Wool & Words

Lent began on Wednesday, and even though I'm far away from the Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday split of my childhood, I felt the whole of it this week. On Wednesday evening I found myself sardine-packed in a church in Athens, GA waiting to receive my ashes and start this Lenten season off right.

I don't know that I'm doing such a great job. But I'm trying.

It's hard to know what to do during Lent. I always have a million things I want to do, and they all come down to one thing--be a better Catholic and be a better me. It's very hard to navigate today's world, to be a part of the world and yet remained detached enough from it to be true to the faith. I never know when, for example, to speak out on issues of national importance.

This Lenten season, I resolve to use my voice a wee bit more and to speak and to respond to the events surrounding me in a manner that is appropriate, consistent, and honest. And that I will do this compassionately.

God's peace be with you all today.

Posted by KnitNut at 09:53 AM | Permalink

Years and years ago, snow fell on Louisiana. I don't think that I was totally responsible for this snowman, but I know I had a hand in it. And what do you know? Even then, my love of cardigans was well-established!

And I got to wear my new clogs a bit today. Here's the felted down beastie.

I must admit to a total and complete lack of motivation to do anything with my "free" day beyond knit. I feel, though, as if I have very little to show for it.

Pippi Update

I'm just now, at 9 p.m., getting out of the ribbing and into the stockinette. And yes, those are size 1 dpns. They are so pointy! I'm amazed that there aren't scores of knitters out there with puncture wounds. None yet for me, but this is definitely "pay attention" knitting. Love the yarn and the colors are fun!

The biggest delay was really the pattern rewrite. I hope I've gotten a workable pattern and that the proportions will remain the same. I'm glad I waited until this morning to get this done, as I don't think I was mentally up to the math and the logical bits last night. Yes, I consider myself a woman of moderate intelligence and yes, this isn't more than 8th grade math. But it was tricky and a bit confusing.

I'll keep you all posted on how the knitting goes--now that I've gotten one started, I'll be just a knitting away until I get it done. I doubt I'll post lots of pics, though, since it's not really that thrilling.

In other knitting news, I'm patiently waiting for the shipment of Addi's that my LYS has ordered comes in--there's a special 40" size 9 set for me to finish the Spiral Blankie. Another project that really doesn't work for photo updates; the numbers go up, but you really can't see the changes in the piece.

The BuzzClogs (GA Tech) are still in the mix, although they've been set aside this week for Pippi work. After my experience with the DawgClogs today, though, I'm considering using suede soles for the feet--I kept getting shocked! Not a pleasant experience, no matter how toasty my toes were all day!

Changes

Don't be surprised if postings of a religious and sometimes political nature appear. I envision a blog where I can record all sorts of things. My faith (I'm Roman Catholic) and my schoolwork (which you've already read some about) and my family (haven't even begun to include) are important parts of my life.

And, of course, there will be more of Steve and the boys!

Posted by KnitNut at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The beautiful view from my front door

This may not look like much, but for GA residents, it's reason enough to declare a Snow Day! I'm settling in with my coffee and some knitting. Updates later today!

Posted by KnitNut at 08:49 AM | Permalink

Current Events

For the record, it's going to take an awful lot for me to talk about what's happening in the world right now. If I inadvertently blurt out something in cyberspace in a fit of pique, please forgive me.

Knitting

Knitting is happening. I'm going to figure out the Pippi conversion before bed tonight and cast on for the ribbing. When that gets too crazy (as knitting on Size 0 dpns can get), I'll switch to the baby blanket, which is coming along nicely. Of course, there's Colin's Scarf, and now the GA Tech clogs to work on too. And that Prayer Shawl to finish. Perhaps one of my Lenten promises should be to finish all of these projects before Easter...and start on some others!

I have to register a knitting gripe, though. I am really done with Crystal Palace Bamboo circs. The metal join makes me mental! Give me a good ol' pair of Clovers anyday, or, gasp and swoon, a pair of Addi Turbos. That makes 'Nita a happy girl.

Reading

Getting books read makes me feel good too. I've slowed down a bit since I've got classes to teach, meetings to attend, and general "work week" business, but I'm plugging away. Reading Ford Maddox Ford's The Good Soldier now. Just started, and I don't think there'll be a knitter in sight. But I can dream...

If you have any interest at all in the future of computing and what our lives might look like AND if you can stomach a bit of academic discourse, I highly recommend N. Katherine Hayles's How We Became Posthuman. That's good reading.

Cats

Merc says "it's yoga time!"

Posted by KnitNut at 10:04 AM | Permalink

Really, I am. I have been busybusybusy with reading and knitting. Check out the sidebar for the Clog project (the current obsession) and the newest addition to the KnitLit list (love that Virginia Woolf!).

I promise pictures soon. Tonight, though, I've got to forge ahead on the books.

