Little Things That Make You Happy

Hi Mae!

She never sits still, so this is a good thing.

An FO! Wow! Technically it shouldn't count...this is Loreli, from Fiddlesticks Knitting. I actually finished it last fall, but didn't put it together until a few weeks ago. When I had finished knitting the pieces, I figured I wouldn't be able to wear it for months - so there was no rush to do the finishing. Or, I was just intent on starting something else. Probably that.

But, here she is, all stitched together! I omitted the crochet edging - it looks fine the way it is, and besides. My crochet skills suck. I tried. And it looked pretty lousy. So, I left it as is. And the details -

Lorelei, by Dorothy Siemens of Fiddlesticks Knitting. Knit with Fiddlesticks Knitting Silk Sensation (100% un-smelly silk) in the Cream shade, on 3.5mm needles. Nice, easy knit, with brilliant results. I am very pleased at how it turned out - and she fits! Always a good thing.

And look! The Boy is looking so much better. His Fuzziness is starting to look like his old self, now that his fur is growing back. He may not be so happy once I attempt once again to take him to the vet's office next Friday for his check-up.

"Did you wish my Auntie Lorraine a happy birthday last week? I did. AND I sent her a cheesecake photo of me too."

Hey! You know what else makes me happy!?

Winning a Virtual Yarns contest! (Did I mention how happy happy HAPPY that made me? Huh? Huh?!)

It arrived! It's the Thistle Bag in the "Clover" shade of Hebridean 3-ply! One of my favourite colours too.

*sigh* I really want to start knitting it now, but...um, I really should finish up some stuff first. I will have more pictures of knitting I HAVE in fact been doing. But, next week...

"I waited and waited, and I didn't see the Easter Bunny, Mae. Are you sure? Really? You're not pulling my leg? Do you think he left us some of those awesome Creamy Dairy treats?!!"

As for the apartment situation...what to do, what to do...

Do I stay here? Do I take the soon to be vacated apartment below (did I mention that she handed in her notice? Heh.)?

My landlady has been away on vacation, so I haven't actually spoken to her about it. Which is a good thing - it has given me time to think things through. Weigh the pros, and cons. As of today, I am leaning towards staying here, and moving a few things around. Switching my bedroom and spare room around for starters (my sister should note that curtains may be needed. Just sayin'.). Which in itself will be a mini-move. It would give me more bedroom space, and force me to clean up some of the non-knitting stuff I have in this room.

I always hesitated in making this room my bedroom, due to the west facing windows. It can get pretty hot in here during the summer. But, with the right curtains kept closed during the day, and a window fan, it could be fine.

I'm still mulling it over... I now work at least 3 days a week at home (soon to be more), as my company is trying to have as many of it's technical people working from home in order to free up floor space at our downtown Toronto building. It's pretty pricey real estate... I think it's a great idea - it saves my commute, allows me more flexible work hours, and I'm much more efficient without the distractions of an office. They provide me with everything I need - the phone, printer, and they pay my Internet service. I will still go in at least one day per week - if anything, to see my co-workers. A lot of them are friends. I do lose my workstation though, so when I do go in I work out of a "hotelling" station on my floor. Win for me, and win for the company. And in these times - whatever helps them out can only be good for me.

All that to say - I really want to make my workstation here at home a distinct, separate area from the rest of my spare room space. So, if I'm going to go to that extent - I may as well move everything around.

So - pros and cons. But still, the prospect of moving stuff around and redecorating? LOVE IT. I'm just weird like that...

Happy New Year!

Hey everybody! Happy 2009! Wow, it always amazes me how quickly the holiday season creeps up on you, then disappears like a bad first date. Did you make it to midnight? Did I make it to midnight? Um, I can't remember the last time I did! I sort of made it to 10:30pm...

Then, all of a sudden, it's January, and life returns to its normal self. I make no resolutions. I figure that if something is worth doing, it should probably be done when the thought pops into your head.

Of course, I can say things like - yeah, I resolve to swatch and finish what I start (HA! OK, finish in a timely manner...) - but things like exercise more, eat better, blah blah blah. You won't hear that from me. Yes, I've been rumbling about joining a gym, but that started late last year when I found out I get a corporate discount with a fitness club chain up here. Then the holidays suddenly showed up, and that quickly got shelved. We'll see.

And eating right? Well, I always give that my best shot. Even when I'm at my sister's, where I tend to eat...more... She is a good cook, but it's all good stuff so I never feel like I'm over indulging. Just over eating. Is that the same?

