A Long Post But Worth It!

Someone put up such a fight on Friday, we didn't make it to the V-E-T.

"Go. Away."

I gave up after one scratch, a few kicks, and a tinkle or two.

So we try again in a week. I need a new strategy.

(Oh, and please bear with me through this looooong post. It'll be worth it in the end!)

We have updates! It's been awhile since I showed off some of them, which doesn't mean I have been neglecting them - just neglecting to update you on them.

"Lalalalalala...doodeedoo...lalalalalalalala..."




Mmmmm...Laleli. I had hoped to have the body completed, and I'm around 10 rounds short of that. It WILL be completed today!



Once I've done that, I want to finish Delores' body. Then I can work the sleeves on both, and the button bands. I was pleasantly surprised (more like a "right on!") when I realized that I have around 15 rounds left until I start the armhole shaping. It seems kind of short... but then I remembered that the buttonband continues all the way around to hem the body. Now that is going to be a LONG, LONG knit... Oh well... Probably shouldn't get too ahead of myself.


And a new kid on the block! I alluded to her briefly last week.

"Lalalalala...oh, a pointy thing...lalalalalalala...I wonder if playing with it would have the same outcome as "running with scissors" Mom always tells me not to do?...Hey! Wait a minute! Hey! Are you taking a picture? Wha' the..."

This would be Columbia, from the Starmore book "American Portraits". I did have a picture of the lower edge of Columbia last week , however I wasn't too happy with how it came out, so I didn't post it... This is much better. I'm using some of the Jamiesons Aran I just stocked up on - this is the "Chartreuse" colour - and it's perfect for this design.

Oh...and my little Nordic Sweetheart hat? Um. I kind of forgot to block her... Got caught up in other stuff and she remained unblocked (although not unloved!). But, I WILL block her today. Yessiree.

What Would You Have Done?


OK. Bear with through this.


I'm really fortunate that I live in a great apartment, in a very nice area of town, close to everything, and painless to get to and from work downtown. It's my home, the longest I've lived anywhere in my life, and has been my home for almost 10 years. I've always had wonderful neighbours. And I still do. My neighbour in the apartment downstairs is great; she's always been considerate, and besides - she has a cute dog! She's not the issue. The issue is her adopted sister, who lives with her.


Now, she's also very quiet for the most part, works hard (the girl gets up at 4:30am everyday for work) - and has special needs (she was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome).


However. There was a time last spring or early summer where I went a period of time where I received no mail. I asked next door to see if it had maybe been delivered to the wrong house, and it hadn't. I had my suspicions that the sister may have taken it (Lorraine, remember me telling you about that?), but I thought - nah, that's just paranoid. And besides, after a couple of weeks or so, it again started showing up, and I received a pile in one day. And that was that. The odd time I would find some of my stuff in the flyers pile next to the door to be recycled, but didn't think much of it. Then, about a month or so ago, I got home from work and went to put my newspaper in the recycle bin, and found some mail addressed to me in the bin! It was my book club catalogue, and although annoyed - I didn't say anything; I just didn't think about bringing it up. About 2 weeks ago, I came home and found one of my magazines thrown on the lawn, in a spot where the wind could not have blown it. I have a big front porch that's pretty much protected from the wind due to the construction, and even if it had been windy - no way it could have been blown there.


Now for this past week. A week this past Friday, a couple of people at work who live in the same neighbourhood as I do told me that they had received their T4 slips in the mail (for non-Canadians - this is the summary of your previous years' income that your employer puts together for filing your taxes). I figured - cool, I should be getting mine. Nothing came on the Friday. I was a bit concerned, I figured by Monday for sure it would be there. I got home from work, and there was NO mail for me. I had a sneaking suspicion... The recycle bins were by the side of road for our next day pick up, so I went over to have a look.


And what do you think I found in the recycle bin? A magazine, my KnitPicks catalogue, my cell phone bill. And my T4 slip.


I was LIVID. Rumaged through the bin, and didn't find anything else.


Went into the house, calmed myself down, and called my neighbour downstairs. I talked to her for a good while, and she herself was not impressed that her sister had been doing it (because we both knew it was her). To her defence, she made no excuses for this behaviour. And she confirmed that she had placed my mail that morning by my door - so she knew it had arrived that day. She said it was her sister's "passive-aggressive" mind, and once she gets a bee in her bonnet, she obsesses over it. Now, I was very nice about the whole situation - I like her, and she's always been a good neighbour. She said she'd talk to her about it, and she did. I understand completely about her sister - I know she has special needs. She's had a rough go of it (their adoptive mother is a saint for having raised her to the level she's at), and her way of thinking is not like yours and mine.


