Jacqui Knits

Confession: I'd rather burn a book than our flag.

2011-05-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

This may very well be the most controversial blog post I have ever written.

Contrary to what most people assume, I do not hold books sacred. Working in a library for years has cured me of that ailment. In fact, I believe some of them should be thown out or recycled periodically.

Now that you've closed your dropped jaw and picked yourself up off of the floor and before you start citing Farenheit 451, let me explain. I love knowledge, exploration, and stories. But I do not hold every printed and bound piece of these ideals dear simply because it exists as a book. Many outdated, dusty, moldy books exist on our bookshelves, and I am not merely referring to their physical condition. It is not our responsibility to be the custodian of all books, but to maintain and share the best most relevant books, just as only the most accurate scientific theories stand the test of time. That is why I loved the following blog entry from a school librarian. She provides a much more comprehensive and eloquent perspective than mine as she reponds to the perennial exclamation: "I Can't Believe You're Throwing Out Books!"

Pattern Release: Waffling Hat

2011-03-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Finally, a new pattern! The Waffling Hat was released into the wild today. It is always gratifying to finish a project as involved and detail oriented as releasing a self-published knitting pattern, but even more so when the design holds sentimental value. Sentimental value may be taking it a bit far, but this hat embodies my first design inspiration from almost exactly two years ago. Since the idea's inception, I have tweaked, enhanced, and improved the design a lot, and I am very proud to present the finished product.

Sizes: S/M (to fit 19-20.5” head), (M/L (to fit a 20.5-22” head), L/XL (to fit a 22.5-24” head))

Gauge: 16 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in thermal pattern
Skills needed to knit this pattern: knit, purl, work in the round, Kf&b, k2tog, p2tog, pick up stitches (optional based on brim style choice), yo (optional based on brim style choice)
Materials:
1 (1, 2) skeins of Malabrigo Yarn Worsted Merino (210yd/192m to 100g/3.53 oz.) or 150 (180, 230) yards of worsted weight yarn.
US 6 16” (4 mm 40 cm ) circular needle or needle about two sizes smaller than size needed to obtain gauge
US 8 16 “ (5 mm 40 cm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge
US 8 (5 mm) dpns or size needed to obtain gauge

1 stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round

1 safety pin or removable stitch marker (optional)
1 button approx. 1” in diameter (optional based on brim choice)
tapestry needle
Waste yarn (optional based on brim choice)

It's hard for me to choose a favorite element of this design. Is it the button?

Is it the squooshy* yet organic texture of the waffle stitch?

Is it the customizable brim?

It would be delightful to hear what you love about the design. Comment here or on ravelry to let me know!

Math4Knitters Podcast and a Sneak Peak

2011-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I last blogged. I've been very busy with work, friends and family, and moving. I guess it's just life in general, but I've let it consume me and I've spent decidedly less time knitting and zero time blogging. However, now I have some fun and exciting news to report. This past week I was interviewed by Lara of the podcast Math4Knitters. We chatted about my burgeoning designing, specifically Hestia and its unique sizing and construction. The show will air on Sunday February 27, so you can catch it then or anytime after that on Lara's website. Lara was lovely to chat with, and it was so very flattering for my designs to be noticed.

Knitting-wise, I've been in a gift knitting and finishing fog lately, and I couldn't find the brainpower to write up or properly photograph my newest design. Luckily something clicked last weekend and I am in the groove again. Here's a sneak peak at what I'm working on now:

It's hard to tell from this sneaky shot, but this is a beret in a cozy thermal or waffle stitch. Yes, eagle-eyed knitters, that is a buttonhole in the brim! This design will be the perfect opportunity to showcase a special button, so break out the stash and get ready!

I'm also working up a beanie and a slouch version of this hat, as well as coordinating mitts and an infinty scarf. If all goes well these patterns will be available both individually and as an e-book in the next 4 weeks.

2010-11-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

I'm having a Cyber Monday sale on my pattern Hestia! It is 20% off today, Monday November 29 and Tuesday November 30 with the coupon code "cybersale"

That's all the news I've got now--I haven't been knitting much due to a minor hand injury, and I'm way behind on my photography due to never being home during the daylight! I hope to make up for that this week. At least the knitting. Unless I do some early morning photo shoots I may not have time to photograph things until Sunday.

I hope everyone celebrating Thanksgiving had a warm, delicious, love-filled holiday. I know I did!

Look Who's Blocking...

2010-11-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

My High Line Shawl! I admit to wearing this a few times before blocking.

In fact, I put it on immediately after I cast off the final stitch and wore it while I added fringe! It is so cozy, and I cannot wait for it to dry so I can wear it again!

The Importance of a Name

2010-11-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

Juliet may have said That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 2.2), but I have to say that in the case of knitting patterns, I do not agree.

A name is your first impression. It may draw you in or repel you. It may intrigue you or disgust you. Ok, disgust may be taking it a bit far, but I admit to being one of those knitters who may be inclined to buy a pattern simply if I like its name or the story behind it. Silly, I know, but I find myself driven to satisfy the same kind of knitter/customer that I myself embody, so while I was completely in love with my new plaid shawl pattern, it felt incomplete without a name.

Being that the showcase of this shawl is the plaid, I knew I could either go the prep route or the punk route for my name inspiration. I threw around a few ideas, but nothing really stuck out as a winner or sang to me in any way. A knitting friend from Angelfire Studios gave me some advice, and I started googling, listening to lots of The Clash, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Patti Smith, and reading up on the stories behind the songs. Still, it was my lovely sister Sarah who led me to Sheena is a Punk Rocker

Well the kids are all hopped up and ready to go
They're ready to go now

They've got their surfboards

And they're going to the discotheque a go go
But she just couldn't stay
She had to break away
Well New York City really has it all
Oh yeah, oh yeah

Sheena is a punk rocker
Sheena is a punk rocker
Sheena is a punk rocker now
Sheena is a punk rocker

The lyrics really spoke to me. Simple as they are, they embody what punk rock meant to me, especially in high school. It's the perfect escape--just like knitting a great shawl. And couldn't you totally see Sheena rocking this one?

The pattern is now with some wonderful test knitters, and I hope to have it ready for release in approximately 3 weeks. I knit this sample in two colors of Malabrigo Sock, Black and Indiecita, and a size US 5 needle. More details are on my ravelry project page, and more information will be available upon the pattern's release.

Finally Featherweight

2010-11-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to knit Hannah Fettig's Featherweight Cardigan pretty much ever since the patten was released. I knew that this would be just the perfect little cardigan to throw on over anything and class up almost any outfit. I couldn't knit such a staple wardrobe piece in just any yarn, now could I? Perhaps this is why it took me a year and a half to choose the best possible yarn for the project. I changed my mind a few times, as I am apt to do, and finally decided that it was just not the time for me to knit Featherweight. Then one day in September I suddenly had a craving for a yellow/orange sweater. Instead of buying one like a normal person, I set out to find the best yellow-orange yarn for my skin tone and knit a sweater. After settling on Madelinetosh tosh lace in Warm Maize, I instantly knew that the yarn needed to become a Featherweight Cardigan.

Pattern: Featherweight Cardigan
Yarn: Madelinetosh tosh lace in Warm Maize
Needles: US 5
Modifications: I lengthened the body by about 4 inches but knit everything else according to the pattern--even the rolled stockinette collar that so many have modified.

I think the most amazing thing about this pattern is that I managed to knit it from one single skein of yarn! Sure, that yarn happens to have 950 yards per skein, but I still expected to dip into the second one.

At first I foolishly tried to photograph this sweater by myself, and as you can see from the above shots, that didn't work out very well. Luckily I managed to catch my mom one day when we were both available during the waning daylight hours for proper outdoor photos. No more dreaded mirror shots!

Another Hestia

2010-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

After I wrote the pattern for Hestia and knit my original sample in tosh sock, I decided to test out another yarn, Malabrigo Sock. I intended to use my sister Sarah as a model for this pattern, so I knit a smaller size than the one I would want for myself. However, Sarah went to Ireland in August and hasn't come home yet. I decided to put on the sweater I knit for her, and even though it's kind of too small, I still enjoyed wearing it. If I lose a few more pounds, this sweater will permanently become mine. Sorry, Sarah!

Pattern: Hestia by Jacquelyn Ridzy (me!)

Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Impressionist Sky

Needles: US 6

While Malabrigo Sock does create a very soft, light fabric, I think I prefer a slightly thicker yarn like tosh sock for this pattern.

If you have knit this pattern, I'd love to feature you on my blog! Email me photos and tell me about the yarn you used. I'll feature you in a special blog post!

New Pattern: Hestia

2010-11-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

The idea for this design was born nearly a year ago when my LYS Angelfire Studios received its first shipment of Madelinetosh tosh sock. I was completely taken by the colorway Turquoise (shown above) and I knew I had to make it into a cozy flyaway cardigan to show off the tonal variegation of the yarn, keep me warm but not boiling, and add another gorgeous layer that will work with almost any outfit. I couldn't find a pattern for what I wanted, so I set off to write my own. After a lot of ripping, reknitting, testing, and perfecting, I have a garment and pattern that I am proud to share.

Hestia can be worn so many different ways: open, belted, pinned, tied...your imagination is the limit. I've worn mine so many times since I finished knitting it nearly 3 months ago. It has quickly become my favorite cardigan.

Hestia is for sale on ravelry.com.

Materials: 3 (4, 4, 4, 5) skeins of Madelinetosh tosh sock or 1100 (1250, 1380, 1500, 1700) yards of fingering weight yarn

US 6 40” or longer circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge

US 5 circular needle or double pointed needles or needles one or two sizes smaller than those needed to obtain gauge
US 6 double pointed needles
2 stitch markers (at least one should be removable)

Gauge: 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in blocked stockinette stitch using larger needles
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) with a measurement of 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inch back width (between armhole seams).

Clover Shawl

2010-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

It's not often that a knitter receives hand knit gifts herself. I guess people assume, well, she can make it herself! Although I do make myself plenty of beautiful knits, it still tickles me to receive a gorgeous item that I didn't have to make. It's sort of like cooking. Sure, you may love it, and you may enjoy knowing exactly what you're eating, and you may take pleasure in serving yourself and your loved ones. But isn't it delightful to sit down and indulge in a meal that someone else lovingly prepared just for you?

J, E, Jacqui in Clover Shawl, AM, and AC at a friend's wedding

In the above picture, I'm wearing the The Clovers, a shawl knit for me by Tricia, sfcorgi on ravelry. I suppose this shawl was more of a prize than a gift. I won it in Tricia's auction to raise money for the susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for breast cancer that she did this fall. I am so happy that I was able to contribute to this cause. Hopefully someday there will be a cure for this disease that touches so many of us, but until then early detection is our best defense. In fact, that is the key that saved two of my online knitting buddies, Katie and Stephanie. This past year the two of them, both in their late 20s and early 30s (the same ages as the women pictured above), beat breast cancer that they discovered early on by doing self exams. Tricia's Susan G. Komen 3 Day fundraising page is here. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made until November 1.

Book Review: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

2010-10-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

As much as I enjoyed this book, I just did not understand it. I am slightly embarassed to admit this. I'm an intelligent young woman. I majored in English, and it was always my best subject. There is very little that has left me scratching my head.

This book started off intriguing and wonderful. People often say that food is "made with love," but what if you could really taste the emotions that were coursing through the chef's psyche as he or she prepared your food? Nine year old Rose develops this mystical skill on her birthday. Instead of tasting fresh lemon and chocolate in the birthday cake her mother bakes her, she tastes insecurity and desperation.

