<br /><br /><br />.....and back to London<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3335957511_c18e23e1d1_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3335957511_c18e23e1d1_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also went to Stitches West and worked for <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb For Keeping Warm</a>. It was so much fun to see all the different knitterly types of people in one place. Not to mention the overwhelming amount of yarn, fiber and tools, and hanging out with, and getting to know new people. I only bought one thing, this skein of sock yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3336781062_c270b79522_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3336781062_c270b79522_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> and <a href="http://www.dyegarden.com/">Adrienne</a> so kindly gifted me with this lovely skein<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3344113489_1371200668_b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3344113489_1371200668_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br />I better get crackin' on some socks. <br />Next time I'll post some knitting and spinning!michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-42386730998915359782009-01-12T16:38:00.001-08:002009-01-12T17:36:36.550-08:00A New Year, A New Wheel, and a Vacation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3192224983_b61d292a4b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3192224983_b61d292a4b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />For Christmas I got a new wheel, and it's so pretty. It's a Schacht Matchless double treadle. I'm a little apprehensive, it's such a different wheel than my last. I spent some time with it today, the first real time since I've gotten it and am slowly getting used to it. <br /><br />I've been knitting many projects, and unsaid out loud until now, a resolution is to get through some of this yarn I seem to have acquired. It somehow had babies when I wasn't looking and now seems a little out of hand. So many small projects are on the horizon...I'm trying to get rid of the scraps I have as well. My last yarn purchase was for a throw that we desperately need, although not today as it's a strange 70 degrees outside. Just last night it was so cold and now people are out in shorts and t-shirts. <br /><br />Here are some projects: a stocking for S, still needing his name, from the Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines: Patterns, Stories, Pictures, True Confessions, Tricky Bits, Whole New Worlds, and Familiar Ones, Too:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3193065858_8223c58d62_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3193065858_8223c58d62_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />the beginnings of a throw, Cable Comfort Throw from the Lion Brand website, made with knitpicks superwash swish bulky:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3192221743_b4303217cd_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3192221743_b4303217cd_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and Argosy, made with handspun Baby Camel/Silk from <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb For Keeping Warm</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3192223935_21c5669f04_m.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3192223935_21c5669f04_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />My current big news is that I'm traveling to London in 9 days. The decision to go was made very quickly. I'm definitely not a live-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl, so I'm still in a little shock. There I will help my best friend Nona celebrate her 40th birthday and her husband Adam's 38th birthday. We are also taking a little jaunt to Barcelona for a couple of days. I've never been to Spain, it should be a lot of fun. I'm really excited and a little nervous, I still need to don my jet-setter attitude. <br /><br />Pictures when I return.....michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-70297401253280959832008-10-14T15:54:00.001-07:002008-10-14T16:22:39.708-07:00sarah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2942231315_2af95aa609_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2942231315_2af95aa609_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />my friend sarah died yesterday. although i have not been close to her for many years, i will miss her forever, and am so sad. she was an amazing, wonderful woman and i feel lucky to have known her.<br /><br />sarah helped make endless hours at the counter bearable, she taught me how to make potato pizza, she helped me get my second car (only 50 bucks and with a cool story too), she taught me more than i realized at the time....<br /><br />life is short, don't let it slip away, and hug someone you love tightly.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-34773570945447395772008-10-02T13:35:00.000-07:002008-10-02T17:55:12.247-07:00Life just keeps on plugging away.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2907531345_5a4bfc927c_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2907531345_5a4bfc927c_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He's 12, I can hardly believe it.<br /><br />Well, as the beginning of not only the school year, but also soccer season has started, everything seems like a blur. Life has taken on a new speed. It seems as though I've had many problems with my car lately. It is a trusted minivan, which I was a little apprehensive about buying. Must maintain the rockstar image, you know. But now I've had it for 4 years and I love it, except when it's broken and not working. Really not all the fault of my little minivan. There have been some extenuating circumstances... The reason I mention this is that lately I've felt like I've been spending a lot of time and money on the car. Time and money I'd rather not spend. <br /><br />My knitting has been following suit. It's been particularly time consuming, but not that satisfying. It's been a lesson, I suppose, in patience and doing things right the third, maybe fourth time. Equally frustrating. I'm working on<a href="http://ysolda.com/store/sweaters/liesl/"> Liesl</a> by Ysolda. I had some Cotton-Ease in the stash, from long ago when it was truly black, so I thought Hey! almost like it's free. Well, now I'm starting again for the 3rd time. The first time it was too small, the second time, I realized halfway down the body and the top were not matching. One was right side out and the other wrong side out, whoops. So I ripped it out and started once again, an even bigger size, which I'm hoping will be the right one. But hear that HOPING. I'm a glutton for punishment. Why oh why don't you just swatch and get it over with? I don't know.<br /><br />And now I'm finishing up the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTtempest.html">Tempest</a> Cardigan from Knitty. On the button bands. But it is tight, and my finishing abilities suck. I can knit and knit and knit, but when it comes to sewing, it's an ugly thing. So I love this color combination. I'm not wanting to give up entirely, I've decided to try to make a top down cardigan modeled after the Tempest (using my soon to be frogged yarn). I have to say this is going slowly, one because I've never made a top down cardigan on my own, without a pattern. I'm using Barbara Walker's <span style="font-weight:bold;">Knitting from the Top </span>. But as a stringent recipe knitter, I'm having a bit of trouble with the vague-ness. A lesson in trust I suppose. And stick-to-it-iveness. Will she or won't she be able to do it?