Taking a break from cooking. I'm pretty sure Finnegan has something to do with it.

Speaking of which!

"Hi. So I'm not a cat. I'm not my cousins. They're cute and stuff, for cats, but I rock. Just look at my face. Now, cuddle me. CUDDLE. ME!"

Finnegan has the cat "stare" down to an art form. You know the one - you're sure you can hear violins playing in the background as the eyes burn holes in you until you are convinced that yes, they will fall to pieces if you don't pick them up and pay loads of attention to them. Oh yes. He won out many times. Little funny face.

So, did you all get good stuff from the Santa Guy? I sure did! And, amongst all that good stuff (and there was A LOT of stuff for me!) was a copy of Folk Vests! Yay!

And there was the giving of gifties as well. My stealth knitting? Well, here is some of it!

A super-dooper mega long multi-coloured scarf for my sister-in-law! Trust me. It's long. I used a bunch of Mission Falls 1824 wool for this. The perfect yarn too - it has good bounce, will wash up nicely, and it makes for a nice, thick scarf. I'm thinking it was a hit! And, I have a request for another one. It didn't take as long as it looks - it worked out perfectly in front of the TV. One of things where all of a sudden you realize - whoops, this may be too long. Well, not really but you get what I mean.

And as for the Little Dudes. Well, as always they were very nicely looked after by their Auntie Raven.

"I'm sorta not impressed by you going away. I guess it's OK that you saw cousin Finnegan. But you're home now, so I'm sorta happy about that too. Hey, what's with the crate? We going somewhere?"

Usually the new year for the guys is ushered in not by Champagne and song, but by needles and butt-probes. Gandalf was the first, stuffed into his crate yesterday for a visit to the V-E-T. You'd never know it was a traumatic experience for him - he purred while being weighed (13.6 lbs. Atta boy.). And didn't flinch while being examined, probed, and vaccinated. And everyone went on and on about what a sweetie pie he was! Aw!

Next up should be interesting... Mae - who doesn't like it but puts up with it - and Atticus, at the same time. In all their years, I've never brought both in at the same time. But, Atticus is going to be getting some blood work done in preparation for some dental cleaning he needs, and it'll be simpler (simpler? Where am I coming up with simpler?!) to take them both in at the same time.

Now, Mae is no problem. Like I said, she doesn't like it, but she won't put up too much of a fuss.

Atticus? Hold on to your hats. He's a sweet and loving boy, but he can be crabby and crotchety in his middle age! He does NOT like it when he's not being in charge of the goings-on. Getting blood from him will require a few hands on deck, and thick skin. He is going to be one PISSED.OFF. kitty when they're done. But, it is for his own good. Not that he cares though.

Stay tuned. That's in a few weeks - I have time to plan my course of action.

"You know Atticus, it probably wasn't a good idea to hiss at Gandalf like that when he got home from the vet's."

"I know, I know... So, he really said that we both have to go in? At the same time?"

"Yup. Something about check ups, and blood work for you. Not sure."

"Oy. Well, maybe he's just being a jerk, and is just saying that to get back at me?"

"Um, I don't think so... *sigh* "

Hearts Tunic

Wow! Was I ever excited to show and tell you all about this:

It's my Hearts Tunic!

Hearts Tunic from Simply Shetland 3, knit on 5mm needles using Jamieson's Heathered Aran in the Lacquer shade. Size small, and it fits perfectly.

Yay me!

Did I enjoy it? I did! I became more and more excited as I worked on it, thinking how wonderful it would be to wear at Christmas. You know, being a lovely shade of red and all. I love the picot detailing, and the slightly set in sleeves. It does look a little uneven in the photo above, because it's been steamed and is drying.

But.

And this is where I have to sit down, sigh, and swallow my vomit.

One of these things is definitely not like the others.

It's not a trick of the light.

It's not a "steam" or "wet" line.

It's not a fold line.

It's a very distinct separation between one ball, and another. Despite all being from the same dye lot.

It's not supposed to look like that. After all, all balls come from the same dye lot. But, that one sleeve section next to the body? Looks rather funky to me.

Can I tell you? I think I may have cried a bit. After all, if you remember correctly, this is the 2nd time this has happened (scroll down to 3rd picture).

The placement is such that I will probably not be able to wear this. It's too obvious, and really sticks out due to the red shade.

