Knitting Makes My Brain Work

Just cast on

2011-08-02T17:50:00.001-07:00

Twelve little stitches. That's all you need to do. Just put aside the devices, leave the laptop in its bag and cast on those twelve little stitches. Begin again.

Yarn BonBon

2011-07-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

So, in theory, I'm on a yarn diet. Mostly to save some funds, and partly because my goal this year was to work on finishing items in my UFO baskets. But sometimes, a yarn will just call to you, and if you don't answer the call, you'll end up binging. So, I give you my yarn equivalent of the chocolate bonbon: All for the Love of Yarn's Opulence in Love Affair.

2011-04-09T05:13:00.001-07:00

At OAK for first of 3 flights today. At least I'm upgraded for 2 of the 3.

Comforts of home

2011-01-23T11:17:00.001-08:00

Road tripping to and from Chicago this weekend, and I noticed that I was surround by Malabrigo. Best road trip ever.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I have plans

2011-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome, 2011!

I have plans for you.

Tangle Mittens Two Ways

2010-11-21T17:57:00.001-08:00

Tangle Mittens Two Ways
Yarn: Malabrigo Aquarella Paysandu
Notions: stitch markers, waste yarn, row counter
Size: medium
Gauage:
Needles: 11 DPN
Date to Finish: NA
Date Started: 18 Nov 10
Date finished: 20 Nov 10

Notes:

Haunted House bag

This is souvenir yarn from Grand Junction. I bought the pattern and yarn at Tangle there.

First mitt took about two hours.

The yarn is very soft.

Sent from my iPod

2010-11-13T07:55:00.001-08:00

Not only does the power go out again just after I reset the clocks, but I didn't get a chance to make coffee.

A Visitor

2010-10-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

Shannon, my first Traveling Monster visitor, at work.

2010-08-05T06:57:00.001-07:00

@pl

MonsterLeverage Party

2010-06-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

The MonsterLeverage gang gathered to watch the season premiere with me

2010-06-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

(No subject header)

2010-06-03T16:01:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to BurnNotice tonight

2010-05-12T07:03:00.001-07:00

Oooo Bad Day at Black Rock is on TNT. I lost my shoe!

Pretty Yarn in a Pretty Tree

2010-04-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung into full bloom here in the upper MidWest, bringing with it a craving for new yarn. Now, I am, strictly speaking, on a yarn diet. But that doesn't count for yarn to make gifts. Right?

It started innocently enough . . . .

Plena

Sotobosque

But Darn Knit Anyway had new colors, and I spent the night wishing I had a couple more of them.

Floral

SM Gold

You can see my dilemma, I'm sure.

Now, to get knitting on those gifts.

(All yarn is Malabrigo Worsted Merino.)

Showing coffee how much I love it

2010-01-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Three Musketeers Coffee Mitts (Rav link) by Sarah Nopp
It took one skein of Noro Silk Garden to make all three of these and I use them all the time. I'm making a few to show the morning Starbucks crew how they're appreciated, too.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T10:06:00.001-08:00

OrnamentXmas
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

Thumb Turkey

2009-11-24T16:38:00.001-08:00

ThumbTurkey
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

Ms. Sarahlou over at http://www.skeinsandbeans.com/ challenged us to post a thumb turkey, so I am.

Micro's Day Out

2009-01-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Squeemore Monkey's adventures*, Micro snuck out to partake in the family's low key Christmas celebration.

Imagine my surprise when I found him hiding in my mom's unfinished Popover mitten having sneaked in with the knitting.

It was a cold day, so at least he managed to keep warm.

Micro then proceeded to try and save the loaf of gluten-free bread mom and I were making for dinner

It was a complete failure, sadly. It didn't rise enough and didn't bake all the way through. Which made me rather sad, actually.

He then tried to help me out by reading the Popover pattern to me while I tried to finish them for Mom before her trip to Chicago to visit the grandparents.

Even though the trip was delayed, I did finish them on Dec 26. Yay me!

I'm making a pair for me, as soon as I'm done with all my Christmas knitting. (Four more projects to go . . .)

Getting bored watching the knitting, Micro went off to do some socializing.

They look all buddy-buddy there. He wouldn't tell me what they talked about, though.

Finally, Micro wanted a drink of wasail, but couldn't quite get to it.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Hope

2008-11-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

PatrioticPiddly
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

I brought some knitting along when I voted first thing this morning. The line moved so fast, though, that I didn't have the time to even open it.

I love my cats, but . . .

2008-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

This

is what happens when you let the cat use your yarn bag as a kitty bed.

And it leads to lots of this:

Is there such a thing as too much coordination?

2008-04-27T16:49:00.001-07:00

And, looky! A finished project!

Osiris 2004-2008

2008-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Osiris, my beloved betta fish, passed on last night. He'd been with me almost 4 years.

This summer, he really got into sharing the Piddleloop love.

He enjoyed playing with his followers and offering advice.

He was a good fish. And I miss him.

For Pets' Sake

2008-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting. And real soon, I'll blog about it, but in the meantime, I have a favor to ask.

KTMay, a friend from Ravelry's Friends of P group, is trying to raise donations for the shelter that cared for her new dog, Vinnie, when he recently became ill. Vinnie is back home now and on the mend, and the shelter paid for all the veterinary costs. And there's a raffle of some very fine knitterly swag. So run to her blog and look at Vinnie's sweet face and give what you can.

PS You can still donate even if you have no interest in knitting.

Spring? Where?

2008-03-26T11:05:00.001-07:00

OsirisSpring
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

Even Osiris is wondering where Spring is this year. He's gathered a committee.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

StPaddysDay
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

May your St. Paddy's Day be green and friendly!!

(BMFA STR in County Clare with Blarney the Poppet.)

Little Pink Poppet went on an Adventure

2008-03-05T06:39:00.001-08:00

LPTamesDrag
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

And came back with dragon.

Poor Neglected Blog!

