Why You Shouldn’t Run People Over In Parking Lots and Other Noteworthy News…

First – the Noteworthy News – Ariann.  Finished.  Sorry for the really, really bad photo – but this is as good as it’s going to get right now – and I’ve creatively hidden a double chin, so I’m ok with this.  I love, love, love this sweater.  Did I say LOVE?  Yes.  I want to make another already. 

 Started:  December 29, 2006   Finished February 26, 2007.   Yarn:  Cascade 220

I would have finished this long ago – but two rippings because I cannot allow myself to knit one single thing without ripping it at least one time, thereby pissing myself off and having a tantrum, punishing the knitting like it’s the knitting’s fault, knowing full well that it’s not and avoiding it because now I have a anxiety about screwing up again.  If I didn’t do all that – it probably would have been done in the beginning of January. 

And since the title of my post refer’s to running people over – no, I didn’t run anyone over.  But I was nearly run down today by a woman who has no regard for human life whatsoever.  Said woman – biznotch that she is – looked me right in the eye and I know I registered in her teeny little excuse of a brain – while I was making my way to my car, which was parked right next to her.  She then started her evil little vehicle, now to be known as the car that helped to try and run me down, and proceded to BACK THE HELL UP!!!  While I was directly in back of her evil, evil car!  I yelled so loud, she heard me and slammed on her brakes.  And then, take a deep breath people…………..she. gave. me. a. dirty. look.  Like, oh, I don’t know, I made her try to run me over?????  WTF???  Have some people become so numb and self absorbed, that upon nearly running someone over with a CAR – not a small tricyle, mind you, but a car, have we completely lost our damn minds and have somehow found a way to justify not even looking remotely remorseful upon nearly almost, very possibly maiming or killing someone?  Lady?  I feel totally fine with calling you an asshole today.  And let it be known, I only called you that after you looked at me down your snooty little nose and didn’t so much as nod your teeny tiny little head in my direction in the littlest attempt at an apology – a POX on you and your evil little car!

Whew!  Ok.  So, the shop is updated – again – with more kilt pins – I had sold completely out and really need to make a lot more – but here’s the latest.  Thanks so much for all your support and you know who you are!!

Onto knitting – I’ve cast on for a scarf for the DH – and I’ve ripped it out (see above).  And now, I’ve cast on again – but narrower.  I wouldn’t have enough yarn the other way, but now, I think we’re gonna be ok.  It’s not going to get photographed till it’s done probably, since it’s a dark yarn and now, it’s dark out.  But it should knit up fast.  And I hope so because Laurie and I are going to embark on the Central Park Hoodie!!  And, Laurie, Jeanne and I have a yarn crawl planned for this Saturday – which may find some yarn for said CPH.  You just never know! It is so very neat to have knitty friends to do knitty things with and they totally get your need for yarn and your obsession with it – I’m so glad I met you guys!!

WII Found It!!!

Or should I say, I found it.  After missing out one about three weeks ago, at a certain big childrens toy store, I searched around on the internets and visited a few message boards and found this handy little link:

Handy Link

Now, when I found it, it had another zip code in it, so I just put mine in, instead.  And I would check every other day or so.  Even put myself on the “email when available” options.  Last night I checked and noticed a store about 45 minutes away was going to have them.  I was up in the middle of the night(don’t know why, just couldn’t sleep!)  and another store, not so close had the same thing.  This morning, yet another store seemed to have stock.  So I contemplated making the 45 minute drive.  I figured there were some other errands I needed to do and perhaps I would just do them on the way there.  Well, I arrived at 9:30 (store opens at 10) and noticed what I thought was the usual “sold out” sign on their front door.  I left the car without my coat, not noticing any lines and as I walked closer, it became clear that it was not the usual sign.  It was a “line forms here for the WII” sign.  I hotfooted it back to my car, grabbed my coat and stood under that sign for all of 2 seconds – I was just popping my other ear bud in and a nice man popped his head out the side door to inquire if I was there for a WII – I hesitantly said yes, thinking – he’s going to tell me sorry, sucka, we’re out.  But no – instead, he hands me a voucher that guaranttees me a WII!  He even said, go, go shopping and come back, this one is yours and it will be your’s until 12 noon.  I nervously killed some time with another mom in W – mart (right next door) and at a little before 10 I was with a group of maybe 8 people waiting for the doors to open.  By 10:20, me and the WII were on our way home!  It’s AWESOME.  And I think it’s good exercise too – lot’s of moving and jumping around. 

Yesterday was Knitting Meetup – Jeanne was feeling under the weather, so she didn’t make it.  But Laurie and I were there and so were some of the other “regulars”.  It was nice to get out and knit for a bit – I brought Ariann with me – I’m finally past the point of where I was before the last rippage – and this is getting done, I tell ya.  Ariann will be worn this winter.  And winter it still us, judging by the Winter Storm Warning we are currently under.  I’m very excited – and hopeful we may have a snow day tomorrow. 