I can't help but think - did I do something wrong here??? But you know what? I didn't. Wet blocking isn't the cause. I've wet blocked many a knitted piece, and have never had this happen. And let's face it kids, I'm no idiot when it comes to this stuff. I've been knitting for over 30 years, 95% of the time with wool. I think it's safe to say at this point that I know what I'm doing.

So, stay tuned. I'll have to report this, obviously - but I'm in a better mood today than I was yesterday. I don't like using the word "complain"; it sounds too much like "whining". But, I guess that's what it is.

On a happier note -

Isobel of Mar! It's a bit difficult from the picture to see the detailing, but it is an accurate depiction of the colour. I'm knitting it from stashed 3-ply Hebridean from Virtual Yarns in the "Summertide" shade. Stashed 3-ply Hebridean...whoa. OK, actually, it was from another design I had bought that I didn't end up doing. Which one...can't remember now. But anyhoo, it makes for the perfect colouring for this design. You can really see the detailing of the cardigan in Marina's finished Isobel of Mar. And my hat is off to her, because at nearly 320 stitches per row, I'm amazed she finished it so quickly! Wait a minute. No, I'm not. It's Marina.

And hey! Look who it is!

Stewie's back! Well, I'm pretty sure it's him, he has the distinct grey tuft of fur on his tail. And he sits by the door, waiting for me to give him some bread. I haven't seen Brian yet (Stewie's companion), but it's early yet. Brian had a tuft of fur missing from his back. And yes, I did bag up the leaves...

"Aw Mom, I'm sorry about the Hearts Tunic and the bum dye job. Here. Let me lie down and nap here on your lap. I'll totally immobilise your left arm so you can't type properly. It'll make us ALL feel better. Really. It will."

Stay tuned! It ain't over.

Laleli

When you're stuffed up, it's hard to pronounce.

But, that doesn't really matter, because I just need to see and touch this piece of loveliness to appreciate it.

*sniff*

The deets:

Laleli, by Jade Starmore, size Small. Knit on 3.25mm using 3-ply Hebridean. Started? *cough cough who cares*. Finished? This past weekend, so let's say October 3rd.

As stranded projects go, this was a fairly easy one. The pattern and charts were clearly written with no errors, and it all flowed nicely into place. The buttonband was a bit tedious at nearly 400 stitches, but ehn. What are you going to do. I really enjoyed this project, and what can I say? I loves her. She fits perfectly, and is comfy and warm. I think I may change the buttons though, they're a bit small. Which is a shame really, seeing how I only bought the same buttons twice, they were so perfect for this design.

Heh. Now it's on to finishing poor neglected Delores. Well, at least as for as colourwork goes. We shall not speak of the other poor, neglected projects...

Moving on.

So, I spent the better part of this week hacking and coughing and moaning. I came down with a cold late last week, the first one in a VERY long time. How long? Well, the only cold remedies I had in the apartment expired in 2005. Yup. I really shouldn't complain, but. I will. Damn cold. I'm still feeling kind of blah, but definitely better than I did earlier in the week.

I've said it before, and will say it again - not a good sick person. At. All. Sure, I may get some epic ear infections, but when it comes to colds, they are few and far between. And the flu? Knock wood - but I've never in my 40 years had the flu. Like I said - bum ears? I've got them. Colds and the flu? Knock me out and turn me into a snivelling, shuffling, snotty little child. Heck, I even fell asleep on the couch and missed Family Guy on Sunday night.

Now that is bad.

"Look, I fit just fine on this."

Somewhere under all of that...cat is my sock yarn. Obviously makes a comfy sleeping spot. He arm wrestled Mae for this spot; she had dibs on it until Atticus decided he was bigger and well, bigger.

"Wha'...?! Honest, Big Guido started it! He's sitting on the back deck and flippin' me the bird! Mom! He thinks he's such a tough kitty... Why should I get off the counter?! He should be getting off the deck... Lucky for him I'm not an outdoor cat... Oh alright! I'm getting down!"

A very happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends!

Don't Adjust Your Monitors.

So, there's good news, and not so good news.

Socks!

This is the start of the Summer of Socks '08 pattern, created by Wendy. I'm using some Henry's Attic sock yarn that was dyed 'specially for me by Chris (awww!). Because of the mesh pattern, it kind of looks a bit twisted, but it's such a pretty pattern, and is perfect in pink. What you can't see is the total mess I made of the heel...so it's a good thing no one will see that part. The heel flap is going much better.

Hearts Tunic!

The back, completed. A very simple, and very quick knit. I just love this shade of red, although it doesn't photograph well. Or, it could just be me.

