Its all true, the boogie girl is real, and you've found her. She knits, sews, spins, does pottery and writes it all down in this blog.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Finishing up
While we're waiting for a blasted orange zipper to arrive (can you believe they don't stock 20" orange separating zippers?)....
There are posts all over blogland that are talking about the knits they are starting the beginning of the new year. Some people are saying the knits they start will represent what their 2006 in knitting will be like.
Last year I started a new knit on New Year's weekend and that was pretty representative of my year. New knits. New cast ons. Very few finishes.
I want to finish knits in 2006.
Shall we take a look at some of the UFO's
Sweaters:
Handspun singles cabled sweater (Boogie):
I love this sweater. I really do. I think the only reason I put it down was the lust for another sweater. I wish I could remember which one.
Dad's sweater (Boogie):
His Christmas sweater. HA! I knew when I had the idea it was all about buying the yarn. It was my lust for filling another large rubber made tub of yarn and not the goal of Christmas sweaters. I will get them done, maybe before next Christmas.
Anj's Retro Prep (IK Fall 2002):
This is probably the closest to being completed. The arms are already done and I'm working on the body increases. I'm only 3-4 inches away from joining the arms and working the yoke.
Kepler (Fathom)
This is my favorite sweater of the 4. The yarn the pattern. It's all lovely and I hope I get this finished before winter is over.
Baby sweater (boogie)
This was to be a Christmas present. As soon as I seamed up one side I knew it was too tiny. I think I'll finish it and hang on to it for a doll sweater to give to M next year. Maybe I can come up with something to match for a complete outfit. There, I'm so far ahead I have one 2006 Christmas gift almost done.
Scarves:
2 ripply scarves:
Abandoning a scarf is self explanatory right?
I'll get back to them someday
Birch (Rowan):
Looks pitiful doesn't it. I hated knitting this. First I thought it was that the weather was too hot for mohair. Then I thought I just didn't love it. Now I know that Denise needles are torture for me. I do everything at breakneck speed and the Denise needles slow me down with their sticky cables. I'll be getting some new needles and I'll see if I finish this.
Socks
We hashed that out a few days ago. Do we really need to look at them again? Absolutely nothing has changed and there are still lonel socks.
I think that's it. Although I'm sure I'll find some UFO I've thrown in a dark corner. These are the projects I need to finish. Or at least knit a few rows on each. Then I can move on to the next project.
If you want to see what I did accomplish in 2005 you can take a look at My finished object page.
Happy New Year everyone!
May your knits be plentiful!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Rogue
Clicky to really see the seam.
Pretty seam isn't it?
I was sick of doing my normal back stitch seam to attach an arm. I mattress the sides and underarms but I've always used backstitch for the shoulders and armholes. I'm not entirely pleased with that method so I grabbed my handy Knitter's Handbook.
I'd like to say that I read through all the different methods but really I'm not that patient. I start to read directions, my eyes glaze over and I start to drool. Ok, it's not that bad. I've just been in a "hurry up dammit" mode for so long that the most I seem to be able to muster is a quick scan.
In this case the quick scan came up with the crochet method of sewing. I love it. It slows me down a bit and that has to be a good thing. I like the neatness of the seam inside and out. If you go up and click the picture above you can see the beauty of the seam on the inside. Here's the outside:
On the outside it looks the same as backstitched seams until stretchd then it looks more finished and less gapey. All you do to make a crochet seam is to pin your sleeve to your armhole as usual and work a single crochet around. You use more yarn in this process but the seam is small and looks polished.
I've given it a solid
Thank you for all the mismatched socks comments. Haloscan still isn't sending me comments to respond to you all. If most of my socks didn't go for gifts I'd be making all mismatched pairs.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Lonely Socks
I have 4 half pairs of socks
and 3 more on their way to being half pairs.
I love the yarn, I love the knitting, I love the sock.... I fall out of love with the sock and in love with a new one. The cycle continues and I have a bunch of lonely socks laying around. Good thing socks aren't lovers or I'd have quite the pile of broken hearts.
Eliminating lonely
We'll see what I actually get finished.
Speaking of finishing. Yesterday I picked something up to finish:
Monday, December 26, 2005
Yarn Ahoy!
