The Bitter Knitter

It's Dark in Here

2011-11-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

I remember when I started this blog. I was feeling alone, isolated and frustrated. I believe the first few posts were mainly rants about yarn snobs or people that made me feel excluded. Eventually my posts evolved; there were more pictures, stories. It was kind of a fun place to stop by.

Then life kind of got in the way. We moved, I didn't have a job, then I had a job, then the DH didn't have a job, then he had a temp job, then I didn't have a job, then I got another job, and the DH got one, too.

And I'm sitting here, and I'm feeling alone, frustrated and isolated. There's stuff going on. Not great stuff. Stuff that makes a person feel alone. I'm pretty sure no one stops by this little corner of the internet anymore, so maybe, just maybe, now that I've dusted off my username and password, maybe I'll post about it. Maybe.

But not today. Today, it's just dark in here.

New England 2.0

2009-08-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

They're done! Second time around with this pattern. First time, I used some nasty acrylic sock yarn (!?) which made for some rarely worn socks. This time around, I used a wool/nylon blend, and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out!

New England Socks, from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Red Heart Heart and Soles, Ivory. 2 skeins.
Needles: US 0's. Magic Loop.
Mods: Switched out the Dutch heel for a round heel. Deeper gusset=better fit for me.

Aaah...

2009-07-23T15:14:00.001-07:00

That's better.

A River in Egypt

2009-07-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

There are certain truths in knitting. Truths that I hold to, and which shape the choices I make. Usually. There are certain uglinesses that I avoid unless absolutely necessary. The main truth, one of the first I discovered about myself in relation to my knitting is: The Dutch Heel Is Not For Me. It's not that I find it aesthetically unpleasant. It's not that I find it difficult to achieve. I do not find it sloppy, icky, or dumb. It just plain doesn't fit my foot. I discovered this while doing several sample knitting gigs, making socks with Dutch Heels. They p-u-u-u-u-l-l-l-l-l across my instep, distorting the stitch pattern, making for a tight, difficult fit in one area, where the rest of the sock fits just fine. So, from that moment on, I just threw a standard round heel into any sock knit for me, or the DH. Until yesterday.

A few years back, I knit the New England socks from Knitting on the Road for myself. I knit them at a gauge that was too loose, and, sadly, I knit them out of acrylic sock yarn. I have come to the point where I am wanting to replace these seldom worn socks with some knit from, well, wool. Fair enough. I was plugging along, heel flap knit, on to the heel turn. Wait. It's a Dutch Heel. Maybe you should throw in a round heel. Nah. I'll just follow the directions. What's the worst that could happen?

A-yup. Too tight across the instep. I hear the frogs a-callin' from the banks of Denial. Sigh. When will I really learn?

Everything Old is New Again

2009-07-17T14:48:00.001-07:00

FO: Spring Forward Socks
Needles: US 1
Yarn: SR Kertzer On Your Toes! Bamboo
Notes: Fast, fun pattern! Ran out of yarn just before closing off the second toe. Used a scrap from the stash to finish it up.

Those of you who are regular readers (who am I kidding? I last posted 5 months ago. That's not regular under any circumstances) might remember the DH's love of a good zippered cardigan. In an attempt to capitalize on that love, I set out to knit him Avast! in a really lovely cordovan brown wool.

It was the most boring thing I have ever knit. I was therefore certain that he would love it. Maybe even more than he loves the Cambridge Jacket I knit for him which ignited his passion for items that might be found whilst raiding Mr. Rogers' closet. I knit and knit, seeming miles of stockinette... I picked up for the facings/zipper placket. I seamed the arms, and

It didn't fit. Enter the ball winder. Skippy, while watching me unravel an entire completed sweater remarked, "Couldn't you find someone it does fit?" Well, that's not the point, is it? I was making this sweater for the DH. It doesn't fit him, so I must knit something else from this yarn. Pretty obvious, if you think about it. Starting over doesn't have to be painful, it's only yarn! So, Cambridge Jacket 2.0 is in the works. Back is finished, fronts started. This one will fit him and will get worn on a regular basis. So everyone's happy.

Along the theme of starting over, turning something that wasn't working into something that will work, I am in the process of a career renovation of sorts. The position I was working underwent some major budget-related cuts, and, being low on the seniority end of things, I was laid off. After about a week of panic attacks and crying and what-am-I-going-to-do-now? I have decided to return (very briefly) to school, reinstate my teaching license, and, ultimately, get my ESL license.

So, transitions all around! It's on me.

What's That Clicking Noise?

2009-02-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

A finished Must Have Cardigan and some mittens in progress...
Must Have Cardigan from Patons Street Smart
Size: M
Mods: Worked the diamond crossings to mirror each other. Otherwise, knit as writ.

The buttons are a bit small, but I couldn't find any I liked in the correct size, so I'll just snug up the buttonholes.

The mittens are Pattern 8 from Knitting Marvelous Mittens by Charlene Schurch. Love.

Back-Alley Intarsia

2008-12-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, those of you who have followed this blog for a while may already be aware of how I feel about bobbles (sad, sad, nipply wastes of time); but I don't think I've ever let you in on my feelings about Intarsia. Um. Yeah. Not A Fan, Myself. That may very well be the reason you don't find photos of sweaters with pictures of sheep on them around these parts (the DH once pointed out some be-sheeped shop samples with an oh, so hopeful and impressed, "Look at that! Could you make me a sweater with a sheep on it?").

Not being a fan of the technique, I've never even attempted it (oddly enough, I've taught others how to do it). I swore to myself that I would never try it.

Enter the challenge.

A coworker of the DH, after learning I knit, mentioned the Christmas stockings his grandmother had knit for everyone when he was a child. Grandma had since passed, leaving nary a knitter in the family. Coworker's mother had of late started a desperate, yet fruitless search for someone, anyone, capable of recreating Grandma's handiwork.

"My wife could do it."

"I don't know, there's like, pictures and stuff on them. They're pretty complicated..."

"I'm telling you, my wife could totally do it."

The originals were sent home with the DH, and, armed with some holiday colored Super Saver (wow, it's been a while since I touched that stuff!) and my own mother's patience and beading talents, I am now 2/3rds of the way through my Intarsia Odyssey. Still not a fan of the technique, but I am now certain I could slap a sheep on the front of a sweater if the need arose.

In Other Holiday Knitting News, I finished the Montreal Tuque (actually Wild Tuque) for the young BIL. That was a lot more pleasant to work on:

Montreal Tuque from Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery
Size L
US 4 Knitpicks Harmony 40" circular (Magic Loop)
Knitpicks Swish Superwash in Jade
Red Pepper
Natural, 1 skein each.
Lovely, soft, squishy and warm!

Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

This year, we had no superheroes here at the Bitter Residence. Preliminary polls led us to believe we might be visited by Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty and a gypsy, but as the day approached, 5 year old minds changed and we ended up with a matched set of spooky, yet adorable...

Skeletons! Yes, still no princesses here, but my mom and I did manage to sneak little hearts into the ribcages (thanks for the idea, Skippy!), and they are pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

The weather was so nice we didn't even need to put jackets on under the sweatshirts.

After a quick Trick or Treat session, the girls were in charge of handing out candy at my mom's house, and managed to bring out civility and manners to even the non-costumed teenaged boys who came by. All in all, a nearly perfect Halloween here. Hope all who were celebrating had a fun, safe and spooky night!

I Fear We're Surrounded

2008-07-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

There has been knitting, I swear.

Not Still

2008-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Even I'm sick of that Debbie Downer of a post. Here's something that makes me smile (it's from last Christmas).

Still

2008-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Still haven't sold the house.
Still no FO pictures (I've finished some stuff, most of it has been sent on to the recipient. Some is still here waiting for me to find the gumption to photograph it.)
Still no job. That's the biggy. The house unsold and the lack of consistent employment have really sent me into a downwardly spiraling funk. It all just makes me feel so useless. The DH, when he was really feeling down on himself used to tell me he had no marketable skills. Outside of teaching, that is. He has managed to maintain six consecutive teaching contracts. Me? Not so much. I don't regret for a moment the decision to stay home to raise the girls, but now... Now I can't even be granted an interview for a position I'm filling in for. I know there are always politics at work in hiring, but what does that say about me and my skills? Really? I never pretended the move to Minnesota would be all sunshine and lollipops, but I also never really believed I would still be getting rejected for jobs after 5 months of applications. What the hell is wrong with me, anyway?

To You And Yours

2007-12-23T19:18:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays! Perhaps the new year will bring some actual knitting content...

I Feel So Much Safer

2007-11-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Knowing that my mild mannered girls by day:

Are a Super-Duper Crime fighting duo by night!

Hope your Halloween went off without a hitch! I have some Feezy Baby Knits in the mix, but won't post pictures until after the baby shower next week. Cute stuff in the works, though!

I accepted a long term subbing job that will keep me busy until Winter Break, so that is a positive occurrence of note. Otherwise, I am trying to keep to project monogamy for the most part. I'm itching to cast on some lace, but must finish some other stuff up first!

The Journey of 1000 Miles

2007-10-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yes. We're moved, and we all survived. Some of the highlights of the cross country junk-haul include: Skippy and I driving so long and getting so tired we were independently hallucinating (you haven't lived until you've "seen" a giant Bengal tiger crossing I-80 in the middle of Nebraska), arriving at our motel room to discover there was no handle on the toilet and being so exhausted it didn't phase us at all, we just took the lid off the tank and lifted the flapper that way, but by far, the highlight for me was spending two entire days (albeit in a confined space) with Skippy, my best and oldest friend.

The DH's job is going well, and I'm still trying to find a way to earn my keep. I've registered as a sub here in the district, and have applications in several places. We'll see if anything pans out.

I have finished some stuff, including the "Klapotis" in Kureyon 40:

The "Po-mom-tamus" socks in Trekking XXL 147 (Christmas present for my mom):

A ribwarmer in Reynold's Harvest Tweed Burgundy Tweed:

And, I've also done some spinning. One of the DH's students is a 4-Her and raises chickens and sheep. The DH told her I know how to spin (I love how he oversells me) and she brought a bread bag of fleece for him to give to me. I got around to cleaning some of it yesterday, and have been prepping and spinning some of it up today. The fleece is a beautiful grey with blond tips, and is spinning up really nicely with some great, subtle color variation in the singles. I am getting close to being able to say I no longer suffer from a drafting disability, and I actually had fun spinning this little bit up today (no, Emily, I didn't park and draft, I actually did it with the drop spindle. I must have been channeling my inner twit).

Cleaning House

2007-08-23T14:18:00.001-07:00

First and foremost, I got my Sockapalooza socks! Love them! They fit perfectly, and even have a nice deep gusset for my high instep! Thanks again, Emily!

Then, there's the parade of almost FO's that keeps getting longer. I have made two promises to myself in the vein of all the dejunking I've been doing lately: 1. I will work on one project at a time (plus a sock, socks don't count, right?) so that I finish one big project before starting another.

2. I will be knitting from the stash from here on out. Until I run out of yarn, of course. This is for several reasons, not the least of which is the financial crunch that moving without having sold the house will create. Also, it will help me in my attempt to simplify my life. Not that I'm all that complicated a critter; I'm quite simple, myself (not intellectually speaking, mind you. I can hold my own on that front, thank you!), just a bit "nesty" and cluttered. Trying to nip that in the bud (can one technically nip a habit that spans a full third of a century "in the bud?")
So, the BFD is done, waiting to be blocked, my sister's mittens are knit, fulled, and temporarily on display at the shop, and Skippy's scarf is just waiting for me to stitch the two halves together. This flurry of finishing is a prime example of the effect of project monogamy.

Well, the boxes are calling! One (hopefully) last carload to the donation dropoff, and I'll update once we're settled in the Central Time Zone and the house sells. 'Till then, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Winter Holiday of your choice, the list goes on, and on, and on...

Not Much, You?

2007-08-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

As in, not much left around here to get rid of, and not much left to pack for a while.

So, where's the knitting, you ask?

1. The Ghost of Christmas Past
Those of you with looooong memories will recognize this as Skippy's Christmas scarf. The one that I finished half of in time for gift exchanging. I'm finally getting this monkey off my back and cranking out the second half. It was Skippy, after all, who deemed 2007 the Year of the UFO.

2. The BFD (as in "Big F---- Doily" big fancy doily, get your mind out of the gutter, potty mouth! )
Mommes Lysedug. This is another knit for Skippy. Skippy has a lot of lovely older furniture on which a doily would look right at home. This doily, however, may find itself more at home as a cozy for Delaware. It just keeps getting bigger. Funny how that works, eh? You knit more rounds on and the thing gets bigger. Genius.

3. I Swear, it's Not What You Think!
Unless, of course, you were just benignly thinking, "Oh, it's a Baby Surprise Jacket!" Because that, it is. It is not, however, an announcement as to why, other than the move, things have gotten so quiet around here. In other words, it's a gift. For Mrs. Feezy. (Yeah, Feezys!)

4. Separated At Birth?
You be the judge. Here is Hugh's sock hanging out with my terrible reenactment (not a judgment, that, I just think terrible reenactment sounds more exciting than historical recreation).

I think we may have a pattern by mid-September!

Socking It Away...

2007-07-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

In more than one sense. First off, wooly carps do we have a lot of junk socked away! (well, junk to us, anyway) Every load I haul off to be donated has become like a deep, renewing, cleansing breath. I seriously feel about two inches taller! Of course, there's still more to do, but the aim is to make this move our first that is totally free from the ubiquitous box(es) of miscellaneous crap. I'll let you know how that goes.