I'm not a vindictive person, I'm very much someone who can look at the big picture in a situation like this and say - what's it worth? Sure, it's my mail, my IMPORTANT mail, but I trust it won't happen again. Oh, and WHY did she do it? She said I make noise. ??? Which I dismiss out of hand, as my neighbour has told me that this is the first time she's lived outside her mother's house, and doesn't understand the concept of daily activity. She takes it personally.


Now. Sure I have 3 cats, but they are 95% of the time very quiet. If Gandalf and Atticus roughhouse, it never lasts more than 15 - 20 minutes at most. And - this is an old house, built in 1892. The hardwood floors are old and creaky. It apparently bothers her to hear this noise. Well, as I told my neighbour - if she can't understand that walking around will make the floors creak in spots, she may not be ready to live outside her mother's house. It's life - and it's going to happen. I will say - I am a quiet person, I'm very considerate, and after all, I've lived here for 10 years in perfect harmony and NO problems or complaints with others below me. And our mailman? It's been the same guy for the past 6 years. It's not him.

Anyway. I'm going on, and you get the picture.


If it happens again, my options are to call the owner, which I'm reluctant to do at this point because it would result most certainly in both of them being evicted (they are NOT on good terms with the owner), and to report this as mail theft to the police. I am on very good terms with the owner - after all, I've been an excellent tenant for 10 years, and her parents who owned the house prior to her taking it over, were wonderful people and very good to me.


Being the person that I am, I'm not keen on either option. But, at what point do I kick my tolerance level aside, and do what is well within my rights to do? If it happens again...

They are walking on eggshells right now, and deep down inside I'm not convinced it won't happen again. I understand my neighbour's sister has special needs, which is why I'm giving her this second chance.


Should I have given her a second chance? Or should I have just told the owner of what's been happening, and let her deal with them?


Anyway, thanks for lending an ear...

Moving on to more exciting stuff!


Guess what?! IT'S A KITTY-COUNSEL APPROVED CONTEST!!



I swapped some Campion in my stash with a lovely lady on Ravelry for some Dunedin she had hibernating. I now have 15 skeins of lovely Dunedin in Mulberry.

Mmmmm, nice... Notice how someone keeps injecting himself into *every* picture I try to take...

Your mission. What should I make with it? Because I can't decide.

Here are your choices (the links are to projects on Ravelry):

1. Elizabeth of York, from "Tudor Roses",
2. Kimberley, from "A Collector's Item's",
3. Spanish Knight, from "A Collector's Item".


Send me an e-mail (bdepocas at rogers dot com), giving me your choice, and very importantly - why. Or, leave it in the comments. If you do leave your choice in the comments, be sure to include your e-mail address! Blogger doesn't record it unless you put it in.


Which ever gets the most votes becomes my Dunedin project, and from those who nominated the winning design, a winner will be chosen.

Contest closes at midnight, Saturday, March 8th, and the winner will be announced next Sunday.

And you will win a most fabulous winter pick me up box with some of my favourite comfort foods, yarn and other fun stuff!

Anyone, anywhere is eligible! Just remember to include your e-mail address.

Thanks again for listening!

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!

We Are Not Amused

"I still don't know what's going on."

"Yeah, and you're still a big jerk for picking on me like that. I told you I didn't know!"

Poor Atticus... Friday is V-Day. I have a plan of action in place, and fingers crossed already! He just continues to be oblivious. I just remember why he needs to go to the vet everytime he opens his mouth and yawns. Dude. So needs his teeth cleaned...

In the meantime...this was not an amusing week. Above is just one example of the huge icicles I have dangling from the eaves. More snow this past week...can you tell?? On Wednesday morning, I plowed through knee deep snow to get to my train. By the time I got to the station (normally a very pleasant 10 minute walk), I was exhausted. The city finally got around to removing the snow from my dinky little side street yesterday. Which should make things easier, right? Well, let's see... Freezing rain today means walking on a sheet of ice tomorrow. Nice. I suppose I wouldn't have been so crabby and crusty this past week (I don't mind winter, really, I don't) if it hadn't been for a monumental tumble that resulted in and EPIC bruise on my backside. Don't ask. Just imagine. Be sure to include colourful language.