I updated the shop with all that
I am finally getting my knit on again. This is a good thing since my Better Pal sent me some yummy red yarn.
There are a few other goodies in there. How much does she rock!?! Yummy organic coffee, Dave Sedaris on tape and some spectacular yarn. Oh yes, I'll be a happy, caffeinated, well
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Twas the night before Knitmas
In an attempt to gather a bit more Christmas knitting spirit, I wrote the following. And yes, it was great procrastination.
Twas the night before Knitmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was knitting, not even this spouse.
The stockings were knit and blocked with such care,
In hopes that no feet would ever go bare.
The knitters were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of wool yarns danced in their heads.
Some dreamt of knitting hats, tams or a cap,
But most were tired from gift knitting and needed a nap.
When out in the den there was heard a clicking,
I sprang from the bed to see what was ticking.
I shivered and shuddered in the cold air,
and realized I need to cover my deriere.
Soon the moon was out of sight
I got dressed quick as I might.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature knitter, and fabulous knitting gear.
Twas a young lady, so lively and chipper,
I knew in a moment it must be St Knitter.
More rapid than eagles these needles did knit,
She whistled and hummed and she did not quit!
A sweater! A jumper! A hat and a shrug!
A stocking! A Bolero! A tam and a rug!
Continuously she knit and didn't stall
How fast she was to make them all!
She spoke not a word, but kept to her knits,
She even knit for the people that are twits.
And laying her knits aside of the chair,
Giving a nod at the socks, she gave me a pair!
She sprang out of sight, with a leap and a bound,
This knitter flew away with nary a sound.
Tho' I heard her exclaim, ‘ere she sprang out of sight,
"Happy Knittmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
More "Twas the night" variations written by other people. Some are downright hillarious and the perfect procrastination for the week before Christmas.
Monday, December 19, 2005
How's the gift knitting going?
How's it going?
Going?
It's not going.
I'm not sure why I do this. Why I make a ridiculously long list of knits that couldn't possibly get done unless I didn't have a job. Why, during my busiest time of year, I think I can knit so many pairs of socks and a sweater for someone. Why I put the gift knitting off until this time of year. Why I think I'll be able to successfully knit at all.
Pure lunacy.
My family is not exchanging adult gifts. I have had the kids stuff done long ago. Except that
I spent a good amount of time over the weekend frogging lace.
That's right, frogging lace without a life line.
It's not something I recommend but it is what I did. I rarely frog. I hate to frog. It was a stupid, senseless, idiotic mistake that couldn't be tinked nor could I rip back just a couple of stitches worth of rows. It was frogged and the stitches were picked back up. I didn't have the desire to knit on it again though.
Finally the socks I'm working on are just plain boring the hell outta me.
Brown.
"What can BROWN do for you?" Asks the American UPS commercial.
Not a damn thing unless brown is getting the hell out of my knitting basket.
Christmas knits are mocking me.
So, I decided to forget knitting and spin yarn.
There it all is drying. For the curious (there was a question on LJ last week) I don't weight my yarn. I wet it, snap it and let it hang to dry.
I spun up about 6 pounds worth of yarn. There's 2 ply and singles in Merino, BFL and my regular wool blend. Most of it will be in the store when it's dry.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Friday's are for shopping
This is the last installment, and most expensive, of my gift buying guide. This is for the ultimate of luxury wish lists. Still, I recommend for the less than wealthy of us, to go to any of the indie sites for awesome affordable items. Many of which can be found listed on my link page.
Last week's high end items just weren't expensive enough...
How about the Robin Spinning wheels? They finally have a web page. Not like they need one, their reputation is known amongst spinners. Each wheel is hand made in Maine and they have a good sized waiting list too.
Still not expensive enough?
How about the Golding Wheels. They also make some really beautiful spindles.
If I were going to send you somewhere for some beautiful and expensive spindles, I'd send you to Bosworth to get a Mammoth Tooth spindle. While you're there get one for me too please.
So you don't spin and you're looking for some really expensive yarn? How about getting a Buffalo knit kit. I bet they're really soft and warm. Although I'm still trying to figure out the need for a buffalo bikini. hmmm, now that I think about it, the boobage does get damn cold on those wintry days.
