Shopping with Tammy

I'm sitting here on the threshold of insanity (a very short walk from any point in this house actually) trying to communicate with y'all via my decrepit desktop that is creeping along at a spitefully slow pace. Even checking my e-mail these days, leaves me ready to shed big crocodile tears or bang my head against the wall... but I figure while Sponge Bob absorbs my children's minds for the next 1/2 hour 2 hours, I'll try to post. And since I like a good challenge, I am waiting for flickr to upload my photos while I have this page open! Actually, I'm still waiting for the upload photos page to come up... but you get the idea.

Anyway... Let's go shopping. Since a gal can only buy so much yarn (or so I hear), there are a couple of other things I like to shop for.

For example, I have a thing for stitch markers. These are my new favorites from Hide & Sheep.

While I do like the dangling markers, they can also get in the way on some projects. These purty ones come in many sizes and are nice and smooth. No snagging!

If you're going to try Cat Bordhi's new sock patterns, you need alphabet stitch markers like these that I got from J.L. Yarnworks. (Why yes that is a Spiral Corialis sock in the background... but more on that later.)

While you're at Etsy, you should check out the stitch markers at Dragonlady Designs and SeeJayneKnitYarns too. Cute stuff!

I also have a thing for project bags and I love these little cubes...

The small cube is from Schrodinger and the larger one is from ZigZag Stitches. (It was very nicely priced and came with a little notions pouch which is great for scissors, needles, hooks, etc.)

So there's my shout out to some of the Etsy artisans who make my knitting world a little more beautiful.

Finally, I have a major thing for books. Knitting books and, well, books in general. Having time to read them is really just a preferable but unnecessary prerequisite. Much like buying sock yarn. These three came recently.

I'm really excited about 2-at-a-Time Socks because it teaches you to knit 2 socks at a time using the Magic Loop method. I've done it with 2 circulars before but all those dangling ends just made me loopy.

I've only glanced at The Knitter's Book of Yarn (you know I've been so busy sitting here waiting for e-mails to download and stuff), but it looks great. It not only offers a wealth of info on fibers, plies, and other yarn stuff, but also has an interesting variety of patterns featuring each of the different yarn weights.

Then there's Sensual Knits. Now honestly, I don't remember why I ordered it in the first place because when I think of wool and knitting, the word "sensual" really doesn't have a place. Maybe I just don't have a good understanding of the word... but, well, I'm just not thinking wool sweater when I hear it.

However, if sensual means feminine and classy, then the title is a perfect fit. The book is full of lovely designs knit with a variety of, dare I say, sensual yarns. Could that be it?? Here are just a couple of examples...

Okay, I think my children are playing with fire so I need to run.

Happy shopping!

Christmas Spending

As I was turning on my computer yesterday morning, I noticed this little "door"...

Hmmm. I'd never paid attention to that before. What could be inside?

Whoa! Those look like USB ports... just like what I need to plug in my camera. It couldn't be this easy could it?

Yep. It could.

Duh.

Anyway, with the patience and resolve of a 2 year old, I quickly found ways to spend my Christmas money.

Way #1:

The bag is to die for! It's the Maya bag by Lantern Moon and it is soft and silky and luxurious and way too cute. It's also extra special because when I placed my order with Jimmy Beans Wool, it ended up being processed by my internet "Auntie" who picked out her favorite color for me! Didn't she do good? Also, it turns out that Lorna's Laces dyes a special, exclusive color for them each month so I ordered I couple hanks of January's color, Ice Storm. Yummm. It was my first time ordering from Jimmy Beans but I'm sure it won't be my last.

Way #2:
A beautiful variety of sock yarns found there way into my cart at The Loopy Ewe as well as this great medium size project bag. Uh, yes I do have a thing for project bags... why do you ask? From l. to r., Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Wilderness, Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK in Victorian Rose, Chewy Spaghetti in Simpatico, and Zen String Serendipity in Jay. I love them all, but I must say, the gals at Chewy Spaghetti really have a unique sense for color. I'm working with some of their sportweight right now and I just love the amazing variations of color.

As for knitting, I'm hoping to finish up the last sleeve on Twist today and be ready to block and seam soon. But, of course, I'm spending a fair amount of time trying to figure out what's next too. I'm thinking I might use my stash of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino to make Rogue.

What's next on your needles?

I Am Most Decidedly, Most Definitely...

Un-Vogue.

Now this isn't really news. I mean my love of Old Navy has been made well known along with my enthusiasm for their release of new t-shirt colors each season to add to my collection. I am passionate about sweats and Levi's and live in these as much as I can get away with.

To tell you the truth, I have always been clueless about fashion... my awareness of this reality has just varied over time. There were the earliest years (up until about 6th grade) when I was clueless and couldn't have cared less. I mean Levi's are Levi's right? Be they plaid or plain!