Posted by KnitNut at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You are pink aluminum.
Retro, straightforward and fun, you love classic
things. If they're 99 cents at Goodwill all the
better! You are moved by striking colors and
tasty morsels, and you like a stitch-n-bitch
session in the sun. Just remember, while
you're being kitschy cool, don't get too cold.
Ice cubes are best kept in your cocktails,
baby!


What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Posted by KnitNut at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Pippi Progress--Finally!

Although the progress is much more of a regression than progression. I'd gotten this far on sock number one, when I realized that things were going all wrong.

You can't really tell here, but the gauge is all wrong. The pattern is looking for 6.5 stitches to the inch, I was knitting at 7, and the fabric was too loosy-goosey for socks. And then I remembered: I'm using sock yarn, not sport...which is the weight the pattern calls for. So, I've got to, in the words of the fabulous Bonne Marie, BOSS MY KNITTING AROUND.

I whipped out my size 0 DPNs and swatched away. Half of L.A. Story later, I had a gauge of 8 stitches per inch, a nice feeling swatch, and a plan. I'm going to rewrite the pattern, basing the foot measurements on the templates in my fave book, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns (how tired are you all of hearing me talk about that one?), and add 3" worth of stitches to the cast on number to account for the calf shaping. So there.

Maybe all those math classes were worthwhile after all.

D.H. Lawrence on Teaching

The studying is moving along. I've been plugging away, focusing on my oh-so-quick survey of British poets. Teachers, I give you D. H. Lawrence's "Last Lesson of the Afternoon."

When will the bell ring, and end this weariness?
How long have they tugged the leash, and strained apart,
My pack of unruly hounds! I cannot start
Them again on a quarry of knowledge they hate to hunt,
I can haul them and urge them no more.

No longer now can I endure the brunt
Of the books that lie out on the desks; a full threescore
Of several insults of blotted pages, and scrawl
Of slovenly work that they have offered me.
I am sick, and what on earth is the good of it all?
What good to them or me, I cannot see!

So, shall I take
My last dear fuel of life to heap on my soul
And kindle my will to a flame that shall consume
Their dross of indifference; and take the toll
Of their insults in punishment? — I will not! —

I will not waste my soul and my strength for this.
What do I care for all that they do amiss!
What is the point of this teaching of mine, and of this
Learning of theirs? It all goes down the same abyss.

What does it matter to me, if they can write
A description of a dog, or if they can't?
What is the point? To us both, it is all my aunt!
And yet I'm supposed to care, with all my might.

I do not, and will not; they won't and they don't; and that's all!
I shall keep my strength for myself; they can keep theirs as well.
Why should we beat our heads against the wall
Of each other? I shall sit and wait for the bell.

This idea of "beating our heads against the wall of each other" seems to sum up what I feel like when I'm grading papers.

Secrets Revealed

Cleanliness makes strong brotherly bonds.

Posted by KnitNut at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You are Schroeder!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Posted by KnitNut at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I hit 400 stitches on the baby blanket today. That's a lot of stitches. So many, in fact, that I'm actually considering a new circular needle to hold them all. My 29" aluminum one is hanging in there, but it's squealing. 100 or so more stitches will, I fear, push it over the edge.

This project has tickled my brain a bit. I think it might be neat to come up with a fair isle pattern that spirals along with the throw. Crazy, I know, but challenging. This is one of the first design ideas I've had in a while, and I may take that on as a summer project...after I finish knitting blankies for the babies on the way.

In other news, I want to cast on for the Pippis, I really do, but I can't seem to locate Stitch 'N Bitch. Since the only other knitter who has been in my house recently is Steve, I'm going to have to give him a pat down when he gets here tonight to see if he's hiding it!

Everything else is patiently waiting. I've finally finished grading papers; what a relief! Of course, that means I really need to focus now on getting some reading done. That D.H. Lawrence sure does pen a fancy schmansy sentence! But for now, it's the knitting. My brain needs a rest.

Good night all. Merc & Zeus hope you have the sweetest of dreams.

Posted by KnitNut at 11:05 PM | Permalink

Not much time for blogging tonight. Yes, I'm grading papers. It's not fun. But it's necessary.

I've had requests, so here's the pizza dough recipe. We got it from the SugarBusters site:

2 cups stoneground whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbs. Splenda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. butter (softened)
1 cup milk (any weight will do)
1/2 tsp. yeast

Mix the ingredients in your bread machine (sorry to all you hand-kneaders out there...). When the machine is tired and calling for a glass of wine to relieve the pain of kneading, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Let the dough sit in a greased container for 20-30 mins. Or not. It just depends on how much you want to see the stuff rise...

Roll out the dough and top it as you see fit. Or don't. Naked pizza is possible, I supposed, but not as tasty as it would be with goodies on it.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.