As teenagers or adults we realize that our parents are flawed. Imagine discovering their true feelings, imperfections, and secret affairs when you are an innocent child. These complex plot points are augmented by author Aimee Bender's lyrical prose. I could actually taste the foods and emotions along with young Rose. However, the plot veered more from magical realism to weirdness, for lack of a more technical term. Rose's older brother has mystical secrets of his own, which completely tear the already detached family apart. I trusted the trajectory of the story and expected some sort of explanation or insight to wash over me, but I just did not understand the ending. Bender obviously tried to compare Rose's extraordinary taste to her brother's strange detachment, but I just couldn't wrap my brain around the analogy. If you've read this book and you have a more salient idea about the meaning of this, can you clue me in?

Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

For me pumpkin pie is completely hit or miss. I've had some that was not so good and some that was great. Given my recent obsession with roasting pumpkins, it is only natural that I'd attempt to make my own pie, even though I've never done it before. I started off by roasting two small sugar pumpkins (why make one pie when you can make two?) and pureeing the flesh in a food processor. I modified this recipe from Spiced Pumpkin Pie from allrecipes.com to create this healthy, delicious desert. I didn't know pumpkin pie could be this good...I am never using canned pumpkin again. The quantities I've given are for two pies, so just half them for one pie. Most of the substitutions I made were purely due to availability (I ran out of pumpkin pie spice and I forgot to buy brown sugar) except for the milk--I am lactose intolerant, and the almond milk worked well.

Spiced Pumpkin Pie
makes 2
4 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
12 fluid ounces of almond milk
2 9 inch unbaked pie crusts

1. Preheat oven to 35o degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium bowl mix together the pumpkin, egg subsitute, sugar, molasses, spices, and almond milk.
3. Pour half of the pumpkin pie mixture into each of the pie crusts. Bake in the preheated oven for about 80 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

The five spice powder gives it an interesting complexity. If you use evaporated milk like the original recipe calls for, you may want to double the amount because it is so much thicker than almond milk. Try the recipe and let me know what you think!

Sneak Peak and Good Wishes

2010-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 20th Birthday on the 20th, Sarah! I hope this day is just perfect! I know you'll like the colors in the knitting photo below, and for now that's all you're getting!

I haven't been doing much knitting lately. Actually, I guess I should say that I haven't finished many knitting projects recently. I've been working on so many different things, knitting and otherwise, that I just haven't been able to focus and dedicate myself to getting anything done.

The photo on the right is a sneak peek of a project that is almost finished. I have so many "almost finished" items lying around, and I plan to finish and share them soon!

Book Review: One Day

2010-10-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Even at quite a young age, I loved When Harry Met Sally. I loved the idea that two people can dance in and out of each others' lives as acquaintances, friends, lovers, and enemies, and maybe, just maybe, end up together. The easiest way to describe One Day by David Nicholls is to say that it's a British version of the Nora Ephron modern classic that spans 20 years yet only looks at one day per year of these two star-crossed friends' lives. But that would be doing this novel a disservice. One Day is not only a story of two friends, but also the story of how each individual overcomes personal demons and comes into his or her own. Sometimes the arc of their lives intersect, sometimes they do not.

Emma and Dexter meet on the day of the college graduation in 1988. They both feel an attraction towards each other, but their lives are quickly moving in two very different directions, so they choose to remain friends instead of embarking on a surely doomed relationship. Emma, a distinguished scholar, ends up working in a tacky Mexican restaurant for years instead of unleashing the political literary guru inside her. Is she stuck in this dead-end job because of the recession as she proclaims, or is Emma herself lacking in talent or determination? Dexter, a mediocre student, launches on a world tour only to fall into a lucrative yet short lived career as a television personality upon his return to England. Will he remain an overnight sensation or will his hardpartying and womanizing ways be his downfall? This is only the beginning of each of their lives. Peppered with nostalgic pop culture references, Emma and Dexter experience 20 years of personal growth, failure, career changes, and life changing events, all while remaining a part of each others' lives. While a bit archetypal and predictable at times, I found both Em and Dex's journeys to be entertaining, and their interactions so very real.

Verdict: One might think that 20 years of will-they or won't-they would get boring, but Nicholls' storytelling device of revealing only the events of July 15 of each year kept me turning pages, often in frustration over a missed encounter or the rabid desire to read more about Em and Dex's sexually frustrating trip to Greece. Don't expect a stuffy literary masterpiece when you pick up this novel, but do expect to be completely absorbed and invested in the events and outcome of this lifelong friendship. And if that's not enough to convince you to read, a film version starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess is slated to be released in 2011.

Ruffle My Feathers

2010-10-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to photographing this beautiful shawl that I knit when our summer days were just turning into fall. Ruffle My Feathers by Caryl Pierre is a fun, fast knit. I just love the squishy garter stitch, the practical shape, and the girly ruffles that adorn the border. I definitely need to make another one of these. Although this shawl would make the perfect gift, I know I'd have a hard time giving it away. I only blocked the shawl lightly, and now that I look at the above photo I think that it might benefit from a slightly harder blocking to make the ruffles cascade a bit more smoothly. The merino/cashmere/nylon blend of this yarn is so so soft, I think that would show it off a bit more.

I love how the shawl sits squarely on your shoulders. I wore this all day last Thursday at work, where I ran around setting up and hosting library programs for 7 hours straight. No need to adjust my shawl at all. It kept me warm in our cold program room, but not so hot that I needed to strip off layers as I lugged a huge, unwieldly flip chart, podium, and karaoke machine into the room and then back out (don't ask).

Part of my photography delay (I finished the shawl a full month ago) was due to wardrobe issues. I absolutely love the color of the yarn I chose for this shawl. Brown and pink is one of my favorite color combos, and this pattern highlights a slightly variegated yarn beautifully. However, most of my clothes are blue, green, and black. All of the pink and most of the brown I have is much warmer than the tones in this yarn. This outfit was a serendipitious find in my closet. I was searching for a warmish skirt to wear with my new brown boots, and Eureka! This outfit matches my shawl perfectly too! I have since located another brown shirt that I can wear with my Ruffle. What other colors can I wear with this?

Project Specs for Knitters:
Pattern: Ruffle My Feathers by Caryl Pierre of Caryl Style (karako17 on ravelry)
Yarn: Lotus Yarns Chakra in colorway Jayne Mansfield
Needles: US 7

Caryl is having a 15% off sale on all of her patterns purchased through ravelry this month with the coupon code "stockpile." It's a great time to buy patterns to knit for holiday gifts!

Bottoms Up, Charlie Brown!

2010-10-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've gotta stop with the "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" references that no one outside of my own head will understand. Last week I read a ravelry post about making your own pumpkin infused vodka. Given my recent obsession with sugar pumpkins and the fact that I have enjoyed many a home-infused fruity vodka in my time, a fire was lit under me in no time. I had to make my own pumpkin vodka. Luckily I also had the perfect pumpkin-loving vodka-swilling partner in crime, so we set out to mix up our concoction last Friday night. Want to spice up your Halloween or Thanksgiving with your own version of the Great Pumpkin Martini (geez, there I go again...)? Here's what we did:

Pumpkin Vodka
Materials:
1 Qt. Mason Jar (any jar that seals will work--food safe seal not necessary. We're not canning here, people. Besides, doesn't alcohol kill germs?)
2.5 C triple distilled vodka
.75 C vanilla triple distilled vodka
2 cinnamon sticks
2 split vanilla bean pods or a dash or two of vanilla extract
1 sugar pumpkin, no larger than 3 lbs
cheesecloth or coffee filter for straining

Procedure:
1. Cut your pumpkin in half and scoop out the guts. Check out Elana's Pantry for a fabulous hand-holding photo tutorial on how to do this. This time I had four hands rather than two to hack open the pumpkin, but that didn't make it much easier.
2. Roast the pumpkin in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, just long enough to get the raw taste out.
3. After the pumpkin cools, cut it into wedges. Stuff the wedges in your mason jar along with the cinnamon and vanilla. You may not be able to fit the whole pumpkin in just yet.
4. Add the vodka. As the ingredients settle add more pumpkin if you still have some left over. Add more vodka in the previously stated proportions as desired. Fill that jar up!
5. Seal the jar and store in a cool dark place (we have ours in the fridge) for 2-4 weeks. The more natural your ingredients (aka vanilla bean pods instead of extract) the longer it will take for the flavors to seep out and flavor the liquor.
6. Move the jar around daily to make sure all of the vodka touches the pumpkin.
7. Strain the liquid through your cheesecloth or coffee filter.
8. Mix up a pumpkin pie martini and enjoy!

I'm not linking a Pumpkin Pie martini recipe because I can't find one I like. Who needs heavy cream in their liquor? Yuck, not me! I'll get back to you after I've personally sampled and crafted the perfect drink.

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2010-09-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Despite my mother's warning, I was determined to cook a whole pumpkin for...well, for something. After a little recipe searching and asking some ravelry peeps for advice, I decided on a Caribbean Pumpkin Black Bean Soup. Now I can't find the recipe I liked best so I am going to make up my own, and of course I'll share it with you all! But before we get to that, let me tell you a little bit about how I turned a whole fresh pumpkin into about 2.5 cups of fresh puree.

Thanks to Elana's Pantry, I was confident about conquering and chopping up my little (actually a little too big) sugar pumpkin. After all, I just have to cut it in half, clean out the seeds and pulp, and roast each half in a pan filled with a quarter inch of water. No biggie. I've peeled awkwardly shaped raw butternut squashs with a giant knife and gingerly shaved the prickly skin off of countless slippery pineapples with the same giant knife. Well, maybe my giant knife wasn't quite sharp enough, because cutting a pumpkin in half, even a small one, is hard! I'd rank it up there somewhere with giving yourself a bikini wax (awkward and painful) and giving a screaming cat a flea bath (simply put, hell in a bathtub). My knife actually got stuck in the top of the pumpkin like a scene from a horror movie! Too bad I didn't get a picture of that...when I finally separated the pumpkin halves I let out an audible sigh of relief.

Cleaning out the pumpkin was no biggie. Of course I saved my seeds for roasting. Squeezing the slimey pulp through my fingers used to be (ok, still is) my favorite part of carving Jack-O-Lanterns. I managed to refrain from doing that today, but mostly because I didn't want to get any slime on my nice sweater. Mental note: get an apron. After 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven, I had this:

Pumpkin seeds gently flavored with my favorite Pampered Chef Sweet and Smoky Barbeque Rub, and a beautiful roasted pumpkin!

Close up of my delicious roast pumpkin flesh

And the soup my pumpkin became:

Caribbean Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

3 cups of pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin (to be blended later)
2 cups vegetable broth
2 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 sweet onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons minced ginger
1 15 oz can of light coconut milk
1 15 oz can of black beans, drained and well rinsed
salt and black pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in soup pot. Add onions, carrots, and cumin. Saute until slightly softened. Add pumpkin, ginger, coconut milk, 1 can of tomatoes (if you will not be using an immersion blender add both cans of tomatoes now), chili powder, and vegetable broth. Heat through. Use immersion blender to blend the soup until it is about 80% liquified. Blending is optional, but recommended if you are using whole roasted pumpkin. Add black beans and second can of tomatoes (if not already added). Bring to a boil and season to taste.

Foster and Family Services Foundation Walk and Raffle

2010-09-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the donors! Winners have been contacted via ravelry message.

I have always been inspired by families who foster and/or adopt children. If you know me, you know that I love children, and I am fascinated by family and social dynamics. Having grown up in a fairly normal and loving family, I wasn't exposed to negative or unstable families until I was fortunate enough to work with some of the amazing library-going kids at my last job. The thought of children growing up without at least one parent around to supervise, love, or support them is almost incomprehensible to me, but I know it happens. Some children and families need help, help that may come in the form of placing the kids with another caregiver who is better equipped to do the actual parenting. So whether it is the Tuohy family of The Blind Side, a member of my knitting group, or my friend Jenn's mom and dad, foster and adoptive familes are my rockstars. I know that one day, when I am ready to start a family, fostered and adopted children will be a part of it. But for now, the best thing I can provide is monetary support. That is one reason why I am thrilled to be doing the Walk for Children in Foster Care for the Foster and Family Services Foundation this Saturday. To help raise money for this worthy cause, I am hosting a raffle here on my blog. You can make donations on my fundraising page here. Each $5 donation will give you one raffle entry. For example, if you donate $20 you will have your name entered 4 times. No donation is too small; every little bit helps!

