skittermagoo!

Off-kilter, yarnventory, and a spindy experiment December 31, 2004

My circadian rhythym is all messed up today, because I not only didn’t sleep well AT ALL last night, but then I got up at 5:30am, which is way way way before I was ready to wake up (I had just gotten to sleep finally around 4:00).

Why, oh why did I do this?

Here’s why:

It was the annual pre-inventory sale at my favorite LYS. Doors opened at 8am, and from 8-12, all yarn (except the clearance rack) was 30% off. And we had heard rumors that if you were among the first 40 people in line, you got an additional 10% discount! So a bunch of us (Aubyn, Lara, NanC, Petra, Angi, Kathy and myself) planned to meet up there at 6:30 to get a crack at 40% off. Lara arrived first and set up camp, and Aubyn and I soon joined her. At 6:30, there were already about 45 people in line!! Anyway, we did get the extra 10%, and at 8:00 the doors opened and the mad rush (seen above, sort of) began. I didn’t even try to get over to the Noro. Actually, the only thing I really really wanted was enough Cascade 220 to make Rogue. I got it, but unfortunately the Cascade is in the same area as the Debbie Bliss, and I almost got trampled!!

I also bought some sock yarn (big surprise there . . . )

Speaking of sock yarn, I also have a story about what I did yesterday. Here’s how it started: I bought some roving to use to learn how to spin on my new drop spindle, and when I went to stow the bag o’ roving in my side of the hobby closet, it wouldn’t fit. Anywhere. So, I decided it was about time to organize my yarn anyway, and pulled all the yarn out and onto the floor to sort it. And I figured that while I had it all out and was organizing, I may as well give in to my OCD tendency and inventory it all. Crazy, I know, but I did it anyway.

And discovered that I had enough sock yarn to make 27 pairs of handknit socks. (yes, you read that right). I have no idea how that happened, really. But I know what I’ll be knitting a lot of in the coming year!

So what did I do today? Yeah. I bought more sock yarn. I must be stopped.

Okay, so to distract you from that ridiculous amount of sock yarn, I give you this (which I started before the yarnventory, so I didn’t count it):

Hmmmmm. I’m not sure what I think of these yet. It’s always sort of a crapshoot with patterned sock yarn to see how it’s going to pattern when knit up, and this one doesn’t really excite me at all. But I was too far into it to go back when I saw what was happening. Not sure if you can see the line of waste yarn or not in there, but this will be my first attempt at an afterthought heel.

Okay, the other exciting thing is that the yarn that I made the other day? I washed it and let it dry to set the twist!

Oh, yes, it is ugly, and very uneven (I actually have portions that are overspun and are curling back on themselves), but the parts that are even are about the same thickness of Noro Kureyon. This is out of the least appealing color (to me) from the pack I bought for practice; I don’t remember where it came from, but I do know that it is Corriedale. I think I spent about an hour and a half (?), and the estimated yardage? Five. Whole. Yards. I hope I get better at this drop spindle thing!

I’m trying to decide what to do with this first effort. Maybe a very very (very) small bookmark?

Oh, and I almost forgot! Happy New Year, y’all!

Spindle-rific! December 29, 2004

OK, so I finally got around to taking pictures of the drop spindle Hub gave me for Xmas:

Reclining on laptop . . .

And a close-up of the whorl:

Isn’t she purty? I think so!

And look what arrived for me today via UPS!

A big pack of roving from some online store . . . wish I cold remember the site! Anyway I think I googled “wool roving” and picked one of the first few hits. So much for choosy, eh? Well, I didn’t really know what I was doing, I just wanted something to learn with.

And of course I couldn’t resist jumping right in and trying to spin. “Trying” being the operative word. I used the little badly-photocopied instruction book that came packaged with Spindy, and went for it with the least appealing color in the Bag O’ Roving.

It’s really uneven, totally overtwisted in some places and fuzzy and slubby and ew, but it’s yarn, and I made it! Wheep!

I fully realize that it’s only a matter of time before I break down and buy a spinning wheel. Scary.

Bandwagon, anyone?

In lieu of actual photos of actual knitting, etc, going on in my household, I thought I’d give a tiny little preview of The Year In Review (more to come later, I’m sure). I saw it first over at Margene’s place:

Favorite needles of 2004
Ohhh, it depends! I adore my Denise Interchangeables, and my Clover bamboo circs. And for socks, the long Addi turbos. Basically, anything except aluminum or straights.

