Happy Halloween!
Mmmm....lots of cheap chocolate! Happy Halloween!
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October 31, 2004
October 29, 2004
The Ties That Bind
I'm binding off the Nymph Pi and am relying on the miracle of blocking to make it wide enough to do its job properly.
The Pushover Poncho is totally complete and ready to be worn. The weather, however, is not cooperating. Maybe tomorrow...
Oh, and I voted yesterday. That was fun and fulfilling.
October 27, 2004
Don't Hate Me 'Cause I'm Finishing...
I finished the knitting on the Pushover Poncho. A few ends to weave in, and I'll be fashionable for a millisecond.
I actually like it. It's freakin' huge. I mean HUGE huge. It comes down to my knees. It's a big black triangular tent. Cozy. Big. Warm.
Now on to the Nymph Pi!
October 26, 2004
Such a Pushover
10 rows to go before ribbing on the Pushover Poncho. Who knows? I may get a week or two of wear out of it before the weather changes or the fad utterly dies.
No pics--such a dull as dishwater project (visually) that I can't bear to burden you all.
The Lara Cardi is finished and seamed and a bit too tiny for my tastes. I'll wear it and be happy, but the next time I do one of these I'm adding a few rows of knitting for greater ease of fit.
Pics of the Cardi this weekend, weather permitting.
The Pippis have been received and worn all weekend, apparantly! It's nice to hear that something you made gives someone great joy; Heather told me yesterday that everytime she got a glimpse of her calves in the kneesocks, she grinned at the pink and purple.
Next up on the knitting docket: completion of the Nymph Pi.
This one-project-at-a-time business is really rocking. I feel like a finishing machine. Remind me of this when I start whining mid-November about how bored I am with that Estonian Lace Shawl for my mom.
October 22, 2004
Now Back to the Knitting
But First, an Apology of Sorts
Sorry if my rant offended. I turned comments off on that post because I didn't want to have a conversation--I just wanted to scream into the void.
I feel much better now. And I'm desperately trying to wash that dream right out of my head.
What I'm Knitting Now
Well, with the Lara done and scheduled for seaming tonight, I've picked up the Pushover Poncho, which has about 30 rows to go before bindoff. After that, the Nymph Pi will be on the finishing docket.
Pics tonight!
Why I Should Hide Until Election Day
Last night I had a sex dream about John Edwards. It was disturbing on a number of levels.
I have been suffering from a headache for the last 3 days. Period related? Perhaps. Sinus/allergy related? Probably. Election-induced? Highly Likely.
All this talk of lawyers, disenfranchisement, crack-for-votes, and general electoral mayhem leaves me anxious and angry. I'm from Louisiana. We have a history of political fraud issues. The level of anxiety about this election that I feel is far beyond anything I might have felt when I had to choose between David Duke and Edwin Edwards in a gubenatorial race.
I like George Will, and I like what he had to say about "disenfranchisement." So that's where I'll leave this.
October 20, 2004
Timeout
It's the bottom of the 9th, one run on and no outs.
Boston is up 10-3 over the Yankees.
I have just cast off Lara. Seaming and pics tomorrow.
Celebrate wildly people.
Just in Case You Were Wondering
I am a hybrid of:
Progressive Girl Girl Next Door Click on the pictures below to read more:
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Welcome to Sleeve...Peninsula?
Now that the Pippis are finished (must fix that sidebar), I'm back to Lara with a vengeance. Thanks ever so much to Kristi for correctly naming the Lara sleeves as "peninsulas," since they certainly are not island like in nature. I'm blissfully sunning on Lara's peninsula shores right now; 1/3 of the way down the sleeve and decreasing all the time! Wahoo!
And to answer your question, Felicia, I use dpns for my socks. I've been flirting with this socks on one circular needle idea, but I haven't yet gotten around to trying it. I must admit a fondness for the ooos and ahhhs that I get when I whip out a sock dangling from 3 toothpicks. People are so impressed and I feel like a rock star.
October 17, 2004
Queen of the Sock Universe?
...or just a minion?
Whatever your assessment of my sock prowess, I must inform the world that the knitting on the Pippis is complete! The socks are close enough to the same length for government work and all that remains is the finishing--a bit o'Kitchener and some weaving of ends. Many thanks to The Ladykillers and American Splendor for providing an amusing knitting environment.
Pics will be posted when the socks have been gifted.
I've got a newfound appreciation for the power of focused work. How long have I been bellyaching about these socks? Weeks? Months? And they were done up lickety split within 1 week. I'm going to apply this to the other projects in the cue. Look for me to be a one-project knitter for a while so that I can finish up the gift knitting (and a wee bit for myself).
Happy Sunday!
October 14, 2004
Pictures and Such
Exciting Thursday indeed! Lots of knitting and good times. The Pippis, ever a source of frustration, minded for the most part, and are now in the foot knitting stage. A trip to the LYS for some cameraderie helped an awful lot!
First, the socks in question. Look at their shame, at how they turn their backs to the camera like naughty little children.
