HaNdKrAfT

The 59th day without Chocolate...

Since I had the icks in the beginning of April, I have not been able to eat chocolate.  Of any shape or kind.  I have picked up a piece here and there, but was unable to eat it based upon the association of being sick.  The sad thing is that I think I am done with chocolate for good, if my other food peccadilloes are any indication.  I have not eaten prime rib in 15 years, Taro chips or Arby's roast beef sandwiches for the same reason.  I find that since i am not eating chocolate, my candy consumption has diminished extensively.  -I still love lemon flavored deserts though!

In other things, I have taken a break from the silk sweater, as it was driving me nuts!  I have started that most ubiquitous of knits: the Clapotis.  I continue to mis-pronounce it however.  I pronounce it clap-twa instead of clap-e-ty.  For some reason clap-e-ty reminds me of a VD or a rickety wagon.  I love the pattern, but the name just does not work for me.  At any rate, I am using Noro Silk Garden, which I just happen to have 6 balls of - with no planned project in sight.  I needed a knit project that was somewhat different than what I have done before.  I am also planning on making the matching hat to go with my scarf. 

In other news, I had another first date last night.  This one went considerably better than the last.  The guy was much more laid back, and we took our time.  In fact the last date was less than 45 minutes - this was closer to two and a half hours.  Of course, some hilarity ensued: my cell phone, which no one ever calls on in the evenings rang at least four times until I turned it off.  I had six messages!  I do hope that I get to see this guy again. At least from my perspective, we hit things off.  (And he was actually the height he said he was... -Imagine that!)

Dating Gods 1, Me 0

So I went on my first "first date" in a year this evening.  It was not a bad date.  They guy was really nice, and very interesting.  There was just no chemistry, and his energy level was completely out of sync with mine.  He is a serious gym guy, and the energy level and gym thing is where one of my major problems was with my ex.

For my part, this is the guy that I did not want to go out with, because I thought that we were incompatible BEFORE the date.  But the real reason I was not interested is that he said that he was attracted to women with small frames.  I may be short, but I don't have a small frame.  I have boobs and a butt.  I am about ten pounds heavier than I want to be, but I am not unhappy with my body.  And I don't want to be one of those "I can't eat that women." But the men seem to go for them.  As for this guy, I wish him luck.  I hope he heads in the direction of Asian women, because they typically have the figure and build that he is looking for. And as for me, I wound up with this fab skirt and sweater from anthropologie that are to die for. -not a bad start to my new dating life.  Of course there is more that I can say about this gentleman and the date, but in all fairness, I choose not too.

But here are the two lessons I learned from this date:

1. I am not attracted to "zippy" males.

2. I won't date anyone shorter than 5'7".  Period.

Everything I need to know in life, I learned from Jim Henson

I am a 28 year old woman who watches the Muppets. 

Yes, I admit to that, and proudly.  I would rather watch Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo than violent TV any day.  Occasionally, I watch the Muppet Movie and Fraggle Rock.  I own both Storyteller's DVDs, Labyrinth and the Dark Crystal.

Jim Henson was a prophet, and I believe is under appreciated by adults.  He said, "I know that it's easier to portray a world that's filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence.  That's titillating.  It's an easy out.  What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show that you can have a positive impact on your world.  To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder."

I mention all of this, because I am about to go out on a "first date" with someone I met though online dating.  I have been single since February, and was not ready to get out there again.  And this guy is very interesting, but some of the things he said online made me want to not meet him.  He asked me to reconsider.  Not everyone is perfect, and he may not like me.  I am not perfect either.  And I have to take the chance that he might be "the one."

In knitterly news, I have to re-do the sleeves on my silk sweater.  I seamed them into the sweater, and they were horrible- too small, and didn't fit into the arm holes either.  So I used sweater software to make new sleeves. - I am almost done too.  In the mean time, I am also working on the edging of the sweater.  Of course, I had to change it from crochet to knit, and I decided to knit it in one piece. - And I want it done for Wednesday, so I can wear it on my date!  Lots of knitting for me today.

The internet gods have struck again.