Favorite online shop of 2004
Hmmm. I’m lucky enough to have a couple of great LYSes nearby, so I don’t do a lot of online shopping (yet). The only place I can think that I’ve bought yarn online is eBay.

Favorite finished object and KAL of 2004
Tricot, on both counts. My first KAL, and my first finished sweater, how can you go wrong!?

Favorite exciting new technique of 2004
Knitting! Everything else falls under that umbrella.

Okie dokie, I’m off to go have a “ladies’ day” with my mom and one of our dear friends from my childhood! See y’all tonight!

Happy, um, Festivus!? December 26, 2004

Ahhh, Festivus. The holiday for the rest of us. That cracks me up every time.

We did not have a metal pole, nor did we air grievances or play games of strength. But in a way we did celebrate Festivus by not giving in to the many familial requests to go here, there, everywhere (which usually results in our holiday being basically ruined).

Here’s what we did do: Xmas eve Hub and I went to my parents’ house to hang out with them and my stepsister and her family (husband and two daughters). Much food was eaten, we watched a Bill Cosby DVD (an old standup routine; long and not very 8-year-old appropriate, actually), and then exchanged presents. I had made a very quick pink fun fur scarf for my 8-year-old niece, not realizing what a hit it would be . . . now I need to make two more. One for my stepsister and one for my 19-year-old niece! Argh.

We came home on Xmas eve, and on Xmas morning I woke up early to cook some sweet potatoes and some corn casserole to take to Hub’s mom’s house. We packed up around 10 and went, so that we’d have time to do the gift thing before the rest of the big family arrived. Another fun fur scarf for the niece on this side, and again, a big hit . . . who knew!? Anyway, now Hub’s mom wants one.

Again, came home, and I opened my giftie from Hub . . . a bee-yoo-tiful drop spindle which has yet to be photographed (soon, my pets, soon). His gift from me is still being shipped. Grrr.

And then there’s today. We slept in, then went to the gym after breakfast (how good are we?!). Then to the bookstore to spend our gift cards!

Now, home and thinking about dinner . . . and also thinking about how I’m off work all next week, so I’ll have time to do a whole lot of nothing but knitting non-funfur-scarflike objects! I think I may start on the flame sweater for Hub out of Stitch-n-Bitch Nation.

Sorry for the lack of links and photos, y’all. Just that kind of a lazy day!

Xmas eve-eve December 23, 2004

Happy Christmas Eve Eve, y’all! That’s what my pseudo-sister and I used to call the day/night before Xmas Eve when we were kids . . .

I just finished wrapping the last gift, and am just getting ready to do a little prep cooking for stuff I am taking to Hub’s Mom’s house on Saturday. Tomorrow we spend the afternoon/evening with my family. I’m so glad we were able to keep the holiday relatively simple this year — one day with each family, and we’re done. Whew! (This is in contrast to past years, in which we’ve put over 400 miles on the car in two days without ever leaving the DFW metroplex).

The other good news is that I’m on vacation until January 3, which means lots and lots of knitting time for lil’ ol’ ME!

(insert clever winter weather segue here . . . I couldn’t think of one)

And, yesterday, we got snow! SNOW!!! This is quite a rarity . . . and to think that it was 66 degrees just the day before (that’s typical, actually). Okay, so it’s only a dusting — about an inch total — but for Big D, this is a Weather Event. If you live in an area that is covered in white from Nov-Apr like we used to, feel free to hit.

My view from the balcony — through the patio door.

The last time it snowed here was Feb 14, 2003 . . . which was the day I started knitting!

In other randomness, does anyone know what a “chock” is? This was spotted on the back of a cable TV truck in traffic a week ago:

I’m assuming it’s some sort of safety device (reading for context), but !!??

More super-secret stuff December 21, 2004

Yeah, I am. Knitting last-minute gifts, that is. Crazy. And I can’t even show you any progress because of possible blog snooping . . . but the recipient of the current one won’t know what it means if I tell you I’m attempting to whip up a quick Airy Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. In Rowan Kidsilk Haze. Which is beautiful, but oh so much like furry dental floss. And I say “attempting” because I’m on my third go right now — I had to rip out the first two because I lost a stitch somewhere and couldn’t find it because of the fuzz. Ah, the fuzz. Which flies around and ends up in ones respiratory passages (plural).