Or you can get some luscious Qiviut yarn. This company has it many colors. Usually I only see it in brown. This stuff is luxury at it's finest.
Here at Folk Knits you can get Quivit kits. Beautiful, beautiful items.
The house is quiet.
My shopping has been completed (we're not even talking about wrapping the things).
I'm heading off to work in the hopes that I'll complete my day early and I can go
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Fuzzy Popcorn
Would you like butter with that popcorn?
No, but could you throw a bit of wool on there, please?
Everything in this house seriously has wool on it. I cannot do anything, wear anything, be anywhere without finding wool. And it seems the blue dyed stuff is always the stickiest. I don't know why but I find blue more than I find any other color.
The other day, forgetting the "wool is everywhere" policy, I made myself a bowl of popcorn. I was working on paper work while I have my snack so I wasn't really paying much attention.
Hand in the bowl
Grab few kernels
Put them in mouth
Chew
Swallow
Repeat
It's on one of these repeat motions that I find I'm not just chewing on popcorn. Somehow wool got into my bowl of popcorn. I swear it wasn't there when I started and it's highly probably the popcorn company snuck it in with the corn.
None the less. There I was with a mouthfull of popcorn and BLUE wool.
Just in case you were wondering, the fibers get stuck in your teeth.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Yarn...just what this house needs more of
That's a comment from the likes of the Husbeast. The man lives in a wool house. And while I could read that statement and it would be more of a "woohoo, more wool!", that's not how it was said. I think the poor husbeast feels like he's being run out by wool.
It's not like I have a lot. There just ends up being more all the time. I think what husbeast doesn't realize is that wool is squishy. There's always room for more.
My more:
A loverly gift from Anj that are destined to be gauntlets:
Yarn from the KR Round Robin - technically this isn't more yarn. It's a yarn trade:
There might have been other goodies in the package. Things like that keep disappearing.
This doesn't count as yarn because it's already knit:
It's a beautiful baby gift from Suzanne. So cute!
I've even made new yarn for myself.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Fridays are for SHOPPING!
Let's start today's shopping with a big ticket item:
_
Spinning wheels
Halcyon Yarn or Carolina Homespun would be my choices for purchase (unless you have a local shop). Both of these companies have great service.
Both companies also sell looms.
Unfortunately if the item isn't in stock you're already too late. These things take 6 weeks on order. So if you're spending the big bucks for the holidays then hurry up and make those calls.
For the knitters:
Have you checked out Hello Yarn lately? Adrian has some great stuff.
For those that don't spin, weave, knit or crochet (I've heard there are a few out there):
Mudpuddles and Pudding. Cute stuffed animals - she even does customs like Hank up there.
For the pampered pet:
Kennebec River Company Laura's stuff kicks butt. All organic catnip and doggie items too.
For the hungry:
Gyspy wind. They have the best sugarless jams I've ever had. But they also have a full line of regular sugary jams and such.
Me?
*sniffle* I'm still too busy to knit and on top of it all I've gotten a cold. *achooo* Actually the whole family has it. *cough* I hope we're able to shake it over a lazy weekend *hack* Although we had planned on getting the Xmas tree and all that jazz. *snort* Our poor house is the only one around without lights. *sneeze* We look like ba-humbugs. *waaachoo*
Until Monday.... Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Queen has spoken
She ain't the Queen for no reason. The Queen of the Snow Cows has told me what I should do, and she's right. The poll yesterday asked if I should do Rogue or Xmas gifts.
I forgot a response.
Do both!
The Queen suggested that I work 2 days on Xmas and 1 on Rogue. She's a smart lady that Queen. Yes she is. I don't know why I didn't think of it. But then again, I'm not the Queen. Since the poll turned out almost a tie, I think that's what you all meant for me to do as well.
For once, I'm going to do as I was told.
So I'll spend my time working on a couple of projects that you aren't allowed to see. Well, YOU, you, you and you are allowed to see them. But you and you are not. So the You's that can see it are just going to have to be patient and wait til the You's that aren't allowed to see it, get their gifties so I can show them off.
