I call a 'Do-Over"

Happy National Do-Over Day!!! (otherwise known as New Year's)

All things that happened last year that were less than stellar are over. Mistakes past. Angry words, gone. Today you have a chance to change it all. Sounds like a commercial, doesn't it? Well, maybe it is. Maybe you need a Do Over. You remember those, when we were kids. Call a Do Over. May the new year a beautiful one, full of promise and joy.

Just Do Over, differently.

Hugs,
Mikki and the rest of Snuzzleheim

Yes, I'm still knitting

Frantically, in fact. Unfortunately, most of it is for Yule, and can't be posted yet. My family sporadically checks my blog. I will post photos in a couple of weeks. And then there is the birthday surprise for my little sister! She will, in fact, cry. This project is a joint mission, paid for by me, pulled off by my mom, and being delivered by my not-so-little brother.

On the AWWWW front:
One brother is home from Iraq, just a couple of days ago. It was his second tour, and was extended this time, so we were kind of holding our breaths about whether he'd actually come home. Welcome Home Doug!!! Your kids and wife need you. We all are getting why you're spending the holidays at home. I think a nice quiet Xmas is in order.
Little brother Brad is home from the Marine Corps for the holidays. (Grab some Kleenex now, I'll wait) He only told two sisters that he was coming home. Em picked him up at the airport on Tuesday night around 11pm, and drove him to his fiance's house, who only knew a surprise was being delivered around midnight. Emma sat in the car to see her reaction. Apparently, Becca practically tackled him on the lawn. The next morning (Wednesday) my unsuspecting mother was leaving me a message on my phone telling me Jake's chest measurement and how surprised she was about how big babies really are from numbers standpoint, when she dropped the phone and disconnected it as Brad and Becca walked in the front door. She called back a little bit excited. Happiness all around. Hooray, my mom has no children in a war zone this holiday season!!

Hope your holidays are just as special. Blessings from our house to yours.

'It's prettier', and other musings

I went to look at laptop computers yesterday and a big name store. When I approached one of their 'Nerds' to ask what the advantage of Vista was compared to XP, I was told 'it's prettier'. What kind of answer was that? I don't need a 'prettier' operating system that uses a ton of memory just to run. I was also informed that I could have XP installed, but that it would cost me $350 more. I'm left wondering what this scam is, and if there will be compatibility issues with components of my new computer and it's XP OS, because I just flat out refuse to install a 'prettier' OS. Prettier indeed. What part of a short tomboy haircut, ripped shirt, old jeans, no purse and no makeup/nailpolish says I give a rats bitty backside about 'prettier'?

I ended up in Tucson last week. With a long list of things to do, and bit to wait until stores opened, I called my mom to chat for a bit. Ended up she was sick, dangerously sick, and home alone with my grandson. I made a few calls, got her to the ED and J to my sisters for care until E came home from her 2nd day on the new job and hopped a plane. I spent 3 days caring for my 62 year old mother and 5 month old grandbaby. Not a bad experience all-in-all. Mom's doing better, no longer dehydrated to the point of dizzy and passing out. She's still doing tests to figure out what was going on, but she's better. I think she needs to lose her waste of a boyfriend, but that's something she'll have to come to on her own. And J was just the best baby, not a bit of trouble, all smiles and new tricks. Wow.

I've been knitting up a storm, not that I can post any of it. Yep, Yule knitting season is upon us at Snuzzleheim. DH just stays out of the way, and brings tea/juice/hugs when needed. Socks are this year's theme, although there are a few baby sweaters thrown in for fun. I've been informed that J needs hats/mittens/socks as well. We've all heard about Stephanie's "IT", well I had mine under control. I was even on schedule. Then new projects kept cropping up. Where do they come from? They just add themselves to the queue. I'll post photos as soon as I can.

Growing older is like owning a car

In the beginning, everything is great. The parts all work, and everything is covered by warranty. About the time you pay it off, the warranty expires.

Then you start to notice things. The suspension is shot, everything jiggles as you go over the bumps in the road. The trunk starts to smell bad. The engine won’t run on the cheap gas anymore, it requires high octane to get any sort of mileage. The muffler begins to drag. The headlights dim everytime the radio gets turned on. The radio give you nothing but static anymore. The paint is worn. There are scratches and dents everywhere. The tires are bald and have no traction. The engine runs, but it takes a while to warm up, it doesn’t just ‘jump off the line’ anymore, and it idles rough. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it needs a bit of coaxing. The clutch slips. You have trouble finding reverse, and when you do, you can’t really see where you are going because the trunk doesn’t quite shut. Your steering isn’t what it used to be, and it’s hard to keep in alignment. Everytime you take it in for service, someone tries to talk you into body work, engine work, or after factory upgrades. Trouble is the parts aren’t available anymore, as your model has been discontinued in favor of the sleek new model.