In the other sense, I have been socking away on my sock pal's Sockapalooooza socks, and here they are in all their glory:

Pattern: Anastasia Socks by Pepperknit
Yarn: Trekking XXL color #100
Needles: Knitpicks size US 1 (2.5mm)
Modifications: Knit as written until the rib, which I did as a 1x1 so that I could do a tubular bind off. Worked tubular bind off in Rainbow Elastic.
Thoughts: I'm really pleased with the Rainbow Elastic bind off! Stretchy and resilient! These socks were a fun knit, and I hope my pal likes them!

So, what's next? Take a look at this:

This sock was knit by my friend Emily's grandfather for his sweetie, the woman who would later be Emily's grandmother, many years ago. Isn't it beautiful? Emily has agreed to allow me (okay, I offered and she accepted) to examine the sock, knit a replica and write a pattern for said sock! This is really an exciting project to me, I think I'm pretty close to having the whole thing figured out! The plan is to sell the pattern as a CFA exclusive. If there's interest, I'll suggest she make it available for online purchase somehow. Please leave a comment if you are indeed interested in purchasing this pattern once it's ready.

Wooly Carps!

2007-07-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

My friends, the semi-annual Bitterfam trans-continental butt-hauling is officially a thing of the past. Or it will be in a couple of weeks when we really and truly pack up and haul butt for good!

The DH has landed a teaching gig in Minnesota about ten minutes from my mom's house and we are in the process of actually doing all that junk-ridding I've been thinking of getting started on for years now.

So, things will most likely be pretty quiet around here for a while. I will finish my sock pal's socks on time, and hopefully post some pics of recent FO's, but I really need to put the ole head down and organize to the best of my ability (which isn't saying much, I know!)

Wish us luck on the housing search and my quest for gainful employment...

...And the Angels Sang...

2007-06-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

When last we saw my Sockapalooooza socks, sock #1 had been bound off with a modified tubular bind off and, quite frankly, I, for one, was less than satisfied with the end result. Yes, it was still not pulling its weight, so to speak, and was (albeit just a tiny bit) too binding a bind off.

There was some mention of a possible toe-up epiphany of sorts, and my friends, I think I have seen the light!

(If you think the modified tubular bind off is a pig, try undoing it!)

Original bind off taken out, and stitches ready to give it another go...

But, what's this? Who is this hero on the horizon?

Why, yes, it's humble old Rainbow Elastic, available, oddly enough, in a rainbow of colors!

Will it work?

Yes, my friends, it does! It does leave you with two extra ends to weave in, but this really does seem to alleviate the binding bind off. I used the good ole modified tubular bind off, but this would also work with EZ's sewn bind off or even a standard bind off (colormatching would be more of an issue with this option, as you'd actually have basically a round knit in the elastic) knitter's choice!

I know I can't be the first to have thought of this, but it really has opened the previously self restricted door to all those lovely toe-up patterns out there I had been avoiding due to my picky-ness about achieving just the right bind off!

I hope my sock pal is as happy with it as I am!

Flaming Monkeys and Glacial Anastasias

2007-06-25T17:36:00.001-07:00

The Monkeys are, indeed, done. And not a bad use for a hank of Jitterbug!
Pattern: Monkey, by Cookie A
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Fire
Needles: 2.5 mm (US 1.5)
Modifications: Mostly just the heel flap. I have a hard time reconciling a stockinette heel flap; makes me worry the socks will wear out before their time, so I threw in an eye of partridge heel flap on these. I think it works.

Speaking of socks, my Sockapalooooza socks are coming along. I swear this whole sock swap thing is feeding into my neuroses big time. I so want these socks to be special for my pal. So, first I busted out the Trekking, then I decided to do toe-ups with short row toes and heels (I am normally very much a top-down, flap and turn kind of gal). After worry-fest 2007 about how best to bind off, I did a modified tubular bind off which I will be taking out (not stretchy enough to satisfy) but, boy, do I have an idea! This could revolutionize toe-up sock knitting as we know it! Or, it could be something all you toe-uppers already know and just figured was too obvious to go crowing about. Or, it could end up being too big a PITA to bother with. I'll let you know.

Speaking of PITA, see that meager toe up there? See how the completed sock is ever-so-cleverly overlapping said toe? It is concealing a fatal flaw induced by commencing the spiral eyelets at Knit Nite and not paying particular attention to the pattern or my knitting. Ripping commenced mere moments after this photo was taken, and the sock is now back on track.

Okay, So I'm Not a Photographer

2007-06-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

If you've ever wondered why you rarely, if ever see FO pictures modeled by a human body around here (other than socks, anyway), this next series of photos should lay all your queries to rest...

Yup. I'm lousy at taking pictures of myself, and when I hand the camera over to someone else, I immediately become a bit stiff and uncomfortable (that and it's hard to get the DH to focus on the handknits and not try to get all artsy).

Here is Bianca's Jacket from the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits.

Pattern: Bianca's Jacket, by Michele Rose Orne
Yarn: Reynold's Mandalay in (now discontinued) denim.
Needles: US sizes 6, 7, and 8
Modifications: I knit the sleeves as 3/4 instead of full length to a) conserve yarn and b) preserve my sanity, as I would have been dragging them in everything if they were longer.

I do have completed Monkeys to show you, but they are still drying... But, have you seen the new Knitscene? Those green and yellow Ribby Retro Socks were knit by yours truly!

I'll be back with an update on my Sockapalooooza socks (one down, one to go!) and some sweet itty bitty knitting in progress.

Set Adrift

2007-05-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about knitting samples is, other than the big pluses of getting a "sneak peek" at a spankin' new pattern and often getting to use yarns I wouldn't otherwise drop the cash for, it gives me focus, direction. The deadline charges my knitting and I actually get things done. I recently finished two sample socks for Gardiner Yarn Works, and once they were out of
the house, that old feeling crept up on me again.

Lazy River Socks

Walk in the Woods Socks

I feel I've been set adrift in a round boat with no rudder and no oars. Just spinning and drifting and listing this way and that. No focus, no looming deadlines. It's a strange feeling.

In an attempt to combat the perception that I never knit for myself, I've been plugging away at a couple of things for me, namely the Fire Monkey socks and Bianca's Jacket. But I keep getting torn away by one temptation or another... Not stuff for me, just flashes of brilliant gift ideas for others and the like.

The Shetland Triangle, last seen as an expanse of fluffy peaks, was gifted to the lovely and talented Emily (LYS owner extraordinaire!) for her birthday. Tears were shed and, as expected, it looks wonderful on her.

Pattern: Shetland Triangle, by Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas sportweight in ? baby pink (leftovers from some sample knitting)
Needles: US 6
Modifications/Notes: I think I knit one more full repeat than called for. It was a pretty easy pattern to memorize and a lot of fun to block since it knits up SO LUMPY!

I'm also plugging away on my pal's Sockapalooooza socks:

First time using Trekking, first toe-ups (successful toe-ups, there was a toe-up of which we shall not speak, and one toe-up sample that I don't count), and first shortrow heels (for an adult) Any suggestions on a stretchy bind off? Don't say EZ's sewn bind off, I've used it and I don't find it to be elastic enough (ie: it stretches, but doesn't have much memory, KWIM?) Should I do a tubular bind off, or are there any other suggestions out there? I'm almost ready to start the ribbing for sock #1, so any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks!

Jumping in With Both Feet

2007-05-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to broaden my horizons a bit (and to liven up my languishing sock drawer) I signed on to participate in Sockapalooza 4. I have never participated in a swap of any kind on the internets. I guess I had a fear that my "pal" would flake on me. I have set that fear aside, as my pal has already contacted me and seems really geared up to knit some socks! As am I.

In celebration of trying something new, for my pal's socks, I have decided to crack into "The Museum." What's "The Museum?" you ask? Well... I have this little problem.

(no, not sock yarn in general, that is a little bigger problem, due to my belief that "sock yarn doesn't count")

I Love Trekking.

I love it a lot.

I want to take every ball of it I see home.

And put it in "The Museum."

You see, despite my heralded affection for the Trekking, I have not yet brought myself to crack into a single skein of the stuff. Not. One. Hence, "The Museum" was born. We loves the Trekking, we hoardes it, we pets it, but we do not knits with the Trekking. Yes, it's a sickness.

Until now. Today I have decided, as executive curator of "The Museum" that my pal will have socks. She will have socks knit from Trekking XXL color #100. And in the knitting, may my neurotic affliction pass.

Passing the Hat

2007-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

First, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kind comments on Icarus!

Now, on to more serious matters...
The shop I work at, Colorado Fiber Arts, is having a Rock-A-Thon on May 12 to benefit Warm the World, a wonderful charity that provides handcrafted items (hats, blankets, scarves, you name it) to those in need. Rockers are collecting sponsors, and all the items created on that day will be donated to Warm the World, as well as all the funds raised. I'm doing my part to get the word out, but, seeing as I will probably be helping in other capacities that day, I cannot rock or collect sponsors. I can, however, put a call out to all of you out there reading this to knit (or crochet) a washable 4" square and mail it to the shop:

Colorado Fiber Arts
121 Broadway
Pueblo, CO 81004

with a little note with your name and, "Lisa sent me." I'd love to see how far this can reach, as I know most of you are not local to Pueblo! I will put all the names into the proverbial hat and, yes, there will be a prize (TBD, but I promise it won't be from the Stash of Shame) along with the feeling of doing a little bit to help Warm the World fulfill their goal of no one in need going without. Really, how much time does a little 4x4 square (or two, or as many as you want to send!) take? Of course, hats, scarves, etc. are also more than welcome.

Please help spread the word and help our little shop Warm the World this Mother's Day!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the e-mail address on the sidebar.

Losing the Battle

2007-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yet, winning the war. I did, indeed, run out of yarn on Icarus. I don't think the solution harms the final product in the least, do you?

Didn't think so.

Pattern: Icarus, by Miriam Felton
Yarn: Knitpicks Bare Merino Laceweight and a touch of Colinette Parisienne in Castagna
Needles: 3mm circular

I knit this as a gift for my mom, who, incidentally, is flying out for a visit tomorrow, so the finishing couldn't have better timing. I'm ashamed to admit how long this thing languished on the needles. I got bogged down in the stockinette columns, and it just sat quietly waiting for me to pick it up again. Looking at it pinned out on my bedroom floor, I'm glad I refocused my energies on this one. It's really a beautiful pattern. (and, not a half bad dye job on my part! All hail the Kool-Aid Man! Ooh, yeah!) My only real problem, other than running out of steam in the beginning, and running out of yarn at the end, was the fact that the name Icarus just makes me think of that episode of the Cosby Show when we find out that Theo's not really an idiot, he's just dyslexic. So, here's to Theo and his magical LD diagnosis, and here's to my mom, who raised me and gave me wings. The least I can do is return the favor.

Pardon Me Whilst I Remove My Crabby Pants!*

2007-04-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Now that my computer has (finally!) deigned to speak with my camera, it is refusing to acknowledge the existence of my printer. Grrr... Curmudgeonly computer. Okay, so it is four years old (I secretly blame the printer, which is 8), and maybe it's time for an upgrade...

Moving on!

Nothing finished (that I took photos of, anyway) but things are starting to get interesting on Icarus:

More interesting than you might think, since I fear I may run out of (hand-dyed) yarn! Fear not, as a solution has been determined that will work if it has to.

This lovely pile of moguls is coming along nicely... Anyone care to Name That Tune?

And, I think I'm getting the hang of this spinning thing! (white is wool, brown is Al. Pa. Ca.)

*When I taught school, I used the phrase "I'm wearing my crabby pants today" to warn students I was not in the mood to deal with nonsense. My first graders spent the entire school year attempting to surmise just which pair was the crabby pair. They determined I must have several. ;-)

On a side note: Cellie, you left a comment with a question, which I'd be more than happy to answer. Just drop me an e-mail (my address is on the side bar) and I'll try to help you out!

Fiddle-Fart: Techno Edition

2007-04-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

So, after spending some quality time on the phone with Kodak, no dice. They are mailing me a CD to update the software. Meantime, I decided there must be a way to load new photos in absence of the "Easyshare." There is. You probably already knew that, but it was a discovery for me!

Without further ado:

Mrs. Feezy's second sock!
It will eventually get mailed to you, Feez, so Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday and all that jazz!

Pattern: Log Cabin Socks from Handknit Holidays
Yarn: Bernat Denimstyle in Polo, 2 skeins.
Needles: US 5
Comments: Yeouch! Denimstyle has no resilience, so was a total PITA to cable with, especially at this tight of a gauge. Worth it for you, though, F! And, another Holiday Hangover is done and gone! All that's left is the second half of Skippy's scarf!

Here is a photo of the Monkey sock in Fire (ooh! Flaming Monkeys!)

The heel has since been turned and the gusset is decreased. I can't wait to wear these!

And here is the knitaround ad nauseum. The more I look at it, the more I think maybe I was thinking Seurat instead of Monet. Well, they're both good.

But not as good as this:
It even comes with patterns for a little afghan and throw pillows! I love how the cat on the cover seems to fully realize the humiliation of his situation.

Picture This...

2007-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

So, there are a lot of things I would like to show you (including a real gem of a pattern leaflet find, and a couple of blue FO's), and the powers that be at Kodak have been contacted, so, perhaps by the end of the week.

The DH was not hired for the position he interviewed for. Back to the drawing board with ever-changing game plans. It would be nice if things could just be simple, but we all know they never are, so it's best not to dwell.