And the other episode added to my curmudgeony mood this past week... The demise of my Wheat Cable Vest. I seriously miscalculated my tension (did I ever tell you about how I failed Grade 10 math?), resulting in a very, very wide body. Very sad... So, I do what I always do when I make these types of mistakes - I quickly removed the circular needle, put it back in it's drawer, and shoved the ughed project in a bag and out of sight. Making it out of mind. I'll go back and retool it another day...right after I retool Grace. Wait for it.

But. There is always some good news!

"How am I doing Mae? Was I good to stand all over Mom's hat? Because this way, you know, she can't drape it all over one of us."

I had my Nordic Sweatheart hat artfully posed, only to have Gandalf nix that whole plan. But, as you can see - the main body is done, and I'm now working on the facing. See the section that is repeated twice? The lower section will be folded up to make up the brim. And when I'm done, I'll attach a tassel on the top. It's so cute! And pink! But that's OK, I like a little brightness against my black winter coat.

And Mermaid? Yes, she's done! DONE! But, as requested, I will post a modelled shot later this week. I have to block her, and pray that it fits. Even though my tension was as specified, I always go through a "moment"... You know, as you try something on for the first time. Pretty please let it look decent on me...

This week - the second episode of Season 2 of "Jericho" (watch it watch it watch it), one of the best shows in years; and for all you Coronation Street fans - what in the... happened to Baby Freddie??

Oooooo...

Ups and Downs

"I'm so sweet and soft! That's what they tell me at the vet's office. Not such a bad place when you consider all the attention I get. *sigh* Oooo, should I tell Atticus that Mom booked an appointment for him next? Hee hee..."

"Tell me what?"

Aside from all that vet stuff... I did manage to do this:

I finished knitting Mermaid. Anyone who's completed Mermaid will be wondering why I didn't do a 3-needle bind off on the sleeves as indicated in the pattern. That's because picking up the stitches on the cast on edge was just not happening. At all. Much swearing. Note to anyone who plans on doing it, or is doing it now - do a cable or knit cast on for the sleeves. I did long-tail, and at least for me - picking up those stitches was painful, and not working out very well. So, I'll sew them together. Considering there really isn't much to sew together, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

On to finishing my Nordic Sweetheart hat, and the Wheat Cable vest. And...all the other, uh, WIP's... I know.

So, I'll work on the finishing, block her, and post a picture as soon as it's all ready! And you know what? I may one day make another one... It really is a fun little knit, and I enjoyed it.

And that was the week that was. Not too much exciting... The snow from last week? Disappeared by Tuesday. Then Wednesday I woke up to another storm, only to have it end midday. Out came the sun. In went the sun. And then we got hit by another storm later that day. Now we're back to about a foot or so, and there's more to come again this week. Nice.

And in between all that, little wee Mae had her annual check up, and came out just fine. Next - and this requires a plan of action - is Atticus. Poor guy... To say he *hates* going to the vet would be not even close to it. He can sense it from the moment the day starts. And, getting him into the carrier is not an easy thing to do either. He's been known to pee on me...and bite...and make noises that guarantees the cab driver will have us at the vet's office in like, 3 minutes flat door to door.

And, once he gets the thumbs up - I book him to get his teeth cleaned. Can you feel the love...

*sigh* Poor guy...if he only took the time to crunch his food instead of inhale it whole, he probably wouldn't need to have his teeth cleaned... Mae? Perfect teeth. Because she actually crunches her food.

February 22nd. It's going to be a lovely day...

"Tell me what, Mae?!"

"Nothin'..."

"Why don't I believe you?? Fine. I'll get it out of Gandalf."

"Uh huh, you do that."

"Tell me!"

"Tell you what! I don't know...what...why don't you ask her??!"

"Because she's not saying anything!"

"Well, I...don't...know...you big...jerk...stop picking on me!"

"I'll get it out somehow..."

"MOM! Atticus is being mean! I haven't done anything to him! Honest! I haven't!!"

When Life Gives You Snow...

...you make snow pictures. :)

Not the best shot, I took it with my camera phone for all my west coast friends to see. This is a shot of what it all looked like in my neighbourhood after another foot of snow fell on Friday. Nice to look at. Treacherous to walk through. A neighbour of ours was hired to shovel the snow for us while the regular caretaker was away. At $20 an inch... heh, I'd of done it! Ok, not really.

