The Knitty Knotty

Phlimey's Phashions!

2009-05-04T07:24:00.005-05:00

With the help of Matt I've decided to name my Pullip after a Star Wars Galaxies character we share, Phlimey Ogatoo. =D It's a quirky name that suits the doll's character!

Miss Phlimey is getting ready to open her own clothing shop which is appropriately named:

Stock will range from items like beanie and stocking hats to sweaters, swimwear, to skirts and dresses and possibly some socks.

My 1st Pullip

2009-04-12T09:15:00.004-05:00

I've recently adopted my first Pullip and today I took my first photos of her. I think she's just too cute! Haven't named her yet. Traggie included the outfit below as well as a pretty teal dress with gold accents.

I'm a tinkerer so I've admittedly cracked her head open already, heh. I've got a few customizations in mind but I'm in no rush to get started on them just yet. I'm having too much fun making clothes for her right now.

A nice close up shot.

Sporting a simple lil' roll-brim beanie I made using measurements from Jun Planning's site.I was pleased to see it fit nicely when she got here.

A new pet turtle. He doesn't have a name yet either, heh. Her wig is made of win IMO. I like the tidy fat curls but I'm going to separate them and let her wear it all wild and crazy like.

See didn't take long to get comfortable with each other. She's adorable in the slim fitting dress I worked up. For a prototype the dress turned out much better than I hoped for! It has a couple lil' snaps in the back making it easy to slip on and off.

<3 <3 <3

Thanks for looking!

Tiny Knits = Too much fun!

2009-03-06T09:55:00.005-05:00

For those you not yet confused/lost by my myrid of hobbies here's a new one... Jun Planning has these awesome little dolls called Dal. Each is their own little character, costume and all. I've been eye-balling Pullips for a while but now 'Angry' has realllllly caught my eye. In preparation for the yet-to-be-determined arrival of a lovely JP doll I've started knitting small items.

I've got a set of bra and panties which were very quick knits. FYI, this set is modeled on a Bratz doll instead of a Dal:

And last night I started on a couple of cardigans.

The first looks much like this:

And the other looks kinda like this, the basic shape anyway, but I've used a leaf and vine stitch pattern along the bottom edge and on the sleeves:

After that I think I'm going to give something like this a try, it's cute something I'd wear myself:

I'm loving working with the petite projects; the thinner specialty yarns, the tiny needles that make such delicate stitches. As well as getting to experiement on projects that show results sooner rather than later without the quality suffering.

A New Knitty Knotty!

2009-01-03T20:51:00.002-05:00

You heard right. The Knitty Knotty will be getting a new look shortly and will contain more content. I'm tired of updating a different blog for all my hobbies/interests. So for a bit all of it will take place here.

Lucky you, you get more randomness for your dollar (good thing you didn't pay, eh?)

What extra randomness will be available you ask?

Well first, Sites of Interest that deal with things besides knitting, crochet, yarn, etc. I surf the 'net a fair bit and come across sites that pique my interest all the time, so I figured I'd share.

Next, other hobbies such as video games, reading, writing, flash, game creation, web design, graphic design, music, umm and other stuff. Again, random. Ness even.

Find things to buy!

2008-12-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

I've dicovered a rather cool site recently called ShopWiki. Using ShopWiki you can search for all sorts of items on a multitude of sites. No more hunting all over for the best price on an item. Cool eh?

I went there looking for Workshop/Home Improvement products and, as always, Knitting Supplies. If you're like me, always looking for new, and possibly unusal, ways to use things, you can use the Workshop/Home Improvement section to find things like Easy Access Bins to store your Knitting Gear. XP

Another really great feature of the site is that it actually has a Wiki element to it. After you make a selection you hit a page giving you details on the item type, so if you're new to something you need tools for, you'll get some helpful hints along with your shopping links.

ShopWiki, take a peek! =D

Pattern: Tea-Stained Sheep Hat

2008-03-31T13:28:00.010-05:00

So I found some neat yarn on sale with no idea what I would do with it, but a need to buy it when I saw it. Sounds familiar eh?

I needed a new, warmer winter hat and I thought Pooch would make a wonderfully warm hatband. I had enough Softee Chunky left over from the Anthro sweater and they were a perfect match.

So viola! After a bit of swatching and experimenting the Tea-Stained Sheep Hat was born.

Stitches used:
Cast On (CO)
Knit (K)
Purl (P)
Garter Stitch (G St)

In-The-Round: Row 1: K all, Row 2: P all. Rep Row 1-2.
Flat Knit: Row 1: K all. Rep Row 1.

Stockinette (St St)

In-The-Round: Row 1: K all. Rep Row 1.
Flat Knit: Row 1: K all. Row 2: P all. Repeat Row 1-2.

Bind Off (BO)

Materials:
Yarn:
Hat Brim: Patons Pooch, Wooly.
Hat Crown: Bernat Softee Chunky, Natural
Needles: #10 / 6mm
Extras: Tapestry Needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge: Bernat Softee Chunky: 4.5 rows per inch: 3 stitches per inch

In-The-Round Knit Instructions:
CO 60 stitches

Hat Brim
With Patons Pooch; knit in Garter Stitch for 3”.

Cut yarn leaving a 6-8” tail for weaving in.

Hat Crown
Join Bernat Softee Chunky; knit in Stockinette Stitch for 4”.

Hat Crown Shaping
Row 1: *K10, K2Tog; repeat from * (55 sts)
Row 2 and all Alt Rows: K all
Row 3: *K9, K2Tog; repeat from * (50 sts)
Row 5: *K8, K2Tog; repeat from * (45 sts)
Row 7: *K7, K2Tog; repeat from * (40 sts)
Row 9: *K6, K2Tog; repeat from * (35 sts)
Row 11: *K5, K2Tog; repeat from * (30 sts)
Row 13: *K4, K2Tog; repeat from * (25 sts)
Row 15: *K3, K2Tog; repeat from * (20 sts)
Row 17: *K2, K2Tog; repeat from * (15 sts)
Row 19: *K1, K2Tog; repeat from * (10 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a 6-8” tail for weaving in.

Finishing
With Tapestry Needle thread tail through the remaining stitches then weave in.

Fold the Hat Brim (the Patons Pooch portion) of the hat up, plop it on and you’re good to go!

Flat Knit Instructions:
CO 60 stitches

Hat Brim
With Patons Pooch; knit in Garter Stitch for 3”.

Cut yarn leaving a 6-8” tail for weaving in.

Hat Crown
Join Bernat Softee Chunky; knit in Stockinette Stitch for 4”.

Hat Crown Shaping
Row 1: *K10, K2Tog; repeat from * (55 sts)
Row 2 and all Alt Rows: P all
Row 3: *K9, K2Tog; repeat from * (50 sts)
Row 5: *K8, K2Tog; repeat from * (45 sts)
Row 7: *K7, K2Tog; repeat from * (40 sts)
Row 9: *K6, K2Tog; repeat from * (35 sts)
Row 11: *K5, K2Tog; repeat from * (30 sts)
Row 13: *K4, K2Tog; repeat from * (25 sts)
Row 15: *K3, K2Tog; repeat from * (20 sts)
Row 17: *K2, K2Tog; repeat from * (15 sts)
Row 19: *K1, K2Tog; repeat from * (10 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a 8-10” tail for seaming and weaving in.

Finishing
With Tapestry Needle thread tail through the remaining stitches, then begin to sew the back seam of the hat weaving in ends when complete.

Fold the Hat Brim (the Patons Pooch portion) of the hat up, plop it on and you’re good to go!

Please contact me if you have any questions!

Anthropology Sweater

2008-03-31T13:25:00.002-05:00

Finished this a couple of weeks ago but just got around to uploading pics. Probably not the best dress to pair it with according to my husband, lol. Said it gave me a decidedly "frau" look...

Materials: #13 Circular Needles and 2 skeins of Bernat's Softee Chunky (which is both... soft and chunky )

I found the pattern on Craftster, I'll post the link as soon as I can find it. I made a few small changes to the original pattern, adding a few more rows to the sleeves and working them in the round.

I'm thinking to make another one in black since it only took a couple nights to finish. And I've got a new addiction in sweaters that are worked from the top down... They're awesome, you can try them on as you work on them and you don't have to worry about seams after it's done. Just weave in your ends and ta-da!

Oh and did I mention this cute lil' thing is reversible?? I've worn it both ways, though I think the reserve stockinette side is my favorite.

Pattern Link

Fade to Grey Shrug

2008-03-31T13:21:00.002-05:00

Shrugs are notoriously easy and the idea for this one came about when I was trying to make an Asian style poncho. The way the colors faded so nicely made me instantly think of sleeves that started and stopped on the same color.

So I gutted a ball of the same yarn and cut it starting and ending with black and then just worked a rectangle wide enough enough for sleeves until I ran out of yarn. Luckily it worked out to the perfect length for me.

Materials: #10.5 needles and Joann's Rainbow Boucle

A fashion photographer I am not, and neither is my husband, heh. Alas this is my pic, I didn't take one of the back but it fades from the black, up to the grey, there's a white span in the back and it fades back to grey and black.

This yarn is incredibly warm and stretchy especially when done with slightly bigger needles than recommended on the label.

The forgotten blog...

2008-03-31T13:09:00.002-05:00

Yes, it sounds shameful but I admit it. I forgot about this blog. =( Expect many more updates (as if anyone is still watching this place after it being abandoned for so long, lol). Either way I'll be cleaning this place up and keeping it more up-tp-date with all my crafting.

I've got a number of patterns I need to add, as well as Finished Project pictures I need to upload.

A new look could do this place some good too! My last template was blah and the default templates are even worse.

5 People So Far!

2006-06-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

I taught myself how to knit last summer and since then I have taught 5 other people how to knit!

Knitting is a wonderful hobby (and addiction, heh) that I’m very happy to share with many, many people.

My goal is to teach a dozen people how to knit by the years end!

See more progress on: teach someone to knit

Pattern: Tri-Color Mini Tote

2006-05-31T23:08:00.006-05:00

Here's a lil' bag/tote that I made over the weekend. Knitting this lil' baby up took about 5 hours total once I got my plan of attack in place.