 I was also able to update the shop a bit yesterday – my stock has gotten so low – which is a good thing, but still, I’ll be making more to stock the shop with this week.

I love me the Fibula’s!!!! Fun to make and even better – you won’t lose that darn stick pin!

Something to Show and Tell About

The Canada Socks.  They are done.  Not Blocked.  Don’t get all crazy on me.  But they’re finished.  I may even wear them before blocking just because I can. 

Canada Socks

 Started:  January 16, 2007 – Finished: February 20, 2007 – not too bad considering I had many distractions.  Yarn:  Elann Devon – great stuff  – just don’t stick it in the washer per Jeanne. 

This was my first real bout of colorwork and I’m ok with it.  I think they came out pretty well for a first timer.  And I’ve cast on for those mitts now, Laurie, so get your knit on!

As I just said, I did cast on the ribbing for the EndPaper Mitts.  Because I’m challenged and cannot even look at pictures and do what they say in simple terms, I’ve decided to do a cable cast on instead of the tubular cast on.  It looks fine to me so far, but you know how that goes.  If someone could show me this tubular thing (it’s totally tubular, man) I’m sure I’d get it, kinisetic  learner that I am.  But, even though I’ve taught myself how to read directions very well, this just escapes me.  And they’re great directions too.  It’s me. 

This week is the week for getting things done – insurance approved and paid for? – check.  Cars registered? – Check.  Emergency Brake in car fixed, almost? – Check.  Appointment for inspection of said car? – Check.  Accountants name and number procured? – Check.  I’m feeling a little less pressure on my being right now, and it feels good.  Then why am I feeling like I forgot something……?

Big Doin’s On The Long Weekend

Progress was made in the studio – mostly yesterday – that is three and a third  shelving units put together by me.  ClosetMaid Cubeicals – great, easy and when I get the other six cubbie drawers I need, it will look much better.  That corner of the room is almost done – I think I may add some step down cubbies to the top but I’m not sure yet.  And I feel like I’m running out of room – and this room is at least twice as large as the craft room I occupied to capacity downstairs.   But – the yarn, it’s all there (except what’s in my ottoman in the living room) Hidden by the cubbie drawers, but they are STUFFED.  I did knit on the Canada sock – I’m through the heel and onward to the toe.  I did touch Ariann, if you look very closely, that’s her, residing in that heap in the right corner – she’s got her own basket next to a chair – place of honor to get working on her when I’m ready.  Oh, and I think I’m selling the Piano – it’s taking up valuable real estate in that room and let’s face it – it’s not getting any playage at all. 

It was a glorious 4 days off – Laurie and I started it off on Friday with a bead/yarn/lunch outting – but alas, no knitting!  So weird, but there were donuts.  Saturday was a friends birthday party.  Sunday I was honored to meet Wesley and shop with Laurie – Fossil bags on sale – need I say more????  Oh, and there was lunch too and visiting at Laurie’s house and knitting.  Sunday was for purchasing, lugging and assembling the shelves – DS2 moved all my yarn for me from downstairs – the knee’s were hurting from the kneeling and the assembling.  He’s a great mover – I think I’ll be employing him again. 

Nickel Silver Flower Cuff Bracelet

I don’t mind the snow much at all, since I get to work with colors like these.  Laurie and I went on a bit of an excursion yesterday – first to the bead store that wasn’t open last week, were we indulged in a bit o’ bead buying.  Not the greatest shop, but I did find some unusual beads to incorporate in my work.  Then we hit the yarn store that wasn’t open on Monday – and didn’t buy a thing.  I think we both wanted to, but, ah, no.  We couldn’t.  Cracker Barreled for lunch and then another trip down to the Wooley Lamb – which was a bit disappointing.  We went looking for fingering weight yarn, and it seems like whenever your looking for something – well, you don’t really find it.  We both came away with 4 balls each of Rowan Cashsoft – for the Endpaper Mitts and matching scarf ( I talked Laurie into that – LOL) – I’m all about the accessories and what’s a pair of mitts without a scarf?  We decided that the next yarn crawl will be in a more yarnshop congested area – and we have to wait for Jeanne to accompany us, too.  We had a lot of fun, despite some nut trying to hit us in Cracker Barrels parking lot (thanks Laurie, whew!) and some idjiot on rt 31 who apparently couldn’t tell the difference between his brake and gas pedal while trying to cut me off.  I laughed my ass off, because if you don’t get hurt, you must laugh or give in to severe road rage and we were having too much fun for that. 