It was a weird week in weather, let me tell you. Although it didn't get as cold as it did in some areas (it was -59C with the wind on the Prairies - YIKES!), we got our share of whacked out winds. So whacked out, my beloved pink hat blew right off my head (it's me. Go with it.), and into the path of a oncoming streetcar on Wednesday. Not salvagable. At all.

So, I had good reason to start this. Out of necessity.

It's the "Nordic Sweetheart Hat" from She Ewe Knits (a free download to boot!). I'm using some stashed Jamiesons 2-ply in Sorbet, and Natural White. The section above is folded up for the brim, you repeat the chart twice, before moving on the the rest of the hat. Then you unravel the provisional cast on, and knit a facing. Should be nice and warm. And I have enough yarn to make a pair of mittens as well!

It shouldn't take me long to complete it (I hope...). So, my model (guess who...) decided he no longer wanted to sit still with this half-finished fuzzy object on his head after hearing the birds chirping outside. He tore off for the window, and somehow managed to get it wraped around his waist. Good boy. I takes 'em as I can get 'em.

Knitting the hat shouldn't take away from finishing Mermaid either. I've completed one sleeve, and am well into the second (although I don't have a picture to show you). Or the vest. Michelle asked whether or not I'd have both Mermaid and the Wheat Cable vest done by the end of February. Um, OK. No pressure! And maybe the hat too! But I'm going to stop there with any more knitting promises though...

Hey, and look here! I received an award from the very kind and sock-tastic Brenda!

Aw shucks, thanks Brenda! I'm also so pleased you find my wee blog excellent, and I'm happy it makes you smile. I know there are a lot of blogs I love that are out there too - and I don't think I could nominate just 10. But, I do love my morning cup o' Chaos and Mayhem, as do so many others I'm sure, and my almost daily chats with Carrie.

Believe me - if you're on my sidebar - you ARE most excellent!!

"Mae? You awake?"

"I am now."

"Am I most excellent?"

"Huh? At what?"

"You know. Just being me. Am I not most excellent?!"

"You know. I have no answer to that. Let's see, you hog all the good napping spots, bug me when I'm in the box, ambush me when I turn a corner, try to scarf back all the snacks before I can get a share at bedtime, and meow like a banshee after you've done your business. Oh yeah. Most excellent."

"But I think you're a most excellentest sister!"

"Really? Well. OK. Then I guess you are my most excellent little brother. How's that?"

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

Here's the deal:

1. Go to the current book you're reading.
2. Go to Page 161.
3. Copy down the 5th sentence.


"To me, it is everything."


Compelling, isn't it?

I'm reading "Single & Single" by John Le Carre. Very much like Lorraine, I'm a non-fiction kind of girl. There are a handful of fiction authors I enjoy reading, but I'm most likely to read the non-fiction releases from history, or biography.

'Cause truth, she be stranger than fiction.

Speaking of truth. I must confess to some purchases here. I know. I never said I wasn't going to buy anything - just be more sensible about what I buy.

And Jamieson's? ALWAYS a sensible choice, I say.


I picked up 4 skeins of Jamieson's Traditional Aran in "Clover", and 10 of "Chartreuse" from Anne at She Ewe Knits. (Corrie Street segueway for Anne - dontcha just want to slap Deirdre into tomorrow??!)


If you haven't already...pop on over to her online shop - she's clearing out the Traditional Aran at amazing prices! But only to the end of January...which, is surprisingly very close to being at an end. (How did that happen?)


I plan on knitting the "St. Catherine" vest from Jade's "A Collector's Item" (the design on the cover) with Clover, and (tentatively) will be working on "Henry VII" from "Tudor Roses". I can't seem to find a picture of it, but I know if you search it on Ravelry, there are some examples. Oh, and *cough* the other Jamieson's I bought today when Anne lowered the prices even more on Traditional Aran *cough*? No idea yet. But again. It's a good purchase.


Wow, and I'm surprisingly close to another FO. So. Close.



Mermaid body? Done. Now, why was I concerned about the I-cord castoff on the right front edge?! No problems! So, I'm well into sleeve #1, and again, no issues. Mermaid? Much easier than Diva was ('member her?).


Notice something about Mermaid? That's right, no small black kitty draped all over it.


This is why.



Atticus is so gonna get me later on.