The upside is, the payments have been made and this baby is all yours. The insurance is cheap. And you don’t have to worry about locking it anymore, the kids down the street wouldn’t be caught dead it anyhow.

Down the Rabbit Hole (photgraphic proof)

Sorry it's been a while. I've been promising photographic proof of my Cat Bordhi Sockitecture progress. Here it is:














But wait, there's more:















Okay, so the lacy ones aren't Cat's pattern, but pretty nonetheless. They are my STR pattern Summer of Love in Watermelon Tourmaline. The STR yarn that came in the August kit has been used to make a pair of Corialis. I'll photo them when their washed next time.

Now on to Yule knitting. Busy finger, busy fingers.

Marine Corps Graduation

The boy graduated from basic training on Friday. We drove down to see the event. While we were there, we took the opportunity to corrupt our grandson.

(that's my Blue Moon rub on tattoo from the August kit)

Now for the graduate.














Then he walked into the water. Apparently without fear, but with much bravado, especially after he dove in and belly flopped onto the bottom of the sandbar.

socks to follow soon.

Lost in Socks

Sorry, it's been a while. I bought the new Cat Bordhi book. For those who haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I've knit 2 pairs of baby socks (trainers) and 2 full pairs of adult socks, plus 1 sock for a third pair. All from STR yarn. All are beautiful. I do suggest that if you fall into this rabbit hole, take the time to do the master numbers for your feet. I've never felt socks that fit this well. They look a bit strange off the feet, but they are perfect on. Must photo soon. Not today, I have to go earn the hot water. Hopefully it will be better than last week.

In the mean time, look at this little boy. Three more weeks and I get to see him. Yippee!!!

Owl Post

My owl from my Hogwart's Pal was delayed. Apparently, he took the scenic route. My package was well worth the wait, though. Fleur is a wonderful knitter. My Ravenclaw socks fit perfectly!! I will be wearing them to work tomorrow night. I've put the soap in my sock drawer, and the stitch markers will be used very soon for a lace piece I'm starting (Triinu's shawl). I absolutely love Crystal Palace needles. She also generously included a skein of yarn in a colorway that is perfect. I'd never seen this yarn company before, will definitely check them out.


Thank you Fleur!!!

I've been busy

First an FO from a few weeks ago, Mimm recieved it already:



Next, Yule gift preparation has begun!!! Here are Pink Granite Monkey socks, for my sis.

I'm going to see part of my family at the end of September, when my brother graduates from USMC basic training. I'm planning to take Yule packages, all wrapped, with me, with a note that say not to open. Hee, hee, hee.



Lastly, I need some help. My mother chose this colorway (Algae, from BMFA). Now, don't take this wrong, but I don't like it. Let's start with the 70's green and go from there. My problem? I can do a pair of socks in a weekend. It took me 8 hours to do this. I just don't like it. I'm looking for a pattern suggestion that will complement this yarn. HELP!!! Just to add some fun, I've got sock yarn for whoever has the best suggestion.

OMG, WOW!!!

Dilema solved, I finished the book. Just let me say that when.....and then.....and I ....... and well, it just floored me when..... Just read it yourself. Wonderful, Masterful, Incredible storytelling.

Harry Potter or Knitting?

It's Tuesday. I don't have to work tonight (({{( happy dance )}})). I've worked the last 3 and I'm off. Now the dilemma:

I've got a pair of Loksins, that I am knitting according to the instructions even though I prefer toe up and short row heel construction, out of STR Love in Idleness. I highly recommend this pattern. It is clear, and lovely. My yarn access drastically decreases when I work (like none at all, except may be a casual pet on my way out the door). I'm feeling the withdrawal. I need wool.

I am on chapter 15 of the new Harry Potter book. Fascinating reading. Wonderfully crafted. Again, greatly interrupted by what I have to do to support my hot water habit, and my wool habit, and that food thing. Oh, and then there's the whole roof issue. (as in needing one, makes the sleeping much more pleasurable). Hubby's almost done with it. This is the first time in our marriage that he has finished a book before me. My honor is tarnished!

Do I read, or knit? No I can't do both, I'm working a gusset with a patterned stitch. I can't even watch the Tour de France and knit this one.

By the way, stop on over to see Thomasina. She's got a great idea, perfectly executed I must add, for creating a sock with a lacy cuff that hides the ribbing to help keep it up. I've gotta try this!

Monkey, Monkey, Where for art thou Monkey?