I took it with me to work today and got a lot of compliments on it (and not just from my stitch'n pals, heh).

It's nice and sturdy and big enough to hold a paperback (a prerequisite for all my purses), a wallet, and some other goodies. No pattern per se, just a general idea of what I wanted and how to go about it, and suddenly... fa-waaa!

Dimensions: 7" high, 8" wide, 3" deep

Materials:
3 strands of worsted weight yarn (held together)
#13 needlesa big fat needle for weaving the ends in

Gauge: 1" = 3.0 sts / 4.0 rows 4" = 12.0 sts / 16.0 rows

Stitches used:
Cast On (CO)
Knit (K)
Purl (P)
Garter Stitch (G St) - Row 1: K all. Rep Row 1.
Stockinette (St St) - Row 1: K all. Row 2: P all. Repeat Row 1-2.
Seed (Seed St) - Row 1: K1, P1, repeat. Row 2: P1, K1, repeat. Repeat Row 1-2.
Bind Off (BO)

Instructions:
CO 26 sts
Row 1-2: G St across.
Row 3: K7, BO12, K7
Row 4: K7, CO12, K7
Row 5-8: G St across.
Row 9-28: St St across. (20 Rows)
Row 29-40: Seed St across. (12 Rows)
Row 41-60: St St across. (20 Rows)
Row 61-64: G St across.
Row 65: K7, BO12, K7
Row 66: K7, CO12, K7
Row 67: G St across.
BO all sts

Finishing: Fold in half inside out and seam up left and right sides of bag. Attach new yarn or use tails to weave in and reinforce handles. Weave in and clip all ends. Fini.

Please contact me if you have any questions!

All better!

2005-12-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

Whoohooo! I fixed the site! Well except for that pesky no comment on the direct page thing, I'm going to get around to that one of these days... =P

Not a whole lot new in the craft realm. I'm currently addicted to making doll clothes, LMAO! What started out as a cute project for a friends daughter has become a new area for creativity and design.

As odd as that may sound think about it... Dolls such as Barbie are literally 1/6th our size so even something like converting an adult pattern to such a small size is a new adventure, heh. And when you need to frog back to a mistake or to resize something it's 20 sts and 5 rows back instead of 70 sts and 20 rows back, hehehe.

Ah well. *shrug* =D

Pattern: Lichen Symphony Scarf

2005-12-10T17:09:00.003-05:00

Lichen Symphony Scarf

(I know this is a terrible picture, not to mention it makes my neck look fat [lol], I'll do my best to get some more out here.)

Yarn: Red Heart Symphony - Juniper (I used less than half a skein on this scarf)
Needles: US #13 / 9.00mm

Note: Slip first stitch of each row knitwise on knit rows, purlwise on purl rows. This will create a smooth edge along your scarf.

CO 18.
Row 1-7: K all. (piece should measure about 3")
Row 8-126: St st. (piece should measure about 42")
Row 127-134: K all. (piece should measure about 45")
BO.

Weave in ends. Block to 6" wide and 45" or longer.

Still broke, but here's some pics

2005-12-10T16:47:00.001-05:00

So the sites still broke. The backup template's MIA, I'm still looking for it but I'm thinking I'll end up redoing it all. =/ Blah.

I've actually been thinking to go to a different blog system, maybe Xanga since a paid account comes with the web server package we buy. That way I'd be hosting it as well. *shrug*

Some new stuff...

Lichen Symphony Scarf - (Pattern coming) - This was a fun but simple knit project made out of Red Heart's super soft and fuzzy Symphony yarn. It was worked up on big needles so the stitches are big and airy but this scarf is still incredibly warm. =)

Red Mesh Hearts Tote - I made this a while back but didn't have a camera to take pics of it. I generally use it to drag my WIP to Open Stitch. I've been getting a lot of compliments on it so I figured I'd show it off here. =)

I finally got pics of all my Blue Squares goodies, I'll post them when they've been resized to something reasonable (versus the 2000+px the camera takes them at, hehe).

And for the craziest news of the week...

I've been nominated for President of our Stitch'N Club! I was floored when I received the email. Now I have to work up a Bio and all that good jazz for the vote on Dec. 16th.

Broke.

2005-12-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

Yay, go me! I broke my side panel. =P I went to remove a couple items from my WIP list and BAM everything disappeared. I didn't even bother to preview else I could have caught my error.

But nooooooooooooo... I've gotta be all like "I know what I'm doing..."

Sure. Maybe when I'm actually PAYING ATTENTION.

LOL, oh well. I'll fix it later when I get home. =) Don't mind the blank spot on the right, heh.

Can't back down

2005-12-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

Honestly... I can't. I know Tom Petty was all about "won't". But I can't. (More on this in a bit...)

Lately I'll admit to being a tad cranky.

Hash's grandma had a stroke and was resuscitated. She has living will but the ER team didn't know that when she got there, so they preceded to do what they do... try to save lives. Now she's bedridden and complete pissed they brought her back. Not that I can blame her, harsh as it may sound. We've talked to her since then. What do you say to someone that tells you they'd rather be dead and they mean it? =(

I had the stomach flu for a while. Had to take off a couple days of work, ended up missing a class too. The week of Thanksgiving was a hellish spree of preparing 9 filings in 3 days. Normally we're giving 3 days for 1 filing. I got a smidgen of overtime, car/bus-sick on the way home, and finally to kick off my shoes and celebrate the start to a 6 day weekend...

Ahhh and those 6 days were blissful. Short of a grocery stock up on Wednesday we never left the apartment. Waking up on the following Tuesday to go back to work was a nightmare. But some how I did it, on time no less!

(Back to my inability to just let it be)

The older I get, the worse this gets. But when I'm at work, every job I've had, I respectfully, but honestly, tell the people I have regular association when I have a problem with something they're doing, such as... dumping their work on me.

Not that it doesn't bug the shit outta me when they push it on others but with very few exceptions I don't feel it's my right, as I'm not the manager, to step in and make something of it. Today I just put my foot down, respectfully if a bit briskly, and walked away. It's baffling how people can act so shocked when you don't let them push you around. *sigh*

This weekend I'm hoping to take some pictures of recently completed projects, half starts to new projects, and all the great squares I got in the Blue Sqs Too swap!

I'm horribly behind on my blog reading too, I hope to catch up with that as well. Please forgive me!

Off to knit for a bit and crash out, so um bye. And peace. =)

Happy Birthday

2005-11-15T00:45:00.000-05:00

...to me. =)

Not so smooth

2005-11-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the quiet around here. Things are a lil' rough around here right now. Mulitple issues the primary one being Hash's ill grandma. =(

She's been in and out of the hospital for the past few months sick with cancer. Mid-week my MIL called to let us know she's been moved to a 'cold comfort care facility where they basically just keep you comfortable until you pass on. It's like hospice for people that don't have families nearby to help.

Man, getting old and sick blows. She's a really sweet lady and the last of my FIL's parents. I've enjoyed all the time I've had with her, short though it's been.

My FIL's always told me if I needed someone to talk to about losing a 'rent to give him a call. And I've taken him up on it a couple of times. Unfortunately this time of year is always the worst for me since November is when we discovered my dad had cancer. Now is not the time to burden Hash's dad with my issues though.

Ahh well, life goes on. And surprisingly time does heal wounds, some slower then others. There are times I feel tempted to say "Life sucks!". But I can't. It doesn't, it's just tough as shit. *sigh*

Take care,
PBnJ

SP Gifts and New Found Booty

2005-10-30T12:09:00.000-05:00

Whew this has been a hell of a week. But I took Monday off so I've still got another day to recoup, whoohoo!

Here are the promised pics of my SP reveal package. I loveeeeeeeee the super cute lil' ghost and had to hang him up right away.

Maybe he'll keep away the church people that have been leaving their "Hell Day" flyers all over town. These people are essentially saying... If you let your children Trick or Treat you're sending them right into the arms of the devil. Hell Day' is a re-enactment of the burning torturous hell awaiting you if you celebrate Hallowmas. Their words, not mine. No comment.

We had a"thrilling" team building activity on Friday. We all packed up and went to a pumpkin farm intended for Seniors and Kiddies. Oh yay.

Toyia and I arrived shortly after 1, the scheduled time. No one was around and we half thought they'd changed their minds and didn't bother letting us know about it. I really wouldn't put it past them. They're considerate like that, really. After waiting down a bit we went to check out a garage sale across the street. After playing chicken with some semi's we made it safely across and found a varitable treasure of items!

Toyia's awesome eye spotted a box of slightly ooky old yarn and (the real treasure) a FISTful of knitting needles in various sizes!! The lady running the place said make me a deal... so I got yarn, needles and a sturdy WIP bag all for $2.00!!! I was deeeeeeeeelighted. I've never come across a deal like this. I honestly haven't come across hooks or needles at a garage sale _ever_. If I had I would have snagged them in a heartbeat too.

Toyia settled on a pretty silk scarf and a baking dish, heh.

As we're heading back to the car with our new found booty we spot our managers. I pretty much let them have it. Respectfully of course. But dag I was frustrated so I had to let them know.

1) We didn't want to be here in the first place, but if we didn't come we're sure to be dubbed as not being "Team Players". 2) They were an hour late! 3) Someone hadn't even bother to call the farm and tell them we (all of us) wouldn't be there until 1 instead of the scheduled noon. 4) A woman on our team came and waited for us on her day off for OVER an hour, finally had given up and left (before Toyia and I even got there). It seems no one else let her know we were coming at late either.

On with the merriment.

In a group of 20 people only 2 of them were male and half the women were wigging out... Ewww OMG bugs, and dirt, and what are those clucking feathered things. That ma'am would be a chicken. Duh.

On my life, may I never hear the following words again.

"I won't eat eggs because they come from a chicken's poophole."

I honestly couldn't do anything but stare. And turn away.

Mind you I wasn't raised 'on the farm' or 'in the country'. I was raised in a mid-sized town in Iowa, called Cedar Rapids. It wasn't half bad. For being in Iowa it's one of the best places to be. About 400K-500K people, a good selection of businesses, nature stuff, places of interest, etc. Things are slower, more organized, and crime is pretty low.