2008-02-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

BMFA_MKf
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

Feels like forever since I've been by here. So, I offer a token:

BMFA Socks That Rock heavy weight in Mystic Kelp with a reverse linen stitch heel.

I love how the heel turned out.

I Am Thankful for

2007-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was yesterday in the US, the traditional time to gather with family and friends, eat too much, watch football and rest up for all the shopping deals that are only available at an obscenely early hour of Friday morning. And it's also a time to sit down and ponder all the good things going on in life. So, I am thankful for (in no particular order) . . .

My wonderful family including my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, my grandparents and my aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins-in-law and their kids. I live for every chance to see you.

A place to live.

My friends, who support me, tell me what I want to hear, and give me a kick in the ass when I need it.

My "virtual" friends who provide laughs, pictures of the pretties and the opportunity to talk about TV a lot (and Supernatural even more than "a lot".)

My snuggly cats, Luke and Leia, and my silly beta fish, Osiris.

My health.

The men and woman in our armed forces who volunteer to serve this country, making sacrifices I can't imagine. Be safe and come home soon!

My home, from my country, down to my state, hometown to my house. I can't imagine living anywhere else, and I've had the opportunity to consider it.

Knitting. Wool has provided me with the opportunity to be creative, express my love and affection for people in handmade gifts, meet like-minded people in the real world and the virtual.

A job that not only pays the bills and gives me an opportunity to travel the country and visit family and friends, but also allows me to share some family pride. (I work for my mother's company.)

There's ten things off the top of my head that I'm grateful for. There are so many more.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

New Arrivals

2007-11-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Marble wasn't the only new arrival this weekend.

Azula welcomes Orangina and Gothique.

Gothique came with a favorite toy, a glow-in-the-dark Cthulhu mask. After a bit of encouragement from Orangina and Azula, she was persuaded to take it off.

Both Poppets are adjusting well to their new surroundings.

Today, a council of seven came in to consult with Osiris.

They stood in reverence all day. Although they're not saying, I suspect they search for signs in the way Osiris challenges them and swims around. I am left out of their councils.

She's Ba-a-a-a-ack!!

2007-11-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

MarbleEars
Originally uploaded by gloamingorchid

Pretty Maids All in a Row

2007-11-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

OK, so no maids all in a row, but I got Poppets (and Grim Ratter, who insists on chaperoning the Poppets when they travel)

and I've got gulls.

Our meeting room here in Corpus Christi overlooks the bay, and today was beautiful. I got to see the sun rise over the water.

I like Corpus Christi. This is my third time here. And this is twice now that I've gotten to stay by the water. My speakers and I walked along the bay (don't ask me for a name for I know it not), and I made a friend:

She appears to be a stray. I've started calling her Suss. She followed me and my speaker Thursday night, but disappeared while we ate. Then she came by to say hello yesterday, but got distracted by a couple with a dog. I wish it were possible to take her home with me, as she seems like one of those dogs who would be shy at first, and then such a big sweet heart. But alas. I hope someone takes her in and she finds a good, loving home.

The Visiter

2007-10-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween came early this year. The Kits were on high alert,

peeping around corners to make sure the coast was clear.

The reason for all this watchfulness and caution? We had a visiter.

You May Want to Cover Your Ears

2007-10-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

Squeeee!!!! My invite to Ravelry came yesterday. Talk about the promised land! It's such a neat site, and very intuitive. I'm still feeling my way around, but I've got some profile pictures up, joined a few ~~hundred~~ groups, added a couple of projects, and queued a few things. And on days when I'm feeling particularly OCD, I could inventory my stash and my needles. (Hmmm . . . actually, the needle inventory is a good idea. I seldom have a list with me.) Anyhoo, those of you on Ravelry (which I'm assuming is most of the world because I was kind of a late joiner to the cult), my ID is GloamingOrchid, so stop by and say hello, please!

Socks in the Cities KAL

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock medium weight in County Clare. I started these sometime in August of 2006 and finished 13 October 2007. I'm excited to have these done, as my grandmother's people are from County Clare in Ireland. I'll get a special thrill wearing them on St. Paddy's Day.

Vesper Sock Yarn in a sport/DK weight in Evergreen. I started these 3 July 2007 and finished 14 October 2007. These got to come with me on the Yarn Hop.

Continuing the Green Theme

Four years and one month after being promised for a birthday present, my mother's felted clogs:

(Obligatory before shot. Cat included for scale.)

Sadly, these puppies still have some felting to do. My father's feet fit into them confortably, and my mother keeps making noises about giving them to him. Nuh-uh. No. Nyet. I'll refelt them next weekend. Knitting these drives me slightly insane, and after the guilt of four years, I'm so relieved to have them (almost) finished.

Still Life with Fish, Bag & Yarn

2007-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Osiris poses with Piddleloop small project bag with Union Center Knits WhatNot Sport in Yesterday, purchased from Woolgirl.

Drive-by Blogger

2007-10-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

All is still gloomy, although the sun did try an appearance earlier today, so all I have today is the current sock-in-progress: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock medium weight in County Clare. I just have the foot to finish and I'll have a pair.

Gloomy Now

2007-10-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Outside it is. All of a sudden it's the harsh reality of fall. Moody and gloomy, chilly and dreary. At least there's not supposed to be any rain for a while. I feel a little cheated. What about the halcyon days of fall, where it's sunny and in the 60s? I actually had to turn the fireplace on last night. I'm hoping to hold out against turning the heat on for a while. Proof it's getting colder outside, here come the hand knit wool socks!

The kits seem to be enjoying the new temperatures. They have been dashing all over the house, cross rooms, on furniture (knocking down unsecured items in their haste), up and down stairs. Leia enjoys jumping into the car when I get home.

Luke has taken to flopping down in dangerous places, like my kitchen rug.

There's really not much room in my kitchen for a rolling cat. This is if he's not attacking the fridge magnets.

Sock of the Day

Twisted Shiney in Filanon. I'm using the Traveling Vine stitch pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. Siamese stitch markers from WeeOnes.

