Finishing and Re-Stashing

Today seemed to be a good day for blocking...

Both Backyard Leaves and Clementine called for steam blocking so out came the blocking board and iron.

Of course we couldn't neglect our school work... or our coffee.

Before:


After:

I wanted to keep some of the shape of the leaves instead of blocking them flat.

I could've easily left out a couple of the leaf repeats as it turned out a bit longer than I would've liked but I'm still thrilled with it. I've knit a couple of scarves from this book and have more on my list. It's one of my favorites.

Backyard Leaves
Scarf Style
Karabella Aurora 8 - 4 balls - Olive
Knit Picks Options - size 7 needles

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Next up... Clementine...

Iron is set on steam and held about an inch above the garment while pins and sons hold and stretch into shape.

While it called for a steam block, I definitely think it would benefit from a more thorough wet block. This shawlette is so clearly "not me" that I felt silly even modeling it... but it will be lovely on my MIL and perfect for keeping the winter chill off her neck.

Clementine Shawlette
Interweave Knits, Spring 2007
Blue Sky Alpaca Silk - 3 hanks
Knit Picks Options - Size 4

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After carefully going through my yarn for a thorough destash, I've been able to reinvest in some new yarn.

From left to right: Fleece Artist Sea Wool in Stone, Colinette Jitterbug in Marble, Oceanwind Knits in Blu. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on the Jitterbug... just enough to get me curious so I thought I'd give it a try for myself.

And...

Some Duet Middy in Bauer Blue. I can't even begin to tell you (nor do I have the photography skills to show you) how incredible these colors are. They are just not normal browns and blues... no, they are unique. Anyway, I got all of these from The Loopy Ewe. I think I'm an addict.

Now on with my day...



BTW - What's the best way to use Flickr with Blogger. I get very inconsistent results trying to use the Blogger Uploader (the li'l picture button) so I often end up having to use the direct html link. Thanks.

And Yet Another...

I've been tackling my wip basket with great intensity lately, determined to get some finished knits off the needles.

These are my "House" socks...


I started them for the season premiere so I'd have something easy to knit while I watched. The yarn is Socks that Rock mediumweight in "Lucy" colorway. The colors are perfect and I love the striping effect.



Without any regard for what others may think, I love my clear clogs!

When I haven't been finishing, I've been frogging and swatching.



Now I'm off to nurse my headache.

Finished Juliet

Ah.. the fine art of procrastination!

I finally got around to adding the buttons to Juliet from Zepher Style.




I've knit a few of their patterns now and always enjoy them. This was so cute I had to give it a go, but I'm not really sure it's "me". Having spent more than a few years in maternity clothes, I have a difficult time wearing this sort of baby-doll style without feeling dowdy. On the other hand, I feel hip enough to get away with wearing it either.

The details:
Juliet - Size Small
Elsebeth Lavold Silky Tweed 06
8 hanks doubled
Size 10 Knit Picks Options


The excitement of finishing Juliet was only dimmed by the reality that I was going to need to frog most of Mr. Greenjeans. I just knew it had to be done, and Julie agreed. So, I frogged and re-wound (untangled) the cabled bottom... and then I did something really crazy and knit a swatch with cables and all! (The pattern calls for going down a needle size when starting the cables but I wanted to try it with the same size needles to loosen the ribbing up a bit thereby freeing it from my rear end.) Actually I've knit several swatches since yesterday when I realized I was sinking into a knitter's bog. So, once my swatches are dry (yes! I even washed them!), I will know how to continue.

One of the yarns I swatched was this new Dream in Color Classy in Cloud Jungle. I plan on using it to make a largish, comfy, throw-on-in-the-morning-with-jeans type of sweater.



Yum!

An Atypical Friday

Our football season is over! And while this is, of course, quite sad because it means that neither of my boy's teams made it further into the play-offs, it is still worth noting. Of course basketball practice starts on Monday. But today is Friday... and football is, as I repeat, OVER. Just saying.

We (13yo, 10yo, & myself) were supposed to be at Homeschool Day at Six Flags Magic Mountain today, but JoJo is not feeling well so I sent the boys off with some friends and stayed home with 8yo and JoJo. Once upon a time, this would have left me feeling quite left out... but after my last trip to Six Flags (which was followed by multiple doctor and cardiologist visits), I'm feeling a little relieved.