Anyone know what happened to Yarn-Monkey? I've been checking her blog regularly for Sock Wars II signup info, and it seems her blog has been deleted. Any information greatly appreciated.

Lost in ACLS

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been trying to convince my job to let me come back. Not happening until the 21st. Since my medical leave was not caused by a work related injury (unless you count the strict diet of fried food that the night shift is on...), I cannot come back until I am fully released, including the ability to lift patients. Nevermind the 6 or so pregnant women on our floor, they can't lift either, and I know their medical conditions are not work related (if they are, we have other problems!).

In preparation for my return, I am studying for my ACLS recertification. They've changed the rules, and I now have to have it all memorized. Still working at it.

I've also started Yule gifts - teddy bears and stockings for the grandson and DH's nephew. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm impressed with the pattern so far. Bobbi Bear rocks!

My latest trip to the desert - and what I knit there

The only good thing to come out of gallbladder surgery is that when doctors decided my grandson needed to be birthed, I was able to be there. I'll spare you the horrid tale of getting there. Suffice it to say that if I have my way, I will NEVER fly again. Apparently, paying these people (airlines) your money does not mean they have to fulfill their end of the contract. (Read: I drove from Phoenix to Tucson, because they gave my seat away, because I was late, because their connecting flight was late)

This little boy was well worth the wait:

Meet Jacob Nathaniel, born June 19, just over 7 lbs, just over 20 inches, and full of love. He's a snuggler. I spent a week there, just holding him. Funny, I usually don't do babies. This one is different. When Em (his mother) was born, my mom told me that some people have a gene that makes babies smell good. I thought I had missed that gene, now I know I was just a late bloomer. (Yes, he's a little jaundiced, Em's milk came in and it's all better now)

Keeping with my vow not to fly, I took the train home. It meant I spent the night in LA. Fortunately, Sweeny and Carmella were happy to let me crash on their couch. On the train, I knit, and knit, and knit. It helped the empty spot left by this little boy.

Here's what I managed in the trip from Tucson to Chico:
Three pair of socks. Then I wound the last of my STR skeins, as it turns out I will be off for another three weeks. More knitting time!
I am, however, in danger of running out of sock yarn. I will have to remedy this situation, soon.

World meet BABY

The String Attack family wishes to announce the arrival of it's newest member: Jacob. He is a bundle of love. More to follow soon, if you can get me away from holding him.

Vicodin and knitting are mutually exclusive

I've been on a lot of Vicodin lately. Apparently, there was a wrestling match involved in the removal of my gallbladder - previous scar tissue got in the way. This means lingering pain of the unhappy sort. I tried driving yesterday - 4 whole miles!! That was it.

Back to the knitting. I can turn toes/heels on Vicodin. I cannot successfully execute involved sock patterns. Lace shawl is right out. The sweater I was prototyping went well until I three needle bound off two pieces - no real movement, must take that out (it's a surprise, I'll show you when it works).

I can knit soakers. So I am. By the way 3 cm, 70% effaced, and lost mucus plug. Any bets as to whether I can get there in time? Not contracting yet, but she's further along than I was with her.

Soakers it is. Are their butts really that small? Oh, I remember, small and cute.

I feel like I've been kicked in the belly by a horse

Surgery happened yesterday. The gallstones came out. Actually the whole darned gallbladder came out. Fortunately, Dr Wonderful was able to do the deed laparoscopically. Four little holes. Apparently it was still inflamed and the stones had to be broken up a bit prior to and during the 'wrestling match' that was the final removal from the body cavity. On the up side, it is out, and can eat fat again. That was the most satisfying PB&H I've ever had. There is something to be said for a doctor who will add you on to his list for sugery on the day he is to go on vacation, and wait patiently for the OR to open up (we started several hours late), and can still cheerfully tell you he got tired of waiting and went home to pick fruit before coming back to operate. I can't sing this man's praises enough.

Now on to the healing. 6 weeks of not being able to lift more than 20 lbs. No work. Consigned to knitting. Oh woe is me. At least I'll be able to take off for Tucson if the Girl decides to pop. No holding legs, no laundry. Just sitting in the corner holding my grandson. I can hardly wait.

The Boy Graduates

Last week was spent making our way to graduation. Bear won't fly, so we drove, 2200 miles roundtrip.

We started in LA. I was going to take sock pictures, but I was afraid the smog would affect them. Our friend Frodo and Bilbo have a gorgeous house that is a little slice of heaven, complete with overproductive peach tree and waterfall/pond with koi. Heaven I tell you. Two days of relaxation, conversation, fun and yarn crawl. There is just something about having a non-knitting friend that will drive you to yarn shops because it's what you like to do. We also went to the fashion institute's student store, where I scored a bunch of bobbin lace and a cone of lace weight yarn. Hideous color, unknown composition, but perfect for that design project you're not sure is going to work and you don't want to ruin good yarn on.