<br /><br />Not the last project on the needles, but one I'll talk about because I'm really enjoying it is Abby, a cowl made from handspun yarn. I'm spinning it and knitting right off the spindle (oooh aaahhh). I knit one of these already with yak gifted to me by <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com/">Kristine</a> of AFVKW. It is beautiful and soft, but somehow I didn't feel finished with this pattern and felt like I needed to knit it yet again. Which is unusual for me, but it's somehow so captivating, maybe because it's small, finite and one size fits all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2908379346_d3639b4f29_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2908379346_d3639b4f29_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2907534587_5454290a24_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2907534587_5454290a24_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In spinning news, I've been spinning some baby camel and silk also from Kristine, and it is incredibly soft and wonderful to spin and beautiful to look at--it's 10% chance of rain--you should go get some right now if you spin. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2908378084_57767df02b_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2908378084_57767df02b_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2908377614_fb68512a7b_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2908377614_fb68512a7b_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So as I knit and re-knit my current projects, while waiting for my car to be fixed, I try to remember that these are small problems, they are fix-able, do-able. Really I should be grateful that these are my problems. It's just hard to recognize sometimes.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-83048992535919542242008-07-08T15:37:00.000-07:002008-07-08T16:49:17.731-07:00You Can't Always Have Meat on Your Pizza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2650485439_8ffc9dd1f9_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2650485439_8ffc9dd1f9_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Well two weeks in Hawaii is like heaven, it has completely rejuvenated me, even though I did take home a few pounds of the island on the belly portion of my body. I don't know how that could have happened, maybe it was the Passion Fruit Mojitos, or maybe pork for breakfast lunch and dinner. Hmmm. <br /><br />There really is nothing better than to knit and be able to see the ocean. See above for the view. It was so relaxing and beautiful. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2650484553_5d9416cef7_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2650484553_5d9416cef7_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />We also saw Kilauea, the volcano that erupted in March--<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2650485951_e48f5eae19_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2650485951_e48f5eae19_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />and fishes! I went snorkeling for the first time, incredible how close all the beautiful fish are. I didn't even freak out....very much. It was so much fun, the days were full of playtime, eating and drinking.<br /><br />Now that I'm back though there is no eating, and only drinking a little water. We are now on a strict diet and exercise regimen. <br /><br />My mom was very happy to receive her sweater, here is a picture of me in it...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2650488679_861ed97bc8_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2650488679_861ed97bc8_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Details: <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/ariann.html">Ariann</a><br />Needles: 6 & 7 <br />Yarn: Misti International Pima Cotton/Silk<br />No changes made to the pattern. Very easy pattern to follow.<br /><br /><br />I started my second <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html">Clapotis</a> in Noro Silk Garden on the plane:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2651409464_514b144499_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2651409464_514b144499_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />A halfway okay picture of Glasgow Lace taken by my bigger son:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2651308792_1bb3bb2104_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2651308792_1bb3bb2104_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Details: Glasgow Lace<br />Needles: 6 & 7 denise interchangeables<br />Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece about 5 skeins<br />Modifications: I made the body about 2 inches longer to cover above mentioned belly section, and knit the collar all the way around the neck instead just in the front.<br /><br />All in all a fun and interesting knit. The lace was easy enough to knit without complete concentration, but also interesting enough to keep me going. <br /><br />The rest of the summer awaits, and I'm excited. My good friends from London are coming soon and I'm loving the staying up late and not having to get up and out of the house. I also have been having a great time with my boys. They are a lot of fun these days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2650586129_0c04d5b972_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2650586129_0c04d5b972_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-67770408844210761162008-06-14T09:57:00.000-07:002008-06-14T14:26:44.212-07:00Back and A MemeWell, life has been super busy...<br /><br />If it hadn't been for Kristine, I may have let this blog go quietly to blog heaven, as I'm not very good at updating.<br /><br />Of late, my in-laws drove here all the way from Vermont, S's best friend got married, of which there many, many days of revelry, we sold our house (wow) and I am now officially a mother of a seventh grader.<br /><br />Oh yes! And I'm in the summer <a href="http://www.interweave.com/spin/spinoff_magazine/">Spin-Off</a> magazine!! It's very exciting. <br /><br />I have been horrible about taking pictures, but I stopped by <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb For Keeping Warm's </a>studio opening, which by the way is very well photographed elsewhere....and it was beautiful. I just have to say Kristine and Adrienne have worked so hard in making it an incredible studio. <br /><br />In knitting, I finished my mother's sweater, except for the buttons. I'll take a picture before I take it to deliver it personally, becuase yes, we are going to Hawaii in less than a week. I couldn't be more happy about that.<br /><br />I've started the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaceribbon.html">Lace ribbon scarf</a> by Veronik Avery with some alpaca silk that I spun on the wheel...two-ply, somewhere between lace and fingering weight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2570187517_c519957668_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2570187517_c519957668_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's so soft and drapes very nicely.