Here are the prizes:

1. An item handmade by me! Any non-knitters entering will be entered in a drawing to win a hand-knit accessory set of your choice. I'd suggest a hat, cowl, and fingerless mittens, but I'll knit any 3 accessories of your choice! The winner and I can talk about colors and patterns so you get something completely custom. If you don't want handknits we can talk about something else, like baked goods.

2. Two skeins of Madelinetosh Sport in new color Lumiere! This 100% superwash merino wool yarn is soft and springy with amazing stitch definition. It is currently only available on Madelinetosh's etsy site.

2. One skein of Three Irish Girls Westerly Sea Sock in the colorway Giselle. This yarn is 70% superwash merino wool and 30% seacell, a fiber made from seaweed! This is an exclusive club colorway.

3. 2 skeins of Spud and Chloe Fine in the colorway Sassafrass. This yarn is 70% superwash merino wool and 30% silk. It is both beautiful and durable.

4. One skein of Have You Any Wool Simplicity Sock in colorway Famous for Nothing. This yarn is 100% superwash merino wool.

5. One skein of Three Irish Girls Roslea Organic Merino in colorway Titania. This 100% organic yarn is not superwash. It is perfect for soakers or any item that will showcase its gorgeous colors. I know two skeins are pictured here, but only one is up for grabs. Sorry!

If you are able to donate, thank you so much, and good luck! The walk is this Sunday, September 25. I will accept donations and raffle entries until 8 a.m. eastern time on Sunday morning, and winners will be announced here on my blog on Monday September 26. If you donate, comment on this post so I know to look for your entry. Be sure to provide your email address or ravelry name so I have a way to contact you.

All Things Orange

2010-09-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

An Autumn Bounty of Orange

Fall officially begins this week, and I have been feeling the pull of the changing season. My usual color palate tends toward the cool tones of blues, greens, and teals. Intentionally or not, almost everythng I knit, wear, and carry falls within those parameters. However, lately I've been craving warm, rich tones of orange, and this little collection I've recently built up shows it. [Clockwise, from far left] I have on display here Madelinetosh Merino Light in Terra, orange and white lilies from my dear friend Leah's bridal shower, a sugar pumpkin, Farmhouse Yarns Bonnie's Bamboo in Terracotta, Madelinetosh Lace in Warm Maize, and Lotus Yarns Chakra in Lena. Those are all ravelry links. Sorry, non-ravelers!

I've been noticing and admiring my once-detested color, orange, more and more lately but last week I suddenly decided that I needed a yellow-orange cardigan and I needed it now. Instead of going out to the Lim$ited like most normal people, I endeavored to knit the sweater myself. I picked out the perfect yarn (Tosh Lace in Warm Maize) and cast on pretty much immediately for the Featherweight Cardigan. I plan on lengthening it at least 2 or 3 inches and employing short rows to make the collar shawl-collar-ish. Yes, I do still have my second Malabrigo Sock version of Hestia on the needles, and done. Why I thought it would be a great idea to cast on another lightweight mostly stockinette sweater, I don't know. But I do know that I'm a happy knitter and pretty soon I'll be a happy sweater wearer.

As for the rest of the orange goodies in my above photo, I have plans to make some delicious sweaters, accessories, and dishes. The TML is destined to become a Hamamelis Shawl, and the Bonnie's Bamboo is set aside for Lonicera, both patterns by Through The Loops. I love nearly everything Kirsten Kapur does, but I am especially excited for these two as I've been searching for the perfect yarn for Hamamelis for a while, and I had the good fortune to try on the sample for Lonicera while it was temporarily living at Angelfire Studios. Good gravy, was that simple sweater sexy on me! I was somewhat shocked that the same sweater that fits tall and skinny Sofie so well looked like it was made for the me (substantially shorter and curvier), but I guess that's the beauty of this design. The drapey fronts lend it to many different style options, and the bamboo draped over my curves just perfectly. I've worked with Bonnie's Bamboo before, so I know it is just a dream to knit with and I can barely wait to cast on.

The only other item pictured that I currently have a plan for is that adorable sugar pumpkin. When I proudly told my mother that I had bought a pumpkin exclusively for cooking, not for carving, she was not impressed. She asked me what I planned on doing with it. When I told her I intend to cook it somehow she gave me a sideways look and said "I did that once when your father and I were first married. I never did it again." I'm sure plenty of women say that about one task or another, but I am unfazed. I'm going to roast that baby and turn it into something delicious--probably Caribbean Pumpkin Black Bean Soup. Look for a blog post about that later this week!

Book Review: The Irresistible Henry House

2010-09-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I encounter a book that makes me long for discussion. The Irresistible Henry House by Lisa Grunwald is one of those books. I am always intrigued by social and cultural history and the science of attatchment and relationships, which are some of the themes of this novel.

Henry House begins his life in 1946 as a "practice baby" in the "practice house," the central element in fictional Wilton College's home economics program. A group of students, young women of course, actually take turns mothering him under the strict watch of home economics expert Martha Gaines, who subscribes to the pre-Spock philosophy that babies need to be trained, not cuddled and loved. Nevertheless, Martha's empty life is inexplicably brightened by the charming Henry and soap-opera worthy circumstances help her convince the college president to allow her to adopt him instead of returning him to the orphanage at age 2 to be adopted by a young couple.

The constant doting of so many young women and the smothering love of Martha shape Henry into a boy and young man who knows his power over women and uses it to his advantage. Due to the unusual circumstances of his adoption, Martha doesn't tell him the whole truth. When Henry's biological mother shows up and spills the beans to the once-happy 9 year old, he quickly spirals into a place of isolation, mistrust, and self-unawareness. Henry trusts neither the adults in his life nor the girls so desparate to be his partner in crime. He grows into a "disturbed" teenager and eventually runs away from his boarding school to become an animator for Disney in California and later for the Beatles Yellow Submarine movie in London. His playboy life comes full circle when he meets and falls in love with another grown "practice baby" during the turbulent 1960s. This relationship, however, is not what it seems. I know it seems that I may have given away a lot of spoilers in the past two paragraphs, but trust me, this novel is so rich with characters and detail, the bare bones I revealed here are nothing compared to what you'll find between the covers.

Verdict: I think the author's assertion that lack of loving attachment in baby and childhood leads to a maladjusted adult incapable of forming loving attachments may be a bit too extreme and elementary, but I was still entralled by the way these tragic characters' lives played out. Anyone who is interested in family and romantic relationships, the social history of the mid-20th century, or bildungsroman will enjoy this book. The theme and tone also reminded me of John Irving at his best. Henry is somewhat of an anti-Garp (of The World According to Garp). Now that I think about it, I think these two novels would spurn a fascinating compare/contrast analysis! Something to think about...

Getting Started

2010-04-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

The summer I turned 21, my mother convinced me to learn how to knit. Being home from college during winter and summer breaks was an interesting time. It was the first time since my young childhood that I had no school obligations. I was a busy student. I was involved in many extracurricular activities. I was dedicated to my schoolwork. College breaks in between semesters were a strange and wonderful time. I usually just watched lots of TV, having exhausted my brain from reading as an English major. However, my sometime during a sophomore year break I discovered Harry Potter. I devoured the first 5 books in 2 or 3 weeks and waited impatiently for the last two, to be released in 2005 and 2007, respectively. While I was waiting for those Harry Potter books in the summer of 2004, my mother excitedly showed me her knitting. I didn't know she knew how to knit. I knew her mother knitted, but she passed away nearly fifteen years ago. Why didn't I know my mother was a knitter? She was skilled with a sewing machine. As a child I had a closet full of handmade dresses and Halloween costumes that are far more beautiful and high quality than what is sold in stores today. But knitting? This was a skill my mother never demonstrated.

I was always a crafty kid, but puberty and college prep caused me to cast my beads and embroidery floss aside. Now, with my mother's encourgement I decided that it was as good a time as ever to get crafty again. Inspired by the book Celebrity Scarves we signed up for a class at our local Michael's. I made a long garter stitch scarf comprised of several different textures and weights of blue acrylic yarn. I thought it was glamorous and fashion forward at the time. I think I have since given this beauty away to charity, but if I can find it buried somewhere in my closet today I'll post a picture. I'm pretty sure there was ribbon fringe...

Coming Soon: Actual Knitting Content!

2010-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

From my recent blog posts, one might assume that I have been reading more than knitting lately. This is actually not quite true. I have simply been lazy about photography, and I hate to post about knitting without some pretty pictures.

However, next week is Knit and Crochet Blog Week, as proclaimed by Eskimimi Knits. This is a good way to give myself a kick in the pants and post about my blog's title subject: knits. Keep your eyes peeled for daily (ha!) posts, and if you are a fellow blogging crafter, join in!

Book Review: The 13th Hour

2010-04-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

I've been on a bit of a thriller kick lately, so when I read a review of The 13th Hour by Richard Doetsch that mentioned TIME TRAVEL in addition to suspense, I knew it was a good choice for my next read.

Although it is a little known fact about me, I have a recent obsession with time travel. Maybe it was Lost that piqued my interest, but either way I've totally geeked out for the past year or so by reading and watching all alternate reality/time travel paraphenalia that has crossed my path.

This thriller is basically told in reverse. Main character Nick Quinn is accused of murdering his beloved wife, Julia. A strange man gives him a mysterious watch that enables him to travel back in time, two hours at a time, to try and not only clear his name, but save his wife's life. Of course, there was also a catastrophic plane crash in this sleepy New York state town on this fateful day. As Nick travels back through time he begins to see how his actions can change the future for the better and for the worse. Will he be able to save his wife and maybe even stop the plane crash? Or will he cause Julia to die an even more terrifying, grusome death?

Watch out for some cheesy descriptive prose, obvious foreshadowing, and don't expect any elaborate character development. Do pick up this book if you want to get lost in a world of time travel, betrayal, grand theft, and of course murder. Overall, a fun read. I found it fun to predict Nick's next move. I would recommend it for a rainy day mental escape or a trip to the beach.

This story has been optioned by New Line Cinema, so look for a movie version in 2011! I'm seeing Nick's character as Will Smith. I wonder if he or someone similar will be cast!

Book Review: Shutter Island

2010-04-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I had been counting down til this movie's release, as I love Martin Scorcese and Leonardo DiCaprio. Like many other things in my life, seeing this movie fell by the wayside as I got busy with work and other pursuits coughMalabrigoMarchcoughcough. I was pretty excited when one of my book clubs choose Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane as April's book. I didn't even realize it had been a book originally. I've heard that the book and movie are very similar, but if you've only seen the movie you should still definitely pick up the book. One of my friends who had enjoyed both said that there is one scene in particular in the book that is more vivid and creepier and worth reading all 300+ pages to experience it.

The library's copies were all out and reserved, so I wasn't sure if I would get the book in time. I intended to buy my own copy, but I got busy and didn't get a chance. My library copy arrived the day before book club, which left me 26 hours to read the book while still working all day and doing all other little pesky daily life tasks like sleeping and eating. Well, I tore through this book in 3 hours, despite knitting while I read! Like Lehane's other bestsellers turned blockbusters (he wrote Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and the recently optioned The Given Day), Shutter Island kept me frantically turning pages and left me surprised at the end.

The story begins in Cold War era America as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives at Ashecliff, a mental institution for the criminally insane secluded on a Boston Harbor Island, Shutter Island to investigate a mysterious missing patient. A hurricane keeps him and his partner, Marshal Chuck Aule detained on the island and puts their lives at risk when the electricy goes out and the institution's electic locks fail. The two Marshals explore the island and begin to uncover a Nazi-esque human experimentation conspiracy--or do they? Daniels is running for his life in his pursuit to leave the island lest his brain become fodder for LSD and lobotomy experimentation.