And I have an FO! Wheeeee!


Columbia! All done and blocked. And tried on - no modelled shot as it's a wee bit too warm for that. It fits beautifully, although the sleeves are a bit long (but that's always the case with sleeves...).

I knit it using Jamieson's Aran yarn, 9.5 skeins of Chartreuse, using size 5mm needles. Columbia is from AS' "American Portraits".

However. Here's the bad-ish news:

Don't adjust your monitors! Do you see what I see?? No need to be polite, you can say it.

"Brigitte, what is that off-colour section at the bottom, starting at the hem??"

Why - that would be the one skein that, even though all from the same dye lot - is lighter than every other skein. The only one out of ten.

Yes, I cried. Yes, I swore.

*sigh* I still love it, and am pleased with the way it turned out. Except for that one area that sticks out like a sore thumb... A really bashed up, bruised and mangled thumb.


It will be an outdoor sweater.

"Forget about it! Do the meme instead! While I lie here."

From my lovely friend Carrie K. -

Rules: You must answer the questions using only one word.



1. Where is your cell phone? Um...
2. Your significant other? Um...
3. Your hair? Long
4. Your mother? *sniff*
5. Your father? Absent
6. Your favorite thing? Yarn
7. Your dream last night? None
8. Your favorite drink? Mojitos (what?)
9. Your dream/goal? India
10. The room you’re in? Quiet...
11. Your hobby? Knitting (duh...)
12. Your fear? Snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Travelling
14. What you’re not? Itchy
15. Muffins? Gluten-free
16. One of your wish list items? Maid
17. Where you grew up? Ottawa
18. The last thing you did? Sleep
19. What are you wearing? Jammies
20. Favorite gadget? MP3
21. Your pets? Funny
22. Your computer? Black
23. Your mood? Upbeat!
24. Missing someone? Yes
25. Your car? None!
26. Something you’re not wearing? Watch
27. Favorite store? Um...
28. Like someone? Heehee!
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Morning
31. Last time you cried? ...Columbia...

"Well, if you're really that bummed about Columbia, you could always pass it on to us. You know. To lounge on and stuff. Just sayin'."

How Time Flies

It seems like just yesterday.

I was still a natural strawberry blonde *cough cough*. I thought knitting lace was kinda cool. I had no clue what a blog was. Probably because I was still using dial-up. And a Gandalf? What's that?

That's because it was all about this little man.

My Baby Atticus!

(Hey Lorraine, those eyes have NOT changed, have they?!)

Do you think he uh, grew into those ears??!

"Funny, I don't feel old..."

He turned all of 10 years old on Saturday! I look at him now and think - wow, you were once the size your head is now.

He's been my constant companion and best friend since then. A little wild as a kid. And sure he thought his name was "Psycho-stop-it" there for awhile. But a more loyal and loving cat I've never known. He may be grumpy, crotchety and slow sometimes, and he likes for Mae and Gandalf to clean his head just so, but he's kind and tolerant towards them.

We sang him happy birthday, and he whacked at my hand with his paw, and hissed when I tried to do the party hat thing on him. So he got some Creamy Dairy treats and a piece of cheese instead of tuna, seeing how that really doesn't agree with him any longer...


Then the thunder started up again, and he went and hid under a chair. The first time he ever heard thunder, he peed on the rug, so I suppose the chair thing is much better all around.

Na-Nu Na-Nu


Hey! Look at these! My Mork socks are DONE.



Actually, the striping came out somewhat even on both socks. But still nowhere near what the shows up on the picture... But hey. That's what handmade socks are all about - being unique. And boy are these puppies unique...


Next? I'm using some sock yarn dyed for me by Chris last year. It's a yummy mix of pinks and purple - colours up to now sadly missing from sock wardrobe. I'm going to be a bit bold and actually try a pattern this time around - Wendy's Cabletini sock pattern. So these shall be my "Chris-tini socks"...


Hee hee.

Errors in Knitting Judgement


Oh, c'mon! We all have them! And I have a few...um, memorable ones. Chris showed off her "Gimme 5" vest. And really, I have nothing but sympathy for her. I once made a corset style vest from Knitty out of some Big Blue thick/thin yarn from Fleece Artist. Which, on paper should have worked out. But man, was it ever hideous. The yarn was totally wrong for the project... Oh, and the colour? Actually almost the same as the one Chris used on her ill fated vest.