Thanks everyone for your get-well wishes! My knee? Much better. But we knew that, didn't we, because I'd called the doctor for the appointment. I do need X-rays though, and new geeky orthotics. But...you know what? I did discover a little gem of a magazine in the waiting room. Someone (bless them) left a copy of "Creative Knitting" in the waiting room. And, you know what? It's a great little magazine! It had few very do-able projects, including a vest pattern for the Jamieson's Shetland Heather Lorraine gave me last year. The articles weren't preachy, everything was very friendly and it was a really good read. Reminded me of the UK knitting magazine "Simply Knitting", which is a fabulous knitting magazine... I picked up a copy after my appointment, and a copy of the "other" magazine that just put out a winter issue. Compared the two - and you know what I liked? That the pattern designs in Creative Knitting weren't trying so hard to be so, you know - "cool".

Guess which one I liked best?

Anyhoo, just my two cents. Just sayin'.

Hey! And remember I mentioned that Creative Knitting had a cute little vest pattern that was perfect for the Jamieson's Shetland Heather I have stashed?

"...wha'..."

I never said I wouldn't start something new. The "Wheat Cable Vest" from Creative Knitting. Brought to you by Atticus, dozy and not quite sure about this piece drapped all over him.

It's very easy, with maximum results. And besides, my wardrobe needs a vest. What am I gonna do - go out and buy one? I mean, c'mon. Sheesh.


(Oh, and I may have started "Sapporo 2007", my Dale I got from Jewel. Seeing how she posted amazing pictures of her hubby's finished "St. Anton". But shhhhhh...)


'k bye!

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.

Good Therapy

I was feeling a bit bummed by the end of the holiday season, and even though I'm now able to work on my own WIP's, I found that I couldn't really concentrate on too much.

Enter "Little Miss Sunshine".

Have you seen this movie? I had been wanting to see it for awhile, and something always got in the way. I finally got my chance on the weekend.

Oh.

If I giggled my way through most of it, I nearly choked laughing at one of the final scenes of the movie. Those who've seen it know exactly which one I mean. I'm pretty sure Atticus had his paw ready to dial for help, because I was nearly crying. I honestly cannot remember watching a funnier scene in a movie.

Anyway, all that to say, that scene alone kicked me out of the post-Christmas doldrums, and I'm pretty sure I've landed in a good spot.

I can safely say that the orange cabled thingy, or "Cricket Cable Sweater" (you know, that orangey-rusty cable thiny...you know...) is done. I'm finishing up the cap on the last sleeve. And, as I've already completed the neckline, it's just a matter of sewing her up! Wheeeee hoooooo!

And next - I don't know, what next? I have 2 choices to tackle here: finish up Mermaid or finish up Arangenser. I THINK I'm leaning towards finishing Arangenser. I have about the same to work on both, maybe a bit more on Arangenser. OK, so there is more to do on Arangenser. Right. Anyhoo. My reasoning is that Mermaid can be worn well into the spring, however Arangenser, being a really, really thick Aran done on 5.5mm, has a relatively short life, even with this cold winter. So, I'd best get her done.

Poor little wee Arangenser. I do love you, however you really are a bitch to knit, thanks to your lack of written instructions, and your insanely small chart... Where everyone one of your lovely little stitches for your entire sweater is represented by a tiny little box on a page of 9" x 11" size book. Ah yes...

So, maybe I'll be going back and forth between the two. Arangenser and Mermaid, that is.

Oh wow, by the looks of it, there is still a LOT to do on Arangenser... That's where it's at right now...

Fulmar and Laleli continue to be exempt from such reasoning. Just because. But they are growing, and I'll have proof next time.

And for those of you NOT sitting down - please do. Because this just might mess with your mind.

Top. Down. Socks.

*thump*

I know! Although it's only going to be stocking stitch, I will be trying out the fancy doo-dad heel on the pattern that came with the yarn (direct from Nova Scotia, in yarn store that carries A WHOLE WALL OF FLEECE ARTIST AND HAND MAIDEN YARNS, thanks to my sister and sister-in-law. Who, have I mentioned, have bought a nice little parcel of seaside land quite close to said store, that has A WHOLE WALL OF FLEECE ARTIST AND HAND MAIDEN YARNS. Just sayin'.)

Let's not mention the fact that the yarn is quite dark, and may make for picking up heel gusset stitches quite difficult for a first time sock-downer. I'm smart like that.