Ah, Fall

2007-10-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today finally feels like fall again! Actually, it took until the afternoon for the sun to shine. I was a little worried there for a couple of days. It's not unusual to have a bout of warm temperatures in autumn, but I wasn't used to the muggy (I kept expecting a plague of locusts). Or the rain. I ended up driving through a mini lake on the way to work Friday. In my defense, it was dark. I offer proof of fall in Minnesota:

This is a tree on my way to work. I love how it looks like it was dipped in paint. For whatever reasons, this year I haven't seen as many brilliant turning of the leaves.

Sock of the Day

Finishing my Zen Yarn Garden theme, I present my bamboo/merino/nylon blend in Sunny Orchid. I'm using the Undulating Rib pattern, which, sadly, tends to drive me a little batty. I really like the way it looks, but I wish I had played with it a little more. Maybe on the foot. Someday, I will get to the foot.

Socks in the Cities KAL

I finished 2 pairs of socks this weekend. (Total for the week is 3 pairs.)

First up Fearless Fibers Superwash Sport Merino Wool in October. Started these 5 July and finished 6 October. These socks . . . well, I didn't expect them to stripe, for some reason. And some moments I love the colors, and others I don't know what I was thinking.

Next up: Simply Stockinette socks (pattern from Knit Socks) in Cascade 220 #9411 Olympic Rainforest Heather and #9445 Autum Heather for the heels and toes. Started 26 December 2005 and finished 7 October 2007. ~~Well, at least it didn't take two years.~~ The second sock gave me fits. I had to rip back in two different places because I didn't take decent notes on the first sock. Made the toes a little wider than the pattern called for due to forgetting to decrease when I should have and being too lazy to rip back. (Easy to make those sort of decisions on the first sock.)

~~No post is complete without a picture of my cats.~~

And the Week Goes On

2007-10-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sock of the Day:

Zen Yarn Garden sportweight in Blueberry Swirl colorway. I'm using a stitch patten called Mist Drops. I found in the Barbara Walker guides (vol. 2, I think.) This pattern will take some tweaking on the foot. The current patten makes a bobble on the wrong side, which I think I can live with on the leg of a sock, but not on the foot.

Socks in the Cities KAL:

I finished the Fiesta Yarns Boomerang Rainforest socks. I am pleased.

The kits came and snuggled on my while I was knitting and watching TV last night.

Lunchtime Posting

2007-10-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Progress on the 1st sock of the Socks in the Cities KAL isn't a heck of a lot. I finished the heel flap (after having to rip out 12 rows because I forgot I was doing a garter stitch border), turned the heel, and I'm now starting the gusset decreases.

As I have so many socks started, and I probably won't finish most of them during the month, I'm starting a Sock of the Day feature. (Just so I can amuse myself really. If you want to be amused, you can count how many socks I post during the month, and then have me committed.)

I present to you Interesting Path, in Zen Yarn Garden's Toreador colorway from the Art Walk Sock Yarn Club. The yarn in a merion/bamboo/nylon blend. I love it. I'm quite proud of myself for tweaking an estabilshed stitch pattern (Winding Trail) and having it turn out really well.

Luke ended up on top of the fridge this morning.

I got tired of him attacking the magnets on the lower reaches of the fridge. He managed to amuse himself with a bit of ribbon from Woolgirl. (She wraps all your yarn in tissue paper and a slim ribbon. The cats love both.)
Leia was amused.

Catch Up (Again)

2007-10-01T15:35:00.001-07:00

First up, Movie Socks:

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavy Weight in Harlotty. Knitted from the cuff on down at Death at a Funeral. (Which was hysterical.)

Twisted Kabam in Ankh. Knitted from the gusset at 3:10 to Yuma. A great, tense cowboy movie. And both these movies had Alan Tudyk. I am such a fangirl!

Next up, a finished sock:

That's my Knittery 8-ply merino in Moonlight. I love the way the reversed linen stitch heel flap turned out. I love the colors.

Odds 'n' Ends:

I made my seventh order at Woolgirl, and as a result, I got swag:

I was not expecting so much stuff! This is one of the reasons why Woolgirl is one of my all time favorite virtual yarn stores.

I've also joined the Socks in the Cities Knit-Along. I'm hoping to finish a few more socks this month. First in line:

Fiesta Yarns Boomerang in Rainforest. The second sock is ready for its heel flap. With a little luck, this pair will be finished by the end of the week.

And finally, because they are just so cute, Luke and Leia:

Told ya they were cute.

Always Playing Catch Up

2007-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

I never seem to blog as much as I'd like. I'm winding down from the annual family vacation week. There was some drama before I left. Osiris's bowl got a crack, just as I was leaving the office Friday. It wasn't leaking water, but I couldn't just go and leave for a week. I had visions of his home giving way, and he'd be flushed out on my desk, flopping and eventually . . . . I couldn't do it. So I ran to the pet store and got him this:

I know it doesn't look it in the picture, but it's huge! He really likes it, though.

To make up for the fishy adventure, look what was waiting for me when I got home that Friday:

Piddleloop swag. Just in time for the trip. (Foolishly, I haven't taken any pictures of the yarn in this bag, yet. Don't be shocked, but it's a sock.)

Our Lake week went by fast. A friend came up from Chicago to visit. The family is doing well and all my little cousins are adorable.

Got back last Saturday and saw the Bourne Ulitmatum on the Sunday. There was some sock knitting.

The Knittery Merino 4-ply yarn in Moonlight purchased from WoolGirl

And somewhere in the blur of this summer, I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, where I knit on this:

That'd be Fearless Fibers in the October colorway.

Summertime

2007-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I keep meaning to blog, but I don't. So now it's catch up time.

What I've been doing on my (non-)summer vacation.

Well, there's been some knitting, obviously.

My basic socks in CiderMoon Glacier in Silver Pine.

More basic socks, this time in Mountain Colors Mountain Goat in Painted Rocks.

I finished my charity knitting for The Loopy Ewe's Second Quarter Loopy Challenge.