Next, a sock that is good to its owner. Here's my friend, Monica, after turning her first heel recently.
I spent the evening at my LYS. Tonight was the Homecoming Parade for Oconee County High School, and wouldn't you know it--the parade passed right in front of the shop! I love small towns!
After the parade, Tina (employee of the shop and fabulous knitter!) got to wear the official H.S. colors.
October 13, 2004
Wednesday
First, a shout out to any of my students who are reading this blog. Welcome! I told you it was boring! Enjoy!
Now--Knitting Content (no pics, though)
Those in the Lara KAL who are reading this should be advised that I have reached the long knitting part on the right side of the body and am anxiously awaiting my final trip to Sleeve Island. Which, come to think of it, really isn't an Island in this case because the sleeve is knit into the garment. Anywho, I'm cranking this bad boy out.
This, of course, is a shame, because time spent on Lara means time away from Pippi. And Pippi is not a happy girl.
So, in the interest of getting this kneestocking-wearing monkey off of my back (and that defunct link off of my sidebar), I am saying for the record that I will knit only the Pippis until they are done. I'm working currently on the heel flap for #2 and #1 is resting and awaiting her turn.
I apologize in advance for any monotony a gazillion posts of "I knit 2 inches on the foot of #2 today" will cause. It's just got to be done.
October 12, 2004
Busy & Dull Day
I'm off and running today. Loads of laundry, kitchen cleaning--I may even sort my sock drawer! Yipes!
I'm also making up a poster to hang at my LYS. We're going to turn our TKGA Level 1 swatching into a wee contest. No talk of prizes; bragging rights will be just fine for me. So in between the house keeping I'm doing a bit of arts & crafts that are reminscent of my elementary school days. Gosh, I love markers!
And, yes, it's another quiz. I just couldn't resist!
Minerva McGonagall, Transfigurations.
Harry Potter Quiz: Which Hogwarts Professor Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
October 07, 2004
A Quiz and a Question
First, the Quiz:
You are a PIANO.
Like the clear, steady, rhythmic sound of the
piano, you cherish simplicity, refinement, and
elegance in life. Nothing too extravagant,
nothing too showy, nothing too ostentatiousall
you care for is a conservative, clean-cut life.
Without people like you, this world would be a
chaotic mess.
What musical instrument are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Now, the Question:
Should I sue the Pippis for pain and suffering? And if so, how much should I ask for?
Pippi Power!
I'm knitting on the Pippis today. Until 4, at which point I'm taking Lara to my knitting night at the LYS. They're probably all sick of seeing these socks, so I'm trying to keep that knitting "private."
But, with a bit of good luck and some knitting, I'll be a the heel flap of both socks this afternoon, and I'm going to purchase a second set of dpns so that I can knit the sockage at the same time.
Have I mentioned lately how much I want to finish these socks?
October 06, 2004
Unkind
Last night, a member of my Carmelite group said something so profound I had to share it.
"There is no justification for unkindness."
Wow. We were discussing forgiveness and the call to forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer ("forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us"), a call that is really an assumption that we will and must forgive. And it became clear as we were sorting through this that forgiveness happens when we are no longer trying to use hurts to justify being unkind.
At least, that's the way I took it.
Several years ago I took on as a Lenten penance rejecting gossip. After the Lenten season ended, I found it physically painful to be on the receiving end of gossip and nigh impossible to tolerate myself on the giving end. That lesson has stuck with me for a long time, but lately I've felt the pain becoming blunter and blunter. This statement resonated with me so strongly, I think, because it reminded me of the fundamental purpose of that long ago Lenten penance--to be kind to God's children, no matter what they say or do.
So I'm taking that along with me today and would be interested to hear what you folks out there make of it.
October 04, 2004
Secret Largesse
What a wonderful surprise from my Secret Pal.
What you see there is knitting bliss. A gorgeous Lantern Moon needlecase--the photo does not do the color justice. 2 sinfully delicious skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in blue. How did you know, SP, how did you know of my love for LLSS? And more yummies. A vanilla candle to knit by. Balm to smooth my fall-roughened hands. Tissues to blow a sinus, allergic nose. And a beautiful card to top it all off.
Thank you. I feel so pampered, spoiled, and, most importantly, blessed.
And it just doesn't stop, the gifting. I received a package of naughtiness today from my baby brother and my brother-in-law. One pound of See's Candies.
No. You cannot have any. The chocolates are mine.
Of course, the fact that I'm not required to set foot out of the house tomorrow is not going to make this box last any longer. But I've got to behave. A moment on the lips...
And knitting? Welll, I'm having a hard time taking my hands off of Lara long enough to give the Pippis their due. Any suggestions?
(Quick) Monday Update
What a week! My birthday was fabulous--lots of friends and good wishes and pressies!
And an additional treat--this weekend I got a gift from my Secret Pal! Thanks so much SP--I loved everything in your package and can't wait to try things out!
Pics to follow this evening when I get home and can upload them. For now, I'm off to write some XSL...joy and rapture.