A lot of you are going on a yarn diet this year, and those of you that are - hey! Good for you. I mulled this one over in my head, and said to myself "Self, you're no good with diets, unless it's made up AND cooked up for you by someone else. So, don't commit to it!" I'm good at talking to myself. Instead, I do plan on being extra careful, and like Jewel said - be sensible about each and every purchase I make.


As if.

I do have plans for a Bohus in February/March when the ol' annual bonus comes in. That and a VY purchase. Or two. Because I would hate for them to think I'd stopped thinking of them and what I could do if let loose on the Isle of Lewis. I'm really thinking about Strathglass, and maybe the blue/green version of Luskentyre. We'll see... Oh, and I need some Frangipani for Sand Dollar (the adult version that only has you cast on over 500 stitches (524, but who's counting?).


See? I SUCK at diets.

"Thank bloody hell she does... Otherwise she'd drag us all down..."

Hey, I don't think I showed you this picture.

Hee hee... That would be "Twinigan" and his cousin "Minigalf". I made Finnigan a little knitted black kitty Gandalf, so that his little twin above could have a buddy on the couch at my sister and SIL's.

What? Twinigan would have been lonely otherwise...

Next time around, I'll show you some progress pictures. Some Laleli, a little Fulmar, and an FO!

One Day It's 2007...The Next It's 2008

Almost 2008...

"Wow, Gandalf was right! Lying like this ROCKS!" - Cousin Finnegan

It always amazes me at this time of year how quickly it all seems to go. I'm not one to make resolutions - life has it's own way of creeping up on you, and that's enough for me. If something's worth changing, it's worth changing at the time it comes up.

But still. Some knitterly things I'd like to do:

1. Finish my WIP's. In particular Western Seas. I'm not going to put a time limit on it. I just don't want to be writing next year at this time how I want to finish Western Seas in 2009. Sheesh! For shame! It's a Starmore, Brigitte.

2. Try something new. And I'm not talkin' Intarsia (ewww...). More like something I struggle with. Like top-down socks. Or another lace project *gulp*. I also have some really cool non-Fair Isle stranded projects in my stash, so maybe it'll be time to try another Norwegian?


3. Socks as non-commuting projects. Otherwise this lifetime will not have particularly warm feet. Not to mention the amount of time between knitting the second sock will be greatly diminished; preventing such boneheaded maneuvres such as the second one being knit A SIZE TOO SMALL. Just sayin'. I'd know.

And that's all I can think of. Stuff to ponder...


It was a happy time away! As always, we had a great time just hanging out, watching movies and eating ridiculous amounts of food. And I met some of my SIL's family! So here's a shout out to the Jay girls - Catherine, Victoria and Madeleine! Hey guys *waving*! The girls live in China with their parents, who are working there.


They're also in love with the little Dudes. Who can blame them?

There are 3 reasons the bed isn't made. See if you can spot them.

It's nice being away, but coming home is pretty special too.

There wasn't too much destruction or sulking when I got home. They were well looked after by their Auntie Raven, who took very good care of them. Gandalf did whine a bit on the evening I came home, probably just to remind me NOT to consider going away without Kitty Counsel approval.

Were the holidays good where you are? I hope so. I thought of all the great friends I've met this last year, and the friendships that continued. And, how much I've learned from you all! There is so much to be thankful for - and I'm happy to have met each and every one of you.

For me, I'm hoping that 2008 will be less stressful, and that I can enjoy more of it. I'll be honest - 2007 wasn't a banner year for me, but I always try to look at the good in it. And there were positive things, and I remind myself of that.

Things that made me happy in 2007:

1. A new job! Less money, but a new position!

2. Conrad Black going to jail!

3. Mulroney humiliated! ("I'm not calling you a liar Mr. Mulroney, but I want everyone here to know that I don't believe you.)

4. Amphora.

5. My Norwegian mitts.

6. Getting back into watching Coronation Street.

7. Gandalf turning 1! But still acting like a nincompoop kitten!

8. Successfully growing lavender in my deck garden.

9. I Can Has Cheezburger and The Daily Coyote.

10. The Little Dudes.


And there's more, I'm sure. So, what made you happy in 2007? Consider yourself tagged!

So, to my wonderful friends and family, I have only good wishes for 2008.

Cheers!

"And happy 2008 to everyone! I myself will probably be sleeping. I think Mom will be sleeping or watching "Das Boot". New Year's Eve is pretty much like any other night, only it's a bonus day off when it's during the week. Anyhoo. I'm rambling. So...what was I saying? Oh, right. Have a good and safe one everybody! MeOW! And a special purr and head-butt to my favourite Auntie Lorraine!"