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2570191069_79b62e94a7_b.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2570191069_79b62e94a7_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTtempest.html">Tempest</a>, which I love, and am very excited about. I got the yarn at <a href="http://articlepract.com">Article Pract</a> after realizing it wouldn't be so expensive because they were having a sale. Something about sales, it makes it so much easier to buy something. Never mind that you're still spending money, it's LESS money, right? <br /><br />I'm still plugging away at my barn raising quilt...4 1/2 out of 42 squares, not bad eh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2571017618_a6cf684bea_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2571017618_a6cf684bea_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After unpacking just one big box of my yarn, I had some guilt, and wanted to use my growing stash, I started a <a href="http://knitfish.livejournal.com/51964.html">Sunday Market Shawl</a> with some handspun and handyed and hand blended yarn:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2555023048_1f05b2d722_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2555023048_1f05b2d722_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /> I finished Glasgow Lace and my Tangled Yoke, but my camera just ran out of batteries and I have yet to take good pictures, so next time with details. <br /><br />I am usually the first person to break chain letters of any type, and this kind of reminds me of that, but here goes....<br /><br /><br /> <br />"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer."<br /><br />1) What was I doing 10 years ago?<br /><br />I was a new mom of a 1 year old boy, most likely at the park or the Little Farm. Making snacks and getting juice, and changing diapers...<br /><br /><br />2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?<br />buy steven something for father's day, grocery shopping, knit somewhere in public, laundy, dinner with lara and rochelle<br /><br />3) Snacks I enjoy: <br /><br />chocolate and potato chips....although i love a lot of snacks, i'm a snacky kind of girl...<br /><br />4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:<br /><br />I would make sure that all my parents and parents in law had a nice comfortable home to call their own, and buy our dream house. Then I would tell my husband to quit his job, and take a permanent vacation. Of course my mind is racing and there are a lot of other things I would love to be able to do, which include you know, world peace and curing cancer, a house in Southern France for all my friends to go and hang out. Liposuction (not really), and on and on. <br /><br /><br />5) Places I have lived:<br /><br />Berkeley, CA<br />Aiea, HI<br />San Diego, CA<br />Oakland, CA<br /> <br /><br /><br />6) Jobs I have had:<br /><br />office assistant, poster shop girl, operator for catalog, concession stand food seller (only once), and mom<br /><br />7) Bloggers I am tagging who I will enjoy getting to know better:<br /><a href="http://www.ojosverdeblog.blogspot.com/">adrienne</a><br /><a href="http://knitwit.vox.com/">mrs. knitwit</a><br /><a href="http://unravelingmarlowe.blogspot.com/">unraveling marlowe</a><br /><a href="http://missyb.typepad.com/missy_b/">missy b</a><br /><br />there's only 4, I hope it's all right....<br /><br />Happy WWKIP day.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-38607152315809447192008-03-20T12:57:00.000-07:002008-03-20T13:31:15.508-07:00Movin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/moving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/moving.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In the past few weeks my life has felt like it's completely been turned upside-down. We had been toying with the idea of moving for a long time, but in short order it has finally become a reality. Just, you know, waiting for the economy to turn at it's worst and have the housing market be in the dumps before you make the leap to sell your house. But these are the changes we've put into motion and good or bad, that's our reality. <br /><br />So now we are living in a neighborhood where we can actually walk to stuff. Not only stuff, but lots of stuff. And that feels good. It hasn't all sunk in yet. I feel like I still haven't physically gotten used to fact that I no longer live in the other house. It's strange. <br /><br />Things are good though, the boxes are beginning to diminish and our new house is starting to look normal. <br /><br />I missed Stitches West, I guess I thought I would melt if it rained a little. I still feel bad I wasn't there, it sounded like a lot of crazy fun. Brooke, if you're reading this, I missed seeing you, and I hope you and Maia had a great time!<br /><br />In knitting, my newest project is the Barn Raising Quilt from Larissa Brown's new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitalong-Celebrating-Tradition-Knitting-Together/dp/1584796650/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206044959&sr=8-1">Knitalong</a>. I love the idea of using sock yarn scraps, because I have a lot, <span style="font-style:italic;">and bonus</span>, they are washable. So my dirty little monkeys can use this blanket (when I actually finish it) with abandon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/quiltsquare.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/quiltsquare.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />On an exciting note, Spin-Off magazine contacted me through Ravelry and my Morning Surf Scarf may be in the Summer issue. Way cool...thank you Ravelry...you rock.<br /><br />I can't believe it's almost Easter, it feels like we are in constant motion, always busy. <br /><br />I hope that it can be a day of relaxation, for us and for everyone.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-34366086120541825262008-02-09T07:40:00.000-08:002008-02-09T07:58:18.672-08:00Just a wee laddie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/boys.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/boys.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday Grandma, we love you!<br /><br /><br />Today's my mom's birthday, Happy Birthday Mom. I wish I could be there to celebrate your day with you. <br /><br />It's been awhile, and I've been dyeing, knitting and spinning. We also went to Point Reyes--Drake's Beach--and saw this amazing guy, isn't he cute?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/elephantseal.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/elephantseal.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, I feel like I had my first non-class successful natural dyeing. This was madder and quebracho (which I can't say for the life of me) yellow, and logwood grey. I was very pleased.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/fiber.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/fiber.