It's Official: I am Not Elizabeth Zimmermann (I know, I know, you were sure I was, but, nope!)
I have a great admiration for her innovative and creative contributions to knitting, but, I gotta tell you, I have a current project on the needles that is stockinette in the round and I. Am. So. Bored. I know I've said I like a lot of fiddle-farting around in my knitting, but, it turns out I actually need a lot of fiddle-farting around in my knitting. I need something to be thinking about. I'm knitting around and around and around and around and around and around on this thing and there is absolutely nothing to think about while I knit and knit and knit except that I miss home and I want to move back but now there are some people here that I would just have to sneak into the moving truck because I will miss them if we do end up moving. Do I really need extra time to think about all that? No, I say, I do not. So, it's a good thing the yarn is knitting up to look like a Monet painting, or I'd likely have chucked it across the room by now! Anyone have any suggestions of a pattern with major fiddle-farting that I could reward myself with upon completion of this one?

To ease the grumblemuck of the aforementioned project, and to remedy my pathetic sock drawer, I am working on a pair of Monkey socks in Jitterbug Fire. They are for me, and the first heel is turned with the gusset almost complete. I resisted the call of the Jitterbug for a while, but now that I've actually knit with it, I want to smuggle all of it out of the shop and take it home! I'd suggest you go out and get some, but, honestly, I want it all for myself, so I won't!

Group, Schmoup, Bring on the Formalwear!

2007-03-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just heard from the DH that the interview portion of today is over, and he did well. Now he just has to get through the reception/dinner/informal evaluation/swimsuit competition this evening. Then, we wait. Possibly another two weeks. Oy!

In knitting/I'm a Techno-Dummy news, I tried to update my Easyshare software and again have managed to run into major problems, so, no pictures 'till sometime next week when I have the DH around to occupy the kids while I sit on the phone with tech support for an ungodly sum of hours. This may be the final nail in the coffin for this blog. My writing has been pretty lackluster of late, perhaps I need a hiatus. Time will tell.

I am working on Mrs. Feezy's other Log Cabin sock, so she is no longer Mrs. Freezy on one foot. I got quite a bit done while waiting for the software to load before it dawned on me that it wasn't loading. I just need a few more SNAFU's and it'll be a pair of socks!

What was I saying before about the decline in quality around here? Um, yeah.. I think I'll go for now.

Socky Love

2007-03-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Autumn in Oregon is done. Sigh. It really is a lovely sock. This one, since it is not for me to keep, is a titch short for my foot, but I crammed it in to show off the loveliness. I really may have to make a pair of these for myself, someday. But for now, it's off to the Post Office along with the Succulent sock. May they serve their purpose well!

Let's just take a moment to take a closer look, shall we?

I think this is the kind of sock I might design if I were the type to do that kind of thing, but right now, I'm happy to be needles and red pen for hire and let others come up with the blueprints. It's enough for me to watch it all come together off my needles, or picture it coming together (and how it could go wrong, and how to fix that, exactly) in my head, you know?

I finally sat down (stood up, actually, hard to use a drop spindle when you're sitting) and plied my singles from that spinning class. Some sections look really even and quite nice.

Others, well, in the immortal words of wacky Vincent Libretti when defending his recycled monstrosity of a dress last season on Project Runway, are, "very artsy." Honestly, who refers to themselves as artsy, anyway? The word artsy should be reserved only for use in conjunction with the word fartsy.

Last pictured is a particularly fartsy section, "Where the Twit meets the Slub." But, it's a two ply hand spun yarn made by me. I was surprised at how much yardage I ended up with after just a three hour class. I might just have to try this again!

The Thing About Socks

2007-03-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

I really love a good, handknit sock. I love making them, I love wearing them. At knit nite the other week, everyone around the table was working on socks or handwarmers, it was an impromptu evening of extremities, and someone remarked that I must have a ton of socks (since I love knitting them, and more often than not have one on the needles), and I had to admit it.

I have three pair of handknit socks (and my Jaywalkers are currently MIA, so it's more like two pair). That's all. I had four, but the pair my mom made me years ago have given up the ghost.

I have knit maybe two dozen pair of socks, so there's plenty of sockie love floating around out there, (particularly in the DH's sock drawer) but the fact is, for all the sock knitting I do, I have pitifully little to show for it. I'm not complaining, I just think it's a little odd. Maybe I should make myself a pair of socks, eh?

Just as soon as I finish this:

Autumn In Oregon sock, solid version.
Designed by Chrissy Gardiner
Available for purchase here.

I honestly can't imagine you aren't intrigued by now. This is a really beautiful sock with a bit of unique construction tossed into the mix. I'll be turning the heel shortly and then zooming down the homestretch, hoping to have it in the mail by week's end so it can have its Glamorshots taken!

Who's Grazing in My Backyard?

2007-03-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

The other day, Skippy and I had a conversation that she deemed, "...the first in a series of conversations that will end with you having sheep in your backyard." What caused this pronouncement? I had shared with her that I was going to take a spinning class.

I made yarn (sort of)

And here it is:

I admit, I'm a bit drafting disabled. I blame the death-grip I maintained on the rolog. I was trying so hard not to get too many fibers together that I ended up "drafting" Great Clumps of Wool.

I think I'd be better with some practice, but I've got a few other things on my plate right now...

Like this:

Another Gardiner Yarn Works sock, solid version. This one, too, is going to be soo pretty! If you're already intrigued, go buy the pattern! It's the Autumn in Oregon sock. Go ahead. Go buy it. I'll wait...

In the biggest news of 2007 thus far, the DH has an interview for that other position in Minnesota. On my birthday. Happy Birthday to me. Actually, I view this as an auspicious coincidence. What a birthday present that would be, eh? The door back home opening wide. Please keep us in your thoughts on March 20, especially around 11:30-1:00 Central Time.

ETA: Just realized! Yesterday was my two year Bloggiversary!

Reason #5,486,921

2007-03-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Why I love my mom:

She sent me a pair of fingerless mitts for Valentine's Day, which was a true motherly gesture. I have chronically cold hands and feet unless it's the height of summer. She then made a pair for herself, and from the leftover yarn, she made Zoe and Ilsa each a pair. They arrived on Saturday, and, honestly, they are just about the cutest, most silly little things I've ever seen. The girls love them, of course.

I finished the Succulent Sock. I think it turned out gorgeous. The pattern should be available very soon he re.
I tried to get some good angles so you can see what a really beautiful sock this is. Everyone who's seen it in person has gone completely gaga over it, so the pattern should sell well, especially since the photos for the pattern won't be my personal exploration of contortionism!

Tale of Woe/Tales of Whoa!

2007-03-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

(giggle...homonyms...)
First, the tale of woe... I fmelted my Rogue. Fmelted because it was knit from Encore Worsted and it seems that it inadvertently got put in the dryer on High. It shrunk ever so slightly, and is currently covered in an inextricable veil of matty fuzz. Best I can tell is that the wool content felted and the acrylic just said, "Be my guest!" Sigh. At least it was a fun knit, and there were some issues I was too lazy to fix that I will make better when I make the new one. Yes, I will be making a new Rogue, since I have found it to be a very wearable sweater. This time I'll be knitting it in 22o, which I just so happen to have enough of, purchased to make the Sunrise Circle Jacket. Eh, I'd rather have Rogue right now.

Tale of Whoa #1: While working on the Succulent Socks (almost done!), I was using my Inox dpns, which were not so pointy as I usually like, but I was doing alright until, struggling to pull a stitch through one of the decreases, something slipped and my working needle dropped the 13 already worked stitches! After I got everything back where it belonged, I immediately switched over to the oh-so-pointy-they-might-just-attack-you KnitPicks dpns. Oh, so much better for socky lace!

Tale of Whoa #2: My dear friend (and LYS owner) Emily got me Blocking Wires! I couldn't wait to try them out, and so I reblocked my grandmother's shawl. Last time I used thread, but since this shawl requires rather, um, agressive blocking? I still ended up with weird peaks along the top edge in my attempt to prevent it from coming out U shaped. So, per Emily's request, here are some pics of the wires in action:

Coming Up for Air

2007-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the set-in-stone-do-or-die deadline has been met, and now I have a couple more projects that need doing, but they have much friendlier time constraints, and they are things I can actually show you! I'm working up a couple of solid colored sock samples for Gardiner Yarn Works. As I look at what I've got done so far, I really think these will help sell the patterns. Chrissy really does come up with some gorgeous stuff, and I think the solid yarn will really highlight that. For instance, wouldn't you love to knit this:

(front) (back)
I get to, and the sooner I finish it, the sooner the pattern Succulent Socks will be available here. Note that I'm actually using DPN's again for the first time in about a year. I just needed to prove to myself I still could, and now I can't remember why exactly I was avoiding them. Silly.

Stuff for the shop is progressing nicely as well. The curlicue is about 1/3 done and I brought home some SWS to knit up a little Edgar, which should be done later today.

As for selfish knitting, the Klapotis is nearing completion of the increase rows, I have worked through the entire color progression in this colorway and so far found only one knot, which was easy enough to untie and spit-splice. And yes, the blue really is that electric. It makes me smile!

My finishing class went very well. I had great students who were eager to learn, and I think I sent them away with enough new knowledge to allow them to finish a project without fear, so that's good. Now, to figure out what to teach the cabling class!

Me and My Demands...

2007-02-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

But really, is a little good news too much to ask?

There is an envelope on the kitchen counter.
It is addressed to the DH.
It is from the people he recently applied to.

~~Shit.~~

ETA: The rejection letter included a nice, handwritten Post-It that they are considering him for another position. The finger-crossing continues...

Weak

2007-02-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

I admit it... I am weak.

In many senses of the word.

Can you really blame me, though?

Meet Noro Kureyon Color #40. Current occupation: taunting me in my own home.
Final destination: Clapotis junction.

Bisy Backson

2007-02-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

No real time to blog right now. I'm busy.

Busy waiting to hear back on the DH's job application.

Busy knitting to meet an impending (seemingly impossible, but don't worry, Chrissy) deadline.

Busy calming knock-down, drag-out, screaming tantrums.

Busy convincing myself that I don't want to knit a Clapotis from the Kureyon that's been taunting me at the shop (I mean, six skeins, sitting there all in the same dye lot and the intense saturated blue? Give me a break! you'll probably see pictures when I'm back)

Busy trying to figure out just how to structure my Finishing Techniques class this Saturday.

Busy hoping my students bring lots of questions.

I'll be back soon, but, as you can see, there's a lot on my plate at present.

Pining

2007-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

If you sit down and talk to me for long enough, you will be regaled with tales of my desire to return to Minnesota. Yes, I've been pining for the land of 10,000 lakes almost since the day we left, almost 5 years ago. Life in Colorado has brought some great things into our life, don't get me wrong (two beautiful children come to mind), it's just that we are so very far away from family and (until recently) all of my friends (hi, Emily!).

This summer, upon preparing to again leave Minnesota after an extended visit, grand schemes were hatched, bold declarations were made, and grit was steeled. This will be the year. We will come home. If only it were that easy. If only deciding on a thing could make it so.

The DH has applied for a job in Minnesota, a job I know he can do, and in a field he is beyond passionate about. Now, we wait. We wait, and worry, and wish. I just want to be home.

Sorry for the mope, but any positive thoughts, vibes, whatever, would be welcome and appreciated.

For Once!

2007-02-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

For once, I have a gift knit completed well ahead of schedule!

Swallowtail Shawl, by Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Misti Alpaca laceweight
Needles: US 4's

This was the first triangular lace shawl I've knit that uses more than one lace pattern. The nupps were far easier to work in the alpaca than in the mohair I used for the Estonian Garden Lace scarf. This was knit as a gift for my grandmother's upcoming 90th birthday in March. It is small, weighs practically nothing, and is really quite lovely, so I deemed it an appropriate shawl for a little old lady (who would be mortified if she learned that I had referred to her as such!). I'm gifting it with the offer of lifetime laundering and blocking services. I only hope to have the favor called in for many years to come!

The DH is wearing his Cambridge Jacket again! I guess for once I picked a winner with this one! He is also excited at the prospect of adding Avast to his wardrobe, so I'd best get swatching for that soon.

Glancing at the sidebar, we can see that the Year of the UFO is progressing quite well, with far more filled progress bars than not. I think I'll keep them all up there until they are all filled up. Kind of adds some color.

In the biggest knitting news chez Bitter, Ilsa knit five stitches this weekend! All by herself! I'm so proud. That girl is getting her own needles for her fourth birthday, that's all there is to it!

You Learn Something New Every Day!

2007-02-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Like the fact that manatees have fingernails and prehensile snouts! (Thanks, LeVar! You didn't think I was actually researching aquatic mammals, did you?) I also learned just yesterday how to cable without a cable needle! I practiced my new skill on this:

and, I must say, the cabling I did for this was neater and I had to invest far less effort to avoid gaps than when I've used a cable needle. I also decided to practice combined knitting on this swatch. Fun! I may just have to compose a little love letter to Annie Modesitt.

More later. There are some other (non-knitting) things brewing here chez Bitter.

Oh, and the final count for Sweaterwatch 2007? Five. Consecutive. Days. Next up for the DH? Perhaps Avast? Any thoughts?

So Long, Crack-Soaked Kitten!

2007-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Although I shall always love you, the time has come for you to move on and tempt others!

The Estonian Garden Lace Scarf is now blocked, dry, and ready to take up residence at the shop! I hope many things for this little scarf, not the least of which is that it sells yarn and gets people interested in lace!