We usually add spices to the dry stuff before we turn on the machine. Makes for a yummy crust. We're considering using this recipe for foccacia (sp?) bread as well. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Ciao!

Posted by KnitNut at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I know, I know...I've been gone too long. This past week was just a wee bit crazy, so I'm hoping you'll have pity and not get too upset by the length of this post. Feel free to stop reading at any time.

Knitting

I've been shamefully occupied with a totally new project.

A baby blanket for one of several babies on the way. I'm using the round/spiral blanket pattern linked through the KnitList. Very easy, lots of fun, and perfectly mindless knitting.

Which is precisely what's needed when you're entertaining and enjoying a day with your sweetie.

First, Friday...

On Friday I was visited by my good friend, Stephanie, her daughter Katie, and Katie's friend, Alex. We had a great time chatting, knitting, laughing and catching up. Here are Katie and Alex getting ready for bed--it's Katie's turn to pump the air mattress.

And on Saturday...

Steve and I had a great Valentine's Day. We did absolutely nothing of great importance; just spent the entire day relaxing together. Steve gave me a lovely Teaching Survival Kit (pics next time) and practiced his knitting while we watched the GA Tech basketball game (Tech lost...we were sad). We also watched Punch Drunk Love, which neither of us had seen, while munching our dinner. Here's Steve putting the Pizza of Love together.

And here's the final product:

We've been using my Christmas present (a Breadman Plus) quite a bit and have found the perfect whole wheat pizza crust recipe. Not a traditional dinner for a day of romance, but we liked it all the same.

I love you sweetie! Thanks for a great day!

Enough mushiness...

Bring on the kitties--in stereo, no less!

Posted by KnitNut at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Ah, the frustrations of Technology. I'd written quite a bit of updates, but since I didn't have the good sense God gave a gnat, I neglected to click the "save" button, and found my work was for naught. Just as well, since there's not much to report.

Knitting News

What am I knitting? Well, I'm waiting on the elastic to start my Pippi's for the KnitALong and that yarn is just taunting me. I learned how to make mittens (wicked simple) and am making the match for this:

Nothing too exciting. I'm actually looking forward to making a set of stranded goodies for myself (socks, mittens, hat) when I get done with these.

I've got a sweater going and a scarf for a buddy; no pics of those yet, cause they're just a bit too boring at the moment. I promise to get something up soon.

And, I've been teaching. Steve is a great pupil and very focused. He's not yet decided to knit anything in particular; just working a test swatch. So far he's done knit, purl, increases and decreases, stockinette, ribbing, seed stitch. Very fast learner. Here's his swatch:

It's hard to see in this photo, but his form is excellent, his tension is great, and his mastery of the knit and purl stitches is stellar. I think he's gearing up for simple cables. Wish me luck! :-)

I've got a host of projects waiting: the above-mentioned accessories, a pair of felted clogs in GA Tech colors for my sweetie, lots of sweaters, and socks galore. And there are 3 babies incoming who'll need winter warming, so I've got to dig into my stash and find all the baby (and mommy) friendly yarn that I have. I see many blankies in my immediate future...

And I need to block and finish this teddy bear aran.

And the flip side:

I made this in a course on Aran Knitting taught by the fabulous Joan Yantko. I'm ashamed that there's some teddy bear out there, naked and patiently waiting for this lovely garment. Joan, if you're out there, I'm sorry and promise I'll do my part to keep the teddies warm and cozy!

School Stuff

Been reading and trying to grade. I don't want to think about the grading. But it will get finished, and soon.

Kitties!

If you've held out this long, maybe you can help resolve this issue.

Bunny or Kitty?

Posted by KnitNut at 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Note that there's a new link in the Links session on the sidebar; I've put up a (very sparse) page for links to or just names of literary works with knitters. I've just started it, so if you have any suggestions, drop me a line and I'll add them to the list. I know I need to put up links to various mythological tales and will get to those as I have time to hunt them down.

No knitting at all today. I've been doing a quick tour of Mary Wollstonecraft, reviewing A Vindication of the Rights of Women and Maria, or the Wrongs of Woman. It's all quite lovely, although I can't help but think that were Wollstonecraft to say some of the things she said back in the 1790's today, we'd look at her the way we look at folks like Dr. Laura.

Anywho--it's been a long one. I think I'll take Maria and Henry Darnforth up to bed with me. Good night all.

Posted by KnitNut at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In case you were wondering how to categorize me:

You are Merino Wool.
You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to
keep you close because you are so softhearted.
You love to be comfortable and warm from your
head to your toes.


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

Thanks Bethany for this fun quiz experience!