I actually took a knitting class at The Yarney for Cookie A's Knitty lace sock patterns. I missed the first lesson, but I really enjoyed the other two. Shelly was the teacher and you can see my Baudelaire as a baby. (Over on the right, bluish-grey with the witch stitch markers from ZenKnit.)

I did take a mini summer vacation over the Fourth of July. The house was loaded with pets.

Luke and Leia, obviously.

Marble has also been visiting while my parents are out of town.

Even Osiris paid a visit over the holiday weekend. He's catching up with his friend Little Red Poppet.

Osiris even had the pleasure of posing with a fishy-themed small projects bag from Piddleloop.

I've also been going to the movies. I've discovered the joy of movie knitting. Now, if I'd only stop starting a new sock for each movie.

Live Free or Die Hard in Twisted Kabam! in Ankh.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (or whatever that third one was). Yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK in African Grey.

Transformers with Vesper Sock Yarn in Evergreen (bag by Piddleloop).

Finally, my Poppets just wanted to make an appearance.

Sock Down! (and Done)

2007-05-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

There was a sock mishap.

This

became this

when I realized that sock was too small. Now I'm waiting to cast-on again while I try to figure out if adding 8 stitiches will be enough, or should I add 16? The pattern does not allow for any give, so I'll confess to being a tiny bit paranoid.

But in other news, I designed my own sock! (OK, closer to how not to design a sock, but I'm still rather pleased with myself.)

These went really fast (US size 4 needles will do that). I also wasn't sure of yardage, so I made the leg a little shorter than normal.

Note to self: When creating your very own sock pattern, stop and think ahead before the knitting (which is where I did most of the actual thinking about the pattern.) If I'd been thinking, I'd have set the leg pattern up so it would have worked on the instep without too much jarring. What I did to clease the palate was one repeat of Undulating Rib, which I love, but didn't really work. Although there was a cool effect that I want to remember to play with someday.

I love how the instep turned out, though. (Not shown to best effect on a bottle, but you get the idea.)

Eye of partridge (eye of peacock?) heel which is also on the toe. I also love the garter stitch on the heel flap. These features where inspired by Cider Moon's Saucy pattern. And I think they work in this yarn (Fiesta Yarns Boomerang in Iris) really well.

I have since washed the socks, and I'm thinking I'd probably go down a needle size next time, but the Boomerang was a great yarn to work with! And I loved the designing part, so I'd like to keep up with that. But I need to knit some other socks to get a feel for different structures. Right now, I'm doing my knitting for The Loopey Ewe's Quarterly Challenge. One pair of handwarmers down and I've started a baby hat.

Distractions

2007-05-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Oooo, looky! I'm blogging!! Will wonders never cease? (I hope not. I need wonder in my life. Soon it'll be all I can afford.)

So, yes, a little discouraged by my complete inability to manage money. Or food. Or exercise. Or anything that is considered to be a sign of a responsible adult, so I will distract myself and everyone else with photos of knitting accomplishments.

First up, finished items:

Clapotis in Malabrigo Amorosa
This only took about 2 years. I may be over my Clapotis addiction. This will be a gift for someone.

Finished pair of socks #1. These took less than a year. (Funny story: Last year, in July, after a 4 month knitting vaccation, I decided I wanted, no, I needed, to knit wool socks. I had 13 pairs going. Made the first of each in about 2 weeks I'm still working on the second socks. Only 2 pairs left to go, though. To be totally accurate, I had two pairs of socks started before I added the other 11. Gidgie stop laughing. I can hear you in Seattle. Where I currently am.)
Art Yarns Supermerino #105. This is my favorite colorway, I have it in 3 other variations of their yarns, too. (No, I'm not obsessive at all. Why would you ask? Gidgie, I mean it about the laughing.)

Finished 2nd pair of socks. Interlacements Toasty Toes in Poppy Fields. I love the orange in these socks, but it must be said that there is a lot of dye still in there. I soaked these 3 times after wearing and they still bled a little in the wash.

Third pair of finished socks. Black Cat Yarns Sock Hop in Mai Tai (Sorry, I got this yarn on eBay but the store and its website are no longer there.) These socks I wish I had knit on smaller needles. Because I have concerns about their durablitity, they are bedtime socks. (I live in Minnesota. My toes get cold in the winter months. Why am I explaining this?)

Next up, a couple of in progress items:

Because on my birthday last year (it's September 28th; I know you wanted to know that so you could mark your calendars), I decided I needed more socks to work on (it was my birthday, I can do whatever silly thing I want to), I started these. Mountain Colors Twizzle in Mountain Tango. This is a wool/silk blend, so I planned these for comfort socks. They are currently in my office at work for when I really need to destress.

Ever wonder how much knitting you can do on a flight from the Twin Cities? Most of the leg of a sock you're designing. Fiesta Yarns Boomerang in Iris. I love this yarn! I love this color. I'll try and remember to get a better picture tomorrow.

And just because:

The lovely ladies at Cider Moon keep sending samples with my orders. They're so pretty!

Forgive me, but I don't actually have time for a spell check right now.

About Last Night

2007-04-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Stephanie,

Just wanted to say Thank You for last night. (And a big Bravo! to The Yarnery for a wonderful event. I love the bag.) I enjoyed the stories and the whole CHOKE thing, well, let's just say that will be my new thing to get the muggles off my back: "You're CHOKing me!" Of course, I might be forced to remember what CHOKE stands for. Cultural and Historical Oppression of Knitters Everywhere? (Why, oh why didn't I take notes?! Oh, right, I was knitting.) Anyway, that looks close enough. And I left pondering the importance of Accumulated Effect, a concept I had been taking for granted. Now I recognize its power.

I do want to apologize though for my behavior upon reaching the table. I am a shy girl, but I know that there is no need to go all fangirly when in the presence of one's idols. I know that "idols" and "heroes" are ordinary people, too, and as such, my equals. So, I can only explain my total inability to make eye contact and forgetting my book on the table to this: I was possessed by a frightened woodland animal.