So in order to clear the decks for the mitts – I must get this Canada sock DONE – and I did all the color work on the cuff yesterday.  The more I do colorwork, the more comfortable I’m getting and I’ve even moved on to carrying a color in each hand, which is, well – handy.  Goes much quicker.  Looks neater.  Now I’m into the stockinette and hope to be on the way to finishing this before the holiday weekend is over.  Laurie is waiting on some needles anyway, so patience. 

And I have to say, I’m so very excited – I get to meet Wesley tomorrow!!!!  Yes, Binky, I’m gonna meet your man!  If you have any messages, let me know and I’ll deliver them for you – he’s gonna be 1 on Monday, and I wanted to do a cake, but his mom said no, cat’s don’t eat cake.  What a shame. 

We have a friends 50th birthday party to go to tonight – we are trying to get in the party mood, but I know DH is tired and part of us want to just stay in.  But the other part, well, we do like a good party…..

While the Weather Outside is Frightful….

Valentine’s Day Storm, 2007 – don’t worry, the bird feeders out front have lots of seeds – we can’t fill this one right now because of the Bears – maybe now that it’s snowed, they will finally go take their slumber…..

Studio, before.  This is the room that is to become my “Studio”.  I’ve moved my metal bench in, and I’m trying to move stuff out – but it takes some brute force to move TV’s, stands, tables and such and I’m pleading for a little help around here.  I’ll take the move slowly and hopefully have something wonderful to show for it in a month or so. 

So I worked on this instead of moving those TV’s…..Nugold and Unakite Necklace.  Everything, all the links and clasps are hand formed and made by moi.  I wanted something that could be a companion piece to the bracelets I’ve been making – most of which aren’t getting a chance to hit the shop yet – I’m happy to say they are selling.  I’m proud of this piece – it’s my creativity coming out and I’m pleased with it, but I know that it will evolve over time.  It’s at the shop now. 

Now for some knitting news  – this is a knitting blog afterall.  Laurie had a great idea to make the Endpaper Mitts, so we are going to embark on that, hopefully bringing Jeanne along with us! I’m not as afraid of colorwork as I once was, since the Canada socks – I mean really, If I can do color work on socks, of all things, I think I can try it on other items.  Eunny writes the most wonderful patterns and I’m really looking forward to selecting some yarn and getting started on these. 

I plan on getting some serious knitting time in today – while I’m waiting for the TV movers, I might as well make some good use of this wonderful Snow Day.  I’m hoping to finish up one of the baby ribs socks and do the colorwork on the other Canada sock.  And pick up Ariann, for goodness sake!!!  I could really use a warm cardy on days like today.  The winds are whipping and I’m hoping we don’t lose power.  It is snowing like a son of a gun right now ( don’t ask me to decribe how a son of a gun snows, I don’t know) and as I’m looking out our front window, I can barely see through the trees on the other side of the road.  This is just the kind of snowstorm I wanted and I’m going to enjoy the heck out of it.  Oh, and just incase you need something beautiful to look at, please, for the love of all that is lace, go look at Jersey Knitters beautiful shawl – it’s just stunning.  I found the link to her blog on Deb’s blog - thanks Deb, for sharing that! 

Oh!  One more thing.  In honor of Wesley’s very first Birthday on Monday the 19th, Laurie is having a contest!!!!!!  Get on over there and give it a go – email your guess to her and she’ll enter you in the contest – and give that beautiful Wesley some Happy Birthday Wishes – although I’ve yet to meet him in person, ahem, I have come to appreciate his supreme cuteness. 

Something Snowy This Way Comes….

Sterling Silver Fibula in the shop….

Those silly weather people are saying the “s” word again.  If the way my head feels is any indication at all of the weather changes headed our way, I’m leaning towards believing them – and their near blizzard conditions of a forecast – supposedly this event is going to start Tuesday night and go into Wednesday – will the forecast be correct?  Stay tuned…

Yesterday we had a wonderful Knitting meetup – sometimes we laugh so hard, I’m surprised we get any knitting done at all.  We have quite a variety of ages – from 20 somethings and up.  I really get annoyed when knitting is associated with age – who the heck started that little age/knitting correlation?  And why is it when people want to zing you they play the age card? Do they think they’ll never age themselves?    When you associate a specific activity with age isn’t that age-ism? I really think it is a form of  Passive agressive jealousy.  I think that’s it.  We have a blast, get out of the house (because we’re shut ins, don’t you know? dripping with sarcasm)  and socialize with our friends – I think that’s a common thread through all the ages.  Young,old, married, single,parent, grandparent – who cares as long as you find what you enjoy? I feel sorry for people who exclude themselves from a group because of a pre-conceived judgement on their part. 

