Friday, April 30, 2010

knitcroblo6-Revisit A Past F/o

My favorite f/o, so far, are my several pairs of fetching hand warmers. My red ones are for special times, but my gray ones are the work horse.  I nixed the wrist cable but kept the top cable in place. They go everywhere with me, (right now they sit in my work locker quitely waiting for pick up), and keep my hands warm in the office  and sometimes on cold buses and trolleys. The are fuzy, pilling and a few stitches are kinda big around the thumb, but I love those gloves (make with Lion Brand Wool-ease) and will probably make another pair (love the pattern) 'cause they're quick, sorta mindless and you get beautiful results.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

knitcroblo5-Location, Location, Location

My usual favorite spot is in front of the computer, with a cup of coffee and the tv on. But lately, I have found I like the light better in my work place cafeteria. I like the natural light so much, that I actually get to work an hour and a half early just to knit by the big windows. On nicer days, I go out on the shaded balcony and enjoy the cool morning breezes and the view. This morning ritual of mine really relaxes me and I get a lot of knitting done. I have found I make fewer mistakes in the morning, when I'm awake and alert, than in the evening when I am tired from fighting rush hour traffic, rush hour people, rush hour street projects etc...I just enjoy quite rested moments of knitting.

knitcroblo4-A New Skill


Yep it's lace again. I am obsess with it. It's a skill I want to master. I have done everything in knitting at least once, (not always successfully), except for steeks. Kind of afraid of that particular skill set. I just can't see cutting anything I have knitted no matter what. I know it's a part of the mastery of knitting, and if I am to grow I have to step out on that ledge, however, I'm toe gripping that ledge with all my might!!! -lol-

My other rising obsession is learing how to spin. I have bought a spindle, a dvd and a book. My yarn looks like an overfed twisted snake on steriods, and I have been discouraged. I have put it aside for now, (until that I can't do nothing right feeling goes away), and I will try again. I love hand spun yarns and am amazed that yarn can be spun by the average person and then knitted into a garment. My real fear is that I'll want to go even further and wrangle fleece away from sheep. Oh knitting is such a slippery stepping stone!!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

knitcroblo3-One Great Knitter

I know most people will sing of the greatness of Elizabeth Zimmerman, and rightly so, but for me it was Stephanie Pearl Mc Phee, The Yarn Harlot. Her books gave me a whole new perspective on knitting. Not only was she informative, but she made it ok to laugh at yourself. She opened up a new world of knitting for me by letting me know that all the crazy things that knitting can do to you, you were not alone in its insanity. I felt an instant bond with her books and her blog. Her words always seem to say, it's ok, you can do it and keep on knitting 'cause it will get better. For me, she has made knitting the enjoyable obession.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

An Inspirational Pattern -knitcroblo2

Lace, lace baby. Love love love lace! But I have Lace ADD. The simplest pattern throws me for a loop. I stalk lace shawls everywhere, but have yet to make or finish one! I love the feel, the look and drool when I see other knitters lace shawls. It's what I aspire to. I dedicated this year as the year to conquer the lace shawl. I'm starting with a seemly easy one, (the key word being seemly) and  I've already ripped it back several times (thank goodness I was made aware of life lines!), but I will not give up! When I think I will never complete this project, I go to Raverly and gazed upon the millions of beautiful completed lace shawls and I say to myself, "One day I will finish too".  Then I wake up in the shower and I'll have dreamt it all -smiles-


Monday, April 26, 2010

HOW AND WHEN DID I BEGIN KNITTING/CROCHETING? knitcroblo1



As you can see by the banner at the top of my post, ('cause I don't know how to add it to the blog template), I am joining the Knit & Crochet Blog Week. Each day a topic is given to blog about and then linked together so that the reader may enjoy each blogger's memories and comments. Genisus idea except for those of us who are tech challenged. I will blog, but I may not be joined. I just don't understand all the tech stuff. Someone forgot to send me the manuel and any other excuses I can think of. There are many excuses and I will partake of at least seven this week. -smiles-

HOW AND WHEN DID I BEGIN KNITTING/CROCHETING?