Now, I realize that seems a bit out there, but hear me out. It was a long night. (Longer, I'm sure, for you.) I got there at 5:45pm, armed with coffee, water and a light snack. Stood in line for 15 minutes until the doors opened. Got my hand stamped and grabbed a seat. Knit for an hour. You came out and made with the funnies. Laughed and knitted on my Interlacements Toasty Toes sock for another hour and fifteen minutes.

Got up again and made my way to the line for the early signing. Stood in line for an hour and a half. Thank god for knitting! As someone next to me in line said, nicest line ever because we all had something to do. I wish someone had done a sock count, though. The line was good, and I made quite a bit of progress on my Fleece Artist Sea Wool Bordello sock.

(I should, perhaps, pause here to tell you that I have recently begun knitting again. We had been on a break.)

Now, I should say that the line was fun. I met a number of nice women from North Dakota. Good times.

Anyway, standing around for an hour and a half with no real food does not do the body good. Mary Lou tried to help by bringing around chocolate. Now, normally I'd call this behavior evil, but no sane person can call another evil when she gives you sock yarn just for pulling out the blue-wrapped chocolate.

So, the combination of the wool fumes (oh, I forgot to mention the mini-store), exhaustion for standing for an hour and it being 10pm by the time I got to you, worry about getting home to the cats

(I had said I should be home by 9pm) and existing at that moment on sugar . . . well, it left me vulnerable to outside forces.

So that should explain it. You did a very good job of trying to connect, but the frightened animal in my body just wanted to use that flight reflex. Sorry. I will endeavor to protect against such possessions in the future. Just as soon as I figure out how to.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what I would have told you had I not been possessed by a frightened animal:

The whole whiplash syndrome you covered in the book, that was extremely helpful. I was in my second break from knitting after a frantic Christmas knitting season. I was wondering if I had lost the joy of knitting forever. But it was just Whiplash! I was so relieved. And I'm being careful about the rebound stash enhancement. This Zen Yarn Garden merino/bamboo/nylon in Sunny Orchid notwithstanding.

(Or those four or five other orders on the way.) But I digress. The Whiplash syndrome in Casts Off saved my relationship with knitting.

Thank you! Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Alexis

PS An addendum to that note I gave you last night. The one you put in your back pocket. I laughed so hard last night I snorted.

Becuase I can

2007-03-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Knitting Update

2007-03-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

In no particular order:

Malagaiters

For: Best Friend
Yarn: Malabrigo Forest
Knit: 1 Jan - 7 Jan 2007

and

For: Mom
Yarn: Malabrigo Blue Surf
Knit: 8 Jan - 10 Jan

For: Me!
Pattern: My basic sock
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock heavy weight in Lucy
Knit: 8 Oct 2006 - 7 Jan 2007

For: Sister-in-law
Pattern: Basic 4 Needle Mitten
Yarn: BlueMoonFiberArts Worsted Wear in Aubergine/Eggplant and Cascade 220 Navy
Knit: 12 Jan - 22 Jan 2007

OK, so the knitting mojo seems to have run off to Tahiti again. I just wish that it would take me with it. I am currently working on a gift for my cousin's baby, though.

Randomness on a Sunny Day

2007-03-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

I thought about doing a knitting update, but I haven't really been knitting. So instead, Marble demonstrates that there was indeed snow:

And we are both grateful that did not fall down on her (or me while I was shoveling off the deck):

Weight Loss Wednesdays

2007-02-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome support group friends who have just joined the blog! In the interest of greater accountability (and blogging material), I've moved my updates here.

So, as I said yesterday, I've been struggling to lose weight for going on three years now. Before, I lived in a happy denial place, only trying to lose weight because it's a socially acceptable thing to do. I'm stunned by how good at hiding from myself I was. It's . . . humbling.

I had struggled with weight pretty much all my life. I wasn't a particularly active child, but looking back, I wasn't a heavy child, either. Frankly, I'd love to be back to the weight I thought was fat as a teenager. After college, I just sort of hid and ate. I told my parents I'd go to Weight Watchers if I could afford it. They gave me ten meetings for Christmas and I started in January 2005.

And I did OK that first year. I almost lost 20 pounds that first year. I got frustrated in June because the weight wasn't coming off fast enough, and I couldn't reach that first 10% goal. I gained about 10 pounds back in the second half of the year.

Late November or December, a family friend mentioned my jeans looked loose. I said thank you, but that they always end up feeling tight by the end of the day. She suggested that I might have food sensitivity. The two most troublesome foods are gluten and dairy. I gave it some serious thought. Giving up gluten (in wheat, oats, barely, spelt, couscous, rye and some other stuff I can't recall) and dairy meant not eating anything I normally ate. But I needed away to recommit to my weight loss, and thought this might be a good way to do it. I really thought that the cravings would get me, but I researched and planned.

And was successful. I lost over 40 pounds last year. I got to 60 pounds lost for a grand total. That was a struggle at the end, though. I started to get frustrated in the summer, especially at the family reunion week, and just coasted down the hill from there. I'd gained 9.6 pounds back in 2 months.

Although, I've lost 2.4 pounds of it.

So, what have I learned? Eating the (mostly) unprocessed foods on my "restricted" diet last year helped me to feel my best. I felt lighter and energized. I even got downright giddy some days. I even wanted to move. I want that back. So, I'm glad I've recommitted. And I'm glad you're all here to support me. I probably wouldn't have gotten very far without you.

And to mark just how far I've come, here I am before:

And here I am now:

(Err, sorry about the rotation. I can't figure out how to fix it.)

And, for fun, Osiris:

Recommitting

2007-02-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking these last six weeks about what I want to accomplish in 2007. As I've said before, I plan big, but without much foundational support, and then my card house comes tumbling down in the slightest breeze. I spend the rest of my time lamenting my failure, until I realize that all the cards have blown away, and then I exhaust myself chasing them down. That is the ultimate pattern I would like to break this year. And to do it, I'm only going to focus on 3 things, instead of trying to change my whole universe at once.