I think it turned out quite nicely.

I also finished the 4 Corners Dishcloth. It was a really quick knit and is quite effective in showing off the variegated colors. Might have to file it away for future use!

In sweaterwatch 2007 news, the DH wore his Cambridge Jacket again today! Any other good patterns for zippered cardigans for men out there? I think I've found his niche!

Short-Rows-A-Go-Go!

2007-01-29T12:48:00.001-08:00

So, I finished Dishcloth #1:
I'm pretty sure you all know the pattern by now, I know I do! For the other dishcloth, I decided to shake things up a bit and try out the 4 Corners Dishcloth, which, I must say, is going exponentially faster than the Garterlac. Shortrows are simply faster than picking up stitches, especially since I seem to have developed a fondness for tight-gauge dishcloths (more "squish-factor" I guess!)

The shortrows seem to be contagious, as I started a new sample for the shop, the Curlicue
Coverlet by Oat Couture. More shortrow shaping fun!

The Estonian Lace Garden scarf is currently soaking, awaiting blocking as soon as I finish this post! I'll post post-blocking photos when it's dry!

In other news, the DH has yet to take off the Cambridge Jacket unless he's sleeping, showering or sauteeing onions, so I think that qualifies as a hit.

In other other news, I know that Skippy and Mrs. Feezy are probably reading this, Mrs. Feezy clutching her solitary Log Cabin sock, and thinking, "Great! More projects! When are you gonna finish our stuff?" A valid question which will be addressed just as soon as I conquer the second battle of the nupps (the Swallowtail shawl for my grandma's 90th birthday) She's 90, alright? Cut me some slack, Feezy!

Houston, We Have a Sweater

2007-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

Another FO!

Pattern: Cambridge Jacket by Ann Budd
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US 7's

The DH will be so happy this thing is finally ready to wear. I put off the crocheting around the edges for a good long while (turns out, it wasn't so bad) and then there was the zipper. Oy. That put a whole new level on my procrastination! Again, it wasn't so bad, and didn't really take all that long to do. Now, we'll see if I can pry it off him to take in to the shop to show off at the next Knit Nite! Merry Christmas, honey!

Nupp It Up, Buttercup!

2007-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

I think I'm winning.

The little hairballs aren't half bad. It's slow going, but I think it's paying off!

I Feel Almost Famous!

2007-01-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention... My first ever knitting for pay has hit the newsstands! Ta-daaa! I knit that with my own two hands! Of course, my deepest gratitude goes out to Chrissy Gardiner for taking a chance on someone she's (still) never met! Gotta love the internets!

I Just Can't Help Myself!

2007-01-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to put this stuff (Madil Kid Seta) down! It's like knitting a little cloud, or a kitten (without the pesky allergies). Soft, warm, and light as a feather. This is going to be a sample for the shop, and I'm almost done already! (I cast on last Thursday night at Knit Nite) Almost wish I'd said I'd do the wrap instead of the scarf! The borders feature Lily of the Valley. Wish me luck on working all those nupps in sticky mohair!

Now, Where Did I Put That Marching Band?

2007-01-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

Because Zoe's Green Sweater is done! Yes, the sweater so nice I knit it thrice!

Pattern: Tater's Cotton Cardi by Marie Grace Smith
Yarn: Sinfonia Cotton
Needles: US 4

She loves it and, commendably, has forgotten all about how achingly long it took me to finish this thing already! (Work kept getting in the way, alas!)

I love a happy ending (and also, apparently, I love psychedelic pumpkins!)

So, there's one more for the FO column. (And yes, Mrs. Feezy, I know your foot is cold! All in good time, my friend!)

The Parade Continues

2007-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

You didn't really think that was all, did you? In the interest of full disclosure, the cavalcade of UFO's continues! Next up: The DH's felted clogs version 2.0. As you see, clog #1 is nearly done, it's just that it's 2 sts off, which I feel compelled to remedy before moving on (not so compelled that I've actually attempted said remedy, but you know how that goes, paralyzed by perfectionism).

Next, of course, is the Garterlac Dishcloths I intended as gifts for a couple of friends over the holidays. (yeah, lovely state they're in!)

In a similar state is the pair of Cigar Gloves the DH asked me to make for his friend who took care of the house over the holidays.

Not pictured, but equally unfinished are: The DH's Cambridge Jacket (which is really pitifully near completion), Log Cabin Sock #2, and the second half of the Backyard Leaves scarf.

Lest you think that knitting is the only thing I can't seem to finish lately, here is a horse of a different color: Behold, 1/2 painted chair #1, and completely unpainted chair #2. Oy! I need to get my act together!

Oh! And here's the lovely Kid Seta I get to knit the Estonian Lace Garden scarf out of! Mmmm!

And for anyone who was still wondering, the counter wasn't broken, per se. My ability to follow directions seems to have suffered a bit of late, and I inserted the wrong code, thereby allowing Blogger to remove it, and rendering the counter out of order. Yeah, me and my "incredible attention to detail." Not so much with the tech-savvy stuff, I guess!

What Was That About the Hearts, Again?

2007-01-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well, the scarf is done. I think it turned out kinda cute, after all. Hopefully, it will lure people into taking my class. We'll see.

I think I went a little overboard cutting fringe. This is my "leftover pile."

A bit much, no? I figure I can donate it to a student in need, provided they choose the same colors for their scarf.

And now, for Agent Mulder's dream come true.
I have more UFO's than Roswell hanging out here, so I thought I'd share some photos. I'll post updates as they get finished up. Skippy claims the "Year of the Unfinished Project" has wiggle room, but I know myself enough to know that I mustn't cast on for any more personal projects until these (and others, see sidebar for full disclosure) are out of my hair.

Exhibit A: Zoe's green sweater. This sweater was first mentioned August 24, was cast on for sometime in November, and has been languishing, sleeveless, for quite some time.
Since snapping this photo, I have completed one sleeve and knit about 1 1/2 inches on the second sleeve.

Exhibit B: Icarus. I'm still on the stockinette columns, and so have a tendency to get a bit bored with this one, dreaming of the day I'll have to yet again pick up the chart.

Exhibit C: Socks for Zoe. These are a "guilt knit" borne of my seeming inability to get the green sweater done, already, and Zoe's simple request at one of the LYSes I dragged her to over vacation to, "knit me some socks, Momma." Heel #1 has been turned. I am lucky she is fond of short socks.

Exhibit D: Swallowtail Shawl for my grandmother. I am 3 repeats shy of switching over to the Lily of the Valley charts. And the nupps. Yup. Glad I have those sharp Knitpicks needles!

I might have made more progress on these today except for one very exciting thing: I went to work today! I am helping out on Saturdays at the LYS. I had a blast, and picked up another shop sample project to do. The Estonian Garden Lace Wrap (scarf version). More lace! Woo hoo!

10 (knitting) Things About Me

2007-01-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

I don't like bobbles. I think they look nipply and sad.
I don't like textured yarn. I think that my stash reflects that immeasurably.
I never buy yarn, "just because." I always have a project in mind before I buy.
Except sock yarn. That kind of follows me home.
I find knitting lace soothing.
I find blocking lace beyond soothing. Sometimes I knit lace just so I can block it when I'm feeling crummy.
I don't like hearts. Despite this fact, of the three items I have designed and knit, two of them featured hearts.
I like a lot of fiddle farting around in my knitting. If it's "mindless" why bother?
I will knit anything from anything for a friend (there are a lot of eyelash hats floating around out there that illustrate my point beautifully!).
I learned to knit on circulars, and to this day, I don't really see the point of straight needles.

There. For what it's worth, I thought this would be fun. I think I stole this meme from Grumperina. I hereby tag anyone who comes across this. Let me know if you do it, 'cause I'm nosy that way!

One-Hit Wonder

2007-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

So, I installed a hit-counter on the blog, more out of curiosity than anything else, and in the last three days, I have had one hit. One. Uno. And I'm pretty sure that one hit was me. I know that Skippy and Mrs. Feezy are busy with tax season and all, but... The whole thing is just kind of depressing. Although it does account for the rather underwhelming response to my last post. It's not that people don't care to comment, it would appear that they just don't care to drop by anymore. In all fairness, I have been a very bad blogger of late, and, even at my best, I'm rarely enthralling, so. I'll just sit here in my little corner of the internet, doin' my thing and try not to get all hung up about it. It just feels a little lonely here.

The heart scarf is done. It needs fringe. I'd ask what a good length for fringe would be, but (see first paragraph)...

Skippy has declared 2007 The Year of the Unfinished Project. I'm inclined to join her. Looking at my WIP's on the sidebar tells me that I have quite a lot of knitting to keep me busy. Once I get all that cleared off the plate, perhaps I will knit something for myself. It's been a while. Perhaps deciding what that something will be will give me a boost of motivation to finish up the UFO's. Currently in the stash I have yarn for:

Sunrise Circle Jacket by Kate Gilbert
Union Square Market Pullover by Kate Gilbert
Weekend Pullover by Veronik Avery
Pearl Buck Swing Jacket by Kate Gilbert
Essential Indulgence by Leslie Scanlon

Any opinions?

You Might Think

2007-01-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

You might think, from my extended absence (if, of course, you notice such things), that I have had my nose to the needles and somehow managed to finish all those gifts I had planned without inadvertently igniting them with the sheer speed of my needles.

You might think that with all those projects, I would have photos of either the projects themselves, or the happy recipients with their new, treasured handknits.

Alas, you would be wrong on both counts. Oddly enough, the only gift that was actually completed and gifted within the holiday window was the pair of felted clogs I decided to make for my "little" BIL. You'll notice the DH's clogs' progress seems to have taken a negative turn. Having finished the clogs intended for the DH, I then attempted to felt them in my MIL's washing machine. They stubbornly refused to shrink beyond a certain point (water softener salt maybe?) and were therefore gifted to the BIL's larger feet. In front of the DH. The DH who visibly pouted at the thought of all that promised cuddly warmth being bestowed on his brother instead of him. I immediately cast on for the DH's new pair, but due to the fact that I was cornered by a well-intentioned yet full of unsolicited advice relative while attempting to knit, my stitch count is off and I must rectify it before proceeding, and though it is a fun pattern, I'm just not up to it this instant.

Mrs. Feezy got one Log Cabin Sock. Perhaps she will get the other by her birthday. (I can still delude myself, can't I?)

Skippy got a preview of her scarf, which is now officially 1/2 done.

My mother ended up finishing the Oddball Golf Club Cover. She needed some mindless knitting, and that fit the bill. For her gift, I gave her sock yarn and the Susan Bates sock needle set.

Currently, I am up to this:

Those of you who know me rather well are now thinking, "WTF?" and well you should be. Yes, I am making an illusion scarf with hearts on it that I designed myself. (there are so many things "wrong" about that last statement that I need to take a moment....there... I'm better now...)
I'm teaching a class on Shadow Knitting, Illusion Knitting, whatever you want to call it, and the class is in late Jan., so... what better project than something for February? I have passed the 1/2-way mark on this now, so the end is in sight.

In non-knitting news, I got together with a long lost friend over this break, and it was really great to see her again. Also, the DH and I, after years of pining, are really honestly looking to move back to MN this year. For me, this also means a return to the workforce. This is kind of a scary prospect for me, to be honest. Exciting, yes, but also a bit daunting. I've been "out of teaching" for longer than I was "in" it. Hopefully the classes I'm teaching at the LYS will help me remember that I really can teach. Any advice or confidence-building from the peanut gallery would be greatly appreciated.

Notes To Self

2006-12-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

It might be a good idea, in the future, mind you, to actually have the item on hand for which you intend to knit a cover. (see i-Pod cozy)
Just because you're knitting it on US 3's (practically logs, I know) doesn't mean that 9" of 2x2 rib in black acrylic won't drive you over the deep end. (see Oddball Golf Club Cover[s])
A "quick knit" isn't so much when you pile on everything else you have to do. (see DH's felted clogs and ever-expanding holiday knitting list)

Here's to a half-fast knit Holiday! See you in the New Year!

P.S. If you are expecting a gift from me this year, be forewarned that I hereby declare this "The Holiday Season of Enlightened Imagination" as in, you may have to use said enlightened imagination to conjure the effect of the completed gift when you are actually presented with a scrap of yarn and a picture (if you're lucky)

eta: Just got word, the i-Pod cozy doesn't fit. Oh, poo. To futz and reknit or not? Can't decide...

Any Way You Look At It

2006-12-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

The DH's Cambridge Jacket is all but finished. You may note that there is a little something shiny there on the sweater. Is that a pencil? What?

Yeah, that's right. Take a closer look.

That is a crochet hook. I knew all along that I would have to crochet around the edges of this sweater, but now the moment of truth has arrived. I know it will be worth it, but, yeaurgh! Any way you look at it, I must crochet. The things we do for love.

Like this:

I know that at first glance, this looks like a rather um, glamorous, expensive yarn. If you look closer, however, you will see that I have indeed purchased more acryllic. In my defense, however, it is for someone who is wool intolerant and needed something machine wash/dry. It's also a pretty nice quality acryllic. No doubt, however, when you find out what it's going to be when it grows up, you would be properly scandalized. Any way you look at it, it's cheap but it sure does try hard (just like me! Hee hee!)

And now, a little bit of Name That Tune:

Any way you look at it, this bit of Holiday Yarn is almost halfway to fruition!

I might be gone for a while, the annual year end trek is nigh, and there's plenty to be done before we go! Happy knitting to one and all (and if you don't knit, happy whatever it is you do do!)