I knew there was a reason I don’t really like mohair.

Oh, and I’m using possibly very inappropriate bamboo circs, which have a dull point which makes executing a k2tog very, ahem, challenging. But I’m too far along to change to pointier needles (I’m afraid it might affect my gauge).

I promise to show you a photo when it’s done and gifted. If it gets done and gifted.

Otherwise, it’s the normal holiday rush around here, though I’m trying hard not to get pulled into it all. I still have a gift or two to buy, and grocery shopping to do (as always). And laundry, etc, etc. Oh, and it’s Book Club tomorrow — it’s my month, so I have books to giftwrap (a big hand gesture to whoever set that precedent) and a lunch venue to decide on. The lucky thing is that tomorrow is a half day for me at work, and after tomorrow morning I’m on holiday until Jan. 3! Yippee!

Tales from the Gym (part 1?) December 20, 2004

I did a good thing today . . . a good thing for ME! Instead of leaving work and coming home and sitting dozing off on the sofa until Hub got home, I did this:

4:00pm – leave lab, go straight to ladies’ room
4:10pm – emerge from ladies’ room wearing gym attire (sweatpants, t-shirt, sneakers, iPod)
4:20pm – arrive at car, drive directly to gym
4:30pm – arrive at gym, 30 min cardio (more on that momentarily)
5:05pm – leave gym (face red, much sweat)
5:15pm – arrive home. Jump into tepid shower.
5:30pm – end shower, blowdry hair
5:43pm – self-satisfied blog entry begins. Hub not yet arrived home.

This was an experiment of sorts: I wanted to see a) how crowded the gym is around 4/4:30 when I leave work and b) if I could make myself go straight there and not whinge out on it with some lame excuse. This is all part of a concerted effort to eat healthier and actually using the gym membership that Hub and I pay (exorbitantly) for every month.

Yeah, I know, you can say it . . . I certainly have been thinking it: What The Hell Am I Thinking Starting A New Diet/Exercise Thing During The Week Before Christmas??!!??!! Well. The timing might not be ideal, but I figure it’s now or never. And really, I started a month or so ago, in fits and starts. I figured maybe if I blog about it, I will hold myself more accountable, and actually follow through this time. Oh, and I’m also really, really, reallyreallyreally inspired by Rachael becoming a runner and running a marathon. So yeah, the week before Christmas.

ANYway, have y’all ever used this cardio machine at the gym called a “Precor EFX CrossRamp” or somesuch? Pure. Unadulterated. Torture. I usually use the elliptical trainer, but they were all full, so I tried this thing. It’s like a cross between a cross country ski machine, a stairclimber, an elliptical trainer, and an iron maiden. Not the band, the medieval torture device. 5 minutes on this thing, and I thought I was going to die. But I didn’t — I stayed on for 35 minutes; the only thing that kept me going was my new little iPod friend.

OK, enough about the gym torture (at least until next time, on Wednesday). I’ve been doing a ton of mindless gifty knitting, under the very false assumption that I will actually be able to knock out a couple more gifts. I was lulled into this false sense of knitterity by the Fun Fur scarf that I knit for my niece on Friday night while Hub and I watched the extended DVD version of Return of the King. Yes, that’s right, I knit a whole scarf during one movie!! Okay, so it was a whopping four hours worth of movie, but still. So on Saturday I rushed right out to buy more fun fur to make a couple more. Right now I’m about half a skein from finishing the second one (after the movie one, that is), and I’m losing momentum. Not that it’s not a quick knit, but I’m kind of sick of this wispy fluffy stuff. Anyway.

In other news, I think Santa might be bringing me a drop spindle. Does anyone have a good source for maybe a sampler pack of roving suitable for a rank beginner spinner?

Bad blogger! December 14, 2004

Yep, that’s me. I’ve been a very bad blogger lately . . . no interesting posts, no pictures, nope. I’ll be surprised if anyone actually visits ol’ skittermagoo anymore! Can I use the impending holidays as an excuse?

Well, hopefully I will make up for it a bit today — I have photos of the secret coworker projects to show, and everything!

But first things first . . .

Santa came to my house a bit early this year, at least for me. Amazing, since you know that if I didn’t have the energy/time to blog, I certainly didn’t have time to make cookies and prepare carrots for Rudolph. Anyway, wanna see what he (actually, the FedEx guy) brought me?