 It began as all things begin, I saw someone taking brightly colored thread, two sharp alumnin sticks making loopy stuff with it. I immediatly stop running with scissors and decided to learn this dangerous craft. I needed to wheel the short pointed sticks of destiny! Ok , ok I'm dramatizing just a bit, but it did all started when my best friend, Dar, was learning how to knit and I wanted to learn because it really look interesting to me and if my best friend was knitting, then I was knitting too. I was very attracted to puzzles back then, and knitting was a puzzle to be solved.

We were in the fifth grade and she showed me all she knew and I figured out the rest. I remember making a blue and pink handbag. Now that I think back on those days, I was pretty intuitive because she never showed me how to change colors, how to bind off or how to sew up the bag, but I figured it out all by myself. At the same time my younger sister, Neice, showed me how to crochet, and I made several vest and a few half hlankets (never finished them) but she had only showed me how to do a chain and single crochet and I leaped into crochecting from there.

 How I wish that fire didn't burn out when I was young, but knitting was not like it is today. I didn't resume knitting faithfully until I was 50. Here and there throughout my life I dabble; making toys for my girls, a few hats, a few scarves. a vest, a sweater for a dear friend and a rug ,but the flame didn't last long. One night I felt I needed to create something with my hands. The urge was so strong, that I was searching through my closets for something to make and I came across some old yarn, needles and hooks. It stared the flame anew and I've been at it ever since. I am not lightening fast (more like one step before the tortoise), but I get things done. My love of knitting is a comfort to me and the beautiful colors and textures of yarn seals my affection. Oh yeah, and Raverly fuels my addiction!!! But I'm loving it!






Sunday, April 25, 2010

Hello, Jamica...Anyone home???

I, like everyone else, ignore warning signs. I brush off occuring symptions as coincides, not realizing that my brain is trying to tell me something's up. I walk in a fog of denial and uncertainty. Yes, it was right there in front of my face, but I, like everyone else, couldn't see the forest for the trees. When I realized what was going on, it was too late. I was in the chaos of the aftermath of the Penn Relays. Yeah I know, it comes every year, just like Christmas, however I don't have to wade through hordes of similiar dress athletes and their camera toting families. And must every car in the city tie up Chestnut and Walnut streets, really??


Ok mini rant, but I waited for bus for a long time, and let's say a very steady wind made the corner rather cold and me without a COAT! I am not against the relays, I'm just mad because I didn't take note of the warning signs. The first sign came thursday when I kept seeing people jogging up and down chestnut street in matchng sweatsuits and name tags.


Second sign was the Bolt bus literally bulging with people, (with cameras and name tags), and that loud "hey we made it chatter", that can make you grind your teeth. (and must it always be the loudest when I walk by) (really??)


Third and finally sign was the cheesey and cheap white t-shirts being sold on every corner. Someday these guys will realize that if you have nice printed t-shirts with quality material that doesn't look as though a good wind will rip it to shreads, you may make some serious money and people won't want to call a cop to get you moving along 'cause you and your buddies look like robbery suspects. I'm just saying.


The country of Jamica was in attendance at the relays. How do I know this?? "Cause they all dressed up in the colors of their national flag and was wandering all over chestnut street. I am wondering if there are traffic lights in Jamica, because they just wandered in the streets moseying along like a two thousand ton car couldn't possible hurt them. Oh and I kept hearing "Yo, mon" which I believe is the offical  phrase of Jamica. The reason the country was empty, their native son, Bolt (gold olympic winner), was running in the relays to try and beat his top winning time. Don't know if he did it, but I'm sure if he didn't, he probably just said," Yo, mon, maybe next time eh?" It's a Jamician thing, and I, I just don't understand.