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Peace on Earth

Wishing all my wonderful and kind knitting friends a safe and happy Christmas! And the Little Dudes would also like to send furry head cleanings, purrs and maybe the occasional stare down to all of their blog kitty friends - Santa Claws DOES exist!

See you later in the week!

The Weather Outside is FRIGHTFUL!!!

No kidding. WOW. Well, if you live anywhere in Eastern North America (not just Canada, and not just the United States. North America), you know exactly what I mean.

We are getting our collective asses whuped by a huge snow storm!

This is outside my back door. It's even worse now...

Another view, outside my back door. Can't see too clearly? Looks blurry? That's the snow. Don't get me wrong - I love falling snow, but not when there's a ton of it, and it's windy... and is that thunder I'm hearing? Definitely a day to stay INDOORS. Once it's all said and done, we should get around a foot and a half of snow. Some areas, even more. So, definitely a day to stay in, whittle down my "To Do" list, and knit, of course.

Let's see how I've been managing so far:

* Booked train ticket? OK. Um, train is sold out...who knew stuff like that happens around Christmas time? But I have made other creative arrangements.

* Clean? Wha'? *cough*

* Arrange kitty-sitter? Although I had some interesting offers (Atticus with Lorraine, Mae and Gandalf with Tracey), I figured it would be easier if I asked my friend Raven to come by. Um, she's a bit closer than Mississauga and Pennsylvania.

* Wrap stuff? Nope. One word - "Gandalf".

* Do I have stuff to wrap with? Yup.

* Pack the Christmas stuff? Oh, that's funny. Try the morning I leave.

* Knit something for Finnegan? Um, not yet...

* Finish my Christmas knitting? Yes, no, almost, yes and almost. And let me tell you? The first "almost"? I had barely 2" of contrasting yarn left over after I cast off. How's that for cutting it close? Heh heh... The 2 last ones are extra knitting projects I'm making for my SIL's parents. Not to jinx anything...but wow, I think I may just do it... Except for the "no" one. Recipient, a non-knitter, will be able to experience to joy of opening a box of yarn! And peeps, we ALL know what an experience that is!

This week - yearly physical, finish knitting, clean, pack my stuff... Yikes! My shopping is 95% done, and...and...oh, I have got to get more organized next year. Then again, I say that every year... Oh, and "work" in between all of that. Which did NOT leave me alone all week. I had hoped it would calm down? I had obviously misplaced my hope...

"I don't care about some snow storm, cousin Finnegan told me that you're going to visit him?? Does that mean you won't be here? With me? I mean, us? I don't recall you clearing that with the Kitty Counsel."

Hey, did any of you read this fantastic blog entry from Bridget? It is worth a read if you haven't, and if you have... it's still good for another giggle!

I'm still trying to figure out what to take with me while I'm away... I'm thinking probably Delores, and maybe (maybe...) Western Seas as the easy project. I'm pushing 2 years since I started it, a measure of time that doesn't make me too happy. It's a Starmore dammit. For shame Brigitte. *hanging head in shame*

I'll be glad when I can pick up my knitting again.

What about everyone else? At least let me see what you're knitting!

Have a good one everyone! And stay safe and warm in this awful weather.

A Whole Lot o' Nothing...

See, that's the thing with Christmas time... Although a wonderful season, you have a whole lot of nothing to show for the knitting you've been doing. And I've managed to squeeze in quite a bit. I just can't show any of it here. On Ravelry, yes!

And of course, work plays a part. I will spare you the details of how there is a mad rush at this time of year to spend the last of the budgets purchasing (really cool stuff though) servers and cables and spare blades. I think Chris may be the only one remotely interested in that kind of hardware...

Then I realized on Friday that hey, Christmas is really only 2 weeks away. And I'd better get a move on my list of things to do before I head out to my sister's in oh, 2 weeks time. Like finish up knitting, book my train ticket, clean, arrange kitty-sitter, wrap stuff (and believe me - this is NOT an easy thing for me to do. I suck.), oh, I suppose I should check that I have stuff to wrap WITH, get my laundry done before I head over, pack, pack the Christmas stuff, oh, yeah, knit something for Finnegan...!!!! And I'm scheduled for my yearly physical at the doctor's at some point in between all of that. Oh, and finish shopping. And figure out which knitting project to take with me. Mermaid? Laleli? Fulmar? Western Seas (oh, you jest...)? Delores? Hey...maybe I'll take Delores...