Not that I'm relieved that my son is sick. No, that wouldn't be right (although I must say that they are awfully quiet when they are sick which isn't such a bad thing if you know what I mean). I just don't mind missing the rides this time.

Poor little guy... quietly sleeping in the afternoon. Big Brother was kind enough to play some x-box with him when he got a bit antsy. (Wasn't that sweet.) And I found out that there's daytime TV on for grown-ups! When I realized that I was alone in the room watching Drake & Josh, I was able to get my hands on something I almost never see... the coveted remote control. Since I am a woman of great depth and learning, I quickly delved into The E! True Hollywood Story. I am always seeking truth so the fit was a natural.

Anyway, I did do some heavy cleaning this morning to relieve any guilt that may come my way as I settled into a day of doing not much else at all. My day of quiet... did I mention the quiet?

I've been working on Mrs. Greenjeans but I must admit to being more than a bit concerned. The top seems to fit well... but the bottom... well, I'm counting on the magic of blocking to free the ribbing. Part of me is afraid to keep going... I'm dying to start some fair isle mittens because, well, obviously I'm needing those as our temperatures drop into the 60s... but I just can't bring myself to stop between sleeves. Do you know if I can block before I add the ribbing around the front and neckline? At some point I'd love to get an idea of this is going to work before I commit too much more time.


Animal Planet... I am now in a room with a sleeping child watching dung beetles. Do you have any idea how long it takes me to realize these things?


Oh! If you, like me, have been a bit concerned about the content and developments on House this week... check out this clip from next week's episode. Click next to "VIDEO" on Wilson's picture. I found it great for a laugh and some hope. Hope for the show that is... because that's what's really on everyone's mind isn't it?

Finished Monkeys!

Monkeys

Seacoast Handpainted Panda, Colorway: Chocolate & Caramel

Magic Loop w/Knit Picks 2.5 mm circular

This yarn is very nice. It has a soft, heathery feel and lovely color variations. It was a great pattern, but I have so many things on the needles I'm really just glad to be done!

Work continues on Loopy Laces...

one down, toe started on 2nd.

I love the pattern and the beautiful Lorna's Laces Tuscany.

Now for the bad... I am beyond crushed, but I have to say it... I was so disappointed in House last night. It's the first time I've ever watched the show and thought it was lame. But what really annoyed me was Dr. House's dialogue with the CIA gal. It was like watching Family Guy (I mean, I imagine it was... not that I have, you know, ever actually watched Family Guy... or would admit to it if I had). Lewd, crude, and obnoxious. Cynical, sarcastic and edgy is one thing, talking like a Will Ferrel character is another. Actually, I like Will Ferrell too... most of the time... but just like I can't picture him as House... I don't want to see House be him.

Anyway, I felt like I was watching an episode that was written while the writers were on strike not before. And speaking of the strike... no, actually I'm not going to. Suffice it to say, that unless their very life or health is at risk, I think people should work. It's only my opinion... and yes, I know, everyone has one. And I'm a bit stressed about possible interruptions or delays (think Lost) and I'm already missing Jay Leno.

BTW, Why doesn't Oprah have union writers? I thought that was odd. I guess she's like an industry unto herself.

Oh well, now I will duck, cover and knit.

Stuck Halfway

I wish I could say that I've been so busy knitting that I haven't even had time to hang out on the internet, let alone blog... but that just wouldn't be true. In fact, I would have to admit to perfecting my efforts at wasting time while accomplishing nothing. I have been a bit under the weather... I'm still struggling with the low blood pressure, lightheadedness and fatigue that seem to be routinely interrupting my life. I need to follow up with some blood work but have been just so busy with sports, homeschooling and wasting all my free time with magazines and web searches that I haven't gotten around to it.

But my real reason for not blogging has been lack of anything to show for my time... and the only things that I've felt a very strong conviction to express were hardly worthy of their own blog. But since I'm here, I'll put it right out there...

If you have a child in youth sports...

1) Look around in you in the stands before bad mouthing the coaches of your child's team. You never know when you may be sitting in front of an annoyed coach's wife with some tiny, sharp sock needles in her purse.

