My, my, my. I was trying to rejig the way my Ravelry project list looks (decided to put it back to what it was) and I discovered I had 50 projects in various states of unfinished (ranging from just started all the way to it's been knitted, sewn and only needs to be blocked).
That's very embarrassing indeed.
I am churning out and finishing quite a few projects, but right now, there are more new projects being finished than old ones.
So, as of last night, I finished a teapot cozy, washed a shawl that's been sitting on the side-lines for over a month (got another one to wash, but it's an old one that's going into storage until winter) and a hat. So my list is now down to 47 (still too many, though).
I think, that as much a I'd like to start a new project, I really need to buckle down and renew my new year's resolution of cutting down on unfinished projects. I know that I'll never be one for having under 10 projects on the go, but nearly 50 of them really is a bit much.
Ah well.
I'll leave it at that. I've really got to go knit. *g*
29 July 2013
29 June 2013
Whee!
I've been on line and discovered that Flickr have removed their ridiculous limits on photos and given everyone 1TB of space. It's GREAT!
I can start using it again. Yahoo!
Oh, about the knitting. Yep, I am. Projects finished:
Pink Pearly Queen
Feather Lace Scarf (it's huge and it's bit strange with 3 pink "stripes" in it, but it's MINE)
Namaste Bag (Yoga Mat Bag) in Grey Aran-weight Cotton.
My wwwww#1 (fair isle headband) in 5 shades of 2-ply Jumperweight by Jamieson & Smith)
Cabled Tea Cozy (a paper tea cup holder) in grey marl 4-ply (leftover 2-ply Jumperweight)
A Ditty Bag (it's a small bag for holding 2 small MP3 speakers and their cables).
Projects Started:
Nori Shawl (knitty) - in Dark Green 2-ply Jumperweight.
34 Leaves Shawl (Lankakamero) Originally started Nov 2012, I'm working on it.
Funchal Moebius (Kate Davies) A colour-work cowl in 2 colours of fingering-weight yarn (King Cole & Texere Yarns Wool City).
2 Mistaken Shawls (one is finished on the knitting (Green one)) and now waiting for the ends to be woven in) One in Louisa Harding Fleuris (Box) and the other in Bulky Wool by Texere Yarns (Claret))
Wingspan #2 in EasyKnitter Deeply Wicked in Ruby Reds. (I'm hoping to go to Purl City Yarns this Sunday as they're having a trunk show of EasyKnitter Yarns).
Lacy Baktus #2 in Lana Grosse Meilenweit (4-ply mainly cotton sock yarn) colourway 3006.
A Robin's Egg Blue Hat (Rachel Iufer) in the leftover Fleuris from the Mistaken shawl
I think that's about it for this entry. I've not yet started abking and I haven't yet picked up the Maelstrom shawl. Don't know at this point when that'll happen.
Later.
I can start using it again. Yahoo!
Oh, about the knitting. Yep, I am. Projects finished:
Pink Pearly Queen
Feather Lace Scarf (it's huge and it's bit strange with 3 pink "stripes" in it, but it's MINE)
Namaste Bag (Yoga Mat Bag) in Grey Aran-weight Cotton.
My wwwww#1 (fair isle headband) in 5 shades of 2-ply Jumperweight by Jamieson & Smith)
Cabled Tea Cozy (a paper tea cup holder) in grey marl 4-ply (leftover 2-ply Jumperweight)
A Ditty Bag (it's a small bag for holding 2 small MP3 speakers and their cables).
Projects Started:
Nori Shawl (knitty) - in Dark Green 2-ply Jumperweight.
34 Leaves Shawl (Lankakamero) Originally started Nov 2012, I'm working on it.
Funchal Moebius (Kate Davies) A colour-work cowl in 2 colours of fingering-weight yarn (King Cole & Texere Yarns Wool City).
2 Mistaken Shawls (one is finished on the knitting (Green one)) and now waiting for the ends to be woven in) One in Louisa Harding Fleuris (Box) and the other in Bulky Wool by Texere Yarns (Claret))
Wingspan #2 in EasyKnitter Deeply Wicked in Ruby Reds. (I'm hoping to go to Purl City Yarns this Sunday as they're having a trunk show of EasyKnitter Yarns).
Lacy Baktus #2 in Lana Grosse Meilenweit (4-ply mainly cotton sock yarn) colourway 3006.
A Robin's Egg Blue Hat (Rachel Iufer) in the leftover Fleuris from the Mistaken shawl
I think that's about it for this entry. I've not yet started abking and I haven't yet picked up the Maelstrom shawl. Don't know at this point when that'll happen.
Later.
21 April 2013
It's Dancing Time!
I am a VERY happy person.
I found my camera!!!! *cheers, dances* I knew I missed it, but I hadn't realised I missed it as much as I had. . . I'm SO happy I found it. I keep thinking about it waiting for me to use, and I start smiling.
So why am I sitting here typing this rather than going outside and taking photographs? Well, it's raining. My camera doesn't like rain. It's a pain in the bum, but that's the way it goes.
So. I'll be taking photos in a couple days once my knitting is done - and I can also finally take some good photos of the knitting that just can't be captured nicely on the mobile. Yahoo!!!
Anyway, onto the knitting:
I've finished a few projects in the last few weeks -
Ayli Hat - It needs to be re-blocked, as I did that in a hurry and while it's ok, it could fit just a little better.
Bulky Flip-top Mittens - they are great. I have started another pair in a soft green-grey, and I have requests for another 2 pairs. I'll get those done for October (I hope).
Simple Lines Shawl - I beaded the border and it's just so pretty. I can't wait for the weather to wear it.
Light and Up Shawl - I waffled a bit and after blocking, I added the tassels. I like it very much, though I'm unhappy that the weather finally decided to warm up. It means I can't wear this (it blocked out bigger than expected and while light, it is too warm for spring/summer). Drat.
Wingspan - I found it fun and quick to knit. I didn't block it, as I really didn't want to. I also found that in sunlight, it's MUCH more vibrant than I was looking at under an energy-saver bulb. What a surprise!
Not-so-raspberry-as-cherry-Dream stole - and I've got to say, even unblocked, it's Gorgeous!
Bellflower lace scarf (now a cowl) - It didn't turn out as I planned, but it's nice and it will work.
The last two items need to be blocked, but I just don't want to pin out anything at this moment. I'll get 'em done "soon".
New Projects -
I FINALLY started the Muir Stole/Shawl in Natural Dye Studio's Angel 1-ply in Aqua. I'm adding delica beads to the leaves and while I've only done 8 rows, I LOVE IT!
At the end of March I started a pair of "Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves" in Regia Ombre Stripe (blues and greens). I've had to re-start them - I added a thumb and re-jigged the wrist short rows. They're a side-project and I'm taking my time.
I watched the Fiddler on the Roof a couple weeks ago, and saw a stole I liked. Trawling though Ravelry, I couldn't find a stole pattern that even remotely matched it (which was surprising), though I did find the "Foreign Correspondent's Scarf" that had the same lace pattern as the stole. I started the scarf in Zettl Treviso (navy blue), and it's interesting.
I'm sort of drafting/making notes of a pattern for the stole. I'll definitely have to do a test run of it, but I know I'm on the right lines.
About three weeks ago I started "Pearly Queen". I'm knitting it in Zettl Melisa (pink). It's about the same as the requested yarn. I'm not sure about it though - but that's more the colour than anything else. It's an easy and quick knit, but a little fiddly as I've had to change the way I throw my purling. It's not a problem, just a little different.
Old Projects -
I'm over halfway done with my feather lace scarf (started 2007). I looked at it recently, and it's actually more the width of a stole. I'm hopefully going to use it as a scarf, though I'm not convinced. I think it'll stretch significantly in blocking. All will reveal itself eventually.
I decided at the end of March to give the Maelstrom shawl a rest for a bit. I was dreading the thought of even picking it up, so it was packed away. But. . .I expect the way I've been thinking about it lately means I'll be getting back to it either in May or June.
I've been working on other projects, but, as I'm not sure how much time I'll take to finish them, I can't really give details on them.
If I finish another project this month (ha!), I'll start another shawl. I though about making a sweater, but honestly, I want another shawl. Oh who am I kidding. Once I finish another project, I'll be starting another shawl. There.
Food news next:
I'm really getting into making Japanese Pickles (tsukemono) and I've dicovered I need a couple ingredients (perilla leaves and yuzu) I can't easily get for the pickles I want to end up with. I'm going to be buying the seed for the perilla leaves (both red and green). I have no idea what I'll do about the yuzu, but so far, lemon peel is working. I am happy with what's happening so far - though they could be just a bit better with the perilla leaves. To be honest, I would love to make rice bran pickles, but I'm not convinced I've got what it takes to keep them happy while fermenting. Therefore, I'm just concentrating on quick pickles, and all is good.
My next foray into baking will be making vegan pies. I've got what seems to be a good cookbook (yes, it's "Vegan pie in the Sky"), but unfortunatly I need the counter space. That's a big problem right now. Once that's fixed, watch this space. I'm in the mood to make a chai apple pie first.
And finally, just in case you hadn't figured it out, my emotional health is MUCH better. I don't know what happened, but about a week - 2 weeks ago, it was if a cloud had lifted. I'm definitely not complaining. It's a little weird in my head, but I'll go with the flow. It's preferable to the way it was before.