But when you left the city proper things became much quieter, much more rural. But it's still nice and tho we didn't have rolling hills all over or sky high mountains it's got it's own beauty. My family had a small garden, we camped and fished, and had relatives with farms. I was a shy tomboy has a kid.

Now I'm a not-so-shy-pretty-but-oddly-mouthy tomboy. So these priss bitches bug the shit outta me. If you can't deal with nature and all her beauty and creepy crawlies why the hell would you encourage a trip like this?! Why don't you suggest a trip to Easton or Polaris (or any other mall in town) next time? I'm sure you'll be much more at home there and less likely to scream like you're being shot at when something brushes your arm.

Gah.

On a brigher note I went sale scrounging and found some lovely goodies! Hobby Lobby has the best prices on hooks and needles!! In some case they're $2-3 and in one case $10 cheaper then Michael's, Joann's, or Hancock Fabrics.

I picked up some nice and thick #11/8mm knitting needles and I'm already trying them out on some Red Heart Grande that I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby. I didn't take a pic before I started working with it but I'm loving this yarn. It's thick and smooth and it works up and frogs soooooooo easily. I definatly need to get some more of this. I know Bolek's (check the LYS list linked on the right to find them) has RH Grande for $3 a skien in at least a dozen colors.

I bought some oh-so-soft laceweight cream mohair at The Yarn Shop a month or so ago. I couldn't figure out what to do with it once I got it home though. =/ Well Last Minute Knitted Gifts has a nice small scarf pattern using #10's and mohair like mine so Ima give it a try. =)

My last stop was Joann's where I used a 40% off coupon on some pretty, silky Angel Hair and found Moda Dea's Ricochet down to $2 a skien. Woot!

I've blabbed enough. My needles and Hash's chunky slippers are calling me. =D

SP Revealed!

2005-10-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

Heyyyyyyyyy................

It's been a rediculously busy at work this week. I've had meetings every day and in some cases back to back ones all day long. Gah! Too bad most of them are about projects not related to me or my teams... so why the hell was I need there?!?!?

*sigh* Oh well. I feeling a lil' rundown/drained due to this so I'm determined to get to bed early tonight.

Terribly exciting news... I got my SP Reveal Package today!! From... Shellbaby! OMG girl you were TOO generous, seriously! I'm half afraid to take pics of all these goodies... else the person I'm SP to is just going to think I suck! =(

Ok I'm kinda sorta kidding. I'm all but praying the SP-recipent likes what I've made and sent, heh. But I'm definately taking pictures of my wonderful gifts!

Sorry for leaving this so short but I really do need to climb into some warm PJs and then into bed. I promise to upload pictures this weekend!

Thank you Shellbaby, you totally rock! *hugs*

A new look and a new ring

2005-10-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

On and off for a month or more I've been working on an updated look for this place. And now it's done. Woot!

I'm really digging the warmer fall colors and the serif font. I've added new content to the side bar, rearranged the order of some things and some things were just plain ol' removed.

Ugh @ Blogger. It would have been easier to have made just a regular web site I swear. But I want to be able to tweak and change things on the fly when I'm not at home with all my server and FTP software. So Blogger it is. Where everything under the sun must be contained in ONE damn template!

I dig it though. I figured it out and it was worth the trouble in my opinion so *shrug*.

Please do me a favor and let me know if you spot any broken code or links so I can fix it ASAP. Many, many thanks!

As for the new ring... its a WebRing. My first at that, whoohoo! Take a peek at the top right-hand corner and get the scoop and click the link to be taken to the Yarn Whores website.

CJB is it's temporary host as soon as I get a chance I'll upload this to my personal server.

So umm. Yay for yarn! =D

What obsolete skill are you?

2005-10-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

You are 'growing one's own food'.

You are guided by two words: 'Live simply.' You value quality over quantity in most things, and
you have little use for the materialism and consumerism of modern culture. You know the value of hard work and try to be self-sufficient as much as possible, and what you do you do well.

Unfortunately, no man is an island, and you cannot do everything yourself. Your puritanical work ethic makes makes people think that you are weird, and not much fun. Your problem is that growing one's own food has been obsolete for a long time.

What obsolete skill are you? brought to you by Quizilla

Getting things done

2005-10-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

Noooooooo more square swaps for me I'm thinking. I've made squares for days and days and it seems I'll never get finished. Now I remember why I've never completed a squares-type afghan. =P Ahh well live and learn. I'm getting them done and I'm excited to see what squares I get in return.

I'm also finishing up Secret Pal gifts... I'm reallllllllly hoping she likes what I've made! =D

I managed to squeeze in a couple more knit projects, woot! I finished up Hash's skullie and had enough yarn to make one for myself. These are fun and fast, I'll make some more when I get my never-ending squares exchange completed.

Couldn't resist taking a pic:

*Click to enlarge*

Pattern: Ribbed Sports Fan Scarf

2005-10-07T12:24:00.003-05:00

Functionality + Personality = Ribbed Sports Fan Scarf

Skill level: Easy (++)
Yarn: Worsted weight (4), in three colors of choice (example shown in Cleveland Browns colors) Needles: US #9 / 5.5mm

CO 36 sts.
In 4x4 ribbing (K4, P4) complete the following color changes:

Orange: 20 rows
Brown: 4 rows
White: 8 rows
Brown: 4 rows
Orange: 162 rows
Brown: 4 rows
White: 8 rows
Brown: 4 rows
Orange: 20 rows

234 rows total.

Bind off, weave ends in. Block to 7" wide and 5' long.

*Click to enlarge*

I rule, my neighbor drools

2005-09-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

OK maybe she doesn't, least not that I've seen. I'm just terrible with titles.

But I do rule! *nods*

I finished my first knit item this morning, WOOT! I bound off Hash's scarf this morning on the bus and finished weaving in the ends about 30 minutes ago. AND I still have enough yarn left over to make him a matching hat! I know just the pattern I'm going to use too.

Next on the list: a skullcap that's about half done. I'm using LB Wool-Ease (which I love) in a nifty navy and cadet blue twist. So far I think it's kicks ass. And if Hash doesn't appreciate it (like several other hats I've made him...) I'm definately snagging this one for myself, bwahahaha.

I had the camera in my bag this morning and took it out because I didn't think I'd need/want it today. Now I'm kinda kicking myself. Oh well a pic will have to come later. I still need to block the scarf anyways. Since I used 4x4 ribbing it has cinched itself down to a 5" width when it's suppose to be 7".

It's an uber simple pattern but since it's my first knit item and design I'd like to share it. =) So expect a pattern soon. Actually I already have it typed up but I'll wait for a pic before I post it.

Yay me!

What is up?

2005-09-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

Works been slow this week and for once I haven't been going stir crazy. If there's no work my boss really doesn't care what you're doing at your desk as long as you're around in case something comes up and you're needed.

Lucky me, eh? Well I've been using my downtime for some very useful things finally (instead of just surfing the 'net and the like).

There's going to be another Lion's Club truck-o-goodies delievery in two weeks so more Katrina Relief washclothes have been whipped up. I hope some of the other gals in the work Stitch'N group donate a few more. The ones they've already donated were gorgeous and very appriciated!

We have our big Stitch'N get together this coming Tuesday. It'll be the first one I've attended so I'm all stoked.

So ummm here's a pic of me hard at work... just not on work-like stuff, hehe. This pic is a couple days old (I forgot to download then, heh) so I've got a lot more done on this scarf now. Hash and I have determined it's 2/5 complete. =D

Honest though. There's been nada for work. I work in the Annunities department of an insurance agenecy and if there's not a new product to file with each state... then there's not a whole lot to do around there. When there is work tho, I bust my ass. Cuz tho I might not love my job, it's not the worst I've had. And I dig the nice checks, heh.

Can't we all just knit along?

2005-09-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

It's funny-ironic, not funny-haha, how much tension I see in a group of people that came their craft is so relaxing (1).

Squabbles that have me about ready to scream:
(2) man-made fibers are evil, they're the ultimate downfall needle crafters, especially knitters
(3) socks on circular needles versus double-pointed needles
(4) hats on double-pointed needles versus straight needles
(5) knitter A's method and/or hand position is faster then knitter B's ever will be
(6) charity crafts are a waste of time as you will never know if the receiver will use or appreciate your time and money in the project
(7) adding crochet to a knit project will "dumb it down" or "make it tacky"

And so the rants begin:
(1) Why is it only knitting is denoted as being so damn relaxing? Crochet which is much more like knitting then many knitters seem to want to admit is just as relaxing. And to be honest with less tools, jargon, and hype, crochet is actually a LOT more relaxing for me, personally.

Every week there seems to be a new book on how good knitting is for our imperiled souls... It'll fix all your ills; bratty kids, failing marriage, shitty boss? End it all now with knitting! I mean really, are women now ditching their therapists and Zoloft for 2-5 sticks and some string like it's a miracle cure?

Any day now I'm waiting for the news report or book review that states "Knitting will help you achieve orgasms that'll have you screaming like Mariah Carey sings!"

(2) Just because its acrylic doesn't mean its Red Heart... and just because it's Red Heart doesn't mean it doesn't have its uses.

A selfish want of all things natural is what has lead to extinct creatures, plants, and resources all over the world. If we have the technology to recreate a lot of these fibers and not hurt the environment and save money, why not recreate them?

I spent 3 hours at my LYS (The Yarn Shop) this past weekend and to be honest I wasn't impressed with much there. From a distance everything looked like something I could get at Joann's and when touched it a lot of it felt down right creepy.

Alpaca was tacky/sticky, wool is wool is wool which is all good, rayon was too slick almost slimy, cashmere smelled funny (like a very musty slightly wet dog) and mohair felt the same fake or otherwise.

*shrug* But then that's just one Anti-Snobs' opinion. I don't care what you use as long as you don't give me shit about what I choose to use.

(3) & (4) Who the fuck cares as long as the finished project looks the way YOU want?! 'Nuff said.