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

2006-12-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here's two for the tub!

Pattern: Garterlac Dishcloth
Needles: Green: US8 bamboo straights (I know, I say I never use straights. You got me!)
Pink/Orange: US7 Denises
The girls chose their own yarn and are excited to try out their new, personal washcloths. The smaller gauge yielded a nicer fabric, I think, as the pink/orange cloth is much squishier. A fun, quick knit, and finally something I can show off!

SAM2 November: Done!

2006-11-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

And here they are!

Sorry, the image had to be altered to protect the innocent (actually, these socks were a work project, so I can't really show them to you). I know the whole, "here are my socks for the month but I won't actually show you the socks or even discuss the actual socks" thing is getting old, so here is an artist's rendering of me and my November socks.

Nice, eh? You'll notice I'm winking in the picture, and that I have a celebratory rainbow over my head. Nice symbolism from a 3 1/2 year old, no?

A Bit Off My Game

2006-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I seem to have dozed off there for a week or so.

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment on my last entry. It truly wasn't meant as a fishing expedition or a full out depressive rant, but Skippy "encouraged" (read: commanded) me to update lest people worry. I'm fine. And, yes, I think we can all agree that talent is skill that is seemingly effortless. So, I guess I'm a talented knitter. I can surely live with that!

I have been knitting furiously, but as it is the season of gifting and I have also committed my talents to a few work projects (ah, the invisible work projects! Someday I will be able to reveal some of them in all their glory, but until then, they must remain camera-shy) I don't have much to show for it. I made a pair of tiny pink felted clogs for my tiny SIL's birthday and felted them for her over Thanksgiving dinner. She seemed properly amazed by the whole transformation.

I completed this:

for the LYS in town. (Aren't those copper ceilings just beautiful?) It's a Vivian Hoxbro kit. I think it's called Wing Shawl 1. It could just as easily be called "Whole Lotta Garter Stitch and Stripes" It turned out well, it just wasn't the most exciting thing I've ever knit, you know?

I'm a bit off my game lately due to the fact that the school district and the teachers' union are still embroiled in contract negotiations. The current contract expires Nov 30, and if settlement isn't reached it could mean any number of bad things for the Bitter family as well as the students and teachers here in Pueblo. The whole situation just lends an extra layer of stress to this time of year.

Speaking of layers, this is what we woke up to this morning:
Yup, Pueblo has been nestled under a fresh blanket of snow. Almost feels like home, except for the myriad reasons it's not. But while I'm still here, I've been generously invited to teach some classes at the LYS. They have the basics covered, so I was thinking a finishing class would be good, any other ideas? Also, I've never actually taken a knitting class; anyone care to enlighten me as to how they are typically structured?

P.S. Blogger seems to have eaten and altered this post several times, including adding a bunch of stuff about saliva and urine. If anyone out there was subjected to that, I apologize.

The T-Word

2006-11-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

It never fails. Every time someone compliments me on my knitting by saying, "Wow, you're really a talented knitter!" I cringe (I say as if this happens all the time. It doesn't, but it has happened more than once). I cringe not because I can't take a compliment (shoot one my way and try me if you're in doubt), but because in my heart of hearts, I really don't know how to respond when those particular words are uttered.

It all goes back to an internal debate I have had with myself for as long as I can remember: Talent vs. Skill. Back when I was an actor (didn't know that, did ya? I have a BA in theatre performance.) I didn't feel particularly talented at that, either. I was skilled enough to passably act in several quality productions, but I saw infinitely more talent around me than within. When I sewed for a living, again, I felt adequately skilled (perhaps a smidgen of talent in assessing how pattern pieces come together to make the finished garment) but not particularly talented. I have this niggling suspicion that follows me daily that mediocrity is the highest bar I may set for myself, which is horribly depressing for someone who really has a desire to create something great, just once! I will freely admit that I am a fairly skilled knitter. I've honestly not come across a pattern which eluded the grasp of my skill. I think that part of the answer here lies in the wording of that last statement. Patterns. I knit from patterns. Where's the talent in that? I guess that I believe that the real talent lies in the design of a piece. Yes, there are some remnants of the recovering perfectionist in my work, but is that talent, or just attention to detail? Or is this whole debate just a matter of semantics? Am I just afraid of the T-word? Am I afraid of appearing pretensious? Perhaps that's it.

Wow. I just read over this and it all looks like a flashy lure for some Walleye of a compliment, but really, it's not. If anyone can really explain to me what talent is to them, perhaps I can put this worry to rest and just smile and say thanks if it ever comes up again.

Did You Hear That?

2006-10-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

That's me squeaking in one pair of socks in the final moments of Socktober. Not even adult sized socks. Preschooler socks in a fairly large gauge. Seems like a copout, but here they are (these are also my October socks for SAM2): (Look, Ma! No holes!)
Knit in Cascade Fixation on size US 2s. 40 stitch sock with baby cable rib cuff.
These are my first ever shortrow heels. I used a Sherman heel and it couldn't have been easier (well, if I had the same # of sts. as the pattern, that might have made it a hiccup easier, but I'm not complainin') and there are no holes! Yeah!In the spirit of trying new things, I also ~~brazenly stole~~ borrowed the idea for the toe treatment (and the heel, in part) from Dave. They were a super quick knit, once I conquered the gauge issues that seem to be plaguing me of late, and Zoe has proclaimed them, "Comfturtle" asking to sleep in them for her nap. That is a huge compliment coming from my Uber sensitive daughter.

And here's a little preview of what tonight holds in store for us here Chez Bitter:
Happy Halloween from the Jack-o-Lantern and the Bat (Fwap-fwap!)

Escape From Sleeve Island

2006-10-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

I don't normally complain about sleeves (unless I'm trying to design them). The fact is, I have come to terms with the basic facts about sleeves. These are as follows:

They always take longer to knit than you think.
They also take ~~a helluva~~ quite a bit more yarn than you think.
There are always (with some exceptions) two of them.

With these facts in hand, I often estimate that sleeves may take up to 40% of my time and yarn to complete, and I almost always knit them both at the same time, which deals with fact about sleeves #4: One sleeve quite often ends up longer than the other. Knitting them both at the same time doesn't avoid this eventuality entirely, but it makes it a rarer occurrance.

What I'm saying is, basically, I've made peace with sleeves for the most part. That is, until a very specific moment this month when I assessed my WIPs and realized that (aside from the socks, which we all know were doomed, and the shawl, which is currently still in the stockinette column phase, and therefore not highly engaging at present) barring casting on yet another project all that was left to me were sleeves! DH's Cambridge Jacket was done save for sleeves, the sample knitting needed sleeves, and Zoe's Cardi was ready to divide for, yup, you guessed it! Sleeves! That's a lot of sleeves to face down, even for me.

I am happy to report that as of today there are only one set of sleeves yet to be knit, and they're in the round with a fun lace pattern at the wrist to look forward to (Zoe's been so patient...)!

The last flight is leaving Sleeve Island. We hope you enjoyed your stay and we will see you again!!

Up next? Some holiday knitting in this:

and Log Cabin Socks version 2.0.

Oh! Before I forget! I added a button to the sidebar. It's a link to Chrissy Gardiner's new site. I know I probably don't have many knitting readers who don't already know about this, but do go check it out and buy a pattern or two! I'm very proud to say that I have been able to work as tech editor on a lot (most? perhaps all?) of these patterns! There's some cool stuff up already with more to come! Go! Now!

Cursed

2006-10-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the feeling that your knitting is cursed? In the last 48 hours, I have:

discovered upon almost full completion of a sock knit on size 0's for a women's size 10 foot (see LL socks for Mom on the sidebar), that the sock I was knitting measured 10" around. (RRRIP!)
been informed that the recipient of the sunburst Fun Fur hat loved it so much she literally burst through the top of said hat
been made painfully privy to the fact that gauge swatches lie. They tell huge whoppers, in fact, and they are therefore evil.

Gauge lied on my mom's socks, and then it lied on the Log Cabin socks I had a good start on. I couldn't get the stated gauge with my yarn, so I got close, but a little big and went ahead. I could barely get the cuff on my ankle after the first set of cables were knit! Lies, all lies from those swatches. I know it is part of some bizarre conspiracy to prevent me from completing any socks during Socktober, but I will have at least one pair off the needles by Halloween. Oh, yes, I will. Just wait and see!

Be Still My Fleeting Checking Account!

2006-10-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

Pueblo now has an honest to goodness, real life LYS! I went today with my mom and the girls (Mom's in town visiting=no blogging for me!). It is an actual yarn store! I found the perfect blues to make the DH his felted clogs and there is more I would have loved to pick up, but I can go back! It's just down the street from the Library!

So, my friends, life is good. I no longer feel quite as if I'm stuck in some dreary knitterless hole, here. (No worries, Skippy, I'm not that complacent yet, the master plan remains in effect. That goes for you, too, Lurky McLurkington. I know you're reading this, too!)

Well, more later, gotta run! Sleeve Island is calling...

Bozo Called: He Wants His Hair Back

2006-10-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Or: Something Fun Fur This Way Comes! A spooky Halloween tale! We had a cold snap here the last couple of days, which was just enough motivation to (finally) make that orange and yellow Fun Fur into a hat for the darling little girl who chose the yarn. It started out as could be expected, Muppet Tube.Believe me, I know a thing or two about Muppets! Then came the part where I decided to gild the lily a bit and add some fancy shortrowing that might never show up amidst all the furry fluff.I think it might have paid off.
What do you think?
The thing about these hats is that they are incredibly stretchy and therefore, tough to size, so though the thing fits me, it will most likely fit its intended as well, and bring a ray of sunshine to those cold Minnesota winter days.
On the Socktober front, Mom's socks are to the gussets, which I lost count on picking up the first one and now am stalled on whether to go back and keep track this time, or just pick up the second gusset and fudge my way through. That's the thing with knitting socks without a pattern, I always lose track at one point or another!
More non furry knitting to come!

Socktoberfest Questionnaire

2006-10-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I started making socks shortly after my daughters were born, so about 3 years ago. The Christmas I was pregnant, my mom made socks for everyone as gifts. I thought they were really cool, and so she sent me yarn, needles and the Ann Norling basic sock pattern...
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time? My first pair were blue marled "ragg" socks in DK weight. I ran out of yarn and ended up having to do the toes in a different yarn. I rarely wear them, because they are so thick, and have become a bit short for my foot.
What would you have done differently? Well, I wouldn't have run out of yarn (that's given me a bit of a complex) and I would have made them longer, or been more careful washing them (the cuff and foot have slightly felted, not so much with the toes...)
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? I'm using Lorna's Laces Shephard Sock for the first time for some socks for my mother, and am loving it in every aspect!
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I taught myself the 2 circ method this year and am pretty sold on it. For some reason, it just goes more quickly, I think.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I'm a flapper all the way (so far...)
How many pairs have you made? In total? I think 20... For myself? Four. I think I need to do something about that...

It's a Wonder I Get Anything Done...

2006-09-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

With all the sheep shearing to be done!

...and repeat ad nauseum!

Thanks, Amanda!

A Virtue I Sometimes Lack

2006-09-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, my impatience gets the best of me.
Yup, I wound all 800 yards of the laceweight by hand. And started the shawl. Bad bad bad, especially since I have an impending deadline to meet. To my "credit," however, I only finished chart 1 and it is now on hold until more pressing matters are dealt with.
'Nuff said.

Nothing Personal...

2006-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

That's about it. Nothing personal on the needles. It's all work stuff that I can't show you. I finished a pair of socks ("The Goat" [they're cashmere]) and I can't show you more than this:
And feel bad that this lousy photo will have to do as far as my SAM2 September brownie point! I'm working on another something and I can't show you that, either, but I will say that I am loving Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport. 'Nuff said.

I was working on something else that I can't show you, and even if I could, I doubt you'd really want to see my end of it (tech editing in progress isn't exactly the kind of thing knitters [or anyone else, for that matter] are waiting up nights to see), and that's done, for now. If it all works out, it'll be pretty exciting, I think, but I doubt anyone really wants to read me rambling on about my love for editing others' creative work...

Here's something I can show you. I did a little Kool-Aid dyeing the other day. I had a hank of Knitpicks Paint Your Own laceweight (or, Bare, whatever they're calling it now!) that I figured I might as well dye. This was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I had seen Laura's recent forays into "grown-up colors" and, as I found myself at the grocery store, I hunted down the Kool-Aid and figured I'd give it a shot.

This was the color I had in mind:

This is the yarn, 2 packets of Grape, 3 of Black Cherry, and a simmer later:

I love it when a plan comes together!

This lovely, nearly solid hank is going to grow up to be Icarus for my wonderful mom. The girls chose the pattern, and are so excited that we're going to surprise Nana. Who knows when I'll actually get it done? I haven't even wound it, yet. Which begs the question: Should I bite the bullet and just get a ball-winder already? My main concern is that sometimes when I've had yarn wound for me at a LYS (while on vacation, of course. Still no LYS here!) the tension seems rather, well, severe. That paired with the fact that I have a wooden swift leads me to think I'm better off winding by hand. Any opinions? (I've come to realize that I rarely get any opinions when I ask for them, but I'm giving it a shot, anyway.)

Allow Me to Introduce You

2006-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

To my new best friend!

Yup, Play-doh!

The girls play with it for hours, if time allows.

I've gotten a lot of knitting done this week thanks to Play-doh (and the fact that I have, perhaps, the only two 3 1/2 year olds on the planet who don't grind Play-doh into the carpet for some reason. Trust me, I know how lucky I am!)