1) My weight. I am entering my third year at Weight Watchers. Last year went pretty well. I hit a total of 60 pounds lost (which was just a bit past halfway), and then I ran out of steam. I haven't been able to get back on track since. I'm tired of writing down what I eat, looking up POINTS values, and feeling guilty when I don't. So, I want to finish the weight loss this year. I have a wedding to go to in June. Let's see how well I do.

2) Overspending. I do a lot of it. Mostly on a credit card. Which leads to much stress and a fear of bills. Bills, like taxes and death, are unavoidable. So, I propose to live my life without a credit card this year, working on the theory that credit cards are easier to pay off when their balances are not being added to.

3) Stopping the brain drain. I really feel my brain is starting to atrophy. I can barely think coherently, much less think critically. And I like to think. So, I'm going to read books and watch TV and movies with mindfulness, if not a critical eye. I will journal more and share my observations with you. I will share my passions and embrace my inner geek-girl. (She's very self-conscious and shy.)

I'll be exporing ways to stay on track, and suggestions are also appreciated.

And now for the gratuitous kitty pictures.

Part 2

2007-01-08T14:40:00.001-08:00

I did not get all my presents knit in time. Why? 1) I plan big. 2) I have poor time management skills. I feel particularly horrible about these two.

Pattern: Fiber Trends Felted Clogs
Yarn: Cascade 220 #7601 Sage Tweed and Araucania Nature Wool #42
Needles: 13 and 11 24" circs
Size: Woman's small
Knit for: My very patient grandmother

Pattern: Hello Yarn Besotted Scarf
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted Applewood
Needles: 8 straights
Notes: It's around 50 inches long
Knit for: My grandfather. I wanted him wrapped in hugs and kisses.

Here's a detail of the cabling.

I thought it came out pretty well.

I'm still going on the knitting. My mother's felted clogs still loom over my head like a big fuzzy umbrella, but in the meantime, here are gratutous kitty shots.

And, because she's back for another visit. . . .

What I've Been Up To

2007-01-06T13:15:00.001-08:00

I've been knitting like mad for Christmas presents.

First, there were these.
Pattern: Miriam's Baby Hats
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted Indigo & Azul Profundo
Needles: 10 16" circs
Size: 1 year and Newborn
Knit for: Two of my friends' sons

Next up.
Pattern: Star Brocade Stocking from Knit Christmas Stockings
Yarn: Cascade 220 #9410 Celtic Green and #4010 Straw Heather
Needles: 6 16" circs
Knit for: My friend's daughter. Finished in plenty of time for Christmas, too.

Wanna see a close-up?

This one cut it close. I finished it while at coffee with the recipiant. Actually, I finished it while she shopped for yarn at The Bead Alley.
Pattern: Hand/Wrist Warmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Fiesta Yarns La Luz Bluebonnet
Needles: 6 DPN
Size: One
Notes: I add length and width. I also cast off with a larger needle.
Knit for: My good friend whose come home to me after being far away for years. (Come to think of it, she's still far away. Cross the Cities feels that way, anyway.)

Now, it was almost Christmas, and I was starting to panic. There was family to meet on Christmas Eve.

Pattern: Hand/Wrist Warmers from LMKG
Yarn: Art Yarns Supermerino #126 & #120 and Atacama #506
Size: one
Needles and Notes: See above
Knit for: My two aunts and my uncle

This got knit because my mother wears hats and the felted clogs I'd been promising her for years were not going to get done. I'd given her the yarn for those as a present last year, so I couldn't do that again. I finished this on Christmas Eve day. I love Last Minute Knitted Gifts. And I love my stash.
Pattern: Kim's Hats from LMKG
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted Cuarzo and Nore Transitions #7
Needles: 9 20" circs and 10 1/2 24"circs
Size: Largest
Notes: I probably should have decreased to a woman's size once I went to bigger needles, but it seems to work.
Knit for: My mother

Back soon with part 2

Exploration

2006-12-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom & Dad,

I guess she couldn't take it anymore.

Instead of eating her breakfast, Marble had to go out and explore.

I don't think Luke and Leia knew what to make of it. They really didn't bother her. Well . . . Luke did try and get close, but Marble growled at him.

Then, she went on the deck.

She nibbled on the bird netting.

And she didn't want to go back into her room.

Daughter

Marble Wellness Check

2006-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

As you can see, Marble continues to be fine. She's taken to meowing in the morning when I don't get into see her as quickly as she'd like.

In doing so, she attracted a little attention, but there was a distinct lack of a fracas.

Luke, meanwhile, just wanted his morning cream.

See you soon!

Love,
Daughter

Marble

2006-12-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Proof . . .

2006-12-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

. . . that Marble is OK at my house. She's visiting while my parents are out of town. There was concern because my cats can be a little unpredictable, but so far, they're OK. Not completely oblivious to the cat living in the guest bedroom, but not obsessed, either. And Marble is either becoming used to Luke and Leia or she was really happy to get her blue blanket because she doesn't hiss or growl at the door as much. (My cats lurk.) Not that she was upset enough to let phantom cats interfere with Dragonfly Cat Toy playtime.

. . . that I still knit. OK, so technically the actual knitting was finished a long time ago, but I did actually felt it last night so that Marble would have something of her own. True, she has her little scratch mat and her catnip pillow and her dragonfly, and I retrieved her blue blanket this morning, but this she could make her very own. This, for those of you who wish to know: Kitty Pi from Wendy Knits. (And you can find Leia in the Kitty Pi gallery; she's on the right hand side, ten rows down. That Kitty Pi went to my then-future-sister-in-law's cats.)

I do still knit, though. I'm still working on the dozen plus socks I started this year, and I'm working on the Christmas presents for people. No one tell me how many days until Christmas. I work best in a relaxed state of denial.

. . . and finally, proof that Luke and Leia are OK with a guest. Well, at least one they can pretend is not there.