I’ve been still knitting on the “socks” – not the pair but a little bit here and there on the Canada sock and a little bit here and there on the toe up sock.  I have to pull Ariann out and I will this week – Jeanne – but right now, too much headache to sit and concentrate.  I’ve moved my metal working equipment into the new “studio” – moved the futon out today, have to leave the piano in.  The TV, tables and what-not can come out, but this will be a slow move – I have to make measurements, figure out how to arrange things and gets some storage in there.  Plus there may be a slight rumor that there could be painting going on – two walls are dark wood paneling.  It could just be a rumor, too.  Time will tell.  Laurie was kind enough to give me an Ikea catalog so I can research my storage options.  There are some reasonable things in there that I think will work nicely. 

Exciting news over at Dogs Steal Yarn - Cari is hopefully going to be designing and selling knitting patters for  Kidswear!  Go on over there and offer your encouragement and support – I think she’ll have much success!  All the best Cari!!

There was a yarn delivery yesterday – I don’t want to say where or who bought what – but lets just say another Shifting Sands could be started using some Red Java Malabrigo - another rumor swirling in the knitting rumor mill.  There could have been some Artyarns #155 mixed in with that too, and I really can’t speak for someone else’s purchases – this is all the fault of yarn shops who don’t open their doors on Mondays – what are knitters supposed to do -just go home?  Or go home and internet shop?  What would you do?

Super Bowl It’s A SALE DAY!!!

Today Only, you’ll receive a 10% discount off anything you purchase at my Etsy Shop!  Go.  Look.  You know you want to!!  Just wait for an adjusted invoice from me before you complete the payment process. 

Now, you can shop if you don’t want to watch the entire game……

How I Cheated on My Knitting

Oh, my fickle knitters heart, forgive me, for I have cheated on my knitting.  Let me ‘esplain.  No.  Let me sum up.

 I’m a multi-faceted fiber junkie.  I’ve always knit or crocheted, adding to that, needlepoint (not so much anymore) cross stitch, spinning, and quilting.  I really haven’t done any quilting in about a year – my “craft” room is overflowing and mostly looks like a J*ann’s vomitted in my house.  Right now, there isn’t a single square foot of floor space to really even navigate around the room.  I miss quilting – and I could strike a balance with that and knitting because afterall, I can’t put my sewing machine in my lap and settle down on the couch for an episode of Grey’s, right?  Right!  But I work with a very Quilty gal, and she’s just inspired me to get back into it – clean up that mess of a room and get quilting again.  So I laid down the knitting needles the past two nights to get going on a hand appliqued wall quilt – I love applique.  She saw this quilt in her magazine, knew it was all me, brought it in, got me hooked and now the rest is history – she even gave me the magazine.  Well, what choice did I have – I couldn’t let that much faith in me down.  So, I’ve cheated on my knitting.  And all this wanting to do everything I want to do, in a space I can keep uncluttered, had me on a campaign for more space in our house.  So, after negotiations, I get to take up residence in our “florida” room.  a.k.a. the den that no one but the video-gaming sons use  – what a waste of space – sorry son’s.  Now, I have to keep the futon in there and the birds (two cages) but it leaves me with about 17 x15 feet of room, room, room!!!  And I can move my metal bench in there, along with the sewing table, yarn stash and various, sundry other crafts that are in my life – and put my spinning wheel in a corner by the window, ready to go at a moments whim!!!  OMG!!!  The move will have to take place gradually – since there has to be massive cleaning and foodshopping in order to prepare for tomorrows Super de Bowl.  And I haven’t a thing done on that front – therefore, no photo’s today.  But really, how exciting is a new craft room!!! 

And I’m trying to write better.  With more “voice”.  I help out every afternoon in our fifth grade LA class, and I’m learning a heapload (adj.) of interesting information to help jazz up my own writing.  I’m not sure I can do the clearing of the clutter in my writing – it doesn’t work for my house, so how can it work for my written word?  But, I’m longing to make this blog a better read for my loyal audience.  I want you to be able to really picture in your heads what I write. So now, I’m off to gnash my teeth while working my fingers to the bare bones, sweaty and weary about the task that lays before me  – cleaning the friggin house!

Kids, don’t worry, you’ll have a way to play your video games – just bug Dad for that! 

Nugold Unakite Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Not that a day made much of a difference in the light for taking this photo – but here’s the bracelet and it’s now in the shop.  I think I may make a few more in other color combinations – I’m really liking how these just evolve while I’m working on them. 

The darn weather is just not cooperating.  I don’t understand how they can take back a forecast so quickly and not change it again in favor of a Snow Day just as quickly?  Can they be so sure that we won’t get this storm?  The high for tomorrow is 36 – I can’t see how we’re going to avoid an ice situation here with the ground so cold and being up on this here mountain – I still have some hope……please?