Ok, I'm off. I have reading to catch up on. I finally got my copy of "Dangerous Liaisons" returned to me, and I'm on letter 16.
See you later.
I found my camera!!!! *cheers, dances* I knew I missed it, but I hadn't realised I missed it as much as I had. . . I'm SO happy I found it. I keep thinking about it waiting for me to use, and I start smiling.
So why am I sitting here typing this rather than going outside and taking photographs? Well, it's raining. My camera doesn't like rain. It's a pain in the bum, but that's the way it goes.
So. I'll be taking photos in a couple days once my knitting is done - and I can also finally take some good photos of the knitting that just can't be captured nicely on the mobile. Yahoo!!!
Anyway, onto the knitting:
I've finished a few projects in the last few weeks -
Ayli Hat - It needs to be re-blocked, as I did that in a hurry and while it's ok, it could fit just a little better.
Bulky Flip-top Mittens - they are great. I have started another pair in a soft green-grey, and I have requests for another 2 pairs. I'll get those done for October (I hope).
Simple Lines Shawl - I beaded the border and it's just so pretty. I can't wait for the weather to wear it.
Light and Up Shawl - I waffled a bit and after blocking, I added the tassels. I like it very much, though I'm unhappy that the weather finally decided to warm up. It means I can't wear this (it blocked out bigger than expected and while light, it is too warm for spring/summer). Drat.
Wingspan - I found it fun and quick to knit. I didn't block it, as I really didn't want to. I also found that in sunlight, it's MUCH more vibrant than I was looking at under an energy-saver bulb. What a surprise!
Not-so-raspberry-as-cherry-Dream stole - and I've got to say, even unblocked, it's Gorgeous!
Bellflower lace scarf (now a cowl) - It didn't turn out as I planned, but it's nice and it will work.
The last two items need to be blocked, but I just don't want to pin out anything at this moment. I'll get 'em done "soon".
New Projects -
I FINALLY started the Muir Stole/Shawl in Natural Dye Studio's Angel 1-ply in Aqua. I'm adding delica beads to the leaves and while I've only done 8 rows, I LOVE IT!
At the end of March I started a pair of "Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves" in Regia Ombre Stripe (blues and greens). I've had to re-start them - I added a thumb and re-jigged the wrist short rows. They're a side-project and I'm taking my time.
I watched the Fiddler on the Roof a couple weeks ago, and saw a stole I liked. Trawling though Ravelry, I couldn't find a stole pattern that even remotely matched it (which was surprising), though I did find the "Foreign Correspondent's Scarf" that had the same lace pattern as the stole. I started the scarf in Zettl Treviso (navy blue), and it's interesting.
I'm sort of drafting/making notes of a pattern for the stole. I'll definitely have to do a test run of it, but I know I'm on the right lines.
About three weeks ago I started "Pearly Queen". I'm knitting it in Zettl Melisa (pink). It's about the same as the requested yarn. I'm not sure about it though - but that's more the colour than anything else. It's an easy and quick knit, but a little fiddly as I've had to change the way I throw my purling. It's not a problem, just a little different.
Old Projects -
I'm over halfway done with my feather lace scarf (started 2007). I looked at it recently, and it's actually more the width of a stole. I'm hopefully going to use it as a scarf, though I'm not convinced. I think it'll stretch significantly in blocking. All will reveal itself eventually.
I decided at the end of March to give the Maelstrom shawl a rest for a bit. I was dreading the thought of even picking it up, so it was packed away. But. . .I expect the way I've been thinking about it lately means I'll be getting back to it either in May or June.
I've been working on other projects, but, as I'm not sure how much time I'll take to finish them, I can't really give details on them.
If I finish another project this month (ha!), I'll start another shawl. I though about making a sweater, but honestly, I want another shawl. Oh who am I kidding. Once I finish another project, I'll be starting another shawl. There.
Food news next:
I'm really getting into making Japanese Pickles (tsukemono) and I've dicovered I need a couple ingredients (perilla leaves and yuzu) I can't easily get for the pickles I want to end up with. I'm going to be buying the seed for the perilla leaves (both red and green). I have no idea what I'll do about the yuzu, but so far, lemon peel is working. I am happy with what's happening so far - though they could be just a bit better with the perilla leaves. To be honest, I would love to make rice bran pickles, but I'm not convinced I've got what it takes to keep them happy while fermenting. Therefore, I'm just concentrating on quick pickles, and all is good.
My next foray into baking will be making vegan pies. I've got what seems to be a good cookbook (yes, it's "Vegan pie in the Sky"), but unfortunatly I need the counter space. That's a big problem right now. Once that's fixed, watch this space. I'm in the mood to make a chai apple pie first.
And finally, just in case you hadn't figured it out, my emotional health is MUCH better. I don't know what happened, but about a week - 2 weeks ago, it was if a cloud had lifted. I'm definitely not complaining. It's a little weird in my head, but I'll go with the flow. It's preferable to the way it was before.
Ok, I'm off. I have reading to catch up on. I finally got my copy of "Dangerous Liaisons" returned to me, and I'm on letter 16.
See you later.
04 March 2013
Life isn't unkind
Well, the knitting on the vortex/maelstrom shawl is coming along. I decided it's been ignored enough. I'll knit on it until I get fed up and want to throw it across the room. To make me feel better, I've started 3 small projects - 2 scarves (prismatic scarf and a bellflower lace scarf that started out as a headband) and a shawl (light and up shawl).
My GOD I hate this keyboard. Some of the keys are stiff and don't register unless you're imagining you're playing along with Beethoven's 5th. Arrggh! It's not even 6 months old, this laptop. What a PAIN!!!.
. . . Anyway. The knitting is progressing ok. I'd like to say nicely, but I'm not in the >50% mood to knit. I'm having another month of "not wanting to knit". It's killing me. I "want" to knit, but the thought of knitting another 800 stitch (and increasing) row on a circular shawl that seems to have no end (though I DO know there's only one more repeat after the next 10 rows) in sight is getting a tiny bit annoying. But, the good thing I have to look forwards to is the pretty border. Right now, I'm definitely making the border a carrot to keep me going.
You see, I know what part of the problem is. . . I'm grieving, and I'm refusing to properly grieve.
I have NO idea why. I really don't. Anyway. It's MY problem, and I know how to deal with it, but I need to know I'll not be interrupted and totally alone. So It'll be awhile, and until then...I'm hoping I'll be ok.
But on a better note for the knitting, I've finished the knitting and sewing on the Simple Lines shawl. I even beaded the border. It's lovely, but it'll be better once I lightly block it. Unfortunately, I don't know when that'll be.
So. The house cleaning slowed a little bit during the last couple weeks of February (I was a bit ill and didn't have the energy, if I'm honest), but I've gotten most of the recycling (so far) out of the house, and that felt good. I'm planning on culling a "few" more books and a few more clothes this coming week.
Ok, I'm done with this. Later.
My GOD I hate this keyboard. Some of the keys are stiff and don't register unless you're imagining you're playing along with Beethoven's 5th. Arrggh! It's not even 6 months old, this laptop. What a PAIN!!!.
. . . Anyway. The knitting is progressing ok. I'd like to say nicely, but I'm not in the >50% mood to knit. I'm having another month of "not wanting to knit". It's killing me. I "want" to knit, but the thought of knitting another 800 stitch (and increasing) row on a circular shawl that seems to have no end (though I DO know there's only one more repeat after the next 10 rows) in sight is getting a tiny bit annoying. But, the good thing I have to look forwards to is the pretty border. Right now, I'm definitely making the border a carrot to keep me going.
You see, I know what part of the problem is. . . I'm grieving, and I'm refusing to properly grieve.
I have NO idea why. I really don't. Anyway. It's MY problem, and I know how to deal with it, but I need to know I'll not be interrupted and totally alone. So It'll be awhile, and until then...I'm hoping I'll be ok.
But on a better note for the knitting, I've finished the knitting and sewing on the Simple Lines shawl. I even beaded the border. It's lovely, but it'll be better once I lightly block it. Unfortunately, I don't know when that'll be.
So. The house cleaning slowed a little bit during the last couple weeks of February (I was a bit ill and didn't have the energy, if I'm honest), but I've gotten most of the recycling (so far) out of the house, and that felt good. I'm planning on culling a "few" more books and a few more clothes this coming week.
Ok, I'm done with this. Later.
08 February 2013
Tilting at titles . . .
Knitting recently started:
Simple Lines Shawl by Maanel. Yarn: Panda (DK bamboo blend) in Dark Grey by Zettl.
Wingspan by Tri'Coterie Knitting Designs. Yarn: Deeply Wicked (fingering merino) in Pond Scum by Easy Knits.
I'm taking these with me when I go voluntering at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts Show. I started yesterday and really didn't get to work at all on either one. It was fine, though. It was amazingly busy and the time flew by. I'd like to do it again next year. We'll see though, as I've just indicated that I'd be interested in helping with hows that the Knitting and Crochet Guild have on in Manchester. I think that the future might be busy....
Books:
Well, I'm back for another year with the Goodreads reading challenge. I'm going to try again with reading 2 books a week (104 books this year). It's working so far, and I'm 2 books ahead.
Garden: No go.
House cleaning resolution: It's ticking along. If I continue working like I have been so far, I'll do it easily by July. I'm not holding my breath though. I have to stay cynical, so I work at it. I'll be happier in the end if I do....