This is all you get to see for now:
Exciting tub'o'projects with gifts inside.
Miss Purlewe put up her account of the weekend and more pictures. I think the weekend was more fun and relaxing than can be put into words. Not to mention I actually knit. I haven't had time to knit anything since they left. Come back!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Deadline
Deadline has come and gone.
The sweaters are not done but they put up a good fight. The 2 sweaters met up on Saturday and they were well behaved. No sparring, no whup ass. The knits were lovely and cordial. Sure there was a bit of frogging but everyone on a whole behaved themselves.
I was not hurt further by the voodoo stylings of Eris. I admit, I was afraid. If she could hurl shampoo bottles at me from a couple of states away, what could she do if she was so near to me? I'm happy to report that Eris was sweet as pie.
The girls were well behaved at Halcyon. There was much giggling, pointing and yarn fondling. But the sweaters kept their needles to themselves. No poking or proding but there was a little touch of enabling.
OK, technically we were in a restaurant across the street. We had to wait for a spinning class to let out so we could go upstairs and play with the wheels. Do you see us working hard on our sweaters?
See, we were INSIDE the store too.
I could go on and on about what a fabulous weekend it was. All I'll say is it was filled with yummy food and fiber funs. Not to mention the fabulous friends. I'm trying to convince the Philly crew they need to come up here once a month.
Now that the wonderous weekend is past, I am left with a question:
Do I continue knitting or do I head onto Christmas gifts?
Here's where Rogue is now if it helps any:
I'm working up the hood but I know I have 2 projects that are important to finish for the holidays and something like 20 others that will have to wait. Not to mention that I have a pile of work that needs my attention.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Friday's are for shopping
This installment is brought to you by my favorite's list on ebay. Before you buy though, you need to watch this little Music Video
Too funny right?
Now let's shop!
Spunky on Ebay Oh yeah, plug myself again. I can't help it. Sometimes you'll find something there that I don't have listed on my website.
Fun Knits has great prices on commercial sock yarns.
Morro Fleece works has amazing blends of wool. They have the usual to the extraordinary and I love how it all works up.
Over the Rainbow Yarns on Ebay has the most fabulous hand painted sock yarns. She's got other great handpaints too, but I just seem to be addicted to the sock yarn.
Mrs Knits sells quality commercial yarns and books at great prices.
Janette's Rare Yarns has great deals on UK yarns. I received my order faster from Janette than I did from a US company purchased the same day.
Cucumberpatch has more great UK finds. They also have the Hanne Falkenberg Mermaid kit I'm drooling over.
Rogue/Eris Battle Royal:
Eris possessed a bottle of Shampoo last night. Not one of those small harmless bottles. This was a brand new, full, ginormous Costco sized bottle. The thing flew off the shelf and aimed itself for my ankle. It tried to hobble me. It wanted to take me out. Luckily my tattoo saved me. the frog on my ankle was able to deflect some of the force of the ginormo evil shampoo bottle.
Ha! Take that Eris. Foiled in your evil attemts yet again. Rogue is preparing for the visit. She now has voodoo skully stitch markers to help ward off evil:
We're ready for Eris's visit. Hopefully getting to play in the Boogie stash will calm Eris and her murderous ways down. Rogue just wants to live in peace with her can of whup ass!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
FUQ Better Pal
Um, that would be Factual Ubiquitous Questionaire for Better Pals. I already emailed my better pal but who wants to give up an easy post. Not me. Besides, I've heard there are some of you out there that like to read these things.
What are your favorite fibers?
Wool wool and more wool. Maybe some more wool. And add a little bit of wool to that. nothing fancy. Just wool.
What fibers would end up sitting in your stash until you cleaned house and then be gifted to someone else?
Some acrylics and novelties. I'm not a glitz, glam, or frilly gal. Did I mention that I like plain ole wool?
Favorite brands?
I like Bartlets, Peace Fleece, Paton's Classic, Noro, Cascade 220. And just about any sock yarn. No, actually I love ALL sock yarns.
Brands you wouldn't touch if they were the last fibers on earth?
I'm not a fan of anything Red Heart while I can find some redeeming yarns in the Lionbrand line. I'm easy and I have the stash to prove it.