I predicted a twist at the end, but my pieced together clues weren't even close to the "truth." I loved that the ending was a little open to interpretation, because I don't want to let go of my theory! Either way, I think there is an underlying, subtle commentary on the standard procedure and overmedication rampant in American mental healthcare today. If you've read the book, I'd love to hear what you thought.

Stitch and Sip at the Ale 'N' Wich

2010-04-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, my Stitch and Sip group explored a new watering hole, The Ale and Wich at 246 Hamilton Street in New Brunswick. Some group members said that as they arrived they thought, "Hmm...this isn't like where we normally meet..." but I think we all had a great time. The Ale and Wich is the quintessential pub. With a wide selection of craft beer, TVs playing everything from Iron Man competitions to Spaceballs, darts, pool, foozeball, a digital jukebox, and non-pretentious bartenders, this is pretty close to my dream bar. One note of caution I will give to anyone planning a visit: don't come hungry. Although one might believe that the "Wich" part of the bar's moniker stands for "sandwich," no food is served here. However when I asked about food, the bartender handed over a huge stack of takeout menus. We ordered Chinese, but considering that it was a Thursday evening in a Rutgers neighborhood, it took about an hour for our Chinese to arrive.

Chinese food aside, we had a fabulous time. Most of us didn't have work or school the following day, so we, (well, ok, I) stayed out a bit later and drank a bit more. There was a nice selection of seasonal brews (seriously, how could you have Sam Boston Lager but not Sam Seasonal, like some bars do??), and a new one that I enjoyed was Otter Creek Seasonal Ale. No matter what the season, I love a good blueberry beer, and luckily the A and W has Seadog Wheat Blueberry, which smelled and tasted just like blueberry muffins! I know that's not what most people look for in a beer, but blueberry beer takes me back to my college days at the BU Pub. Oh, how I love that Wachusett Blueberry! I also tried the new Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and Firefly Lemon Tea Vodka. If you are a fan of Nantucket Nectars Half and Half or Arizona Arnold Plamer, you will love this stuff! I think it will be one of my summer party beverage staples.

If you are looking for a very casual place to sample some creative brews, definitely stop by the Ale and Wich.

Book Review: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

2010-04-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

When I saw The Magicians on the shelf at Borders a few months ago, I was drawn to the mysterious gray, gold, and green tones on the cover. We've all heard about judging books by their covers, but after reading the reviews on the back cover that indicated that this story pays homage to the works of J.K. Rowling, and C.S. Lewis my initial attraction was justified. Imagine Harry Potter's mental state in book 5, lost, alone, and persecuted. Imagine that that Harry goes to a magical university in upstate New York, meets equally misguided young magicians, and grapples with his place in the world, both magical and not. Harry Potter this book is not--the tone is much darker and the author's voice mirrors that of the young pro(ant?)agonists.

Grossman explores the value of relationships, growth, and forgiveness by following the development of Quentin, our main character, and his fellow magical prodigy Eve. However, Quentin's personal quest for happiness and self-fulfillment overcomes their relationship. I could see the archetypal highly intelligent yet selfish 20-something who doesn't know what he wants in Quentin.

In a nutshell, this story is Harry Potter meets the Chronicles of Narnia meets Reality Bites. Although my omnipresent desire for a picture perfect ending wasn't fulfilled, I would still highly recommend The Magicians to anyone who has ever gotten lost in a fantasy story or felt lost in the real world.

Sinful Chocolate Truffles

2010-03-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Last night my wrists needed a break from knitting, so I decided to use the Ghiradelli chocolate I've been hoarding since February to make truffles. I intended to make these for Valentine's Day, but as I was single this year and suffering from from a wicked wisdom tooth infection that week, I wasn't feeling especially motivated to cook, bake, or eat much of anything. Now my mouth is healed and in need of chocolate, and it seemed like the perfect time to get cookin'

I haven't made truffles in about 3 years, and I can't recall where I found my last recipe, so a little googling led me to a Joy of Baking article where I learned that truffles were intended to look like actual truffle mushrooms in the dirt. That's not especially appetizing, but it made me feel better about the organic, non-uniform shape of my truffles. Even when I use a melon baller to shape them they come out looking slightly misshapen.

This time I made three different flavors, almond, mint, and raspberry. Yum!

Here is what I did, adapted from a Ghiradelli and Food Network recipe:

Ghiradelli Sinful Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

1/3 C Milk

7 Tbsp Butter

1 C Semi-Sweet Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips

1C Bittersweet Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips

1 tsp mint extract (optional)

2 Tbsp Chambord (optional)

1/4 C Raw Almonds (optional)

1/3 C Dark Chocolate cocoa powder

1. Combine milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often and heat to boiling.

2. Toast raw almonds in a dry pan over high heat. Pay close attention, as they can burn very quickly. You will know they are done as soon as you can smell them. I find that toasting nuts really brings out the flavor.

3. Pulverize toasted almonds in a food processor (I used my little Magic Bullet). Set them aside.

4. Pour boiling milk mixture over chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine and melt chocolate. You may need to microwave the mixture for a very short period of time to get all the lumps out.

5. At this point I divided the chocolate mixture into three different bowls and flavored each separately. The above measurements for mint extract, Chambord, and the almonds are approximate. I didn't actually measure anything; I flavored each mixture to taste. Be sure to reserve some almonds for coating the truffles.

6. Set your chocolate mixtures aside to harden. About thirty minutes in the refrigerator did the trick for me.

7. Dip a melon baller in a glass of warm water and scoop out balls of each chocolate mixture. Drop the balls into a small bowl or lipped plate of coating. I coated the almond mixture in the finely chopped almonds and the mint and raspberry mixtures in dark chocolate cocoa powder. You may wish to clean your tools in between flavors. This is the messiest yet most fun part of the process.

8. I store the truffles in a wax paper-coated container in the refridgerator. That is, if there are any leftovers.

If I use this recipe again, I think I will use cream instead of a mixture of butter and milk. These candies tasted great to everyone else, but I would do something differently next time. I dislike buttery chocolate, and I tasted the butter especially in the almond truffles. I don't usually keep cream or even half and half in the house, but I suppose it would be worth buying for this recipe. Actually, maybe next time I will try using silken tofu and exclusively dark chocolate to make vegan truffles. I bet my friend Marietta has a great recipe for raw vegan chocolate truffles. Now that should be tasty!

Total Eclipse!

2010-03-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that my very first pattern is available for free! Presenting Eclipse! I am still waiting for ravelry's designer hook-up, so for now I'm hosting the pdf in Google docs. There's no need to have a Google account to access it, just click on the link in this post on on the photo in the sidebar. Then you can view the document online or download it.

As a few people have asked, no, Eclipse actually doesn't have anything to do with the Twilight saga. The idea for this design came to me while I was driving, to wear while I was driving, my little Mitsubishi Eclipse, hence the name. I never thought I would drive a convertible, but last fall I was lucky enough to get a great deal on my current car, so I seized the opportunity and I've enjoyed it a lot during the warmer months. The fall and early spring are great times to drive around with the top down. The sun is usually shining but not beating down on me like some sort of punishment. However, during this time of year the wind can still deliver quite a chill. I needed something to keep my hair neat and my neck warm without flattening my hair or blowing away at high speeds. A lacy snood provides the perfect coverage and look. I didn't fall in love with any patterns I found, so I designed my own with one of my favorite lace patterns, Milanese lace from Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. I adapted the pattern for knitting in the round. Lace or fingering weight yarn work equally well for this quick project.

Pattern Specs

Yarn: 1 skein of Malabrigo Lace or Malabrigo Sock (sample is knit in Malabrigo Lace in Amoroso)
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch in lace pattern
Needles: US 5 16" or whatever needle you need to achieve gauge
Sizes: 20" (22", 24") around, the length is customizable

Please contact me with any questions about the pattern.

Happy Knitting!

Worldwide Knit in Public Day

2009-06-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Worldwide Knit in Public Day. Although I knit in public just about every day during my lunch break at work, at a LYS, a coffee shop, and sometimes even a bar, I felt compelled to represent my fellow crafters by checking out some new yarny stomping grounds with one of my knitting groups, the Northwest NJ Knitters. We met at the Panera in Phillipsburg and headed to Bethlehem, PA to visit two yarn shops and have lunch. Bethlehem is pretty close to New Jersey, just a hop, skip, and a jump over the Delaware River.

The first shop we visited, Kraemer Yarns in Nazareth, had their own yarn line, which seemed to dominate their stock. While browsing this store we discovered one lone skein of The Sanguine Gryphon, some Dream in Color, lots of baby yarn (yawn) and pondered the usefulness of sock blanks. Not for me, thanks. Even though I think she was kidding, I liked Jeanne's suggestion of adding an afterthought heel, a toe, and a seam instead of actually knitting from the blank as intended. Overall this was a pretty cute store. There were several tables for knitters to sit at, and the staff was very helpful. I did buy two skeins of yarn (Kraemer's own wool/silk/silver blend undyed sock yarn and some Conjoined Creations laceweight soysilk in the colorway "Lonely Bull"--I kid you not) and some buttons (wood with little sheepies on them), but I'm not sure if I'd make the trek out there again.

Next we had lunch at the Apollo Grill in Bethlehem, PA. I don't usually quote the teeth-grittingly annoying Rachel Ray, but YUM-O! I had fish tacos with salsa fresca and guacamole, and some of us split a bottle of Sea Glass Savignon Blanc, a yummy fresh-tasting (i.e. herbal/vegetal/citrus--not very sweet) white wine from Santa Barbara County. Barbara (no relation to the country in CA), who lives in Allentown, told us that the Apollo has a pretty popular happy hour. From the classy ambiance, yummy food/drink, and extensive appetizer menu, I can see why! Too bad my office is so very far east.

Here's my sock in progress (SIP) with my food:

That sock sure did get around! I think she may have a story to tell...

Our final stop of the day was Knitter's Edge, also in Bethlehem. Despite being momentarily disturbed by the building's resemblance to a funeral home (sorry, but I couldn't get that association out of my head!) I had a good time there. The open space and natural light in this store is phenomenal. Even with a storm rolling in, there was plenty of light streaming in the gigantic bay window that framed the cozy sit-and-knit area. I took more pictures for my Sock Knitter's Anonymous WWKIP Day Scavenger Hunt, and if I hadn't specified otherwise it would look like we were sitting in someone's living room! This store had a pretty large selection of different weights and fibers (too much babyand novelty yarn IMHO but I am probably alone in that thought), but there wasn't a whole lot that grabbed me. That was probably a good thing, because I still managed to find some sock and lace yarn that I couldn't live without. Some of it was even on sale! I probably would return to this store, especially if they were having a sale! Or perhaps to pick up a sweater quantity of that Plymouth Llama Silk...or a skein of the Eco Cashmere...

Here is the day's haul:

The two skeins on the left are the previously mentioned yarn from Kraemer's, the four skeins in the middle are Plymouth Happy Feet (on sale for $3 a piece!), next is an au natural skein of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Lace and two lovely skeins of Prism Merino Mia, which I could not put down. That picture does not do the color justice, so here's another!

That brown and blue/green combo slays me every time.

If we didn't get hit with such a rain storm in the late afternoon and evening, I would have gotten more fun pictures of my sock, but I still have quite a few. Perhaps I will share them tomorrow.

Flewn

2009-06-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that nearly 6 weeks have gone by since my last post. I have been keeping myself very busy with knitting, work, and some new friends and time has just flown. It brings to mind a quote I recently read in one of my sock groups on ravelry:

How did it get so late so soon?  It's night before it’s afternoon.  December is here before it’s June.  My goodness how the time has flewn.  How did it get so late so soon? - Dr. Seuss

I don't have socks to share today, but I do have some other gorgeous FOs to show you. These shawls and shrugs are just the thing to keep my shoulders warm in over air conditioned buildings or cover up the decollete created by my summer tank tops.