(5) You know what I hate about competition? It always comes down to two things: Someone rules and someone sucks. I hate that. I'd go so far as to say I abhor it.

And making a competition out of a "relaxing" craft just defeats the point of it being relaxing. So just fucking stop it already.

(6) You're sick and selfish and I hope wolves eat your children.

(7) Snobbery at it's finest, eh? I happen to think some of the most beautiful designs I've ever seen have been a mix of two marvelous crafts.

Maybe if Julia Roberts added a crocheted lace trim to something you'd think it was less "tacky". Until then STFU.

/end Rant

Pics Galore

2005-09-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

I shoulda used a flash. Damn LCD screen made these look brighter.

I'd show more of my crochet projects but I wouldn't want to give myself away to my Secret Pal, heh.

Stitch 'N, Katrina, & Books

2005-09-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Good morning and all that rot!

So we had the Stitch'N Club planning committee meeting on Thursday and I think it went very well. We talked over ways our lil' group could help the Hurricane Katrina survivors. After one member sent out a list of needed items organized by a local Lion's Club, we decided on crocheted/knitted washcloths. It might not seem like much but when there's thousands of people housed in a stadium with limited facilities things like a hot shower have got to seem like a luxury. The semi carrying all these goodies outta Ohio will leave on Monday, Sept. 19th. So I sent out a letter to the group asking them to put together as many washcloths as possible before Friday, Sept. 16. Even the busy people! I told them even one donation will help.

We'd already spent our budget this week paying for the reconnect fee on our electricity. So this weekend I sold a few books at Half Priced Books and took a couple items I had just bought (but not used) to Meijer's and then picked up a nice big cone of cotton yarn to get started on the washcloths. I'm crocheting them since I'm much quicker and familiar with it then knitting, heh.

If you work in the Downtown Columbus area and would like to contribute to our donation please get a hold of me at knittyknotty-@-gmail-.-com and we can arrange some sort of plan for collecting them!

Today I have Hash researching other ways of getting donated goods to the folks down south. I know Red Cross will take moola but I'm not sure if they're accepting actual goods. I'm sure there's got to be another group that we can continue to donate items too.

Another idea we had was making hats, gloves, and scarves for the southern refugees that have been given temporary housing here in Ohio. When winter comes it's going to be pretty harsh considering what they're used to. We figured these items would really come in handy and we still have a good deal of time to get things done.

On the knitting front… I've ran out of the beautiful aqua yarn my SP gave me so my sweater is on a short hold until I can pick some more up.

I went to the library this weekend and picked up 4 books on knitting… all of which were pretty disappointing for various reasons. =(

Vogue Knitting on the Go: Teen Knits – Err guess I should have looked thru this was closer in the library. All patterns are sized for kids/teens. Blah! Especially considering they had several really cute patterns.

Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Knits: The Best of Very Easy Very Vogue – Easy = bland according to this book I guess, heh. Or at the very least mid-80's styles. There's a whopping 2 patterns in the entire book that didn't make me cringe. Only one of which I might make and wear.

Stitch 'N' Bitch Nation – All in all this was the best out of the bunch. I've only flipped thru the first book and wasn't terribly impressed but now that I actually know how to knit I'll need to give it another look thru. This book has some cute patterns, some useful patterns, and some typically cliché patterns (how many cell phone cozies and leg/wrist warmers does a person need?!). I really like all the tips and tricks that are mixed amongst all the pages. They're actually the best part of the entire book. The second part being the photos and blurbs about Stitch 'N Bitch groups all over the world (though one lady said knitters are brilliant mathematicians and crocheters are lazy, WTF?! Cuz we don't have to count our stitches/rows/incs/decs/etc. or anything… it does it on it's own I guess.)

Hollywood Knits Style – Gag. More then half the patterns in this entire books were SO mind-numbingly simple I could have made them up on the fly… even as a newb knitter. God only knows how someone can tell me to knit 30 sts until it's 30 in' long and then say "Ta-da, I'm a pro-designer!" No. I'm sorry. You're not. I've seen dozens and dozens of better designs AND instructions free all over the net. In my opinion… this author just gets off on the fact that she knows famous people. Not to mention her skewed sizes. She's been CA too long as she seems to think 33" around the hips is LARGE. 'Nuff said as they say, heh.

And with that ladies and gentlemen I will quit bitching. Cuz I'm sure that's what it sounds like, heh. And on some levels it is, especially about the short/simple patterns. There's nothing more irritating then paying for a book of patterns that could have been written on a napkin. OK I understand this for things like beginner patterns, where the person is still learning. So in the case of a newb knitters book its fine to everything all nice and simple. But if a "pro" designer has nothing but simple patterns in a book not labeled for newbs than I feel severely cheated. And more than likely my fellow stitchers have shared a similar pattern for free on their blog, or prefered stitch community message board. So why should I pay someone for something I can get for free??

WIP Wednesday #3

2005-09-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

Crochet
Blue Squares Too - 6x6" Squares (Ummm 5 of 35 complete, thankfully I have until Hallowmas to get all these done, heh)
Secret Pal Goodies (and no I'm not telling what they are)
Elle's Baby Blanket (I started the center ripples of a Star Ripple blankie last night)

Knit
Small Purse with Crochet Edging
Simple Sleeveless Sweater (the more I think about this the more I'm thinking to add sleeves, something stripey, woooo)

I'm making the sweater out of the beautiful aqua yarn sent to me by my Secret Pal! The body is going to be solid aqua, possibly a black stripe across the chest, ohhh or a skullie maybe?! And as I mentioned above I'm thinking to add sleeves now. Something like, hmmm... Alternating aqua and black every 4-5 rows all the way down. I'm definately adding a skullie if I do the long stripey sleeves. It's almost manditory. *nods*

This pattern is going to be uber simple. Honestly. And if it doesn't look like poo, I'll share it with you all. =D Wheee!

And lookit! A picture of my sexay knitting... look at all those neat and even stitches... hubba hubba!

My Planning Committee meeting was moved to tomorrow, which works out perfectly. I would have only been able to make it to half the meeting due to a work meeting my manager kindly scheduled right over my lunch period. Go Boss! =P

I asked my MIL to take some pictures of the new crochet earrings I'm making. And instead she sends me an old digital camera she doesn't use. I don't get it... but I'm not going to complain, LOL. Now I can take pics of... well everything and anything, heh.

Sooooo while I'm showing off pictures of sexay things (LOL) here's one of me and Hash... We are at the stop light so no fears that we're cheesin' it up at 55 mphs, hehe.

*Click to see larger versions of the pictures.*

I DID IT!

2005-09-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

I've learned to knit!!! Not only have I learned to knit but I've already started designing my own sweater! Nothing complicated but I'm definitely a production oriented person so to practice I want to DO something not just swatch and swatch and swatch like I've been doing for the past couple of weeks.

I want to start up a 'Newb Knitting Tips from a Newb Knitter' list to help other new knitters figure out some of the things that first tripped me up on my path to knitting bliss. There were just some things, questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on when reading books and tutorials. I've started a small list so far, but I'll keep updating it as I learn new things. I've also finding out there are more things in common with crochet and knitting than I first thought. Certain steps and stitches are very similar.

Now if I can just find a community like Crochetville for knitting I'll be set! =D

We didn't get our electricity turned on until Thursday (the check didn't get to AEP until Tuesday!)... Just in time for the nice weather to get here. Figures. I kept telling myself it was like camping... but it didn't help, LOL. Either way I'm just happy as hell to say it's paid off and juice is now making all our computers and such hum with joy.

Friday night was spent out by the pond behind our apartment knitting until the sun went down. Wow was the weather gorgeous! Saturday morning was spent on the deck... knitting. With a couple movies and a trip to the store thrown in. Sunday and Monday more time was spent indoors since it got warmer again. But I still didn't do much of anything but knit and crochet and chatting with Hash. Oh and play World of Warcraft for a couple hours. And to top things off my UTI seems to be gone, thank heavens, I was about to go insane! Honest.

All in all it was a very relaxing weekend, one that beat the hell outta the past couple of weeks I've had, heh.

Thanks so much for all the kind (and funny!) comments left during my really shitty finances time. You guys are too sweet!

I finally got to attend one of the Stitch'N Club meetings at work! The first one was a bust because I had to do some silly online tutorial for a program I already know how to use, heh. I got to go to the informal "Open Stitch" meeting which is held in the cafeteria. It was just 6-7 of us just working on our own projects and chatting. It was really nice. There was even a knitter there and I got to ask her a few questions. One lady was kind enough to stick around and catch me up on what the entire group has done so far (they were just established in June of this year).

After I got back from the meeting I sent an excited letter to the president of the group and let her know I had a blast and that I had some ideas I'd like to contribute especially about the charity project they want to start next month. I also offered to help with the website they are planning. To my surprise (and excitement!) they offered me a position on their Planning Committee!! Woot! So my bossiness is finally paying off in a way I like, LOL.

A Weekend in Hell

2005-08-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this from work so this'll be fairly short. I'm sorry I haven't updated my blog in a bit. First I was busy and now... well now we've been without electricity in our apartment since Friday morning and we won't be getting it back until Wednesday.

A long story (and phone argument) short... I mailed several cashiers checks for bills on the 19th and somehow only one of them made it to their destination (which is the same fucking city I live in!!!) over a week later. With a week having past since checks where written we're tight on cash. But the electric people couldn't have cared less, so even once the cashiers check I sent gets there I still have to pay a $100 reconnect fee hence the no juice to our toys that plug in until I get paid again on Wednesday.

Another long story short, between the heat, short tempers, sitting in the dark for hours, and a newly acquired UTI (urinary track infection) this weekend was anything but pleasant. As a matter of fact, I don't even want to talk about how miserable the weekend was. I didn't start this blog for it to turn into a pity party. Fuck pity, I hate pity. =P

I did have some good news on Friday though; I was really disappointed I couldn't blog about it. My SP sent me another package!! This time I got a skein of pretty aqua Bernat yarn, vanilla sugar potpourri (yummy!), a vanilla caramel candle (that smelled soooo good and really came in handy this weekend, heh), uber cute sticky notes in the shape of a 'N' (I've brought them into work to use!), some knitting note cards, an ergonomic 'G' crochet hook (which I had to try out immediately! And I love it!) And a perfectly adorable crocheted turtle bookmark!! Everything was wonderful! Thank you so much for your thoughtful gifts!