2) If your son gets knocked unconscious during the 2nd quarter of a football game and is experiencing any confusion as to why his head hurts... he is not ready to play by the start of the 3rd quarter... or any other quarter that day. Yes, dads, this applies even if the team is already down 2 key players and they desperately need your boy in order to have a chance to win. And it still applies to single elimination playoff games. You should not be mad at the coach for being unwilling to risk your son's life for a youth game.

Whew! I feel much better getting that off my chest.

So as for knitting... let's see... well it's getting pretty bad. I have half a sweater, half a scarf, half a pair of mittens (Lobster Claws from Morehouse Merino), 3 half pairs of socks, and yarn pulled out for about a half dozen other sweaters I want to knit. Oh, it may not technically count, but I am also halfway through a book.

But, after a long wait, I got Cat Bordhi's new book in the mail today, so I'm feeling a bit motivated now to finish at least a couple of 2nd socks so I can move on. (It's the little "rule" I've just given myself. Like the "rule" I gave my son that he can't have a pet turtle until he can keep his room clean. I think my chances are only slightly better than his.)



Anyway, I ordered it out of curiosity and, I must say, against my better judgment since sock knitting books overfloweth in my home... but I'm so glad I did. While there are a few pairs of socks that make me think, "Well, just because you can, doesn't mean you should," for the most part I am overwhelmed with delight. I've had my nose in it every chance I could get today, fascinated by the beautiful designs and unique techniques.

She starts with a couple of small sample socks, which I would normally be quick to dismiss, but I can see that they are going to be essential in order to grasp a better understanding of the "architecture" she uses. Her basic instructions are very clear and visually distinct. Their construction requires some special alphabet stitch markers that I was able to order from one of my favorite etsy shops so my goal is to finish a sock or two before they arrive. (Take note... if you plan to order the book, order the stitch markers at the same time because you will want to get started!

So obviously I'm going to need some good TV knitting! One of my favorite shows of the new season is Big Bang Theory on Monday nights... ooh! That's tonight! Anyway, it's hilarious and I've downloaded the first few shows of the season that we missed onto my ipod, so hopefully this will help me get past the halfway point on something.

House Day

Well today was the day. Our plan was to head over to my mom's house around lunch time to begin the stalking sight-seeing. However, after delivering my oldest to school and dropping a couple of the others off at classes (Latin & Acting... guess which one is taking acting lessons), 13 yo and I decided we should do a little surveillance.


It was immediately clear there was filming in the works...but out of view of my mom's, so we left JoJo with Grandma and decided to try for a closer look. First, we very casually drove by. Although they were clearly going for secretive, we are sharp cookies and were able to pick up on their subtle clues.

I nonchalantly snapped a couple pictures while driving by. (Totally casual to be sure.)




After invisibly circling the parking lot a few times and scoping out an adjoining empty parking lot with some nice bushes that offered a secluded yet clear view, we got a bit bolder and decided to just park near the location. (The location, by the way, was an indoor rock climbing spot further affirming my suspicion that they were shooting an opening sequence.)

We boldly approached the first security guard and asked if we were able to walk down the lot among the equipment and crew. He smiled, shrugged, and didn't speak English... we took that as a yes and sauntered onto the lot. See, we're clearly getting closer (and dorkier)... my son was actually happy to pose for the picture but since he is a teen now, looking happy is out of the question.



Then the battery died on my camera.

Having only recently rolled out of bed and thrown on some sweats... I was quick to realize that this was the cherry on top of Murphy's Law and I would no doubt bump into the man himself if I strolled any further.

However, my son (who, again, was much more excited than he looks) nudged me along and we approached some workers, "grips" to be exact, who were very helpful. They were, in fact, filming an indoor opening scene and, no, Hugh Laurie was not expected... "but you never know".

No, I guess I won't. I do have some self-respect and sitting in bushes all day waiting for a glimpse of a celebrity, even him, crosses that line. Well, at least the risk of being caught spying through bushes crosses that line.

Oh well, I'll just have to wait for next Tuesday like everyone else.




On a brighter note... the new Interweave Knits was in my mailbox when I got home! What a great issue! I like it even better in person and have earmarked a couple of sweaters I can dig in my stash for! More on that another day.