Then there were the years of my awakening which began somewhere around Jr. High. They were the years of trying desperately to fit in... and often even thinking I did... but, in fact, I don't think I ever really got around to wearing anything trendy until it was almost out of style. But, as I always say, ignorance is bliss so these years weren't too horrible fashionwise. Except for maybe the period of zippered ankle jeans with chunky Reeboks and big hair. (Unfortunately for me, size 0 jeans with size 7 1/2 Reeboks made me look like I was ready to hit the slopes but, well, I don't really like to think about those days all too much.)

Then, as I sobered up grew wiser, I became painfully aware of the fact that I just didn't get it and would never have that "IT" factor. I couldn't pull together an outfit to save my life and I was always wearing the wrong outfit for the occasion. Now it's true that I might have had a bit of a self-esteem issue, but I'm pretty confident that I'm not far off here.

There were a couple of good years when I was newly married and had my first credit cards and simply bought the outfits on the mannequins in the boutique shops... but then came pregnancy... and the mommy years... and re-entry into previous out-of-it phase.

Enter Old Navy and the acceptance that I really only feel comfortable in jeans and t-shirts (not to mention the confidence that comes from birthing more children than most of your friends) so who gives a hoot. Right?

Interestingly, I find that exposure to the many knitting magazines out there and the trends seen within has made me much more aware and at least one step above clueless when it comes to this stuff. (Not that it's making a huge impact on my wardrobe... I just see it more.)

For example, if the most recent Vogue is any indication, BIG and over-sized is coming back in a BIG way. Now don't get me wrong, I actually like over-sized sweaters and looser fitting clothes (especially since the same birthing of 5 children that has brought me a certain amount of respect has also left it's mark around my waist), but I'm not sure that any of these sweaters are really my style.

Actually, I rarely find anything I understand (let alone really want to knit) in Vogue Knitting. And it was pretty clear from the cover that this probably wasn't the issue for me (although I think I could make that face... the one on the left)...

But since it was new... and contained knitting patterns... and the new Interweave is still a few weeks away... I bought it.

Now, since I've been too lazy too busy to get my camera hooked up to my archaic desktop computer, I'm relying on what I could find at their website to share which is unfortunately a very mild presentation of what you will find within the actual magazine. Think BIGGER, bolder, and "Oh My!"

But of all the pictures, this one trouble me the most...

No, not the sweater. The sweater is really just fine. It's the poor model... and the fact that she has no shoulders.

Anyway, I want to thank all of you for your kind commiseration and well wishes for my headache. I finally found this...

It would be the only thing that has ever worked for a sinus headache for me. Ever. I highly recommend it. And "SEVERE" sounds so much better than "Extra Strength" or "New and Improved" don't you think?

Ugh!

I have a headache.

Not just an ordinary headache but an intensely piercing, unrelenting, wake me up too early in the morning type of headache. It is the worst headache ever... well, at least with the exception of the obnoxious chess-playing kid on House. (Remember the one? They were hoping that his rudeness was illness related and could be healed as well?)

Now, I am somewhat of an expert on headaches... getting them that is. I get sinus headaches, hormonal headaches, migraines, too-many-noisy-kids headaches, cluttered house headaches, etc. I get headaches that last for days and ones that keep me awake at night. But I'm telling you this one is bad... and I'm thinking sinus related... thus the Benedryl that I only take in the most severe of circumstances because it will probably have me back to sleep within the hour.

It is not the kind of headache that makes you cheerful to drive your son to school when it's freezing outside. 45 degrees to be exact. I know this makes many of you laugh. I've lived in New York and know that 45 degrees is not freezing but my thin So Cal skin has adapted (over the 30 years I've live here) to the 70 degree average we experience most of the year. And, not only is it freezing, but it's bright and sunny outside. A little too bright if you ask me.

To top it all off, I had to stop for Cascade and toilet paper... two of the only things that we absolutely can not live without. Sure, I could have the kids wash the dirty dishes by hand... but would you want to use a fork that's been washed by a boy child? No. I didn't think so.

On the upside, things are still quiet. The kids are all still asleep and there's no chance of me waking them up any time soon!

Anyway, I only share this with you because I have this narcissistic need to let others know when I am suffering. I find commiseration is a very important quality in a friend.

Well, I'm sensing an increasing likelihood that I'll be back to sleep before the headache departs, but I'll try to talk knitting later. Just as soon as I try to move this behemoth of a hard drive to find the usb port for my camera on the back. But I can till you that...

1. I've finished the back and fronts of Twist. (Check out Marie-Grace's post on blocking and set-in sleeves. Very, very helpful!)
2. I'm halfway through a Cat Bordhi Spiral Corialis Sock.
3. I've started IK's Gathered Pullover with some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (which may or may not work for this pattern... only time will tell).

And we are attempting to start back to school... all of us fighting it tooth and nail... but, alas, it must be done. More later on that as well.