But, the #1 ghastly error in judgement, for which I'm still wondering about myself, is the pink stole I made with 2 strands of this fluffy (albeit really soft) icky pinky pukey fake velour knock off crap that I still to this day cannot believe I thought would look good. Or bought. I can honestly say that the colour did look different in the store (that big, dark dungeon of a store on Queen West here in Toronto...). Which has happened to everyone. What cannot be excused however is the fact that I STILL MADE THE FREAKIN' STOLE. Complete with long, I-cord knitted fringe.


Oh Lord. At some point, one of the cats, probably Mae, mercifully barfed on it, and that was that.

Even if I still had it around, you couldn't pay me enough (well, I could maybe have been bought with a few VY kits...) to post a picture of all it's hideousness. I tip my knitting cap to Chris for having the 'nads to show her error in knitting judgement. Although her guys were all over that thing... But, I'll go halfway, and show you a "partial" picture - here's one of Atticus sleeping on it. And he's sweet enough that it distracts you from what he's sleeping on...




OK. I have to know that there are others out there who have knit equally hideous bright baby pink velour stoles with long scary looking fringe somewhere in there past. Yes. Even Marina.

Consider this a "tagging" to anyone who reads! And if you post the pictures, even better.


Heh.

What Does A Gingko Leaf Look Like Anyway?

You may want to sit down for this one. I know I can hardly believe it myself.

Here she is - my Gingko Leaf tunic. Only took me 3 years, but it's done!

DONE!

What - Gingko Leaf Tunic from Fiddlesticks Knitting

Deets - Knit with Ecoknit organic cotton, using 3.5mm needles. It's knit in the round to the underarm, and the sleeves are knit flat.

Now. Don't get me wrong. The pattern is perfect. No errors, no omissions, and everything you could think of is explained to you clearly. The yarn, although splity and "fluffy", does wash beautifully and comes out even softer after a 15 minute run through the dryer. But, let's face it kids. It took me over 3 years to finish this thing - and it has nothing to do with the design or the pattern. The lace work was fine - you can't go wrong with the pattern. I worked on it in spurts. It's just that cotton...and Brigitte...ehn. I'm just not a cotton fan. But I do love this, it really is a beautiful piece and it fits nicely. It will stretch out - after I washed it, it had doubled in length.

Still. I'm wondering why I have nearly 4 skeins left of the Ecoknit...?

Who cares?? IT'S DONE!!!!!!!!!

Look what I received from the Sheriff!

Is that not the cutest little teapot?!! It has a little replica Atticus on the top of the lid. And Lorraine is bound and determined to have me beading. The kit in the back is a little beaded Christmas Santa scene. There were a few other gifties including some yarn and Christmas ornament (Lorraine knows how to spoil her friends!) - and of course some treats for the Little Dudes.

"Auntie Lorraine rocks! She says I'm handsome and her darling and never says I'm chunky."

Atticus obviously loved the treats.

As did Baby Mae. Who actually stuck around for a bit and didn't run and hide the minute her Auntie Lorraine came into the room.

"I may have had to beat back Gandalf for my share, but just try and keep me away from my Creamy Dairy treats."

"What's chunky? Do you mean tubby, Atticus? What? You want me to come down and say that to you? Um...why? Oh... No, I'm good. I'll, uh, stay up here..."

Lorraine also mentioned in her latest post how off the wall the weather has been here... All over the place. It's hard to believe that it's the first of June today! Regardless, it hasn't kept me off my bike.

On my way home from work one day last week, I ran into my neighbour. I hardly recognized him at first - his face was covered in bandages. While riding his bike on a downtown Toronto street (Carlton, in front of the old MLG, for you Torontonians), he hit a pothole and went sailing over the top of his handle bars. As a result - his jaw is wired shut, and will be for 4 - 6 weeks; he had one tooth pulled; a broken nose; 27 stitches from his lip up his cheek and various other scrapes and scratches; and two huge black eyes. Not to mention the road burn and bruises on his legs. The impact cracked his bike helmet.

And he's an experienced rider.

He said he doesn't remember the accident. He does remember getting up off the ground not realizing what had happened, ready to get back on his bike. Bystanders had to restrain him from getting back on his bike until the ambulance arrived. Adrenaline... They kept him overnight at the hospital for observation.

You can never be too careful, regardless of where you're riding. And wear your helmet!

(Ugh, Gandalf is being all goofy and licking the backdoor screen again... ) *sigh*

Have a good - and safe - week everyone!

Enchanted

Voila! My lovely Enchanting...

(Sorry...you can't really see the eyelet pattern...)