Then it was off to Tucson, to see the Boy graduate. The relationship to the kids is complicated. I gave birth, but my mom adopted and raised them. I'm more like a sister to them and act accordingly. As previously discussed, I am to be a grandmother. It's official. I'll be called Mimi sometime in the next 4-6 weeks. Here's the proof:

We got to meet the Girlfriend of the Boy. She is sweet, intelligent, driven and knows what she wants to do. She even sticks up for the Girl when the Boy is being mean to her (as brothers often are). We also attended graduation. Boy submitted more out of self-preservation than desire to actually walk. He doesn't see the need. He could just show up at the office the next morning and pick up that stupid piece of paper. My mom wouldn't have it. So he walked.
The cheesy grin says it all. He leaves June 11 for the Marines. We wish him all the best.

After we left Tucson, we decided to go to Vegas for a honeymoon. On the way was the Hoover Dam.
Other photos were taken for color purposes, I see some hand-dyed sock yarn coming. The colors of the mountains were breathtaking.

On to Vegas, where we stayed at the Luxor, in a pyramid spa suite. There is something decadent about a hot tub in the room that overlooks the strip with one-way glass windows. Massges at the spa there, Nurture, we wonderful and much needed. Cirque show 'O' was fabulous, though devoid of the actual story which I've come to expect from Cirque d'Soleil. And the seats were to small. Other than that and the smoke, it was wonderful. At least now we can say we've done Vegas. In the future, if I want to see Cirque, I think we'll go to the City to do it.

The unwilling vegetarian

The trip went well. More on that later. First we must discuss the unwilling vegetarian - Me!

On the way home I developed my first (and hopefully, last) gallstone attack. If you have never experienced this, it is pain unlike anyother. Worse than childbirth, even. Breath sapping, unwilling to move, unable to sit still, piercing through to your back pain. I endured this for six hours in a car on the way home (at the time hubby claimed it was my way of getting out of driving, he has since appologetically recanted).

Upon arriving home, it had calmed a bit, enough so that I believed that this was merely constipation or something. The nurse in me had indeed already palpated Murphy's point, but we were ignoring her for the time being. I woke several hours later starving, and had peanut butter toast. Bad choice. This lead to a trip to prompt care, who scheduled an ultrasound and gave me drugs and instructions for a low fat diet. The next morning I had the ultrasound - gallstones- and went home. There I had the last of my chicken pizza (no cheese) and commence the pain cycle once again. When the chills/rigors began I went to the ER. They rehydrated me, suggested surgery (non-emergent - apparently pain doesn't qualify as life threatening) and a no fat diet. Here is the dilemma: no fat. What follows is a partial list of what I cannot have:
bread
meat
tortillas,
chips
patries
chocolate
gravies, sauces
pasta
ice cream
cookies
peanut butter
salad dressing
oil
butter
eggs

Any other suggestions? Any ideas about what I can eat? I've got salad with beans, no dressing; fruit; rice cakes; malt-o-meal/oatmeal.

This is boring folks. I need help in a big bad way. Don't get me started on finding a surgeon - that seems to take an act of God.

Knitting at the Movies, and other things (Mimm, this is for you)

We saw Spiderman 3 last night. Good enough flick. Poor knitting choice. I knit through movies at home all the time. Apparently k2,p2 rib is far more challenging than I realized, especially in the dark. Is it a sign of a problem that I took off for a few minutes (missing a plot important fight), not to use the loo, but to correct the dropped stitches in my sock? Priorities, it's all about the priorities.

Furitive cleaning is occurring here in Snuzzleheim. The trip is upon us, and our cat sitter is coming over tomorrow night. I'm almost finished with her socks. One leg and cuff, then to knit a matching sock-shaped sachet from the leftovers, and I'm done. I'm working on my choice of projects for the trip. I've got it narrowed down to two pairs of socks (must make copies of patterns) and this:

Lady Eleanor for Madam Mimm, in the colors she chose.

And this is for Mistress Hollywood.

Let the packing begin!!!

Hogwarts Express

My pal got her package. She described it much better than I could. You can see it on her blog. The socks were a modified Jaywalker (I decreased the number of stockinette stitches per repeat) in a hand-dyed Knitpicks Gloss. I used Saphire Blue, Chestnut and Silver. The stitch markers were small skeins of the sock yarn (and I mean tiny). She asked for Lantern Moon needles, and my LYS happened to have them in stock, how lucky! I also included a skein of STR for her to try. You know how it is, the first one's free. I'm such a enabler. I think everyone should try BMFA. Then I had some fun - wool wash, emergency hand repair kit (Burt's Bees), needlework scissors, and CHOCOLATE. All in all, I think she enjoyed it. Wonder what she's going to make with the sock yarn.