Soon, proof that I can cook. Or at least melt and mix chocolate. That oughta count, right?

In the Spirit of the Season

2006-11-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for

a place to go for Thanksgiving.
a warm place to live.
warm weather in the place I live.
two snuggly cats.
my parents' rather playful cat.
a feisty fish.
a job.
my family.
my health.
an occasional weekend to sleep in.
hand knit socks.
books to read.
supportive friends.
the wonder children have for the world.
pink sunsets.
rain.
fresh fruits and vegetables.
a body that works.
new ink (and a new fountain pen on the way).
a large supply of herbal teas.
a fireplace.
the ability to pay my bills.
the power to change.

This is my brain on a layover

2006-10-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

So, I have a two and half hour layover. Which will actually be over fairly soon because my co-worker's plane will be arriving, and I promised to get him lunch before we continue our journey home.

I have settled myself into the Northwest World Club while I wait. Free coffee and other beverages and snacks. Free is always good. And there is the ever helpful wireless internet, which I have been making use of:

Performed spam control on work e-mail.
Checked personal e-mail.
Did a search for Celtic Swan double pointed needles. (By the way, should anyone be wondering what to get me for Christmas, size 3 double points would be spectacular.)
Went here to see if they had any new fun tape measures. (Nope.)
Searched for fun handpainted yarn, although I don't know why, as I can't afford any. (Back to the Christmas thing: If you'd like to get me yarn, let me know. I can point you in the right direction.)
And now, I'm blogging.

As you may now infer from this post, my knitting mojo - somewhat sickly after last year's holiday knitting blitz - is back in full force, just in time for this year's holiday knitting blitz.

(Funny story: Knitting Mojo returned for a visit in July, where I was suddenly struck by a desire to knit wool socks. Lots of them. I started 10 pairs, plus I had 2 started from when Mojo went away. I've finished 3 of the 12 and started 2 more. I've have finished the first sock of most of my pairs. I'm experiencing major second sock syndrome.)

Surprisingly, as I tend to be a selfish knitter, I've completed four projects for others since October began. I'm feeling pretty good. And 77 days to go before Christmas Eve. Now, granted, most of these are not complicated projects. And some are not for Christmas. But I've got my brother and sister-in-law's done, and I can bring them out to California next week to save on postage. (When you've spent all your money on yarn and sundry, and pens, ink and sundry, saving on postage matters.)

Time to close up shop. Soon I will be flying home. Home to my kitteens. And the laundry. And the dishwasher. And new yarn. The last new yarn until the gift knitting and the current batch of sock knitting is done. (Please avert your eyes while I weep.)

Safe travels to all!

Another Year

2006-09-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday, I turned 32. Nothing terribly momentous about that, and yet, I feel it should be marked. In addition to the phone calls, cards and e-mails to congratulate me for living another year, there were presents and a dinner at Applebee's. I do like to get presents. So much so, that I get them for myself all the time.

Normally, I take my birthday off of work, so I can pamper myself and reflect on the past year and make wishes for the new one. (I do this again, in a minor way, three months later for New Year's. Just to check on how I'm doing.) This year, we moved the office, so I took Friday off instead. I stayed in bed all morning, reading. I never do that anymore, and I felt younger for doing so. Then I went out to pamper myself with yarn. Not a lot, but enough to keep the stash constant.

After that, I pampered myself in the mature way by going for an hour long walk with my friend, her 11-month-old daughter and her dog. Along our walk, my friend, who has known me since I was almost 6, told me how well I was doing compared to last year. She has turned into, in some respects, my life coach. (Friendships go through many incarnations, don't they?) She nags - I mean, encourages - me to exercise regularly, and eat better food and look for the brighter side of life. I'm very lucky to have her.

Anyway, along our walk, she asked about the good changes that happened this last year:

1) I changed my diet and have lost almost 50# this year so far.
2) I started a blog.
3) I eat healthier.
4) I started take more responsibility for my spending by keeping track of it.
5) I started to look for new paths for the ruts in my life.

And then, she asked my about my goals for the upcoming year:

1) Lose the remaining 50# I have to go, preferably by my cousin's June wedding.
2) Keep up the activity.
3) Pay down the credit card debt.
4) Keep writing, in the blog and elsewhere.
5) Be better about keeping the promises I make to myself, such as, I will start the present knitting on 1 October.
6) Become more aware of my surroundings. (I tend to live in my head, which tends to make me oblivious and inconsiderate.)
7) Go out in the world a little bit more, such as by exploring the job market.
8) Clean the house more often.

(I think the list got longer. Well, I could be up for a challenge.)

It really was a very nice walk.

Frazzle

2006-09-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today, the sun shines. Windows open. Cats dash, pausing to sniff the breezes. Today calls out for strolls and smiles. I, meanwhile, am a frazzled mess.

Tomorrow I leave for a business trip to Portland, ME. Preparing for trips, even though I have traveled out of state at least once a month for the last 8 years, leaves me flustered. I have two of most toiletries that usually stay in my suitcase, a system for my in-flight amusement, and I still manage to leave thinking I've forgotten something. Even after going through the mental checklist several times: Pajamas, workshop clothes, relaxing clothes, toiletries, underwear, socks, jewelry, hair clips, make-up, stuff to do. (In fact, I'm sure I've forgotten something off that list.)

Do I have enough clean clothes, or must laundry be done? (Don't ask about putting the laundry away.) The kitchen counter generally wins the staring contest and I load the dishwasher. (After I put the clean dishes away. Very important step there.) What snacks do I need to pack? When did I run out of almonds? Can vitamins go on planes now? Do the cats have enough food? Oh, @#$%, I have plants! They need water, right?

This state of frenzy causes all thinking to short circuit. I have to remember the steps to calm down just to recall what I need to tackle next. Some individuals write down their tasks and shopping needs into lists (on paper, no less). I chant them into my memory. On a good day, I include my fingers so I can count the number of items in the basket to see if they match the number of things I need. Today is not one of those days.