Enchanting, by Dorothy Siemens of Fiddlesticks Knitting.
Knit Size 2, using Fiddlesticks Knitting Lace Sensation (100% silk), in the Robin's Egg colour.

I love her very much. She is a tad snug around the chest, but with wearing loosens up. Another lace thing I didn't know about...


And now what?


OK. Here's the plan (as of now anyway). I really, really, really (REALLY!) miss knitting with my wool. Yes Marina, I have come back to the fold... After perusing (and making a few purchases...) the She Ewe Knits Clearance page, I realized that I miss my Fair Isles! And I miss my Arans and my other wool projects *sniff*.


I *think* my brief affair with the non-wool is almost over. I'm going to finish up my three remaining lace projects - all are Fiddlesticks, go figure! - Endless Summer, Gingko Leaf (remember her?!!), and this one:



I also love her very much. It's the Twice As Nice Tee, in Shell Pink, and also from Fiddlesticks Knitting. A very easy, and very lovely pattern.


So, apart from the odd deviation (and startitis, of course), I hope to remain somewhat on track to CLEAR OUT my WIPs. Dammit.

Speaking of deviations... Weird thing about me (who knew?!). I really don't like wearing sunglasses. Odd when you consider how long I wore glasses/contacts up to 5 years ago when I had Laser Eye surgery. So, thinking I have to do something to protect my eyes from direct sun, I pulled out my summer hat. And I also remembered I had this pattern in my stash (only mine is a non-felted version, which I can't seem to find on the site) ...and quite a few odd balls of summery yarn in the ol' stash. I'm going to whip up a few; ok, probably more like a couple.

Cute? Hopefully. Stay tuned...

And in other hopeful updates. My Mork Socks have been transformed into Mork Slips a Stitch socks. I received a suggestion from LadyLungDoc (thanks again!) to maybe work a slip stitch around the leg to break up the colour nonsense. So - I thought I'd give it a try, and reworked the entire sock. Come to think of it, Chris has also used this design on some of her socks.


I'm nothin' if imaginative...

And In Gandalf News...of course.


And I wonder why he sometimes comes when I call him Dork.


There's a little squirrel that always comes on my deck. During the winter, I threw him a few pieces of gluten-free bread, and he gobbled it up. He looks a little weary... grey tufts in his tail and bald spots. So, when I see him, I put out some nuts for him (did I mention I nicknamed him Stewie? *cough* It was a long winter... *cough*).


Anyway, last week I was opening the back door to my deck, about to put out some stuff out for the squirrel when who should tear past my feet and after poor Stewie.

No really. Guess.

He didn't go beyond the end of the deck, but still scared the crap out of me. And the squirrel too.

I know, I know...just doin' what a cat does. But, knowing Gandalf, he probably wanted to play and sniff butt. So distinguished.

"Woke up...got out of bed...dragged a comb...across my head...na na na na na...and drank a cup...na na na na na...made the bus is seconds flat...made my way upstairs...and had a smoke...somebody spoke and I went into a dream...AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAHHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAA...na na na na na...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH AAAAAAAAAHHH...na na na na na..."

"Shut. Up."

Happy Happy Joy Joy

"Really Mom, stop being so gosh darn picky about your picture. You look fine wearing Mermaid. Besides, you'd think with all the unflattering pictures you take of us you'd be pretty easy goin' with bad flash or a crappy photographer. We are."

Here we are, Mermaid and I... Not the best picture (what can you do when photographers are limited...), but you get the Mermaid-y idea.

Do I love her? Why yes, I do... She fits like a dream, blocked effortlessly, and all in all was a very satisfying knit. You're not doing enough of one particular thing long enough to get bored, and the construction is fascinating. OK.

Well, I thought so!

And you know what? I'd make another one. Any good quality 2-ply yarn such as Jamieson's would work in jiffy. And the results are amazing! The colous are actually a bit more vibrant than they appear above. Again...photographer beggars cannot be choosers. Not to mention fluorescent lighting that makes anyone look like pretty pasty. Anyhoo...it's a picture.

So, the deets are Mermaid by Hanne Falkenberg, size Small in Colourway #4. You use a 3mm throughout, except for the I-cord edging along the cuffs and front edging, which require 3.5mm DPNs. I've said it several times before and I'll say it again - this pattern is NOT at all difficult. Once you get the hang of the way the pattern works, and that doesn't take long at all, it all falls into place. Because it all works, through the wonder of modular knitting. The woman is a genius at what she does...

