Japanese Socks: A new adventure

Greetings,

I know it has been almost 6 months since my last post but they went by so fast.  Working 12 hours shifts has been an adjustment to say the least.  I am currently working a night shift and loving it (6 pm-6 am).  I never thought I would like nights but I really do.  I can see this being beneficial for my schooling future.  However, while I finish training I am delighted to get some knitting in.  I found this amazing book on Amazon about Japanese knitting techniques.  There are 30 patterns and I plan on blogging their progress here.

Most of these socks will end up going to Jessie bc she is my muse for this book however I may keep some for myself.  I love the colorway for this first pair of socks and even though it is Red Heart there is no acrylic in it!!!

The socks I am starting with are called Konnichiwa which is "good day" in Japanese.  This sock starts with a somewhat unique pattern (at least for me) for the ribbing on the cuff. It is still a combination of knitting and purling but they overlap in parts.  Its pretty to look at (as you can see in the pic) but I'm not completely sure about how stretchy it is.  It could just be that I cast on a little tight, but  it still fits up my forearm so we should be good.  The main pattern consists of what the author is calling a right/left twist slip.  It will be interesting to learn the nuances of this stitch.

Modifications
I want to use these posts to also document my modifications so I don't have to keep guessing on the second sock as to what I did on the first one :-).  I will probably switch to two socks at a time at some point when I can buy new needles.  So far I am using size 2 needles and I cast on 60 stitches as opposed to the size 6 and 40 stitches it calls for.  I am not always good at doing my own mods so I especially for this one I am relying on Airynia from Ravelry to help me.

On a side note, I have always knit my socks with size 2 needles.  No matter what the pattern I have been able to make that work.  I don't know if that is normal for everyone to use the same size, but I don't know what I would do if I had to use different sizes.  I guess I need to go back through my sock history and see if I made a lot of mods to numbers of stitches to make the pattern work.  Hmm.....

Well, that is all I have to say for now so I am signing off.  Below is the pic of the cuff (I need to knit 5 more rows before I start the main pattern.)

Eileen
Purling Kitty

Socks, Clapotis, and Cooking

Well it has been a rather busy last couple of weeks.  I had to order more yarn because I ran out while making Jessie's socks. :-(  The yarn came quick and I bought a little extra because I like it so much and want to make something for myself with it.  The only downside is that my yarn ball winder is no where to be found.  I went to my storage unit and tore it apart.  I found a lot of my knitting supplies which made me happy but still no winder.  I guess I am going to have to suck it up and go to a knitting store and pay for them to wind it for me.  I want to get her socks to her before its too hot to wear them.

One of the things I found during my search was a package of gold yarn that Jessie gave me for my 29th birthday.  I had not decided what I was going to use it for earlier, so it's been sitting safely and patiently waiting for me to become inspired.  I have been using knitting to help keep me distracted while I wait for my new job to formulate and while I deal with my lost friendship.  Therefore, when I happened upon my yarn this time I jumped onto Ravelry and searched.  I finally came upon the Clapotis, which is actually from Knitty.com.  I think it is really beautiful and decided it would look great with this yarn.  The yarn is Crystal Palace Yarns Creme.  It is 4.5-5 sts per inch and recommends US 8-9 size needles.  It is knitting up very nicely.  There are a few tangles within the ball, but nothing major or super bothersome.  I am getting close to the end of the main repeat section.  For a few days, I thought I would never finish but now I only have 4 more repeats to do before the decrease.  So excited!!!  I snapped an obviously unblocked picture of my progress.  I really like the color and am super excited to be done so I can use it.  It can be used as a scarf or a shawl and I have always wanted something like this.  Len is not a big fan of the look of larger scarves so he has always been against me buying one, but he can't stop me from making one! :-)

Last night was the Super Bowl.  I used that as an excuse to make two different recipes.  Both from Plain Chicken.  I have to give a shout out to Sheri Woolridge for turning me onto this sight.  At first  I was nervous about using any of the recipes because most of the savory ones seemed to be spicy.  However, I decided to take a chance and make the Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.  It was so simple!  I changed the rotel to a can of crushed tomatoes with garlic and left out the chili powder and cumin, mainly because I am a heat wuss.  I may try it with a little of those two spices in the next go round just to see how it changes the flavor. Unfortunately, I cooked it on high rather than low because I wasn't paying attention and there was no liquid left when it was time to serve, so it was more like the filling for enchiladas (as Len said) than a soup.  It was still very good and there was none leftover which is always a good thing.  I also decided to make the Nutella S'mores Pulls for desert.  I had a hard time putting the nutella between the cuts.  However, I did just read the directions for one of her other pull breads and it says to cut one way spread the stuff and then cut the other way and spread the stuff. I wonder if that would make it any easier.  I will have to try it and find out.  The only alteration I made is that I had a package of regular sized marshmallows so I just cut those into pieces and used them instead of buying more.  This was a huge hit and is definitely something I want to make again very soon!