Unfortunately, most of the knitting I'm currently doing I cannot show you. Well, I could show you, but then, one of us would have to die.

So, here's a cavalcade (okay, two) things you've already seen in their new state of being!

The blocking frame made a huge difference in the fit of Zigzag (I know, the picture's horrible, but, trust me, it looks a lot better!)

And I felted the clogs! Now they fit my feet

instead of Skippy's dad's feet!
More to come later about the goat, knit surgery, and how not to make a yellow and orange fun fur hat look like a clown wig (I hope! Any ideas?)

Rockin' My Ever-Lovin' Socks Off!

2006-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today, my doorbell rang, and it was my all-time favorite doorbell ringer, Anthony, my mailman. I love when he rings the doorbell, because it usually means one thing. Yarn. Today was no exception. I got the yarn for an upcoming test/sample knit for the ever more prolific Chrissy. That I was expecting. She had mentioned that there would be another "little something" tucked in along with the yarn as a thank you for the editing I've been doing for her. Little something, indeed!
That is the Full Set of Knit Picks Options interchangeables! I honestly don't know what to say other than Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You! This is so much more than I ever expected! I am truly overcome! What a treat to get something this cool for doing something I love (Yep. I really do love tech editing. It's a disease.) So, in case I didn't make myself clear, Thank You, Chrissy!

I've been up to a few little somethings, myself. First up: Sockies!
These were made with the surprise yarn I won from SAM 1.
Pattern: Uh, cast on 52, work orange stripes in k2 p2 checkerboard, rest of leg in k2 p2 rib, eye of partridge heel flap, standard stockinette foot, etc.
Needles: US size 0, Inox circs
Verdict: Ilsa says there's not enough orange (she's a bit obsessed).

Matchy-matchy stripes!
And SAM2 September credit!

Next up is a hat comissioned by my friend Barb's daughter. She chose the yarn (Lion Boucle) and I hope she likes the hat. It should fit.

Here it is on a similarly sized child's head. Should keep that Minnesota chill out!

I'm finally making my mom's socks. I was going to make her Pomatomii, but this yarn (Lorna's Laces) wasn't taking to the pattern all that well, so I decided to make something up.

What do you think? I think it's all coming together nicely. I am loving the LL, never used it before, and the colorway is so lovely and soothing (but what's up with the name? Buck's Bar? What's that supposed to mean?)

On deck is the hat for Barb's other daughter. She, also chose her own yarn. Ah, Fun Fur. It will be a-flyin' soon!

Hey, Nice Rack!

2006-09-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

So, I picked up my Fair entries today. No judges notes, just the ribbons and a check for the second place entry. When I saw the "alternative display method" they used for Zigzag, my eyes rolled right out of my head onto the floor. Onto the dirty, Astroturfed floor. Yup, right there next to my sweater. Oh, well. It turns out there was no visible harm done, after all. I decided to reblock anyway.

The first time I blocked this sweater, I didn't pin it, I would just occasionally "encourage" it by tugging it to the dimensions I wanted it to achieve. This "method" is perhaps why it fit me like a sausage casing. Just a thought. I know that certain cultures dry their sweaters on a frame, or rack, and I was struck with a frugal genius moment.

Today, I made my own sweater rack! I noted how big around I wanted the sweater to be (in my case, 38" seemed to be a good amount of ease. Not too tight, and not too loose) and divided by 2. 19". I wanted my frame to span 19" or therabouts. I figured 22" in height would be a good, reusable measure. I went to the craft store and headed for the painters' supplies. There, I snagged four sections of canvas stretching frame. Two 22" and two 18" (they didn't stock 19" and the sections are about 1/2" deep, so it was close enough) Just my luck, painting supplies were 30% off this week, so instead of the whopping $4.88 I was willing to pay for my supplies, the grand total came to $3.42.
Here are the pieces, all laid out (they come pre-mitered and have a tongue and groove joint so that you can just slide them together. Slick.)

Here is my frame, all ready to hold the sweater after a few minor adjustments are made...
I took some batting and padded the corners, wrapping them with plastic wrap from the kitchen. If I had had some quilt batting, I might have padded out all the edges, but that would make the dismantling for storage and the resizing as needed a bit trickier. I then stuffed the whole contraption into a tall kitchen garbage bag, (clean, of course) since wool sweaters do not like to dry on thirsty materials, (mold, anyone?) and then placed it carefully inside Zigzag, who had been soaking all this time and had been rolled in a towel and had her excess water gently pressed out.

She looks happier already.

Drama Drama Drama!

2006-09-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you all for your concern and outrage on my behalf as far as the Fair Fiasco. Sometimes, being a knitter in Pueblo is a lonely business, and it's nice that I have contact (albeit virtual) with people who know what I'm talking about and can sympathize when things go wrong. Thanks for helping me not to feel so alone!

That said, I contacted the Fair and they are moving the sweater to a laid out position and notifying the Needlework Chair about my "concerns" with the display. I get my stuff back on Wednesday, and we'll see how things block out from there. If I can't get the shoulder nipples to disappear, maybe I'll take off the neck and release the sleeves, frog down to before the damage and reknit. That wouldn't be so bad, and it would give me a chance to re-re-set the sleeves. They're still not right. That whole thing about this sweater being "art" was a bit of emotional hyperbole. Sorry. There are many things I would do differently were I to knit this one again (which I just may, someday). I'll get into it once it's home safe and I can take some photos to illustrate my points. I will be interested to see if my problems with the sweater were also points considered by the judges.

Again, sorry about all the Drama, and thank you for the kind words.

Enraged

2006-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

I could cry.

Or kill someone.

I went to the fair this evening to check out the General Entries Display and see my sweater. I was only expecting to see Zoe's cardigan, as I thought I had read that they only display 1-3rd place. As I was scanning the items, I noticed a 4th place ribbon on one of the items. So I kept looking, trying to find my Zigzag.

I found it.

Oh, how I wish they had put it in storage instead of on "display." They hung it. Not on a hanger, which would be kind of okay. They hung it on an unpadded, wooden T that spans all of about 10" leaving the squared-off wooden ends of the T to dig into the fabric encouraged by the weight of the sweater. The sweater itself looks like some piece of shit dishrag flung over the T to dry. (I have nothing against dishrags, mind you...) I really don't mind them making my work look like crap, really. I'm just so scared that the way they displayed it has done irreparable damage to the fabric. I don't know if I can block that kind of stretching and stress out. That sweater was a piece of art; and now, because I decided to share it and enter it into the fair, it's going to be garbage? I don't know how to handle that. Of course, the fair assumes no responsibility for damage done while in their possession.

I am just so sad.

And angry.

I feel violated.

In the Clear Light of Day

2006-08-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

What a difference natural light makes! Here are some better photos of the FBS (am I the only one who hears the old FDS jingle in my head when they see it abbreviated that way? FDS Wo-mannnnn!) I think these show off the colorplay a lot better than last night's efforts, what do you think?

Overhaulin' or: I'm a Stranger Here Myself

2006-08-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

So I decided it was time for a new look for the blog. The Polka Dots were driving me a bit batty, so we'll see how a cleaner template works out. I am not a genius at HTML, so it's been slow going, but there are more changes to come. Most notably, I plan to archive details on FO's that have previously just been pictured with no details. We'll see when I actually get to that!

The lace is blocked:

And Sockie #1 is almost done!

Flower Basket Shawl by Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Mist (thanks, Chrissy!) and Sunshine. One skein each.
Needles: Size 7 Denises
Modifications: None, really, except that I used two colors throughout. I really like the effect this gives to the piece overall (not that you can tell with the fabumbulous lighting in the photos, sorry!) This was my first time knitting alpaca, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I used this project as a "treat" after finishing the second (of now three) cotton cardigan for the girls. Mercerized cotton is hard on my hands, so this was a nice, relaxing, soothing knit! And, yes, I know I shouldn't take photos in a cave, but the flash was really messing with the colors and I'll take some better pics tomorrow. I promise!

What Do You Get...

2006-08-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

When you let the DH pick out his very own yarn for a pair of socks?

You get a pair of socks you have to physically pry off the man's feet in order to weave the ends in. He loves them. (You also get a Brownie Point for SAM2 ;-D)

What do you get when, on a whim, you decide to enter some random stuff in the Colorado State Fair?

You get Second Place, Fourth Place, and an Also-Ran. I haven't been out to see what else was submitted and placed. The DH was at the Fair for the annual Legislative BBQ and told me all he saw was, "A bunch of Grandma stuff. And Zoe's sweater. This isn't the venue for you." Well, he's not biased in the least, is he?

What do you get when you decide you need a little pick-me-up?

You get this soaking wet. (And you get pictures later...)

Knitting for Twins

2006-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Is like shoveling the walk while it's still snowing.* I finished Ilsa's orange sweater. There's major striping.

She loves it, of course.

I get the feeling that I am raising some future knitters, as, once the last stitch was knit, Ilsa kept pestering me to weave in the ends because she wanted to help me block it. "When we gonna bock my sweater?"

Zoe, who outgrew her sweater about 20 minutes after it dried, has selected yarn for its replacement. She keeps telling my mom on the phone, "I outgrew my blue sweater. My green sweater is still yarn." How's that for motivation?

The lace is finished. I'm holding off on blocking it, though. Blocking lace just does something to lift one's spirits, and I think I may be in need of some lifting once the Fair posts results.

On a lighter note, I got some prize yarn from SAM1:

Do you see the HOT ORANGE hiding in there? Ilsa is in absolute love. Little sockies, here we come! Should be enough for two pair. Luckily, their feet don't grow as fast as the rest of them!

*Paraphrased from the late great Irma Bombeck.

Identity Crisis

2006-08-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Something strange is happening. And I don't mean the fact that they FINALLY finished the siding on the house (remember when that started?) yesterday. Something strange is happening with my knitting.

At first, I thought that this was all that was amiss:

Yup, that's Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk. I ask you, what on Earth am I doing with that in my stash? Well, there was a little matter of a sale a couple months back, but still... The fact that I have earmarked it to become Essential Indulgence from IK is rather disconcerting (or may be) to some.

You see, I am, above all else, a yarn subber. And not just any old yarn subber, I am, for the most part, a cheapy ghetto yarn subber. This is something that I am well aware of, and I defy anyone to make me feel ashamed of that. It's one part necessity and one part imagining Timm Gunn over my shoulder admonishing me to, "make it work." It usually does.

But here I sit, poised on the edge of really unfamiliar territory. You see, (with the exception of some sample knitting I've done) I have never knit anything with the yarn called for in the pattern. Ever. One may remember the Red Heart Josephine. There was also a W tank made of Sugar and Cream (we won't delve too far into that), and the project that got me back into knitting, a Clapotis knit from Red Heart Lustersheen (in my defense, I couldn't at the time imagine anyone producing a worsted weight 50/50 silk-wool yarn.) I swatched, I got gauge, and it is wonderfully drapey and enjoyed tremendously by the recipient, my lovely mom. I've been guilty of scoffing at those who knit everything in the yarn called for and the color modeled. Now I'm looking at doing just that. Who am I, really? But one incident does not a crisis make, so I present you with Item B:

The "magico" continues. I actually wasted this much yarn:

to get the stripes on the DH's new socks to match. Big deal, right? Well, for me it is a HUGE deal. Let me show you my first ever handknit sock:

My mom sent me the yarn and the pattern and I happily knit away and ran out of yarn on the gusset of the second sock. There was no more of this yarn at the LYS my mom had bought it at, so she found as close a match as she could, and I frogged the first sock back so I could poach the yarn and just give them quasi-contrasting toes. To this day, no matter what, I am permanently convinced that I will run out of yarn while knitting socks if I don't use every last inch judiciously. Therefore, it hurt my heart a little to wind off that much just to make the stripes match (something I've never really cared about in the past, to tell the truth).

So, that's the corner I seem to be turning. Who knows if the leg ahead will be peppered with beauty, fraught with danger, or if it will all turn out to be the apex of a U turn? I'm looking forward to finding out.

Oh, and I dropped off my Fair entries today. That was far more queasy-making than I thought it would be. Judging is Sunday AM. It's out of my hands...

Centurion...

2006-08-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Just realized as I was logging in that this is my 100th post. (Why does that make me feel some kind of pressure to make it an extra good one?) Expectations be damned and full speed ahead! Yesterday, I spent some time with Zigzag, a tapestry needle and scissors, and ended up with this:

That's all the ends trimmed after being diligently woven in; so that's one monkey off my back!

I also finished sock #1 for the DH. The yarn is Meilenweit Magico; and I must admit I was failing to see where the "magico" was revealing itself until...

Yes, let's take a closer look at that.

In a yarn that in the skein appeared to be yellow green and turquoise, there is a tiny stripe of wine that matches the DH's sweater in progress almost exactly. Truly magic; I'm sorry I doubted you, Meilenweit Magico!

I finished knitting my felted clogs.

I did not finish weaving ends on said clogs, nor did I felt them. Just wanted to share how ginormous they are pre-felting. (For reference, I wear an 8 1/2 to 9 shoe.)

I swatched for the Union Square Market Pullover in this:

Not only is this a) not alpaca, but it is also b) a super-cheap yarn sub yet again! (I think I spent under $15 for the yarn) I think, however, that it will do just dandy!

I swatched using the new Knitpicks needles. I think I like them. I know I like the cord, and the needles are nice and pointy and slick. I've never even touched an Addi Turbo, so I can't pretend to make comparisons there, but they are great for the price and that's my cheap-o 2 cents!