Now back to the grindstone with me. I'll catch up on my Bloglines Subs as soon as I can. Have a good one. =)

Columbus, Ohio LYS List

2005-08-23T14:37:00.001-05:00

So, here's my on-going list of "Local Yarn Stores" (LYS) in Columbus, Ohio. I've added to and taken from the list that I was given from the Stitch'N group here at work. I hope fellow Ohioians find this list useful. There's now a permalink on the menu to the right so you can refer to this list later if you like. Please feel free to contact me with any stores I've missed!

Crochet / Knitting Stores

The Yarn Shop
1156 Kenny Square Mall
Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: (614) 457-7836
Website: www.yarnshoponline.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M, TH, F, S 10 am to 6 pm
Tuesday 10 am to 8 pm

The Yarn Shop
Brookview Center
1232 Hill Road North
Pickerington, OH 43147
Phone: (614) 577-1137
Website: www.yarnshoponline.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M, TH, F, S 10 am to 6 pm
Tuesday 10 am to 8 pm

Yarnmarket
12936 Stonecreek Drive, Unit D
Pickerington, OH 43147
Phone: (614) 861-7223
Website: http://www.yarnmarket.com
Store Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Phillips Yarn & Macramé
4509 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43231
Phone: (614) 476-3942
Store Hours: Sun closed
Mon - Sat 10 am to 5 pm
Special Note: Checks & Cash Only

Knitters Mercantile
214 Graceland Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 888-8551
Website: www.knittersmercantile.com
Store Hours: Sun 12 pm to 5 pm
M, W, F, S 10 am to 6 pm
T & TH 10 am to 8 pm

Temptations
35 South High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: (614) 734-0618
Store Hours: Sun closed
M – TH 10 am to 5:30 pm
F & Sat 10 am to 5 pm

Heavenly Creations,
LLC Yarn & Fiber Arts
1188 West 5th Avenue
Columbus OH 43212
Phone: (614) 488-3777
Website: www.heavenlycreations.zoomshare.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M- W - F 11 am to 6 pm
T & TH 11am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am to 5 pm

Betty's Yarn Shop
2451 Elm Avenue
Bexley, OH 43209
Phone: (614)231-7168
Store Hours/Special Note: Has recently had a fire, will hopefully be back in business next month.

Nan Fisher Designs
992 Medinah Terrace
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (614) 459-5837
Store Hours/Special Note: Must make appointment to look over stock of yarn, supplies, books, etc.

Misc. Craft Stores with Yarn

Hobby Lobby Creative Centers
4300 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43228
Phone: (614) 274-7347
Website: www.hobbylobby.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M – Sat 9 am to 8 pm

Hobby Lobby Creative Centers
5865 Chantry Drive
Columbus, OH 43232
Phone: (614) 501-4737
Website: www.hobbylobby.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M – Sat 9 am to 8 pm

Hobby Lobby Creative Centers
2680 Sawmill Place Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (614) 766-6410
Website: www.hobbylobby.com
Store Hours: Sun closed
M – Sat 9 am to 8 pm

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Easton Square
3880 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: (614) 471-8585
Website: www.joann.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Lincoln Village Plaza
4600 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43228
Phone: (614) 851-0431
Website: www.joann.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
The Festival At Sawmill
2747 Festival Lane
Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: (614) 793-8028
Website: www.joann.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Polaris Towne Centre
1265 Polaris Parkway
Columbus, OH 43240
Phone: (614) 840-9277
Website: www.joann.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Taylor Square S/C
2891 Taylor Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: (614) 322-6330
Website: www.joann.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Michael's - The Arts and Crafts Store
3680 Easton Market
Columbus OH 43219
Phone: (614) 475-4123
Website: www.michaels.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Michael's - The Arts and Crafts Store
1830 Hilliard Rome Road
Hilliard OH 43026
Phone: (614) 876-6294
Website: www.michaels.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Michael's - The Arts and Crafts Store
2766 Brice Road
Reynoldsburg OH 43068
Phone: (614) 868-5103
Website: www.michaels.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Michael's - The Arts and Crafts Store
3612 W Dublin Granville Road
Columbus OH 43235
Phone: (614) 798-9456
Website: www.michaels.com
Store Hours: Sun 10 am to 7 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am to 9 pm

Blick Art & Craft
Sawmill Plaza
6486 Sawmill Road
Columbus OH 43235
Phone: (614) 792-1900
Website: www.dickblick.com
Store Hours: Sun 11 am - 6 pm
Mon – Sat 9 am – 9 pm

Bolek's Bulk Crafts - NOW CLOSED
1924 Brice Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43232
Phone: (614) 759-8702
Store Hours: M-F 10 am - 6 pm

In Crochet News...

2005-08-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Saturday I received a RAOK containing the cutest notecards from Cheryl (a gorgeous lady with amazing talent!) at Diva Knitting!! Thank you so much!! Their almost too cute to even use, LOL.

That settles it! I've received some very cool RAOK gifts in the past month. And now it's time for me to get off my ass and give to others as well. I'll be sitting down this afternoon and making a list of some possible gifts and their recipients. =)

I have something else to add to my Completed Projects list, yippee! I made a bikini for myself this weekend. *insert lil' dance*

It's just your basic triangle bikini top with some nubby stitches and a thong bottom, again with the nubby stitches. I used some left over pink Simply Soft, well because it's soft and I don't intend to actually wear my new suit in water, it's more of a "sunning" suit minus the sun since the Irish in my like to insta-fry in UV rays, plus the top will be nice to just wear around the house with shorts or a skirt. I really wish I had a digital camera, argh, I'd really like to show this completed piece off!! I might try and take a shitty webcam pic of it later tonight.

I took sketchy notes as I was making it now hopefully I can decipher them and make up a pattern for this cute lil' suit. *shrug* I was feeling restless and couldn't seem to focus on any of the other projects I have going so I just picked something up and went with it.

I also spent a lot of time watching movies this past weekend and a small project like the bikini was fun to work on while I watched Sin City, Ocean's Twelve, and all 10 episodes of Band of Brothers. With last night's new AdultSwim cartoons mixed in too, heh.

I still have a moderate amount of the pink Simply Soft left over. I think I'm going to make my friend Cris a ruffle scarf. =)

Today I got more information about the Stitch'N Club at work and I've been invited to go to one of their meetings tomorrow. The group leader said she doesn't know what they will do with the dues yet since they just started the group back in June. So far the dues paid have bought storage containers for the "Community Chest" of donated craft supplies. So far it doesn't sound bad, dues might go up to $10 for the whole year, which isn't terrible. When they mentioned $5 only being for the remainder of the year I had fears they were going to charge as much as the Crochet Guild does, LMAO. At least there its better understood where those funds are going.

They did give a list of a good number of the fiber store in the Columbus Area though!! whoohoo I'll be typing those up ASAP and making a permanet post with them listed for others in my area.
Oh, speaking of LYS's that bulk supply place wasn't the treasure trove I was a hoping for but it wasn't a complete flop. They only carry Coats and Clark fibers so there was a lot of Red Heart's line, but not just the Super Savers, they have the baby soft, chunky, Symphony, a couple of the novelty yarns, etc. Lots of colors and all about the same as Wal-Mart's prices (but hey it's closer to home, heh). And they have a boat load of threads and cottons from Coats and Clark as well. So again not what I was hoping for but not horrible.

OK back to work I'm suppose to be working through my lunch so I can get outta here an hour early, hehe. Hey! It's not my fault there's _really_ nothing to do.... =P

A Public Service Annoucement

2005-08-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

'Cuz it's Monday and I'm sure we all could use a laugh. And nothing makes you laugh harder than real life morons in the mists...

All items here are true and things I have experienced while working in the wonderfully stuffy world of insurance (it's been almost 3 years now).

SO here goes in no certain order.....

Things NOT to do in a Public Restroom

Moan, groan or grunt repeatedly.

Come directly out of the restroom, go to your cube, and tell your co-workers about said grunter/groaner you were just in the restroom with. (I know this doesn’t directly take place in the restroom but still… I don’t want to hear about it. This one mainly pertains mostly to men since women here seem to act like being human and needing to use the restroom for anything but checking your hair and/or makeup is NOT something a lady does. Whatever.)

Use your cell phone while in a stall doing your thing (c’mon! I don’t even like talking to my MOM on the phone while in the bathroom at HOME!! I wouldn't dream of scheduling a business meeting from a bathroom stall!). See also #3, #4, and #5 concerning cell phones in public restrooms.

Argue with your cell phone company about last month’s bill you haven’t paid yet.

Argue with your car loan company about last month’s bill you haven’t paid yet. (Obviously this is the same person as #3, I know much more about this woman’s finances than I really need thanks to her regular restroom phone 'conversations'.)

Discuss this evenings dinner plans with your significant other.

Gossip about the new employee without checking to see if they could very well be in there at the same time (they being me, hah).

Stand in the ‘waiting’ area and have a full discussion about your pregnancy with several others giving all the gory (and I do mean gory) details.

Use one of those paper seat-protectors and then leave it there on the toliet for someone else to deal with (if you’re worried about your ass-matter what makes you think someone else wants to deal with it?!)

Use FIVE of those paper seat-protectors and then leave them there on the toliet for someone else to deal with.

Worry about the paper seat-protector and yet not wash your hands.

Talk to yourself—out loud.

Pep-talk yourself through changing your tampon—out loud. (WTF?!)

Not Flush. How can you forget to flush in a public restroom?!?

Dump your lunch in a toilet and not flush. (UGH)

Eat ANYTHING in a public restroom!!!! (Jesu! Do you have a deathwish?!? *shudder* *gag*)

Try to fit more than one adult into a stall.