In other news, I am optimistic that I will have some real information to share about a job very soon.  I really hope it works out.  I am very bored sitting in my house all day every day.  Also, I am doing better at handling the loss of my friendship (see this post).  I still have my days of setbacks but I am feeling much healthier and actually see some light in this very dark tunnel (even though I am still shocked that this tunnel exists).  I have to say thanks to my friends Jessie, Omar, and Sheri who have stood by me and helped me maneuver through this nasty maze.  I am closer to the exit because of your love and support.  Thanks for validating that I am a person who deserves only goodness and light in my life and that the dark cobwebs shrouding me are not of my own fault.  Your words of encouragement are the best brooms a girl could ask for.  I continue to fight my insecurities so that I may one day see the me you see when I look in my mirror and can accept that this person is NOT WORTHY of me!

Well, that is enough sappiness for one day.  My Clapotis is calling me.

Eileen
Purlingkitty

One sock done

Well I am close to finishing the socks for Jessie.  They were pretty easy to knit.  One is completely done and the second one is almost to the heel. (knitted top down).  I am making Garnish by Ariel Altaras.  Here are two images of the first finished sock. 

You can see the pattern up near the toe pretty well

 

I am happy with how they have turned out, They are a little big, but this is because I used an alpaca worsted yarn that is meant for bigger needles. and I used a bigger needle than the pattern called for.  However these will work for Jessie because she will most likely wear them over other socks in the freezing cold that is Boston. because I didn't check gauge and have less stitches per inch then I should.  Also Jess said she would wear them with boots since they are super warm rather than layering.

In other news, the bump on my finger is not currently affecting my knitting abilities which makes me happy.  However, it is making bowling a little difficult but I am dealing with it the best I can.

Also, I have gotten myself some self-help books that are helping me deal with losing my friend and improving my self esteem.  So far they seem to be helping, but is is a slow arduous process.

Still no news on the job front.  I am hoping to hear something this week (but I've been saying that for a couple weeks LOL).

I hope everyone is having a happy New Year!

Eileen 

Purlingkitty

New Year = Big Changes

Well, it is New Year's Eve, and I am sitting here contemplating everything that happened this past year and I am blown away.  This time last year my life was completely different.

First, I was extremely ill.  I couldn't keep any food or liquids in my body for more than 5 min.  I ended up losing the healthy bacteria and had to rebuild most of my immune system. Then I got a sinus infection that lasted for 10 months.  I have also been having some heart issues.  I am hoping that I will be able to resolve many of my afflictions and can have a much healthier 2013.

Second, I had a job.  The company I worked for had filed bankruptcy, but if anyone had told me then that our office would be closed, my friends would no longer live here due to being forced to relocate, and I would be unemployed I would never have believed it.  Yet, here I sit, jobless.  Fortunately I have something in the works and I believe it will change my life in a billion ways, making everything from this last year worth it.  (Prayers and happy thoughts are appreciated and desired please) I will give details once things are more secure.

Third, I had a person in my life whom I believed was and would be everything to me.  The way I felt when I was with them was like nothing I had ever experienced.  My doctor even loved them because even though I don't have high blood pressure, it was even lower after I spent time with them.  We had the same sense of humor and adored silly jokes.  The cornier the better!  We were both extremely sensitive and had gone through many very similar experiences in our lives.  We bonded over so much.  I would have done (and did do) anything for them.  No task was too great, from listening to stories of woe to renovating their entire house, I offered and did it all.  You'd think there would be some appreciation for that...you'd be wrong.  All I got was lies, betrayal, and humiliation.  I was then cast out due to my being upset with them for the lies.  None of it makes sense even now and I don't know where to go from here.  Most people say I should let go and move on, and I am in the process of that, but I need and want answers.  Am I going to get them? Probably not due to the fact that they are a liar, but I dedicated 3 years of my life to defending and adoring this person and putting up with so much crap.  I am hoping the universe will help supply me with the information I need so that I can protect myself better in the future.  I was completely blindsided, I can't let that ever happen again if I want to keep my sanity.  This is another thing I never saw coming and would have never believed.  I am just left to wonder for now, was any of it real for them or was I just a pawn they used and then tossed in the trash.