*breathing into paper bag*


At least work should settle in nicely next week, as the mad rush should be over.

OK. So what have I been knitting?

Well, these little babies. What may look like a bunch of balls are actually kitty mice that I knitted up for the Annex Cat Rescue. There are about 15 of them in the pile. And the picture was taken at work, at my desk, with the cellphone. Once knitted up, there was NO WAY I would be able to stuff or stitch up the mice at home. Catnip usually tends to incite anarchy in this house. The pattern for the mice is from Wendy, who kindly allowed me to knit them up for charity, with all money going to the Annex Cat Rescue. Thanks Wendy!

"...what is the Matrix...?"

There was a very good thing this week though - I won a contest!! Yay me! And I'm so thrilled - I pick up a beautiful crocheted snowflake from the Bookwyrm (drop by and say hi!). I don't crochet, and if I did, I don't think I could make such a lovely design. She makes them using a teeny tiny hook, and THREAD. Which is like knitting a gansey on 2.5mm needles... Once I receive it, I'll post a picture. Thanks!!!

Oh - do you drink water from these Nalgene bottles? If so...you may be interested in this.

Wow, and that's it! Have a great week everyone!

Lost and Found!

Yay! I found my mittens! And would you believe they were in the ONE place I didn't think to look. (No, really? That never happens.) In the laundry bag. Don't ask me how. Or when. ('Cause that would be admitting to the last time I, uh, did laundry...)

They're back in their rightful spot now. Phew! Yesterday was a cold one - when I went out in the morning it was -12C. So, I pulled out my beloved chullo and Norwegian mittens! So, hey! The wind really goes through those mitts at first, but once you hands heat up, you feel NOTHING. They warm the hands up nicely. And the chullo? I still love her. Light as a feather and warm. *sigh* Ah the wonders of knitting never cease.

So, I have some updates. I'm still working on my Christmas knitting (go to Ravelry, look me up and you'll see one of my stealth knitting projects), but I'm also working on other things too. Because I can.

Mmmmm...my lovely Cabled Cricket sweater from Debbie Bliss. Coming along nicely, with the front and back completed, and a good start done on the first sleeve.

"Nice work Mom... So, when's it gonna be finished? I can see myself rolling around in this..."

No time soon! But, I'm not bored of Fulmar at all. I just find the gansey yarn (AS' Scottish Fleet) a little tough on the hands. Some days I can manage 15-16 rows, other times it's only around 6. But that's OK - I knew from the start she would be a long-term project. Gandalf does like the Scottish Fleet yarn, and Atticus has developped the annoying habit of chomping on the stitch markers as I'm knitting along. Such a good boy...

I plug away at Laleli on the weekends. However, I did learn last week that watching Daniel Craig in "Casino Royale" while trying to knit Fair Isle? Not always a good thing. Tends to get a little...distracting. But, I've started on the V-neck decreases, and I'm still in love with the beautiful design and colours... Ah Fair Isle! I luvs you.

And what else...? Oh, my stealth knitting project! I finally found the magic one, thanks to a suggestion from Lorraine, but of course I can't post anything about it. So you'll have to check it out on Ravelry. I've also completed a bunch of catnip mice for the Annex Cat Rescue, which my friend Raven stuffed for me at work on Thursday. Not a chance I can do any of the stuffing or stitching up of the mice at home! The Captain gave me a catnip toy for the guys yesterday. I thought it would be OK - it didn't smell as strong as the stuff Raven had provided. I was wrong...it's catnip... Anarchy and destruction soon ensued, with Mae in a catatonic state for the next several hours. They're still rolling around on the floor, over the spot they demolished the catnip toy yesterday. That stuff is SO BANNED in this house!

"Atticus, what's up with Mae?"

"What do you mean? Oh, the food?"

"Uh huh...Why she eating so much? I hardly had a chance to get any supper last night, she was scarfing back the cat chow like it was going out of style! Is it a girl-cat thing?"

"I think it's just a Mae thing...well...you've seen her with the catnip?"

"Oooooh...OK. So it's the catnip makes her get the munchies? Wow. I thought it just made her loopy."

"Which is why we can't have any more of it in the house, otherwise we'll never get anything to eat!"

"Gotcha! Man, Mae's weird sometimes..."