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I've been knitting. I finished my Tangled Yoke, it still needs buttons, but it's done with knitting and weaving in ends. I'm kind of scared to look at it on too much, for fear it doesn't look good after all that work, but I will get buttons and photos soon. I've started this sweater from yarn that I had in the stash. I'm trying to use up the stuff I have at home....I still am no good at the size thing, so I went with the smaller size this time, we'll see how that goes. It's a very fun and easy and fast sweater to knit. If I was giving all my time to it, it would be done. I'm on the second sleeve and then just the front will need to be done. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/glasgow.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/glasgow.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And lastly, I finished spinning the black bluefaced/indigo...it's so pretty, I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but it was a pleasure to spin, and I know it will look beautiful knit up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/blackblu.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/blackblu.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />That's all...hope that your day is as beautiful as it is here in California. The sun is shining and I am thankful.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-54988538990186652642008-01-08T11:11:00.000-08:002008-01-08T12:13:10.550-08:00Haouli Makahiki Hou!or Happy New Year...<br />Well it's a brand new year. Amazing, I always get a thrill on New Years Eve no matter how good or bad a year has gone. A time for a new beginning, chances to make new resolutions, to change, to grow. <br /><br />Funny, I'll be 39 this year, it sounds so <span style="font-style:italic;">old</span> to me. I used to look in the mirror and wonder if I'd ever look like a woman and not a girl. Now I look and see the wrinkles and want to look like that girl again. Never satisfied. <br /><br />Knitting. I've been knitting a bit. I'm almost done with my Tangle Yoke Cardigan. Well I'm almost done with the knitting. It may take another while longer for the buttons, we'll see. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2176880912/" title="tangled by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2176880912_1b963a7f7e.jpg" width="500" height="317" alt="tangled" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've started this new sweater, a seamless yoke, for which I'm using a standard pattern for and will try to design my own yoke. I don't know if I'll finish it, I feel like I never finish the sweaters I don't have patterns for. I like to know what it's supposed to look like before I finish it. And I have this feeling that it will be a lot like when I draw...never turning out quite like I saw it in my brain. <br /><br />I suppose this is something I need to push through and just do, and not worry if it doesn't fit me or if it looks perfect. An exercise, a challenge, maybe good for a brand new year.<br /><br />I finished my Morning Surf Scarf, which I love, love, love. I didn't love knitting it so much. At first it was interesting and new, and then it was boring. It reminds me of the Kelp Aquarium at Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's soft and beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2176890812/" title="IMG_1249 by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2176890812_1d15f5f9a6_m.jpg" width="166" height="240" alt="IMG_1249" /></a><br /><br />I plan on doing more dyeing this year, and trying to branch out creatively. It seems like it's so hard, like I've shut that part of me out, while I've been mom and wife. It's a constant battle to remember who I am and be that person. Not just the picker upper, grocery shopper, laundry do-er, etc. I suppose everyone has these same battles in one way or another.<br /><br />I started spinning some beautiful Black Blue Face Leicester that Kristine overdyed with Indigo...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1283.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1283.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1276.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1276.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's amazing to spin, you too can get some at <a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb for Keeping Warm</a>....michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-39645964845702536572007-12-23T13:06:00.000-08:002007-12-23T13:41:07.303-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2131113785/" title="IMG_1209 by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2131113785_baa0d1f9b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1209" /></a><br /><br />First off I'll begin with a post I started awhile ago...<br /><br />What an amazing wonderful thing the internet can be when it comes to being a knitter. I appreciate all the incredible knowledge that people share. Having come to the Nupps on my Swallowtail Shawl and getting sore wrists trying to pearl those 5 stitches together, thinking to myself, carpal tunnel here I come. I looked at what those had done before me. Luckily there was a lot on the subject. Here is where I went <a href="http://swallowtailshawl.blogspot.com/2007/05/nupp-tip.html ">http://swallowtailshawl.blogspot.com/2007/05/nupp-tip.html </a> <br /> I ended up using a smaller dpn sock needle, just shifting those nupp stitches onto the needle so I could pearl those babies with ease. If only it could solve my inconsistent spinning woes. The control yarn (bit that helps you know how you want your yarn to turn out, instead of your tired and failing memory) probably really is a good idea. oh well. Handmade with love. Not perfect. Now that I have finished the nupps, I ran out of yarn <span style="font-weight:bold;">and<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> fiber...so it's on hold until I figure out what to do.<br /><br />The Tangled Yoke is truly my humbling project. It seems every two steps forward I take, I must take at least 4 back....I plan on working on it after the holiday knitting.<br /><br />I've been doing some Christmas knitting....I always say I'm not going to, and then end up with some "small" projects. This year I chose hats. Here is a Thorpe from <a href="www.throughtheloops.typepad.com">Through the Loops </a>for Tia made with Rowan Cashsoft chunky<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2131084101/" title="thorpe for tia by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2131084101_86b2823c7a.jpg" width="500" height="483" alt="thorpe for tia" /></a><br /> <br />I followed the pattern exactly, casting on and knitting from 4 stitches is tricky! I also learned to half double crochet, there is a great tutorial on Youtube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL4YCmIrCgw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL4YCmIrCgw</a><br /><br />A hat for baby Judd, with some soft yarn from my stash, pattern from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2131084005/" title="hat for baby judd by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/2131084005_6da366997a.jpg" width="500" height="483" alt="hat for baby judd" /></a><br /><br /><br />and Kim's hat from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Last Minute Knitted Gifts</span>, in Aracania Aysen which is super super soft <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/2131891820/" title="IMG_1212 by sorojam, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2131891820_e1bc746f73.jpg" width="500" height="448" alt="IMG_1212" /></a><br /><br />I also am making a Devil Hat from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stitch and Bitch</span>, but it is hornless right now. Almost there.