On the home front, we leave in just over 10 days to make a whirlwind tour of the southwest. Actually, we're going to Tucson for the boy's graduation. Chico to LA, LA to Tucson, Tucson to Vegas, Vegas home. A friend from work will be stopping in to check on the fuzzy mistress of the house. I'm knitting her a pair of socks as payment, she picked the yarn, and I'm designing the pattern. We were talking about it the other night, so I could design a pair she'd really enjoy. The conversation went something like 'So are you a plain or ribbed sort of gal'. One of the guys actually blushed (I know where his mind was), so I explained what I was working on. He says I'm getting off easy on paying my housesitter. Easy. Hmmmm. Yes, I did explain how long a pair of socks takes to knit. He immediately reversed his position on the subject. Easy, no. Fun, Yes.

40 Years, where did they all go?

Yep, you read correctly, 40 years. Today is in fact my 40th birthday. What will I be doing? Knitting in the comfort of my own home? Being wined and dined by my hubby? Nope. I'll be going to work tonight, which means I will be sleeping all day. I've baked 3 dozen cupcakes, which are cooling, and will be iced before I go to bed. Sugar up the nurses, it's how we live on the dark side.

I found this quiz over at M's Musings, and i've got to see what comes up.

1. Go to Wikipedia and enter your birthday without the year:
May 4

2. List 3 events that occurred that day:

1415 - Religious reformers John Wycliffe and Jan Hus were condemned as heretics at the Council of Constance.
1471 - Wars of the Roses: The Battle of Tewkesbury – Edward IV defeats a Lancastrian Army and kills Edward, Prince of Wales.
1930 - British police arrest Mahatma Gandhi and place him in Yeravda Central Prison.

3. List 2 important birthdays.

1852 - Alice Pleasance Liddell, English schoolgirl model for Alice in Wonderland (d. 1934)

1008 - King Henry I of France (d. 1060)

4. List 1 death:

• 1970 - Kent State victims:
  • Allison Krause (b. 1951)
  • Jeffrey Miller (b. 1950)
  • Sandra Scheuer (b. 1949)
  • William Schroeder (b. 1950)

5 List one holiday or observance
International No Pants Day

I married a BOY

Yes, this was apparent before the honeymoon. Proper equipment and all. But sometimes I get reminded that he is indeed a boy. Like this week...

Me (after my meeting, before going to bed): Did you eat?
Him: Yeah, I ate the last of the ham.
Me: The stuff I bought 5 days ago?
Him: Yeah, but it tasted like butter. (confused tone)
Me: Well, of course it did. It's 5 days old. My rule is 3 days in the fridge, just 3 days. (giggling)
Him: That explains the upset stomach.
Me: You did it again, didn't you? Food poisoning. (tittering)
Him: Well, I ran out last weekend, so I rationed it this time.
Me: I bought extra because you ran out. (laughing)
Him: Well, that explains why it lasted so long.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. Twenty-four hours of tummy funk, followed by another 24-48 of random gas clouds. As a nurse I should be a bit more compassionate. But that's hard to do when your married to someone who does this not once, not twice, but at least annually.

I definitely married a boy.

Sigh...

This is the foot,



For which the yarn was bought (Knitpicks Gloss in Dusk)


To knit the sock (Almost Argyle)



This is the foot that the sock fit (the colorful one - smartly dressed in Horcrux socks out of STR Fire on the Mountain)


That were to be frogged and wound by hand using my nostepinne,



Until I remembered the 'Auto-Frogger' recently purchased


To produce this ball of yarn, ready to be knit again.

Cry with me people, that sock represents a vacation's work and dedication. Good thing I'm a process knitter. Of course, this means war - or at least starting with a different pair of socks in a different yarn.

Sigh.

It's been a long weekend

Friday, my Waterlilies yarn showed up. What pretty colors!!! I'd post a picture, but my camera and I aren't exactly speaking right now. I found my package when I woke up with a fever. Bad enough to make my muscles ache from rigors. Needless to say, I called in sick to work. Night shift on the cardiac floor on the weekend is always hard to fill. But I was definitely sick.

Presently, I am knitting two pairs of socks. First is my socks out of Nodding Violets from STR. The second is my husbands Horcrux socks out of Chapman Springs from STR. Tooo loud for me, perfect for him!

I'm working on my package for my Hogwart's pal. The yarn and dye should arrive tomorrow, then I get to color my fingers before I can knit. Now to just pick a pattern....