Craftwork: Hibernating. The cross stitch and beadwork is keening in the background, but I've other things to do. If I'm good at the house de-cluttering, I'll reward myself in June. . .
Food: I've gained inches and feel lethargic. I'm not dieting, but I'm trying to not stuff food down my throat, I'm going to my fitness classes and walking as much as I can. My body is trying to get me to "stock up the fat reserves for winter" but I'm not falling for it....I NEED to lose inches. I refuse to check out the scales until I can fit into a size 12 pair of jeans. Come on summer!
Well, that's it. I'll be back as soon as I'm able....
Simple Lines Shawl by Maanel. Yarn: Panda (DK bamboo blend) in Dark Grey by Zettl.
Wingspan by Tri'Coterie Knitting Designs. Yarn: Deeply Wicked (fingering merino) in Pond Scum by Easy Knits.
I'm taking these with me when I go voluntering at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts Show. I started yesterday and really didn't get to work at all on either one. It was fine, though. It was amazingly busy and the time flew by. I'd like to do it again next year. We'll see though, as I've just indicated that I'd be interested in helping with hows that the Knitting and Crochet Guild have on in Manchester. I think that the future might be busy....
Books:
Well, I'm back for another year with the Goodreads reading challenge. I'm going to try again with reading 2 books a week (104 books this year). It's working so far, and I'm 2 books ahead.
Garden: No go.
House cleaning resolution: It's ticking along. If I continue working like I have been so far, I'll do it easily by July. I'm not holding my breath though. I have to stay cynical, so I work at it. I'll be happier in the end if I do....
Craftwork: Hibernating. The cross stitch and beadwork is keening in the background, but I've other things to do. If I'm good at the house de-cluttering, I'll reward myself in June. . .
Food: I've gained inches and feel lethargic. I'm not dieting, but I'm trying to not stuff food down my throat, I'm going to my fitness classes and walking as much as I can. My body is trying to get me to "stock up the fat reserves for winter" but I'm not falling for it....I NEED to lose inches. I refuse to check out the scales until I can fit into a size 12 pair of jeans. Come on summer!
Well, that's it. I'll be back as soon as I'm able....
02 January 2013
2012 knitting.
Well, 2012 seems to have been sort of a dead year for knitting. I spent most of it working on large projects started over 18 months ago. I finished 2 of the 15 I worked on (marked with *), but, one of them (and yet still unfinished) had already had the knitting completed on it.
I (of course) started a "few" new projects, but a couple were started last year. I hope that my list of knitting projects in progess will diminish still further in 2013. . . Well, I can hope, anyway. Though I expect (as normal) that I'll start a few new projects to complete within the year. Here's crossing my fingers.
As to resolutions for 2013, I'm only making one: Clean up a minimum of 15% of my house (I'd like to say a minimum of 25%, but I'm not quite that industrious). Though it's VERY true that I'm fed up of the clutter and the excess stuff. It's got to go.
So. Onto the knitting projects for 2012:
Knitting started but not finished:
Indian Shawl - Galina Khmeleva
Brea Bag - Norah Gaughan
Fake-a-Gamo Bag - Kate Sonnick
Freyalyn's Modular Vest - Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth
34 Leaves Shawl - Lankokamero
Bulky Flip-Top Mittens - Jeanne Stephenson
Ayli Hat - Jacqui Harding
Knitting Finished:
All Over Cables Hat - Lindsay Koehler
Mistaken Shawl - Kourtney Robinson
Blue Leaf Shawl (98-21) - DROPS Design
Bandana Cowl - Purl Soho
Coquille Shawl - Mary Lou Egan
Garter Stitch Scarves 1 & 2 (general pattern)
Mariposa Shawlette (had to be knitted twice) - Dutch Knitting Design
Cable-licious Ear Warmer (turned into a Scarf) - Kate Black
*Yoga Wrap Cardigan - Teva Durham
*Growing Leaves Shawl (# 1) - Lankokamero
Here's to 2013. May it be cheerful.
Night.
I (of course) started a "few" new projects, but a couple were started last year. I hope that my list of knitting projects in progess will diminish still further in 2013. . . Well, I can hope, anyway. Though I expect (as normal) that I'll start a few new projects to complete within the year. Here's crossing my fingers.
As to resolutions for 2013, I'm only making one: Clean up a minimum of 15% of my house (I'd like to say a minimum of 25%, but I'm not quite that industrious). Though it's VERY true that I'm fed up of the clutter and the excess stuff. It's got to go.
So. Onto the knitting projects for 2012:
Knitting started but not finished:
Indian Shawl - Galina Khmeleva
Brea Bag - Norah Gaughan
Fake-a-Gamo Bag - Kate Sonnick
Freyalyn's Modular Vest - Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth
34 Leaves Shawl - Lankokamero
Bulky Flip-Top Mittens - Jeanne Stephenson
Ayli Hat - Jacqui Harding
Knitting Finished:
All Over Cables Hat - Lindsay Koehler
Mistaken Shawl - Kourtney Robinson
Blue Leaf Shawl (98-21) - DROPS Design
Bandana Cowl - Purl Soho
Coquille Shawl - Mary Lou Egan
Garter Stitch Scarves 1 & 2 (general pattern)
Mariposa Shawlette (had to be knitted twice) - Dutch Knitting Design
Cable-licious Ear Warmer (turned into a Scarf) - Kate Black
*Yoga Wrap Cardigan - Teva Durham
*Growing Leaves Shawl (# 1) - Lankokamero
Here's to 2013. May it be cheerful.
Night.
22 December 2012
Last post of 2012
(I'd like have a hope that I'm doing another post on the 31st, but there's not a lot of hope for that. . .)
I suppose I should type-up an entry here. I don't actually want to, but one small "thing" in my head is bugging me to do this.
My Aunt Marion (My Mother's eldest sister) died on the 28th of November (the day before my Dad's birthday - that particular day was a "fun" day, let me tell you - even my Dad forgot his own birthday.). Well, since her funeral, (about 10 days after) I've not wanted to do much of anything besides sleep, eat and watch television. I know it's not enough to do (i.e. Go out, cook, clean, be sociable, shop. . .), but right now, it's what's going to happen. I've only been doing it for about 2 weeks, so it's not going to keep occuring for much longer, but I'm going to immerse myself as much as I can in this self-indulgant misery (just so I don't re-immerse myelf in it later. Trust me, that way lies madness and chaos). It will mostly finish on Boxing Day (since I'm going to an Aunt's party). Though at this stage, I don't want to go. I'm just so. . . .lethargic. . . .I have no "oomph". I mentally want to do things, but when it comes down to actually phyically doing them, I just say "screw it" and they don't happen.
There are a small amount of semi-significant things that I'm making myself do - Like making sure the garbage bins get put out on the relevant collection day - just to keep me "awake" (wrong word, correct intent). I don't want to do them. I don't actually know why I'm doing them, but I am.
Just like this typing. I've wanted to do an entry for about a month, and before the lethargy, I was a bit busy. After the lethargy started, I just couldn't make myself enter the website. I had the computer open in front of me, I had the time, but, I just couldn't do it. I would frequently sit, looking at the screen, waiting for the get-up-and-go to actually click on the web address. Nothing.
But on the other hand, I think I'm coming out of my "Funk". There are signs. You see, I knit a couple rows last night, then I read some of a book, and, I've been planning my Christmas dinner (Pasta and a salad - nothing fancy - I won't be eating a trad. dinner, and I don't really want to imitate it.).
I've also been thinking again about what present to get my Dad. That's a toughie. Always is - he's really hard to buy for (right now I think it'll be a new year's present, since it'd be madness to go out shopping NOW) - Ok, yes, I should have already bought it, but buying for him is not that simple. He has a tendency to go and buy for himself the things he wants, and I can't tell you the amount of times I've had to re-buy a present. *grr, sigh*. So, Present-buying tends to be either a "wow-that's-unusual-and-unique-but-he'll-think-it's-neat-so-I'd-better-buy-it-now" type of thing lots of time in advance (with me hoping all that time that he doesn't find another), or it's a "drat-that's-all-I-can-find-and-it's-not-good-enough" thing at the last minute. The funny thing is, is that he's not that bothered about presents. I have, unfortunately, had years I didn't get him a present and he honestly didn't mind. Made me feel bad, but I had sincerely tried to find one, and that really was all I could do. I have had some great present years, though (I'm not telling - since it would dent my happiness). But finding a gift or not, it's going to be a not-so-jolly-holiday-christmas this year. I'm a bit sad at that, but there is another one next year. Hopefully it'll be a very good one. *sigh*.
So. Since I am writing this, I am paying a bit more attention in small degrees to everything (a tiny bit more every day). Like right now - I'm typing this AND I'd like to take a shower (that's a really good thing right now, believe me!). . . .So I figure, at this rate, I'll be done with this "blah-ness" completely by Boxing day. I'm crossing my fingers. Whew.
So, I'll end this. I'm going to watch some pre-christmas TV to kill the time before sleep (and hopefully do some knitting).
Night.
I suppose I should type-up an entry here. I don't actually want to, but one small "thing" in my head is bugging me to do this.