Here is my Whisper Cardigan, which I whipped up in about 3 weeks of on and off knitting so I could wear it at this year's NJALA conference this week. It was so warm in the conference center, I couldn't wear it at all! I know this sweater will get plenty of play this summer.

Yarn is Malabrigo Lace in Butter

These photos are pretty bad, but I was very anxious to share this finished knit with the web, almost as anxious as I was to wear it. That is probably why you may notice that I made this cardigan a big shorter than some other people. The whispery little tails are almost invisible from the front thanks to my chest, but I'm still very happy with the sweater overall. I think the flowy, cropped back actually lengthens and whittles my busty, boxy figure. I can't wait to make another in a dark color!

Here are my second and third Ishbel shawls.

The multicolor one (Malabrigo Lace in Azalea) is mine and the solid gold one (Claudia Handpainted Yarns Silk Lace in Honey) is my coworker Maria's. Both are modeled here by my sister, whose long, lean physique looks good in everything. See how much better I am at photographing other people? I suppose our backyard is a far better setting than the library's staff bathroom!

Hopefully I will have more finished knits to show you before even more time has "flewn" by.

Frogged

2009-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's a strange feeling when ending something that should be pleasureable is a relief. Of course, it's not strange if that thing that should be fun or enjoyable is neither. My last post, Pushing Through, is sort of my unintentional life philosophy. Just keep going if you've made a mistake. No one will notice except you. Just keep going and it will turn out ok in the end. This is why I incurably got lost until I bought a GPS navigation system for my car, why most of my knit or crocheted FOs have tiny mistakes in them, and why I've been involved with a certain someone for more than two years. This week I found myself in this position where I just could not keep going and hoping that everything would turn out all right in the end. I frogged my February Lady Sweater and broke off things with that certain someone. To my surprise, I found that when I came to each decision, it was easy to take that step. I ripped it all out; said those words "I can't do this anymore." Of course I will miss him, just as I am slightly disappointed that I don't have anything physical to show for the past 6 weeks of on and off knitting on my FLS. Nevertheless, now that I'm starting from point zero, I am confident that this time I will pay attention to the pattern and the feeling in my gut that I have been ignoring for quite some time. I need to constantly remind myself that I am not smarter than the pattern designer, the thousands of people who have knit this sweater before me, or the intuitive feeling that it's time to move on.

Pushing Through

2009-04-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's been more than two weeks since I've completed any of my knitting projects, and I am getting antsy. I like to have a steady stream of FOs to keep me motivated and interested in what I'm knitting. When a project takes too long, I often set it aside and it ends up hibernating for weeks, months, or even years. That is a bad habit I am trying to break. For the past few months I've been pretty good at not casting on more projects than I can finish, but during Malabrigo March I really went cast on crazy. I also attempted to knit two (2!) sweaters. One of them, my Silken Scabbard, is my first pullover with sleeves. Actually, it's my first full sized sweater, period. I've knit short sleeved cardigans and shrugs, but never a full sweater. It's been a bit of an undertaking. I cast on on March 1, and here I am six weeks later, still not done. Here it is.

Isn't she pretty? Please tell me she's pretty. After this lenth of time and knitting and cabling and broken harmony needle cables and split dpns I don't think I could handle it if she's not pretty. See how I've personified the darn thing? I may be losing my mind. In fact, I may be losing my mind because of this.

See that? It's a sleeve. Or more accurately, half of a sleeve. See that yarn there? Those two wimpy balls, all together less than 3/4 of a skein? That's not enough to finish knitting the sleeve. I've ordered another skein from Eat.Sleep.Knit, and I can only pray that the dye lot is not too too different. I know it will be differnent because dyelots for Malabrigo Silky Merino are quite small, but I've been alternating skeins throughout (at one point I was working with 5 balls of yarn at once! Yes, I am nuts. But I'll be nuts in a pretty sweater with no pooling.) so I think I can just blend the new one in. Sigh. So this sweater is on pause. Again. Maybe we'll have a really cold summer and I can wear it then.

At least I got to the lace on my Garter Ishbel. That project is turning out to be quite pretty. As long as I don't work on it while drinking. Or in a movie theater. Or at a staff meeting. Or while talking to anyone. No really, it's a pretty simple, quick lace pattern by the lovely Ysolda Teague, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Hopefully next time I will have something completed to show you! Will it be a sweater, a shawl, or perhaps a cowl? Hmmm...wait and see.

Alchemist and Barrister

2009-04-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last night was the fourth meeting of my brand new knitting group, Stitch and Sip. We definitely had a smaller turnout than I expected, but I am still really pleased with the way everything played out. We met at the Alchemist and Barrister in Princeton, which is one of my favorite towns. I want to live there. The downtown area is so quaint and pretty--it's a breath of fresh air in the midst of this stifling suburban sprawl of split levels and strip malls. In the block I passed from the A&B to the BoA on the corner, I passed by four yummy looking independent coffee shops and restaurants, not to mention a number of adorable shops. Even if I don't move there, I must spend more time in that town.

Anyway, the A&B had a very nice atmosphere. The dining room, where the hostess wanted to put us, was very fancy and not exactly what I had in mind for this group, but luckily we were able to push some tables together in the bar area and hang out in a cool little booth. The food was great. We shared Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Calamari, which was fresh and delicious. I drank Blue Moon, my old stand by, and I was very pleased to see that it was served with an orange for a garnish. That's they way it was served at the BU Pub, and that's the way it should be. As I left I found myself wishing I had tried a glass of wine or two, but there's always next time.

As for the knitting, I didn't get a whole lot done, but I still feel good about it. I failed at knitting the lace of my Garter Ishbel from a chart in the bar, which was to be expected, so I worked on one of the sleeves of my Silken Scabbard (still not done!) Of course, SnS is more of a social event anyway so I think my priorities were in line. I hope Katie and I didn't scare away Gina and Christine, who are newer knitters, with our bigger projects! Next time we'll be doing karaoke at Harvest Moon in New Brunswick, so newbies and vets alike will have the fiber playing field leveled by the microphone.

Slouchy, slouchier, slouchiest!

2009-04-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Here I am, back from Malabrigo March! It would have been really fun to blog consistently last month and share the craziness of knitting as much Malabrigo as I could, but I was just too busy. So instead, I will share some of my accomplishments with you now. I went from perfect posture to ultimate slouch as you can see from my hat progression here:

Slouchy:

Ravelry Link: Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret
Pattern: Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret (sorry non-ravelers, it's only hosted on Ravelry)
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in Vaa
Needles: US 9 for the ribbing and US 11 24" Addi Turbos for the body
Mods: None. I would have used US 8s fo the ribbing and knit the cable pattern longer if I did this one again.

Ravelry Link: Charrua Meret
Pattern: Mystery Beret "Meret" by Wooly Wormhead
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in Charrua
Needles: US5 for the brim and US8 for the body
Size: M/L hybrid, extra extra slouchy
Mods: None, and I'd do the same thing again, I love it!

Ravelry link: Porom
Pattern: Porom by Jared Flood
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Green Gray
Needles: US 5 for the brim, US 8 for the body
Mods: I inadvertanly knit the body longer, making the hat much slouchier, but if I did this hat again (and I probably will) I would knit it to pattern and not block it.

I wore Porom two weekends ago when I visited some peeps in the city, and I felt so chic and city cool. I just may be too cool for suburbia.

2009-02-14T07:47:00.001-08:00

Six weeks ago I promised myself that I would blog at least twice a week and post every FO of 2009 on my blog. I've almost made good on that first resolution. Well, not really. But here's to trying! In an attempt to not completely trash my second resolution, I present to you a parade of FOs!

First I'm actually going to show off something from last year, but it goes hand in hand with a 2009 FO.

His:

Ravelry link: For His Pleasure
Pattern: Morningside Neckwarmer by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Cocoa Kiss
Needles: US 8
Notes: Once I taught myself brioche and frogged this sucker about 7 times (no joke) it was easy and quick. The plus side to my frustration and slow start: I learned that DiC Classy frogs really well.

Hers:

Ravelry link: For Her Pleasure
Pattern: Morningside Neckwarmer by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in Light Blue
Needles: US 11
Notes: Even though I used twice as much yarn, this one went by so much more quickly than the first. What they say is true: the brioche stitch is addicting. May I also share my surprise and pleasure with these sexy photos? I took them late one night before bed sans all makeup and with slightly dirty hair. Am I cute or what?
Ok, so the picture is slightly scary, but I'm impressed by how even my skin tone is when it's naked.

Up next is a gift for my youngest brother's birthday:

Ravelry link: Too cool for handknit mitts mitts
Pattern: Made up from a bunch of different "parts" in the book Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski This was a great reference, and I'm going to have a hard time giving it back to the library!
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted
Needles: US 6
Notes: KP Swish Worsted has surprisingly become one of my favorite yarns. I made socks for my whole family out of it for Christmas, and they've held up well (albeit look a little worn) to many wearings and washings. It is super soft to work with and wear. One of my brothers even asked for a hoodie made out of it. This is the second or third time he's asked me to make him a sweater. All previous requests have been for cashmere, so this should reflect well upon goood old Swish.

Next, a FO from a 2008 UFO

Ravelry Link: Melting Snowballs
Pattern: Popsicle by Nicole Hindes
Yarn: Hip Knits Cashmere Sock Yarn (I couldn't find a link to this one--it may be discontinued)
Needles: US 2
Notes: This fun pattern "melts" off the side of your foot, so each sock is different. This was the first time I used Cat Bordhi's riverbed architecture. It was interesteing to knit the gusset in a different way, but I say "meh, who cares?" It does make the side of the instep a little prettier and smoother, I guess.

Next, more cashmere:

Ravelry link: Pure Scrunchability
Pattern: Scrunchable Scarf by Susan McConne
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere (discontinued)
Needles: US 9
Notes: This scarf is suuuuper warm and light. However, I had barely enough yarn, so I did felted joins as to not waste any scraps. I would have like to have another skein or two to make this a little longer, but it's still great as is. This picture shows how short it really is with the scarf wrapped around my face but under my hair once:

More socks:

Ravelry link: Azalea Orchid Loops
Pattern: Froot Loops by Kristi Geraci
Yarn: Three Irish Girls Kells Sport Merino in Azalea Orchid
Needles: US 1.5
Notes: This was the first club shipment for the Three Irish Girls Sock Yarnista club. I love it, and I call it my birthday yarn because it arrived the day after my birthday!

Finally:

Ravelry link: Another Alpaca Cowl
Pattern: co 60 and knit in the round until you run out of yarn. Thanks, Justine!
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri
Needles: US 13
Notes: Simple and satisfying.

There! Now we're all up to date.

Paper Cranes for Neil

2009-02-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

I've been quiet for a while, partly because I've been busy, and partly because I have so much to say I don't know where to start. I'll begin with some horrific turned good news. Most of you probably don't know this, as I couldn't bring myself to blog about it, but about three weeks ago one of my sister's best friends was in a bad car accident. On January 23, 2009, he was driving home with another friend on a narrow, winding country road near our houses. No one knows exactly what happened, but somehow he lost control of the car, spun around, and hit a tree on the driver's side. The passenger came home from the hospital the next day with a concussion. He still won't/can't talk about the accident. The driver, Neil, the sweetest kid I know, was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson hospital in New Brunswick, where he remains in ICU with severe head injuries. For a while his future was uncertain, but I am so happy to say that for the past few days he's been opening his eyes, trying to focus on people's faces, and moving his right hand and leg. Today he showed the most hopeful signs of progress and moved his eyes toward sounds. His parents have been blogging about Neil's journey here. His family is really wonderful. They're so generous, kind, and full of honest loving faith. I've been thinking about them and Neil a lot, and now I'm so relieved to have something more than hope or a prayer to hang on to.