Stand half in the restroom with the main door open while chatting with someone down the hallway.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm a bitch, easily irritated by some pretty damn silly things. So expect this list to grow. =D

Random Stuff

2005-08-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

I didn't get a WIP Wednesday post out yesterday but it's pretty much the same list as last week, heh.

Yesterday a friend and I participated in Nationwide's Community Care Days where you volunteer to help with an area charity program. In our case we helped United Way with their Meals on Wheels deliveries. We had a lot of fun! Everyone was so nice and it was heartwarming to see how excited people got from a nice meal and a little bit of socializing. We're definately looking into making this a regular thing. Especially since the "route" they gave us was all in one apartment building for the eldery, it's only a few blocks from where we work. We just started at the top floor and worked out way down.

I got home at about 2pm after our deliveries were done and we had lunch. After I got home I went back out and did a few errands before traffic got hellish. On the way back home I took a shortcut and noticed that a bulk craft supply store about 2 blocks (maybe less) from my house is now selling yarn!! I noticed because they had a big ol' sign up about it, hehe. I know I've called and visited this place a few times in the past couple of years asking if they sold yarn and I was always told no. Well they were closed at the time so I'm going to be checking them out this evening to see if they have anything worthwhile. I hope so, having a LYS this close would be dreamy!!

I've signed up for a "Stitch'N" club through my works "activities center", I'm now waiting to get information about their dues and how often they meet. I already have to pay dues to get in with the activities center so I hope the fees for the club aren't too expensive. To be honest I don't fully understand why there are dues, heh, since we are to meet during our lunch hour in the cafeteria here at work, we're to bring our own projects and meals and there's no group activies outside of just hanging out once every two weeks so ummm what's the $$ going towards? =P

Eh well I'll just have to wait and see. I'm just excited by the prospect of getting together with some fellow stitchers! =) I haven't been in a group for this kinda thing since moving to Ohio in Winter 2000. I've really missed it!!

Ignore HaloScan Post

2005-08-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

Subscribers please ignore the post about HaloScan being installed.

It was. And it stayed there for about 5 seconds until I realized it hid all of Bloggers comments unless I wanted to dick with the coding for an hour.

Fuck and that. Blogger's comments seem just fine to me. And I have no need for the Trackback feature to hunt down people that have left comments. Most of you have blogs thru Blogger anyways. =)

Carry on... nothing to see here, hehe.

Feeling a lil' Irish

2005-08-14T18:04:00.001-05:00

I've felt uber lazy this weekend but I managed to get a couple small things done. =)

I don't know if it's because I'm half Irish but I've always been fasinated by anything Irish and Celtic. Once upon a time I had plans to attend art school in Ireland. Unfortunately I could never scrape together enough funds even with grants and loans. *sigh*

I still want to visit there one day, so does Hash. And I'm half certain once we get there we'll end up calling my mom or my in-laws telling them, "Hey! Yea we're gonna stay here. Do us a favor? Sell all our shit and Western Union us the cash. Okaythanksbye."

So this weekend I made a cute lil' bag with some kelly green and cream yarn out of clover shapes. I'm very happy with how this turned out! =D

Clover Bag

And I was just playing around but I came up with a lil' Celtic Knot. I've always enjoy drawing Celtic Knots so it was a lot of fun making one of yarn, heh.

Celtic Knot

If there were a contest...

2005-08-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

...for the best Secret Pal ever... I'm sure mine would win! LOL

I got a wonderful, mavelous package from my Secret Pal today! First I was sent an e-card saying the package should be here today... so I had to sit all work half the day just thinking about it!! Argh! LOL

My super cool package included (ugh I realllllly need a digi-cam):
2 skiens of Caron Simply Soft Brites in LimeLight and Grape (See examples here)
2 black ink pen with cute lil' froggies on them!
4 turtle soaps (handmade by my SP)
3 froggie soaps (also handmade by my SP!)
A nice lil' note card (and yes all this green definately cheered me up!!)
AND
This awesome lil' bag:

My scanner really jacked up the colors, I try to adjust them as best I could. The purple looks a lil' too blue in the pic. I love it!! It's very strudy and I love the nice thick handles.

Thank you Secret Pal!!

I received a second RAOK postcard today too!

Here's the first postcard I received, this ones from someone in California:

Here's the second postcard I received, this ones from Moze in Florida:

Sick day

2005-08-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

Ugh, had to take a sick day today so this is going to be short. I have a pinched nerve in my hip and it likes to give me hell at random times. It chose last night about 3 am and wouldn't let me get back to sleep until 7 am. I spent most of the day gulping pain pills and sleeping.

Yesterday I received 2 wonderful RAOK gifts! One was a beautiful postcard from California. I'll scan the pic as soon as I'm feeling better. I also got a sweet K sized double ended hook! This is perfect timing, I've been thinking to get a bigger afghan hook to try and make some sturdy bags (I only have a short size I).

I think I'm going to pair up the El Paso yarn and the dbl-ended hook and see what I can come up with. =) Thank you to all my awesome 'fairy godparents', heh.

Ok back to bed. Have a good one.

This is gonna be a great weekend

2005-08-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Today... life is good.

This morning I woke to one of my favorite dumb comedies on TV. It's so dumb I'm too embarassed to even tell you what it is. But it makes me giggle. The morning was good.

Early afternoon comes and I head out for a trip to the library and pick up smokes. I get in and outta both places in no time. I praticed self-restraint and only picked up 3 books at the library. Which was much busier then I expected...

I got:
Crocheted Lace by Pauline Turner (ooo so many pretty things)
Family Circle Easy Crochet (has a really pretty dress I'd like to try)
Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet (I've heard this one is awesome but haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of it, so now I have it, albeit temporarily, heh.)

And the icing on the cake??

I got a mavelous ROAK package today!!! I swear I squealed when I opened the mailbox and saw a package in there. I squealed again when I ran inside, leaped up the stair and tore into the package. All that tape never stood a chance!

Some wonderful, awesome person at Crochetville sent me 2 skiens of Lionbrand Woolease in Fisherman, and 1 skien of Lion Brand Jiffy inEl Paso. They're gorgeous!!. Also included were 2 J sized crochet hooks!!

This gift really has made my day, my week really! I had hoped to do a tiny bit of yarn shopping this weekend but the budget didn't work in my favor. I was kinda bummed I was gonna have to wait another 2 weeks to pick anything up. And now... wow all I can say is Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Nevermind the 3D stuff or World of Warcraft this girls gonna have a grin ear to ear while she corchets the next 2 days away in a happy bliss filled state.

May you all have a wonderful weekend as well! =)

Friday makes it all better

2005-08-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I live for the weekends? How terrible is that? LOL I wish away 5 days of my life just so I can have 2 for myself. Ahh well. No big plans for the weekend. Rent's paid so I'm happy, heh.

I have another time consuming hobby, 3D modeling and texture design, that I'm going to need to pay some attention to this week... for a little bit anyways. =)

I sell my models and textures at several online stores for such things, and it's been more than a month since I've put out anything new. =/ I've been too caught up with my crochet... it's a total addiction that let's me think I don't need it... that I can stop anytime I want to... and then I end up coming back to it with a vengence, heh.

Today I got a sweet ecard from my Secret Pal saying I should keep my eyes on the mailman 'cuz he's gonna bring me something soon. Whoohooo! I can't wait to see what he brings!!!

Fuzzy lil' shrug o' death

2005-08-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

So that boucle shrug I was so excited about yesterday... I'm not so excited about it today, heh.

When I got home last night and I went to change clothes I couldn't get the damn thing off!! The cute lil' sleeves were too short to grab ahold of to pull it off. *shakes head*

So there I am in the bathroom wrestling with this fuzzy lil' shrug o' death when Hash walks in... and promptly starts rolling on the floor with laughter. I was not amused. I told him to get his ass over here and help me take this stupid thing off!

*sigh* Well it's not the first clothing item I've made for myself that I won't wear as often as I first thought. I still like it, I still think it's terribly cute. But now it's only going to be worn with the dress I had in mind when I made it. Oh well. Needless to say the Mossy Shrug will either have much longer sleeves or it's going to get canceled before it gets much further. I haven't decided yet.

I've almost got my first Secret Pal package ready to send out, woot! This is exciting, I really hope they like the gifts as much as I've liked putting them together, heh.

I finished up a cute lil' halter-y-bathing-suit-like-top last night. It's going to be more of a 'working around the house I need something comfy and cool' kinda thing more then an actual 'wear it to the pool/beach' kinda thing. Hash was very happy with it, LOL. He said I should definately write up a pattern for it, so expect to see that around here in the next week or so when I get some time type it all up. =)

I've cleaned up my WIP bars in the right sidebar, taking off the things that will prolly stay WIPs for a while. I'll get around to updating it when the things I'm working on now sometime today, heh.

One more day... and the weekends here, yippee!!

WIP Wednesday #2

2005-08-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

OK so I'm terrible with doing things regularly, heh. I've had this blog for over a month and have only done one WIP wednesday list. Phoo. Anyhow here's my WIP list as of 08/03/05. (OMG is it August already?!?)

++My Toe-Up Socks abandoned for now.

++Zero's Jiggly toy = 99% complete, I still have to weave in the ends. =/

++My tanktop isn't looking the way I wanted and I have some others ideas for a better version. I haven't frogged it yet, I figured I should be sure I wanna start this over again before I go all gungho and tear it to pieces, heh.

++My boucle shrug is complete! I worked in too many rows and was going to have to tear out some. It got put aside for a week because I didn't have the patience to deal with boucle frogging. But this morning I really wanted to wear it with this flowered dress I have so I tore out the extra rows for a while before I left for work, and then finished the frogging and seaming on the bus. I was able to go into work with a terribly cute, warm and fuzzy shrug this morning. Woot!

++Sleeveless turtleneck - This has been put on hold until I can find an extra skien of Chunky USA in Demin. Damn these unplanned projects! hehe

++Mossy shrug - I've started another shrug, this time in Caron's Simply Soft in Soft Pink. I'm not a pink kinda girl but I had a good bit of it left after another project and I love how this yarn feels. I'd say I'm 40% done with it?

++I've got a few things started for my Secret Pal but I don't want to give away anything, hehe...