My Aunt Marion (My Mother's eldest sister) died on the 28th of November (the day before my Dad's birthday - that particular day was a "fun" day, let me tell you - even my Dad forgot his own birthday.). Well, since her funeral, (about 10 days after) I've not wanted to do much of anything besides sleep, eat and watch television. I know it's not enough to do (i.e. Go out, cook, clean, be sociable, shop. . .), but right now, it's what's going to happen. I've only been doing it for about 2 weeks, so it's not going to keep occuring for much longer, but I'm going to immerse myself as much as I can in this self-indulgant misery (just so I don't re-immerse myelf in it later. Trust me, that way lies madness and chaos). It will mostly finish on Boxing Day (since I'm going to an Aunt's party). Though at this stage, I don't want to go. I'm just so. . . .lethargic. . . .I have no "oomph". I mentally want to do things, but when it comes down to actually phyically doing them, I just say "screw it" and they don't happen.
There are a small amount of semi-significant things that I'm making myself do - Like making sure the garbage bins get put out on the relevant collection day - just to keep me "awake" (wrong word, correct intent). I don't want to do them. I don't actually know why I'm doing them, but I am.
Just like this typing. I've wanted to do an entry for about a month, and before the lethargy, I was a bit busy. After the lethargy started, I just couldn't make myself enter the website. I had the computer open in front of me, I had the time, but, I just couldn't do it. I would frequently sit, looking at the screen, waiting for the get-up-and-go to actually click on the web address. Nothing.
But on the other hand, I think I'm coming out of my "Funk". There are signs. You see, I knit a couple rows last night, then I read some of a book, and, I've been planning my Christmas dinner (Pasta and a salad - nothing fancy - I won't be eating a trad. dinner, and I don't really want to imitate it.).
I've also been thinking again about what present to get my Dad. That's a toughie. Always is - he's really hard to buy for (right now I think it'll be a new year's present, since it'd be madness to go out shopping NOW) - Ok, yes, I should have already bought it, but buying for him is not that simple. He has a tendency to go and buy for himself the things he wants, and I can't tell you the amount of times I've had to re-buy a present. *grr, sigh*. So, Present-buying tends to be either a "wow-that's-unusual-and-unique-but-he'll-think-it's-neat-so-I'd-better-buy-it-now" type of thing lots of time in advance (with me hoping all that time that he doesn't find another), or it's a "drat-that's-all-I-can-find-and-it's-not-good-enough" thing at the last minute. The funny thing is, is that he's not that bothered about presents. I have, unfortunately, had years I didn't get him a present and he honestly didn't mind. Made me feel bad, but I had sincerely tried to find one, and that really was all I could do. I have had some great present years, though (I'm not telling - since it would dent my happiness). But finding a gift or not, it's going to be a not-so-jolly-holiday-christmas this year. I'm a bit sad at that, but there is another one next year. Hopefully it'll be a very good one. *sigh*.
So. Since I am writing this, I am paying a bit more attention in small degrees to everything (a tiny bit more every day). Like right now - I'm typing this AND I'd like to take a shower (that's a really good thing right now, believe me!). . . .So I figure, at this rate, I'll be done with this "blah-ness" completely by Boxing day. I'm crossing my fingers. Whew.
So, I'll end this. I'm going to watch some pre-christmas TV to kill the time before sleep (and hopefully do some knitting).
Night.
31 August 2012
I love you, my brain.
I had 2 weeks(ish) away from knitting due to volunteer work. I didn't miss it for most of the time, and felt a tiny bit guilty towards the end and thought about what I was going to work on. It felt decidedly weird, but adult. I knew I was going to knit again no matter what happened and for a change, let myself not feel wretchedly guilty.
But within that time, I have had this small epiphany: I'm really, really, totally, honestly, truly wholeheartedly allowed to not feel guilty or bad for something that I can't do anything about - or even just because I don't want to feel guilty - today. I've known for a long while that it was true, but my brain wouldn't let me believe it or let me act on it. So much FUN.
You see, I've spent far too many years feeling like hell (sort of permanently apprehensive) because of my childhood and teenage years. Not because any of it was my direct fault - far from it, but because most of that time was spent in apprehension about how my Mother was going to behave every day (I had an ulcer from 12 to 18, so joyful). This feeling was so indoctrinated from an early age, that I didn't know it was supposed to be any different, so I carried it along with me, even after I was 23 (she died a few weeks before my 24th birthday). I suppose you could call it the mental equivalent of a habit. I got thoroughly sick and tired of it in my 30's, when I knew that a lot of my "misery" was partially self-generated, finding things to be "worried" and "anxious" about, since my psyche felt oddly "unused" if I wasn't worried about something. I was in my early 40's when I finally made a concerted effort to quit the "mental torture gymnastics" when one or two nights (not consecutive) were spent in tears trying to shut up the paranoid "voices" in my head.
- I have no diagnosis or previous activities of DPD (dissociative personality disorder) and those two nights felt like I was going insane.
I had no idea of whether my efforts were working until these last couple weeks-ish.
The following things last week tell me that they are: I had a friend brush me off and it only irritated me for a couple hours (normally I'd take it to heart and I'd analyse it to death, dig it up and analyse it some more for a few days). I could sleep without needing to go through my regular routine of relaxation. I turned the TV off so I had a quiet room to sleep in.
Now for most people, these things aren't anything to think about, but for me, it's pretty darn great. I'm hoping that I can keep it going even when I'm tired. That will be a true sign of success....
As for the knitting, well, I bought a set of Addi interchangable lace needles (short tips). I'm SO happy. I've decided that the first project I'm going to knit on them (after I've finished a project) is going to be a Muir shawl/stole with Angel 2ply yarn and delica beads as accents. Yum. Again, SO happy. I've wanted to knit this for over a year. WHEE!
I'm off. I have a stole (Raspberry Dream Stole by Dagmara) to finish up a repeat on (4 rows to complete a repeat of 34 rows - 17 pattern rows, 17 purl). There's another ball of yarn to go (hopefully I'll get another 3 repeats out of it), but it is a joy to knit. Mmmm.
Later
But within that time, I have had this small epiphany: I'm really, really, totally, honestly, truly wholeheartedly allowed to not feel guilty or bad for something that I can't do anything about - or even just because I don't want to feel guilty - today. I've known for a long while that it was true, but my brain wouldn't let me believe it or let me act on it. So much FUN.
You see, I've spent far too many years feeling like hell (sort of permanently apprehensive) because of my childhood and teenage years. Not because any of it was my direct fault - far from it, but because most of that time was spent in apprehension about how my Mother was going to behave every day (I had an ulcer from 12 to 18, so joyful). This feeling was so indoctrinated from an early age, that I didn't know it was supposed to be any different, so I carried it along with me, even after I was 23 (she died a few weeks before my 24th birthday). I suppose you could call it the mental equivalent of a habit. I got thoroughly sick and tired of it in my 30's, when I knew that a lot of my "misery" was partially self-generated, finding things to be "worried" and "anxious" about, since my psyche felt oddly "unused" if I wasn't worried about something. I was in my early 40's when I finally made a concerted effort to quit the "mental torture gymnastics" when one or two nights (not consecutive) were spent in tears trying to shut up the paranoid "voices" in my head.
- I have no diagnosis or previous activities of DPD (dissociative personality disorder) and those two nights felt like I was going insane.
I had no idea of whether my efforts were working until these last couple weeks-ish.
The following things last week tell me that they are: I had a friend brush me off and it only irritated me for a couple hours (normally I'd take it to heart and I'd analyse it to death, dig it up and analyse it some more for a few days). I could sleep without needing to go through my regular routine of relaxation. I turned the TV off so I had a quiet room to sleep in.
Now for most people, these things aren't anything to think about, but for me, it's pretty darn great. I'm hoping that I can keep it going even when I'm tired. That will be a true sign of success....
As for the knitting, well, I bought a set of Addi interchangable lace needles (short tips). I'm SO happy. I've decided that the first project I'm going to knit on them (after I've finished a project) is going to be a Muir shawl/stole with Angel 2ply yarn and delica beads as accents. Yum. Again, SO happy. I've wanted to knit this for over a year. WHEE!
I'm off. I have a stole (Raspberry Dream Stole by Dagmara) to finish up a repeat on (4 rows to complete a repeat of 34 rows - 17 pattern rows, 17 purl). There's another ball of yarn to go (hopefully I'll get another 3 repeats out of it), but it is a joy to knit. Mmmm.
Later
12 August 2012
Yay and Blah....
I've finished the two pieces I put in for the Ravellenics.
Growing Leaves Shawl #1
and
Yoga Cardigan.
Before I start, I'm running on 2 hours sleep - I just could not get to sleep last night. I couldn't do much of anything except look at the TV most of the night. Very frustrating. *bah*. I finished off the last seam under the left arm this morning feeling like fog was creeping in my head.
The title is, well, while I wasn't keeping either item, I did like the way the shawl turned out.
The sweater, on the other hand. . .
As I was finishing off each seam and then knitting up the second half of the neckband/waist tie, I started disliking it more and more. I "knew" it wasn't a good garment. I'm a sewer first. I started out by hand sewing items (I made a dress by hand when I was 8, and while it looked like a Frankenstein's Monster dress, it did work) and eventually graduated to a sewing machine in my teens. Over the years, I became good.
Anyway, I knew the blocked pieces were ok, but even as I turned the sweater back and forth and in and out during the seaming, I thought it wasn't working. They weren't sitting right (yes, I am a bit of a perfectionist). But, at the same time, I was going to give it a second chance by re-washing it (I've got to "lock-in" all those sewn-in ends) and then blocking it by pinning it to my dress form. I am hoping it works, really I am. if not, I'll felt it and turn it into a cushion (I'll knit up a filler panel for the neck and sew everything in place except the bottom seam (zip goes there) and sew up a cushion to insert into it. I can't send out a (possible) substandard garment, really I can't.