Knitting is coming along. I knit better in the morning and with lots of coffee. I am rethinking next month's no purchased food thingy. I can't live without McDonald's coffee so I think I will make that the exception to the rule because technically it's not food,  just affordable rocket fuel.....wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Damp, Cold and Smelling Like Spring

For those who do not appreciate the cool, damp, rainy, green goodness of spring, look at the snowy picture and stop complaining! How soon we forget about the 100 inches of snow that crippled our little city. It's spring people, and she is showing us her greenery, her blooming flowers and that wonderfuly pleasing scent of deeply rich, freshly turned soil that can only mean a sleepy earth is stretching and unfurling her beauty. It's the season of renewal and hope, and the promise of good things to come. Yes I'm waxing poetic because seasons like this inspire one to appreciate the beauty of the world despite the woes of so much drama in the world today. I want to appreciate the semblance of innocence while I can. Because I know, just like the sweetness of innocence, one day someone or something will force us to lose it, and  I know its name; life.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Lazy, Cold and Loving It!

I've been trying to load pictures into my blog for several days now and I finally had to take the silk road to do it. Maybe now my blog will be more picture-esk.
The dreaded (and sometimes welcomed) lazies attacked me today. I was up early enough to go to church, but couldn't find my pantyhose and just didn't want to show up in boots again (and not the pretty kind either) My shoes are big in some places and tight in other so I must wear knee highs so that I won't rub the skin off my feet. I am determined to make it next sunday with everything ready in advance and no excuses. (let's just see how that goes, shall we? -smiles-)
Although this project is shown in my flicka feed, I wanted to show you a picture of my shawl in progress. Now is has been ripped back a few rows because of trying to juggle several things  at once and an annoying co worker, (to be later named), that distracted the gangees out of me (cutting down on curse words) and I mucked up. (suitable subsitution don't you think??

My pride and joy so far are the lace gloves. I won't be abel to wear them until the fall, but who cares? I think they are so pretty. I really didn't think I could do them, and had to rip them back several times, but there they are. They were a nightmare to do, especially when I had to rip one of them down to the cuff  because I was knitting two right hand gloves. Patience, determination and heavy drinking got me through.-smiles- Just kidding on the patience...lol

Friday, April 16, 2010

So Many Bills...

So little money. I figure if I stop eating or needing light or gas, I might have enuff money left over for quarter candy. ('cause penny candy is so far in my past!)
Gonna try something new in May. I'm going to give up processed foods, no buying meals either I cook it or its a salad. Hopefully I'll have a new coffeemaker by the end of the month and then, no more McDonalds coffee (egads!). I want to see if I'll feel any difference in my moods, my sleep patterns and my health in general against the raging, spasmic, stay up all night crazy that has become me. ( I never promise sanity only restrained psyhcosis!) -smiles-

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I Don't File No Stinkin' Taxes!

Yeah I'm just doing them now. Why? Because I like pain, and tears, and angst, and gnashing of teeth and pulling out my hair. You would think by now I would have learned, but alas, each year I experience Tax ADD. Will be calling my sister for help 'cause I'm annoying that way. So sis if you're reading this don't even try to run and hide. I will find you!!!!! -smiles-
Went to a knitting social which consisted of the teacher, me and no frickin' one else. Not very social, but it was all good for me. She gave me one on one instructions and I showed her a few things she hasn't seen since the stone ages...did I mention she was as least 500 years old??? Ok, maybe not that old but oh so close! She was nice but she kept talking to me like I was drooling idiot trying to catch invisible butterflies. I held any sharp retorts (a major victory for me) and just let it be. I don't know if I will attend the next social, but I am actively looking for a younger group (by her standards)
Spring is back in force and I for one am glad it has returned. Too early for hot, sticky weather so the return of the cool is much appreciated.
What's up with all the earthquakes??? Did someone run that super collider that was suppose to be on hold until further investigation?? If so, I think I need a paddle!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

There's A Shawl in my Future

I have finally found a shawl pattern that I think I can complete in a month. It's a garter stitch diamond lace shawl pattern by KnittyDebby I bought on Raverly and so far it's easy going. Yes I've already ripped back twice, but that was due to work distractions. Sitting here quietly and paying attention to what I am doing has helped in a big way. Not being bone tired at the end of the day makes a huge difference too. I sit here in front of the computer with my cup of coffee, my knitting and feeling restorative from a good nights sleep. I think I can get some serious knitting done today. Here's to a good start!
I would have published a picture but it seems the blogger site is having problems...oh well

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Snagged by the movies..