Fourth, I was in school.  I am not finished with everything, but I am done with Pima and just have to CLEP out of Algebra to get my Associates.  I will be applying to the University of Arizona this February and depending on my new job schedule, will start in the Fall.  I am nervous and excited and hope that I can afford to go (come on transfer scholarship!).

Lastly, I was not knitting.  It is very hard to knit when I am so tied up with school work and work work.  Yet I have decided I need to take the time.  I have missed it more than I realized and it is very relaxing and therapeutic for me.  I currently have something going on with the first joint on the middle finger of my left hand which makes things uncomfortable, but I am hoping I can work around that and not have to quit.  I am hoping it is not arthritis, but am worried that it is at the same time.  :-/  I will update once I know, but in the mean time I am persevering in making the socks for Jessie. :-)

So this is where I stand now.  On the precipice of all new adventures.  What will 2013 bring? I don't know.  I just need to keep my faith and believe that this journey will take me to where I belong.  Good things come to those who wait, and I've been waiting for quite awhile.  I just have a hunch that this will be the year of relishing in those good things! :-)

See ya next year!

Eileen
Purling Kitty

I am finally back

Hello to anyone who may still read this blog.  I know I have been gone for over 2 years, but I had good reason.  First, I decided to go back to school.  I just finished my last class on Wednesday and now have my associates degree in Psychology!!!  I am taking next semester off and hope to start at the University of Arizona in the fall.  Also, as my last post alluded, I have had some rather interesting health issues.  I seem to have most of them under control now.  Plus I had gotten a promotion at work so I was in training and was working an insane amount of hours.  Unfortunately, my hard work at American was for naught.  They decided to close our office and I got laid off in August.  All of this was a time suck and left me with zero time to knit and zero time to blog.

Well, I have missed both blogging and knitting so I have decided that I need to make time for the things in my life that make me happy.  The only thing I have attempted to knit in the past 2 years was my first Fair Isle project which was socks for my astronomy professor.  His name is Dr. Croft.  He is the most amazing person and a phenomenal teacher.  The socks have the moon (in phases) and sun and stars on them.  Here is the Ravelry link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sun--moon-socks    They are super awesome.  The only problem is my first sock is way too tight.  I cant even get my hand from the cuff down to the heel.  This means that I will have to unravel the entire sock and make it again.  But I have periodically been working on the second sock (10 rows or so every six months LOL) and it seems to be much better. Currently I am in the process of getting all the knots out of my yarn.  I've been doing that for 2.5 days now, but I am almost done. I will post pics shortly.  Once I get the mess cleaned up I am going to knit for my best friend because she has been such a motivation and inspiration to me.  Love you Jessie!!

This blog is still going to be mostly about knitting but will also touch on issues in my life as they come up.  I am really glad to be back in the swing of things and hope to be able to write at least once a week. Thanks for reading this and stay tuned for 2013.  It is going to be an interesting year for sure!

Eileen aka Purlingkitty

Two socks on one circular

Am I nuts? Apparently, but it is going smoothly after 3 tries at casting on. I am using worsted weight wool-ease on size 5 needles which according to Silver should make size 10.5 socks. That will work for my grandpa. I have been knitting for about 2 hours and have already gotten the toe increases done and am now working on the body. It is an interesting process, and I am nervous and cautious, but Silver has never led me wrong before. I am super excited to be starting on these socks. I also bought some more yarn to make another pair of socks once I am done with the Monkey socks.

Speaking of Monkey.....I am done with the first sock and can I say it fits like a glove ... er a sock... either way I LOVE it. As I said on the 5 min voice mail I left for you Jessie, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the yarn you got me for Christmas, and thanks for suggesting the Monkey pattern it was a superb choice. It is beautiful and I can't wait to get the second one done so I can wear them and show them off to everyone.

Pics to come hopefully if I can get them to look good.

Eileen

The Wedding was amazing (and the rest of my week)

So the last several days went by in a blur.