<br /><br />Well, I hope everyone has a fun and restful holiday and that the New Year brings lots of love, happiness, and peace....michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-38031877606497046262007-11-01T13:08:00.000-07:002007-11-01T13:47:43.420-07:00Happy Halloween!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/1815749078/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/1815749078_5e27746213.jpg" width="361" height="500" alt="halloween boys" /></a><br />It's a day late, but here is my ninja monkey and my prisoner monkey ready for Halloween.<br /><br />Well, one of the troubles I've come across with spinning yarn for a project, is when you can't knit it until you spin more yarn. I guess there are those people who have the patience to spin up all their yarn before they start knitting. I am not one of those people. So my Swallowtail Shawl is on hold. Which is so hard because I've come to the end of the first repeats and now onto something new and different, but can't continue.<br /><br />The Tangled Yoke cardigan is coming along nicely. I so wish the second sleeve or second sock for that matter were like the drive home. Familiar and faster. But they're not. They're boring. I have finished both of them, and am up to the yoke now, which is why I'm typing and not knitting, because it takes a certain amount of attention which I do not have right now. I'm excited about this sweater.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/1815750764/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/1815750764_8bb41b5bbd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="tangled" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I started a new scarf, <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/1814903507_8bf0e6e30f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />it's the <a href="http://www.craftown.com/knitpat3.htm">morning surf scarf</a>. I had this yarn I had spun up that I thought would look great in this pattern. I'm still not sure about how many yards will look like what, but it's fun to knit anyhow. Maybe I'll have a mini scarf, or a hot pad or maybe it will actually be scarf length. <br /><br />I finished my BFF socks,<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/1814903955/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1814903955_7b85df869e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="socks" /></a><br /><br />They are knit with the Neptune colorway of <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb for Keeping Warm</a> sock yarn available on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5241123">Etsy</a>. Size 2 needles. The only change I made is that I did 4 repeats instead of 9 on the ankle part. I loved the yarn and the pattern and would recommend both.<br /><br />And last, but not least I've been doing some spinning.....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10904317@N04/1815751164/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/1815751164_08606d4b40.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="yarn" /></a><br /><br /><br />Besides the fact that I've eaten way too much candy in the last couple of days, that's all for now.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-55096945164339932982007-10-09T15:42:00.000-07:002007-10-09T15:43:56.404-07:00hootie cootie rum sum sum<a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1097.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1097.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1106.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1106.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1081.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1081.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />finished Girlfriend's Swing coat, ready to wrap.<br />swallowtail shawl with handspun.<br />small monkey with braces.<br /><br /><br />Knitting the Tangled Yoke a lot, I am almost done with the first sleeve. <br /><br /> There was one woman who did them both at once, that is very smart, but it makes my head hurt when trying to figure out how. I've started my second BFF sock, actually almost to the toe. <br /><br /> Started the Swallowtail Shawl. I'm not a shawl person. I'm already trying to figure out who I can give this to. I wanted to try out spinning laceweight and then see what it looked like knitted up, so there it is. I have to remember that handspun is not like yarn you buy at the store. It's got it's own personality, and is beautiful in different ways. <br /><br />I'm having one of those hormonal weeks where I'm angry at everything and hate just about everyone. I wish there were some way to turn these feelings off. I do a fair amount of exercise. But I don't stay away from the caffeine and chocolate. But how could you? Wouldn't that make me into more of a monster? Anyhow...michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-69674402884987013432007-09-22T16:44:00.000-07:002007-09-22T16:46:09.255-07:00It's like a SicknessOkay, I get these obsessions about what to knit. Really all I want are easy to figure out projects so I can knit them and not have to do things like math, or swatching, or even finding a yarn that will work. A project I can knit while waiting at the dentist, or talking on the phone, or watching a movie, you get the idea. <br /><br />So once I get the notion I want to knit something, it's like an itch, I can't let it go. So now, I've started the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I have had this Rowanspun DK which I bought for my retro prep, I bought it on sale online, and was unsure about the color. Well, it's been sitting in my closet for a long time, and it looks a little better(hah) well, now that I've gone on Ravelry and saw that someone else is making their tangled yoke cardigan out of Rowanspun DK. I don't know if I love it though. I'm still not sure of the color and I'm not sure that that the pattern will show up well with this yarn. but i still continue to knit. <br /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1077.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />It's like a sickness. <br /><br />I've all but abandoned that tank, I still can't bear to look at it. <br /><br />I'm still knitting the BFF socks. One down, one to go!! <br /><br /> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1068.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />I really like the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTneiman.html">Neiman</a> sweater in the new <a href="http://knitty.com">Knitty</a>, and <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTroam.html">Roam</a>. Although with Roam, I want to buy that sweater and wear it more than I want to knit it. It looks so comfy and in such a great yarn. <br /><br />The 19th was my oldest monkey's birthday. 