Now - I am brain fogged right now. I do know that the sweater needs re-blocking. But tomorrow (or the next day), after I get enough sleep to function (thank goodness it's the weekend), I might look at the sweater with a kinder eye.
I hope so. The yarn is so soft and has the nicest halo.
Until next week(end).
Growing Leaves Shawl #1
and
Yoga Cardigan.
Before I start, I'm running on 2 hours sleep - I just could not get to sleep last night. I couldn't do much of anything except look at the TV most of the night. Very frustrating. *bah*. I finished off the last seam under the left arm this morning feeling like fog was creeping in my head.
The title is, well, while I wasn't keeping either item, I did like the way the shawl turned out.
The sweater, on the other hand. . .
As I was finishing off each seam and then knitting up the second half of the neckband/waist tie, I started disliking it more and more. I "knew" it wasn't a good garment. I'm a sewer first. I started out by hand sewing items (I made a dress by hand when I was 8, and while it looked like a Frankenstein's Monster dress, it did work) and eventually graduated to a sewing machine in my teens. Over the years, I became good.
Anyway, I knew the blocked pieces were ok, but even as I turned the sweater back and forth and in and out during the seaming, I thought it wasn't working. They weren't sitting right (yes, I am a bit of a perfectionist). But, at the same time, I was going to give it a second chance by re-washing it (I've got to "lock-in" all those sewn-in ends) and then blocking it by pinning it to my dress form. I am hoping it works, really I am. if not, I'll felt it and turn it into a cushion (I'll knit up a filler panel for the neck and sew everything in place except the bottom seam (zip goes there) and sew up a cushion to insert into it. I can't send out a (possible) substandard garment, really I can't.
Now - I am brain fogged right now. I do know that the sweater needs re-blocking. But tomorrow (or the next day), after I get enough sleep to function (thank goodness it's the weekend), I might look at the sweater with a kinder eye.
I hope so. The yarn is so soft and has the nicest halo.
Until next week(end).
09 August 2012
Watching the Olympics and Knitting...
I've been enjoying the Olympics, watching Archery and Fencing, Equestrian Dressage, individual Artistic Gymnastics (the regulation team events with set routines get boring fast), and occasional other events.
I saw the beach volleyball in Beijing and I was bewildered by the clothing mis-standards (odd word, but bear with me). The men get to wear beach shorts and long baggy vests. The women wear a heavy tan and a tight bikini. Why? If it's a matter of comfort, why aren't the men topless? If the IOC are concerned with equality, why don't the women get to wear long vest tops (with built in brassiere) and beach shorts? In many other sports the women dress similarly to the men (I'm not including gymnastics - it's irrelevant, but, I would like to see the option of the women using track-suit bottoms during competition). Ok, I'm done. I had to say something. It's been bothering me.
I've been knitting and sewing during the Olympics. I signed up for theravelympics (bad, bad USOC) ravellenic games. I entered a shawl (Growing Leaves #1) and a wrap-sweater (Yoga Cardigan) into WIPS wrestling. They're both unfinished projects I hadn't worked on since last year, and they needed to be finished. I've finished the shawl, and have put in the entries and form for a "medal" (yes, that I thought I wouldn't get) and am still trying to finish the sweater. It needs seaming and the other half of the front edging/tie to be done. I'm still struggling with the seaming. It's not difficult, but it's tedious. After it's finished, I'm debating on whether I'm giving both items away.
I knitted the sweater for me, but it's way too small (I have to be realistic, I'm not going to lose the required weight this year or the next *sigh*), and I'm not in love with the shawl. The problem is that I know they need a bit of special care (blocking after every wash) and the average person won't know how/won't want to do that.
It annoys me - not because the items won't be cared for - but the fact I'm caring quite so much. Once they're out of my hands, and I send them off with appropriate labelling (which they'll get) it's not my concern anymore. But I do care, and that's just me.
We'll see what happens.
Since the last entry, I've bought all the yarn talked about, with a couple changes. There's enough for three mistake shawls. I bought two lots of dark purple yarn from Deramores: 12 balls of Wendy (Merino (chunky)) and 10 balls of King Cole (Merino Blend (chunky)), and then took myself (and my Dad) off by train to Texere Yarns and bought 7 100g balls of their own Chunky wool in claret (dark red). I'm not sure which set I'll use, but I'll be happy with the colour no matter what.
Whilst at Texere, I also bought yarn for another project (funchal mobius cowl, by Kate Davies), and I finally caved and bought a ball winder, as the thought of winding up another 100g skein of lace yarn by hand makes my shoulders scream.
I'm planning on going to either John Lewis in the Trafford Centre (by Tram and bus, because I can), or, Up Country near Wakefield (by car, because it's really the only option), to check out some Rowan Creative Linen yarn. It's to make a sweater (Sorrel, from The Knitter Magazine, Issue 44). I do like using the required yarn if possible. I have the chance to buy the yarn online for a 10% discount, but, I'm picky about texture and colours and I don't want to buy yarn I'm possibly going to hate. Yes, it seems like a lot of work for 8 balls of yarn, but that's the way I float.
Unfortunately, right now I'm delaying (it does seem like a lot of work for 8 balls of yarn), but all will be resolved eventually (at least before the end of the month).
Anyway. I'm still without my netbook, though it's hard drive is out and being copied (very slowly) and we'll see what happens - my Dad is under the delusion that the extended warranty is still in effect, even though I told him it wouldn't be, I now just have to persuade him that it will be cost effective to get it fixed (if it can be).
Let's see what happens. . .
Later
I saw the beach volleyball in Beijing and I was bewildered by the clothing mis-standards (odd word, but bear with me). The men get to wear beach shorts and long baggy vests. The women wear a heavy tan and a tight bikini. Why? If it's a matter of comfort, why aren't the men topless? If the IOC are concerned with equality, why don't the women get to wear long vest tops (with built in brassiere) and beach shorts? In many other sports the women dress similarly to the men (I'm not including gymnastics - it's irrelevant, but, I would like to see the option of the women using track-suit bottoms during competition). Ok, I'm done. I had to say something. It's been bothering me.
I've been knitting and sewing during the Olympics. I signed up for the
I knitted the sweater for me, but it's way too small (I have to be realistic, I'm not going to lose the required weight this year or the next *sigh*), and I'm not in love with the shawl. The problem is that I know they need a bit of special care (blocking after every wash) and the average person won't know how/won't want to do that.
It annoys me - not because the items won't be cared for - but the fact I'm caring quite so much. Once they're out of my hands, and I send them off with appropriate labelling (which they'll get) it's not my concern anymore. But I do care, and that's just me.
We'll see what happens.
Since the last entry, I've bought all the yarn talked about, with a couple changes. There's enough for three mistake shawls. I bought two lots of dark purple yarn from Deramores: 12 balls of Wendy (Merino (chunky)) and 10 balls of King Cole (Merino Blend (chunky)), and then took myself (and my Dad) off by train to Texere Yarns and bought 7 100g balls of their own Chunky wool in claret (dark red). I'm not sure which set I'll use, but I'll be happy with the colour no matter what.
Whilst at Texere, I also bought yarn for another project (funchal mobius cowl, by Kate Davies), and I finally caved and bought a ball winder, as the thought of winding up another 100g skein of lace yarn by hand makes my shoulders scream.
I'm planning on going to either John Lewis in the Trafford Centre (by Tram and bus, because I can), or, Up Country near Wakefield (by car, because it's really the only option), to check out some Rowan Creative Linen yarn. It's to make a sweater (Sorrel, from The Knitter Magazine, Issue 44). I do like using the required yarn if possible. I have the chance to buy the yarn online for a 10% discount, but, I'm picky about texture and colours and I don't want to buy yarn I'm possibly going to hate. Yes, it seems like a lot of work for 8 balls of yarn, but that's the way I float.
Unfortunately, right now I'm delaying (it does seem like a lot of work for 8 balls of yarn), but all will be resolved eventually (at least before the end of the month).
Anyway. I'm still without my netbook, though it's hard drive is out and being copied (very slowly) and we'll see what happens - my Dad is under the delusion that the extended warranty is still in effect, even though I told him it wouldn't be, I now just have to persuade him that it will be cost effective to get it fixed (if it can be).
Let's see what happens. . .
Later
09 July 2012
I can only post if I can get online . . .
Well, I've been offline for over a month, as my netbook was the victim of a spish of tea (I couldn't have called it a real splash, as there was literally just enough to get over the rim of the cup) and the netbook had not been in it's regular place, but unluckily, resting for a second against the sofa. *sigh*. Well, eventually, my father wanted to be online, so he bought a notebook (Toshiba) I'm using this right now. I'm hoping that my netbook will be fixed soon. I want to be using that, as its keyboard and general size fits me.
So, while I've been offline, I've been knitting and reading. I've done much more reading than knitting, so much so, that I'm 15 books ahead in my reading challenge (I increased the number of books to complete the challenge this year from 84 to 94; I was previously 18 books ahead).
I finished a shawl Coquille, from knitty.com) and something else, but can't remember what it was.