Wednesday I picked up my newly altered dress. Then I bought Len a mini rose bush. I don't know why I did it (meaning I didn't have a specific reason) I just wanted to.

Then I finished my mad dash of cleaning to be ready for Jess and Jacob. They arrived and now agree that my house is way smaller than theirs. We hung out, Jess answered my knitting questions and then we went out to eat. We went to Sweet Tomatoes. It was really good. We had a nice time talking and Jess and Jacob haven't seen Len since the wedding so it was nice for them to catch up.

Thursday was spent learning how to crochet. I know, I know. Crocheting isn't knitting but I had no choice. I needed to make some stars for a blanket and the knitted pattern I had just wasn't working. The crochet pattern gave me the perfect 5 pointed star I needed. Then I knit my shawl while watching Lost. Yeah, don't do that. I ended up frogging my clue back to my life line. (I will try it again later today). Lost has been so amazing. It is finally getting back to what it was in the first and second season. I couldn't be more wrapped up in a show (except maybe for American Idol!).

Friday I was sick. My stomach just wasn't behaving. I don't know why. All I really remember from the day was making egg salad and going out to eat w/ Len's co-workers. I didn't eat much but I went because I didn't want to let anyone down.

Then yesterday was the wedding. We had such a good time. Jen was beautiful.

We got there early and got dressed. Then we hung out in Jared's room while the bride did the pre-wedding photo shoot. Then we all traipsed down to the ceremony area. As soon as I started getting escorted by a groomsman to my seat I started crying.

--It was so emotional. The setting was beautiful, but I couldn't help thinking of Paula. She is Jessie, Jared (the groom) and Dani's mom. She passed away a little over a year ago. As the bride said during her speech "Paula would have LOVED this wedding."--

Then the ceremony started and the bridesmaid's processed to "Going to the Chapel" everyone laughed. It was so funny and sweet. The ceremony lasted between 5-10 min. Then we headed to the reception. There was music, dancing, crying, laughing and t-shirts. They couple had shirts made that say "Mr. & Mrs Fry Est. 03/01/08" on the front and the back says "I do. Jared and Jennifer Fry March 1, 2008 Francisco Grande Resort Casa Grande, AZ" I'll post a pic soon. We sat w/ Jess, Doug (Jess's dad), Grandma (Paula's mom), Mary Kay (Paula's best friend), and Mike (Doug's friend from work). The best part was the toast from the Best Man and Maid of Honor. The saddest part was when Jared danced w/ his grandma. Everyone at our table was sobbing (except Jess who refuses to cry) b/c we all knew he should be dancing w/ Paula. I hated knowing exactly how they felt seeing as how my Mom died before I got married as well, but it was nice that we could all support each other. Most of Paula's family was there and they are all great people it was nice to see them again (and meet the ones I hadn't yet.)

--Paula, we love you, miss you, and know that you were with all of us in spirit yesterday. Hope you enjoyed watching you son and new daughter. Say hi to my mom for me. Love, Eileen--

Any hoo, enough of my typing through tears. Jared and Jenn are the best and they are so good together. I love Jess's family and I'm so grateful that they have accepted me (even if not willingly at times LOL) into their lives. I will close with some random wedding photos and promise to back to knitting promptly.

Eileen

Dani and Jared
Jess (wearing a triangle shawl she made) and Jared
The cake w/ a Lego bride and groom that Jared had custom made.
Jared dancing w/ grandma.
Jen &Paula's brother Don.

Dreams of Knitting

So yesterday was supposed to be a big day of me cleaning my house. That didn't happen. Alas, neither did any knitting. We ran a bunch of errands yesterday. We went to Home Depot for weed killer. We then went to Michael's for needles and yarn to make my kitty project for my upcoming Blog Tour Date. (I let my cats pick which project they wanted me to make and they went crazy for the page with all the mice so....) Well, I know Jess says I am not a yarn snob, but I refuse to buy things from Michael's anymore. So if not a yarn snob then at least a price snob. First NOTHING was on sale. They didn't even run an add this week. Second, they wanted $9.99 for a set of 10.5 bamboo dpn's, and at least $6.00 per skein for wool yarn. Now, I know that yarn can be pricey but I've found much nicer wool yarn for less money on-line. I couldn't see spending $28.00 to make a few mice for my cats. (I have to make 3 mice in 3 different colors or they will fight. I am not joking.) Then we went to Sprint to pay our phone bill. I thought we'd have to pay between &150-$200 to keep it on, but we only had to pay $90. (Happy Dance! Come on you know you want to boogie with me LOL) That means I am better at keeping up with my bills than I give myself credit for! Of course, we drove to the east side of town where all 3 stores are close to each other to save gas. (We mainly did this for Sprint) Well, Home Depot was out of the weed killer and Sprint's pay inside machine was broken. So instead of saving gas we had to drive to the west side of town (which is where we normally go b/c it is closer to home) to get our supplies and my husband had to sit on hold for 20 min to pay the phone bill. Very frustrating and a big time waster.