11. I can hardly believe it. It's amazing how fast these children grow. He's started middle school and seems to be hanging in there, with the big fishes, or should I say, big-ger fishes. I constantly want him to stay young and grow up at the same time. He has taught me a lot about life these past 11 years, I am so incredibly happy and grateful that we are together in this crazy journey called life.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-91975124692916870632007-09-08T17:17:00.000-07:002007-09-18T17:17:56.397-07:00After a long hiatus...Wow, okay. It is much easier to be a blog reader than a blog writer. Since I last posted I started and finished a project, a birthday sweater for Stella <br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1042.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1042.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2005/08/draft_7.html">Girlfriends Swing Coat</a> by Knit and Tonic<br />Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in 628 Azul <br />Size 8 Needles<br />I made a size between the 2 and 4. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(well mostly finished, I have to add the button), went to the 20, yes count them 20 year high school reunion for which I finished (and wore) the lace wrap. I started the BFF socks with some beautiful sock yarn, dyed by my friend <a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com/myblog">Kristine</a><br /><br /><a onblur=href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1030.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur=href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1055.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> <br /><br />What else? Oh yes, turned 38, had my oldest boy start middle school and have turned (once again) into a full fledged soccer mom. I've been busy. I'm still working on the Victoria Tank, although I've hit an obstacle and have put it away, so I don't have to look at it or think about it. Do you do that? Sometimes with knitting projects I have frustration with, I have to them hide away, so that my frustration and general blood boiling can subside.<br /><br />Here's a picture of some corriedale fiber I dyed this summer, available for sale on <br /><a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com">A Verb For Keeping Warm</a><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1018.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_1018.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-7378425808217703882007-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:002007-08-09T11:53:56.858-07:00In Order to Be a Better Spinner, you must spin.That's my mantra. Well we went to Calistoga, in the wine country, and it was beautiful, and hot. It was just what it needed to be, making us feel like we got away even though it was just a short drive. I've been knitting away, my monkeys are done! <br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/monkey2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/monkey2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /> My lace wrap is progressing and of course that tank. It feels like it's been the same size forever. I'm hoping it's like the kids, one day it will look huge, maybe even almost done....<br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/lacewrap.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/lacewrap.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/lacetank.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/lacetank.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Well, I haven't exercised in a while and I'm just realizing that's what's making me blue. I usually go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. I don't especially like to exercise, but evidently I need to for my mental health. Plus I guess it is good for the physical health as well. I've been questioning my self-worth, and my abilities, personal, creative etc. of late, I hope it's just exercise I need. <br /><br />So spinning, I seem to forget to spin sometimes in the midst of thinking about spinning. I have a hard time spinning just to spin without a knitting project on the other end. I have to trust that it will come, and the more I spin, the better I will get. Here are some skeins I've done, the two pinky ones are merino dyed with natural dye (madder), one single ply, one two ply. The middle is some Blue Face Leicester dyed with chemical dyes.<br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/spinning.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/spinning.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> I'm working on trying to spin laceweight. How to spin thin enough so that when I ply it will still be laceweight. We'll see.<br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/wheelshot.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/wheelshot.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I feel as though I've become unraveled on ravelry. Not really, but I finally got my invitation and at first glance--very cool. It's a bit overwhelming though, I've stepped back, it can consume you and making you into a digital photo clicking maniac. It seems connect knitters in a new way, it's amazing how many people are knitting, crocheting, making yarn etc. out there.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-25826447125654071872007-07-29T16:24:00.000-07:002007-07-29T20:54:16.789-07:00Trips, Eats and Knits<a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0922.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0922.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0915.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0915.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0911.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0911.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Yesterday I went to <a href="http://www.lambtown.com/">Lambtown</a> with <a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com/myblog.html">Kristine</a> and <a href="http://http://www.straightforwarddesign.com/blog.html">Adrienne</a>. They were super nice to invite me and do the driving too. It was fun, my first sheepy show and I got some cool stuff. There were interesting booths, some fiber related and some not. People watching and listening to music was what we did most. It was so hot, about 90 degrees in the shade. The blue is egyptian cotton from Joyful Colors, The purple (purple haze) a merino and silk mix from Chasing Rainbow Dyeworks and some Jacob that I got from Meridian Jacobs. All things I've never spun before, I'm excited! <br /><br />On the way home we saw some cool cars at a Drive In and had to stop <br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0889.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0889.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0893.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0893.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Still working on the tank, it's amazing how tiny little yarn and tiny little needles give so little progress. <br /><br />I've been working on my monkey (sock, that is), turned the heel and now on to the foot, I should be done shortly. It's amazing to think how fast I could actually knit something if I didn't have ADD and have to have at least 3 projects going at once. Actually that's a lie, I try to limit it to three. But still.