I felted a shawl (Mistake shawl) during laundry (washing, not drying - arrgggh) and need to buy yarn to make another. (10 - 50g balls of chunky weight - I'm not decided on colour or company, and I'll be off to Texere Yarns this friday to check out a few possibilities, if that trip isn't productive, then there's 2 contenders on the Deramores website, and I might get both of them - a dark red of King Cole Merino blend, and a pretty purple of Wendy Merino Chunky. Neither of them are expensive, but I might end up getting the Wendy Purple regardless.).
I'm thinking about starting another shawl, but, I've been looking at the categories for entries for the Ravelry "Olympics" (ravellencs, I think, or something like that) and noticed a UFO category, and I'm seriously looking into entering that. I'm not going to get a medal, but I'd finish something, and that's appealing.
Later.
So, while I've been offline, I've been knitting and reading. I've done much more reading than knitting, so much so, that I'm 15 books ahead in my reading challenge (I increased the number of books to complete the challenge this year from 84 to 94; I was previously 18 books ahead).
I finished a shawl Coquille, from knitty.com) and something else, but can't remember what it was.
I felted a shawl (Mistake shawl) during laundry (washing, not drying - arrgggh) and need to buy yarn to make another. (10 - 50g balls of chunky weight - I'm not decided on colour or company, and I'll be off to Texere Yarns this friday to check out a few possibilities, if that trip isn't productive, then there's 2 contenders on the Deramores website, and I might get both of them - a dark red of King Cole Merino blend, and a pretty purple of Wendy Merino Chunky. Neither of them are expensive, but I might end up getting the Wendy Purple regardless.).
I'm thinking about starting another shawl, but, I've been looking at the categories for entries for the Ravelry "Olympics" (ravellencs, I think, or something like that) and noticed a UFO category, and I'm seriously looking into entering that. I'm not going to get a medal, but I'd finish something, and that's appealing.
Later.
11 May 2012
Doing . . stuff
I've not completed anything craft-wise since the last entry.
I've done a bit of knitting, but to be honest, I've been doing a lot more reading.
I don't feel that guilty. Ok, I feel a bit guilty I've not knitted more, but I'm 2 books ahead on my reading challenge (it's really 5, but three of them haven't yet been entered into the Goodreads library - oh well), and that can't be wrong.
I'm working on a new shawl -Coquille, by M. L. Egan. I'm knitting it in laceweight Zauberball (Lace ball), in a variegated green (summer green on the website). It reminds me of a Tudor corset, which really made it irresistible.
Later. I'm off to read. I did start to read the book that arrived in the post, but I'm also in the middle of a histrical novel, and I'd rather be reading that.
I've done a bit of knitting, but to be honest, I've been doing a lot more reading.
I don't feel that guilty. Ok, I feel a bit guilty I've not knitted more, but I'm 2 books ahead on my reading challenge (it's really 5, but three of them haven't yet been entered into the Goodreads library - oh well), and that can't be wrong.
I'm working on a new shawl -Coquille, by M. L. Egan. I'm knitting it in laceweight Zauberball (Lace ball), in a variegated green (summer green on the website). It reminds me of a Tudor corset, which really made it irresistible.
Later. I'm off to read. I did start to read the book that arrived in the post, but I'm also in the middle of a histrical novel, and I'd rather be reading that.
28 April 2012
NO, NO, Noooooo........
What is wrong with me? For three years I've not been able to go to any knitting "festivals"/wool events and I was determined to get to one this year.
For me, there's 3 main ones:
Wonderwool, Wales (April)
Woolfest, Cumbria (June)
Knitting and Stitching show, Harrogate (November)
and
other 'minor' ones are:
Fibre-east (July)
Gaelic Wool Festival, Argyll (July)
Knitting and Stitching show, London (October)
Fiber flurry (October)
Masham sheep fair (September)
Knitting and Stitching show, Dublin (November)
I'll get to the Knitting and stitching show in Harrogate - they put on a coach every year. I can do that. . . I hope. . .I forgot about it last year. *sigh*.
anyway
I'm at home, it's the last weekend of April and. . .
I forgot about Wonderwool.
No - I remembered it, but transposed the date with Woolfest. Then I forgot about "that".
*waaahhhh*
(No, I can't go tomorrow, as I've got my cousin's christening to go to. It should be fun. There'll be family there I've not seen in years.)
Nevermind. I'll remember it next year. *crossing everything*
Besides, if I start a "wool fund" for Wonderwool now, I should have a nice little nest-egg for next year. *grin*
Later.
For me, there's 3 main ones:
Wonderwool, Wales (April)
Woolfest, Cumbria (June)
Knitting and Stitching show, Harrogate (November)
and
other 'minor' ones are:
Fibre-east (July)
Gaelic Wool Festival, Argyll (July)
Knitting and Stitching show, London (October)
Fiber flurry (October)
Masham sheep fair (September)
Knitting and Stitching show, Dublin (November)
I'll get to the Knitting and stitching show in Harrogate - they put on a coach every year. I can do that. . . I hope. . .I forgot about it last year. *sigh*.
anyway
I'm at home, it's the last weekend of April and. . .
I forgot about Wonderwool.
No - I remembered it, but transposed the date with Woolfest. Then I forgot about "that".
*waaahhhh*
(No, I can't go tomorrow, as I've got my cousin's christening to go to. It should be fun. There'll be family there I've not seen in years.)
Nevermind. I'll remember it next year. *crossing everything*
Besides, if I start a "wool fund" for Wonderwool now, I should have a nice little nest-egg for next year. *grin*
Later.
25 April 2012
General Update on some projects....
Well, I scanned posts back to January a couple weeks ago, and realised I had forgotten "things".
So here's what I've done (or not done) with some of the knitting and gardening.
Gardening - nothing. My garden lies ignored. I hadn't planned on it, but things happened and I got distracted from the garden. I'm hoping I'll fix it next year. I'm not going to start work on it now because I'd need to start seedlings and it would get too cold for harvest for some of the plants.
Knitting. Ok.
(Jan 2012)
Cable-icious ear-warmer/scarf - I'm knitting erratically on it. It should be finished by now, but it's not. I don't know why as it's a fun knit and completing it would mean I would have finished off the set.
Not-so-Raspberry-as-Cherry Dream Stole - I completed 2 1/2 repeats on it and put it to one side to work on later, but later hasn't arrived yet. Again, I don't know why I'm not working on it. It's fun.
Mochi-Mochi Elephant, Chickens and Hearts - Well, The Elephant is at a fiddly stage. I need to do the legs and tail. I'm not in the mood to mess with them. The Chickens need stuffing (I stuff them as I make them) and with no stuffing, I can't make anymore. I will buy stuffing on Thursday (27th April). The hearts aren't working out. I made 2 sides and they look pathetic. More work needed on them.
Eyelet Gloves - Well, I just got overwhelmed. While the yarn is 4-ply, the needles are tiny and it seems like I knit a million rows and knit an inch of glove (lovely warm fabric, though). I'll work on them eventually. I like them.
Mitered Vest/Jacket - I said I was going to frog and re-start it. I haven't frogged it yet, don't know why.
(Feb 2012)
Indiski Shawl - I'm chugging along. It's a bit better than the gloves. With lace work, the light fingering yarn and small needles don't seem too bad. I feel like I'm making somewhat acceptable progress. I'm still on the first set of borders. I'll be glad when I start work on the second set of borders.
Patchwork Jacket - Well, I'm sewing in an end or two every week. It's heavy and too warm in my lap (for all the lovely soft alpaca yarn) and I'm dreading blocking it. I'll get all finished eventually.
(March/April 2012)
Blue Leaf Shawl - It's just been finished and blocked. I love it. It came out bigger than I expected (I did end up using 5 balls insted of the 4 expected in the pattern), but it's great. All resolved itsself wonderfully, and the beads in the border are perfect.
Reading Shawl #2 - Well, I fixed the hole, but I need to weave ends in and I was wrung out fixing the hole (tiny area, lots of pins to keep loose stitches in place so I knew where to go and multi-strand black yarn - it doesn't seem like a big thing, but it was).
Brea Bag - I've finished knitting the pieces, and skeined the rest of the yarn to finish off and seam the pieces. Dyeing needs to be done next. I've worked out the ratios of dyes I'm using (2 greens and 1 blue from Dylon) as the yarn weight exceeds the amount by weight a single packet of dye will cover. I'm using 66% Green #1, 66% Green #2 and 12.5% Blue.
This bag is part of the Cable Knitting I wanted to start doing more of. I haven't found a pattern for a beret I like enough, and I still need to find the right yarn in order to start the cabled yoke cardigan that I want to make. I'm not having any luck so far.
Kerchief Cowl - Done, blocked and with the rest of my "winter" knits. I'm planning on making a pair of flip-top mittens with the remainder of the yarn. It'll be a nice set. I had thought of a making a hat, but I've more than enough of those.
I've just re-started work on the Mariposa shawl in the last entry, as I wanted something "new" to work on, but didn't want to start a NEW project. Right now I REALLY want to work on old projects. It's not a matter of finishing them, it's more a case of wanting to feel less like being stuck-in-a-rut. Stagnant. So if I'm making progress on them, all is well.
By the way, my "inner knitter" (go read Yarn Harlot's journal entry for April 11th, it's perfect) is all better. She's in the mood to knit now. She's being a pest, in fact, but I'm just managing to ignore her. I have other things I need to do...like...
I had caught up on my reading 3 days ago, but I looked at Goodreads last night and I'm behind again *sigh*. The reading never ends. *dramatic (with hand on forehead) sigh*. Never mind.