Speaking of things I've never had, I got my first ever set of fancy beaded stitch markers for my (very limited) participation in the Mock Croc Sock a Long! Thanks, Amanda!

Just to make this more scattered, I'll leave you with this:

Anyone care to hazard a guess? What is this growing up to be?

Well, Now I've Gone and Done It!

2006-08-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Katrina and her daughter, I entered some stuff into the Colorado State Fair. Filed the paperwork this morning, and the goods must be surrendered by next Thursday at 6:00. Up for consideration, I offered Kiri, Zoe's Tater's Cotton Cardi, and Zigzag. They each need a little attention before going under prying eyes for judgment, Zigzag needs the most help, as I have yet to weave the ends in.

The DH took this photo with me cleverly concealing most loose ends and looking quite tall. He claims he shot me from below on purpose, "like Prince." Whatever. It is currently on a bit of a time-out however, as setting the sleeves in was quite a trial. The first sleeve went in with little to no complaint, but that second sleeve. Let's just say that matching up where lines of texture meet the body to the previous sleeves points proved to be quite a challenge. Considering I've technically knit this sweater twice and that the sleeves were knit in the round, eliminating the possibility of me knitting both at the same time, on this sweater, love is the second sleeve. Truly. If I didn't love this sweater, there is NO WAY I would have taken the time to set in that second sleeve THREE TIMES!!!

In other knitting, I have been staggering along on several projects. I finished another pair of Super Secret Socks in a colorway that I love to pieces and was not able to photograph with any accuracy.
These, of course, are the soles of the socks, forbidding you to see the really cool stitch pattern on the legs. I've said before, I like me some texture, and so far, I must say, Chrissy's designs sure do deliver! These last two pair have been for the Hipknits Sock Club, but I hope they become available for individual purchase some day! (Shameless plug, or honest truth? A little from column A, but mostly column B! These are really cool socks, people!)

Work continues on the Cambridge Jacket from Summer '06 IK. This one's for the DH. I think he'll actually wear it, since it's a zippered cardigan, and I've agreed to put on some elbow patches for him. Sigh. They don't call him "The Professor" for nothing. The elbow patch plan has me wondering, however, if I shouldn't knit the sleeves in the round instead of flat so that I'm not placing the patches over a seam? Any opinions? (Okay, I know you all have opinions; any you'd care to share?)

I finished the back of my Krista Tee and should really cast on for the front, but that Fair deadline's a-loomin' and I have to reblock Kiri among other things, so we'll see if I get around to it!

The Wild and Wooly.....Worsted?

2006-08-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I was wandering the "yarn aisle" in our local craft store, which is the only game in town, and rather slim pickin's. There were two other ladies in said aisle who happened to be within earshot when one turned to the other and said, "What's a Worsted, anyway?" Her companion replied that she had no idea.

Now, I try to believe that I'm not nosy, or the type to listen in on others' conversations, but I like to help whenever possible (it's the teacher in me, I guess), so I stepped up with a brief explanation that worsted yarn will knit up at about 4-5 stitches per inch, blah blah blabbity blah. There. I had answered their question and now they would no longer need wonder.

As I walked away, I heard the first woman say to the other, "Huh. I always thought a Worsted was some kind of animal."

Almost made me wish I'd kept my big mouth shut, just so that the myth of the Great American Worsted could have lived on in this woman's mind.

The Worsted, a North American fleece-bearing animal, is much prized for its ability to produce fleece of varying fiber contents, ranging from acrylic to 100% "wool", depending largely on diet.

Imagine. I have. I think that the Worsted might look something like this:

In fact, that's what my daughters, the DH and I call him when reading Where the Wild Things Are. The Worsted. Why him specifically? Well, because he always looks a little...

Sheepish. (Apologies to the guards of the Punitentiary.)

AAAARRRRRGGHHHH!!!!

2006-07-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

That is all.

Who's That For?

2006-07-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today, I was called to the carpet by my orange lovin' daughter. It was naptime, and I was knitting on a sweater for the DH when my lovely sugarface of an Ilsa asked, "Where's my orange cardigan?" I answered that I was still working on it (by working on it, I really meant that I had stuffed it into my project bag hoping it would somehow finish itself. No such luck.) She reminded me that I had finished "Kissy Gadinew's socks" and asked who the object in my hands was for. Knowing full well that I had a lot of 'splainin' to do since it was not a work project, I assured her that if she would just go to sleep, I would work on that orange cardigan. "So, it'll be ready for me when I get up?" Not exactly, but it now has about 3/4 of a sleeve. (I got some more done sitting up to watch Project Runway)
I did finish some Super Secret Socks for Chrissy Gardiner.As you can see from the photo, they go all the way to one's toes. Can't say much more without revealing too much, but I will say that it's a fun pattern and certainly kept me occupied while on vacation.

On my vacation, I was lucky enough to re-familiarize myself to the concept of the LYS. I made visits, I made purchases. There are felted clogs in my family's future:The greens are for me, the orange and grass green are for the girls.
There are also some socks in the near future. The (rather obnoxious) Meilenweit self patterning are for the DH, who chose the yarn for his very own self. The rest shall be mine. Oh, yes. They shall be mine!
And then there's the evidence of the stirrings of a serious problem: I bought this purse so that I could carry a small project with me when I go out (which I rarely, if ever, do without the girls, who kind of need to be watched, don't they?) So, I'm back to being a big purse gal, even though if it weren't for knitting, I really wouldn't have much to tote around anymore.

What I Learned on My Summer Vacation

2006-07-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

1) The phrase "running through the sprinkler" can mean two very different things.(Note how the position of DD1 remains constant. She just stood there letting the water slap her in the face. Occasionally, she would call over her shoulder, "Mom? I'm gettin' all wet!" Apparently, this was "good times" for her)

2) "Peeling corn" is serious business. Eating said corn, however, is optional.

3) Wedding cake should always be eaten with a knife and fork.

4) Swimming with Uncle "The Boy" is terrific fun.

5) As is fishing with Grandma. (Many many sunfish caught and released on the Barbie fishing poles that day.)

And finally 6) Just because you've been trapped in a car for 16 hours with your family doesn't mean you can't accessorize and have a good time.
Today's lessons were brought to you by Zoe and Ilsa. Mom has been knitting, we swear! She even went to LYSes and bought yarn. We'll make sure she fills you in. Eventually.

Well, she's warming up...

2006-06-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, "It ain't over 'till the you know who does you know what" but I am so close to a completed Zigzag I just had to share. The body is still drying. I was sure it would be dry by now, as Ilsa tells me, "we wiv in a desert" every time she turns the water off from washing her hands, but I guess the evaporative cooler adds more moisture to the air than I realize, because it's still damp. Behold, done but for a few ends to weave and two sleeves to set! I may have pictures on a live body by tomorrow, but perhaps not. We'll see.

Something that really is done is Tater's Cotton Cardi for Zoe:I was so sure it was going to be huge I ended up making it a tad on the small side.
She loves it anyway. (Yes, I know the blues clash, but the kid wants to wear it with EVERYTHING!)And she knows how to "work it."

Ilsa is excited to get hers, which has been cast on for (one guess as to who chose the yarn)

I may be absent for a while, as the annual summer trek to Minnesota is upon us. The girls are excited to get going, as are we all. Mayhaps I'll have a few stories and photos to share upon our return. Most likely I will, as I will be hanging with Skippy as much as humanly possible. And, hey! I hear tell there's yarn in them thar hills! Eastward ho!

Just for "Funsies"

2006-06-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Stole this from Mamma, thought it might be fun...

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this in your journal so that I may leave a word about you.

Sweet, sweet FREEDOM!!!

2006-06-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Unity socks are officially history! The last ends of the last socks were woven in in the last moments of last night! They. Are. Done. Also, I learned that the sample knitting I did for Chrissy arrived safe and sound, so that's another load off my mind.

So, what to do next? Do I...
A) Break in my new "spinny thingy" and ball up some of the hanks I have lying around?
(see how the yarn just throws itself at this thing? Not so with my old swift!)

The old swift was fully adjustable, mind you, just a little inconvenient at times.

B) Finish up Tater's Cotton Cardi for DD#1 so I can cast on for DD#2?

C) Knit up the last sleeve and the neck for Zigzag so I can give my mom the leftover yarn when I see her in 3 weeks?

D) Tell another totally non-knitting related story in the vein of the dead vulture?

Feel free to voice your opinion, but you're getting D) right now!

I did my student teaching at a city school in south Minneapolis. I was placed in a first grade classroom under the mentorship of a wonderful woman who I dearly miss. We had 19 students. Six of them spoke English as their first language. The rest of the kids were first generation immigrants from Mexico and South America with varying degrees of English fluency.

One day, while the kids were working at their tables, a commotion arose among several of the Latino kids. I went over to see what was going on. The exchange went as follows:

Me: What's wrong?
Child #1: Him say to her "Fire Hair!"
Me (puzzled): What?
Child #2(conspiratorially): Fire Hair...
Me: Is that a bad thing?
Child #2: You know fire?
Me: Yes...
Child #2: You know hair?
Me: Yes...
At this point, all the children present gave me the "so, you know what I'm talking about, this is really serious!" look and slowly nodded their heads.

I admit I was baffled. Fire hair? The child in question did not have red hair. What on Earth could that mean? I sternly told the offender never to say that again, though I had no idea what exactly that was, as none of the children would repeat the words in Spanish for me.

Time passed, and the incident remained a bit of a, "Hmmm... what could that have meant?" puzzler for me. Until one evening when the DH was watching RollerGirls on A&E (don't ask!) and I was taken aback by one of the team names "Las Putas del Fuego" I gasped, the angels sang for a brief moment and then I became horribly embarrassed. Puta del Fuego. Fire Whore! What must those poor children have thought of me.

"He called her a flaming whore."
"Is that a bad thing?"

Indeed, Lisa. It is a bad thing. But a funny story nonetheless.

The Dead Vulture Demasked

2006-06-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

One of the days that Skippy and Barb were visiting, we took a little trip to the mall (home of 4 Footlockers! Okay, one was closing, but there were seriously FOUR WHOLE Footlocker stores in our dinky little mall. One Kids', one Lady, and two just regular old Footlockers. The mind boggles...) and on our way home, after introducing Skippy to the much touted Sonic Cherry-Limeade (yum!) we went driving through town and passed a lot of stuff I don't normally see (if it ain't the library or the grocery store, chances are I haven't been there in a while) one of which was a little barber shop, which solicited from Skippy a reaction of, "What's with the dead vulture?"

I wasn't looking, so I couldn't tell her. She elaborated, "It looked like a tidy enough barber shop, but then there's this ... thing ... hanging from the ceiling of the porch and it looks like a dead vulture! What's up with that?"

I passed the same way today, making sure to drive slowly by the barber shop and get a good look.

Chiles, Skippy. It's chiles strung up to dry. It is not some weird mafia warning to carrion birds to steer clear. It's just chiles. Not really as exciting as a dead vulture, I know, but that's what it is.

Guess Who Finally Decided?

2006-05-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to post this for fear of my putting it out there making it not so, but the Prolific Pooper has earned her guitar!
Eat your heart out, Keith Partridge!

Oooh! And did I mention?

2006-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Good friends Skippy and Barb were out for the weekend and I finished The Cardigan just before their arrival! (okay, so I didn't weave any ends in or sew the buttons on, but I was still paralyzed with fear that it wouldn't fit, so it was as done as I was willing to get it!)

It Fits!!! In the words of Jefe, "It's a sweater!" Wear it in good health, Skippy! That is, once you weave in all the ends!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Okay. I didn't get any pictures, but trust me, it is out of my house and with its new owner. The first ever BK original cardigan! Sea Monsters be damned!

Just Keep Knitting, Just Keep Knitting,

2006-05-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Knitting, Knitting!

Pair two of the Unity Sock Project are done!

I now feel I must tell you, I had absolutely no idea WTF I was getting myself into with this little venture! It's not as though I've never experienced SSS (Second Sock Syndrome), I mean, just look at how long my New Englands took to become a pair! (ahem. almost a year) So, why in the name of all things wool did I think that three pair of the same damn sock would be a piece of cake and not present any inertia or ambivilence on my part? Yes, my friends, I am suffering FASSS (Fifth And Sixth Sock Syndrome) I even considered doing the third pair on size 2s and cutting the stitch count back so that they would be done sooner. That whiny little perfectionist in my head ixnayed that idea. So. I cast on and have about 1/4" of ribbing done on sock #5. I'm hoping to have them done by next Friday when the union has their end of year social. We'll see.

Pay No Attention to the Knitter Behind the Curtain!

2006-05-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some test knitting currently and cannot blog about that, so I thought I'd just post some photos of what I WON'T be working on (at least until I get the work knitting done).

1) Mock Croc sock #1 is just beyond the gusset, for now...

2) My Krista Tee was cruising along, but must await my idle hands...

However, the Unity Sock-a-rama is now officially halfway done! I have completed 1 full pair, and 1 sock from the second pair, leaving 3 socks left to knit, and since I'm being paid for these, they will continue to chug along. Unfortunately, they will be getting some major wear, I fear. Grr!

Musings on Motherhood

2006-05-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this for a while. I thought I might post it on the girls' birthday. That came and went. Then I thought, maybe on the anniversary of their coming home from the hospital. Come and gone as well.

Well, now Mother's Day is encroaching, and with it, the 3rd anniversary of their due date. If ever there were a time for me to wax nostalgic and philosophical about my kids and becoming a mom, this is it. At least, for this year.