Ok I know I was suppose to enojoy the city, but on my day off I wanted to go see a movie because I'm use to free popcorn on wednesday. AMC can really get you addicted to popcorn fast! Went to see "Why Did I Get Married 2". Lets just say skip it and don't even buy the bootleg version. The acting was terrible (Janet Jackson), the situation ridiculos (come on once a year have a "Why did I get married" vacation to spout why did I get married on a platform on the beach? Really??), and the best non essential acting roles and situations of the film played by Lou Gosset Jr and Cicely Tyson. The best "yeah right" moments played by Jill Scott and her husband going on vacation on their last dime (neither one is working,and haven't been working for six months), but we're going to spend our last dime because we needed to relax. The movie is unnecessarily long, (someone please find Tyler Perry a good editor), and oh yeah, the threat towards the end of the film that there will probably be a 3rd movie with the surprise appearence of a certain actor. Let's just say I can smell, what he's cooking. I am so disappointed with Tyler Perry. Someone needs to really tell him he can't do it all and make him listen.

Other than my few hours of wasted time, the day was beautiful and I really enjoyed myself. Better, cooler weather tomorrow woohoo! I love the cool,

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ehem..Calling Spring. Please report!

Not ready for this hot weather! I enjoy the coolness of spring and the promise of summer, not the other way around. The electric company must be doing a little jig about now. They are going to have fists full of cash. Lucky them.

Went down town yesterday and it was suprising pleasant. I really enjoyed walking around and decided I might try that again if the movies do not tempt me again. I saw a movie last night. Hey I'm off on wednesdays so I can sleep in. The movie, City Island, was totally enjoyable. The location was fabulous and of course finding out that the Bronx had beautiful beach areas and that it also has an island attached was a surprise. The movie is about a family having secrets, some totally funny and a few tragic, how these secrets are pulling them apart and how they ultimatly come together in the end. Yes it's a standard movie formula, but let's face it, we like standard movie formulas because they are comfortable, likable and warms our hearts. We want to see how the directors will stir the formula but we know deep inside how it will all end and with that comes satisfaction.

Will soon start a new project since I am finally finished with the gloves. Just have to weave in a few ends and block. Will post a picture later. My first pair of gloves, lace at that, and now to struggle with either a shawl or a hat. A hat may be quicker but I really really want to do a shawl. I'm in love with them and the need to make one with my own hands is my desire.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Happy Easter

Hey a 2nd post. Trying to do this on a day to day basis until I can get back into the swing of things. Going out to enjoy the day and find unique opertunities. Don't know what I meant about that but knitting is involved somehow.
Went to the movies and saw "Clash of the Titans". It was ok. Time for the storyline to catch up with the special effects. You can only wow a person by so much before getting bored. Maybe the 3d Titans didn't have that "seen that", effect.
Still working on my lace gloves. I know I won't be wearing them till winter comes around again, but at least they will be done and the matching shawl, I hope.
Having problems with lace and the counting that's involved. I must have that special disease, Lace ADD. There's a pill for that, right?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

It's been a year...

Ok I know it's been awhile and I should really be ashamed of myself, but I'm back now so let there be light!! Well that sounds better in the movies. I have not been doing anything super important just a case of the severe lazies (bordering on depress) but spring is here and I feel like busting out of my inner and outter confinements. Lovely weather and I'm feeling good. I am going to try to post more but am not going to drive myself crazy doing it. No more pressure.