<br /><br />I decided to knit this <a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/60500.html">lace wrap</a> for the reunion, partly because it's cheap, and partly because it's easy. Hopefully it will get done in time. I'd like to knit a pretty shrug when time is not an issue. I'm not really into shrugs, but am slowly seeing their appeal with a dress. Especially when one does not have many coats. <br /><br />Trying to watch what I eat, so that my "curves" will be less flabby I made this <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/120968">chili</a>, which was very good. It didn't turn out very spicy, and I only used red peppers (I don't much like the green). I'm sorry I didn't take a photo, but it was really good and low fat to boot. <br /><br />Fnished the Harry Potter book. I liked it. I'm a nerdy sap, don't tell anyone.<br /><br />We are going away for a few days tomorrow. I'm looking forward to lounging by the pool....michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-86914203620080899732007-07-21T15:15:00.001-07:002007-07-22T10:49:32.107-07:00It's a thin line between love and laceIt feels like for every row I knit, I have to rip out two. Painstakingly slow, but pretty. Lace seems to be a lesson in patience for me, I don't have very much so I guess it's a good one. If only I can get through a repeat with no mistakes, I'll be happy. If only I can lose 5 lbs., I'll be happy. If only...<br /><br />I am at the heel of my Monkey sock and have promised myself if I get to the foot part then I can start a new project. Hmmm. It will most likely be the Chevron Scarf. I am wanting a mindless knit--a sweater perhaps? I'm thinking a stripey top down raglan. I have some brown sheep cotton fleece in my stash, I would only have to buy a little to make it stripey...maybe, mebbe not.<br /><br />I'm going to my 20 year high school reunion next month. It is amazing to me that it has been 20 years. Also it is a bit terrifying, but I'm swallowing that and heading off, I already bought the tickets, there's almost no turning back. I was a bit reluctant to go, especially after having been to the 10 year, and having it be very disappointing. Now we've set up a site on <a href="http://ning.com">Ning.com</a> and started relating to one another without the old high school hangups and it could be fun. I bought a dress. It's pretty cute, although it shows a lot of the "curves" I've developed in the last months. I am forever trying to maintain or control my weight, it's stupid, I hate it, but I do it. Mostly because I'm on the verge of what I feel is not a comfortable me. But I love food and cooking it and eating it. Especially sweet food. <br /><br />Anyhow back to knitting, I bought this dress, and I'm thinking it would be good to make a shrug, as it does get chilly here in the East Bay in the evenings. Can I make a shrug in a month? Especially if I deliberate over what to make for a week or so, shortening my month, to mere weeks or days. We'll see if I find the motivation. My monkey boys are in camp next week, so that means I've have a bit of time to think clearly.<br /><br /><br />And of course Harry Potter. Yes, Harry..I tried to resist for many years but I must admit, I am excited. I'm reading the book, monkey 1 finished it already. This also may stand in the way of the shrug.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-30825359189259376672007-07-16T14:38:00.000-07:002007-07-16T19:52:15.403-07:00Energize me!<a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0873.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0873.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">beautiful beach only for looking--no public access--so pretty though</span><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0817.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0817.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">knitting while camping</span><br /><br />Well, I'm back from the first family camping trip. We went to Big Sur and it was a lot of fun. Sleeping on the ground really makes you feel old! I have 2 boys (W who is 10 and R who is 8) and they loved camping. Boy monkeys and fire are a match made in heaven. Well, not really, but it is quite amazing how attracted to fire they are. Our first foray was not bad, we got to figure out all the things we'd like for next time we go.<br /><br />I've finished my energized single socks! I'm very happy with them. I dyed the fiber in an indigo pot in a dye intensive/weekend class I took in June. It is all spun on my drop spindle, and is my first handspun drop spindle project.<br /><br /> <a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0884.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0884.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Needles: Size 3<br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Pattern: Ann Budd's sock pattern from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges.<br /><br /><br /> </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Other than that, I've tried three types of plying with two strands of yarn.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">1. plying from 2 bobbins 2. andean plying (instructions from here </span><a href="http://www.kurrajonghandcrafts.com/SSAL/Andean%20Plying.pdf" style="font-family: times new roman;">http://www.kurrajonghandcrafts.com/SSAL/Andean%20Plying.pdf</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">)</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">(no, I haven't been in the spin a long, but think it's really, really cool) and 3. plying from a center pull ball which I believe is described in The Spinner's Companion, by Bobbie Irwin, basically just making a ball and then putting it in a bowl and plying with the yarn coming from both ends. I have to say that plying from a center pull ball has been my favorite so far. I only tried Andean Plying once, so I should give it more of a chance, but I felt with more than 1/2 a bobbin that it would be hard on my poor middle finger. You never know when you might need that one. I had to work at keeping it from turning blue. Maybe I was not doing it quite right. Still working on the Victoria Tank, on repeat 10 of 29. My lonely Monkeys have been neglected, I made myself start the second one and have left it unloved and unknit. Now that one pair of socks are done, I'm having trouble not starting another project. I have the yarn for the Interweave Bonita Shirt, and the yarn I've spun for my Chevron scarf. I have promised myself I would put in some good time with the Monkeys before I get all distracted with something new.</span>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-59907989011078845302007-07-06T16:10:00.000-07:002007-07-08T10:30:42.090-07:00Something I love<span style="font-family:arial;">I just have to share the love and satisfaction I get from making a knitted item from my handspun, from my drop spindle and hand dyed no less! It goes from: fiber to yarn to sock--</span><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0782.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0782.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0784.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0784.