The day I wore it, we took one of the guys at work out for lunch for a belated birthday present. I was walking to the Women's Washroom, when a woman at a table looked at me and said: "Wow, that's Mermaid!!". Heh, we knitters. We are everywhere.

In Other News...

This past week, a huge (and I mean HUGE) fire gutted an old area of Toronto. Thankfully no one was killed or hurt, although 30 people are homeless, and some very old and established businesses went up in smoke (um, including my hairdresser's shop).

I mention this, because my heart momentarily stopped when I realized what was pretty much across the street from the blaze - crazy madhouse yarn shop Romni Wools. As much as I have mixed feelings about the staff, the service and the overwhelming amount of yarn (Dudes, it's downright claustrophobic), it is nevertheless the largest yarn shop in Toronto, and one of the only places you will most likely find what you're looking for tucked away in some corner. If you go, make sure you've gone to the bathroom, someone knows where you are, and you have snacks. Or go with a buddy.

I'm quite sure you would have heard very loud wailing coming from all areas of the city had Romni's been part of the blaze. As it is, I'm very sad about Duke's Cycle, where I've shopped at many times in the past.

*sigh*

As for V-Day...

Atticus got a week's stay... His appointment was postponed until next Friday. He's still pretty much oblivious to it all.

We went ONE WHOLE week without any significant snow! And speaking of snow - yes, my cute little Nordic Sweetheart hat is done! Well, not counting the whole blocking part, but the knitting is. I'm going to block her later today, and post a picture next time around.

"I don't get the whole "don't take a picture of me 'cause I look all blah blah blah". Humans are funny. And not always in a haha way. Well, not that I'd let on anyway."

Hey! And guess what?

I make someone's day! Both Bridget and Marina nominated me for this!

Aw, thanks! If I can make you smile, then I'm happy! As are the Little Dudes. And not to sound corny, but really, if you're on my sidebar, believe me - you make me happy. I learn so much from all of you, and I just love reading all that you have to offer.

*sniff*

And the "injury" I mentioned last week? Getting much better. At least now sitting and lying on my back isn't such an ordeal.

Next week? I may just have something new to show you. And, updated pictures on WIP's!

2 in 1

"Well... I'll be a son of a gun..."

It is possible to have 2 FOs in one week. That's 2 FOs. One week.


I know! I can hardly believe it myself!


It's the Seaweed Scarf from Virtual Yarns (actually, it was a swap with Lorraine), done in the Selkie colourway. This picture really does show the variegated colours of this shade.


OK. It's lace. So let's see... There is nothing wrong with the pattern. The instructions are clear, and the chart is...well, it's a chart. The instructions indicate you should complete 50 repeats of the 12 row chart. Some nights were good, and I could easily manage 3 or 4 repeats. Other times, if I could get in 1 without messing up, that was a pretty good outing! I didn't want too long of a scarf, so I figured I'd complete 35-40 chart repeats, and call it a day.

That day came after dropping oh, around 14 f-bombs (and other assorted colourful language) in one row. So, I decided I'd better cast off before I unceremoniously dumped it in a corner and forgot about it for another year or so. I think I have 34 repeats. More than enough! It blocked out nicely, and is more than long enough.


And yes, I'm proud of it. Yes, I'll be using it. No, I will never knit it again. Nothing against the pattern...it's just me and lace. You know. We need breaks. However, I will admit that I do not count this as the "other" lace project I'd set as a knitting goal for 2008. We do still have 11 months.

Wow. I actually have room on my knitting table. AND. I haven't felt the urge to start something new. Yet. AND. I have 11 rows before the I-cord cast off on Mermaid's right front. Then it's the sleeves...and then... Oh, let's not get too ahead of ourselves.


And yesterday? I worked on Delores. Yes. Delores.

In case you've forgotten.

I figure I've Laleli's chart pretty much down pat, so I can work on her for smaller periods of time or during the evenings after work, and still get a lot done. Delores on the other hand has colour changes nearly every row, and requires a bit more concentration, so I'll probably work on her during longer stretches of time (read: kitty nap times). Gandalf thinks all of those neat ends are pretty cool to play with.

If I thought I'd lost my knitting gumption, it was short-lived. It's back! I can actually contemplate starting something new WITHOUT GUILT. Well, not that I ever really felt guilty starting something new in the past...for long.

"Tell them about your bum knee, Mom!"