My sister has been organizing some of their friends to make origami paper cranes for Neil. Here's a link to the facebook group. According to the Japanese, one thousand paper cranes = one thousand good wishes. Neil's father spent some time living in Japan, so this custom has special meaning to the Stone family. So far Sarah has between 100 and 200 cranes, which still make lively and colorful decorations, but it's far from 1000. If you'd like to make some, email me for our mailing address and we'll add yours to one of our garlands for Neil's room. The doctors and nurses say that Neil will be able to move to a rehab facility soon. Hopefully there he will have even more room for our good wishes!

I might even be a rockstar

2009-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

Januray 20, 2009 was a day for celebrations, and celebrate I did. I met up with this group I joined, Drinking Liberally, at a bar/restaurant in New Brunswick called Delta's. Being of the Tri Deltas, the name intrigued me even though I'm pretty sure it refers to the Mississippi River Delta, not the Greek letter and best sorority ever. This place specializes in Southern cuisine, and it was great! Of course, I only ate about two pieces of cajun calamari, but it was delicious. I know my calamari, and this stuff tasted fresh or very high quality and well prepared frozen. The martinis and wine were good too. The atmosphere was also more multi-cultural or at least multi-racial than most of the places around here, which was very nice.

I met a bunch of new people, and they even ADMIRED MY KNITTING!!! No, I was not actually knitting in the bar. It was far too crowded and dark for that. At one point during the evening, I was sitting with a bunch of DL buds and some new people. This guy who I had been talking to for a while asked me what my hobbies were. I sheepishly told him that I knit a lot, and instead of running away or making some joke about how I looked a little young to be a grandmother, he asked me what kinds of things I make. Rather than just telling him, I pulled my Bella Mittens out of my bag. This got the attention of the whole group. Of course, I know my mittens are beautiful, but I don't always expect a bunch of hipster 20somethings (Some people might say that I fall into this category, but I don't think so. I'm a little too Future Homemakers of America to be hip.) to admire them too! I mean, they are gorgeous...don't you agree?

The peekaboo finger slots really won the crowd over.

Since the flood gates had already been opened, I pulled more of my woolies out of my giant purse, and soon everyone was passing around and trying on the above mittens, my Jacqui Hat, and my Jacqui Scarf.

.

Two people were practically begging me to make similar hats and mittens for them. It made me feel like a rock star instead of a freak with lots of wool in her large purse. It was so nice to be myself and have people intrigued and engaging instead of just polite. I wonder if I can maintain this kind of celebrity when the mercury creeps above 50 degrees. I guess time will tell!

Reflecting

2009-01-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

This week went by in such a blur. I had a wonderful inauguration day, as I am sure most of the country did. One of my favorite lines from his speech was in regards to hostile countries. I can still hear the words echoing in my head, "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." I even quoted him a few nights ago when my dad and sister were having a big argument. It's interesting to see what lines stuck with people, and I think it says a bit about who we are. There was my favorite line, about resolving conflict and building bridges. Here are two of my friend's favorite lines:

Worldy Mili, who has lived in and traveled to more countries than I can keep track of: "Our patchwork heritage is a strength..."

Practical Jane, who is studying for her Ph.D. in psychology at Brandeis: "We will restore science to its rightful place."

What was your favorite line? I'd love to hear about it.

Level 5 Mitten Alert!

2009-01-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

Level 5 Mitten Alert! [Side note: I stole that phrase from a New Jersey 101.5 caller. It is the sort of silly phrase I'd come up with, but I guess I'm just not that clever today. Oh, and 101.5 isn't my usual radio station of choice, in case you're wondering. I was in the car with a coworker. That's my excuse.] That's how cold it is today. In Bridgewater right now it is 16 degrees and sunny. Doesn't sound so bad, right? Oh, well, I forgot to tell you about the wind chill factor. It feels like it's 4. Just 4. 4 degrees. Lonely little 4. Ok, I guess you get it. It's cold.

Luckily, I finished knitting my new favorite mittens last night. Let me tell you, these are some Serious Mittens. A full 14" long and knit out of lovely Malabrigo Chunky Merino with some nice whale spine cabling detail, these babies are warm and cozy to the max. The pattern is Bella's Mittens (ravelry link) by fellow blogger subliminalrabbit. I highly recommend it! I knit mine on larger needles though, cause I just can't imagine chunky yarn on a US 8. I cast on fewer stitches for the cuff, but the hand has the same stitch count as the pattern. Full mods and deets are on my ravelry page. I'd LOVE to show you a picture here and now, but when I went to turn on my new baby camera (it's a baby cause it's only 17 days old), it didn't work! It just won't turn on, and yes, I'm sure the batteries work. Camera-breaking problems aside, the next place I'd turn for a picture would be my cell phone, but alas, i abandoned it outside last night after a few drinks (I was drinking, not my cell phone) and it is still warming up. Of course, i did not do anything as irresponsible and reckless with my brand new camera. That young'un just up and died on its own...

I just knew that I should have listened to the negative reviews on Best Buy's site, as the problems that several other consumers have had appear to be exactly what I'm experiencing. I am very afraid that Best Buy will screw me out of a refund or even exchange, as their website states that refunds may be given for digital cameras within 14 days. I'm going to enlist the help of a very level-headed friend (thanks, Scott) to try and exchange this silly little Kodak at Best Buy. You see, when things go my way I'm as sweet as a barrel of honey, but when someone tells me I can't have or do something, I am either a total pushover or a scary bitch. And I can often go from sweet to bitch or even pushover to bitch in about two seconds flat. Wish me luck!

Book Review: The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken by Laura Schenone

2009-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

I have had the luxury of knowing my family history on my mother's side back to 1621 or so when, ten generations ago, Thomas Jenkins and his family arrived in Baltimore from Wales. One of my great uncles, among his many accomplishments, traced our family geneology back to his parent's native Wales and Ireland. I haven't had that good fortune on my father's side of the family. I know my great-grandparents' entrance papers from Ellis Island are somewhere in my aunt's house, so I could embark on that quest for family answers if I want to. That bug still hasn't bitten, but after reading about Laura Schenone's own personal quest for family history, I have definitely thought about it more. Overall, I enjoyed Schenone's memoir, Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken. At times I found her pretentious and ungrateful for the living family members she had, but her acknowledgement of these weaknesses tempered my annoyance.

The book began with Laura making Christmas ravioli alone in her kitchen. She and her husband had chosen to forgo the big family Christmas that year. At first I found this bold decision refreshing, but the more I thought about it, the more I wondered how you can justify cutting your living family out of Christmas while you are grasping at ways to be closer to the great-great-greats that you never met and a land you've never seen. This sense of dissatisfaction with her "family of today" was even further illustrated when she scoffed at her Great Aunt Tessie's ravioli recipe because it contained cream cheese, not a traditional Italian soft cheese. However, her dissatisfaction did launch the quest for her own personal grail, without which we would not have this book.

I was intrigued by Schenone's questions about the origins of a person's predisposition towards a particular cuisine or natural setting. For example, she has a strong affinity for chestnuts and the seaside. Her Italian ancestors hail from Genoa, a coastal community rich in chestnut trees--so much that many residents make their own chestnut flour instead of spending hard-earned money on typical wheat or grain flour. Can culinary preferences or tolerance for a certain climate be programmed into your genes? These questions yield inconclusive findings, but it's great food for thought, especailly for this evolution-loving girl.

At times the book was saved by the majestic, delicious descriptions of Northern Italy and its generous, hospitable people. More redeeming qualities include further explanations of Schenone's relations with her immediate family and eventual reconcilliations. The narrative's flaws were not enough to keep this reader away, and they even taught me a lesson. If you feel like you are missing something in your life or your family, you are probably not going to find it halfway around the world with people you've never met.

First FO of 2009

2009-01-06T21:15:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by jacquiknits

Well, here it is: my first FO (that's finished object for all you non-knitterly folks) of the year! Being that it's January 7th, I know it's really not that spectacular that I've finished one Amanda Hat being that it's such a quick and easy pattern. However, I actually had this baby done in the wee hours of the morning on January 2nd. I took a looong nap on New Year's Day and subsequently could not sleep at all that night, which was just perfect considering that I had to go back to work the next day. That's probably why I look stoned in these pictures, taken in my office the next day.

Anyway, here's the pattern info:
Pattern: Amanda Hat by Gina House
Yarn: Multi: Araucania Aysen in colorway 803
Solid: Malabrigo Worsted Merino in colorway Dark Earth
Needles: US9 16" Addi Circular
Modifications: accidently did an extra crown decrease, which makes the hat a bit boxier and roomier (a happy accident!)

Malabrigo Swap Goodies

2008-08-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who snoops around my ravelry profile a bit can see that I do a lot of swaps. I don't always update this blog with all the swap swag I get cause I just don't always remember, and I don't want anyone's feeling to be hurt by not being recognized/thanked in my blog. However, I have so many pictures and wonderful things to say about my recently received Malabrigo Swap package, that I just couldn't fit all this gushing in the forums :).

The theme of the round of the swap was to create a Magic Yarn Ball, a ball of yarn with little goodies hidden inside, so when you knit with it (or greedily unwind it right away) you discover all these little surprises! It took my mild OCD about yarn a little while to get used to this idea, but eventually I got excited about it and signed up for the swap. It's a good thing I did cause I got to get to know Katie in Seattle (dancingsheep on ravelry), who sent me the most amazing gift! She themed my package "children's books" which obviously, I love.

As I navigated through the brightly wrapped gifts, I read this little picture book that Katie made for me with beautiful photos of the Seattle Public Library and children's book covers. Almost every book represented a little gift. Each gift was so well chosen; Katie did a great job of stalking me!

The first gift I opened was the pattern for Koolhaas, which I have been lusting after for quite some time! Coincidently, the new Seattle Public Library's architechture was designed by Rem Koolhaas. How cool is that?!

Here are all of the pretty packages (minus Koolhaas) complete with children's book cover tags!

Next I was instructed to open this gorgeous handknit hemp washcloth and honeysuckle L'Occitane soap by the book The Won't-Take-a-Bath-Cure. This is actually a book I've never seen, and it looks like a useful one! I love the washcloth--it's almost too pretty to use! And I know I mentioned somewhere on the Malabrigo Swap boards that I love the scent of honeysuckle, but I'm not sure I mentioned why. It kind of has a sentimental meaning for me because in one of the villages I visited in Greece on the island of Ios (where Homer is supposed to be buried!) there were these arches of honeysuckle draped all over above these cobblestone pathways up a mountain. It was so quaint and breathtakingly beautiful. The honeysuckle scent was positively intoxicating, and every time I smell it now a part of me goes back to Greece.

Next I opened a package tagged with the newest Magic Tree House book. It was the pattern for the Tree Jacket, a gorgeous Zephyr Style pattern that I bought and promptly lost/threw away.

The next page in the book directed me to a delicious looking box of Cinnamon-Orange tea from Seattle's Pike Place Market. At least, there's a picture of Pike Place Market on the box, and that's good enough for me. What was the book corresponding to this, you might ask? Why, Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea, of course. I just love Cynthia Rylant. She could rewrite the dictionary and make it sound cute.

The next several pages unveiled two delicious skeins of Malabrigo--a skein of chunky in Verde Esperanza for Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan and a skein of worsted in Emerald for The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank Baum. They are so gorgeous, I can't get over it.

All right, so they kind of look like they are humping in that picture, which is so not what I intended. Trust me.

The following pages of the book led me to some orgasmic-looking (ok, and tasting, I tried it already) chocolate, courtesy of none other than Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl stuck around to lead me to my MYB with James and the Giant Peach. The MYB was made out of Dream In Color Classy (!) in the colorway Giant Peach. Seriously, who noticed that there were so many yarn colorways either named after or reminiscent of children's book titles? I'm surprised I never noticed this before.