Hmmmm and I think that's it for the important projects. As always I have a dozen random lil' things all over the house, heh.

Take care, have an awesome Wednesday! =D

OH! You might have noticed I made up some smaller "sticker" type buttons for various groups I'm in (see the right sidebar). Feel free to snag any of them if you like that style and you're apart of that group.

Peace and love and stuff.

*PS Sorry for all the edits. It seems though Blogger gives you a bulleted list option... it doesn't seem to actually want to DISPLAY bulleted lists. WTF?

Pattern: Mini Butterfly Garden Square

2005-08-02T18:59:00.002-05:00

While looking for square to make for the Blue Squares Too swap I came across a very pretty 12". I was able to easily alter it down to 6" and the original creator, Chris Simon, has been kind enough to let me post the alterations here. =D Make sure to check out the bigger version too!

Mini Butterfly Garden 6" square

Hook: H/8 - 5.00mm hook
Yarn: Basic Worsted Weight

Ch 4, join with slip st to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 15 dc in ring. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp. *# Dc in next 3 dc. # (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next dc. Repeat from * twice, then from # to # once. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 3: Sl st in next dc and in ch 2 sp. Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp. *# Ch 6, sk next 7 dc, # (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch 2 sp. Repeat from * twice, then from # to # once. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 4: Sl st in next dc and in ch 2 sp. Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp. *# Dc in next 2 dc, ch 6, sk ch 6 sp, dc in next 2 dc, # (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch 2 sp. Repeat from * twice, then from # to # once. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 5: Sl st in next dc and in ch 2 sp. Ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp. *# Dc in next 4 dc, ch 2, tr around ch 6 of both Round 3 and Round 4, into 4th of 7 skipped dc stitches in Round 2, Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, # (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next corner ch 2 sp. Repeat from * twice, then from # to # once. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 6: Sl st in next dc and in ch 2 sp. Ch 1, (dc, ch 2, dc) in same sp. *# Dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in ch 2 sp, dc in tr, 2 dc in ch 2 sp, dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in ch 2 sp, dc in tr, 2 dc in ch 2 sp, dc in next 6 dc, # (dc, ch 2, dc) in next corner ch 2 sp. Repeat from * twice, then from # to # once. Join with sl st in beginning sc.

Fasten Off. Weave in ends.

Autumn Secret Pals

2005-08-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

I got my Secret Pal email this morning to let me know who I get to be a Secret Pal to, woot!! <-- That's truly how excited I am, hehe. I think this is going to be a lot of fun.

Not much going on this morning. Monday = back to work = ugh.

I'll make a better post later, heh. Have a good one!

RAOK and Discontinuations

2005-07-31T14:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I received not one but TWO very sweet ecards from the Fairy Godmothers at Crochetville. Thank you sooooo much, they really made my day!! =D

I've been working on a sleeveless turtleneck for myself this weekend. Yes, I change around projects a lot. It generally starts with me buying yarn for one thing and then deciding to use it for something else, then I change it again (and again sometimes, heh). Well this time I'm using Lion Brand's Chunky USA in Demin... and I'm running out!! =(

I only need one more skien to finish this project and it's looking like Lion Brand has discontinued this yarn. Dammit. Just my luck.

I swear when you buy something on sale they need to tell you that it's that damn cheap because they want to get the last of it off their shelves!! I certainly would have picked up more if I had known that in a month no one in town would carry it any more.

If you're reading this and you have a orphan skien of Chunky USA in Demin lying around... I would love you forever if we could work out a sale/trade/etc. so I could get enough to finish this up. I'm reallllllly loving how this shirt looks so far and I'm going to cry if I had to tear it apart, lol.

Alright I'm off to start scanning all that stuff I've been promising this past week, heh.

I hope everyone's having an awesome weekend! I know mine's going much better then the rest of my week did. Many thanks to all the sweet people that stopped by and gave encouraging words during my cranky rants, heh. You guys rock!

Needs sleep badly

2005-07-28T07:41:00.000-05:00

A severe lack of sleep the past 2 months has made me a severe bitch. I can fully admit to that now.

Yesterday was one big pin prick after another and with each one I felt hotter and testier.

In a meeting with some important people at work I had to literally bite my tongue because someone snidely and IMO inappropriately said "Well I assumed...blahblahblah".

Guess what I had to chew back? That's right boys and girls... something to the effect of assumptions making you look like an ass.

Not good, especially not good when it's the "big boss" you wanna get snarky with. Thankfully sanity kicked in at the last second and I said nothing, merely stared straight ahead.

Next came a trip for coffee trapped in an elevator with half a dozen lawyers. One of which was whining that he was late to work because a section of the highway was shutdown for a crime scene investigation. I guess they found 2-3 homeless people with gunshots to the head. His response: "They're homeless, leave them where they are and stop inconveniencing my commute".

My response: "Excuse me?!? Wow. What a wonderful way of trivializing someone's life and death. If it had been a business man, say another laywer, someone worthwhile in YOUR eyes, I'm sure you wouldn't have said something so shitty."

Their shocked expressions were almost worth the shrinking world feeling I got when I realized what I had just blurted out. =/

To finish off the night there was an ignorant, time wasting fight with Hash that was entirely my fault. It's becoming all too clear. I'm turning into an evil bitch.

I need more sleep. Now. I would dearly love to crawl under my desk and snag an extra hour before I go all homicidal. Maybe if I explain it to my boss that like she'll let me... I mean it's for the good of the office right? LOL

The SC Swatches: I had the instructions for 3 stitches drafted but Blogger ate them sometime between Monday and today. *shakes fist* Argh, I'll be rewriting them during lunch and then I'll upload the swatch scans when I get home tonight. Woot!

What kind of yarn are you?

2005-07-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

You are Shetland Wool.
You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

What kind of yarn are you? brought to you by Quizilla

Hmmm at first this didn't sound terribly flattering, but then the truth rarely is. While not exactly on spot I'd agree with most of this lil' quizzes results. Minus the 'revered' part, LOL.

Never a dull day

2005-07-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Is it really Tuesday already?! I guess that's a good thing, just 3 more days until the weekend is here again. I say 3 because I'm stubborn and I won't count the active day... that's just another day to add to the count and that bums me out.

I spent a good deal of the time in front of my computer this past weekend. But could never seem to get around to making a post here...

I blame it on Crochetville and Neverwinter Nights! An awesome site and an entralling video game.

I love and dread being new to a community message board...

Why I love it: There are soooo many tips and project ideas hiding in the forums, all of them wonderful secrets I can't wait to devel into.

Why I dread it: I tend to lose track of time digging for my treasures and next thing I know the entire weekend is gone and though I've gathered a sweet To-try-next list... I no longer have time that weekend to actually TRY any of them, heh.

We're doing some furniture arranging in our computer room (aka the dining room we never used as a dining room) so my computer is in the living room for the next day or two. When the dust settles and I get things reconnected I have a half a dozen things I want to scan and share.

I've been altering several 12" squares to use in Crochetville's 6" Blue Squares Too swap. This past weekend I contacted the designers and have been given permission to post the altered patterns, woot! I'll post the instructions and previews of the sqaures as soon as my system is hooked up to the scanner again.

Boucle is my bane

2005-07-20T22:22:00.000-05:00

It was suppose to be a simple shrug to match a sleeveless dress. Its this damn boucle yarn! *shakes fist*

Boucle and I have a love/hate relationship. I love how she feels and looks. Frogging more then a stitch or two is a hassle. And she mocks me the whole time.

I think it will be worth it in the end. =D Now I just need to find someone with a decent digital camera to take a pic of it when it's done.

A maybe not so lil' peek at me

2005-07-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

I'm a self proclaimed hippie. An unconventional hippie. A digital hippie. Don't try to gank the URL 'cuz we've already got it. *neener, neener* LOL

What does this mean? I'm my own liberal fool. I believe in freedom, the right to your own thoughts, beliefs and loves. I believe in being kind to each other. Even though I have a 5-mile wide ornery streak it's all in fun, because laughter lets you live longer and enjoy life more. I love technology and with the exception of my husband, all of my closet friends are online buds I also have the random phone conversations with. I love Mother Nature and I spend 85% of my time enclosed in 4 walls and 55% of that time in front of a computer be it at work or in our apartment. I say 'Please' and 'Thank you'. I curse like the devil.

And the rest is with all seriousness... I ran across this site last week: http://www.savethesheep.com/. And I ended up going back to it tonight and reading more.

At first I was torn. Now before the 'true' hippies and the vegans skin ME alive let me explain...I find myself in a tough position. I'm not vegetarian, nor vegan. So where does that leave me when I'm so sickened and brought to tears by the images on the this site? I couldn't even bring myself to watch the video on the front page. I felt nauseous just thinking about what I'd see after reading that "mulesing" is the term for the live flaying of the sheep. You read that right...

Then I started thinking. Does this happen with other breeds of sheep? How many? What of the other fibers fetishists like so much? Angora, cashmere, alpaca, camel? Maybe? Probably? I'm afraid to know what is probably a sick truth, but I'm compelled to find out.

The rational so far? The consumption of meat and the death of animals that it comes from makes more sense to me then the torture and death of an animal to dress us 'nicely' and so fiber addicts can get their fix.

I came across a link giving alternatives to different wool fibers, it even listed specific brands. I can't seem to find that link in my favorites tho I was sure I had saved it. I believe that's where I found the Save the Sheep link.

Now the uber yarn snobs make even less sense to me. In an age when we can duplicate these fibers and it can stop cruelty like this (and spend less) why not use them? Is it the price factor?

Now more then ever we're in a time where money is 'power' and it can make you 'popular', new trends start everyday and they're 'out' 5 minutes later. People pay $70 for jeans that look like $20 jeans that've been abused for 7 years. People pay $1000 for crocheted Chanel handbags that relatively experienced crocheter could make in a night or two and yet sell on eBay for $15-25.

Does that make it better? Of course not.

But I believe some people need status symbols. What we wear or accessorize ourselves with can say a good bit about us to people without saying a word.