Oh right. The right knee from hell! So, I've had fluid on it since before Christmas (I know...I know, should have had it looked at sooner...), and it's been getting worse these past few weeks. It doesn't hurt, what hurts are the other muscles in my knee I'm straining trying to guard the swelling. I've iced it, kept it elevated, blah blah blah, and it's still there. I know it's because of two things - I haven't been wearing my arch supports (and I am now), and my days of wearing heels are over. *sob* (On the other hand...this does mean I get to go shoe shopping!) So, I'll be heading back to the doctor's next week to have them drain the fluid from the knee (eeep!), and head to physiotherapy and get fitted for some custom orthotics (gotta love insurance...).

*sigh*

I feel some yarny self-medication in my near future.

"Way too much going on here...finished knitting stuff, Gandalf sitting still, Atticus getting in the middle of a picture...way too much..."

First FO of 2008!

I have a lot of yarn. I don't pretend that I don't. I plan on using most of what's there at some point during this lifetime...the rest? Who knows... I have it all somewhat organized, in bins and those big XXL Ziploc bags that make me so happy. It's all pretty much piled in one area of my spare room. I've been lucky - it didn't seem to attract too much attention. However, Gandalf has discovered that it's kinda neat to climb all over Mom's yarn, to get as high as he possibly can, and then get stuck. Over. And over. And over. And over. Again. I'm hoping that it's just one of those phases he goes through, much like the tip-the-water-bowl phase and look-the-ringer-volume-button-on-the-phone-rings-if-you-put-your-paw-on-it phase. Oh, and the wheeeee-magnets-on-the-fridge-ooops-now-on-the-floor-fun! phase.

"I can't help it. Really, I can't. It's a brain thing."

*sigh*

But look! Look at what I have! Why, it's something completed!

It's not easy to photogragh, but say it with me anyway! Yay!

The deets:


Debbie Bliss "Cricket Cabled Sweater", a free pattern I received while I was a member of the Debbie Bliss club. I used Fleece Artist Woolie Silk 3-ply, on size 4mm.

Started: Obviously
Finished: January 12, 2008

An easy knit, with very little PITA factor, if any. It looks more difficult than it is, but the pattern doesn't change at all throughout the entire design. And, the instructions are pretty clear as to picking up the neckband stitches. I would have made it a bit longer though, but it's not too big of a deal. It looks small, mainly because of the cable/rib combination. It fits perfectly!



I have to say, I've been pretty good at cleaning up my WIP's up to now. Next in line is Mermaid, which had less to do than I'd anticipated. So, I have a bit of the right front to complete, and then it's on to the sleeves. Mermaid is nowhere near as complicated as it looks. I'm not even following instructions at this point - I'm just mirroring what I did for the left front, and reversing the shaping.


Arangenser on the other hand, has a lot more to complete. Unlike Fulmar and its crazy size 3mm needles, Arangenser is much more sensible at 5.5mm, and a much thicker yarn. So, even though I'm roughly 50% completed, it won't take me as long to finish. I'm hoping anyway.


And in between all of that... My lovely Laleli. Moving along quite nicely. Here's a progress picture (as promised).




It may not look like much, but I have approx. 25 rounds to complete before the back neck shaping, and then the body is complete! Then it's on to the sleeves, and the button band.


No progress picture of Fulmar, 'cause there's really not much more to show...


And hold on to your knitted hats ladies and gents, because I have a WIP that I keep forgetting to mention - and it's lacey too... Ooooo...



This is the Seaweed Scarf from VY. I'm knitting it in Selkie, which is a bit dark, but that's ok. I think the shock of me knitting lace is enough for you for to take in anyway. :D


I'm not sure when I started it, probably last year sometime. The pattern says to do 50 repeats of the 12-row repeat (which no doubt threw me in a tizzy the first time I read it), and I have approx. 32 repeats done. I will probably stop at around 40, mainly because I won't have a surface to block it on if it's any longer, and also to stop me from wanting to chuck it out the window.

When it is completed it will not only be a) a miraculous occurance, but also b) a bonus FO. I actually want to wear this one.


And before you ask (Marina) - devote ALL my time to finishing it up? No. I can no more devote my entire knitting time to knitting lace than Gandalf can stop being a wienie.

Speaking of wienies. So, I've been up since 3am, supporting a switch upgrade for work. Part I went according to plan, and I settled in to wait around for Part II to complete so I could start the testing. I waited. And waited. And decided to clear up some old e-mails to pass the time. First one I opened? A note telling us that Part II was to be postponed. Sent at 12:30am.

Nice.