When we finally got back home I went on to knitpicks.com and placed my first order from them. I ended up getting 2 balls each of some clearance wool for $1.79 each. That is 6 balls for $10.74. Instead of 3 balls for $18.00. (That is a savings of $25.26 if I bought an equal amount of balls.) I got the 10.5 bamboo dpn's for $6.14 (A savings of $3.85). I also bought some size 5 harmony needles with 2 cables a 40" and a 47" for my shawl. I got the knitters handy guide to yarn requirements (recommended by Knit Science on an early pod-cast of hers)and some needle size ID tags. Also last but not least I bought stuff to make SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy crap!!!!! I am scared out of my mind but I needed to get to $50.00 to not pay shipping so I went for it. I got size 3 harmony dpn's and 2 skeins of Riverbed Multi Essential sock yarn. That's right people I'm going to finally conquer one of my multiple knitting fears and will attempt socks. Silver's tutorial here I come. I might use some waste yarn and the 10.5's just to get the hang of it but mark my words I will make these socks. I am so excited. I even dreamt about it last night. (I think this is partly due to the fact that I didn't knit at all yesterday and am experiencing withdrawal. I need to get to the library to print out my shawl pattern ASAP!)


I am also experiencing something I can only call "Knitting the wrong thing with the yarn I received as a gift from Jessie"-phobia. I want to make stuff with the yarn she has given me but I don't know what. I have 3 balls of micro spun yarn, 8 balls of vintage soft pink sport weight yarn, and a whole mess of brown yarn in differing weightsand types (which I am going to make into a chevron scarf for a friend). I don't know what to make with these 2 different yarns. Any suggestions?


In closing I'll leave you with this. I found this thing laying randomly on my computer desk this morning. I think it came from a Kinder Egg (yes the link takes you to a Canadian site, they can't sell these in the US b/c of the super small parts that come in the toys). I looked at it and said I wonder if this would make a good yarn guide for Fair Isle. I think I really need to get out more. Here's the pic:

Do you think it would work if I glued a ring back to it?

Have a great day!

House warming Party/Finished KAL

Well, I haven't posted the last few days b/c I was busy knitting my heart out for Allysia's housewarming party and getting myself ready for Jess's brother's wedding next Saturday.

On Friday I took my dress to be altered, colored my hair (I do it myself), and started cleaning my house b/c Jess will be here on Wednesday. I can't wait to show her that my house is 1/2 the size of hers. I know that is nothing to brag about but she always laments that her house is small and it so isn't (she has a separate dining room for the love of God LOL!!!)


Andrea--Makes sure to ask her about it when she gets back and have fun watching Helix. You are so sweet to do that!!!


Also, on Friday I met my husband and some of his co-workers for dinner @ TGIFridays. It was pretty good. We had a nice time. It was relaxing, even though I never get to drink b/c I meet everyone at the restaurant so Len and I are always in separate cars. One day I'm going to make him take me there on a day off b/c they have a couple different Mojitos I'd like to try and also some different Sangrias....but I digress.