Okay... now I hear them waking up. They have turned on the recording they made of American Gladiator because, above all things, quality TV is a huge priority in this house. See ya later.

Itty-Bitty Thread

For a change of pace, we are having weather here in Southern California. Yes, real weather! We are under a "Severe Storm Alert" which, in this part of the country basically means it might rain. A little or a lot... no matter... it's weather and worthy of news. But this appears to be a real storm with the implied wind and rain all day long. I love this weather. I live for grey stormy skies. The splashing of rain on the windows and roof warm my heart. I want to snuggle up with a good book and knit... which, actually, is exactly what I did today.

However, I didn't do it alone. It would be quiet if I were alone. My heart wouldn't be pounding if I were alone. I would feel... what's that word? Oh yeah, "peaceful"... even joyful if I were alone. But as I said, I am not alone. No, I am in a house with 5 boys who can't go outside and play. Five boys who pretty much didn't know what to do with themselves by 2:00. Five boys who I am ready to lock out of the house (with jackets of course). If I give them a tent too could I get in trouble for that?

On top of it all, the power cord for my lifeline to the outside world (ie. my husband's laptop) has suffered some sort of damage from being twisted through the workings of a recliner. I'm feeling fairly certain that the crackling and sizzling sounds coming from the exposed wiring is not a good thing and should probably be avoided. And while the image of little power cord fireworks going off in my lap does make me shudder, I'm honestly much more concerned about the possibility of it causing his computer to seize leaving me even more hopelessly bound to this dinosaur... my old desktop computer. The upstairs desktop computer that sits on what used to be my desk but now is just a place that is home to a bunch of paper and books that have yet to find a more permanent home. I'm pretty sure my desk is still underneath it all supporting the mess though.

Upstairs. All the way upstairs. This is really limiting my social life. And I'm struggling with the powerful cravings and subsequent feelings of loss that come over me whenever I think about a quick game of Minesweeper. sigh

Aside from the general inconvenience, do you have any idea what happens when I escape upstairs for a few quiet moments? The boys... whatever their doing, wherever they're at... immediately need me. They're suddenly hungry, crying, fighting, jumping, racing, yelling. All. Around. ME.

I'm hanging on by a thread here. Just an itty bitty thread. Did I mention that the space key and return key on this computer only work sometimes? A thread.

On the bright side, I did receive my order from Old Navy today and, after several attempts, almost everything fit! Of course, I eliminated most of the trial and error by choosing a couple of pant styles I already had and just ordering more in different colors... but I'm easy to please like that. Now picking out yarn... totally different story.

Whoops. Times up... boy creatures are a-coming.

It's Just a Sock Dang-It

Okay, I'm going to try for a real post here. First of all, I totally forgot to post my finished Chevron Scarf. Between you and me, I never thought I'd actually finish such a scarf but once I started I couldn't wait to finish so I could wear it. I absolutely love it... bright colors and all!

Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Socks that Rock Mediumweight: Watermelon Tourmaline & Farmhouse

Size 5 needles

Apx: 6" x 64"

I've also been (a wee bit neurotically) working on my Christmas Eve socks. While I've managed to complete 2 unmatching socks in spite of re-doing each heel at least 3 times as I tried to master new techniques, I have only negative progress to show on the Chewy Spaghetti sock.

After enduring the various heel options I felt compelled to try, it was completely frogged. Actually, it's been frogged more times than I can count. The yarn is incredible... too incredible in fact... too incredible to settle for anything other than the perfect sock. With the color changes, perfection seems to occur with a 60 stitch cast on knit in Crosshatch Lace from More Sensational Knitted Socks. However, since it is a sportweight (a wonderful squishy sportweight with a nice tight twist), 60 stitches was a bit too big. Not way too big mind you... just a bit... just enough to not be perfect.

Now 48 stitches fits great but instead of a pleasantly flowing stream of colors, I get clumps of color. I know it's called pooling, but pooling never bothers me. I have never changed a sock pattern because of the way the colors are aligning... and had I started out with 48 stitches, I most likely would've knit on in blissful ignorance that a better possibility existed. But it does... and I know. So the last week has been spent wasting many an hour in a fruitless attempt to find the perfect pattern. Last night I finally cast on 60 stitches once again choosing to accept the peaceful balance of color over the perfect fit. I can't even begin to express the torment I have endured.

I think I need to take a break for some Minesweeper. Busy days I tell you. Busy, busy, busy.

PS... Sorry but this computer is way too slow, and my patience is way too over-extended to provide links.

Yawn

Nothing. I have nothing to say. No exciting news. No spectacular New Year's festivities. Just sock yarn, season one of Lost, and occasional attempts at global communication on the world's slowest laptop. Mine is still in need of technical assistance but since making phone calls and stopping for gas are at the top of my list of trivial things I try to avoid, my laptop is waiting for my husband (the one of us who actually has a job) to have a few free hours to chat with Dell. I'm almost to the point of calling them myself... but, well, not really.