My clothes have never said 'I have something to prove'. Could you tell how much I make by my wardrobe? I've never thought about it. I couldn't possibly care if someone else likes what I like or wear (with the exception of appropriateness).

At this point I have no idea where I was going to end with this. This past week has been draining but I feel like I'm on the mend. *sigh* I need to go to bed now and 'catch up' on some sleep.

Peace and love,
PBnJ the Digital Hippie

To frog or not to frog...

2005-07-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

This is indeed the question. I made this sweet lil' baby dress for a co-workers new baby girl and when I asked someone that had seen the baby recently (in real life not just pics) they said it was too small for her already. =( I guess she's big for her age and she's got her daddy's mile long legs, heh.

Here it is:

*Click to see the full version*

I used Caron Simple Soft in Soft Pink and Jamie Pompadour in Candy Print, my sweetie, Hash, actually helped me pick out the colors and textures! Awwwwwww =P

It's not completely "finished" it was suppose to have a lil' flower in the center of the yolk but now that I'm finding out she won't be able to wear it I find myself caught between frogging it or finishing it and saving it for 3-5 years when Hash and I decided to start with the making of the babies, heh. It just looks too cute to tear apart!!

I've got more then enough yarn left over so I'm thinking to make my friend's baby a blanket instead since those are basicially one size fits most, LOL.

Catana made a post about people hating the Single Crochet stitch and how there's so little you can do with it. I was quick to let her know this is one of my favorite stitches and you can in fact do it in a dozen variations! (ME opinionated?!? Never! hahah)

So to help others learn about these cool and simple tweaks to a common stitch I've started working up swatches and instructions. I'll be posting them here as they are completed. =) I hope they're helpful and that you enjoy them so stay tuned!

It's been a busy week

2005-07-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

OMG am I glad it's Friday! This week has been hellish. Work recap for this week: shitty meeting after shitty meeting, screaming co-workers that should be hospitalized (when we people grow up?!), and an project that needs at least 3 days... and they give me 1 and a half.

My father-in-law is having a valve replacement and bypass surgery this morning, right now actually. I know it's not an unusual procedure any more... but I can't help but be concerned. And it brings up memories of my dad's death.

It's all just piling up on me. ARGH!

You ever get that detatched feeling? Like all these shitty things are happening to someone else and you're just watching? After being stressed for so long it's just like a switch clicks. And then nothing. You just feel empty. And you can't even care.

/end Pity Party

I've signed up for the Blue Squares Too Exchange and the Autumn Secret Pal over at Crochetville, woot! This is my first time participating in something like this, it's sure to be a blast! I've got one square almost finished, I'm hoping to work on it during lunch (if I get one today). I'll scan it later tonight when I get it done.

Lookin' Good

2005-07-11T17:05:00.000-05:00

I said to hell with the knitting for a bit and started on a crochet tanktop for myself. I'm working loosely from a Crystal Palace pattern. I started it Sunday evening and between spending most of the evening on it, working on it during the bus ride to and from work, as well as during lunch it's already half done, woot!! I'm using different stitches, throwing in a lil' filet around the tummy, and making it much longer. I want to actually be able to wear this to work and offices generally don't dig tummy tops, heh. Though I've seen a several women at work doing it, and breaking a dozen of the other dress code rules as well. =/

I'm generally not one to bitch and moan about such a silly topic but they've change the dress code before because of people abusing it. I don't even like business casual... but I don't want them to go back to full business dress either. I don't like suits nor can I afford them.

So Ladies of Nationwide... please do us all a favor before you get the business casual dress privilage revoked... tuck your boobs in, make sure your undies aren't visable out the top of your pants, and NEVER wear flip-flops. This might've been ok when you were in college but you're in a professional work environment now. Please look and act like it. *nods firmly*

Wear whatever the hell you want out in public. I could care less. Really. As a matter of fact none of the clothes that I wear outside of work could ever be worn to work. But again I understand what's appropriate for work... and what's not. Mini-skirts and hooker pumps fall into this category.

/end rant

A Bumpy Road

2005-07-09T23:03:00.000-05:00

I don't normally do the blog quizzes but this one intriqued me and I found the answers to be very truthful even though the questions were a lil' weird. So here it is, don't expect to see many of these here.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to obedience and warmth.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

On to other things...

I'm still struggling with my knitting. I've been reading up on the Contenital method and though it definately seems like it would be quicker once I get used to it... my stitches end up even sloppier then when using the English method. =/ Suckage!

On the off chance that it helped at all I changed the yarn I was making my pratice swatch with. It's now I lovely emerald green instead of a plain ecru. I love green to death but it hasn't done a damn thing for making me enjoy this any more, lol.

*sigh* Off to pratice some more.

Please sir, can I have some more?

2005-07-07T18:45:00.000-05:00

After a hair pulling morning, an important doctors appointment and a paniced trip to the bank... I decide I hadn't had enough stress intake for the day.

Then I come home and picked up my knitting swatch.

I'm a newb knitter and this has been such a change from crochet. I've tried to learn how to knit dozens of time, but I've always made a mess of it and said nevermind. =/ This time I'm doing my best to stick with it. It helps that I've found several dreamy patterns and I'd love to make once I figure these damn sticks out. XD

I feel soooo clusmy and slow. I'm sure it was much the same when I was learning to crochet (forgive a girl's bad memory I learned to crochet about the same time I learned to hold a pencil).

So now I'm home and have been working on a basic knit swatch for about a hour, repeating the same stitch over and over and over... I fought bravely, ignoring the split stitches and the alternating tension and just kept going (I had already frogged this yarn to death on this pratice project). Next thing I know I have 40 rows done and could see a gradual improvement as the rows went on.

Woot for me! Hey at least at this point I could make a very simple scarf, hehe.

Onward and upward... to the purl stitch!

A Long Weekend

2005-07-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

I had a nice long 3 day weekend thanks to the July 4th Holiday. It could almost be considered a 4 day weekend since they let us go home very early on Friday. It was crazy, we had a meeting at 10am, it only took 30 minutes and then my manager closed the meeting by saying... "Now go home." I couldn't believe it! I actually went up to him and asked, "For real?" LOL

For having a nice long weekend I didn't get much accomplished. =/ I frogged a few UFOs. Sorted through a bag of old yarn my mother-in-law sent through the mail. Some of this yarn is older then I am, hahah. The labels were all hard yellowed crumbly paper so I figured I should ball them up while I was digging through them. I really would love a winder....

I heard another crocheter mention that she uses big ol' flip-lid Rubbermaid containers for her yarn... I'm thinking I'm going to check out Wal-Mart this weekend and see what they have. My stash isn't as big as it was before I moved. But I'd also like to keep it in better shape then some of my old stuff, heh.

I have a new favorite yarn, Caron's Simply Soft! I wish there were a few more varigated colors but I love the soft silky feel of this yarn and the slight sheen it has is so pretty. It works up so smooth and quickly, it's like buhtar, dahling. I can't wait for fall to get here so I can make a sweater for myself, hehe. Hmmm I might have to get an early start on it I could always use a cardigan for when the office gets chilly.

Yes. I use the 'evil' acrylic yarns... I firmly believe there's a purpose for every type of yarn, be it artificial or natual fibers.

WIP Wednesday #1

2005-06-29T10:57:00.000-05:00

Deb at Crochetville started a cool lil' thread where we list out WIPs every Wednesday... so here's my first WIP Wednesdays post.

My Work-In-Progress Projects:

Baby Girl Sleeper Set - This is for a co-worker that just had a baby girl. It was 85% complete, but after showing a friend the dress she says it's too small for the baby, so I have to frog it and do some dreaded math to figure out what size will fit, heh.

Trellis Stitch Poncho - A simple but cute project I'm adapting to be shorter and lighter for summer. When complete I'm gonna keep this one! :D

Aunt B's New Angel Wrap - I've got 2-3 of these lil cuties going for friends and their babies.

Jute Sandals - I'm 1/2 done creating my own pattern for crocheted sandals, woot! I'll share the pattern once it's complete and throughly tested.

And that's it... for now! =P

World's Fastest!

2005-06-27T18:01:00.000-05:00

"The longtime Chatham resident broke the record by her own count as the world's fastest crocheter at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Michael's Arts and Crafts in Monroe.
...
Gentry crocheted 5,112 stitches in 30 minutes — about 170 stitches per minute.
...
Barbara Jean Sonntag of Craig, Colo., has held the title as the undefeated Guinness champion since 1981 with 147 crocheted stitches per minute."

Wow. O_o As odd as it may sound... I'd love to see video footage of this. That's just got to be insane, heh.

Congratulations Lisa Gentry!

Getting Started...

2005-06-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

I learned to crochet when I was a lil' girl, maybe 5-6 years old. Between my mom and my grandma they managed to not only show a clusmy left-hander (I was clumsy, period, not clumsy because I was left-handed, heh) how to crochet... but to get her completely addicted as well.

I've crocheted on and off since I was very young, making any number of weird and semi-useful things I could think of. Hats, scarves, slippers, socks, purses, "containers", pouches, wall-hangings, the occasional sweater, etc, you name it!

I'm very happy to see the upswing in the number of crocheters! And I'm especially happy to see other younger artistic!! We need people and ideas of all ages to keep this great craft alive!

My intentions with this blog are:
1) a place to get and keep in contact with fellow crocheters
2) a place to show off my creations from my patterns and others
3) a place to share patterns I've created myself

I had an idea to make a project that featured a specific crochet stitch every 1-2 weeks. Most crocheters know a dozen (or fewer) different stitches but there are a lot more out there! I figured this would be a nice way to bring attention to a unusual or unique stitch and give people a chance to actually try out the new stitch they've just learned.

These "lessons" or "Featured Stitch" sections could include:
1) details on the background of the stitch (if any)
2) detailed instructions (or links to detailed instructions) on how to create the stitch,
3) links to free and purchase patterns using the featured stitch
4) suggested project ideas using the featured stitch

It could be more, it could be less. Again it's just a lil' brain storm I've been conducting, heh.

How does that sound? Lame? Cool? =P Be honest, I'm tuff I can take it, hahaha. =D