I "won" a givaway in Goodreads, and it arrived Friday (20th). I'm now off to start reading it. It looks interesting -in a good way.
Later.
So here's what I've done (or not done) with some of the knitting and gardening.
Gardening - nothing. My garden lies ignored. I hadn't planned on it, but things happened and I got distracted from the garden. I'm hoping I'll fix it next year. I'm not going to start work on it now because I'd need to start seedlings and it would get too cold for harvest for some of the plants.
Knitting. Ok.
(Jan 2012)
Cable-icious ear-warmer/scarf - I'm knitting erratically on it. It should be finished by now, but it's not. I don't know why as it's a fun knit and completing it would mean I would have finished off the set.
Not-so-Raspberry-as-Cherry Dream Stole - I completed 2 1/2 repeats on it and put it to one side to work on later, but later hasn't arrived yet. Again, I don't know why I'm not working on it. It's fun.
Mochi-Mochi Elephant, Chickens and Hearts - Well, The Elephant is at a fiddly stage. I need to do the legs and tail. I'm not in the mood to mess with them. The Chickens need stuffing (I stuff them as I make them) and with no stuffing, I can't make anymore. I will buy stuffing on Thursday (27th April). The hearts aren't working out. I made 2 sides and they look pathetic. More work needed on them.
Eyelet Gloves - Well, I just got overwhelmed. While the yarn is 4-ply, the needles are tiny and it seems like I knit a million rows and knit an inch of glove (lovely warm fabric, though). I'll work on them eventually. I like them.
Mitered Vest/Jacket - I said I was going to frog and re-start it. I haven't frogged it yet, don't know why.
(Feb 2012)
Indiski Shawl - I'm chugging along. It's a bit better than the gloves. With lace work, the light fingering yarn and small needles don't seem too bad. I feel like I'm making somewhat acceptable progress. I'm still on the first set of borders. I'll be glad when I start work on the second set of borders.
Patchwork Jacket - Well, I'm sewing in an end or two every week. It's heavy and too warm in my lap (for all the lovely soft alpaca yarn) and I'm dreading blocking it. I'll get all finished eventually.
(March/April 2012)
Blue Leaf Shawl - It's just been finished and blocked. I love it. It came out bigger than I expected (I did end up using 5 balls insted of the 4 expected in the pattern), but it's great. All resolved itsself wonderfully, and the beads in the border are perfect.
Reading Shawl #2 - Well, I fixed the hole, but I need to weave ends in and I was wrung out fixing the hole (tiny area, lots of pins to keep loose stitches in place so I knew where to go and multi-strand black yarn - it doesn't seem like a big thing, but it was).
Brea Bag - I've finished knitting the pieces, and skeined the rest of the yarn to finish off and seam the pieces. Dyeing needs to be done next. I've worked out the ratios of dyes I'm using (2 greens and 1 blue from Dylon) as the yarn weight exceeds the amount by weight a single packet of dye will cover. I'm using 66% Green #1, 66% Green #2 and 12.5% Blue.
This bag is part of the Cable Knitting I wanted to start doing more of. I haven't found a pattern for a beret I like enough, and I still need to find the right yarn in order to start the cabled yoke cardigan that I want to make. I'm not having any luck so far.
Kerchief Cowl - Done, blocked and with the rest of my "winter" knits. I'm planning on making a pair of flip-top mittens with the remainder of the yarn. It'll be a nice set. I had thought of a making a hat, but I've more than enough of those.
I've just re-started work on the Mariposa shawl in the last entry, as I wanted something "new" to work on, but didn't want to start a NEW project. Right now I REALLY want to work on old projects. It's not a matter of finishing them, it's more a case of wanting to feel less like being stuck-in-a-rut. Stagnant. So if I'm making progress on them, all is well.
By the way, my "inner knitter" (go read Yarn Harlot's journal entry for April 11th, it's perfect) is all better. She's in the mood to knit now. She's being a pest, in fact, but I'm just managing to ignore her. I have other things I need to do...like...
I had caught up on my reading 3 days ago, but I looked at Goodreads last night and I'm behind again *sigh*. The reading never ends. *dramatic (with hand on forehead) sigh*. Never mind.
I "won" a givaway in Goodreads, and it arrived Friday (20th). I'm now off to start reading it. It looks interesting -in a good way.
Later.
16 April 2012
Frustrated, frustrated, frustrated. It happens sometimes...
Well, so far this month, I've not finished a project without incident. I was going to finish off 3 projects that were close to completion (or quickie project) for the month of April and feel smug doing it.
I think it was the smugness that undid the plan....
It's the 3rd week of the month, and I had to re-knit the first project - 98-12 DROPS shawl - (from it being 70% finished) because I didn't have enough yarn and had to order a new batch +2 balls - the new batch was just different enough in tint. . . I added beads to the new knit and then had to frog back 4 rows because I didn't like the way they looked. It still needs blocking as I don't want to deal with it. It'll get done next week.
The second project - Mariposa shawlette - is sitting in a heap, pulled off the needles in mid bind-off row because I didn't have enough yarn to finish it - even with having to miss out the last two rows of the border. After getting over the frustration, I'll re-knit it on smaller needles (3.5mm instead of the 3.75mm I used). I'm a bit miffed at this point....But it sort of helps the project that I'm using Knit Picks/Pro Harmony needles on it and I'm using the 120cm cable on another project so it'll be awhile before that gets started. . . . . . . .
drat.
The 3rd project was a pair of should-have-been-a-quick-knit yoga socks that don't have a heel or toe. I've only done the first sock and I hate it. It's a bit scruffy and the cast on stitches for the leg/ankle section looks like hell and I just don't want to frog it back and re-do it. They're stuffed into a baggie in a bag nearby. I'll might/probably pull them out next month (or I might not - I'm putting all possibilities in here) and do the odious job and finish them off in 2 weeks.
There's nothing else on the needles that are far enough along to finish in the next 2 weeks.
Nevermind. It happens sometimes. I think I'll take a bit of a break from knitting for the rest of the month and catch up on reading for my annual Goodreads challenge as I'm 3 books behind (I should be reading 2 books a week). It'll also probably help my inner knitter as she's sulking in the corner, snacking on chocolate pudding with a shovel.
Later.
I think it was the smugness that undid the plan....
It's the 3rd week of the month, and I had to re-knit the first project - 98-12 DROPS shawl - (from it being 70% finished) because I didn't have enough yarn and had to order a new batch +2 balls - the new batch was just different enough in tint. . . I added beads to the new knit and then had to frog back 4 rows because I didn't like the way they looked. It still needs blocking as I don't want to deal with it. It'll get done next week.
The second project - Mariposa shawlette - is sitting in a heap, pulled off the needles in mid bind-off row because I didn't have enough yarn to finish it - even with having to miss out the last two rows of the border. After getting over the frustration, I'll re-knit it on smaller needles (3.5mm instead of the 3.75mm I used). I'm a bit miffed at this point....But it sort of helps the project that I'm using Knit Picks/Pro Harmony needles on it and I'm using the 120cm cable on another project so it'll be awhile before that gets started. . . . . . . .
drat.
The 3rd project was a pair of should-have-been-a-quick-knit yoga socks that don't have a heel or toe. I've only done the first sock and I hate it. It's a bit scruffy and the cast on stitches for the leg/ankle section looks like hell and I just don't want to frog it back and re-do it. They're stuffed into a baggie in a bag nearby. I'll might/probably pull them out next month (or I might not - I'm putting all possibilities in here) and do the odious job and finish them off in 2 weeks.
There's nothing else on the needles that are far enough along to finish in the next 2 weeks.
Nevermind. It happens sometimes. I think I'll take a bit of a break from knitting for the rest of the month and catch up on reading for my annual Goodreads challenge as I'm 3 books behind (I should be reading 2 books a week). It'll also probably help my inner knitter as she's sulking in the corner, snacking on chocolate pudding with a shovel.
Later.
01 April 2012
Been busy
I didn't mean to miss a post in March.
I've just been busy reading and knitting. I've set myself a challenge for the next 6 months to get as many projects and books finished as I can. I've taken one day off knitting and one day off reading in the last month.
I've only started 2 new patterns in March (a cowl (Kerchief cowl) and a bag (Norah Gaughan's Brea Bag), I've only completed 2 projects (Reading shawl and Kerchief cowl) I "punched" a hole in the reading shawl while washing it before blocking (obviously didn't happen, I just dried it flat). I'm still repairing the hole - I've got it done, but have to sew in the ends - and I'm then planning to get it dry cleaned, then I'll dry block it and spray it 'til it's damp. I really hope all goes well. It's a nice shawl.
The Brea Bag is going relatively quickly considering I hate knitting moss stitch. I've got 1side done, part of the gusset and I'm working on the other side. The yarn I'm using (Drops Lima) is gorgeous. SO soft. I'm hoping it stays soft after it's dyed (I bought off white ayrn and I'm planning to dye it a medium slightly blued green).
As for the rest of the knitting, in April I'm planning to concentrate on finishing a Drops shawl (I call it blue leaf) knitted in Drops Alpaca yarn so I can wear it to a third cousin's christening on the 29th. I'd like to take the bag with me also, as I'm expecting that the knitting will be finished in the next week (or so), but, I need to find large D rings and a strap (I'm NOT knitting a strap as I don't have enough yarn). I don't know quite what I'm looking for, but I'll look around for cheap (leather) handbags and if I see a sutable strap and I'll buy it. I'm also going to line the bag in this lovely cotton with a leaf pattern on it I had planned for a reversable shopping bag. Yum. I can't see all that being finished in April. No way. I'll settle for the shawl being finished - at least that's realistic.