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Ravenclaw
2. Shoe size?
7-1/2 US
3. Foot Length?
9-1/4 inches
4. Foot Circumference?
9 inches
5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a.Clover #1 short
b. Britanny #1 short
c. Knitpicks classics #0 (okay, not circular, but what I adore)
6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?

I would like to find a wooden set of size 0's shorter is better (I have small fat paws and large breastie-beasties)

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?

Book colors, please, although film colors would not be amiss.

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?

Yes

I've been busy lately

First I finished Little Bunny Doom-Doom (socks knit with the International Sock of Doom Pattern in BMFA Little Bunny Foo-Foo)



I finished my February RSC pattern, although I did it in Titania instead of Monsoon. Unfortuantely, they fit my hubby. He loves them!


I will do this pattern again, but I will resize it to fit me. How do people manage to get 8st/in?

I knit a pair of Embossed Leaf Socks (again reengineered) in BMFA Puck's Mischeif.


And I finished the baby blanket for the impending grandson, Jacob Nathaniel, who is due to make his appearance sometime in June.



I also sent his mother a Baby Viking Hat (we are of Nordic heritage, afterall)



I've also had two cortisone injections in my toes for Morton's neuroma. I do not reccommend this. Not at all happy.

Knitting Rules!!

DIY Network, April 17, 2pm, Knitty Gritty - Knitting Rules!! with our favorite Yarn Harlot. Be there. I will be.

Oh WOW!!! We Won

there was a problem on the STR site (still is, I think). W's in the subject line lead to issues with posting and replies. There was a contest to write something funny about it. My hubby helped me, along with a couple of thesauri, to write an involved couple of statements overflowing with w's. For this I win a skein of STR in Waterlilies. YIPEE!!!! Below is the post:

We wouldn’t want the waspish wights of wacky worldwide weirdness to wantonly get in the way of our wooly whistfulness by watching it wander willy-nilly into the wastelands of wayward wasted words, would we? And wheresofor as we, the wisened wordsmiths, were wondering if we could withstand the worn-out whoop-de-doo of would-be wicked whelps by writing as many W’s as we could get away with, we wound our way through the weary world of tongue-wagging warriors of technological weakness to work our way to well-being through the sheer willpower of words.

Wilhelmina, the willful wonder wallaby

Thank you BMFA. It was fun!!!

Book Rant

Dear Mssrs. Blargs and Nobodys,
When I moved to this small town in Northern California, I did not realize that you had cornered, nay seized, the market on new books. I had become spoiled by my favorite bookstores in Sonoma County, who worked diligently to provide me with my coveted reads on the day they were released. To my disapppointment, you seem to not be quite so interested in my needs/desires. Perhaps it is because you are, in fact, the only game in town. This seems to be a theme in this town. I am not enthralled by your decor, or you snobbish choices in offerings. You don't even carry the New Yorker for heaven's sake.
All I wanted was the Yarn Harlot's new book, Casts Off. I had hoped for it to be available on the day it was released. I was even willing to wait for another day if need be, seeing that we are in the sticks. Your staff informs me that they don't know when it will arrive, maybe Monday. Sadly disappointing for a national chain, don't you think? Perhaps you don't consider knitters a force to be reconned with. Perhaps you consider us a passing fad.
If I had another choice, I would purchase my books elsewhere. Maybe I should consider online from perhaps Amazing books?
Signed,
Frustrated with needles poised.

Where did you go today?

Yesterday, we rented a car and a hotel room and went to Santa Rosa.

We saw some friends who are moving to Utah.



Today, I was part of the lecture for the graduating nursing class called 'Graduate Panel'. This is where last year's grads get to pass on their pearls of wisdom to this year's bunch. I spoke for about 5 minutes about: compassion for self, help is not just a 4-letter word, you will never be alone again (except for NCLEX), and the miracle that is computerized charting. It went well. It was fun.

Then we drove home.

Before we left, I washed some socks and laid them out to dry. They were loosely blocked and lying neatly on the screen. Upon arriving home, I found that some were flat, some askew,


and someone looking fairly smug.


I forgot, she loves wool and hates us to leave. I just hope she didn't drool this time.

Mug Huggers!!!! (my first pattern)

I have figured out what to do with left over yarn. I make Mug Huggers. Sometimes I even try to make them match my socks. Here is the pattern. If you want me to email you a copy in Word format, just let me know. Sorry about the chart, apparently Blogger doesn't handle my knitting fonts. (I'll work on that)

Mug Hugger

<The Mug Hugger is a great way to use up bits of yarn left over from sock knitting. They replace the cardboard wrapper that we use on our cups of coffee from our favorite source (therefore saving trees) and help elminate the question of ‘which one is mine?’. The Mug Hugger is knit in two parts worked at the same time (the Body, and the Wedge). The wedge is the increase portion and provides a visually interesting increase pattern as well as a form hugging rib to give a bit more hug to your cup. The Body is knit in a pattern section consisting of approximately 40 stitches in a rib pattern of your choosing. The body may be knit in stockinette, but the result may not hold the cup as tightly as a rib pattern.