Saturday, I knit up the second cloth for Allysia, I gave her my mid-Feb dishcloth. I alternated the colors for the second one.. (I'll post the pics at the bottom) Then I went and got my haircut. (Which Len didn't even notice even though I had more than 3 inches cut off! He is still in hot water for that one)


I had to go to the party alone b/c Len had to work, and I was really nervous about it. Mainly b/c there was supposed to be like 40 people there and I was only going to know 5 people including Allysia and William. Also 2 of those people were supposed to be late so I was stressed out. Much like I was for Jess's Christmas party. (Thank God for Alicia b/c I just stayed in her group and then I could make comments to her and I knew she would know what I was talking about!) I know not to count on being paid attention to by the hosts b/c they are so busy attending to everyone. Well, it turns out that Allysia's mother Judy (Who was supposed to be late but got there before I did) was there, her sister Brenda, 4-5 people who I went to church with when I lived in Sierra Vista (which is how I know Allysia FYI),a girl I had gone to high school with named Nikki, and Shawn (Allysia's best friend) were all there. It made me feel a little better knowing a couple more people. There was so much food and after an hour and a 1/2 only about 12 people were there and Allysia was freaking out. Then more and more people started trickling in and she ended up with about 34 people. One of those people was Carol Milloy. That lady is a crazy riot. But she brought "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" on Nintendo DS and 15 of us sat around the table and racked up about 2.9 million dollars. (This was over 4 hours and so many times we left w/ Nada so it's actually pretty sad!) However for life we will all know that the brightest planet in the night sky is Venus. That questions was asked 5 different ways at least during the games. I ended up eating so much food that my stomach hurt. Judy made 2 different salads, chocolate cookies, peanut butter fudge, Mac and Cheese, baked beans, and punch. Shawn made a couple different Korean items. Something that looked like Sushi but was made of rice, veggies, beef and was wrapped in a seaweed wrap. She also made vegetable dumpling and some dipping sauces for both. There was also an assortment of cookies, brownies, cakes, potato salads, and hot dogs and hamburgers. I ate so many sides I couldn't even eat my burger. Finally 4 & 1/2 hours later Len showed up. He played Wii with William and the other guys and we played air hockey. We didn't end up leaving until 10:30 and I had gotten there at 3! Needless to say, I got to know a bunch more people and had a really good time. I also got several orders for more dishcloths. I think I should start selling them at craft fairs LOL! I could probably make a couple bucks each which wouldn't be too bad!


All right well, I need to stop rambling on and continue to clean my house. We also have to go grocery shopping. Albertson's is having an awesome 10 for 10 sale that I am stoked about. Then I need to finish mt shawl pattern for week 1 b/c I got week 2 yesterday. The second week only added 23 more rows but still. I don't want to get too far behind.

Dinner with Allysia

Well, last night I went to my friend Allysia's house for dinner. It was the two of us, my husband Len, her husband William, and her mother Judy. We had a good time. Allysia made pork loin with Port-Fig sauce, roasted fennel w/ Parmesan cheese, and scalloped potatoes. Her mom made a chocolate cake for dessert (really for Williams b-day, but we ate it for dessert). We had a good time. We played Wii, talked about knitting (I talked they listened and pretended they knew what I was talking about LOL), and got caught up on our family's gossip.

My arm is very sore today form all the Wii playing. It was a whole lot of fun and makes me want one even more than before. I know I'd play that thing all the time and then maybe Len would stop saying that all I do is knit and talk to people on-line about knitting.

That reminds me, I feel very isolated and foreign to the people around me. No one that I see or talk to on a regular basis (except Jessie) knits. So none of them understand my fascination or as they call it obsession. There was a funny post on Claudia's blog (see blog list) about Super wash sheep and everyone who I talk to about it looks like I have 3 heads or something. Also when I talked about the Yarn Harlot "sock incident" and said that it was all over the place William said "I didn't hear it on Headline News today." HAHAHA They think they are so funny. They didn't understand when I explained it was on a lot of the blogs I read and talked about non-stop on Ravelry. That is why I blog here and chat on Ravelry. Y'all (or at least most of you) get it. (Hi Mom (yes you Linda)- thank you for reading this even though you think this is just a phase that will pass. I appreciate your support even though you don't understand.)

Well, I bought more yarn today just some Sugar 'N Cream that was on sale for my dishcloth KAL and I ordered some size 5 circular needles that are supposed to be good for lace, they should be here soon. I got them on E-bay for $4.50 w/ free shipping. You can't beat that with a stick (unless the needles are super cheap and break or something) I did some research and they are supposed to be good but you never know.

Well, I guess thats all I have for now. Hope everone is having a great weekend. I have to go check on my roast in the crock-pot. I'll let you know tomorrow how it turns out.