Name a brand or fiber that you've never tried but are dying to try.
I've never had any yarns from Phildar or Vittadini. I can't say that I'm dying to try them though. I'm patient and figure if I don't try them now I'll get to it eventually.
Favorite colors?
Green, deep red, black
Least favorite?
Purple and blue - but I don't mind them if they're in a variegated with some "acceptable" colors.
What range of yarn weights do you prefer?
I'm not a bulky gal - give me anything worsted or thinner.
What are your favorite needles?
Wooden or bamboo, more specifically Crystal palace Bamboos. I keep trying to find an excuse to buy some expensive Rosewoods or Ebonies to try.
Any yarn/fiber allergies? Any other allergies your pal should know about?
Nope, no allegies. I can have it all.
What's your favorite thing to knit?
Do I have to pick just one thing? Socks will always be a huge love of mine. I never go wrong with socks. Although, I do love making myself sweaters and lacy shawls.
What are you knitting now?
Wouldn't it be easier to ask what I'm not knitting now? There are a couple of sweaters, a shawl, a couple of pairs of socks, and some baby things on the needles.
Do you spin? yes yes yes If yes, do you use a spindle or a wheel? yes both Do you have the tools to process locks or do you only work with prepared fiber? I have a drum carder and combs. I pretty much have the full setup except for the wheel of my dreams. If you bought me that then you wouldn't be a "better pal" you'd be the BEST pal ever.
Are you involved in any other crafts?
Pottery is my business which is technically a craft although it's not a hobby. I don't really have any other craft type hobbies that I do now.
Do you celebrate any specific winter holidays?
We celebrate Christmas. I think that's about it. Is the SuperBowl considered a holiday? I skip Valentines.
Name your #1 style icon, dead or alive. What is it about him or her that attracts you?
It would have to be Joan Jett. She's hot, then and now. I admire her tough attitude and the fact that she's still around doing what she loves.
Name something that you want, but just can't get where you live.
Hhhhmmmm. I have no idea. I'll have to think on that.
What is your preferred knitting soundtrack?
I don't have one exactly, I just prefer to knit without screaming children or babies.
Who are your favorite knitting designers?
Nancy Bush, Adrienne Vittadini, Veronik Avery
Describe your vision of the perfect knitting publication -- the target audience, the cover, the type of designs featured, etc.
Nothing to trendy, nothing too plain. I like all kids of knits from stuff for kids to adults. Preferably no fun fur. It would be nice if it had a smattering of everything lace, fair isle, aran, and a few good modern stylish knits.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List (or other on-line gift registry)?
Not on Amazon but I made one on Knitpicks, although I'm not sure if that will help. I don't know of any other online yarn store that has a wish list thing-a-ma-jig
Favorite scents?
Juniper Breeze, Lavender, Citrus Scents that give you a headache?
Patchouli and Wet Dog but wet wool is somehow ok.
Do you enjoy candles?Yes Bath products? Yes, I love hand made soaps and Bath and Body Juniper Breeze Incense? I like it but the husbeast doesn't so I stick to candles these days.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes and No. While I like sweets I'm trying to give up sugar (again) for health reasons.
Coffee, tea or no caffeine, please?
Caffeine and more of it. I like coffee and tea. In fact I need to get up right now and get a cup.
Do you collect anything?
Yarn Fiber and dust bunnies. I don't want to collect the dust bunnies, I just do. The yarn however, is a welcome
Describe a perfect day, from the moment you wake up until you hit the sheets. I wake up and the house is miraculously clean, the sun is shining (but not hot), the kids are behaving, husbeast has made me coffee and his special italian omelet. I can go outside on the patio and knit, (my butt doesn't fall asleep from sitting on the wooden patio furniture). I can sit all day or play all day while I'm waited on. Yup, that about does it.
Are you open to having your Better Pal interpret your questionnaire answers or would having them stick to what you specifically mentioned make you happier? Interpret away!
Anything else your pal should know about you? Is there anything left? I think this questionaire was more thorough than my "99 things". If my pal needs more info then there is that little button up there at the top of the page or just ask.
Thank you all for your well wishes.
I'm healing slowly but surely.