Inside the MYB I found a blue and brown pencil case/notions holder printed with different book genres. This is perfect! I also found post its with a pretty turquose border and a "J" on them, two packets of Soak in Citrus, some locking stitch markers (I've never tried these, but I like them cause I think they'll work for crochet as well), some very pretty pewter and blue buttons with different floral designs embossed on them, a pink sharpie highlighter that I can clip onto my oh-so-stylish nametag lanyard at work, and tons of pretty beads that will be good for either stitch markers or knitting with beads, which I think I am ready to try!

Here's a final picture of all the goodies together:

To say I'm pleased would be the understatement of the summer. Thank you Katie! You knocked my (hand-knit) socks off!

2008-08-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Clapotis + tequila = bad idea.

Just sayin'.

Quidditch Round 3

2008-07-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?

d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?

b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?

a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?

b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?

d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?

d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?

c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year

b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?

d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?

a. "A New Theory of Numerology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?) Twilight!

Owl Delivery!

2008-07-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Just as I was getting my owl ready to send out a VIP (Very Important Package), another bird swooped into my window! This poor owl was very tired, as he had flown here all the way from Azerbaijan where my spoiler's hubby works for the US Embassy (right?) I gave him some water right away, and he even stooped to eating the cat food I had just put out for my hungry little familiars.

Bella Shacklebolt did a fabulous job of spoiling me! She must have used occlemency to determine exactly what I want and need the most! If it's not too late, I'd like to nominate her for the Best Kit award.

As soon as I opened the box I knew I was in for a treat, because the package was beautifully wrapped and adorned with some cute stickers: A Gryffindor crest and the charming Neville Longbottom, one of my favorite characters.

Right on top of the package I found a beautiful zippered pouch from an Azerbaijian street market adorned with a Kingsley Shacklebolt sticker--my favorite member of the OotP and Bella's father. This pouch will be perfect for storing little notions.

Here are the rest of the magical goodies:

Bella sent me a gorgeous felted bag in Gryffindor colors. It's the perfect size for a small-medium project or my lunch! I just love the pebbly texture that yarn takes on when it felts--it makes me so happy. This particular felted bag is so fluffy and soft--it must be a wool/alpaca or wool/mohair blend. I love it! Also included was a booklet on the Magic Loop technique (love this!), TWO sets of needles--size US0 bamboo dpns and a KnitPicks metal circ in a US1 (perfect for magic loop!), dpn and wip tubes (My dpn collection is all over the place and I am forever dropping stitches when my wip bounces around in my handbag, so I really need these!), point protectors (will also help with the wip control), the most amazing stitch markers from etsy (KnitSticks), and best of all, gorgeous gorgeous yarn from Cosmic Fibers. The stitch markers are unbelievable. There's so much detail, yet they're so tiny. Each one has a different crest--each of the houses and the final one has the Hogwarts crest. I requested yarn that is reminiscent of the HP and the OotP book cover, and I can't believe how gorgeous it is. It's a varigated blue and charcoal gray yarn, and the colors have such depth, I can't stop looking at them. Bella tells me that the Cosmic Fibers had a HP book cover yarn club, and I am so jealous that I missed out on this! I'll definitely be visiting this seller's etsy shop soon :).

By the way...I wasn't the only one who enjoyed this special delivery. Check out one of my cats exploring and eating the box it all came in.

First she played with the ribbon

Then she got friendly with the box.

(She doesn't seem to know it, but she's a little too fat and fluffy to fit in that box) I think she approves.

Thanks, Bella!

I Won!

2008-07-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't won anything since I won the "Read Around the World" contest at Adamsville School in third grade. I was a quiet, shy child, and I was so excited that I could compete in something I actually was actually good at--unlike so many of my traumatic experiences with gym class dodgeball. I spent all of my free time with my nose in a book during that contest. Yet I was still so surprised when my name was announced over the loudspeaker. Me, a winner?

I guess I still have that attitude, because I was completely stunned when I saw my name on Laurie (trumom on ravelry)'s winners post. Laurie is walking in the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, and she had a raffle to encourage ravelers to donate for this great cause. I hesitated to donate not because I doubted the worthiness of the cause but because I didn't think my donation was enough. The 3-Day walk is a big deal, and walkers are required to raise a lot of money to participate. My $10, all I could afford to give, was really just a drop in the bucket, no? Does $10 really make a difference? Furthermore, would I even have a chance of winning a raffle prize when other donating ravelers surely could afford to give more than I did? Then I stopped all those negative thoughts and reminded myself that (1) It's not about the prizes, and (2) Every little bit really does count. So I made my donation and moved on. Now, thanks to that small bit of generosity on my part, and a huge bit of generosity on Laurie's part, I am the proud winner of a skein of alpaca yarn from K2Tog, Laurie's LYS in San Francisco.

The raffle is over, but you can still donate to Laurie, Michelle, or Deena, other members of Team BFF (Breast Friends Forever). Even though neither my family nor I have been affected by breast cancer, it's a cause I feel passionate about. Just think of everyone in your life who loves or appreciates your boobs. Maybe it's your significant other or a child you nursed, or maybe you just think you look dead sexy in a turtleneck sweater. That's reason enough for me!

Gryffindor Quiz

2008-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Cryptogram (sort of)

"E FM YJA DBFU," QFET KFXXG EY F VJD RJESB WHXG YJD PHMPEYN AKXJHNK KEM QJ AKFA KB AKJHNKA KB MENKA FAAFSU YFPB EY F MJMBYA. "AKBY PXJRB EA! MFQABX GJHXQBVW!" QPFA QYFPB.

"I AM NOT WEAK," SAID HARRY IN A LOW VOICE, FURY PUMPING THROUGH HIM SO THAT HE THOUGHT HE MIGHT ATTACK SNAPE IN A MOMENT. "THEN PROVE IT! MASTER YOURSELF!" SPAT SNAPE.

I say sort of because a in a true cryptogram no letter can represent itself and in this one, neither "p" nor "m" were encoded. It was still cool and fun to figure out, though. Now I want to make my up own little coded messages! Like I have time for another hobby...

Quidditch Victory!

2008-06-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, CentyB of Gryffindor found the snitch! We really needed this boost, so I'm happy. I'm also glad we did a rerelease of the snitch this round. Even if I can't get to the computer to look for the snitch along with everyone else at game time, I like to read the clue(s) and figure it out on my own. It just wasn't fun for me to search randomly. Even though the clue was pretty hard, I tried!

Gryffindor Quiz

2008-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Who is your favorite member of the Order of the Phoenix? I have a special place in my heart for Lupin. I also love Dumbledore, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Tonks.

Favorite person at Hogwarts?

Ah, Dumbledore.

Favorite spell or charm to use?

I like to use Vanishing Spells for messes. Or annoying people.

Best and worst classes at Hogwarts? Worst--definitely Potions. I'm horrible at mixing and following directions. In muggle high school I could never light the bunsen burner in chemistry class. When I did manage to light it, I was so surprised that I usually blew it out. My best class is probably Transfiguration, as I am very crafty and good at transforming things.

Favorite flower? Pansies--I have a tattoo of one one my back.

What is your beverage of choice? Coffee, tea, latte, soda/pop? mmm tea. I drink green tea every day, and iced tea is so refreshing.

Favorite muggle music? I honestly like everything except some rap and heavy metal. Some of my favorites are the Beatles, Guster, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Carrie Underwood

How many family members do you have? 6 including me. I have two brothers, a sister, and my parents.

What do you do on your summer vacation? What is your Favorite vacation ever taken?

My favorite vacation ever would have to be the one I took to Italy and Greece two years ago...no vacation for me this year. I am very busy at work during the summer, though, so I don't even miss it. yeah, right.

What is your favorite subject at Hogwarts? Why?

Transfiguration because who hasn't wanted to turn someone into a frog at some point?

How many pairs of shoes (footwear) do you have? Which are your favorite pair?

I can't even count how many pairs of shoes I have but my favorites are my reef flip flops--most comfortable shoes ever.

How many projects do you have OTN (on the needles)? 4

What is the oldest project you're working on and when did you cast it on?

I started a blanket about 18 months ago that has been hibernating for about a year.

Favorite food(s)?

sushi and ice cream

Quidditch Round 2

2008-06-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?

b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?

Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?

c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?

d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?

Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?

c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?

d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?

Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
b. 8

Meme

2008-06-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was finishing up my freshman year of high school. I don't remember much from that year except that it was pretty uneventful. I started having lots of fun sophomore year...

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
Well, it's Saturday and the day is winding down, so thankfully I don't have that much more on my to-do list. Earlier today my only responsiblities were getting myself showered, dressed and over the the WWKIP day at my LYS. I tried to go to my other knitting group after that, but I was running too late and didn't make it. The #1 thing that I must do today is finish the socks I'm knitting for my dad for Father's Day, which is tomorrow. I'm about to start decreasing for the toe on the second sock, so I know they'll be done. If only I could wave my magic wand and let the needles knit the sock themselves...

3. Snacks I enjoy
I love popcorn, especially kettle corn, but plain old fat free butter popcorn is great too. I recently learned how to pop popcorn on the stove in a big soup pot with olive oil. It's so fun, and it is literally the best tasting popcorn I've had in my entire life. I also love Stacy's Pita Chips, soy crisps, all forms of chocolate, ice cream, and sushi. If I could only eat 2 foods for the rest of my life they'd be sushi and ice cream.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire
Pay off my student loans and credit cards, buy a house, buy my parents a shore house, take a trip around the world, and give a lot to charity.

5. Places I've lived
Bridgewater, NJ, and Boston, MA

6. Jobs I've had
library page, starbucks barista, daycare caregiver, SAT Prep teacher, preschool teacher, Victoria's Secret slave, children's library assistant

7. Peeps I want to know more about...I have enjoyed the posts of the following on HSKS and Ravelry, and invite you to respond to this Meme if you care to:
Firenze Spinnet
Jalanna Kedavra
Minerva Dumbledore
Ophelia Ballycastle
Laeita Khandylle Haxloeffen Bharnoell

Second Gryffindor Quiz

2008-06-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

HOUSE QUIZ
Unscramble the words below:

1. onihexp __phoenix__
2. nro__ron____
3. mayr___army________
4. seelway___weasley_______
5. hrigda___hagrid______
6. ifdynrrgof___gryffindor_
7. dawn__wand_________
8. oshawrgt____hogwarts_____
9. busnim___nimbus________
10. bdulodeerm___dumbledore____
11. bydob___dobby________
12. bugmrdie__umbridge_____
13. emionehr____hermione___
14. rhayr____harry_________
15. arkreech____kreacher___
16. riissu____sirius_______
17. dootvlemr___voldemort____
18. ptrote___potter_______
19. hwgedi____hedwig____
20. ebtahlkclso__shacklebolt______

Quidditch Round 1

2008-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car
a. Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes

a. Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first
a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news

b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub
b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day

c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live

a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague
a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor

Redneck...and shoulders, and back...

2008-05-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's a pretty good thing that I have this week off, cause I haven't been able to comfortably wear anything more supportive than a bikini top since before my beach trip on Sunday. My sister and I went to the shore at Seven Presidents Beach in Long Branch, NJ. I'd highly recommend it. Even though it was Memorial Day Weekend, it wasn't too crowded. This beach really never is too crowded, but I don't understand why--it's gorgeous! It's always clean, they have nice, clean bathrooms, a little snack bar, a nice patio area to eat your snacks on, a huge playground for kids, AND there's usually a sandbar in the ocean! I don't really understand the whole "Closing NJ State Parks" thing that was talked about over the past few months, and I'm not even sure if that plan was put into action or not. But either way, I am sooo glad this state park is still open. It's my favorite one, hands down. But anyway, back to me. My sister was only responsible for putting sunscreen on my upper back. Funny, that's the only place I got burned. After a little while I turned my back towards her and said "Sar, my back feels kinda hot. Is it red?" She was like "Umm...yeah, let me put some more lotion on." So she did. I knew I was in trouble when she said, "It's the worst here," and touched the sides of my lower upper back, sorta almost under my arms. Great. The fleshy part that always seems to be pinched by my bra, no matter what size it is. Of course, it doesn't hurt when your skin isn't barbequed. So, it's halter tops for me for a few days. Luckily, I have plenty of those to put into the rotation.