I use these as quick ‘Thank You’s’ and small gifts throughout the year, as well as having a basket of them wrapped on the doorside table for Holiday gifts for people who drop in around the holidays.

Project requirements:

yarn: approximately 40 yards of fingering weight sock yarn

needles: size 0 (I knit loose) or whatever size you need to get gage

gage: 6 stitches/inch, 8 rows/inch in stockinette stitch

stitch marker, scissors, tapestry needle (for hiding ends)

Wedge Instructions: (increases from 3 to 17 stiches over 32 rows)

row 1 – 4 : knit 3

row 5: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5 stitches between markers)

row 6-8: k1, (p1,k1) X2

row 9: k1, p1, yo, k1, yo, p1, k1 (7 stitches between markers)

row 10-12 : k1, p1, k3, p1, k1

row 13: k1, p1, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p1, k1 (9 stitches between markers)

row 14-16: k1, (p1, k1) to end

row 17: (k1, p1) X2, yo, k1, yo, (p1, k1) X2 (1stitches between markers)

row 18-20: (k1,p1) X2, k3, (p1,k1) x2

row 21: (k1, p1) X2, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, (p1, k1) X2 (13 stitches between markers)

row 22-24: k1, (p1,k1) to end

row 25: (k1, p1) X3, yo, k1, yo, (p1, k1) X3 (15 stitches between markers)

row 26-28: (k1, p1) X3, k3, (p1, k1) X3

row 29: (k1, p1) X3, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, (p1, k1) X3 (17 stitches between markers)

row 30-32: k1, (p1,k1) to end

Body instructions:

Choose a pattern stitch and work it over 40 stitches. The more interesting the stitch, the more interesting the hugger. Complicated cables may require a few additional stitches in the body section, just make sure that there is a ribbing involved in the stitch to pull in the excess. This can be worked in stockinette stitch for a softer effect.

To work the Mug Hugger:

Cast on 3 stiches, pm, cast on 41 stitches. Join without twisting and work in the round.

Work the Wedge pattern before the marker, and the body pattern on the rest of the stitches. Work through end of wedge pattern. Work in pattern to middle of wedge pattern and begin binding off all stitches. If no handle is desired, bind off all stitches and hide tails.

To make handle (optional):

Without breaking yarn from bind off, loop cast on 15 stitches. Pick up one stitch in the wedge at that last increase row, and knit together with last loop cast on. Turn work and purl to last stitch, pick up one stitch in bind off row and knit with last stitch. Turn work and knit to last stitch, pick up one stitch in the wedge at that last increase row and knit it with last stitch. Repeat purl and knit rows 2 more times. Bind off all stitches and hide tails

Cabled Mug Hugger: (shown in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock that Rock Carbon Dioxide)

cast on 3 stitches, pm, cast on 41 stitches. Join in without twisting. Work in round using wedge instructions before marker and Cabled Rib Stitch after marker.

Cabled Rib Stitch: Worked over 5 stitches plus one

row 1-3: (p1, k4) to within one stitch of end, p1

row 4: p1, right cable cross 2X2 (slip first two stiches to the back with a cable needle, knit next two stitch from left needle, return slipped stitches to left needle and knit), repeat to end of row, p1

repeat rows 1-4 for lenght of Hugger

Seeded Rib Mug Hugger: (shown in Knitpicks Memories Rocky Mountain)

cast on 3 stitches, pm, cast on 42 stitches. Join in without twisting. Work in round using wedge instructions before marker and Seeded Rib Stitch after marker.

Seeded Rib Stitch: worked over 6 stitches

row 1 : (k3, p3) to end

row 2 : (k1, p1) to end

repeat rows 1-2 for length of Hugger.

Wedge Chart (removed for sanity - will post again later)

Deconstuction of a Procrastinator

I've just been informed/reminded that the impending grandbaby arrives in 14 weeks. I thought I had a couple of months to got. OOPS - I do in fact have only 3 months to go. 2 1/2 if you consider the need to deliver the blanket in May for the shower. I'd best get cracking.

First, I need to finish my sweate to wear next week. And I need to make socks, lots of socks (it's a security blanket kind of thing).

Having too much fun tonight

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Got a Life??