I can't connect to my server.  When I dial the line from my phone (the actual phone) OR the computer, I get an "all circuits or busy" or "your call can not be completed as dialed" message.  But here is the weird thing. I can call anyone else.  Including for pizza (If the loose weight gods would only block that number!)  And of course, my ISP says that it is the phone company's fault, and the phone company says it is the ISP's fault.  WTF?  If someone can't fix the problem soon, and at this point, I don't care who, I am changing providers.  In the mean time, I have no internet at home.

In other news, I have finished blocking the blue silk sweater, and I am now in the process of seaming it together. The process has gone so much smoother since I included the selvage stitch.  I have one sleeve in, and have started on the other.  After that, I am going to have to do some kind of edging.  The pattern calls for crochet, but I don't know how to do that.  Off to the library I go to look at a certain designer's books.  (I refuse to purchase them when they are at the library!)  I am thinking a picot cast off would look good.

In other news, I am back to online dating.  Going ok so far.  Interesting as all get out though.  Well, I am off to go make Disney reservations: My niece is turning 7 and we are taking her for her birthday.  Yikes.

King of the Yarn Pile

As I mentioned before, I went on a yarn binge the week of my vacation.  And I bought so much, I exceeded my stash storage space, and I was forced to get creative.  I got two under-bed storage bags (on sale, of course!) and transfered my stash there.  While I was doing that, someone hopped into the bag and made himself at home.

I would have been perfectly happy to let him lay there and take a nap, but he was laying on top of the brand-spaking new Debbie Bliss Pure Silk that I JUST BOUGHT. (at 40% off too!)  So I gently picked him up and moved him off of the yarn.  And while my back was turned, he got back in.  I moved him again, and again he got back in.  We repeated this process five times, all the while my frustration growing because he was laying on my Pure Silk.  Did I move the yarn? No.  I moved the dog.  I tried to entice him with treats, a chew toy, his favorite squeaky toy.  No luck.  And then I remembered:  the Pure Silk was in an unopened bag.  So I let Jack stay where he was and went and re-read the Yarn Harlot's Secret Life of a Knitter.  Yeah, the dog is not spoiled or anything.

I am currently working on a short sleeve sweater from Vogue Summer '05, and am nearly done with it.  the challenge is going to be finding the appropriate edging.  The pattern calls for a crochet edging, and I don't crochet.  The patten used this ugly orangy yarn, and I substituted Ella Rae Shibu in a pretty periwinkle blue. (Part of my yarn binge)  I bought 13 balls of the yarn, and so far have only used 6.  I will probably have 6 left, and I am not sure what I am going to do with it.  It is a worsted, and knits to 5 sts an inch on a 7.  Any suggestions for waht to do with the rest? 

One Skein Questions

1.       Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)?

      I  would have to say Silk- it is soft but very strong, and I am (or like to think that I am) like that.  It is also very pretty: I have never come across a silk/ silk blend that I did not like.

2.       What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?

      blue, blue/green, light teal

3.       Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?

      yes, mostly hand or kettle dyes though.

4.       Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?

       I favor natural fibers, and rarely buy anything with more than 50% man made fiber.

5.       Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?

      Center pull, center pull, and center pull.  That is why I bought a swift and yarn-baller.

6.       Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?

       no, and yes.  I have never seen them in any YS I have been too.

7.       How many and what projects have you made in the last year?

      I have no idea how many: over 10 at least.  I knitted the Interweave 04' Flower Basket Shawl for my mother; three felted bags; scarves, at least two sweaters, a felted mobius basket. (This is what I remember)

8.       Will you be knitting any gifts this year?

      Absolutely.

9.       What is your favorite one skein project?

      I love the felted clutch.  I have made three of them!

10.   How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?

      Far too much.  I store it in two under the bed containers and in three dresser drawers.

11.   Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?

      No.

12.   Do you knit less or differently in the summer?

     I tend to favor smaller projects in the summer, but this year, I am working on several garments for myself.

13.   Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?

      A loose group of knitters that gathers at my LYS on Saturdays.

Secret Pal 8 Questionaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?