Eileen

KAL's, KAL's Everywhere

Greetings from Knit-a-long land. I have signed up to do a Mystery Shawl KAL which starts Feb 16th. I have ordered the yarn (which is very yummy and is my first experience w/ yarn porn!)and will pick up the needles this weekend. Also, I joined a Dishcloth KAL. We do 2 clothes a month. 1 is a theme one and 1 is a decorative pattern. I am 4 days into a 7 day pattern for my Feb. cloth. The pics follow. This --> : - P <--is for Jessie. (That is me sticking my tongue out) She was telling my the benefits of taking pics of your knitting in natural light verses inside w/ a flash. I thought she was full of it. But no as usual she was right I was wrong. (See the captions under the pics for the rest of the explanation) This is on the side of the house on a concrete block walk-way. I didn't think the pattern would be very visible since I knit it in white and I couldn't see the screen on my digital camera while I took this photo b/c the sun was behind me reflecting off the camera. I was wrong.

This is a close-up. I'm pretty good at taking pics blind right?

This is facing the sun on the hood of my truck. Still not too bad.
This is the photo in my house on my "photo taking" chair w/ a flash. I suck Jess was right. I should always listen to everything she says. Maybe that is why she had me play Lemmings at her house all the time. She was training me!!!!

Eileen

It is time for an intervention....

I need to be forcibly removed from my computer. My husband said if I look today like I did yesterday when he got home (a couple hours late so it is partially his fault), he was going to unplug the computer and take it with him to work. He said nothing is worth you looking like a zombie. It's true I was drained.

He also said I looked sad, That is because I read on "I'd rather be knitting"'s site (see blogs I like) that her former students father had died in Iraq. He was a couple weeks away from coming home. That led me to think of my own brother Patrick who is currently in Iraq. I tell myself that he's been gone for 9 months and has been fine, so he'll be fine for the next 6 too. I think I tell myself that b/c I HAVE to believe that in order to make it through every day.

It's kinda like how I survive my Mom being dead too; I wear these signs on my back kinda like badges and sometimes when I am obsessing w/ Ravelry, or driving Jess crazy w/ my knitting questions, or laughing at something on TV, I forget those badges are there and then something happens and I all too suddenly remember. It's not like I am trying to forget, it just hurts sometimes to think about it. So, I guess I carried the worry on my face more than I realized yesterday. With that in mind I ask y'all to watch this video. My brothers unit was profiled for a piece on the Armed Forces Network. My brother is in many of the shots and also makes a statement to the camera. His name is Oaks. Let me know what y'all think.

I'm making a lobster!!!!!!!

This is my first self rolled ball of yarn. I must thank Jason from Knits with Balls b/c I found the "how-to" on his Blog. I used a toilet paper roll, but as you can see it got crushed in the process. I don't know if it was from the weight of the yarn or the cheapness of the tp but it still worked so who cares!!!!

I had to roll this ball of yarn to make a lobster Jess gave me for Christmas. I annoyed the hell out of her when I first opened it and asked her a whole bunch of questions on how to do certain parts. The funny thing is now that I have watched several Knitty Gritty episodes I understand a lot more of how to do the certain techniques. I decided to start on this project b/c I found my size 10 needles and so I can make this project while waiting for payday to continue my other blanket.



FYI: I'm not obsessed with lobsters or any other crustaceans. The reason I was given the lobster was to commemorate my trips to Boston where Jess lives. I thought it was a cute idea. Here is hoping I can make a cute lobster! This is my first attempt at felting, stuffing and sewing separate pieces together. Yes I have sewed panels together for blankets but I've never attached claws to a body before!!!!! Here is a picture of what the lobster is supposed to look like. It's a little blurry but you get the idea.


Well, I guess that is all for now. Have a great night everyone!!!!

Eileen

First Blog

Well, I figured I would use this blog to write about my knitting projects. To date I have knitted 2 baby blankets (for friends), 2 vintage shawls (for my Aunt and my brothers girlfriend), several washcloths (for my brother), a Texas Flag (for my brother-in-law), and a cable blanket (for myself!!!!). I learned knitting from my best friend Jessie. She will be a main star in this blog. Sorry in advance Jess!!!! Knitting has really helped me to relax and center myself when I am feeling stressed out. At first I thought my husband Len would think I was acting like an "old lady", but when he bought me a knitting bag for Christmas I knew he understood!!! When I am not talking about my knitting I will probably be talking about my crazy cats, Corky, Max, and Emma. They are my babies and I adore them. Well, I guess that is enough for one night.

Eileen AKA Purling Kitty