It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, figure out whether you’ve got a life or not, and post it.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
() Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(x ) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
() AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
(x ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( x) White Oleander
() Anger Management
() 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
( x) American Pie
( x) American Pie 2
(x ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(x ) Harry Potter 1
(x ) Harry Potter 2
( x) Harry Potter 3
(x ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
() The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
( ) The Village
( x) Lilo & Stitch
(x) Finding Nemo
( x) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
( x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
(x) Robots
() Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
(x) Universal Soldier
(x ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
() Along Came Polly
(x ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
() Meet The Parents
() Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
() Joe Dirt
( x) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
( x) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(x ) Practical Magic
(x ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
(x) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
() The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
() Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x ) Sixteen Candles
( x) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
(x ) Ocean’s Eleven
(x ) Ocean’s Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(x) Ice Age
(x ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
(x ) Christine
(X) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
() Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
() Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(x ) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( x) Big Trouble in Little China
( x) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X3
(x ) Spider-Man
(x ) Spider-Man 2
( x) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( x) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
() The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
() K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
(x) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
(x ) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(x ) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(x ) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
() Elf
(x) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
(x) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(x ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( x) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix: Reloaded
(x) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(x ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

Okay, so I've seen 91 of these, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Apparently, I have no life. Does it count that I've seen most of these while knitting?

This is what happens when I get bored..

See I was trying to be patient, but it didn't work. Yes, I had plenty of yarn to play with, but that's beside the point. I'd been thinking about this for a while. So I just did it yesterday. I got inked (again)....


It is my own drawing, inspired by Goddess Knits on Cafe Press. The work was done by the legendary Bill Loika. I was lucky to get him. It is still a bit inflamed and sore, but at least it's not oozing anymore. I'll get a better photo of it in a couple of weeks, once it heals completely.

Oh and by the way, Rockin' Sock Club arrived today. I got my chores done, so now I get to play. Yipeeeee!

Still Waiting

Breathlessly waiting for STR shipment. STOP. Knitting other sox for now. STOP. Must get relief. STOP.

Yours,
Squirrel

It's going to be a long night

I woke up early today. Normally, I sleep from 8:30am to 5:00 pm on work days. It is important to me that I be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for my shift as a night cardiac nurse. Today I woke up at 3pm, dreaming of a code on one of my patients. I hate that. The whole adrenaline surge - you're not getting out of this - cold sweat dreams. Full color, full sensory, full sleep debt. I'm awake now, no chance of going back to sleep. Oh, well, I guess it's time to knit. At least until I have to get ready for work.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know...

The colors of STR in the picture in the previous post are:
Back row (L to R)
Titania - mine
Downpour - hubby's
Stormy Weather - hubby's
Tide Pool - mine
Bleeding Hearts - mine
Nodding Violets - mine
Fire on the Mountain - hubby's (yes, he chose this. I was surprised until he reminded me of some of his other fashion 'victories')
Front Row (L to Rback, R front)
Little Bunny Foo Foo - mine
Chapman Springs - mine
Midsummer Night - mine

Off in the upper corner is Lorna's Laces in Purple Club.

Not seen are the kit for the Viking Baby hat (grey/brown/white) and the kit for the Nuts About Squirrels (in dark/light pink with a purple tail).

All will be knit with Knipicks Classic circulars in size 0. I have to go down several sizes, as I am apparently a 'loose' knitter.

Yarngasm photos

Here are the book/pattern/kits I bought:
And then there is the yarn. Ten skeins of Socks that Rock.
I knit the Baby Viking Hat last night. Too cute. Little Bunny Foo Foo is ready to be knit - wound it into a ball today. I think Sock of Doom pattern will look nice, show of the colors well.

I should go get ready for work.

Yarngasm!!!!!!

I went to Stitches West today. If you live in the Bay Area, RUN - do not walk - to Santa Clara. OMG!!!! Again I could have spent over $1000 easily. Fortunately, I had a budget, and well that is plenty for now.

I bought books and patterns and kits (Oh My!!). and I bought yarn. Socks that Rock to be exact. Ten skeins. Yummy!! Now I just need to decide which one to knit first....

Photos to come later, Blogger seem be having issues.

Previous posts moved over

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Where the Wild things are

Used to be that 7 days off was a vacation. How about 8? We took advantage of the time off over Thanksgiving and went to Vancouver, Wa to see some friends who moved there two years ago, and have since procreated and married eachother.

So, of course, while we were there we gamed!!!

Where the wild things play: (Note the yarn among the dice - I'll post those later)



Where the wild thing sleeps: (Looks uncomfortable, to say the least).

Friday, November 17, 2006

Just for fun

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com Take this quiz! Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

posted by Mikki @ 12:19 AM