Yes, I am a yarn snob.  I prefer natural fibers.  I don’t understand why people spend $6 on a ball of Lion Brand Acrylic yarn when they can spend the same amount on Alpaca, wool or cotton.  I do use Red Heart and “craft store” yarns for novelties: knitted sushi, pie, a knitted hand grenade from the Knitorama book.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? I spin (drop spindle and wheel) but I don’t crochet.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have several boxes I use: one for straights & dpn and another for circulars.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I would say that I am an advanced intermediate.  I am now progressing to designing my own patterns.  I have been knitting over 10 years.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I will email to you if you want it.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)  I like ginger and vanilla for bath products, and for candles, I love vanilla and Yankee Candles’ Cherry Lemonaide.  Lavender and most floral fragrences make me sneeze.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, totally.  I love the old fashioned Reed’s Cinnamons, but they are hard to come by.  I do not eat chocolate anymore though.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I sew, and make jewelry with precious and semi-precious beads.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes!  I love my Ipod.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?  I love blues and greens.  I am NOT fond of red-orange-yellow .  (Pink is also a hard color for me to wear)

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am a single gal with a Papillon fur-baby.  My little doggie sleeps behind my head at night.   

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?  I live in Florida, so the answer is yes, but for about two months a year.  Total NO to the poncho thing though.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?  Right now, it is  Plymouth Indicta Baby Alpaca DK.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Acrylic.  Polyester.  Novelty yarns like fun fur.   Also, I hate mohair.  When I knit with it my hands get itchy, and it makes any other skin it comes in contact with itchy too. 

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Lace with a capitol L.!

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I don’t realy have a favorite, but my least favorite thing to knit are socks. 

17. What are you knitting right now? A short sleeve, deep v sweater from Vogue Knitting S/S 05, and a Baby hat from One Skein.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, absolutely!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo or Rosewood.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes to both.

22. How did you learn to knit? My Grandmother, when I was young, then became self taught about 10 years ago.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? One year.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

The Muppets.  Anything Jim Henson, realy, but Beaker and Bunson Honeydew, and the Sweedish Chef, especialy.

25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween.  People are expected to act slightly silly – even adults.

26. Is there anything that you collect? Aside from parking tickets? Yes, I collect mermaid/mermen prints by a St. Augustineartist named Robert Kline. (and fountain pens).

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave and Vogue.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Blue Sky Alpacas’ Alpaca Silk; Knit Picks Ambrosia, Lobster Pot Cashmere, and the lovely yarns from Haindmaiden. 

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? ) September 5.

I would like to get Cables consistant!

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? No.  Socks are bad.  I don’t wear socks. I mean that- other than my uniform socks (all black), and work out socks(all white), I don’t own any socks.  Again, I live in Florida.  I wear sandals most of the year. And socks with sandals are extra bad. (But I wear a size 6 1/2)

31. When is your birthday? September 5!

Refresh Button

I have returned to work relaxed and refreshed, just like I hit the refresh button on the computer.  I am not sure how long that is going to last.  I am hoping that it lasts through the end of the week, when I am going home for Mother's Day.  (And will become part of the family zoo for the weekend)  The most amazing thing is that when I came back this morning, there were no fires to put out.

But enough about that, let me tell you what I did on my vacation:  First, I spent Monday knitting a baby bolero from One Skein.  I have a week left to complete the hat to go with it, which is on the needles now.  I started a short sleave summer sweater in this fabulous silk yarn, and managed to complete the entire back in two days.  I also worked on my first sweater design, that I am using Reynolds Mandalay for.  The only problem is that I only have one size seven circular needles and both projects call for them.  I started (and ripped out) a tank top out of Aracaunia' patagonia, because the yarn did not work with the pattern.  And I read books, hung out by the pool, and rested.  (Oh, and spent far too much money on yarn.  (As I said below)

Vacation Yarn Binge

I have not been at work this week.  I took the time off because I needed it.  I did not go anywhere.  It took me until Wednesday to get over the urge to go into work.  I have spent the week relaxing, knitting, and working on my computer which has been on the fritz.  Oh, and did I mention that  I went on a yarn buying binge. Lets just say, after I put away my yarn, I realized that I don't need to buy yarn for about a year?  Well, I am on a "yarn diet" for a while with the exception of my secret swaps.