Yep, am I a lucky girl, or what? And just because I’m so excited about this new toy, here’s a gratuitous photo of the initial charge-up:

I already had quite an iTunes library built up, so within the first 12 hours I already had almost 1000 songs loaded on. And my big multitasking plan is to load some audiobooks to listen to while I knit. Yay!

Bonus! Actual knitting content!

Yeah, I’ve been knitting. Mostly on those super-secret projects that are finally gifted. But I also did a bit of work on my niece’s ribbon poncho:

Yes, that’s right, folks. Frogged into a nice pile of yarncakes, courtesy of my handy-dandy ballwinder. This is that Lion Brand Incredible yarn, and I have to say, it is incredible. Incredibly annoying. It was a bitch to knit, and it hung like a limp rag once it was done. So the yarn was donated to my friend Angi, who likes to crochet. Hopefully it will be nicer crocheted than it was knit.

And finally (drumroll please), some Super Secret Stuff!

Some of y’all may remember that a month ago I was in Houston, tricking my coworkers into buying me yarn? Well, the results of that fateful yarn trip were gifted today, woohoo!

First up is Dorit . . . she wanted me to make her a “ski hat with earflaps, red with white stripe, and a tie”. She picked out a gorgeous shade of red Rowan Big Wool, and winter-white Big Wool Tuft.

Here she is opening her giftie:

At this point it was a bit touch-and-go . . . she kinda looks like she’s thinking, “What the HELL is this?”. (notice that I didnt’ crop the picture . . . I wanted y’all to see the cool sciencey lab I work in — it’s kind of like CSI. But not really)

Okay, so I was sweating it a bit, but turns out she loves it! Just the thing she wanted, and she graciously modeled it before running off to the bathroom to see what it looked like for herself.

A sidenote: I brought the hat with me to Stitch-n-Bitch on Sunday, where it was declared “cute”. Several SnBers tried it on, and the photographer from the newspaper who was there (along with a reporter!) took at least one photo. So the Big Red Hat may end up in the Dallas Morning News! (I’ll keep you posted)

And next was my pet favorite project of the last month . . . the Wildfoote Socks (also red). These were for Laurie, who, when I offered to make hats for both coworkers, sweetly asked me if I might be persuaded to make socks instead (she’s not a hat person). She had no idea how much I lurrrrve knitting socks!

Here’s the reveal, as well as a modeling shot (both are a little blurry, so sorry!)

I never knew a non-knitter could be so thrilled and happy over handknit socks!

Big fun all around! Let’s just not talk about the rest of the holiday knitting, ok?

Ooh, and I almost forgot to clarify about the reporter thing! I got an email last week from a reporter at the Morning News wanting to know if she could do a story about the Dallas SnB group. Could she?!?! Of course!!! So she came to the SnB on Sunday (we had a record crowd, BTW; I think it was around 35 knitters, including a BOY), and stayed the whole time, and was super nice and talked to almost everyone. And there was a photographer, too. So. If/When the story runs, I will personally send everyone I know a copy of the article.

Who knew that a tiny little post on craftster would turn into a real live Stitch-n-Bitch that would get written up in the Stitch-n-Bitch Nation book, and in the newspaper, and, and, and! Sigh.

Winter Knitty! December 6, 2004

Hey all you cats and kittens, there’s a new knitty out!

I have to admit I haven’t actually had a chance to look at it yet, because I’m wading through the weekend’s blog updates (because I spent my weekend spending way too much money on even more sock yarn and working on the secret socks). But, I know what I’m doing on my lunch hour today!

OMG OMG It’s my SP3!!!!! December 3, 2004

I just got an amazon gift certificate and the reveal from my Secret Pal!

And who is the super pally-o who has been spoiling me to death these last months with Koigu and Silk Garden and toys, oh my?!?!

It’s none other than . . . . (drumroll please . . . . )

Nathania (of Purls Beyond Price)

!!!

Thank you, Nathania, for being such a fabulous, fun, and generous secret pal!

She probably doesn’t even know that I’ve become a loyal and habitual reader of her blog, since I haven’t updated my link list in so long. I’ve been following her exploits in Italy and such for some time now, with absolutely no clue that she was my Secret Pal! She’s a sneaky one, that Nathania (in a good way, of course).

Oooo, I’m just grinning with how cool it is, this Secret Pal Reveal thingy!

Okay, I’m off to go tell MY SP3 recipient who I am! Hee!