So, I leave you to dart off to Target for floss, cleansing cloths and Kleenex. Floss, cleansing cloths, Kleenex. . . .

Perfect Days

2006-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, and it looks like today, are my perfect kind of days. (Well, I have other kinds of perfect days, but this is in the top 3.) Days like this make me happy and energetic. They herald the coming of fall (and they're kind of neat in the spring, too). Grey days. Cloudy, where you think it might rain, but no. The wind gives a little thrill as it passes through you. The temperature is somewhere in the 40s - 60s. Magic days.

I was telling my friend this as we went for a walk last night. She thought I might be a little crazy, but I could tell her dog agreed with me. And it's not as though I don't love sunny days, too. I wouldn't want every day to be like today. But these grey, chill, windy days speak of the change in the seasons. Fall is my favorite, and I'm excited it's coming. I love the colors of the leaves, the slowing down of life as it prepares to hunker down for winter.

The wind makes these days for me. I love the wind. As a little girl, I wanted my hair long so it could blow in the wind. I imagine it was a wind like this that brought Mary Poppins, and so I associate it with transition and magic. This wind carries change and it invigorates me. I look for fairies and pixies and sorceresses on days like this.

Days like this in early autumn mean long sleeve tees, jeans, sweatshirts and sweaters, hand warmers, socks (hand knit, of course) and clogs. They mean warm drinks of hot coco (or drinking chocolate), chai tea, hot tea in general, Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks, hot apple cider (Caribou Coffee makes a good one), and so many others.

Today, I've put on socks for the first time this season. I knit them myself (Fleece Artist Merino in Hercules from Simply Sock Yarn Company), and I'm wearing my clogs. (I anticipate the times I can wear my clogs. I grow 3 inches in those things!) I've got my tea: Adagio Plum. Life is good!

Yeah, I Got Nothing

2006-09-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not feeling particularly creative (or well) today, so I'm humoring a friend by responding to his little questionnaire:

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Putting stamps and address labels on brochures for my mom's business. I think I started when I was 6.

2. Sales associate at Famous Footwear. There I developed an appreciation for shoes and learned that sundries are everything.

3. Work study in the library, with Ryan, for a time.

4. Conference Coordinator for my mom's company.

B) 4 movies I would watch over and over:

1. Lord of the Rings trilogy

2. Pride and Prejudice (BBC and movie versions)

3. Pirates of the Caribbean

4. Tremors

C) Four places I have lived:

1. Withrow, MN.

2. Forest Grove, OR

3. Caen, France

4. St. Anthony, MN

D) Four TV shows I love to watch:

1. Farscape

2. Law and Order (all of them)

3. Wonderfalls

4. Stargate: SG-1 and Atlantis

E) Four places I've been on vacation

1. Paris, France

2. Lyon, France

3. Switzerland

4. England

F) Four of my favorite foods:

1. Vosges Creole Bar

2. Grilled chicken brushed with lavender balsamic vinegar

3. Sonny's Sinful Cherry zinfandel sorbet

4. Guacamole

H) Four places I would like to be right now:

1. Waltham, MA hanging out with Katie E

2. Tucson, AZ hanging out with Sarah

3. Portland, OR hanging out with all my college friends

4. Paris, France, just hanging out

Introducing the Kits

2006-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Some time around right-about-now, my kits have a birthday. Four years ago, Luke and Leia were born, then given to Humane Society for Companion Animals where I found them 9 weeks later. Here they are, hanging out at my parents' house. (Luke is in front of Leia.)

Luke insists on drinking his water out of the kitchen sink faucet, despite the fountain water dish my mother bought for him. (I think I've seen him use it once.) When he wants my attention he meows and rolls over on to his back, belly exposed. He's at his most precious when, desiring pets, he lets me pick him up and cuddle him on my lap. Those rare times, I barely breathe, and I don't move.

Leia demands to be an outdoor cat. I think she and Luke are indoor cats. This is a battle of wills. Leia is not satisfied by sniffing life through open windows, and while the deck is a nice compromise, it doesn't soothe her wild soul. She goes into the (closed) garage to roll on the concrete and conquers the car, but when that is not enough, she sits by the front door and mews pitifully. She stretches to the max in an attempt to open the door. I let her and Luke out sometimes to roll on the concrete and nibble grass. Leia is most endearing sleeping with her chin on my head and paw over my nose at night.

People who know me are probably surprised I waited two days to brag about the cats. My sister-in-law questions the intelligence of some animals. All I can say is that my kits have managed to train me well. And now, I have to go home to them. And let them outside for a birthday treat.

Just Checking

2006-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry the First

2006-09-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Alexis, though most people call me Ali, and welcome to my blog! I've always felt awkward introducing myself, so I'm just going to push on through to get it over with.

I've lived in Minnesota most of my life. There were brief periods away at college near Portland, OR where I studied English Lit and French. There was also a semester abroad in Caen, France and some time in Paris. Tragically, my French has gotten rusty from lack of use. (Anyone willing to help me practice?)

I am a scifi/fantasy fan. I tend to watch more scifi and read more fantasy. I honestly can't remember when I wasn't reading a Terry Pratchett book. I've also read grammar books for fun. And books on the nature of the universe and similar. I never found math that interesting a subject in school, but I enjoy reading about people who are passionate about it.

I also love to knit. And to collect yarn. My house is covered - I should say "decorated" - in handpainted sock yarn. I love handpainted yarns for their color and uniqueness. I've been knitting for about 3 and half years now, after trying to learn on and off since childhood. My mother taught me.

My other two big things (not passions really; possibly obsessions) are tea and pens and ink. I love rooibos teas. I go crazy for just about any kind of rooibos; my favorite is Lavenderberry from TeaSource in St. Paul. I generally write with a fountain pen, and I accumulate ink at a rather alarming rate. (I accumulate pens at a mildly alarming rate.)

All these things I plan to talk about in more depth as the blog progresses, and I figure out what I want this blog to be. I hope to make some new friends and reconnect with old ones. I plan to have fun.