My DH and I began our foray into parenthood with all the planning of a college freshman, newly out on their own, having just finished reading Kerouac's On The Road, planning a "truly awesome roadtrip." Which is to say, we had no idea what we were doing. Let's have a baby. Okay. It all seemed so simple. Being 28 years old at the time and having read all these new studies about the sharp decline in fertility in women over the age of 26, I figured that this might take a while and so we might as well start trying. Little did I know. I knew I'd always wanted to have children, I just didn't know how all fired intent my body was on making that happen ASAP.

I did try to time the pregnancy around the school year. Being a teacher, I figured the closer to a June due date we could manage, the better. Then I wouldn't have to take leave (or much) and could still have a nice stretch of time home with the baby. Not long into our "experiment," the time came to pee on a stick (this was right after my first full week of teaching). I peed. Stick turned blue before my very eyes. The box said that I should do this first thing in the morning and that the result would appear in 2-5 minutes. I did it right before bed. I thought at first that maybe it might fade or something. But no, we were preggo. Went to get the test confirmed, and the nurse at the clinic remarked on how quickly the positive showed. (I shoulda known something was up!)

We were lucky enough to get a fantastic midwife (once the OB nurse and I explained to the DH that this didn't mean home birth), and, aside from some morning sickness and a little trouble gaining weight, things were going great. I was having a "perfect" pregnancy. I thought I was getting kind of big kind of fast, but the DH was convinced that it was psychosomatic. At any rate, I was doing well, the baby was doing well, and everyone was really excited, as this would be the first grandchild on either side of the family. We waited to get the one ultrasound our HMO would cover until there would be "something to see" for us to take home to Minnesota for the winter holidays. The only appointment we could get was right after school, and with only one car and the two of us working on opposite ends of town, I had to go by myself. I left a message on the DH's voicemail that he should try to get a ride and where I would be at the hospital. We had decided that we didn't want to know the sex of the child until the birth. I let the tech know that right away. There were some extra people in the room, which I later learned was because my triple-screen had just come back abnormal and they were worried about birth defects. The tech put the transponder on my belly and said, "You do know you're having two, don't you?" Just like that. No. No I didn't know that, holycrapwecan'taffordtwokidsatoncecanwe? I sobbed for about five minutes. I was in complete shock. The tech told me they were fraternal since they were in seperate sacs, and although she meant well, I later learned that there really was no way for her to know for sure, most people just assume that all identical twins are monoamnionic (one sac). For reasons I won't get into here, that is very rarely the case, which is good because that is a very high risk situation. Still in shock, with films in hand, I went to pick up the DH. He was in a foul mood as he had been stranded at work, not thinking to ask for a ride 'till everyone was gone for the day. So he was grumping at me over why it took so long for me to come get him, etc. When we got home, he noticed I hadn't said a word since he got in the car, except to say that I had called and left him a message to get a ride. He asked what was wrong. I told him, "There's two," and the tears started again. Anyone who's ever seriously contemplated motherhood knows just how daunting and terrifying the prospect of molding another being can be; suddenly being thrown the curveball of, "Oh, by the way, you'll be shaping two lives at the same time. That's not a problem for you, is it?" while soaking in a second trimester double doozy hormone bath can really knock a gal into next week. Impending motherhood teaches you things. Things like, everything you thought you knew about becoming a mom? Yeah, just go ahead and chuck that all out the window. Now, see if you can hang on for the rest of the ride!

See, I was all about natural childbirth. Well, I should clarify. I wanted the kid to come out the way nature intended, not be surgically removed, and I did not want an epidural AT ALL. This was not due to some belief that no one should have one, or a stoic need to endure a helluva lotta pain; just that the idea of someone inserting a needle into my spinal space scares the everlovin' piss out of me! So. I called to leave a message for my midwife with the news that we were having twins, and the receptionist, again, well-intentioned I'm sure, shoots back, "Oh, well you'll have to be switched over to an OB/GYN since you'll have to have a C-section." And again, into the pool of tears and hormones. It turns out, my new doctor agreed to co-manage our case with my midwife, so that was great. The babies were in position to have a vaginal birth, and they seemed to be staying put. I was doing well, despite a slight gestational diabetes scare that turned out to be nothing.

Then, in the wee hours of the morning on what was supposed to be my last day of work before maternity leave, my world, previously turned upside-down, was turned inside out. My uterus, at 32 weeks pregnancy, decided that it was indeed a single occupancy space and finally realized that there was an extra resident who hadn't signed the lease. "Everybody out!" it screamed, every five minutes like clockwork. I tried drinking water. No change. I tried changing positions. No change. Finally, we tried the hospital, where we were informed that my water had broken and they would try to delay delivery long enough to get two doses of steroids in to help the babies' lungs, but we were going to be parents. Now. As soon as it really hit that there was no stopping what was happening, I gave up the thought that it shouldn't be happening, I just let my body do what it needed to do, focusing on the moment and trusting that my babies and I would be in the best of hands.

In the end, I had my "natural" delivery with no epidural, and became Mama to two tiny, beautiful, remarkably healthy little girls. They were able to come home over a month before they were even due to arrive. I am truly blessed to have them; their lives have given me an embarrassment of riches already, and there's only more to come.

Happy Mother's Day.

Teacher Appreciation Day

2006-05-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was "Teacher Appreciation Day" here in our local school district, which of course meant that administrators handed out non-renew slips and involuntary transfers. They did not choose to do so in a discreet manner, either. Teachers were served with their slips in the hallways, in their classrooms in front of students, anywhere. Further affirming my belief that we need to get out of here. It just makes me sick.

I did finish the first pair of Unity socks. I'm still not in love with them, I liked the originals better, but I am a texture lovin' gal! The next two pair will be done in a tighter gauge, though. These are for someone with wider feet/ankles than I, so they should be alright. These are my May socks for the Sock-a-Month-a-Long. I hope to get the other two pair done before the end of May, since my personal goal for this KAL was to have no repeats for credit (if I get 'em done in May, they will be brownie point socks) and no just plain old socks. So far, so good!

All the residents of Chez Bitter have been fighting "The Virus" over the last week. It seems to be abating slightly, the DH is back at work, I can eat again, and the girls have actually been playing and eating a little bit. Things were pretty bleak for a while, though.

And, in lead news, the people who dug out the leaded soil managed to 1) break off one of the cleanout caps for the sewer line and let it just fall in with no attempt to retrieve it, 2) replace the cap without informing us what had happened, 3) BURY the cleanout caps, and 4) crush the line in two places by repeatedly driving over it with heavy equipment. Somebody's gonna pay, and it ain't us!

So, what's the deal with all the lead, anyway?

2006-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been reading this blog since its inception (and, let's not kid ourselves, you haven't), you might be wondering about the mysterious lead contamination I've begun to post about again.

We bought our house in October of 2004. The house was built in 1934 or some such. It's old. It's also sort of a landmark in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is old as well. Our home purchase is now referred to by the DH as our "urban renewal experiment." Anyway, shortly after we moved in, a flyer went out about an informational meeting about lead hazards. I made the DH go and sign us up for assessment. The SFHOs had not had the house tested (even though they had infant twins) so we were sure that there was some lead, but we didn't know where or how much. I wanted to be put at ease. So, they came and tested. The interior was fine except for the closet door in the nursery (I don't call them SFHOs for nothing!)! The exterior was a different story. As near as we could tell, the damn house was still painted in lead paint! And, the SFHOs had scraped the house to make it look a little better, leaving all that leady goodness to sink into the soil. Our soil lead levels were 400 times the safe limit in areas! Bad news! But, and here is where I know I am among the luckiest people on the planet, despite all my bitching to the contrary, there was a major fund available from fine money from the old steel mill in town. We got our home encased in new siding (if they ever finish it), the closet door replaced, and all the excavating and minor landscaping to abate the yard problem, paid for in full. So, anyway, that's the deal with the lead. I'll have some knitting content soon. I promise.

Soon to be available in Unleaded!

2006-05-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

For anyone who cares, the workers are now here digging up the yard, removing the super duper lead contaminated soil. We will soon be able to bring the girls out there and also not worry about tracking lead into the house from outside! Yeah! In other lead news, the siding (you know, the siding that got started in October?) STILL ISN'T DONE!! There remain 2 windows to be wrapped, and about 15 ft of fascia to be done. They have been called. And called. And called. Hmph!

And, in totally random news, I cut my hair. Or, rather, I had the DH do it. Every 10 years or so, I get a wild hair in my craw and decide to cut it all off. So we did. 1" clipper attachment. Ilsa misses my "Mommy Hair" but likes to play with the new 'do. Or "don't." Whatever. Forgive the weird photo. It's a self-portrait since everyone else in the house is taking a little Siesta. Ole!

Subtle, no? No!

2006-04-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the first bicolor unity sock. I'm not in love with the colorwork, but I knew that going in. The plan now is to make these relatively short in the ankle, 1" ribbing, then another 3-4" tops before the heel flap. I'm a bit out of practice on the two handed colorwork, so I think it looks a bit wonky, but I'm not sure if that's just me. If I had the luxury of time and these were for me, I'd knit them at a tighter gauge, but if I continue as is, I should be able to get all three pair done in a timely fashion. If I'm honest with myself, they do look just right for "Teacherware" I mean, nothing stands out under an embellished denim jumper like black on hot pink! (I can say that because I was a teacher, and, yes, if you look in my closet, they are still there. Jumpers. Wanna make somethin' of it? Do ya, punk?)

Tried on the blocked Zigzag sleeve and it fits like a dream. Lovely. Someday, it will have a mate, too. But first, back to the socks!

The Slave of Duty

2006-04-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sock yarn arrived yesterday. Swatched last night, first sock of six on the needles now! No time, must DEAK (Drop Everything And Knit). DH is in Denver 'till Saturday, at which time he will return with my MIL in tow. House is a mess, and though I'm fairly good at multitasking, I doubt I can knit, pull up an unruly area rug, dust, organize clothing donations, do laundry, clean out the fridge AND empty the dishwasher simultaneously. My heart says knitting first, but the queasy feeling in my gut says I should probably get all those other things done first. Bummer.

Finished sleeve #1 on Zigzag. I'm seeing if it will block out so as not to make my arm feel quite so much like a stuffed sausage.

The closest thing Pueblo had to an LYS has gone out of business. I can't say I'm surprised. Or all that upset. They didn't stock enough of anything for a project larger than a skinny scarf, their prices were atrocious, and they sold "wearable art" which, as is often the case, was neither. How they expected to survive is beyond me.

Well, back into the fray!

80 is Great (y...)

2006-04-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

So. This is my 80th post. Hmm... Seems like it's only been about 78, huh? Not a huge milestone, but I missed my Bloggiversary back in March, so, why not celebrate a mediocre blip on the radar?

The sock yarn is coming. They weren't ignoring me, per se, but, since I didn't name names, we'll just leave it at that. It will come. Oh, yes it will. And with little to no actual violence, at that!

To celebrate the fact that I must soon begin knitting a half dozen hot pink socks, I decided to order this and some of this, to treat myself. I may never achieve SABLE (Stash Amassed Beyond Life Expectancy), but I might just get to PPBLE (Projects Planned Beyond Life Expectancy).

Potty training is going, well... It's going. The Pirate King, shown here in full Pirate regalia (my daughter wants to be Kevin Kline, so?), is now a fully trained, princess-panty-wearing, 24-7 potty pro! She even got up last night and went to the bathroom without asking for help. Her sister (the Prolific Pooper) is another story. She is just a little too laid back. Oh, did I just poop my pants? Oh, well. No biggie. Except that it is becoming a biggie, since nothing seems to motivate her. Not special time alone with Mom (which is a rare commodity for twins), not the pretty princess panties, nothing seems to be doing the trick. I know that she is capable, as we had several days of no accidents about three weeks back, so I don't feel I'm unduly pushing for something she cannot do. We had told the girls that when they were potty pros, we would get them guitars. Said guitars have been purchased and squirreled away, and so here is my question, to all you wise mommies out there: Do we give one girl her guitar to use as a motivational tool on the other? Or would that just be asking for trouble? The Pirate King has a tendancy to write songs and broadcast for one and all when her sister has an accident. I've tried to curb this behavior, but I'm concerned that arming her with an instrument will make her the Prolific Pooper's troubadour, wandering the streets of "Tha 'Blo" singing about poopy undies.

Oh, okay then...

2006-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I really didn't need that sock yarn anytime this century. No, really. Taking almost two weeks to process my order and then, only after I pester you, letting me know that it will SHIP one or two weeks from today is fabulous customer service. Really. Oh, wait. What's that smell? Is it sarcasm? Nooo... It's you, lousy yarn store! You stink! I want my damn yarn already! Don't make me drive out there and beat it out of you! (I need to move somewhere with a LYS. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous)

In happier news, Skippy is now really motivated to learn to knit, since I pointed her in the direction of Big Girl Knits. I am seriously so very glad that this book is out now. I am not a large woman, myself, but I have several in my life and I really get upset when I see what's available (or not) for larger women to wear or knit or whatever. I'm just so glad to see some patterns out there that aren't dumpy or frumpy or just plain dumb looking, and the fact that the book aknowledges that not all larger women are shaped the same is fantastic as well. What really excites me, though, is Skippy's reaction after her perusal of the book's website. I really want to suck her into the world of knitting! I've gotten her to confront her wool phobia, which was a big start, now let's see if I can get her to pick up the sticks and cast on!