I don't want to waste all of the sunshine today--I'm off to dye some naked bamboo for a very lucky ravelry swap spoilee!

First Gryffindor Quiz!

2008-05-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

1. Molly and Arthur Weasley have 7 children. Name three. Ron, Ginny, Percy
2. What is the full name of Gryffindor house ghost Nearly Headless Nick? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington
3. Which Ravenclaw sports a hat with a Gryffindor-like life sized lion's head which roars in Order of the Phoenix? Luna Lovegood
4. Name five members of the Order of the Phoenix. Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin, Arabella Fig, Nymphadora Tonks

5. What is the profession of Hermione Granger's parents? they are dentists!
6. What is your favorite thing to knit or crochet? socks, lace, shrugs, cute sweaters, pretty scarves or wraps
7. What is Professor Minerva McGonagall's animagus? cat
8. What size needles (DPNs, circular or loop) do you prefer for knitting socks? US1, but I'd also like to try a US 0 and US1.5
9. Where are the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix? the house at 12 Grimmauld Place, the Black family's home
10. What is your favorite pastime when not studying at Hogwarts? traveling or going to the beach
11. What is the name of the last book you read? Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs--so funny!
12. Which Gryffindor used to play "Charlie's Angels" and always was Bosley? That would be the fabulously friendly Lizzie Wychwood!

If Only...

2008-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

What Harry Potter Wand Are You? Your Result: 11.5" Yew, Unicorn Hair Your wand is of average length, with a flexible and long-lasting wood. Unicorn Hair is less common than most wand cores (owing to the high probability of being skewered), though easily found at Ollivander's. Your wand is ideal for Charms.
12.5" Yew, Dragon Heartstring
11" Mahogany, Unicorn Hair
14" Holly, Veela Hair
9" Willow, Phoenix Feather
10.5" Ash, Phoenix Feather
11" Ash, Hippogriff Talon
8.5" Mahogany, Dragon Heartstring
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_harry_potter_wand_are_you">What Harry Potter Wand Are You? http://www.gotoquiz.com/">See All Our Quizzes

2008-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

I think that socks are one of the most special items you can knit for someone. There's something so thrilling about constructing such a basic, necessary garment out of nothing more than sticks and string. All of knit or crochet is pretty amazing. Unlike other methods of constructing garments, like sewing, we knitters/crocheters start from scratch, creating our own fabric. But socks still amaze me. That is why, about a week and a half ago, I set off to knit my dad a pair of socks. He had been in the hospital for about 4 days following a minor stroke, a TIA, and I was already feeling guilty for not knitting him something. But I thought he'd be home soon. And what was I supposed to do? Knit him a bathrobe? Men can be so difficult sometimes. Then he was tentatively scheduled for surgery to unblock his carotid artery. It was 95% blocked. The intense worry set in. I was afraid that his heart wasn't healthy enough for the surgery. I felt so guilty thinking these horrible things, but I couldn't help it. I know he was worried too. I set off to knit him a pair of socks. Worsted weight slipper socks. Time was not something I had lots of...with his surgery and who knows what looming on the horizon, I needed these socks to be done. I knit so fast and so constantly, that my hand began to cramp up. But I finished those socks in 12 hours. I NEEDED him to have those socks before the surgery. Not because I thought there was a chance he wouldn't be around after the surgery, I just needed him to have worn them and know that I cared enought to knit them before he went to sleep. Then his stress test came back with abnormalities, and he had to have another scary-sounding test. A cardiac catheterization. I looked it up on WebMD right away, and was totally stunned. It sounded more like surgery than a test! The sinking feeling I had been trying to ignore for the past week immediately took over my body. I felt guilty when I was not surprised when I found out that my dad needed to have heart surgery. A triple bypass. I have seen him cry before; he's even cried during sad, stupid movies. But to see your father cry because he is afraid for his life is an entirely different experience. Well, I cried. A lot. I clung to my family; my siblings and I came together to support our parents, and we all hoped and prayed for the best. But feared the worst. When you are faced with the extreme illness and possible death of a family member, it is hard to care about much else. It's probably even impossible to pretend to care about who gets kicked off of American Idol or how understaffed your department is at work. But I cared about my knitting. I could control that. And I was happy that my dad was wearing those slipper socks. Even if they were a little itchy, I think he was happy too.

Well, his surgery was a week ago today, and thankfully, it was a success. Without a doubt or an ounce of exaggeration, last week, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, were the worst days of my life. Not knowing if Monday would be my last day with my dad was a completely morbid but anavoidable thought. Wanting to say goodbye, but needing to show a postive, hopeful attitude was excruciating. Waiting, for eight hours, was absolute torture. And even after the surgery, seeing him all puffed up with extra fluids, machines and pumps whirring and hissing and breathing for him, was so scary. I couldn't sleep that night knowing that he was not breathing on his own or sleeping soundly of his own volition. After his heart surgeon came into the waiting room to tell us that he was ok, my mom and sister and I sobbed with relief. My mom left the room to make phone calls, and my sister and I stayed behind and texted our friends. Text messages sent and received, I returned to my lace knitting. I knit a row, and had to put it down. My hands were shaking to hard that my stitches were all loose and messy.

It wasn't until a few days ago that I didn't feel scared and uncontrollably upset about the whole situation. Yesterday he was discharged from the hospital to a rehab center. He should be home by next Monday at the latest. Even though our lives will eventually go "back to normal," I truly don't believe they will ever be the same. My dad needs to change his lifestyle if he wants to keep his newly renovated heart healthy, and we'll all have to be healthier along with him. But that's just the surface change. We are all closer now, and I will never take anyone's health for granted. I also won't wait until someone's sick to knit for him/her. I generally don't knit for anyone who won't appreciate it, but now I know even the pickiest member of my immediate family does. This week I'm casting on for another pair of socks. This pair will be a gift for Father's Day.

I've been a bad, bad girl...

2008-03-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have contracted an exotic, rapidly-progressing virus--yarnbuyingitis. Recently I've bought way more yarn than I can afford. Check out my most recent acquisitions:And this isn't even counting the huge order from WEBS (8 more balls of Debbie Bliss Cathay and 8 more skeins of Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere) and the Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere and Noro Silk Garden I just bought at my LYS. Some of these goodies are going to swap partners, but still. I thought swapping might help me spend less money on myself. Obviously not. If you look closely at the above photo you will see some less expensive yarn from Michael's...I have a few kids's garments on my queue, and kids need washable, non-itchy clothes. I've chosen some cotton since warmer weather is right around the corner. I now HAVE to stop shopping because I'm out of cash until my next paycheck, and most of that money is already earmarked for bills. Paying bills is so boring. [sigh]

Second Sock Syndrome No More!

2008-03-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

So I have been knitting 2 socks on 2 circs, and I'd have to say I'm addicted. I only garnered the courage to try two socks at a time by signing up for a Magic Loop class at Angelfire Studios. Go figure, I decided NOT to knit my socks using the Magic Loop. After Carolyn's quick demo of the technique, I decided that A. This technique was easy enough for me to figure out on my own. and B. It did not look like fun. I wanted a challenge, so I made the impulsive decision to use two circular needles to knit two at a time. Carolyn warned us that the 2 circs method was very easy to get tangled. "You'll need to use two balls of yarn, keep one ball on either side of you, move the whole thing when you turn your needles around, and not let any pets or small children get into it." (not a direct quote, but necessary for editorial purposes). I thought about this for about 2 seconds. Moving yarn is a magnet for my cat. I'm kinda impatient and not very organized. I am the queen of tangles. I made my decision. "I'll do it!" It hasn't been so bad. As I was warned, the biggest challenge was the tangles. But my knitting taught me patience. I just breathed deep breaths and channeled my friend Scott's precision and superior problem-solving skills. [He once helped me wind up a ball of Tilli Thomas spun silk with sequins, and we had more than a few snags. I just blithely spun my wrist around balling the yarn until the ball leapt out of my hands and Scott calmly and quickly undid the sequinned snag. Thanks, Scott :-*] It worked! This would be reason 123873598732 why I love knitting: by taking on challenges you learn new things about yourself and do things you never thought you could do. Just a bit of advice for anyone who is inspired to take on this endeavour, as I have: In between round, your needles should never be twisted or tangled, but lying straight across with two little socks hanging between them. One needles shoulc have the fronts of the socks and the other needle should have the backs. When you pick up the stitches for the heel gusset, one needle (the one that had the fronts) should still ONLY have the fronts (instep stitches) and the other needle should have the heel and all gusset stitches. I did this wrong at first and my needles were twisted like some middle eastern cobra in a basket. Not fun. I didn't get a picture of this collassal screw up because I was too furiously knitting trying to get past those awful gussets. The manager I used to work with at Victoria's Secret about two or three years ago insisted that we did not use the term crotchless panties, but panties without a gusset. I know that "gusset" is just the name for a joining wedge of fabric but I can't help making the connection in my head. Stupid heel gussets. But I've moved past them (figuratively--I'm actually still knitting them.) Pictures will definitely be posted when I'm done!

Good call, Britney

2008-03-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Question: Did Britney opt for the anime/Fullmetal Alchemist-like animation in her video for "Break the Ice" so she could make some geek with a pencil and a computer do all the work of video production instead of her?

Possibly. Thank you, Brit, for avoiding yet another trainwreck of paparazzi photos and reports of bizarre behavior from disgruntled PAs.
Check out the video on The Superficial because I couldn't figure out how to link it directly :(

Although I have to say, I absolutely loved the montage of clips/stills from her previous videos set to this song (Piece of Me). I don't know how offical that is cause I found it here on YouTube.

Thank goodness for knitting...

2008-03-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

So I had an appointment with my Ear/Nose/Throat doc this morning, and I didn't even realize how heinous the wait was (45 min before 10:00am) and how bitchy the receptionist was because I was so occupied and pacified by my second jitterbug jaywalker. Knitting calms me down aaaaalll the time. It's probably added YEARS to my life due to stress reduction. I once saw a little logo (probably a ravelry avatar) that said "I knit so I don't kill people." I seem to feel like that more and more lately.

So, about this doctor...it's been my first visit there in about a year and a half, so I got a new referral from my PCP (yay HMOS!) Here's how the greeting conversation went:

me: Hello! I have new insurance, so here's my card.
receptionist: Do you have a referral.
me: yes.
recep [rudely]: Can I have it?
me: Oh, I thought it was electronic.
recep [looks at insurance card]: Amerihealth? No!
me: Um, my doctor told me it was electronic.
recep: Well, we have no way of accessing it. If you wnat to see the doctor today, you're going to have to call your doctor and have them fax it over right away.
me: Um, ok.

All this before 9:20 am. Maybe she hadn't had her coffee yet? I know I hadn't, but luckily I also neglected to take my bitch pills. So, I got the stupid referral faxed over. After my 45 minute wait and 6 minute visit with the doctor, I got a look at their computer screens as I checked out and paid my co pay. They probably couldn't access my electronic referral because they couldn't access the internet. Seriously, the computer moniters were like small white boxes. The screens were black with orange-MS-DOS-looking type on them. These machines appeared to be circa 1987. This is the office of the man I trusted with a laser in my throat and sinus cavity?? Oh, well. He is a good surgeon...

I finished the heel flap on my jaywalker, though! Hopefully I'll be done with these little suckers by Wednesday or Thursday. I probably only need 2 nights for the heel gusset, foot, and toe. I can't wait to wear them! They'll be my first finished pair of socks.