Where Have I Been?
I'd like to say that I've been sunning myself and lazily picking up stitches on a soft, jewel-toned fair isle cardi as hot Latin men bring me cool slushy drinks on a tropical isle. I'd like to say that I've been going pleasantly loopy working a delicate silk lace shawl while nestled in warm blankies in front of a roaring fire, waiting for my Nordic prince to bring me his most decadent hot chocolate. I'd like to say that I've been knitting.

But I can't say any of those things.

I've been at a conference in this dreary wintery rainy weather. The 6th Annual Student Success in First Year Composition, hosted by Georiga Southern University, was a good, day-long visit to the world of writing pedagogy. The conference was small and mainly regional, which made for a nice, relaxing environment.

I was part of a panel discussion/workshop put together by UGA's First Year Comp Program and the EMMA Working Group. EMMA is an XML editing environment that tries to capitalize on XML's extremely friendly and open markup capabilities to improve student writing and their interaction with their writing. I've been using EMMA for 3 semesters now, and the program has really challenged me to think about how students compose and the impact of the interface on their composition methods.

My part of the presentation was to show off the poetry explication project I'm currently doing with my students, as well as to discuss how I use EMMA in the 1101/1102 classroom. All of that in 5 minutes. It was pretty brutal, but rewarding in that I really had to think about how I was using it and to what pedagogical ends.

The rest of the conference was thought-provoking. I attended three other lectures/panels. The first was on the transition from high school to college writing courses; the presenters had done a survey of incoming students at several schools and the panel was a discussion of their findings. The second was the keynote address, the highlight of the day, by Cynthia Selfe. Her talk explored the changes in how we define literacy that are brought on by the advent of computing and Internet availability. She challenged us as teachers to really start reconsidering what we considered literacy and demonstrated the ways in which gaming and visual/textual writing had a place in the study of writing. The final talk was on web portfolios, and it got me thinking about the ways in which I might introduce portfolio grading in my classrooms. Thankfully, EMMA has a portfolio function/feature, so I wouldn't have to lug around 44 binders full of student work.

On the whole, an academically productive day. My companions on the journey were also delightful, and while we had to leave at 5 a.m., it was certainly worth the trip.

Posted by KnitNut at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A reminder from my Summer 2002 trip to NYC:

I feel like I've been floating through the day. Really really tired, but generally feeling happy in the world. I'm going to head off to bed a bit early tonight and work on the prayer shawl for my aunt.

Tomorrow I'll be ripping out a cardigan I've been working on. I decided I didn't like the way it was turning out (way too huge) and I want something a bit more fitted. Will cast that on tomorrow night, since I can't work on the Pippi's until I get the elastic. :-(

Good night all. Happy dreaming.

Posted by KnitNut at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Busy busy day. But a good one once it got started.

My poor students in the 8:00 a.m. class got treated to the really wacky me. The really tired, incapable of a coherent thought me. I'll have to make it up to them on Thursday.

Make Someone Happy

I gave Lizz her socks today. I think she was pleased.

KnitALong

I've hit a snag in my Pippi plans--I have no red elastic. Quelle horreur. So I'm ordering it from Herrschners and will get started as soon as it arrives. A shame, really, since I've got this yarn all wound up and ready to go.

Kitty Detectives?

Have they found something in Steve's slippers? And do we really want to know?

Posted by KnitNut at 10:57 PM | Permalink

First, a bit of quiz merriment:

Which of Henry VIII's wives are you?
this quiz was made by the proper Victorian ladies at Spookbot

Years ago, when I used to cross stitch a lot, I collected New Stitches, a British mag that had lovely charts and graphs for flowers, figures, and generally lovely stitched items. The magazine always struck me as having an encyclopedic quality. There were always bellpull projects that crammed something like 20 different birds or flowers into tasteful designs that would bring the woods into your twee country home. They also had this great series of blackwork/cross stitch renditions of portraits of Henry & his wives. Perhaps when I start cross stitching again (in my next life, at this rate), I'll stitch up ol' Katherine Parr.

In Other News
I spent a good part of the weekend reading Hamlet on the Holodeck, Janet Murray's ruminations on the direction narrative endeavor on the WWW may be taking. An engaging, thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it.

I didn't get to see Janet Jackson's "revelation" on the Super Bowl. Steve and I did a movie double header: The Color Purple and Signs. I think we got the better end of the deal. What a nightmare! Shame on Justin Timberlake and shame on Janet, "Miss Jackson if you're nasty!"

I wag my finger at you both. *wag wag wag*

Zeus was also disappointed and assumed his sphinx persona.

Posted by KnitNut at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Busy weekend. I've got to take some photos of finished projects to put up. And I've got to rip out one project for the second time. Notes to type up from my reading and more reading (of course) to do.

No time, it seems, for blogging.

Will rectify ASAP. For now, here's Peaches, my buddy Carmen's kitty, enjoying a lovely catnip mousy.

Posted by KnitNut at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)