I'm also (still) working on other shawls and sewing in the ends of the Patchwork Jacket. It's long time it was finished. I really think it's more of a case that I'm scared of blocking it. It's a heavy monster and it's not going to get lighter when damp/wet. *sigh*. I'm tempted to get it dry cleaned and block it after I've let it air out for a bit. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. More news on that when it happens.
On that note, I think it's time I quit for the night.
Later.
I've just been busy reading and knitting. I've set myself a challenge for the next 6 months to get as many projects and books finished as I can. I've taken one day off knitting and one day off reading in the last month.
I've only started 2 new patterns in March (a cowl (Kerchief cowl) and a bag (Norah Gaughan's Brea Bag), I've only completed 2 projects (Reading shawl and Kerchief cowl) I "punched" a hole in the reading shawl while washing it before blocking (obviously didn't happen, I just dried it flat). I'm still repairing the hole - I've got it done, but have to sew in the ends - and I'm then planning to get it dry cleaned, then I'll dry block it and spray it 'til it's damp. I really hope all goes well. It's a nice shawl.
The Brea Bag is going relatively quickly considering I hate knitting moss stitch. I've got 1side done, part of the gusset and I'm working on the other side. The yarn I'm using (Drops Lima) is gorgeous. SO soft. I'm hoping it stays soft after it's dyed (I bought off white ayrn and I'm planning to dye it a medium slightly blued green).
As for the rest of the knitting, in April I'm planning to concentrate on finishing a Drops shawl (I call it blue leaf) knitted in Drops Alpaca yarn so I can wear it to a third cousin's christening on the 29th. I'd like to take the bag with me also, as I'm expecting that the knitting will be finished in the next week (or so), but, I need to find large D rings and a strap (I'm NOT knitting a strap as I don't have enough yarn). I don't know quite what I'm looking for, but I'll look around for cheap (leather) handbags and if I see a sutable strap and I'll buy it. I'm also going to line the bag in this lovely cotton with a leaf pattern on it I had planned for a reversable shopping bag. Yum. I can't see all that being finished in April. No way. I'll settle for the shawl being finished - at least that's realistic.
I'm also (still) working on other shawls and sewing in the ends of the Patchwork Jacket. It's long time it was finished. I really think it's more of a case that I'm scared of blocking it. It's a heavy monster and it's not going to get lighter when damp/wet. *sigh*. I'm tempted to get it dry cleaned and block it after I've let it air out for a bit. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. More news on that when it happens.
On that note, I think it's time I quit for the night.
Later.
01 March 2012
Changing and changing my mind....then changing it again.
I've spent 3 days (in chunks) putting my ravelry queue back to chronological order.
Luckily, I didn't have to guess at that, since the dates the projects were chosen sit right underneath the project picture. I have NO idea how I'd have chosen to organize them if I hadn't had that. I have put "labels" on them, but since there's multiple ways to organise a list of knitting projects, that would have driven me even more crazy. So I decided on the simplest (and most obvious) method.
I think the basic reason I decided to do this is because after a search through the queue for a project to start, I realised that I hadn't started some of the first projects I'd queued, and furthermore, I didn't remember how many I'd queued from the start of my joining Ravelry (I think in September 2007).
I usually spent hours deciding what the start next. I'd go back and forth from page to page, looking and usually going "hmm. maybe" before going to the next page.
That was futile. It IS futile. I like all of the projects in my queue, whether I decide to knit them or not, there's an aspect of all of them that pleases me.
But.
I have to shrink the knitting queue faster than I have and picking the next in line (unless the yarn I buy, on impulse, screams for a specific project) is the easiest way to do it. My ADD touched brain might not like it, but that's just too bad.
That's it. (I hope).
Later.
Luckily, I didn't have to guess at that, since the dates the projects were chosen sit right underneath the project picture. I have NO idea how I'd have chosen to organize them if I hadn't had that. I have put "labels" on them, but since there's multiple ways to organise a list of knitting projects, that would have driven me even more crazy. So I decided on the simplest (and most obvious) method.
I think the basic reason I decided to do this is because after a search through the queue for a project to start, I realised that I hadn't started some of the first projects I'd queued, and furthermore, I didn't remember how many I'd queued from the start of my joining Ravelry (I think in September 2007).
I usually spent hours deciding what the start next. I'd go back and forth from page to page, looking and usually going "hmm. maybe" before going to the next page.
That was futile. It IS futile. I like all of the projects in my queue, whether I decide to knit them or not, there's an aspect of all of them that pleases me.
But.
I have to shrink the knitting queue faster than I have and picking the next in line (unless the yarn I buy, on impulse, screams for a specific project) is the easiest way to do it. My ADD touched brain might not like it, but that's just too bad.
That's it. (I hope).
Later.
19 February 2012
A cold is NOT condusive to knitting. . .
Not last time, not this time, not ever.
I'd much rather be curled up in a cosy blanket, with continuous hot tea (herbal or fruit) and lots of sleep.
I caught this throat wheezing beauty from my youngest godson. (many thanks, Darryl. *humph*).
I'll whine and grumble for a while, I'll take lots of supplements, and I'm planning on a shower tomorrow.
Having grumbled, I must admit that it's getting better in the past day or two - as colds do.
Later. *grumble, cough, wheeze*
(I'm not asthmatic, btw, it's goo.)
I'd much rather be curled up in a cosy blanket, with continuous hot tea (herbal or fruit) and lots of sleep.
I caught this throat wheezing beauty from my youngest godson. (many thanks, Darryl. *humph*).
I'll whine and grumble for a while, I'll take lots of supplements, and I'm planning on a shower tomorrow.
Having grumbled, I must admit that it's getting better in the past day or two - as colds do.
Later. *grumble, cough, wheeze*
(I'm not asthmatic, btw, it's goo.)
29 January 2012
More knitting. Hopefully faster.
Well, I've started another shawl, finally. It's one of the primary 16 on my internal set - and my queue on Ravelry.
I'm just happy right now. I have been in a foul mood for a few days and I'm gratefully through the other side. I'm hoping that it's going to last a few days and I can knit in emotive peace.
The shawl is a beautiful Orenberg shawl "Olga's Indiski [Indian] Shawl" designed by Galina Khmeleva (in Piecework magazine May/June 2009) and it's glorious, honestly glorious. I'm using Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace (55/45 merino silk), colourway 501 (cherry). It's a ripe cherry colour, with hints/shadings of brown and blue that change as the light source changes. At this time, I'm sitting under an energy saver bulb and the colour's a medium/dark blued-pinky-red. Hard to name.
I think, if there's one bad thing I can think of about this shawl, it's that I've got a Kindle, and I want the charts on it.. So, I'm having to type up the charts into text (.txt) files so I can upload them to the Kindle - I don't have a way to transfer them to pdf files. But, luckily for me, the body chart had an error, so Interweave press re-pubished it on their website as a .pdf file, so that was a sanity saver *whew*. I'm only halfway through typing up chart 1 - and that took a day. Eek.
Anyway, I'm going to fix the last row of the edging (I accidentally pulled the needle out), finish up typing chart 1 (and start on chart 2) then I'm back to knitting on the shawl. Yum
I'm itching to knit, and so off I go.
Later.
I'm just happy right now. I have been in a foul mood for a few days and I'm gratefully through the other side. I'm hoping that it's going to last a few days and I can knit in emotive peace.
The shawl is a beautiful Orenberg shawl "Olga's Indiski [Indian] Shawl" designed by Galina Khmeleva (in Piecework magazine May/June 2009) and it's glorious, honestly glorious. I'm using Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace (55/45 merino silk), colourway 501 (cherry). It's a ripe cherry colour, with hints/shadings of brown and blue that change as the light source changes. At this time, I'm sitting under an energy saver bulb and the colour's a medium/dark blued-pinky-red. Hard to name.
I think, if there's one bad thing I can think of about this shawl, it's that I've got a Kindle, and I want the charts on it.. So, I'm having to type up the charts into text (.txt) files so I can upload them to the Kindle - I don't have a way to transfer them to pdf files. But, luckily for me, the body chart had an error, so Interweave press re-pubished it on their website as a .pdf file, so that was a sanity saver *whew*. I'm only halfway through typing up chart 1 - and that took a day. Eek.
Anyway, I'm going to fix the last row of the edging (I accidentally pulled the needle out), finish up typing chart 1 (and start on chart 2) then I'm back to knitting on the shawl. Yum
I'm itching to knit, and so off I go.
Later.
22 January 2012
SOPA shelved
SOPA's been shelved!
I had no idea it was making me so uptight until I read the info via a google search and I jumped up and down with the news. Unlike my impetus before the news, I'm very happy to knit now - and I've a lot of projects to catch up on.
Whew.
I hope SOPA never leaves the shelf, and disintegrates where it is. . .#
Later.
I had no idea it was making me so uptight until I read the info via a google search and I jumped up and down with the news. Unlike my impetus before the news, I'm very happy to knit now - and I've a lot of projects to catch up on.
Whew.
I hope SOPA never leaves the shelf, and disintegrates where it is. . .#
Later.
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