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0785.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/sorojam/IMG_0785.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: lucida grande;">It's so much different than going to the store and buying your yarn and casting on. Now that has it's own merits, of course. I've done that plenty and will do it many more times, no doubt. It's just that there is a completeness about it that is so exciting and satisfying. I really didn't think I would like spinning all that much, but it really is becoming one of the things I love.<br /></div> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My next big goal is to spin enough yarn for a sweater. That will have to be later, I'm still working on the Victoria Tank, Monkey Sock (1 done, 1 to go), and energized single sock (1 done, 1/2 to go).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It's amazing how different it is writing the blog, rather than reading the blog. It's a lot of work and time consuming, I really have a better appreciation for the bloggers out there. Not only does it take a lot of time and energy to try to make it look nice, but also to write something meaningful. Especially when you're like me, stealing time when the kids are watching tv or busy with video games.</span>michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-77711425917515662192007-07-01T09:44:00.000-07:002007-07-17T16:10:23.362-07:00I think I can, I think I canOkay, so I have wanted to knit the Victoria Tank from Interweave Knits <a href="http://URL">iwpshopinfo.interweave.com/Knits/2004newsletters/summer04projects.htm</a><br />since I first laid eyes on it (only 3 years ago). I'm just getting around to starting it, I was searching for the yarn or what I could sub for the yarn when I came upon Knitting the Blues <a href="http://URL">http://soupgirls.typepad.com/photos/ik_victoria_tank/ </a> and saw that she had done hers with brown sheep cotton fine. I have that! I was going to make a beautiful lace coverlet for my mom and only got 3 panels of a billion I needed to do and figured it wasn't really going to happen in this lifetime. So anyhow, I cast on 288 stitches, no gauge swatch for this knitter.....and those stitch markers at every lace repeat they suggested? Ha, I don't need training wheels, I can knit, I can knit lace, I've done it before. So after many rows of "fixing" my number of stitches, because they did not come out right, I realize that I must rip it all out and start over. So then measure just to see how I've done and it's huge. Huge. So I looked back at the Knitting for blues and realized she used a smaller needle. So I re-cast on the 288 stitches on a 2 and started once again. Ha. After the first lace repeat, again I was off and "fixing" again. And by fixing I mean, adding a stitch here or taking one away to try to make it right. It didn't. So avoiding casting on once again, I took it back to the start of the lace and put on my training wheels, and so far so good. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRaJGUStqABO35D7zzX1khoDryAMtYvLIlZSEEFYYbxcdCpcizAPohchCCCNqUQrfLbejvO3Q8HrwaR9X_bwKloqxtb35VNhghJSLvTOuEuyIw88qG0A4ZythLh79bnvO2L1J12DI3Pnj/s1600-h/IMG_0763.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRaJGUStqABO35D7zzX1khoDryAMtYvLIlZSEEFYYbxcdCpcizAPohchCCCNqUQrfLbejvO3Q8HrwaR9X_bwKloqxtb35VNhghJSLvTOuEuyIw88qG0A4ZythLh79bnvO2L1J12DI3Pnj/s200/IMG_0763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082274244524490802" /></a><br /><br />I'm spinning yarn to make my second Chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWhZXabBwqfW8jyfUds-2tEfBOOMZe5o4ilqKW8swPmKNlEFwD_jOAqIpwq-67qGZP39Nf8HLEWLkXG68X3BxdNT5wknjke5qci2g_LfRevR0zR9w_PXfo8f3nOy9QP7NGZts7M1_kIGk/s1600-h/IMG_0764.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWhZXabBwqfW8jyfUds-2tEfBOOMZe5o4ilqKW8swPmKNlEFwD_jOAqIpwq-67qGZP39Nf8HLEWLkXG68X3BxdNT5wknjke5qci2g_LfRevR0zR9w_PXfo8f3nOy9QP7NGZts7M1_kIGk/s200/IMG_0764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082285183806193730" /></a> my first one did not turn out quite like I wanted it to. Being new to spinning, I have a lot to learn about how my yarn will look knit up. Evidently, I have even more to learn about this blogging thing and making it look nice, but for another time.michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6883670970659363070.post-27925527727151081422007-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:002007-06-25T16:27:30.795-07:00am i finally starting this?Well, I am the lurker extraordinaire, and I feel it is time to start my own blog. I am a mom of two and a knitter, and a spinner and most recently a dyer. Right now I am working on my first pair of handspun on a drop spindle energized socks. The fiber is blue faced leicester and I dyed it with indigo in a dye intensive I took a few weeks ago...it turned out very pretty, but it is making my hands blue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOxiMH6enTbD5h6_wlon7F0Ii5wwRd8rdA2qv9P4q5CQepZWRA6fk_2fyCW3cpTchq1wRawa8Fe3gqxxkDa0jXhyInbWu_OebnRL7ySLLcT4Z3KX8wyGMHVfI7_EQxlTdSY3Z916qdeB7/s1600-h/IMG_0752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOxiMH6enTbD5h6_wlon7F0Ii5wwRd8rdA2qv9P4q5CQepZWRA6fk_2fyCW3cpTchq1wRawa8Fe3gqxxkDa0jXhyInbWu_OebnRL7ySLLcT4Z3KX8wyGMHVfI7_EQxlTdSY3Z916qdeB7/s200/IMG_0752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080143151988191202" /></a><br /> Quite a feat for me because my drop spindle and I are not on close terms. My first attempt I have abandoned, after my general disliking it, and then my husband said, "You know what that color is?" "Vomit". That was the final kicker--they are <br />outta here...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJhDW21B_-aWBXG9vtLo6GheM1Fanc5cAtLVkB99PF4S6wkYYey5iSXHorCXVNOYVrCgdJ5XLeOwpVYuTnZ6bMIvMCHKhJ199PfHdWOr2asJej2_BSHeds20GFVxYymOKEz4hwi7hVRRG/s1600-h/IMG_0750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJhDW21B_-aWBXG9vtLo6GheM1Fanc5cAtLVkB99PF4S6wkYYey5iSXHorCXVNOYVrCgdJ5XLeOwpVYuTnZ6bMIvMCHKhJ199PfHdWOr2asJej2_BSHeds20GFVxYymOKEz4hwi7hVRRG/s200/IMG_0750.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080144045341388786" /></a><br />I am also working on the Monkey socks that have been very popular in blogland with Socks That Rock in the Lagoon colorway. I did not want to love the STR, but I do. I thought, how could it be that special? But it is. I'm not usually only knitting socks, but now that it's summer, and the boys are out of school, it's all I can keep my attention on. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1zloBxpXN2S1GhDJGNsfFoAPxYv-GvsWpcGbemz-5nqPGUW-kZcB7NrjSP5qv1DcizFiHReGdU8pccFM9BYFbEQSn0zwsxhw38maCnCGS8WcDGpgoYNnjMI8PM-lqeLKHxcKhPWY_r64/s1600-h/IMG_0753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1zloBxpXN2S1GhDJGNsfFoAPxYv-GvsWpcGbemz-5nqPGUW-kZcB7NrjSP5qv1DcizFiHReGdU8pccFM9BYFbEQSn0zwsxhw38maCnCGS8WcDGpgoYNnjMI8PM-lqeLKHxcKhPWY_r64/s200/IMG_0753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080142202800418770" /></a><br />So there my first post, not so painful. I think the whole name game was way more painful, finally I had to settle after trying to wrack my brain for some clever witticism...michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03387391713483040016noreply@blogger.com1